Heather D. Grace is a fast paced urban fantasy author that loves to add a slow burn romance. When she's not busy writing about tough as nails female leads and their alluring protective mates, she and her husband spend time with their 4 children and 7 fur-babies, spending time exploring the beautiful mountains near her home and she helps in the veterinary field as an Registered Veterinary Technician.
✨ Thank you to Heather D Grace and her team for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Well the stakes have risen for sure for our chosen one! Tessa has finally proven to everyone that she’s the true chosen one… but at high cost, to herself and everyone around her. This book has picked up in action, with multiple POVs throughout the story. While confusing at times, it helps us understand the cause and effect of actions taken by each individual and the affects of those choices on the group. Neil and Tessa spend most of the book finding their way back to each other, but their fight doesn’t come without loss, fear, and uncertainty. Lots of heart racing moments, some quality spice, and YES! moments yelled aloud while reading. Also, a moment for Mama Merry, we love a Mom Queen! As the prophecy is drawing to a close, I’m left anxious to find out which side will win the war for control in Aurelia. What with the disarray that’s happened at Court, to the dawning of truths learned amongst the Skath regarding Tessa and her new side of her powers, our chosen one is in for the fight of her life. Alas, in true form, Heather has left us with QUITE the cliffhanger! All I’ll say is… I never trusted her (a certain character) fully either!!
This author definitely likes the jaw dropping endings, she did it in the previous book with the abduction of Neil and omg, she did it again in this one! But before I get to THIS ending....
Tessa is very challenged in this book, like VERY! Her magic is escalating at an incredible speed, it almost seems to have a will of it's own. What it's capable of, horrifies Tessa. And those around her. Tessa is actually a pacifist, the very idea of violence turns her stomach but she's forced to do the abdominal and it's definitely leaving a mark on her. Quite literally changing her. It doesn't help that with Neil kidnapped and taken back to the Court, her torment is sending her emotions into overdrive, and, yeah, no can say, but know this, it ain't pretty! The author exposed another side of Tessa in this book, and definitely not in a way I expected. This is a harder Tessa, this is a self sufficient Tessa, this is a Tessa I'm actually afraid of! Which was cool. I like not knowing what a character is capable of and being surprised. It was fascinating how the author stirred it up, muddied the waters so much, seeing and experiencing all that Tessa did in this book, went through in this book, far more angst, far more uncertainty, far more anger and a load more churning emotions.
Ms Grace took me on a journey through different realms once again, Earth, the Fae realm Aurellia, and Ombrenux, where the vile skath lurk and hide out. Although, the way the author presented the skath, she had me doubting IF they're as evil as they appear. Especially after some gobsmacking revelations, I couldn't stop "the what now!!!" erupting from me. Whoa! Ms Grace doesn't take it easy on Tessa, this is just another layer that poor Tessa has to sieve through. Geez, her sieve has more holes in it than a fishing net! But Tessa persists, and boy did she have my head spinning. When darkness threatens to overwhelm her and Azrael, I was on the edge of my seat from the tension. The author sure took me through my paces, despairing one minute, distraught the next, then cheering, then cringing. Yes, the entire repertoire assaulted me on all fronts. The author gave us a really great full cast in this book, including Merry and Carson. He has such a smooth mouth, heck, he can defuse any situation in a jiffy. I loved seeing him and Merry together, a cured Merry, who shows her spunk.
The characters that surround Tessa are a mishmash of cultures and species. I do love that Tessa has no bias, a person is a person is a person to her, none superior to the other. Except those that think they are, namely the Fae...Deirdre continues to delight with her effervescent nature, Kali, diminutive Kali is one of the small folk but shoot, there's nothing small about her! Not all the characters are a delight, I thought I couldn't dislike Saraya more than I already did, I was wrong... she's vileness on 2 legs, with the personality of a flipping viper! And her fangs have just been unsheathed... I'm waiting for it.... This book has a few POVs, my favourite because I can "understand" them completely. Neil, well, he's just the best grumpy who's turned 💯 sunshine! Ms Grace didn't take it easy on him earlier, heck, what she put him through, physically and emotionally, was OMG! He's the glue for Tessa, besides her Pegasus leath Azrael of course. Neil is her rock and he'll do anything for her. Anything. Love him so much. Both he and Tessa have really come a long long way. He acknowledging that he HAS emotions, that when something stinks, it's inevitably rotten. Like his fellow Fae. Like the Court he once served. And Tessa, she's grown into her magic and role as the Chosen One, she doesn't shirk from the responsibility riding on her shoulders, she's determined to set things right, she's resolute in resolving the prophecy, she's dedicated to all the people, of all the realms.
Ms Grace rarely gives me the expected, she takes me through so many pitfalls and potholes and tsunamis, I swear, I'm surprised I'm actually breathing by the end of the book! She brings in credible heartache, dramatic turns of events, family as well as found family, some toe curling spice, and a multi faceted read, with strength of purpose, strength of character and great development. But geez, I'm STILL reeling from what the author did at the very end of the book! Not in a million years could I have anticipated it! I'm dying to see how Ms Grace is going to pull all these events to a conclusion.
I kept trying to turn to the next page but my kindle was stuck! What was that ending?
This series continues to get more and and more intense. Book 4 leaves off with Guardian Neil captured and taken to fae court to pay for his... sins? Book 5 here finds our heroine feeling less hero and more woman scorned. Believing the worst has occurred, Tessa is in her villain era. Tessa has has some serious character growth throughout this series, first as discovering she even has magic and now honing her abilities to heal, and unheal? Wow is she powerful. The way this half human half fae became the most powerful being proves she is the Chosen One. But what does she need to do to fulfil the prophesy? And which way will it go?
The inner struggle between good and evil really shows some grey. There are some family secrets that get discovered, and alliances and loyalty get shaken up. Which side is she on? Who does she even trust anymore? Tessa sure has severe emotions, in whatever direction they're going. The special connection between Tessa and Neil gets tested but also used in fun plot ways this book. But the spice was spicing! I also enjoyed all the family members coming out to participate in this book. For a while it felt like Tessa and Neil were on their own to figure this out, and now we had a lot more blood connections. I also enjoy how this series introduces so many different kind of magical creatures. It's not just regular fae, but merfae, smallfolk, magical animals, dark shadow beings skath, green tree creatures, etc etc.
The plot, like all the other books, was pure chaos. It's running and fighting and crossing portals and long magical bridges across realms. Lots of travel (ahem, journeying) but a lot going on in between too. The story was told in 3 POVs but it felt like most of it was conversations and inner turmoil and secret keeping. Some things felt like they happened too quickly, while other things took a while to get resolved, and then that bombshell at the end. But surely I saw this coming in some way. I knew the skath were going to show up at some point, they were just biding their time, waiting for the next piece needed for the prophesy to be ready. But I didn't expect this... someone better get what's coming next book!
Thanks to the author for having me on her ARC team :)
I absolutely loved Court of Wind and Spirit. This book easily became my favorite of the series so far. From the very beginning, I was completely invested and I honestly could not put it down. The emotional tension, the constant danger, and all the twists kept me hooked the entire time.
What I loved the most was the fact that Neil and Tessa were separated for such a big part of the story. Seeing them both fight so hard to find each other again made everything feel even more emotional and intense. You could really feel how much they meant to each other through every choice they made. Their determination and loyalty hit me so hard.
I also really enjoyed the dynamic between Kali, Neil and Nerissa. Their interactions added so much to the story and created some of my favorite moments in the book. There’s a tension and balance between them all that made every scene interesting to read.
But honestly, my favorite part was seeing Tessa touch that darker side of herself. Watching her struggle with it, slowly embrace it, and realize what she is capable of made her character even more fascinating to me. She keeps evolving with every book and this might be the version of her I loved the most. She feels stronger, more dangerous, and more complex than ever before.
And once again, that ending absolutely destroyed me and got me scremming I KNEW IT!!! . The stakes are so much higher now and I already know the wait for the next book is going to feel endless. I need the sequel immediately because I have so many questions after that final chapter.
This book gave me everything I wanted: emotional moments, character growth, tension, action, and heartbreaking twists. Without a doubt, this is my favorite book in the series and I cannot wait to see what happens next.
I received this ARC from author Heather D. Grace in exchange for an honest review.
The action in this book was nonstop! I appreciated the dual POVs between Tessa and Neil, especially since they spent most of the book trying to get back to each other. It was good to see both sides and then the reunion. I also loved the Carson POV chapters and hope we get some more in the next book. Also, Merry? GIIIIIRL, go off.
Tessa's change from herself to skaith great-granddaughter back to herself seemed very sudden to me. But that blood power and taking out the Lady of the Moon and her consort were *chef's kiss* because fuck them. And poor Az turning all black to grayish white! I loved that it showed such a deep connection between the two, but I felt bad the equine was basically brainwashed like Tessa.
Deidre. Ok, tree lady. Go away. My only thing about this cliffhanger was there was one part in either book 3 or 4, I cannot remember, where there was a skirmish between our main character group and the skaith and one of the skaith specifically shouted out for Deidre. Right there I knew she was shady. But I was surprised that it was glossed over by the entire group and for so long. Maybe the author was hoping the reader would either catch on or forget, but I definitely had it stuck in my mind and kept wondering why no one called her out on her shit when she would do weird things.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Court of Wings and Spirit is the fifth book in Grace's Hidden Courts of the Fae. This a slow burn, urban fantasy romance featuring Tessa and Neil. This book picks up where the fourth, Court of Earth and Sky, left off. This series should be read in order as these book are not standalone stories.
Readers immediately pick up where things left off. After Neil and Ezra have been taken by the guards, Tessa gathers her people to try to get him back. Something odd is going on with Tessa though. Her anger leads to some uncontrollable, scary magic. As I've come to expect with this series, there are some unexpected twists and turns. While trying to get to Neil, Tessa is stopped by skáth and notified that her presence has been requested by King Asmodeus. She learns some interesting things while in his company, and they form an allegiance of sorts. Together they attack the court where Tessa, believing Neil has been killed, eliminates the current leadership. Fortunately, Neil was able to get some insider assistance and escaped before his scheduled execution. Kali, believing Tessa to be beyond her help, returns to the mortal realm to get Carson, and Merri decides to accompany them.
I knew to buckle up and I'm so glad I did because even knowing not to expect anything straightforward, I think I suffered some form of whiplash at the rapid turn of events in this installment as well as that cliffhanger. *jaw drop* I know the next book, Court of Demons and Shadows, is expected on August 6th. I'm keen to get my hands on it but also mildly apprehensive as to what Grace has in store for us next. This series is definitely a wild ride and I'm in it for the long run.
If you haven't checked out this series yet, what are you waiting for?
Court of Wings and Spirit is my favorite book of the series (so far)!! I'll try to keep this as spoiler free as possible.... It continues the adventure but with an added POV that helps to connect some of the dots from previous books. Tessa is exploring the dark side of her magic and it is terrifying, yet so bad ass at the same time! I love that we get to see that side of her, even if it had me worried the entire book 😂 We also get to see a new realm, which adds depth of the story. We learn so much about multiple enemies (iykyk), making it hard to decide who is the worse of them. This book shows us a little more about Tessa and Neil's magic, specifically what happened towards the end of book 4, and i am all for it! I hope they continue to strengthen their new found abilities in the next book 🙌 Overall, Book 5 took me on a massive emotional roller coaster. Not just the suspenseful adventure like in the past few books, but the added heartbreak of Tessa's darker side and how many challenges the crew faced just trying to reach her. I still have lots of questions, so i CANNOT wait for the next book to learn the answers! I received an ARC.
Court of Wings and Spirit is the penultimate book in the series Hidden Courts of the Fae. This is the best book yet. I will try to keep this spoiler free. The primary focus is on the FMC, Tessa. She is showing more depth and character growth as she has to rely on herself to make hard decisions when she doesn't have all of the information. She is also trying to find balance within herself as her magical abilities change and grow.
With the other previous books establishing different worlds, characters, and relationships, this book is now able to throw in the curve balls and plot twists to keep us on our toes.
Are the Royal Fae the true enemies or is it the skath? Is it both of them, or neither of them?! Can we trust the Guardians to do their jobs that they are sworn to do? Can we trust our own flesh and blood? Can we trust our ragtag group of new friends? Can we really trust that shady flirtatious Chosen One? So many questions! This book leaves us on an unexpected cliffhanger and I can't wait to read the final book in this series.
Thank you Heather D Grace for the ARC opportunity in exchange for an honest review.
OH. MY GOD. I have just finished the ARC for the penultimate book in the Hidden Courts of the Fae.... CLIFFHANGER does not do it justice.
As with all of Heather D. Grace's books, it picks up exactly where book 4 finishes and the twists and turns in this book are gripping!
Neil is captured by the Fae for his "transgressions" and what ensues is a dark and twisted route. Tessa in her villain era. Her friends and family just want to save her, but can they get to her in time?
Following multiple POVs Heather, as usual, does this with ease and as a reader, you find it easy to follow all the twists and turns that not only happen to Tessa, but to her family (let's face it, her friends are family by now too).
After reading some other reviews, I can agree, I didn't trust that character much either...but which one. Well, you will just have to read it to find out.
Thank you to Heather for allowing me to ARC read this book, in exchange for my honest review.
This is book five in the 'Hidden Courts of the Fae' book series. We pick up where book 4 left us, with Neil having been captured by the fae and a mysterious darkness spreading over Tessa's magic. The prophecy is almost at it's conclusion and you can feel the tension in the pages. The action and drama steps up once again, keeping the reader engrossed right to the end. With growing concern over Tessa's magic, rescue attempts, unlikely allies and even murder! There are a number of shocking revelations in store, and as with the other books the ending is one that leaves the reader open mouthed and questioning whats just happened! I think this has been my favourite in the series so far, and with only one book to go, I'm nervous but excited to see what the author has in store for the conclusion.
Book #5: you MUST read books 1-4 in order as these are not stand alone books and they all end in cliffhangers. POV: dual 1st person between our 2 main characters. Spice: yes!
Oh, how obsessed I am with this series! It’s fast paced, NOT rushed! The world building is on point. The character development feels natural. The drama…chefs kiss! I was at the edge of my seat. It starts to feel predictable and then, you are hit with major developments. The cliffhanger….I am speechless! For a book series that are a bit on the longer (more than 3) I read with caution. Not only does book 1 in this series start out strong, I have found myself consistently being drawn in and completely immersed in the world of the Hidden Courts of the Fae. I highly recommend this entire series.
I am an ARC reader, reviews are my honest opinions.
We picked up right where we left off and suddenly everything has changed. Not sure for the better but I understand its flow. I really enjoyed this book but the one thing that bothered me was that Tessa's entire personality just disappeared. It was hovering in the background but it just completely disappeared. I understand her anger and really get it but who she was just disappeared. As always I adore Neil! he still doesn't change, steady and sure like he always was. And True to form, Heather D. Grace leaves us with a cliffhanger. Not as gut wrenching as the others but still destructive! Book out today! 5/21/26! I hope you enjoy! Thank you Heather D. Grace for accepting me on your ARC team. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Court of Wings and Spirit Hidden Courts of the Fae Book 5 By Heather D. Grace
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 🌶
🐦🔥 Urban Fantasy Romance 🐎 World building 🐦🔥 Leaths (animal familiars) 🐎 Mythical animals and beings 🐦🔥 Political Intrigue 🐎 Epic adventure 🐦🔥 Prophecy 🐎 Portal fantasy
Wow Heather! This series has been an incredible journey with Tessa and Neil's growth and love story!
This 5th instalment of Hidden Courts of the Fae brings everything you love and need in an urban Fantasy!
We follow Tessa and the gang through rescue missions, new magic, epic battles and so so much more!
There were some big shocks and reveals in the 5th installment of the Hidden Courts of the Fae series! We see Neil continuing his transformation from stuffy guardian to embracing his feelings. We see a whole new side of Tessa that is quite drastic and her friends and family continue to grow closer and stronger together. We learn some new information and now I am not fully convinced which one is worse....the skãth or the Fae in charge. We were once again left dangling with a big reveal that I had been wondering about for a while now...I dropped my jaw in astonishment. Can't wait for the finally!
Tessa's magic is escalating and out of control at times, but she has no problem proving to everyone what it means to be the Chosen One and is willing to go through great lengths to protect the one she loves. Unfortunately, this has put an even bigger target on her back and once again she is met with betrayal and deception by someone she considered friend and ally. Not to mention Neil getting blindsided about a truth about Tessa that she didn't get a chance to reveal to him herself. Chaos, Drama, and Betrayal. Can Tessa, Neil and friends catch a break? Probably not because this is book 5 and they are still going through it.
Ahhhhhhhhhhhh… I could not have EVER predicted that plot twist. 🤯 But dang that cliff hanger again! I love this story so much and I can’t wait to see how it carries on! The characters are starting to become deeper, the story is twisting and turning and it’s so good! If you have followed Tessa’s journey up until this point, you know the story picks up right from where the last book leaves off- with Neil being taken by the Fae Court. Another incredible journey through Aurellia, with all of Tessa and Neil’s friends and family following them. 💜
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I can tell we are coming to the end of the series because this book has ramped up the action. Tessa is trying to find a way to get Neil back after his abduction, and she uses everything at her disposal. Poor Tessa goes through a lot in this, I was excited to see some characters, and I was surprised at some of the things that happened. I will miss this series, but I’m excited to see what the end will bring. Fans will like this latest. Recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.
This book starts where book 4 leaves off and Neil and Tessa have many things to figure out. Where he is at the end of book 4, Tessa has to go get him and gets involved in some things she really didn’t expect. She has to fight off some other things happening to her also. It has great characters and a continuing plot line. I love the plot where there is a prophecy and Tessa seems to be a key to it. There is fantasy and romance with spice in it. Definitely ends with a What??? There are six books total and I can’t wait to see how this story ends. Great book!
Book five and this latest addition is more exciting, more gripping and even more addictive as we jump back on this wild ride. Tessa is getting stronger and has shown that she is the chosen one, but at what cost as she struggles with the dark side of her magic? Well paced, we find that the action picks up, there’s more adventure, more magic, more twists and turns and more intrigue as the story goes on and it holds you to the edge of your seat. I am eager to see where the author takes us in the final book!
I don’t know where to start…. I recieved this book as an Advanced Reader Copy. I have enjoyed all of these books. This one was a bit slower for me to get into. I loved having the 3 story lines happening that came together - Carson, Neil and Tessa. I had been saying since book 2 that Tessa was going to be related to the Skath somehow! I don’t think this book was as spicy as other, but at the end it had some spicy. 🌶️ I’m screaming about Deidre!! The ending is definitely Heathers style of leaving us on a major cliffhanger.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Oh my god can we talk about that ending??? That’s got to be the worst cliffhanger of this series so far. I really enjoyed this one. I love the additional POV. It definitely added a different perspective. And with Neil and Tessa separated for most of it, we got to follow both of them. This one had non-stop action and I know my jaw dropped a few times. I’m so sad the next one is the last book in this series but I cannot wait.
We once again pick up immediately after where we were left hanging in the previous book, and I am so grateful for that in this series! And once again, I am left trapped on the edge of my seat at the ending!
These stories are full of twists and romance and so many cliffhangers, but it's all so good! I've loved how much the characters have grown in their powers and relationships, and I'm so ready to see how this is going to turn out!
Book five and I'm still completely hooked. We pick up where book four left off. Once again the story of Tessa, Neil and their family and friends takes us on an emotional ride. Neil keeps showing growth and Tessa is struggling with the dark side to her magic. I love the depth of these characters so much. There are still so many twists and turns to this story. I can't wait for book six. If you haven't started reading this series you definitely should.
From start to finish this book had me at the edge of my seat. If I was not sick I would have devoured this book within 3 days. This book has to be the best one out of the series due to all the elements I love and need in a book.
This book has adventure, banter, characters overcoming deep issues and situations. I’m looking forward to the final book, where this book has taken you through it all.
Thank you to Heather, the author and her team for this arc copy of the book. Man, this book is full of action and drama for sure. It was a rollercoaster of a ride and boy Tessa went through it and so did I as the reader and the twist at the end how dare you lol Heather for giving me a whiplash and was caught off guard for sure! Thank you again and I can't wait to find out what happens next!
The roller coaster that I was just on..... WOW!!! This series just keeps getting better and better. There were some times where I was like "OH NO!!!" and then "Oh ok.." and then back to "OH NO!" I cannot recommend this series enough. If you like to be surprised and on the edge of your seat this is for you! You have done it again Heather!!! AMAZING!!!!
Holy smokes! That was a jaw dropping cliffhanger ending… did not expect that person to betray them; but she also seems like she could be too naive & maybe didn’t mean to? Tessa’s powers showed a really dark side but the Lady & Consort got what they deserved. Interested to see more of what comes of King Asmodeus & his Queen; this story also makes me wonder if the skáth were once normal fae?
This one is even better than book four, the twists and turns that I was not expecting, are great. Now I am waiting for book six, and looking forward to what comes in book six! I Loved It!! I Highly Recommend as a Good Story! No Spoilers! I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Phew. This series just keeps getting better and better. The characters are still growing and developing and the twists keep on coming. The world building continues to amaze me with each book. The spice is still the right amount of Spicy! I can’t wait to read the next book.