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Goblin Heart
As a goblin prince living in the human court of Morvane, Luc is unerringly loyal to his best friend, Prince Ramon. While his feelings seem genuine, his loyalty is forced, magically-controlled by the false heart beating in his chest. The royal wizards have hidden his true heart out of reach, keeping Luc as a well-mannered captive in the Morvanish palace.
Will Fletcher is an irritable apprentice smith, more comfortable sneaking off to the goblin kingdom of the Brightwood than staying in his family home. When Luc stumbles into his life, Will learns that he and the goblin prince have more in common than he expects. In order to steal back Luc’s heart and free him from magical bondage, Will must confront the shadows hiding in his past and forge a new life.
Will Fletcher is an irritable apprentice smith, more comfortable sneaking off to the goblin kingdom of the Brightwood than staying in his family home. When Luc stumbles into his life, Will learns that he and the goblin prince have more in common than he expects. In order to steal back Luc’s heart and free him from magical bondage, Will must confront the shadows hiding in his past and forge a new life.
304 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 24, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
March 31, 2026
This is a very original story about a goblin prince called Luc with a mechanical heart that is part of a spell controlling him. Will Fletcher meets him and they try to get the spell of and Luc’s heart back. That is essentially what the story is about, but there is so much more to it and it’s told very well. I especially enjoyed the slower pace that the two characters backgrounds are revealed and how it was all woven into the story.
The fact that Will is trans is dealt with so well is especially important for me because I am writing this review on Transgender Day of Visibility . There is also a bisexual Cinderella as a side story. In fact there is so much packed into this book that I can’t fit them all in one review. I really enjoyed the whole book.
The fact that Will is trans is dealt with so well is especially important for me because I am writing this review on Transgender Day of Visibility . There is also a bisexual Cinderella as a side story. In fact there is so much packed into this book that I can’t fit them all in one review. I really enjoyed the whole book.
March 28, 2026
When I heard that one of the pair that shares the pseudonym Iris Foxglove has published a book under his own name, I just had to read it!
I'm so glad I did because this was such an engaging book! Every character was marvelously complex and nuanced, without making the villains sympathetic nor the main characters saccharine or robotic. I hope we get more books with an expanded world. The world-built was outright brilliant.
I'm so glad I did because this was such an engaging book! Every character was marvelously complex and nuanced, without making the villains sympathetic nor the main characters saccharine or robotic. I hope we get more books with an expanded world. The world-built was outright brilliant.
April 2, 2026
There is action, chemistry, humor, and once again let me say that there is lots of diversity. There is magic, action scenes, and more than one couple getting together. Goblin Heart is all heart, sass, and family. I can’t wait to read more from this author.
“Thank you, Author Fae Loxley, for providing this book for review consideration via Gay Romance Reviews. All opinions are my own.”
“Thank you, Author Fae Loxley, for providing this book for review consideration via Gay Romance Reviews. All opinions are my own.”
March 24, 2026
I am so excited to have heard about this book. I’ve followed some of the author’s other work in different media and really love his strengths in worldbuilding, especially when it comes to the folklore of a world. Goblin Heart definitely didn’t disappoint - we’re introduced to a world that has been shaped by archaic magical wars that in some ways have prevailed into recent generations, which provides a subtle cage of political intrigue woven through with deadly magic that our heroes are enclosed in at the opening of the book. The main plot largely revolves around their finding ways out of the circumstances that have bound them, together, with help from a colorful cast of friends and allies in both the goblin and human kingdoms in this world.
Will and Luc both make excellent romantic heroes in their own rights. Will is a character who seems to have learned, through some truly horrific childhood experiences, how to fly under the radar, and with his family of borderline-impoverished nobility barely clinging to the outskirts of their kingdom’s society, it’s been easy for him to go unnoticed (at least in the space of time before the events of the book) and therefore become more grounded in who he is and what he’ll stand for, as a young man, a son and brother, and an apprentice tradesman. While Luc has been surrounded with more of the trappings of high society growing up as a political prisoner in the castle of Morvane, he has been far more subject to constant scrutiny, and torturous, invasive experiences designed to keep him within the royal family’s tight control have become commonplace to him. When Will and Luc enter each others’ spheres and Luc gets a momentary taste of mental and physical freedom, he wastes no time in chasing after it, which gives us readers a glimpse of how much Luc is willing to risk below a complacent surface - and also gives both men plenty of excuses to seek each other out. As their conspiracy starts to take shape, the chemistry between Will and Luc is undeniable, and the conflict becomes not just about the lengths to which they both must go to escape detection by the crown, but about what they are each willing to risk for the freedom and safety of the man they love.
Needless to say, this one sucked me in, big time. I read through it in the space of one night. It has just a hint of fan-favorite tropes (found family in a handful of the satellite cast of supporting characters that surround Will and Luc, “fake dating” only in the sense that after some time, their deception has layers and they must play up a casual relationship in order to continue meeting, etc.). I can’t oversell these side characters, either. Ulven is fabulous and secretly heartbreaking in how deeply he cares for Will. One particular member of the royal family (no spoilers) steals every single scene they’re in with their wit and dry humor, not to mention devastating competency. And Ella - my love!!! We love a Cinderella trope, and this one was written to perfect effect. She is just a girl, and she is just doing her best to be the glue that holds her family together, even though her stepmother and sister don’t deserve her and her brother is a big nerd too distracted by his childhood trauma and one (1) Hot Goblin to see how much she cares about him. Ella’s and Will’s relationship is honestly everything to me. Fae Loxley writes a hell of a realistic, biting, heartfelt sibling dynamic that feels like it comes from a genuine place and really fleshes out the back half of the book, even as the romantic tension and intrigue build to a suspenseful conclusion.
Also, I dare you to pick a most-sinister villain from the creepy assortment that skulk around this book. I couldn’t. They’re very scary, in the way that being alone in a room with a furious man is scary. Other reviewers have mentioned the themes of body horror re: violation of personal autonomy, and that’s definitely present, but the antagonists in Goblin Heart were the most effective to me in the ways we’re shown exactly what they’re willing to do to maintain their own power and sense of how their world should be. Even among the side characters, “what did you allow to happen to a child for the sake of your own comfort” is a prevalent theme, and none of the guilty among the cast of characters entirely escapes scrutiny for the sins of their past.
There is something in the author’s writing style that doesn’t mirror, but echoes fantasy-of-manners and 1990’s/2000’s Terry Pratchett and Mercedes Lackey, and it becomes more apparent towards the end of the book as the action really picks up and we are shown more of life in the Morvanish court, especially building up to the penultimate ball. The descriptions of the Goblin court are as vibrant as they are outlandish (in the best way), and I wish we had a whole book about that aspect of the world. Ella’s “Cinderella” transformation moment is satisfying and the sapphic rep is lovely, even as Will and Luc’s searing, star-crossed relationship plays out before us.
One or two loose ends toward the very end of the book lead me to believe there are other stories planned in this world, but just in case: more please??
10/10 already rereading for subtle moments I may have missed the first time through.
Will and Luc both make excellent romantic heroes in their own rights. Will is a character who seems to have learned, through some truly horrific childhood experiences, how to fly under the radar, and with his family of borderline-impoverished nobility barely clinging to the outskirts of their kingdom’s society, it’s been easy for him to go unnoticed (at least in the space of time before the events of the book) and therefore become more grounded in who he is and what he’ll stand for, as a young man, a son and brother, and an apprentice tradesman. While Luc has been surrounded with more of the trappings of high society growing up as a political prisoner in the castle of Morvane, he has been far more subject to constant scrutiny, and torturous, invasive experiences designed to keep him within the royal family’s tight control have become commonplace to him. When Will and Luc enter each others’ spheres and Luc gets a momentary taste of mental and physical freedom, he wastes no time in chasing after it, which gives us readers a glimpse of how much Luc is willing to risk below a complacent surface - and also gives both men plenty of excuses to seek each other out. As their conspiracy starts to take shape, the chemistry between Will and Luc is undeniable, and the conflict becomes not just about the lengths to which they both must go to escape detection by the crown, but about what they are each willing to risk for the freedom and safety of the man they love.
Needless to say, this one sucked me in, big time. I read through it in the space of one night. It has just a hint of fan-favorite tropes (found family in a handful of the satellite cast of supporting characters that surround Will and Luc, “fake dating” only in the sense that after some time, their deception has layers and they must play up a casual relationship in order to continue meeting, etc.). I can’t oversell these side characters, either. Ulven is fabulous and secretly heartbreaking in how deeply he cares for Will. One particular member of the royal family (no spoilers) steals every single scene they’re in with their wit and dry humor, not to mention devastating competency. And Ella - my love!!! We love a Cinderella trope, and this one was written to perfect effect. She is just a girl, and she is just doing her best to be the glue that holds her family together, even though her stepmother and sister don’t deserve her and her brother is a big nerd too distracted by his childhood trauma and one (1) Hot Goblin to see how much she cares about him. Ella’s and Will’s relationship is honestly everything to me. Fae Loxley writes a hell of a realistic, biting, heartfelt sibling dynamic that feels like it comes from a genuine place and really fleshes out the back half of the book, even as the romantic tension and intrigue build to a suspenseful conclusion.
Also, I dare you to pick a most-sinister villain from the creepy assortment that skulk around this book. I couldn’t. They’re very scary, in the way that being alone in a room with a furious man is scary. Other reviewers have mentioned the themes of body horror re: violation of personal autonomy, and that’s definitely present, but the antagonists in Goblin Heart were the most effective to me in the ways we’re shown exactly what they’re willing to do to maintain their own power and sense of how their world should be. Even among the side characters, “what did you allow to happen to a child for the sake of your own comfort” is a prevalent theme, and none of the guilty among the cast of characters entirely escapes scrutiny for the sins of their past.
There is something in the author’s writing style that doesn’t mirror, but echoes fantasy-of-manners and 1990’s/2000’s Terry Pratchett and Mercedes Lackey, and it becomes more apparent towards the end of the book as the action really picks up and we are shown more of life in the Morvanish court, especially building up to the penultimate ball. The descriptions of the Goblin court are as vibrant as they are outlandish (in the best way), and I wish we had a whole book about that aspect of the world. Ella’s “Cinderella” transformation moment is satisfying and the sapphic rep is lovely, even as Will and Luc’s searing, star-crossed relationship plays out before us.
One or two loose ends toward the very end of the book lead me to believe there are other stories planned in this world, but just in case: more please??
10/10 already rereading for subtle moments I may have missed the first time through.
March 23, 2026
Cinderella, phylactery, Lumos!, scum-sucking wizard, flying nails, honey & whipped cream with strawberries, owl mask, Night Thistle, sharpened claws, enchanted horseshoes
The world-building is magnificent! So is the story! The amount of imagination it took to write this book is amazing. It starts sedate enough, then it kicks into high gear until the end. The queer aspect is a bit surprising; it fits well into this tale.
Lucan is a goblin prince who is given to a neighboring human kingdom. Through powerful magic his heart is replaced with a mechanical brass one. The human king compells Luc to be acquiescent and obedient. It's all he knows. He's the constant close companion to Crown Prince Ramon. Luc would lay down his life to protect Ramon.
Human Will is working at a smithy with his best goblin friend, Olven. On his way home ends up saving a horse rider's life with what little magic he has. It turns out that it's Luc, who was traveling with Ramon. When Luc regains consciousness, he is combative and tries to violently engage with Will. How dare this human lay his hands on Luc!
Luc returns home with Prince Ramon feeling different somehow. He thinks of the human who saved him, wanting to go back there to apologize. Plus Ramon wants to reward Will for saving his best friend. It's revealed that Luc's and Will's connection wasn't that fateful day. It took place much earlier when they were boys. They just don't know it.
I enjoyed this book so much. I want another book! You'll be happy too when you read it.
The world-building is magnificent! So is the story! The amount of imagination it took to write this book is amazing. It starts sedate enough, then it kicks into high gear until the end. The queer aspect is a bit surprising; it fits well into this tale.
Lucan is a goblin prince who is given to a neighboring human kingdom. Through powerful magic his heart is replaced with a mechanical brass one. The human king compells Luc to be acquiescent and obedient. It's all he knows. He's the constant close companion to Crown Prince Ramon. Luc would lay down his life to protect Ramon.
Human Will is working at a smithy with his best goblin friend, Olven. On his way home ends up saving a horse rider's life with what little magic he has. It turns out that it's Luc, who was traveling with Ramon. When Luc regains consciousness, he is combative and tries to violently engage with Will. How dare this human lay his hands on Luc!
Luc returns home with Prince Ramon feeling different somehow. He thinks of the human who saved him, wanting to go back there to apologize. Plus Ramon wants to reward Will for saving his best friend. It's revealed that Luc's and Will's connection wasn't that fateful day. It took place much earlier when they were boys. They just don't know it.
I enjoyed this book so much. I want another book! You'll be happy too when you read it.
March 24, 2026
GOBLIN HEART is a fantastic LGBTQ+ story that retells Cinderella, but not as the main story, rather the supporting one.
The human and goblin kingdoms were at war for a long time before peace finally became possible. As part of the peace process, Prince Luc of Brightwood was sent to the human court. His heart was taken from him, replaced by a magic one, and his will was no longer his own. This is how it stays for a long time, until Prince Ramon and Luc meet with Will, a smith who finds out he has magic too.
The world-building here is fantastic, giving clear details of Luc and his family, together with the human side of it. I loved Ella and was thankful when she and Will broke the family mould and actually formed a relationship.
The characters, whether main or supporting, are all well described and add to the story, which is itself well paced and flows smoothly. Steamy in places, but nothing over the top or out of place, this story was thoroughly enjoyable from beginning to end. It was a page-turner for me, and I have no hesitation in recommending it. I look forward to reading more from this author.
** Same worded review will appear elsewhere. **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Mar 24, 2026
The human and goblin kingdoms were at war for a long time before peace finally became possible. As part of the peace process, Prince Luc of Brightwood was sent to the human court. His heart was taken from him, replaced by a magic one, and his will was no longer his own. This is how it stays for a long time, until Prince Ramon and Luc meet with Will, a smith who finds out he has magic too.
The world-building here is fantastic, giving clear details of Luc and his family, together with the human side of it. I loved Ella and was thankful when she and Will broke the family mould and actually formed a relationship.
The characters, whether main or supporting, are all well described and add to the story, which is itself well paced and flows smoothly. Steamy in places, but nothing over the top or out of place, this story was thoroughly enjoyable from beginning to end. It was a page-turner for me, and I have no hesitation in recommending it. I look forward to reading more from this author.
** Same worded review will appear elsewhere. **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Mar 24, 2026
March 29, 2026
Prince Lucan has been living in the human court of Morvane. He is loyal to Prince Ramon because he really has no choice. His heart had been removed and a fake one inserted in its place. This leaves him effectively in the control of the King. On an outing with Ramon, the two meet Will Fletcher. Unhappy with his life, he spends most of his time working with a smith in the goblin Kingdom of Brightwood. As Luc and Will get to know each other better, Will resolves to restore his heart but first he must confront his past.
Will had been mistreated and lived with the consequences. Luc had been mistreated, never allowed to live his own life. When they met, they bonded and found so many ways to work towards their common goal. It was fantastic to watch as so many joined in to help. A story filled with contrasting opinions; the goblin court had no problem accepting gender wishes and coupling while the Morvane court tied gender to acceptable restrictive conventions. The action built in intensity leading to a very satisfying end. You will be frantically turning the pages to see what happens next. Captivating from beginning to end, Goblin Heart is sure to please the MM paranormal reader.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
Will had been mistreated and lived with the consequences. Luc had been mistreated, never allowed to live his own life. When they met, they bonded and found so many ways to work towards their common goal. It was fantastic to watch as so many joined in to help. A story filled with contrasting opinions; the goblin court had no problem accepting gender wishes and coupling while the Morvane court tied gender to acceptable restrictive conventions. The action built in intensity leading to a very satisfying end. You will be frantically turning the pages to see what happens next. Captivating from beginning to end, Goblin Heart is sure to please the MM paranormal reader.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Disclaimer: I received an ARC of this book from the author.
What a fun book!
Goblin Heart is about Will Fletcher, a man who wants to be a smith, and Luc, a goblin whose heart is held captive by the king and in its place is a brass heart that forces Luc to feel whatever he’s told to feel. If that sounds horrifying, that’s because it is. This book pulls no punches when describing what is done to Luc, as well as the horrors that happened to Will when he was younger.
A band of unlikely characters find themselves entangled in a conspiracy to return Luc’s heart to him. There are amazing side characters, including Cinderella (Will’s stepsister, who he learns to be kinder to), Luc’s bodyguard, goblins, and the royal prince’s younger sibling.
It was a delight to read Will learn to wield his magic, Will and Luc develop their relationship, and Luc growing into himself and finding ways to circumvent the orders he has to obey.
Highly recommend for anyone who likes found family, small rebellion vs big kingdom, evil people losing and dying well-deserved deaths, and a queer cast
What a fun book!
Goblin Heart is about Will Fletcher, a man who wants to be a smith, and Luc, a goblin whose heart is held captive by the king and in its place is a brass heart that forces Luc to feel whatever he’s told to feel. If that sounds horrifying, that’s because it is. This book pulls no punches when describing what is done to Luc, as well as the horrors that happened to Will when he was younger.
A band of unlikely characters find themselves entangled in a conspiracy to return Luc’s heart to him. There are amazing side characters, including Cinderella (Will’s stepsister, who he learns to be kinder to), Luc’s bodyguard, goblins, and the royal prince’s younger sibling.
It was a delight to read Will learn to wield his magic, Will and Luc develop their relationship, and Luc growing into himself and finding ways to circumvent the orders he has to obey.
Highly recommend for anyone who likes found family, small rebellion vs big kingdom, evil people losing and dying well-deserved deaths, and a queer cast
Review of advance copy
This is my first book from Gay Romance Reviews.
Fell in love with the storyline. quite a mix of old and new approaches to fairytales, mm romance, Prince and magic genres. it is so well written that you don't realise you have just stepped into cinderella chapter until your in it. the magic sowing needle workimg in his own...
but to the story, Will a young man angry with life and the family he has, the only break he has is when he escapes into Brightwood to Olwen. then there is Luc the companion to the spoilt prince. the initial read is there is do much nothing to this story, but as you turn the pages the story opens up, unravels, becomes clearer, injustices become evident, but mostly, Luc gets his heart back in so many ways, and Will opens up to let Luc be his heart.
a story full of magic that in the wrong hands can be turned to bad but in the right hands magic is love and knis no bounds.
Read it and enjoy.
Fell in love with the storyline. quite a mix of old and new approaches to fairytales, mm romance, Prince and magic genres. it is so well written that you don't realise you have just stepped into cinderella chapter until your in it. the magic sowing needle workimg in his own...
but to the story, Will a young man angry with life and the family he has, the only break he has is when he escapes into Brightwood to Olwen. then there is Luc the companion to the spoilt prince. the initial read is there is do much nothing to this story, but as you turn the pages the story opens up, unravels, becomes clearer, injustices become evident, but mostly, Luc gets his heart back in so many ways, and Will opens up to let Luc be his heart.
a story full of magic that in the wrong hands can be turned to bad but in the right hands magic is love and knis no bounds.
Read it and enjoy.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received an ARC of this book from the author 💜
I loved it! The main protagonists have actual chemistry and tension beyond "we got off on the wrong foot so now we're enemies," which was so refreshing. I loved the themes of magic and queerness as it relates to gendered magic, too, something which I've always wanted to explore and have never seen another book do! The world is solid and feels real, with a history and backstory that inform the motivations of the characters. I also really appreciated that there are fully developed (and developing) relationships between characters other than the romantic one between the protagonists! (I feel like that sometimes gets left behind in the genre, so was very delighted to see it included here.)
Loved this book and can't wait to see more from Fae Loxley!!
I loved it! The main protagonists have actual chemistry and tension beyond "we got off on the wrong foot so now we're enemies," which was so refreshing. I loved the themes of magic and queerness as it relates to gendered magic, too, something which I've always wanted to explore and have never seen another book do! The world is solid and feels real, with a history and backstory that inform the motivations of the characters. I also really appreciated that there are fully developed (and developing) relationships between characters other than the romantic one between the protagonists! (I feel like that sometimes gets left behind in the genre, so was very delighted to see it included here.)
Loved this book and can't wait to see more from Fae Loxley!!
April 9, 2026
*ARC Review*
We follow Will, a young man who spends his days sneaking across the border to Brightwood, a nation where Goblins live, where he works for a Goblin named Olven. When coming home from work one day, Will stumbles upon two men, one who suddenly falls off his horse and isn't responding catches his eye. How this connects to the human/goblin war, Will's stepfather, and a goblin's heart? You'll have to read to find out!
I found myself pleasantly surprised with the trans representation in this book. A lot of trans characters were included, and even tyranny against them was highlighted. But it never felt like it was forced into the narrative, just that it was another thing the human nation had prejudice against.
The whole concept of the story was just so chilling and heart-wrenching (pun intended). I just loved how everything went and how everything ended.
We follow Will, a young man who spends his days sneaking across the border to Brightwood, a nation where Goblins live, where he works for a Goblin named Olven. When coming home from work one day, Will stumbles upon two men, one who suddenly falls off his horse and isn't responding catches his eye. How this connects to the human/goblin war, Will's stepfather, and a goblin's heart? You'll have to read to find out!
I found myself pleasantly surprised with the trans representation in this book. A lot of trans characters were included, and even tyranny against them was highlighted. But it never felt like it was forced into the narrative, just that it was another thing the human nation had prejudice against.
The whole concept of the story was just so chilling and heart-wrenching (pun intended). I just loved how everything went and how everything ended.
Review of advance copy
This was an exciting fantasy adventure, with diverse characters, layers of mystery, unique magic, and filled with heartbreaking deceit and cruelty.
Luc is a Goblin Prince, magically bound to obey royal commands, and loyal to his best friend Prince Ramon. When Luc has an attack, Will helps to save him with forbidden magic, and discovers Luc is a reluctant prisoner.
Driven by guilt and honour, Will pushes his gifts to help free Luc and embraces his magic so they can heal from their traumas, and escape from the people using them.
This was an emotional journey of betrayals, manipulation and power, balanced with the beauty of connection, acceptance and love.
I enjoyed the themes of gender preference and sexuality, the dark twists, and the queer found family atmosphere.
Luc is a Goblin Prince, magically bound to obey royal commands, and loyal to his best friend Prince Ramon. When Luc has an attack, Will helps to save him with forbidden magic, and discovers Luc is a reluctant prisoner.
Driven by guilt and honour, Will pushes his gifts to help free Luc and embraces his magic so they can heal from their traumas, and escape from the people using them.
This was an emotional journey of betrayals, manipulation and power, balanced with the beauty of connection, acceptance and love.
I enjoyed the themes of gender preference and sexuality, the dark twists, and the queer found family atmosphere.
March 29, 2026
This was my first 5 star read in a while. The world completely draws you in without being too dense. Will wears his trauma on his chest and while Luc's is plain to see, its buried deep. Ever since they were small children their parental figures have been using them for their own machinations. When they meet by chance their worlds collide and they decide to work to recover Luc's heart.
I really enjoyed all the found family and real family themes and the romance between Will and Luc was so sweet. The villains get their due for the most part which was satisfying. The story felt very complete but I would also love to explore more set in the world. I'll definitely look forward to more by this author.
I really enjoyed all the found family and real family themes and the romance between Will and Luc was so sweet. The villains get their due for the most part which was satisfying. The story felt very complete but I would also love to explore more set in the world. I'll definitely look forward to more by this author.
April 3, 2026
I had no expectations reading this, I didn't know the author, it was a new premise for me and had never read anything with a goblin as a MC.
It was surprisingly good, the author touches some difficult themes, such as childhood trauma, brainwashing and slavery without making the story too weighted to be a good read.
Luc's turmoil and how his mechanic heart and the orders he receives affect him are very well described, not only in his thoughts, but in the way he behaves. Will is very likeable character, caring and unused to be important to anyone.
The troop of sisters adds to the tale, each of them has something to contribute to the plot, giving it a very complex background.
I enjoyed it and will keep an eye in the author.
It was surprisingly good, the author touches some difficult themes, such as childhood trauma, brainwashing and slavery without making the story too weighted to be a good read.
Luc's turmoil and how his mechanic heart and the orders he receives affect him are very well described, not only in his thoughts, but in the way he behaves. Will is very likeable character, caring and unused to be important to anyone.
The troop of sisters adds to the tale, each of them has something to contribute to the plot, giving it a very complex background.
I enjoyed it and will keep an eye in the author.
April 8, 2026
A wonderfully original fantasy/paranormal romance about goblin prince Luc, who has a mechanical heart, and Will Fletcher, who he meets and feels an instant connection with, but there is also his 'master', a less kind human prince. Will wants to give Luc his heart back, and he hopes his magic is enough. There's a lot more to deal with including much court intrigue, Will finding a sister, the wonderful Kit who is the best supporting character ever and a lot of betrayal.
I hope Kit gets a story and that his HEA might turn out to be Alistair but it would be wonderful whoever it was.
Review of advance copy from GRR.
I hope Kit gets a story and that his HEA might turn out to be Alistair but it would be wonderful whoever it was.
Review of advance copy from GRR.
Review of advance copy
Well that was truly terrifying at times so much intentional cruelty. The world that Loxley has built is full of goblins and magic, murder and cruelty, anger and antagonism, but there's also love and understanding
It's the weirdest take on the cinderella story I've ever read, turned upside down and inside out. I loved the characters especially Will with his determination and Ella with her acid tongue. Luc's story was if anything, more tragic than Will's. I'm so glad they finally got there happily ever after. Even though I felt extremely uncomfortable at times, I loved it. 4.5*
It's the weirdest take on the cinderella story I've ever read, turned upside down and inside out. I loved the characters especially Will with his determination and Ella with her acid tongue. Luc's story was if anything, more tragic than Will's. I'm so glad they finally got there happily ever after. Even though I felt extremely uncomfortable at times, I loved it. 4.5*
Review of advance copy received from Author
Oh my god. I will admit there are parts of this story that make me fell a little nauseous. Stealing someone’s heart and forcing spells into him to force him to be a loyal companion, to be subservient. These characters though - Will and Luc, Ella and Jade, Olven - they pulled me through this book. I couldn’t stop until I knew how it ended. Will’s stepfather may have had a hand in the awful magic done to Luc, but his magic will set them free. So many dark secrets. This book kept me on the edge of my seat. I loved every freaking word of it!
Review of advance copy
*4.5*
This was a wonderful read. It felt like Arcane meets classic fairy tales. The characters were refreshing in that they were not did not give the predictable formula responses I have seen in other high fantasy/romance books. The book was well paced and kept me engaged the whole time especially in the second half. I will also always love seeing queer rep in all forms #queerjoy.
I gave it a 4.5 because of issues that could have been remedied with copy/line editing.
This is an arc review from gay romance reviews
This was a wonderful read. It felt like Arcane meets classic fairy tales. The characters were refreshing in that they were not did not give the predictable formula responses I have seen in other high fantasy/romance books. The book was well paced and kept me engaged the whole time especially in the second half. I will also always love seeing queer rep in all forms #queerjoy.
I gave it a 4.5 because of issues that could have been remedied with copy/line editing.
This is an arc review from gay romance reviews
April 3, 2026
Great characters of different orientations and wonderful world building in this story. I found it a really interesting touch that the spell controlling Luc came from the fact that his real heart had been stolen and replaced by one that held him in thrall. When he and Will met and teamed up to try to free him and restore his real heart the development of their relationship and the way we learned about them and their backgrounds was so well handled I couldn't put the book down.
April 9, 2026
Luc's being a prince was so secondary to why he drew the care of Will. His heart, literally stolen to allow the Morvanish royalty to command his him as their prince's plaything. There are layers of both betrayal and loyalty in this book. You root for some goblins and some humans and hope justice is served in the end.
The passion between Luc and Will seemed a bit overshadowed by the pursuit of Luc's liberty, but the was my only regret.
The passion between Luc and Will seemed a bit overshadowed by the pursuit of Luc's liberty, but the was my only regret.
March 27, 2026
I absolutely loved Will and Luc.
Both have suffered horrible trauma and it has shaped them irrevocably.
There's amazing world building filled with magic, political intrigue and machinations behind the scenes and the disgusting, nauseating, body horror suffered through the theft of bodily autonomy.
The found family aspect is absolutely wonderful and I especially loved Ella.
Both have suffered horrible trauma and it has shaped them irrevocably.
There's amazing world building filled with magic, political intrigue and machinations behind the scenes and the disgusting, nauseating, body horror suffered through the theft of bodily autonomy.
The found family aspect is absolutely wonderful and I especially loved Ella.
April 21, 2026
excellent!
This book is so good! The writing is fantastic and the story is such a great upending of traditional fairytales. I love Will and Luc together and separately and getting to watch them develop and watch the plot unfold was a delight. The side characters, too, are so well-done and add so much to the story.
This book is so good! The writing is fantastic and the story is such a great upending of traditional fairytales. I love Will and Luc together and separately and getting to watch them develop and watch the plot unfold was a delight. The side characters, too, are so well-done and add so much to the story.
April 2, 2026
I absolutely LOVED this book! I am a huge fan of classic fairy tales and this totally had that feel! Will and Luc are awesome, the bad guys (mostly) got what they deserved, and the badass good girls got together! Kit cracked me up too, such a spunky little trickster.
April 5, 2026
Quite a complex fantasy novel but it is beautifully written. I enjoyed the world building, the steady and slow burn of the relationship between the MC's and the action/suspense thrown in as well. It is a really good story !!
March 26, 2026
This was a very fun retelling of Cinderella. I really enjoyed it.
April 5, 2026
Exciting story and engaging characters.
I loved the world-building.
New author to me - I look forward to reading more by them.
Very enjoyable read.
I loved the world-building.
New author to me - I look forward to reading more by them.
Very enjoyable read.
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