The Crown's Obsession

by Oath Sterling

In Rathmor, illegitimate daughters live behind veils, and Asharin Dyvarin has worn hers her entire life.

Rejected by the king without ever being seen and traded into marriage with his colder, resentful brother, she expects to remain invisible and unwanted.

Until the veil is lifted.

What the court discovers changes everything. Once Asharin is seen, she becomes impossible to ignore, and the obsession that follows grows more dangerous than the war raging beyond the palace walls.

A dark romantasy featuring enemies to lovers tension, a dangerous love triangle, possessive obsession, and passion that turns political marriage into something far more volatile.

This is an adult, high heat romantasy. Please visit the author’s website for content considerations.

Genres: Magic

654 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 27, 2026

Reviews

[Rossy · Rating 1 out of 5]

What an absolute mess?! no character development whatsoever.. plot doesn't add up/make sense.

FMC is a martyr one minute, then loved by everyone the next, one minute she has power, next minute she doesn't..also a master of all trades she drinks, gambles, carves, cooks, hunts, survives all the near attempts of killing.

She starts starving when she doesn't have a dinner (but she had lunch); yet when the "bad king" is starving her for real, she feels excited sometimes and "protected" by him.

she is naive like a child, when the sister who near killed her "sets her free"..it's obvs a trap.

I genuinely haven't read something quite so inconsistent..

Don't get me started on MMC or other characters.

I kept reading as I kept thinking surely it must get better, the plot setup could have been cool..

[Mari · Rating 4 out of 5]

This has my favorite trope- Masked! Except it’s something entirely different because SHE’S VAILED. It’s the law! The prince has no idea who he’s marrying and the king, his brother just needs him to “do his duty.” That’s barely the beginning! It’s such a wild and spicy ride. Is it a love triangle? I think it’s a lust triangle, cause it’s definitely a touch what’s mine and die vibe. She’s caught between the King and Prince, which by the way is part beast! So add in some primal play!

It’s all the tropes that I enjoy and I really can’t wait for more. Why are you reading my review?! Go read the book!

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Long review on the complete madness in this book

This book had me in a chokehold for most of the beginning and then lost me somewhere in the Middle, all the way to the end. There is so much going on in the background between the races, they don't seem to be all that human, yet it's not exactly explained either. We hear about different lands and magic or power that even our mfc seems to wield, but this to is not really elaborated on. There is so much going on around these characters that's just unanswered and not described at all.

Our female main character is written in so many different ways I don't know who she really is. Is she this brave person? We share a scene with her practicing sword fighting, and that's the only scene we get on that matter although she herself claims that she likes practicing. She is always talking herself down about her powers, yet never really uses said power to help herself out of bad situation when I wanted to scream " girl" help yourself for once! And when she does use this said power, it's just confusing? Because nothing really happens and she just ends up hurting herself. Like what is it??? They say a name for it, yet don't really explain what it is or does. This book is so ridiculously vague on so much information it's infuriating.

Now don't get me started on how goofy our fmc becomes, because it's bad, this girl is like playing with fire with both these men. She is literally flirting with both, and yet the author wants us to believe she's always been for her husband? Are we all reading the same book. This girl is silly and confused. And these men dog walk her throughout this book. And then suddenly her husband, just decided to change. And become an entirely new person for her. And then this fmc decides she wants to be queen and strong. What?! Like no seriously, what is actually going on? So anyways, husband is sent away and this girl is trapped with his crazy weird freak of a brother and he's horrible to our girl. And she needs out of this place fast, because she is really not doing well. And her sister, who, has been cruel and abusive says I'm here to help? And fmc is like thank goodness? And excepts only to be tricked and hurt. Are you seriously kidding me, ma'am?! Are you ok?! Why would you think she's there to help. You are raving on and on about how cruel she is at every turn. Yet this one time you yourself is like yup. She's got my back? Come on!

But no, the ending, the ending had me about levitating with anger, because these ppl are trying to save you, your husbands brother, is literally gonna kill you with his actions and you say " he won't hurt me". You God damn dodo bird brain! I was so disgusted with you. And still, you are making every excuse in the book while you do not want to leave. Ma'am, are you seriously ok in the head!? Honestly I had hoped for a strong women who was ready to kick butts and take names. Idk who we got, be she sucked.

[Latrisha Tate · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received The Crown’s Obsession by Oath Sterling as an ARC, and I’m so glad I did because this story completely pulled me in.

What really stood out to me is how unique the plot feels. It doesn’t fall into the same predictable patterns you see in a lot of fantasy romance—it keeps you guessing and genuinely invested in what’s going to happen next. The world and stakes feel fresh, and that made it hard to put down.

The FMC is an absolute standout. She’s strong, capable, and doesn’t bend easily, which makes her incredibly satisfying to follow. I loved that she holds her ground and doesn’t lose herself in the romance.

And speaking of romance—the MMC definitely has to *earn* her. It’s not instant or easy, and that slow, earned dynamic made their relationship feel so much more meaningful. Watching him work for her respect and trust added a lot of depth to the story.

Overall, this was a compelling, character-driven read with a refreshing take on familiar tropes. If you love strong heroines and romance that actually feels earned, this one is definitely worth picking up.

[Danielle B · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a very good read. I couldn't put it down. You'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll get angry lol and love every second of it. The story is unique and very refreshing. The author does a great job making you feel what the characters are feeling in the book. Asherin is a strong but caring FMC. Colsar and his broodiness, Sevrin and his wilds. The spice is there about 🌶🌶🌶. It ends on a cliff hanger and I cant wait to read the next book. If you like fantasy with reality and a great plot with a cliffhanger, this is for you. I highly recommend this book.

[Blair Stillwell · Rating 1 out of 5]

I'm not sure who is writing these reviews but this book is a mess. I had to reread things because I couldn't even follow what was supposed to be happening. There are no explanations or good character development. I felt like it was trying to throw all these random plot tropes around because that's what romantasy is about. I would not recommend this at all.

[Kristi Stoller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review of the Crown's Obsession (The Ashen Crown, #1) by Oath Sterling

I received this as an ARC, thank you for allowing me to read this story!

This book! This book is a SLOOOOWWWW BURN romatansy with an FMC who is hidden from the world because of how she was born. Forced to be "veiled" from the world, she is easily forgotten. Being veiled, she is able to "hide" from the world, see things not meant for her to see, hear things that she is not meant to hear.

Asharin, raised in the Baron's house she is mistreated, abused and forced to endure nothing but hate from her father, brother and sister. When the King and his brother the Prince show up at the Baron's house to discuss marriage for the Prince, the Baron offers Asharin to the prince to be rid of her. The king who is already trying to conceive and heir with someone else, agrees to the marriage between the Prince and Asharin. The King, however is extremely infatuated with the veiled daughter of the Baron. Once Asharin moves into the palace, she is forced to endure both brothers and their infatuation with Asharin.

Asharin and Colsar, get married and once the veil is removed, the king starts to understand what he willingly gave up to this brother. Colsar, begins to fight his feelings with Asharin, purposefully does things to demean Ash and their marriage. Eventually, Ash and Colsar start to have an understanding with each other, and begin to start to have a marriage (not only behind close doors, but also in public). Having been forced to be alone for so many years, they realize they can begin to relay on each other to heal and accept their future.

Sevrin (the King) is an immature child (TBH). Realizing what he gave up he starts to believe that Ash is his and his brother can no longer have her. He is completely consumed with Ash and what she means to him and his future. Knowing that the Baron's daughter can't give him what he demands most to hold onto the throne, he begins to groom Ash into the perfect servant for him.

This book ends in a cliffhanger, and I can't wait for book 2, because when it ends you are like "WAIT, WHAT!"

🔥 A dark romantasy featuring enemies to lovers tension ⚔️
📐 A dangerous love triangle ⚠️
🖤 Possessive obsession ⛓️
🥀 Passion that turns political marriage into something far more volatile 💍
🌶️ High heat romantasy 🌶️

[InkedSirenXO · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book doesn’t just pull you into its world—it slips a blade between your ribs and whispers, watch closely.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

From the very first page, Veynar feels like a kingdom built on secrets and suffocation, and Asharin Dyvarin is its most dangerous secret of all. A heroine forced into silence by a literal veil, she begins as something almost ghostlike—overlooked, underestimated, dismissed. But the moment that veil lifts? Everything fractures. Power shifts. Eyes sharpen. And suddenly, the girl no one wanted becomes the one no one can ignore.

The tension in this book is exquisite. It coils tighter with every chapter, especially within the twisted dynamic between Asharin and Prince Colsar. What starts as cold hostility slowly mutates into something darker, more consuming—less romance, more gravitational pull with teeth. And just when you think you understand the emotional battlefield, the king enters the fray with an obsession that feels like a lit match near spilled oil.

The court itself is a masterpiece of unease. No one feels entirely human, and that’s part of the magic. Every interaction hums with danger, every glance feels like a calculated move in a deadly game. Add in the looming threat of the Threns—those soul-hungry horrors gathering beyond the walls—and the story expands from intimate psychological tension to something epic and ominous.

And the spice? Let’s just say it doesn’t soften the story—it sharpens it. The heat is tangled with power, control, and vulnerability in a way that makes every moment feel earned and a little bit dangerous.

What truly seals this as a five-star read is Asharin herself. Watching her transform from a hidden pawn into a force that could unravel an entire kingdom is deeply satisfying. She doesn’t just survive the court—she changes it.

Dark, obsessive, and dripping with intrigue, this book is a slow-burning wildfire wrapped in silk and shadows. If you love your romantasy with sharp edges, morally gray desires, and a heroine who refuses to stay hidden, this one will absolutely own you.

[scampies reads · Rating 2 out of 5]

I made it to 67% before finally calling it, and honestly, I feel like that was a generous effort.

This book started with enough intrigue across multiple plot lines to keep me going far longer than I should have, but somewhere along the way it tipped from dark and dramatic into completely unhinged. The villains are so exaggerated they become almost comical — the baron, Yvarra, the son — none of them feel grounded or believable. The king is outright insane, and the prince’s behaviour seems engineered purely for maximum shock value rather than any coherent character development.

The inconsistencies were what really broke it for me. The main character is supposedly a skilled swordswoman, yet we barely see her earn that ability. Her magic is revered by some and inexplicably ignored by others. She’s described as exceptional with horses… but never actually interacts with them in any meaningful way. She conveniently runs into danger at every turn, to the point where it feels forced rather than organic.

And then there’s the tonal whiplash. By around 60%, both the FMC and MMC have crossed into morally bankrupt territory, and not in a compelling antihero way — more in a “what am I even rooting for anymore?” sense. The scenes clearly aim to shock, but instead they come across as excessive and disconnected from the story’s internal logic.

What kept me reading as long as I did was the promise of answers — who saved her, what she actually is, where her mysterious family is — but even pushing this far, it’s clear those answers aren’t coming in any satisfying way within this book.

Ultimately, this felt like a story that prioritises drama, violence, and shock over consistency, character development, or coherent worldbuilding. If you enjoy chaotic, high-intensity storytelling and don’t mind loose logic, you might have a better time than I did.

[Sheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely could not put The Crown’s Obsession down. From the very first page, the atmosphere in the kingdom of Veynar feels so heavy and tense, especially with the mystery surrounding Asharin and her veil. I loved the "forced proximity" of the political marriage trope here—it was executed perfectly. Watching Asharin go from being an invisible, rejected daughter to the center of a volatile royal obsession was incredibly satisfying. When that veil finally comes off and the court realizes exactly what they threw away, the shift in energy is electric.

The standout for me, though, was the relationship between Asharin and Colsar. Oath Sterling did such a beautiful job writing their transition from cold hostility to a deep, intense love. Colsar is exactly the kind of "morally gray" hero I look for—dangerous and unsettling, but completely devoted in his own way. The stakes felt so much higher than just a standard palace drama, too. The looming threat of the soul-eating Threns and the hint that these royals aren't exactly human added a dark, paranormal layer that kept me on the edge of my seat. If you love high-tension romance with plenty of secrets and a touch of the supernatural, you definitely need to read this one.

[Brittni Provencher · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unique, gripping, and overall great romantasy

Really enjoyed this book! It has the elements we all love in a romantasy (enemies to lovers, secret past, royalty, well-developed plot, believable great romance, morally grey characters). But it also has fresh elements and isn’t a copy/paste of the standard romantasy genre that gets a little stale. I loved the different creatures / races and the mystery behind what Asharin’s powers / ancestry. We know enough to kinda know what’s going on, but there’s still so much to be discovered and revealed in later books. I liked how the book was separated into parts with named chapters. Also gotta love a supportive, loving, fierce, all-consuming MMC. Can’t wait to read the next book! Hoping for some more chapters from alternate POVs in the next one.

[Crystal Tipton · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had the privilege to ARC read this amazing book.

If you love a romantasy with forced marriage, enemies-to-lovers tension, and a court full of secrets, this one is definitely for you. The whole concept of Asharin being veiled her entire life and then suddenly revealed! Absolutely wild-and the fallout from that reveal kept me completely invested.
The court politics, the obsession, the love triangle... it's all so addictive. There's this constant feeling that something is about to go very wrong, and I loved that edge of danger throughout the story. Plus, the darker elements outside the court added even more depth and stakes.
If you're into possessive, morally gray characters, high tension romance, and a plot that keeps unraveling in the best way, this is one is for you. You don't want to miss out on this read!

[Nicole Janosek Cuellar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Savor this book b/c it is phenomenal

This book was recommended by someone in a FB romantasy group. I owe them an immense “Thank you!” This author has figured out the perfect recipe to creating characters with depth (you’ll love them, hate them, and love that you hate them) and a storyline that never falters or meanders into boredom.
I tried not to read this too quickly because I wanted it to last and I am still upset at myself for finishing it. Luckily there will be another book released continuing where this one left off in May. If you are on the fence about reading this or thinking of adding it to your TBR list, don’t. Don’t put it off, start reading it NOW. I promise you, you won’t regret it.

[Dusty Lu · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was unhinged so naturally I’m OBSESSED. Not in a really dark romance kinda way, just in a ‘this is a bit toxic and twisted with some seriously questionable character traits’ kinda way.

The prince is a basically a wolf shifter who survives on having precise control. The king is essentially a vampire who has a VERY obsessive nature. Both need obedience.

The FMC is anything but obedient. She’s witty, strong and on a war path for revenge. Defiant at all times. Loves to gamble and dance and drink in taverns.

❤️ Love triangles
😂 Banter
🔥 SUCH GOOD SPICE
🧛‍♀️ Blood drinking
💀 Psychotic obsession
🥵 Genuine enemies to lovers

10/10 writing!!

[Maggy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this story! From the very start, I was hooked by the plot and the complex dynamics between the characters. Asharin is such a standout protagonist—her strength and courage are inspiring, especially seeing how her past didn't break her but instead made her resilient. I’m so excited to see how her powers evolve and what secrets will be uncovered in the sequel.

​I also grew to love Colsar. Even though he frustrated me at first, his character arc was wonderful to watch. He truly proved his worth and showed Asharin just how much he’s willing to fight for her and their love. This book completely sucked me into its fantasy world—a fantastic read!

[Amy Noble · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story had me guessing all the way through. So any different twist and turns that made this story so hard to put down. Nearly every character in this story will have you hating their guts and planning their deaths at some point, with our female FMC showing so much strength and resilience time and time again throughout her journey as unwanted princess. Can’t wait to see where Ash Bear’s journey lead to next.

[See Xiong · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars.

I was in a book slump and this helped pull me back. As someone who likes discovering new authors/works that have not blown up over booktok, I thoroughly enjoyed this. The plot was plottin' and there were so many characters I hated 😂 Looking forward to book 2 and what it brings. I hope our FMC, our Ash Princess/Queen wreaks havoc on those who hurt her.

[Sarah Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you like dark romance with plot twists and morally gray characters (even FMC) then this is for you.

This was impossible to put down. The FMC was realistically imperfect with palpable growth by the end of the book. The MMCs are easy to love or hate, I still haven’t decided which. Loved the writing and can’t wait for book 2!

[Mitzi Shepherd · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book…I can’t tell you the last time I read a book this good! I don’t even know where to begin…What just happened? What is happening? What is going to happen? That’s throughout the ENTIRE book! Impossible to put down, this book had such a hold on my mind that when I woke up in the middle of the night I immediately started thinking about it and had to pick it up to read more. Easy to give this author 5 stars, I’d give 6 if I could!

[Kaylie · Rating 5 out of 5]

wonderful book!!

I loved this book! It kept my attention and was filled with twists and turns! Can’t wait for book 2!

[Amber Vosper · Rating 5 out of 5]

The start was a little slow but I was never bored, it was more like anticipation of how it will play out. I was not disappointed I really enjoyed reading this one and can't wait for the next one

[Bianca Parker · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is top tier. A must read for anyone that enjoys a good fantasy read!

[Esther Mellon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book.Loved the story line and the dialogue and the characters.It really held my attention all the way through.I understand there’s a second book in the seties which I can’t wait to read.I wsnt to know what will hsppen to each of these fascinating characters who have succeeded in sucking me into their dark, craz world.

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