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Enchanted: The Dark Secrets Series
Fate bound them. Power divided them. Love might destroy them both.
One year after claiming the Unseelie crown to protect the woman he loves, King Rune Duskthorn stands at the edge of war. His shadows keep him alive, but the light of Queen Talisandra of the Seelie Court is the only thing that makes him human. Their bond is a forbidden merging of night and day, one that defies the High Kingdom’s ancient laws.
When the High King summons them to the Solstice, veiled threats and political traps await. Rune’s proposal beneath the High King’s roof ignites a spark that could unite the realms or shatter Faerie forever.
As alliances fracture and old magic stirs, Talya must choose between the safety of her crown and the truth of her heart. Rune will burn the world before he lets her go, but even love forged by fate has a price.
In a world where shadow and light cannot coexist, what happens when they fall in love anyway?
One year after claiming the Unseelie crown to protect the woman he loves, King Rune Duskthorn stands at the edge of war. His shadows keep him alive, but the light of Queen Talisandra of the Seelie Court is the only thing that makes him human. Their bond is a forbidden merging of night and day, one that defies the High Kingdom’s ancient laws.
When the High King summons them to the Solstice, veiled threats and political traps await. Rune’s proposal beneath the High King’s roof ignites a spark that could unite the realms or shatter Faerie forever.
As alliances fracture and old magic stirs, Talya must choose between the safety of her crown and the truth of her heart. Rune will burn the world before he lets her go, but even love forged by fate has a price.
In a world where shadow and light cannot coexist, what happens when they fall in love anyway?
149 pages, Paperback
Published March 3, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
December 22, 2025
This novella was so fun! I finished the whole thing in a single sitting. It’s got drama, spice, and ultimately left me wishing the next book was already out. That ending was so ominous!
I really appreciated getting to actually see the proposal and wedding on the page for Rune and Talya. And the addition of a new furry sidekick with an adorable name? Eeee!😍
One of my favorite parts was getting to see more of Renier and Drina together. I really hope we get more of their story.
I’ll edit this into a more polished review at some point, but for now I just wanted to get some of my thoughts down. But this was an easy 5 stars from me! Kept me hooked and I couldn’t put it down once I started.
❤️ Thank you to Fay Messina for the early copy!
Disclosure: I read this early copy as part of the author’s official street team, but this review reflects my honest opinion. I received no compensation and was under no obligation to post this review. 🫶🏻
I really appreciated getting to actually see the proposal and wedding on the page for Rune and Talya. And the addition of a new furry sidekick with an adorable name? Eeee!😍
One of my favorite parts was getting to see more of Renier and Drina together. I really hope we get more of their story.
I’ll edit this into a more polished review at some point, but for now I just wanted to get some of my thoughts down. But this was an easy 5 stars from me! Kept me hooked and I couldn’t put it down once I started.
❤️ Thank you to Fay Messina for the early copy!
Disclosure: I read this early copy as part of the author’s official street team, but this review reflects my honest opinion. I received no compensation and was under no obligation to post this review. 🫶🏻
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 12, 2026
Enchanted is a continuation of Beguiled filled with adventure and court drama. Talya and Rune’s story continues in their adventures as Queen of the Seelie and King of the Unseelie. I love how the story picks up from Talya finding out who she really is and how she becomes a part of the Seelie court. I also love how Talya and Rune’s love for each other has no bounds and with her brother Renier and Drina they work to adjust to the life they have now. Their story takes a little turn when the High Kingdom King is trying to make it difficult for them. Which leads them into a war that they didn’t expect coming. I really enjoyed their story and can’t wait to read what happens next.
I voluntarily leave an honest review of this gifted advance readers copy.
I voluntarily leave an honest review of this gifted advance readers copy.
December 27, 2025
And the plot thickens! What a great novella that delves deeper into the characters and gives us a glimpse of life as being the new queen and king. This really keeps you engaged and has you wanting more but knowing you have to wait. This was a wonderful way to move away from Beguiled and prepare us for what comes next.
January 2, 2026
If you're all about those possessive, protective MMCs who'd torch the world for their girl, 🔥 this book is calling your name! Rune and Tayla are totally my vibe this month, can we talk about the sizzling tension between them...fire 🔥 .The description totally transported me to another world... are you ready to get caught up in their fiery romance and all the action....
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC REVIEW
Tropes: Political, Fated Mates, Multi POV
It was Reckless. It was Ruined. It was Love
🌶️🌶️🌶️
This novella is such a lovely second book to Beguiled (book 1) . The newly crowned Queen of the Seelie Court Talya FMC is finding her footing as threats of war linger in the air. The MMC Rune, King of the Unseelie Court begrudgingly assumed the role to protect his mate and keep peace in the Faerie Realm. Renier ( brother of the queen) & Dalya ( Knight of the Unseelie Court) are still my favorite characters and have a captivating heat between them. Balancing the weight of the thrones and the fated pull between them Rune & Talya dance between the inevitable and I'm looking forward to seeing how it all plays out in the next book.
Tropes: Political, Fated Mates, Multi POV
It was Reckless. It was Ruined. It was Love
🌶️🌶️🌶️
This novella is such a lovely second book to Beguiled (book 1) . The newly crowned Queen of the Seelie Court Talya FMC is finding her footing as threats of war linger in the air. The MMC Rune, King of the Unseelie Court begrudgingly assumed the role to protect his mate and keep peace in the Faerie Realm. Renier ( brother of the queen) & Dalya ( Knight of the Unseelie Court) are still my favorite characters and have a captivating heat between them. Balancing the weight of the thrones and the fated pull between them Rune & Talya dance between the inevitable and I'm looking forward to seeing how it all plays out in the next book.
December 23, 2025
We are once more with Rune and Talia with court intrigue. A king who sees himself above all others and a bond that recognizes no others.
While this book is about half of the first in length this book jumps into the story. We get to meet the high king and see how Rune and Talia are together.
I do think the whole high king is going to be a problem. The plot device is sort of beat up a lot throughout such short books. Rune doesn’t care and Talia warns him. Rune also needs a lot of assurance throughout.
That isn’t to say I didn’t enjoy the read. The king plays some quiet games with their lives. He is an enemy who makes moves that are meant to be seen a certain way to tell the story he wants to tell.
This book feel like it is getting us to more of the story and is needed to get us to some other point but its brevity feels more like a novella setting the stage for a much larger installment, and I so hope I am right because I feel like it could be amazing.
If you are looking for a quick fun read (and you’ve read the first book) this is a great addition to the story of the world that Fey Messina is building.
While this book is about half of the first in length this book jumps into the story. We get to meet the high king and see how Rune and Talia are together.
I do think the whole high king is going to be a problem. The plot device is sort of beat up a lot throughout such short books. Rune doesn’t care and Talia warns him. Rune also needs a lot of assurance throughout.
That isn’t to say I didn’t enjoy the read. The king plays some quiet games with their lives. He is an enemy who makes moves that are meant to be seen a certain way to tell the story he wants to tell.
This book feel like it is getting us to more of the story and is needed to get us to some other point but its brevity feels more like a novella setting the stage for a much larger installment, and I so hope I am right because I feel like it could be amazing.
If you are looking for a quick fun read (and you’ve read the first book) this is a great addition to the story of the world that Fey Messina is building.
March 18, 2026
If you’re looking for a reason to pack your bags and move to the Fae Realms despite the constant threat of war, I’ve found it, and his name is Rune Duskthorn!🖤✨
We’ve got Rune, the Unseelie King who is basically made of shadows and protective pining, and Talisandra, the Seelie Queen who is the only light he needs. Their bond is literally forbidden by ancient law, but honestly? Rules were made to be broken when the chemistry is this electric!⚡️
The stakes are sky-high in this one. They get summoned to the Solstice by the High King, and let me tell you, the political traps and veiled threats kept me on the edge of my seat. When Rune makes a certain proposal under the High King’s roof? Swoon. It’s the kind of "burn the world down for her" we all crave in a high-fantasy romance.
It’s a gorgeous, atmospheric story about whether shadow and light can actually coexist or if the price of their love will be the destruction of Faerie itself. If you live for "touch her and you die" vibes mixed with intricate court politics, add this to your TBR immediately!
✨️Thank you, Storygram Tours and Fay Messina, for sharing Enchanted with me!
We’ve got Rune, the Unseelie King who is basically made of shadows and protective pining, and Talisandra, the Seelie Queen who is the only light he needs. Their bond is literally forbidden by ancient law, but honestly? Rules were made to be broken when the chemistry is this electric!⚡️
The stakes are sky-high in this one. They get summoned to the Solstice by the High King, and let me tell you, the political traps and veiled threats kept me on the edge of my seat. When Rune makes a certain proposal under the High King’s roof? Swoon. It’s the kind of "burn the world down for her" we all crave in a high-fantasy romance.
It’s a gorgeous, atmospheric story about whether shadow and light can actually coexist or if the price of their love will be the destruction of Faerie itself. If you live for "touch her and you die" vibes mixed with intricate court politics, add this to your TBR immediately!
✨️Thank you, Storygram Tours and Fay Messina, for sharing Enchanted with me!
November 25, 2025
This is a cute little novella to add to Beguiled. This book gets 4 stars from me.
This is a good little added to the original book. The MMC will burn the world for her and she is torn at times. After the battle between the seelie and unseelie court, this leaves off with the fated connection between the MMC and the MFC. I can't give much more details otherwise it's going to be spoilers and the book isn't out yet. But this book is about how these 2 move forward and try to not cause issues with the other courts. Some answers are easy to obtain while others, fighting for love is a difficult choice that one will determine the course of action to come.
I can't wait for the next book to see what happens after the choices that are made in this book. It's short and to the point in certain aspects. I personally would have liked it better if it was more POV vs observing but it still was a good add on to the first book.
Thank you to the author for providing me with a copy to read in advance.
This is a good little added to the original book. The MMC will burn the world for her and she is torn at times. After the battle between the seelie and unseelie court, this leaves off with the fated connection between the MMC and the MFC. I can't give much more details otherwise it's going to be spoilers and the book isn't out yet. But this book is about how these 2 move forward and try to not cause issues with the other courts. Some answers are easy to obtain while others, fighting for love is a difficult choice that one will determine the course of action to come.
I can't wait for the next book to see what happens after the choices that are made in this book. It's short and to the point in certain aspects. I personally would have liked it better if it was more POV vs observing but it still was a good add on to the first book.
Thank you to the author for providing me with a copy to read in advance.
January 4, 2026
3.5 Stars ⭐️
This novella picks up after a year of bonding between Talya and Rune. Both Talya and Rune have been summoned to the High Kingdom by his majesty for the solstice feast. Beneath the veneer of the High king comes subtle hints at unwarranted court skirmishes blamed on the Unseelie, letters of threatening promises for both Talya and Rune in the guise of disrupting the balance between light and darkness. Despite the mounting tension under false pretense Talya nor Rune will be deterred from strengthening their ties in a bond forged together through a holy union to solidify their destiny. With mixed opinions in the faerie realm a dominant force sees them as treasonous and sets a war in motion against them by alienating their alliances in order to gain control over the whole realm. A quick novella that continues Talya and Runes story in the fae world. The joining of courts, a resolute High king of absolute power, quiet defiance and a love that goes unfulfilled. A descriptive fantasy realm. This quick read ends on a cliffhanger.
This novella picks up after a year of bonding between Talya and Rune. Both Talya and Rune have been summoned to the High Kingdom by his majesty for the solstice feast. Beneath the veneer of the High king comes subtle hints at unwarranted court skirmishes blamed on the Unseelie, letters of threatening promises for both Talya and Rune in the guise of disrupting the balance between light and darkness. Despite the mounting tension under false pretense Talya nor Rune will be deterred from strengthening their ties in a bond forged together through a holy union to solidify their destiny. With mixed opinions in the faerie realm a dominant force sees them as treasonous and sets a war in motion against them by alienating their alliances in order to gain control over the whole realm. A quick novella that continues Talya and Runes story in the fae world. The joining of courts, a resolute High king of absolute power, quiet defiance and a love that goes unfulfilled. A descriptive fantasy realm. This quick read ends on a cliffhanger.
January 9, 2026
Enchanted by Fay Messina
2.5 peppers and 4 stars
Now please know that I received book two as an ARC read but had to read book one first and then read book two. I fell in love with book one and I am so happy that book two did not slow down. Book two not only picks up where the first one leaves off but it also brings a more mature feeling which is understandable and it keeps the same momentum. Now a tag that I have seen for this is a love triangle but I do not get that vibe from this book. I believe the king was more of a thorn in the sides of Rune and Talya than anything else. High king is just a price of work and radiates fragile masculinity. And one thing I didn’t understand was why the prophecy was never mentioned again?? That probably could’ve solved so many issues. I love the dual relationship with Reniar and Drina as well. I’m such a rambler with my thoughts. Honestly I loved the plot better in book two than in book one. And I love that this is one of my first romantasy books that I’ve read in my adult life. Fay Messina you write beautifully and I can’t wait to explore more!!!
2.5 peppers and 4 stars
Now please know that I received book two as an ARC read but had to read book one first and then read book two. I fell in love with book one and I am so happy that book two did not slow down. Book two not only picks up where the first one leaves off but it also brings a more mature feeling which is understandable and it keeps the same momentum. Now a tag that I have seen for this is a love triangle but I do not get that vibe from this book. I believe the king was more of a thorn in the sides of Rune and Talya than anything else. High king is just a price of work and radiates fragile masculinity. And one thing I didn’t understand was why the prophecy was never mentioned again?? That probably could’ve solved so many issues. I love the dual relationship with Reniar and Drina as well. I’m such a rambler with my thoughts. Honestly I loved the plot better in book two than in book one. And I love that this is one of my first romantasy books that I’ve read in my adult life. Fay Messina you write beautifully and I can’t wait to explore more!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 20, 2026
I received an ARC of this book; All opinions are my own.
4/5 ⭐️
2.5 🌶
If you like a fae world, magic, dark secrets, court intrigue, this book is for you.
I did not read Book 1 before starting Enchanted, which is more of a 1.5 and while I do think reading Beguiled first would add more background, I was still able to follow the story enough to understand the characters, plot, and relationships in this story.
Enchanted takes place about one year after Book 1, with Talya and Rune separated by duty and obligation, having not seen each other during that time. The emotional tension created by that distance is felt immediately, which sets the tone for this story.
This story surrounds the themes of the fated mate bond, obligation, longing, and restraint, all wrapped in fae court politics with a hint danger. It’s a short read but it prepares you for what’s to come in book 2. It ends on a cliffhanger, and it will definitely leave you wanting more.
Thank you Fay Messina and Haylingbookstormltd for the ARC.
4/5 ⭐️
2.5 🌶
If you like a fae world, magic, dark secrets, court intrigue, this book is for you.
I did not read Book 1 before starting Enchanted, which is more of a 1.5 and while I do think reading Beguiled first would add more background, I was still able to follow the story enough to understand the characters, plot, and relationships in this story.
Enchanted takes place about one year after Book 1, with Talya and Rune separated by duty and obligation, having not seen each other during that time. The emotional tension created by that distance is felt immediately, which sets the tone for this story.
This story surrounds the themes of the fated mate bond, obligation, longing, and restraint, all wrapped in fae court politics with a hint danger. It’s a short read but it prepares you for what’s to come in book 2. It ends on a cliffhanger, and it will definitely leave you wanting more.
Thank you Fay Messina and Haylingbookstormltd for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Quick question for you: what kind of love would it take for you to risk everything, even at the cost of your life, to declare your love for another person? And not just to declare your love, but to follow through and follow your heart? That IS this book!
My favorite quote from the book sums this up SO well: "I risked everything the day I feel in love with you." (from Rune to Talya)
This is only the second book I’ve read by Fay Messina and I found this to be a completely mesmerizing, otherworldly read. Between the descriptions of the fae world, the castle, the banter between the characters – I have so far found this series and especially this second book completely addictive! I could not stop reading until the very end and it has left me wanting more. I can’t wait till the next book comes out. I may have said this in my review of the first book, Beguiled, but if you love a great romantasy read having to do with the fae you will absolutely want to pick up a copy of this book!
My favorite quote from the book sums this up SO well: "I risked everything the day I feel in love with you." (from Rune to Talya)
This is only the second book I’ve read by Fay Messina and I found this to be a completely mesmerizing, otherworldly read. Between the descriptions of the fae world, the castle, the banter between the characters – I have so far found this series and especially this second book completely addictive! I could not stop reading until the very end and it has left me wanting more. I can’t wait till the next book comes out. I may have said this in my review of the first book, Beguiled, but if you love a great romantasy read having to do with the fae you will absolutely want to pick up a copy of this book!
Review of advance copy
ARC Review
⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Enchanted takes place a year after the events at the end of Beguiled. We get to explore more of the fae realm in this book which I really enjoyed. I also liked getting to know new characters, particularly the High King. I have a feeling he’s going to cause an awful lot of trouble for Talya and Rune in the future.
There were times throughout the book when I felt there was a lot of repetition or that descriptions were drawn out for far longer than they needed to be. In contrast, some events seemed to happen really quickly when they would have benefitted from being given more page time.
With that being said, I did really enjoy reading Enchanted and I’m excited to see what happens next in the series. Thank you very much to Fay Messina and Book Buzz PR for my ARC of this book.
⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Enchanted takes place a year after the events at the end of Beguiled. We get to explore more of the fae realm in this book which I really enjoyed. I also liked getting to know new characters, particularly the High King. I have a feeling he’s going to cause an awful lot of trouble for Talya and Rune in the future.
There were times throughout the book when I felt there was a lot of repetition or that descriptions were drawn out for far longer than they needed to be. In contrast, some events seemed to happen really quickly when they would have benefitted from being given more page time.
With that being said, I did really enjoy reading Enchanted and I’m excited to see what happens next in the series. Thank you very much to Fay Messina and Book Buzz PR for my ARC of this book.
December 31, 2025
3.5 stars, rounded to 4. I found this story a bit hard to get into, as I didn't realize it was the 2nd book in a series. However, I did enjoy the story overall.
Queen Talya of Seelie and King Rune of Unseelie have fallen in love. They have decided to choose their love over the laws of the High Kingdom. (Seelie kingdom brings light, while the Unseelie is darkness and shadows).
The High King invites them both to the Solstice before knowing of Rune's plan to propose. The High King believes the way forward is to forge a union between himself and Queen Tayla.
This was a fast-paced book, and that worked for me. I enjoyed the scenes between Renier and Drina. I hope Fay continues the story and allows for more of their story to develop.
Queen Talya of Seelie and King Rune of Unseelie have fallen in love. They have decided to choose their love over the laws of the High Kingdom. (Seelie kingdom brings light, while the Unseelie is darkness and shadows).
The High King invites them both to the Solstice before knowing of Rune's plan to propose. The High King believes the way forward is to forge a union between himself and Queen Tayla.
This was a fast-paced book, and that worked for me. I enjoyed the scenes between Renier and Drina. I hope Fay continues the story and allows for more of their story to develop.
January 3, 2026
Following on from Beguiled, Enchanted is a banter filled romantasy novella steeped in defiance.
Rune and Talya continue their relationship despite the High King's disapproval. They visit the High Kingdom for the Winter Solstice but when tensions rise, they flee. Their escape is not easy and after a brief respite in the Seelie court, our duo, their friends and subjects have to band together like never before. How this ends will be revealed in Unveiled in July 2026.
A good bridge between the two books to take us from one war to another. I love a battle in a fantasy book.
I do think that some of the writing and formatting could have been more consistent and there were some continuity errors.
Rune and Talya continue their relationship despite the High King's disapproval. They visit the High Kingdom for the Winter Solstice but when tensions rise, they flee. Their escape is not easy and after a brief respite in the Seelie court, our duo, their friends and subjects have to band together like never before. How this ends will be revealed in Unveiled in July 2026.
A good bridge between the two books to take us from one war to another. I love a battle in a fantasy book.
I do think that some of the writing and formatting could have been more consistent and there were some continuity errors.
December 27, 2025
I read this as a stand-alone not realising this was a novella. It was a bit tricky to place characters and world build because of this but no doubt still a great story. I enjoyed the bond, the sneaky shadows, and connection between Rune and Talya, I’m a sucker for fate bound. A little bit of spice and lots of love! I’m excited to read the next book and actually “have to”, after ending on a cliff hanger I am desperate to see where their journey together begins and ends. Well done Fay Messina….bring on the next one!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I really enjoyed this second installment and getting to know the characters more. Our FMC is now fully well versed in her power and this confidence means she's not pulling any punches or willing to be told what she should be doing by anyone. In this second book we get to see more of the lovely world that the author has created. There is also a major villian introduced and I am excited to see what happens next!
Review of advance copy
4.25 stars 💫
I really enjoyed reading this novella in the Dark Secrets Series. It continues to follow the FMC/MMC from the first book in the series, Enchanted, and what they do next. I can't wait to find out how the decisions made in the novella impact the story in the next book. That's all I'm going to say because I don't want to give anything away.
Highly recommend!
I really enjoyed reading this novella in the Dark Secrets Series. It continues to follow the FMC/MMC from the first book in the series, Enchanted, and what they do next. I can't wait to find out how the decisions made in the novella impact the story in the next book. That's all I'm going to say because I don't want to give anything away.
Highly recommend!
December 21, 2025
The perfect edition of a novella to this series. This gave me enough to be satisfied but still left me wanting the next installment ASAP! With the way this one ended I just know the next book is going to be even better! Obsessed with this series and can’t wait to see where the author takes it!
January 3, 2026
Enchanted by Fay Messina is the second book in the Dark Secrets series and it follows Rune and Talya and it is a ride!! if you're looking for a new fantasy series to dive into this is for you!! Both books are out now on KU!!
Review of advance copy
This was a short novella. This book was short and to the point. Can I get the next installment please. I love this series and ready to see where this goes.
Received this as an ARC read.
Received this as an ARC read.
December 23, 2025
The yearning!!! This novella left me wanting more!!! Highly recommended.
December 22, 2025
Forbidden Love Meets Political Firestorm!
If you loved the first book, prepare for an intensely pivotal continuation! This installment immediately thrusts us into the high-stakes consequences of the Seelie and Unseelie conflict, and the tension between our main couple is off the charts.
The dynamic between King Rune Duskthorn (MMC) and Queen Talisandra (MFC) is the absolute core. Rune is breathtakingly committed—the kind of hero who would "burn the world" for his queen—but Talisandra's conflicted feelings and strategic mind keep the emotional balance beautifully tense.
The narrative is a masterful blend of political maneuvering and personal sacrifice as they fight to stabilize their bond without starting another inter-court war. Their forbidden love isn't just personal; it's a political landmine, and the choice they face will ultimately determine the future trajectory of the realms.
It's a concise, impactful read that expertly leads us to the next cliffhanger. My only wish? To have had a closer POV to dive deeper into their emotional chaos! A strong and absolutely necessary entry that leaves you desperate for the next book! A must-read for series fans!
Thank you to BookbuzzPR and Fay Messina for gifting me this book.
If you loved the first book, prepare for an intensely pivotal continuation! This installment immediately thrusts us into the high-stakes consequences of the Seelie and Unseelie conflict, and the tension between our main couple is off the charts.
The dynamic between King Rune Duskthorn (MMC) and Queen Talisandra (MFC) is the absolute core. Rune is breathtakingly committed—the kind of hero who would "burn the world" for his queen—but Talisandra's conflicted feelings and strategic mind keep the emotional balance beautifully tense.
The narrative is a masterful blend of political maneuvering and personal sacrifice as they fight to stabilize their bond without starting another inter-court war. Their forbidden love isn't just personal; it's a political landmine, and the choice they face will ultimately determine the future trajectory of the realms.
It's a concise, impactful read that expertly leads us to the next cliffhanger. My only wish? To have had a closer POV to dive deeper into their emotional chaos! A strong and absolutely necessary entry that leaves you desperate for the next book! A must-read for series fans!
Thank you to BookbuzzPR and Fay Messina for gifting me this book.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews