Mate of a Royal

Lords of Rathe #3

by Meagan Brandy, Amo Jones

LEGEND DEVERAUX was raised to rule. Son of the late king of Dark Magic, he is the youngest king Rathe has ever seen.
Haide wasn't raised at all. Born on Exile Island, where the royals of Rathe toss their most vile creatures, chaos isn't all she knows. It's
When their worlds collide, the king's ancient magic calls to her.
The bond ignites instantly, volatile, undeniable, dangerously wrong
She isn't the mate he expected. Her power is stunted by the cursed land that shaped her. Yet she sets fire to his veins, the only person who makes his fractured soul feel whole. So, Legend takes her to Rathe University to awaken what lies beneath her skin.
His brothers warn him against her. His people detest her very existence. He doesn't care. He wants her at his side, on her knees, and in his bed. She is his.
Then the murders begin. The gifted fall without warning Bloodlines vanish. And with every death, Legend's magic begins to die with them. Something ancient, violent is rising in Rathe, and every accusation points to the king's fated mate.
If she truly is his at all.

Genres: Fantasy, Dark Romance, Romance, Enemies To Lovers, Fantasy Romance, Romantasy, Paranormal

321 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 23, 2026

About the author

USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author Meagan Brandy writes angsty, New Adult romance books with a twist. Starbucks is her best friend and words are her sanity.

Reviews

[Van nee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can't wait for Legend and Haide's story to release!

[Kursed Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Born on Exile Island, Haide is ruthless and unhinged, a product of her brutal upbringing. She’s also, apparently, fated to Legend Deveraux.

When Legend forces her to return to Rathe with him, Haide wants nothing more than to escape back to the Island. Wary of both her and the supposed bond between them, Creed strikes a deal: help them, and she’ll earn her way home. But those plans quickly unravel when Haide becomes the prime suspect in a string of escalating murders and someone seems determined to frame her.

Meanwhile, the four crowned kings of Rathe make the questionable decision to reopen Rathe University. Officially, it’s to protect the gifted. Unofficially, it gives them the perfect cover to investigate the brutal murders plaguing the kingdom.

It’s been a while since we’ve been in Rathe, and I’d forgotten just how much I love these characters and this world. The Deveraux brothers are absolutely ruthless, and Legend is no exception. Yes, he’s a walking red flag, but there’s so much more beneath the surface than his sharp edges and questionable choices. From the very beginning, it’s obvious that Haide is his perfect match. She’s one of the few people capable of challenging him, and she gives as good as she gets.

What I somehow missed going into this book was that their story is a duet. Imagine my shock when I hit the final page and realized there wasn’t another chapter. 😳 I was completely dumbstruck when I hit the end!! I absolutely cannot wait for the conclusion to their story in Mate of a Monster. Haide and Legend are going to go scorched earth and I am here for it.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Format: 📱

🗄️ Genre: Contemporary Romance
🗂️ Subgenre(s): New Adult, Paranormal/Fantasy, Psychological Thriller

Ending: 🧗🏻‍♀️ {Cliffy}
Length: 📚📚📚
POV: 👫🏻 {Dual | Present}
Emotions: 🤭🫣🥵🤬😳
Darkness: 🖤
Burn: 🔥🔥🔥1/2
Spice: 🌶️🌶️

✨ Tropes: Enemies-to-Lovers, Family Saga, Fated Mate, Forced Proximity, Heroine in Danger, Kidnapped/Captive, Rich Boy x Poor Girl
 
💫 Microtropes: Badass FMC, Boy Obsessed, Caveman/Bridal Carry, Growly, Hand Necklace, He Falls First, He Falls Harder, Lap Sitting, Pet Name (Little Menace/Monster), Sassy FMC, Scent Marking, Tragic Past

🔆 Character: Non-Human, Royalty, Student

💋 Kinks: Audience

🤰🏻 Pregnancy: n/a

🚩 Red Flags: Alphahole, Jealous/Possessive/Obsessive, Manipulation, MINE!, Touch-Her-and-💀

⛔️ Safety Squad: Unaliving, Violence, and other potentially triggering elements. Triggers may appear both on- and off-page and in the past and/or present. If you have any hesitation, check the warnings before diving in. Otherwise, blind is best!!

📍 Setting: Rathe

📣 Type: Mate of a Royal is part of the Lords of Rathe series and ends on a cliffhanger.

⚠️ Warning: The hate-to-want-you in this one will give you whiplash and sticky thighs

🛑 Be Advised: My Goodreads shelves are … explicit in both senses. As such, they could be considered spoiler-y.

[Amanda Blanche]

I was very lucky to receive an advance e-ARC to read of this book. I will admit I did not read the first two books in the series (as I didn’t know about them until I started reading). Took me a minute to catch on, but I got there.

This is a gritty, banter filled, angsty story with so much banter, a feral FMC, a smirking MMC and a mate bond. I can’t tell you how much I enjoyed Haide as a FMC, because it’s rare you see a woman represented as so brutal. Like barbaric. But it grows on you. It’s a consistent pace, no dragging. There is magic, murders, and plots a plenty - plus the family dynamic of 4 king brothers.

I’m not rating because I need to go read the first two books, I feel a bit disconnected and I don’t want to hold that against the book because I read it out of order.

[Kelse K · Rating 5 out of 5]

FOAR and FOAF absolutely wrecked me before putting my pieces back together 😫 love all the Deveraux brothers and London. Looking forward to Legend and Haide’s story!
🤎🧸

[ashlee ❤ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Legend + Haide

-dark academia
-romantasy
-forced proximity
-touch her & d!e
-he falls harder
-predator x predator

welp. in true amo fashion the ending has me screaming WHAT THE FUCK??? while simultaneously, in true meagan fashion, it has me asking WHYYYYY??? sooo. i guess you could say…were in the right track 🙂🙃😆 but seriously these two came in crazy like a hurricane & NEVERRRR let up & the plot twist cliffhanger has my jaw dropping!!

[Aundi Living That Book Life · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Queens are back and better than ever! I was beginning to think we weren’t going to get anymore books in this series. But the wait was worth it, for what they delivered.

Legend Deveraux is the youngest king in Rathe’s history, carrying the weight of a kingdom and a powerful bloodline. Haide is his complete opposite. She was raised on Exile Island, a place built on cruelty and isolation. She isn’t polished, she isn’t accepted, and she is definitely not the mate anyone expected for the king—including Legend himself.

Their immediate bond is tested by everything working against them. Legend's family doesn’t trust her, and his people don’t want her. The closer Haide gets to the throne, the more dangerous her existence becomes.

Haide was easily my favorite part of the story. She walks into a world that already hates her and refuses to shrink herself to make anyone comfortable. Watching her uncover the truth about her power while navigating a kingdom that sees her as a threat kept me turning pages.

The fantasy elements build a solid foundation around the romance. You get dark magic, ancient threats, political tension, and a murder mystery that grows more dangerous as gifted citizens begin dying. It strikes a great balance between the relationship and the broader plot. If you love fated mates, forbidden attraction, and a heroine everyone underestimates, you'll want to add this to your TBR.

[Lager Lefse Book Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best part of this book is that it was co-written by two phenomenal authors. Individually, they shine at their craft, but together, it was difficult to tell who had written what. That is perfection when reading a co-authored book.

Legend and Haide were imperfectly perfect. They are chaos and vicious words, snarls and teeth, and messy and raw. To one half, they are perfect for each other, for the other half, there is denial, yet, when together they just vibe with the other, even when it’s laced with sarcasm and mean words.

I have waited a long while to get to Legend’s story and Legend is here to say his peace. He is defiant to his family when he genuinely believes in something, while his family is just looking out for him. Haide is a lost little bird, transplanted into a situation that is not normal to her, so she defaults to her ‘factory reset’ setting of knife, defend and fight. Slowly, she begins to feel that Legend may be her mate, if she even knew what that was supposed to feel like.

I’m skipping to the good stuff, the MASSIVE hangover to be had at the end. Oh.Em.Gee! Ladies, I seriously cannot wait for Mate of a Monster (available for pre-order now)! Legend, Haide, and the crew have me jonesing for the next words from any of these characters and what you actually meant by that last sentence. Congratulations on a job well done!!

[Ash]

I just know this is gonna be a another 5 ⭐️ (to be reviewed later)

[The Romantic Rush Blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

THE QUEENS OF EMOTIONAL CHAOS ARE BACK!

A king born from dark magic. A girl forged in exile where survival is the only law. And a bond that should not exist but absolutely refuses to be ignored. This book is dark academia fantasy romance chaos with a mate bond, a morally gray king, a predator vs predator dynamic, and banter that had me stressed and cackling at the same time. Amo Jones chaos + Meagan Brandy emotional angst is the most dynamic recipe!

Legend Deveraux is one of the newly crowned Kings of Rathe, born into a world dripping in dark magic, power, and ruthless legacy. Haide, on the other hand, is from Exile Island where survival is the only law, power is a rumor, and “ungifted” basically means you either learn to fight or you die. So when Legend shows up claiming she is his fated mate and drags her into Rathe University, it is already unhinged from the start.

And Haide? She is not going quietly. She is feral in the best way, all claws and teeth and survival instinct, rejecting a bond she refuses to believe in even while it hums under her skin like a lie she cannot quite outrun. Legend, meanwhile, is already way gone. Possessive, obsessed, unrelenting. The kind of hero who looks at her like she is both his ruin and his religion and decides he does not care which one wins.

Their dynamic is pure volatility. Predator meets predator. Every interaction is tension, resistance, and that slow, maddening pull toward something neither of them is emotionally equipped to handle. And layered into all of that is a kingdom unraveling. Murders are happening, accusations are flying, and suddenly Haide is not just a girl out of place, she is a suspect in something far bigger and far more dangerous than she understands.

The world itself feels like a pressure cooker. Rathe University, the royal politics, the brotherly suspicion from Creed, the shifting magic system, everything is working against them while also forcing them into closer and closer proximity. It is dark academia wrapped in fantasy chaos, laced with mind games, secrets, and the kind of tension that makes you forget to breathe for a second.

And I have to say it, Haide completely stole the show for me. She is not softened for anyone. She is brutal, defensive, sharp-edged in a way that feels almost uncomfortable at times, but also incredibly compelling. A girl built by violence and survival, now suddenly thrown into a world where she might be something more than what she was made to be. Watching her slowly crack open to that possibility, while still refusing to be controlled by it, was everything. SHe’s the kind of heroine Amo and Meagan excel at creating.

Legend is just as intense in the opposite direction. He does not ask for space in her life, he takes it. But not in a way that feels hollow or performative. It is that dangerous, magnetic pull of someone who recognizes something in her that no one else does and refuses to let go, even when everything is telling him to.

Together, they are explosive. With so much going on around them too. Magic, murder, political tension, shifting alliances, and emotional stakes that keep climbing until everything finally snaps.
Also, if you are new to this world, read Fate of a Royal first. I think it helps a lot for world building.

Tropes / What to expect:
• Fated Mates / Mate Bond
• Mate Rejection
• Enemies to Lovers
• Predator x Predator Dynamic
• Dark Academia Fantasy
• Forced Proximity
• Morally Gray Royal Hero
• Feral, Survival-Driven Heroine
• Touch Her and Die Energy
• Mystery
• Royal Family Drama
• Banter Heavy / Angsty Tension
• Slow Burn
• Cliffhanger Ending
• Dark Magic / Fantasy Politics

[Dez✨ · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️ (and honestly, that might be a generous three.)

I usually enjoy Meagan Brandy’s books. She’s one of those authors I can count on for a quick read romance that keeps me entertained, so I was excited to see her step into romantasy. Unfortunately, I don’t think this genre is her strongest.

This book felt like it took every popular romantasy trope and tossed them into a blender. Dragons? Check. A magical university? Check. A mysterious codex? Check. Magical classes (yes… Spellchemy), and just about every familiar fantasy element you can think of. Individually, none of these are bad ideas, but together they never felt cohesive.
That’s probably my biggest issue with the book. There was genuine potential here, but the world-building was rushed, the pacing chaotic, and the overall execution felt messy. Instead of taking time to establish the rules of the world or develop the characters, everything seemed to happen at once, making it difficult to fully invest in either.

The FMC was honestly a tough sell for me at first, though she did improve as the story went on. The MMC was likable enough, but by the end I still felt like I barely knew him—or his brothers, despite how important they’re supposed to be.
There were quite a few sections where I found myself skimming because they felt unimportant to the larger story. It’s never a great sign when your attention keeps wandering in a fantasy novel where the world itself should be pulling you in.
That said, the ending did enough to keep me interested. While I saw most of it coming, there was one twist I genuinely enjoyed, and it was enough to convince me to pick up the second book once it’s released. I’m hoping the sequel slows down, expands the world, and gives these characters the depth they were missing here.

Overall, Fate of a Royal wasn’t a terrible read, but it felt like a romantasy built from familiar pieces without taking the time to make them feel unique. There are glimpses of what this series could have become but we will see what happens in part two.

[Karen Mc · Rating 5 out of 5]

“You think you hate me now? Wait until you love me.”

Fantasy. A genre that’s usually not my thing. But when the Queen Duo of Meagan Brandy and Amo Jones pen a romantasy book, there’s zero hesitation. I’ll dive in blindly because their writing is just that incredible.

Okay, Mate of a Royal, just WOW! What in world did I read and when can I have more?!? Days later and I’m still speechless. Legend and Haide held me hostage, hypnotizing me by their journey that felt like I was walking through fire with them. Mate of a Royal is unyielding and unrelenting … and oh my was I slayed!

I won’t divulge the plot of this tale that I’m still trying to wrap my head around days later. Prepare to go on the enchanting and death-defying adventure of a lifetime with these fated mates as you encounter one surprise or shock after another. I just knew that I needed Haide and Legend’s story after meeting them in first duet of this series.

I could instantly feel the deep connection between the hero and heroine. I had the biggest girl crush on Haide, a hunter and warrior princess who’s the perfect match for Legend, the all alpha king. Their chemistry blazes and burns, so energizing and enticing, a pulse that pounds the pages. The cat and mouse games and cut-throat dialogue were my undoing. Oh mylanta! The banter was definitely bantering.

Mate of a Royal, you completely captivated and claimed this non-fantasy reader. I had no choice but to succumb to this extraordinary story of fated mates, alternate realms, twists and turns, devastating danger, and all the feels. Mate of a Royal is brilliant, breathtaking and devastatingly beautiful. IT’S EVERYTHING! I’m aching for more.

💋💋💋💋💋💋 but worth all the bold and burning kisses

➡️ https://amzn.to/4v0CxjI

Reviewed on behalf of Bookalicious Babes Blog

[Victoria Weston · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book 3 in this series and when these two authors get together you just know your about to read something incredible. This is Legend and Haide's story which concludes in book 4.

What to expect
💀Predator x Predator Dynamic
💀Enemies-to-Lovers,
💀Touch Her and 💀
💀Dark Academia Fantasy
💀Forced Proximity, Heroine in Danger, Kidnapped/Captive, Rich Boy x Poor Girl
💀Fated Mates / Mate Bond
Mate Rejection
💀Dark Magic
💀Morally Gray Hero
💀Angsty

Legend Deveraux is one of the crowned Kings of Rathe. He is completely obsessed and totally
unhinged and he seems to think Haide is his fated mate.
Haide is a true bad a s s, who is extremely strong and all she's known is survival and instinct. She is so fierce and just as ruthless as Legend is. All Haide wanted was nothing more than to escape back to the Island she is real unsure of the bond between her and Legend.
(NO SPOILERS)

This world is dark, twisty, full of angst and the story keeps you guessing. I loved the banter and how the fmc gave as good as she got. These two were perfectly matched and they were fabulous to read about. These characters, wow, just wow I absolutely loved them both they are real kickass asess and the way they are together is raw, feral and so intense you can feel every word on the page. They have alot of push and pull between each other.
This storyline flows throughout fantastically and there is no let up, all the twists and turns and the shockers especially that cliffhanger...... WHATTTTTT!!! These two authors always know how to keep the reader on their toes and at the edge of they're seat,I was fully immersed in this world and totally hooked.

I highly recommend this series, but definitely start with book one so you can get the feel of the world and so you don't miss anything.

♥Queens of Darkness
♥Queens of Angst

[Natasha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Holy cheese balls Batman?! What did I just read? 

So I have been in a massive book slump since like April - I haven't even picked up a book in all of May & the couple books I picked up before this one in June I never even finished. But we all know I that I love Meagan's books & she's an Auto-Buy author for me & I also love Amo's dark romances. And I fell in love with the Lord's of Rathe and have been dying for Mate of a Royal for yearssss. So I was excited when this book hit my Kindle! And now you're telling me I need to wait for the next one after how this one ended?! 

So first - while it isn't necessary I HIGHLY recommend you read Fate of a Royal duet before diving into Mate of a Royal - each duet follows different MC's but they tie in together. 

Mate of a Royal follows Legend Deveraux who is one of the newly appointed kings of Rathe with his brothers. A royal born in a world of dark magic. And Haide who was born on exile Island where the most vile creatures are banished from the kingdom, with no powers, no laws only death. So when they collide - and their bonds snap in place it is volatile and wrong but Legend only sees her, despite his magic dying. And to top everything off - a string of murders start happening all around the kingdom and all accusations point to her. 

Seriously, WHAT?! So first, I LOVED being back in Rathe & now I may need to reread the Fate of a Royal duet AND Mate of a Royal - to immerse myself back in the whole world. But this book was a crazy whirlwind that had me in a chokehold. I felt all the emotions while reading this book, I love the dark & twisted world of Rathe, the magic & these characters & I cannot wait for the next in the series to see how everything plays out.

4.5 ⭐ out of 5⭐. 

[Cinderella (Nysa Bookish) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mate of a Royal centres on Legend Deveraux, one of Rathe’s new kings, born into a world of dark magic, and Haide, a fierce survivor from the lawless, deadly Exile Island. When their paths cross, the mate bond snaps into place—volatile, forbidden, and undeniable—even as Legend’s magic fades and Haide becomes the main suspect in a string of murders shaking the kingdom.

The story is gritty and packed with sharp banter, featuring a brutally strong heroine and an obsessive, possessive king. Haide, labelled as “ungifted,” is dragged from exile to Rathe University, where she resists the bond with everything she has, even as the chemistry between them boils over. Accused of siphoning magic and hunted by Legend’s brother, she must fight for survival and for the truth, while discovering powers she never knew she had.

Fast-paced and filled with magic, murder, and royal family drama, the book delivers constant twists and explosive tension. The emotional stakes soar, especially in the final chapters, leaving you reeling from the revelations and desperate for the next instalment. This is a scorching, wild ride of a fantasy romance that keeps you guessing—and gasping—until the very last page.

[Awilda Mercedes · Rating 4 out of 5]

ok so i need everyone to DROP WHAT THEY’RE DOING because Mate of a Royal just did something to me and i haven’t recovered 😮‍💨
there are books that pull you in gently — and then there’s this one, which grabs you by the throat and doesn’t let go.
a king born into dark magic. a girl forged on exile island where there are no laws, no powers, only death. a mate bond that snaps into place between two people who were never supposed to find each other.
his magic is dying because of her. and he still can’t look away. 🖤
✦ feral FMC who was built different ✦ smirking, possessive MMC who only sees her ✦ banter so unhinged i was cackling ✦ angst that made me physically stressed ✦ murder accusations thrown into the mix because WHY NOT ✦ that ending. THAT ENDING.
⚠️ highly recommend reading the Fate of a Royal duet first — different MCs but the same world and the way it all ties together is chef’s kiss — you’ll thank me later
i’m hanging on by a thread and i need someone to talk to me about this immediately 📖🔥

Things to know
Touch her & die, dark academia fantasy, he falls harder, predator meets predator, morally gray king, forced proximity, ends in a cliffhanger, violence, gore, murder, blood, blood play, hunter / prey dynamic, bully romance, off-page discussions of massacre, and sex on the page

[KASH · Rating 5 out of 5]

ʟᴇᴛ ᴛʜᴇᴍ sᴇᴇ ᴡʜᴀᴛ ʜᴀᴘᴘᴇɴs ᴡʜᴇɴ ʏᴏᴜ ɢɪᴠᴇ ᴀ ᴍᴏɴsᴛᴇʀ ʜɪs ғᴀᴠᴏʀɪᴛᴇ sɴᴀᴄᴋ.

We are FINALLY back at Rathe U- and I AM SCREAMING!!!
I was waiiiting ever so 𝘪𝘮patiently for Legend Devereaux and Meagan & Amo did not disappoint. He's possessive, and down badddd for our girl Haide. So full of banter and angst, this book had everything I needed and then some to pull me out of my funk this month – I ate it upp!! I cannot wait for the next part of their story, because that ending?! Horn/melllllllt
Although, it’s not needed, I would definitely recommend starting at the beginning with 𝐹𝑎𝑡𝑒 𝑂𝑓 𝐴 𝑅𝑜𝑦𝑎𝑙.
As always, my fave quotes ￬￬

. . ɪ ᴡᴀɴᴛ ᴍʏ ᴄʜᴀɪɴs. 
ᴀɴᴅ ɪ ᴡᴀɴᴛ ᴛʜᴇᴍ ɴᴏᴡ.

sʜᴇ ᴅᴏᴇsɴ’ᴛ ᴋɴᴏᴡ ɪ ᴅʀᴇᴀᴍ ᴀʙᴏᴜᴛ ʜᴇʀ. ᴛʜᴀᴛ ɪ sᴍᴇʟʟ ʜᴇʀ ᴡʜᴇɴ ᴛʜᴇʀᴇ’s ɴᴏᴛʜɪɴɢ ʙᴜᴛ sᴍᴏᴋᴇ ᴀɴᴅ ʙᴏɴᴇ ᴀʀᴏᴜɴᴅ ᴍᴇ. ᴛʜᴀᴛ ʜᴇʀ ᴠᴏɪᴄᴇ ʟɪᴠᴇs ɪɴsɪᴅᴇ ᴍʏ sᴋᴜʟʟ ʟɪᴋᴇ ᴀ ʙʀᴀɴᴅ ɪ ᴄᴀɴ’ᴛ ʙᴜʀɴ ᴏᴜᴛ.

ʏᴏᴜ ᴛʜɪɴᴋ ʏᴏᴜ ʜᴀᴛᴇ ᴍᴇ ɴᴏᴡ? 
. . ᴊᴜsᴛ ᴡᴀɪᴛ ᴜɴᴛɪʟ ʏᴏᴜ ʟᴏᴠᴇ ᴍᴇ.

ᴄᴀʟʟ ᴍᴇ ǫᴜᴇᴇɴ ᴀɢᴀɪɴ, ᴀɴᴅ ɪ’ʟʟ ᴄʀᴏᴡɴ ᴍʏsᴇʟғ ᴡɪᴛʜ ʏᴏᴜʀ sᴘɪɴᴇ.

ɪ sᴡᴇᴀʀ ᴛᴏ ᴛʜᴇ ɢᴏᴅs, ʜᴀɪᴅᴇ, ɪ’ᴍ ɢᴏɴɴᴀ ғ___ ʏᴏᴜ ᴀɢᴀɪɴsᴛ ᴛʜɪs ᴛʀᴇᴇ ᴜɴᴛɪʟ ɪ ғᴏʀɢᴇᴛ ᴡʜᴀᴛ ɪ ᴡᴀs ᴍᴀᴅ ᴀʙᴏᴜᴛ.

sᴛᴀʏ. ɪ’ᴍ ɴᴏᴛ ᴀsᴋɪɴɢ.

ɪ’ᴠᴇ ɢᴏᴛ ʏᴏᴜ,
              . . .ᴇᴠᴇʀʏ ғ______ ɪɴᴄʜ ᴏғ ʏᴏᴜ.

ɪ ᴡᴀɴᴛ ʜᴇʀ ᴛᴏ ʙʀᴇᴀᴋ ᴏᴘᴇɴ ᴜɴᴛɪʟ ʜᴀʟғ ᴏғ ᴍᴇ ᴍᴀᴋᴇs ᴜᴘ ᴛʜᴇ ᴏᴛʜᴇʀ ʜᴀʟғ ᴏғ ʜᴇʀ.

ɪ ʀᴜɪɴ ᴇᴠᴇʀʏᴛʜɪɴɢ ɪ ᴛᴏᴜᴄʜ.
𝘗𝘦𝘳𝘧𝘦𝘤𝘵.
             . . 𝘐’𝘮 𝘢𝘭𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘺 𝘳𝘶𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘥.

[Nicki Boyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

🖤ARC REVIEW🖤

"I'll burn this whole f-ing realm down before I let anything happen to her."

"Welcome to Exile Island."

"This is a place of nightmares. Not dreams."

"You think you hate me now? Just wait until you love me."

Mate Of A Royal (Lords of Rathe Book 3)
By Meagan Brandy & Amo Jones

Ummmmm excuse me????? This book was freaking EPIC!!!! I need the next one like yesterday!

We have the youngest Deveraux brother, Legend. He has found his mate Haide. Queen of Exile Island. Black soul through and through, but he digs it.

She fights him the entire time. I mean he does kidnap her and claim her as his....sooooo, sis is none too happy with him. And this man is OBSESSED, POSSESED, INFATUATED you name it. And its hotttt!!!

Haide has no idea what a mate bond is, she has no idea of Legends world and she is just thrown into it all. People fear her as they should, all while Legend is in awe of her and cheering for her in the corner! Lol

I truly truly cannot wait for the next book. This freaking story kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time. And that ending? What do you mean? I laughed, I cried, I fanned myself, alll the things. Buckle up kiddos, this book is wild and dark and unhinged in the best freaking way!

Thank you Meagan, Amo and Entangled Publishing for this advanced copy! Truly honored!!

@meaganbrandyauthor @darkromancemommy @entangled_publishing

#arcreview #mateofaroyal #lordsofrathe #meaganbrandy #amojones

[Vea · Rating 5 out of 5]

O. M. G. What just happened?!

I knew something big was coming considering the queens of plot twists teamed up for this one, but WHAT?! I absolutely loved the first two books, and this one was just as good.

What's interesting is that Haide wasn’t someone I could relate to at all, but I think that’s exactly why I loved her so much. She was completely unpredictable, chaotic, and kept me guessing with every decision she made. I just kept thinking "this girl.. ofcourse she would".

And then there’s Legend. I loved that he was the one chasing her from the very beginning. Their chemistry was amazing, and the banter between them never missed. Every interaction had me hooked. As for his brothers .. hmm I have some words to say but we must be missing something huge in this entire plot. Hopefully the next book will give some answers.

As for that ending… I’m not even going to talk about it because my brain needs 4–5 business days to process whatever that was. I need the next book immediately.

[V · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had me in a CHOKEHOLD! And it was really refreshing because I’ve been in a bad book slump for months! I will say that I definitely thought that Creed was her other mate because of the way they interacted and how they were leading up to the cliffhanger.

I love love LOVE Legend but I do want to punch him at the moment although it’s not his fault he was BETRAYED by his brothers. Those little shits are gonna be GROVELING in the last book trying to save him because they didn’t believe in him!! I am very interested in learning what is going on with them. Who is Haida? Who is the horned man? I’m assuming they’re connected to Dragons and they’re an ancient power. I can’t wait to see this hate to love trope and watch legend convince himself he hates her while his soul gets jealous and possessive once he learns of her “other mate”. I also can’t wait to learn why they have other mates, I know Creed mentioned a lore story about it once in the book but I’m so eager for the next book!!!!!!

I need it like I need AIR!

[Nicole Cabacungan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book! From the very beginning, it had me on the edge of my seat, completely invested in Legend and Haide's story. Every chapter had me hoping all the pieces would finally come together, especially as the mystery unfolded.

One of my favorite parts was watching Legend fiercely defend his mate bond with Haide. Even with everyone questioning her and doubting their connection, he never wavered. His unwavering loyalty and devotion made me love him even more.

And can we talk about that ending?! In true Meagan Brandy & Amo Jones fashion, they delivered a cliffhanger that left me desperate for the next book. I have so many questions, need so many answers, and I'm already counting down until I can continue this story.

Corvin King and Aubrey Vincent absolutely nailed the narration. They brought so much emotion, intensity, and life to these characters that it was impossible to stop listening.

If you love romantasy, fated mates, magic, mystery, and cliffhangers that leave you reeling, this one belongs on your TBR!

[Katelynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Woah this book had an unexpected cliffhanger that will keep me on my toes for a while! Haide is not my typical heroine type but I loved she was full 100% committed to her chaos. She has ao many walls from living in the land of the Exiled and you can see how much of that has become her personality and survival. Royal, Legend, softens some of that as he unapologetically claims she is his mate. Their bond is a complete mystery and gives opposites attracts vibes. Legend is fully confident she belongs to him and is ready to fight his own blood for her. I felt these two were equally matched and unhinged in their own unique ways. I loved the various mysteries that are taking place simultaneously. It added so much intrigue to the plot. I also am a hug fan of both authors and feel like they do a fabulous job mixing their cowriting where I cant tell who has written what. They are seamless and have invented this incredibly interesting world I cant wait to revisit.

[Anita _booktoread · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG! I can’t believe you two?! When is book 2 coming? Doesn’t matter it’ll be too far away.

This is like a Brayshaw Boys x The Elite Kings and while I was laughing for the first half I was well and truly cursing out the second half.

I just want to cry for Haide. This woman has grown up in a kill or be killed world then gets thrown into the mortal realm while also trying to figure out if she has magic.

I was hoping for more London but she’s one of Them now and that’s almost offensive. Creed I’m ready to take a dagger to myself, I really hope he eats dirt spectacularly in book 2.

Legend my heart is breaking for. My god! Meagan and Amo write some spectacular and crazy men. I loved him even though we didn’t get enough of him.

This is such an epic ride. I’m hanging on by a thread here. That ending is volatile.

[sinfullittleshelves · Rating 4 out of 5]

𝑴𝒂𝒕𝒆 𝑶𝒇 𝑨 𝑹𝒐𝒚𝒂𝒍
ʟᴏʀᴅ ᴏғ ʀᴀᴛʜᴇ ʙᴏᴏᴋ ɪɪɪ

“ᥡ᥆ᥙ 𝗍һіᥒk ᥡ᥆ᥙ һᥲ𝗍ᥱ mᥱ ᥒ᥆ᥕ, ᥣі𝗍𝗍ᥣᥱ mᥲ𝗍ᥱ…ᥕᥲі𝗍 ᥙᥒ𝗍іᥣ ᥡ᥆ᥙ ᥣ᥆᥎ᥱ mᥱ.”

𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐓𝐎 𝐄𝐗𝐏𝐄𝐂𝐓
⚔️ғᴏʀᴄᴇᴅ ᴘʀᴏxɪᴍɪᴛʏ
🖤ᴅᴀʀᴋ ᴀᴄᴀᴅᴇᴍɪᴀ ғᴀɴᴛᴀsʏ
🖤ʜᴇ ғᴀʟʟs ʜᴀʀᴅᴇʀ
⚔️ᴛᴏᴜᴄʜ ʜᴇʀ ᴀɴᴅ ᴅ!ᴇ
🖤ᴍᴏʀᴀʟʟʏ ɢʀᴇʏ ᴋɪɴɢ
⚔️ʀᴇʟᴜᴄᴛᴀɴᴛ ғᴀᴛᴇᴅ ᴍᴀᴛᴇs
🖤ᴘʀᴇᴅᴀᴛᴏʀ ᴍᴇᴇᴛs ᴘʀᴇᴅᴀᴛᴏʀ

“𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚠𝚎𝚛𝚎 𝚗𝚎𝚟𝚎𝚛 𝚖𝚢 𝚖𝚊𝚝𝚎.”

𝘼𝙧𝙘 𝙍𝙚𝙫𝙞𝙚𝙬
★ ★ ★ ★
🌶️🌶️🌶️

this was so good but so devastating. I can’t expect anything less from amo and meagan. they always ruin me with there books. I was obsessed from the first page and I couldn’t get enough of this. the angst. the sexual tension. the emotional tension. everything about this book was so intense but so good. I can’t wait to find out what’s gonna happen with the next one because I need my answers. this one ripped me apart! I need more! thank you so much for this arc!

“𝙖 𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙞𝙣｡ 𝙖 𝙢𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙠𝙚｡ 𝙖 𝘧𝘶𝘤𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙘𝙝｡”

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

There were so many moments while reading this book where I wanted to jump into the pages and give Haide a good shake because she fought her feelings for Legend so fiercely. At the same time, I wanted to slap Legend's brothers for constantly interfering, especially knowing that their endless meddling ultimately led to so much heartbreak for both Haide and Legend.

This book had me in tears one moment and filled with frustration the next. I was left with so many questions about Creed and the secrets he couldn't share with everyone, about why haide was bad for Legend. The authors did such an incredible job writing these characters and their story that I'm genuinely questioning whether Haide and Legend are truly meant to be together—even though I'm desperately hoping they are.

I can't wait to find out what happens next.

[ash.reads.romance · Rating 5 out of 5]

They are back!!!
Amo and Meagan have returned us to Rathe U with a new installment in this series and lemme just say, it’s chaos in the best way!!

Something weird is going down at Rathe University and all signs point to Haide. Taken from Exile Island and destined as Legend’s mate, she brings a whole arsenal of chaos.

I literally was enthralled in this story! So much is still a mystery but Legend and Haide, they are explosive!!
I could not stop devouring all the banter and want between these two! Haide tried to evade but it’s Legend so like really?!?

Loved seeing Knight and London along with Sinner and Creed.

I need the next book like today!!

Thank you Entangled Publishing and Amo and Meagan for the ARC!

[Stacie R. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Did I knowwww that this book was going to rock me in the best way? Absolutely. Did the end still manage throw me for an absolutely unexpected loop? Absolutely.

From the first page until the last page, I was hooked! I devoured this story and cannot wait for what’s next. Haide is an absolute beast of a character. She is chaos wrapped in more chaos. I don’t think there’s a better way to describe her. She may be unsure about somethings, but nobody on the outside would ever be able to tell. I love that she snaps back at Creed and doesn’t let anybody railroad her. She is the epitome of strong willed!

I am dying to see what happens next. Because the way this one ended, I’m both upset and intrigued, and I need more!

[Lyndsey Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mate of a Royal was everything I hoped for and more. Meagan Brandy and Amo Jones created a captivating world filled with tension, intrigue, and unforgettable characters. The chemistry between Legend and Haide was intense from the very beginning, and their journey kept me completely invested.

The story balanced romance, action, and suspense beautifully. The emotional moments hit hard, while the twists kept me turning pages late into the night. The authors did an excellent job building the world of Rathe and making the stakes feel real.

If you’re a fan of fated mates, fantasy romance, and characters who challenge each other while growing together, this book is definitely worth adding to your TBR. I couldn’t put it down and can’t wait to see what’s next from these authors

[Drifter Readz · Rating 5 out of 5]

“𝖢𝖺𝗅𝗅 𝗆𝖾 𝖰𝗎𝖾𝖾𝗇 𝖺𝗀𝖺𝗂𝗇, 𝖺𝗇𝖽 𝖨’𝗅𝗅 𝖼𝗋𝗈𝗐𝗇 𝗆𝗒𝗌𝖾𝗅𝖿 𝗐𝗂𝗍𝗁 𝗒𝗈𝗎𝗋 𝗌𝗉𝗂𝗇𝖾.”

I am obsessed with this world! I thought I was going to love Knight the most, but Legend 😮‍💨 BOY OBSESSED! Literally thinks Haide hating him is foreplay! The banter these two had, was so damn good.

I’m keeping this spoiler free, so I’ll say this, the mind fckery is at its peak, what I live the most is I actually can not predict what’s going to happen or how these two will end up together. Haide spends so much of the book truly being enemies to Legend, and then that ending happened. So I’m sat and can’t wait for the next book!

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁:
𝙁𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙈𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙨
𝙁𝙤𝙧𝙘𝙚𝙙 𝙋𝙧𝙤𝙭𝙞𝙢𝙞𝙩𝙮
𝙋𝙧𝙚𝙙𝙖𝙩𝙤𝙧 𝙢𝙚𝙚𝙩𝙨 𝙋𝙧𝙚𝙙𝙖𝙩𝙤𝙧
𝘿𝙖𝙧𝙠 𝘼𝙘𝙖𝙙𝙚𝙢𝙞𝙖 𝙁𝙖𝙣𝙩𝙖𝙨𝙮
𝙈𝙤𝙧𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙮 𝙂𝙧𝙖𝙮 𝙆𝙞𝙣𝙜
𝙐𝙣𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙙𝙜𝙚𝙙 𝙁𝙈𝘾
𝙃𝙚 𝙁𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙨 𝙁𝙞𝙧𝙨𝙩/𝙃𝙚 𝙁𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙨 𝙃𝙖𝙧𝙙𝙚𝙧
𝘽𝙤𝙮 𝙊𝙗𝙨𝙚𝙨𝙨𝙚𝙙 (𝙊𝙗𝙨𝙚𝙨𝙨𝙞𝙫𝙚 𝙇𝙤𝙫𝙚)
𝘿𝙚𝙖𝙙𝙡𝙮 𝙍𝙤𝙮𝙖𝙡 𝘾𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙩
𝙋𝙤𝙨𝙨𝙚𝙨𝙞𝙫𝙚 𝙃𝙚𝙧𝙤
𝙏𝙤𝙪𝙘𝙝 𝙝𝙚𝙧 &💀

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s been a while since I’ve read a Rathe book and this one did not disappoint. Legend and Haide are a fire waiting to combust. All Haide knew was Exile Island since that’s where she was born but Legend got one look at her and had to have her. He kidnaps her against her will and brings her back to Rathe U and all they do is fight and he still insists she’s his mate. His brothers don’t agree and think she’s draining him. People are being killed and Haide just shows up there not knowing how she even got there. Will they make it? Will everything be ok? Or will there be a cliff hanger l? You’ll have to read it to find out.

[Tiffany_queen_of_books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my! What did I just read!! Because my jaw is on the floor and my mind is going crazy with that ending. I don’t know what real or not. From the moment I started this book until the end I was hooked and now I have to wait for the next book! Ahhhhh! I absolutely love Haide. She is absolutely feral and crazy and I loved minute on that crazy train. Legend is obsessed and I love a down bad MC and he gave me that right from the start. These two had me feral for every interaction between them and I can’t wait for the next book because I need answers. I need the brothers to bite their tongues and see what I see and that their ment to be.