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Ravenrose
Rowan Valrose has spent her entire life trapped beneath the weight of a crown she never asked for.
Raised to smile pretty, and obey quietly.
The perfect princess.
Ruthless, feared, and consumed by revenge, Ayer is the cold, calculating war captain of a rival kingdom who has vowed to end the Valrose bloodline once and for all.
When fate forces them together, Rowan becomes caught between her duty to her kingdom... and the dangerous war captain who wants nothing more than to “end her.”
Ravenrose is book 1 in “The Tethered Kingdoms Series” and is an enemies to lovers light/dark romantasy.
Raised to smile pretty, and obey quietly.
The perfect princess.
Ruthless, feared, and consumed by revenge, Ayer is the cold, calculating war captain of a rival kingdom who has vowed to end the Valrose bloodline once and for all.
When fate forces them together, Rowan becomes caught between her duty to her kingdom... and the dangerous war captain who wants nothing more than to “end her.”
Ravenrose is book 1 in “The Tethered Kingdoms Series” and is an enemies to lovers light/dark romantasy.
477 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 2, 2026
About the author
A.J. Wilding
3 books446 followersAj is a mom of two from New England who balances the chaos of parenting, writing, and wrangling her furry crew of two dogs and two cats.
A dedicated hockey mom, she spends countless hours in cold arenas, finding inspiration for her stories while cheering from the sidelines or typing away between periods.
Aj’s love for writing began in childhood, where her imagination first took shape through short stories. Over time, this passion grew into crafting poetry and lyrics, eventually evolving into the novels she writes today. Her stories are often filled with intensity, heart, and a touch of chaos—just like the worlds she loves to create.
When she’s not writing, Aj enjoys sipping coffee, spending time with her family, and diving into digital art. She’s always dreaming of her next adventure, both on and off the ice.
A dedicated hockey mom, she spends countless hours in cold arenas, finding inspiration for her stories while cheering from the sidelines or typing away between periods.
Aj’s love for writing began in childhood, where her imagination first took shape through short stories. Over time, this passion grew into crafting poetry and lyrics, eventually evolving into the novels she writes today. Her stories are often filled with intensity, heart, and a touch of chaos—just like the worlds she loves to create.
When she’s not writing, Aj enjoys sipping coffee, spending time with her family, and diving into digital art. She’s always dreaming of her next adventure, both on and off the ice.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 129 reviews
September 28, 2026
AJ has given the readers such a beautiful and unique story, one built from the beginning setting of the forest.
The world building is incredibly skilled when figuring out the culture of the kingdoms, and dealing with the relationship between the demons, fae, and humans.
The relationship between Rowan and Ayer is like a guiding between two souls that needed someone to truly trust and rely on.
I don’t think that I’ve truly recommended a book as good as this for quite some time, but please trust me when I say that this is a must read.
Now, all I need is book 2… and to see Maksa again!
(I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.)
The world building is incredibly skilled when figuring out the culture of the kingdoms, and dealing with the relationship between the demons, fae, and humans.
The relationship between Rowan and Ayer is like a guiding between two souls that needed someone to truly trust and rely on.
I don’t think that I’ve truly recommended a book as good as this for quite some time, but please trust me when I say that this is a must read.
Now, all I need is book 2… and to see Maksa again!
(I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.)
October 26, 2026
This was just getting good!! That cliffhanger was brutal! But here I am anxiously awaiting the next book because I NEED to know what happens! 🏹
I loved Ayer’s cold detached personality that was intrigued by everything Rowan did, and Rowan is such a strong, defiant FMC. Love her. 💜
This was all world and character building, there’s actually no romance in this, but it is built up so much that you just know the next one is going to be so good!
I loved Ayer’s cold detached personality that was intrigued by everything Rowan did, and Rowan is such a strong, defiant FMC. Love her. 💜
This was all world and character building, there’s actually no romance in this, but it is built up so much that you just know the next one is going to be so good!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I don’t think there will ever be a book that AJ writes that I won’t absolutely love.
This story was captivating, engaging, and there was just enough tension to keep me flipping the pages.
Rowan seems like she’s a timid, shy, unknowing princess, but she’s hiding capabilities that surprises the men in this story. Just when they think she’s under control, she spins the narrative.
Ayer is smart, strong, quick, and witty. I wasn’t sure if I was going to like him, but he crept up on me and I found myself needing more of his POV. What he says, threaten, and what’s in his head make his perspective even more intriguing.
I turned the last page and was immediately disappointed the story didn’t continue. I’ll be watching and waiting—impatiently—for the second book! I can’t wait for more! Especially Theo 👀
Well done, AJ. Well done!
This story was captivating, engaging, and there was just enough tension to keep me flipping the pages.
Rowan seems like she’s a timid, shy, unknowing princess, but she’s hiding capabilities that surprises the men in this story. Just when they think she’s under control, she spins the narrative.
Ayer is smart, strong, quick, and witty. I wasn’t sure if I was going to like him, but he crept up on me and I found myself needing more of his POV. What he says, threaten, and what’s in his head make his perspective even more intriguing.
I turned the last page and was immediately disappointed the story didn’t continue. I’ll be watching and waiting—impatiently—for the second book! I can’t wait for more! Especially Theo 👀
Well done, AJ. Well done!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I fell in love with cover of this book as soon as I saw it and I was hooked as soon as I started reading.
I love the world building with demons, humans and fae and monsters. The plot was really good had me gripped and kept me intreasted to the very end.
I love the relationship between the two of them it wasn't rushed. It was a slow burn of two people leaning about each other and building it from there.
I literally inhaled this book anf and i was on the edge of my seat with all the twists and turns
That ending... Now I need book 2 asap
I love the world building with demons, humans and fae and monsters. The plot was really good had me gripped and kept me intreasted to the very end.
I love the relationship between the two of them it wasn't rushed. It was a slow burn of two people leaning about each other and building it from there.
I literally inhaled this book anf and i was on the edge of my seat with all the twists and turns
That ending... Now I need book 2 asap
September 21, 2026
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I really enjoyed the book, and the pacing of it. The banter between the characters was really enjoyable. I was really happy about the fact that this was a real slow burn, and how it was written. It was really fun to follow Rowan’s POV, but I do wish we could’ve had a few more chapters from Ayer’s.
Overall review is a 4.7/5
I really enjoyed the book, and the pacing of it. The banter between the characters was really enjoyable. I was really happy about the fact that this was a real slow burn, and how it was written. It was really fun to follow Rowan’s POV, but I do wish we could’ve had a few more chapters from Ayer’s.
Overall review is a 4.7/5
September 9, 2026
I cannot begin to unwind the emotions that surge throughout the story! Angst. Fear. Pain. Betrayal. Intensity. Passion.
Meet Ayer. A little morally grey. A little bit of a rogue that you will secretly pine for. But then again..you will hate until you don’t. You think you know him….until your mind swirls, and you don’t. Rowen, our heroine, will fill you with pride as the bad-ass fae princess she blossoms into, and you live the emotions that fire her up and those that destroy her in the next breath. This tale will have you riding the edge all the way thru. You WILL not put this down until the last page. You would be best to set aside a weekend of non-stop action and a gripping emotional ride. This one will steal your breath, if not your heart!
Meet Ayer. A little morally grey. A little bit of a rogue that you will secretly pine for. But then again..you will hate until you don’t. You think you know him….until your mind swirls, and you don’t. Rowen, our heroine, will fill you with pride as the bad-ass fae princess she blossoms into, and you live the emotions that fire her up and those that destroy her in the next breath. This tale will have you riding the edge all the way thru. You WILL not put this down until the last page. You would be best to set aside a weekend of non-stop action and a gripping emotional ride. This one will steal your breath, if not your heart!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Received an ARC Copy…
This book pulled me in with all the darkness, tension, secrets, and that kind of romance that makes you sit there like, "Oh... this is going to emotionally destroy me, isn't it?" The connection between the characters felt intense and complicated, and I loved watching their feelings slowly unravel through all the chaos, pain, and things standing between them. There were moments that had my heart hurting, moments that had me screaming at the book, and moments where I was just sitting there staring at the page because WHAT THE HECK!!!! The chemistry, the emotional push and pull, and the darker atmosphere made this such an addictive read for me. I went in expecting a good story and came out emotionally attached, slightly traumatized, and absolutely needing more.
This book pulled me in with all the darkness, tension, secrets, and that kind of romance that makes you sit there like, "Oh... this is going to emotionally destroy me, isn't it?" The connection between the characters felt intense and complicated, and I loved watching their feelings slowly unravel through all the chaos, pain, and things standing between them. There were moments that had my heart hurting, moments that had me screaming at the book, and moments where I was just sitting there staring at the page because WHAT THE HECK!!!! The chemistry, the emotional push and pull, and the darker atmosphere made this such an addictive read for me. I went in expecting a good story and came out emotionally attached, slightly traumatized, and absolutely needing more.
Review of advance copy
I was sent an ARC of this book for free in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I'll be completely honest: I went into Ravenrose with fairly low expectations. The cover was what originally drew my attention, but the blurb didn’t snag my interest as much. I figured I’d give it a go anyway, and I can safely say, the blurb does not do this book justice.
As soon as Rowan got abducted, I was hooked — this happened very early on. Hooked enough that I promptly abandoned every productive thing I was supposed to be doing this evening and binge-read the rest of the book instead. No regrets. Except for the fact that there’s no book 2 to read yet.
Rowan is the youngest sibling and only daughter in a royal family where her worth is determined almost entirely by who she'll eventually marry and provide heirs for. While she accepts that responsibility out of duty, she's never particularly happy about it. She's stubborn, strong-willed, and far too opinionated to quietly accept the role society has chosen for her, which immediately made me like her. I cannot stand push over women in romantasy books.
Her brothers initially seem like the only genuinely good people in her life, but as the story progresses, the lines between good and bad become far less clear. One of my favourite things about this book is that it isn't afraid to challenge both Rowan's assumptions and the reader's.
The world itself was another huge win for me. We've got demons, fae, humans, monsters, political tensions, and a society where women are routinely viewed as lesser than men, at least by the fae. Rowan is consistently excluded from important decisions because she's a princess rather than a prince, and watching her push back against that treatment was incredibly satisfying.
The world building is also handled exactly the way I prefer. Nothing is dumped on the reader in giant chunks. Instead, information is woven naturally throughout the story, allowing the world to gradually unfold around you. It's detailed enough to feel immersive without ever slowing down the plot.
And speaking of the plot, on paper, it's actually fairly straightforward and simple. But it never feels boring. Not even for a second. Because the real magic of this story lies in Rowan and Ayer.
This is enemies to lovers done properly. Not "they're mildly annoyed at each other for three chapters" enemies to lovers. Actual enemies. They legitimately want to kill each other for their own reasons. Ayer genuinely hates Rowan, yet he can't bring himself to let her die. She hates him right back, yet every opportunity she has to get rid of him somehow slips through her fingers.
I absolutely loved that their relationship wasn't rushed. There are no sudden declarations of love. No instant attraction overriding common sense. No miraculous trust after two conversations. Instead, we get two people slowly, painfully, reluctantly learning to understand one another and let the other in. And when I say slow burn, I mean SLOW burn. This book doesn't even really give us the lovers part yet. They don’t even kiss. Which means I am now desperately waiting for the next book because if all this tension doesn't pay off, I may actually scream.
What I particularly appreciated was how organically the character development unfolds. It takes well over half the book before Rowan and Ayer begin revealing any meaningful parts of their pasts to one another, but it makes perfect sense. Most of the story involves them travelling together while Rowan is his prisoner. People don't usually spill their deepest traumas and secrets within a few days of meeting someone they despise. The gradual sharing of their histories felt natural and believable. Would I have liked to have known more about both characters? Absolutely. But given their dynamic, I hope that’ll come in book 2 as it would make more sense to their character arcs.
I also adored Theo. Theo was an absolute delight every time he appeared.
In fact, one of my only complaints is that I wanted more of him, more of the side characters, and more of Maksa. They appeared very little, and I did find myself wanting additional scenes with them in.
There were also a handful of word choices that occasionally pulled me out of the story. Words like "ya" and "gotta" felt slightly out of place coming from a princess with Rowan's upbringing. It's a tiny thing, but it stood out enough that I noticed it. That said, it wasn't remotely enough to affect my rating. Because ultimately, this is one of those books that lingers in your mind long after you've finished reading it.
The characters feel real. The tension is excellent. The world is intriguing. The romance is developing at exactly the pace it should. And most importantly, I have not stopped thinking about it since I finished because I have so many unanswered questions and am worryingly invested in Rowan and Ayer. For a book I went into expecting very little from, Ravenrose absolutely blindsided me.
I do not give out 5 star ratings very often, but I applaud you A.J. Wilding for squeezing one out of me.
Now excuse me while I impatiently wait for the next book.
I'll be completely honest: I went into Ravenrose with fairly low expectations. The cover was what originally drew my attention, but the blurb didn’t snag my interest as much. I figured I’d give it a go anyway, and I can safely say, the blurb does not do this book justice.
As soon as Rowan got abducted, I was hooked — this happened very early on. Hooked enough that I promptly abandoned every productive thing I was supposed to be doing this evening and binge-read the rest of the book instead. No regrets. Except for the fact that there’s no book 2 to read yet.
Rowan is the youngest sibling and only daughter in a royal family where her worth is determined almost entirely by who she'll eventually marry and provide heirs for. While she accepts that responsibility out of duty, she's never particularly happy about it. She's stubborn, strong-willed, and far too opinionated to quietly accept the role society has chosen for her, which immediately made me like her. I cannot stand push over women in romantasy books.
Her brothers initially seem like the only genuinely good people in her life, but as the story progresses, the lines between good and bad become far less clear. One of my favourite things about this book is that it isn't afraid to challenge both Rowan's assumptions and the reader's.
The world itself was another huge win for me. We've got demons, fae, humans, monsters, political tensions, and a society where women are routinely viewed as lesser than men, at least by the fae. Rowan is consistently excluded from important decisions because she's a princess rather than a prince, and watching her push back against that treatment was incredibly satisfying.
The world building is also handled exactly the way I prefer. Nothing is dumped on the reader in giant chunks. Instead, information is woven naturally throughout the story, allowing the world to gradually unfold around you. It's detailed enough to feel immersive without ever slowing down the plot.
And speaking of the plot, on paper, it's actually fairly straightforward and simple. But it never feels boring. Not even for a second. Because the real magic of this story lies in Rowan and Ayer.
This is enemies to lovers done properly. Not "they're mildly annoyed at each other for three chapters" enemies to lovers. Actual enemies. They legitimately want to kill each other for their own reasons. Ayer genuinely hates Rowan, yet he can't bring himself to let her die. She hates him right back, yet every opportunity she has to get rid of him somehow slips through her fingers.
I absolutely loved that their relationship wasn't rushed. There are no sudden declarations of love. No instant attraction overriding common sense. No miraculous trust after two conversations. Instead, we get two people slowly, painfully, reluctantly learning to understand one another and let the other in. And when I say slow burn, I mean SLOW burn. This book doesn't even really give us the lovers part yet. They don’t even kiss. Which means I am now desperately waiting for the next book because if all this tension doesn't pay off, I may actually scream.
What I particularly appreciated was how organically the character development unfolds. It takes well over half the book before Rowan and Ayer begin revealing any meaningful parts of their pasts to one another, but it makes perfect sense. Most of the story involves them travelling together while Rowan is his prisoner. People don't usually spill their deepest traumas and secrets within a few days of meeting someone they despise. The gradual sharing of their histories felt natural and believable. Would I have liked to have known more about both characters? Absolutely. But given their dynamic, I hope that’ll come in book 2 as it would make more sense to their character arcs.
I also adored Theo. Theo was an absolute delight every time he appeared.
In fact, one of my only complaints is that I wanted more of him, more of the side characters, and more of Maksa. They appeared very little, and I did find myself wanting additional scenes with them in.
There were also a handful of word choices that occasionally pulled me out of the story. Words like "ya" and "gotta" felt slightly out of place coming from a princess with Rowan's upbringing. It's a tiny thing, but it stood out enough that I noticed it. That said, it wasn't remotely enough to affect my rating. Because ultimately, this is one of those books that lingers in your mind long after you've finished reading it.
The characters feel real. The tension is excellent. The world is intriguing. The romance is developing at exactly the pace it should. And most importantly, I have not stopped thinking about it since I finished because I have so many unanswered questions and am worryingly invested in Rowan and Ayer. For a book I went into expecting very little from, Ravenrose absolutely blindsided me.
I do not give out 5 star ratings very often, but I applaud you A.J. Wilding for squeezing one out of me.
Now excuse me while I impatiently wait for the next book.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was so excited to receive this ARC of Ravenrose—thank you so much to AJ Wilding and the whole Ravenrose team! This book did not disappoint. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
This book gave me ACOTAR and From Blood and Ash vibes. I was in desperate need of a new author and series to obsess over, and Ravenrose absolutely delivered! There is no spice in this book, but there definitely could be in future books. And that ending has me begging for Book 2. (I am seriously hoping it is already in the works Wilding team please let me know it is already in the works)
“The king has three children: an heir, a spare, and a daughter to sell.”
This story follows Rowan, a princess who has lived a very sheltered life. As a fae princess, she doesn’t have much say in anything. She has been kept away from the political world and isn’t allowed to train to defend herself. However, she has been underestimated her entire life because of this—and I think some people are going to be very surprised by what she is actually capable of.
One day, her kingdom is invaded by Theo and his forces. They bring a demon called the Raven with them. During the invasion, Rowan is captured and “gifted” to Ayer. Ayer is the feared and ruthless war captain. He is determined to get his revenge. He has always hated the fae, and now he plans to use Rowan to end her entire bloodline.
However, Ayer and Rowan are forced together time and time again. Rowan finds herself caught between her duties to her kingdom and the feelings she is developing for the war captain who keeps vowing to end her.
I ate this book up. I was in desperate need of a good romantasy with plenty of twists and turns, and this did not disappoint. I absolutely loved the banter between Rowan and Ayer. They argue a lot, but it is so entertaining! As the story progresses, we learn more about both Rowan’s and Ayer’s upbringings. You know they feel this undeniable spark between them, but you don’t quite know what it means—even by the end of the book. I’m guessing some kind of fated-mates situation, but I could be completely wrong!
There are also several major plot twists and betrayals toward the end of the book, and that cliffhanger?! Excuse me?! I NEED BOOK 2. 😂
I also thoroughly enjoyed Theo as a character. He is Ayer’s prince, but unfortunately, he didn’t get nearly enough page time. Whenever he was on the page, I found myself laughing and smiling because I just knew some kind of mischief was about to happen.
Truly and honestly—JUST ORDER IT NOW!!! This book will not disappoint. If you love romantasy, enemies-to-lovers tension, forced proximity, secret magic, betrayals, and a good cliffhanger, you absolutely need to pick this one up!
#Romantasy #ForcedProximity #EnemiesToSomething #SecretMagic #Betrayals #Cliffhanger
This book gave me ACOTAR and From Blood and Ash vibes. I was in desperate need of a new author and series to obsess over, and Ravenrose absolutely delivered! There is no spice in this book, but there definitely could be in future books. And that ending has me begging for Book 2. (I am seriously hoping it is already in the works Wilding team please let me know it is already in the works)
“The king has three children: an heir, a spare, and a daughter to sell.”
This story follows Rowan, a princess who has lived a very sheltered life. As a fae princess, she doesn’t have much say in anything. She has been kept away from the political world and isn’t allowed to train to defend herself. However, she has been underestimated her entire life because of this—and I think some people are going to be very surprised by what she is actually capable of.
One day, her kingdom is invaded by Theo and his forces. They bring a demon called the Raven with them. During the invasion, Rowan is captured and “gifted” to Ayer. Ayer is the feared and ruthless war captain. He is determined to get his revenge. He has always hated the fae, and now he plans to use Rowan to end her entire bloodline.
However, Ayer and Rowan are forced together time and time again. Rowan finds herself caught between her duties to her kingdom and the feelings she is developing for the war captain who keeps vowing to end her.
I ate this book up. I was in desperate need of a good romantasy with plenty of twists and turns, and this did not disappoint. I absolutely loved the banter between Rowan and Ayer. They argue a lot, but it is so entertaining! As the story progresses, we learn more about both Rowan’s and Ayer’s upbringings. You know they feel this undeniable spark between them, but you don’t quite know what it means—even by the end of the book. I’m guessing some kind of fated-mates situation, but I could be completely wrong!
There are also several major plot twists and betrayals toward the end of the book, and that cliffhanger?! Excuse me?! I NEED BOOK 2. 😂
I also thoroughly enjoyed Theo as a character. He is Ayer’s prince, but unfortunately, he didn’t get nearly enough page time. Whenever he was on the page, I found myself laughing and smiling because I just knew some kind of mischief was about to happen.
Truly and honestly—JUST ORDER IT NOW!!! This book will not disappoint. If you love romantasy, enemies-to-lovers tension, forced proximity, secret magic, betrayals, and a good cliffhanger, you absolutely need to pick this one up!
#Romantasy #ForcedProximity #EnemiesToSomething #SecretMagic #Betrayals #Cliffhanger
Review of advance copy received from Author
🖤 ARC REVIEW 🖤
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 STARS
Okay… AJ Wilding DID NOT DISAPPOINT with this one. 🖤
I went into Ravenrose knowing very little, and I am honestly so glad I did because this book was one giant mystery that I loved trying to unravel.
And THE ENEMIES-TO-LOVERS. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 THIS is how you do it.
Rowen and Ayer are actual enemies. Not “we dislike each other for three chapters and then suddenly we’re obsessed with each other.” The tension, distrust, hostility, attraction, and gradual shift in their relationship were built slowly throughout the entire book. Even when the flirting started and the chemistry was undeniable, the trust still wasn’t completely there. And I LOVED that.
We got possessiveness. We got tension. We got shared horse. We got one bed. We got saving each other’s lives. We got SO much chemistry. And somehow AJ managed to give us all of that without rushing the relationship. With this being the first book in a series, I really appreciated having the room for their relationship to develop naturally instead of forcing everything into one book.
And then there’s Ayer. 👀
I spent SO much of this book trying to figure him out. There were all these little clues—the darkness, the shadows, the eyes, the impossible abilities—and I kept coming back to the same theory…
The best part? It wasn’t so obvious that the reveal felt predictable. It was the kind of mystery where you can look back afterward and see how the clues were there all along, which made finally getting confirmation SO satisfying.
I also really enjoyed seeing AJ step into romantasy. Having loved her previous dark romances, Ravenrose definitely feels different from those books, but in a really exciting way. There’s more worldbuilding, magic, political intrigue, family secrets, supernatural mystery, and so many unanswered questions that had me constantly trying to figure out what was actually going on.
Rowen was also such a fun FMC to follow. She’s strong, loyal, stubborn, and I loved watching her start to question everything she thought she knew about the people she was raised to see as enemies.
And that ENDING. 😭
Just when I thought we were finally getting somewhere…
EXCUSE ME?!
I finished this book with approximately 700 new questions and an immediate need for the next book. 😂
I genuinely loved every second of Ravenrose. The mystery, the tension, the slow-burn, the characters, the worldbuilding, the twists—I ate it ALL up.
AJ Wilding took the darkness I already loved from her previous books and brought it into romantasy, and I am absolutely here for it.
5 stars. 🖤 I cannot wait to see where this series goes next.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 STARS
Okay… AJ Wilding DID NOT DISAPPOINT with this one. 🖤
I went into Ravenrose knowing very little, and I am honestly so glad I did because this book was one giant mystery that I loved trying to unravel.
And THE ENEMIES-TO-LOVERS. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 THIS is how you do it.
Rowen and Ayer are actual enemies. Not “we dislike each other for three chapters and then suddenly we’re obsessed with each other.” The tension, distrust, hostility, attraction, and gradual shift in their relationship were built slowly throughout the entire book. Even when the flirting started and the chemistry was undeniable, the trust still wasn’t completely there. And I LOVED that.
We got possessiveness. We got tension. We got shared horse. We got one bed. We got saving each other’s lives. We got SO much chemistry. And somehow AJ managed to give us all of that without rushing the relationship. With this being the first book in a series, I really appreciated having the room for their relationship to develop naturally instead of forcing everything into one book.
And then there’s Ayer. 👀
I spent SO much of this book trying to figure him out. There were all these little clues—the darkness, the shadows, the eyes, the impossible abilities—and I kept coming back to the same theory…
The best part? It wasn’t so obvious that the reveal felt predictable. It was the kind of mystery where you can look back afterward and see how the clues were there all along, which made finally getting confirmation SO satisfying.
I also really enjoyed seeing AJ step into romantasy. Having loved her previous dark romances, Ravenrose definitely feels different from those books, but in a really exciting way. There’s more worldbuilding, magic, political intrigue, family secrets, supernatural mystery, and so many unanswered questions that had me constantly trying to figure out what was actually going on.
Rowen was also such a fun FMC to follow. She’s strong, loyal, stubborn, and I loved watching her start to question everything she thought she knew about the people she was raised to see as enemies.
And that ENDING. 😭
Just when I thought we were finally getting somewhere…
EXCUSE ME?!
I finished this book with approximately 700 new questions and an immediate need for the next book. 😂
I genuinely loved every second of Ravenrose. The mystery, the tension, the slow-burn, the characters, the worldbuilding, the twists—I ate it ALL up.
AJ Wilding took the darkness I already loved from her previous books and brought it into romantasy, and I am absolutely here for it.
5 stars. 🖤 I cannot wait to see where this series goes next.
Review of advance copy received from Author
If you’re looking for high-stakes romantasy where the tension is so thick you could slice it with a broadsword, stop scrolling right now. This is a true enemies-to-lovers slow burn wrapped in political intrigue, lethal magic, and elite banter. "Ravenrose" by Aj Wilding releases October 2nd and its the first installment of the Tethered Kingdom trilogy.
⚔️ The Plot Highlights ⚔️
➡️The Captive Princess: Rowan, fae princess of Sitara, is bound to a strategic marriage of convenience and expected to be an obedient pawn. But beneath the surface, she is a defiant fighter harboring hidden magic and a sharp, wicked tongue.
➡️The War Captain: When a raid strikes her kingdom, Rowan is taken prisoner by Ayer—a lethal, calculating human commander with an absolute hatred for the fae and deep-seated vengeance against her family.
➡️A Deadly Journey: Expecting a terrified captive ready to break, Ayer instead gets a fiery thorn in his side. Trapped together on the road through monster-ridden wilds and treacherous terrain, their mutual contempt quickly devolves into an undeniable battle of wills.
➡️The Stakes: Between shifting loyalties, an ambiguous rival in Theo whose true motives remain a mystery, and an explosive ending, Rowan and Ayer’s forced alliance threatens to shatter everything they each thought they knew about their realms.
⚔️ Key Notes & Highlights ⚔️
➡️Tropes: True enemies-to-lovers, forced proximity / captivity, slow burn, only one horse, only one bed, and morally gray "touch her and die" protector energy all throughout.
➡️The Dynamic: Rowan’s refusal to break under Ayer’s intimidation makes the banter top-tier. Watching a lethal war captain slowly lose his edge to sheer exasperation and respect is peak romantasy all at the written words of falling for someone he shouldn’t.
➡️Pacing & World: Accessible court politics and a map included to help ground the journey is in the first pages and throughout the book. While the middle slows down to marinate in Rowan and Ayer’s dynamic, the final chapters ramp up into full chaos and keep you on the edge of your seat.
➡️The Cliffhanger: Brace yourself. The finale drops major unanswered questions around their hidden powers and motivations, leaving you on an absolute hook for Book 2 apart od this trilogy.
"Ravenrose" is an addictive, banter-filled dark romantasy packed with tension, secrets, and forced proximity goodness. Run, don't walk, if you love sharp-tongued heroines and ruthless commanders who meet their match and add this to your TBR ahead of release day.
⚔️ The Plot Highlights ⚔️
➡️The Captive Princess: Rowan, fae princess of Sitara, is bound to a strategic marriage of convenience and expected to be an obedient pawn. But beneath the surface, she is a defiant fighter harboring hidden magic and a sharp, wicked tongue.
➡️The War Captain: When a raid strikes her kingdom, Rowan is taken prisoner by Ayer—a lethal, calculating human commander with an absolute hatred for the fae and deep-seated vengeance against her family.
➡️A Deadly Journey: Expecting a terrified captive ready to break, Ayer instead gets a fiery thorn in his side. Trapped together on the road through monster-ridden wilds and treacherous terrain, their mutual contempt quickly devolves into an undeniable battle of wills.
➡️The Stakes: Between shifting loyalties, an ambiguous rival in Theo whose true motives remain a mystery, and an explosive ending, Rowan and Ayer’s forced alliance threatens to shatter everything they each thought they knew about their realms.
⚔️ Key Notes & Highlights ⚔️
➡️Tropes: True enemies-to-lovers, forced proximity / captivity, slow burn, only one horse, only one bed, and morally gray "touch her and die" protector energy all throughout.
➡️The Dynamic: Rowan’s refusal to break under Ayer’s intimidation makes the banter top-tier. Watching a lethal war captain slowly lose his edge to sheer exasperation and respect is peak romantasy all at the written words of falling for someone he shouldn’t.
➡️Pacing & World: Accessible court politics and a map included to help ground the journey is in the first pages and throughout the book. While the middle slows down to marinate in Rowan and Ayer’s dynamic, the final chapters ramp up into full chaos and keep you on the edge of your seat.
➡️The Cliffhanger: Brace yourself. The finale drops major unanswered questions around their hidden powers and motivations, leaving you on an absolute hook for Book 2 apart od this trilogy.
"Ravenrose" is an addictive, banter-filled dark romantasy packed with tension, secrets, and forced proximity goodness. Run, don't walk, if you love sharp-tongued heroines and ruthless commanders who meet their match and add this to your TBR ahead of release day.
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC Read ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“An heir, a spare and a daughter to sell.”
Where do I even start? This book had me completely captivated from the get-go.
Rowan is a borderline badass, and I absolutely loved her. She’s sassy, determined, violent to a T, and has quite possibly the pottiest mouth you’ll ever come across. Basically, she’s everything a Princess is not — and she wouldn’t have it any other way.
But Rowan has a secret… a power that we aren’t even fully privy to yet.
Unfortunately, like most royals, her life has been planned and arranged from the moment she was born. Her future is already decided: she’s to marry Kane Belmore, the future heir of Skye, to strengthen the alliance between their kingdoms and protect her people from the war raging around them.
Nothing quite puts a spanner in the works of an arranged marriage like being kidnapped by a 6’2” barbarian of a man who looks like he could kill you with one glance.
Enter Ayer.
Captain of Prince Theo’s army, Ayer is every bit as badass as Rowan — and he takes absolutely no shit. He invades Sitara alongside a demon known as the Raven, despises the Fae, and has made it his mission to wipe out Rowan’s bloodline.
Until Prince Theo gifts Rowan to him.
Suddenly, the Princess he expected to despise is the thorn in his side he never asked for… and somehow can’t stop looking at.
Rowan intrigues him. She’s not the spoiled, entitled Princess he assumed she would be, and the more time they spend together, the more they begin to uncover about each other and their pasts.
And that spark between them?
Oh, it’s there.
Neither of them is particularly keen on acknowledging it, though.
Rowan is torn between doing what’s right for her kingdom and following her heart.
Ayer is caught somewhere between getting his revenge and trying to figure out why, every time he’s around this infuriating Princess, he seems to forget that she’s actually his prisoner.
Until Rowan makes a run for it…
“He’s out there. Hunting me.”
Ayer is determined to find her and bring her back.
He fires his arrow.
“He missed.”
“He doesn’t miss.”
“Not ever.”
This is definitely a slow-burn read, but one that had me completely hooked. The tension builds, the chemistry simmers, and you’ll find yourself gripping the book because you NEED to know what happens next.
If you’re a fan of romantasy, slow burn, enemies-to-lovers, forced proximity, political intrigue, and badass FMCs and MMCs, then this one deserves a spot on your TBR.
“An heir, a spare and a daughter to sell.”
Where do I even start? This book had me completely captivated from the get-go.
Rowan is a borderline badass, and I absolutely loved her. She’s sassy, determined, violent to a T, and has quite possibly the pottiest mouth you’ll ever come across. Basically, she’s everything a Princess is not — and she wouldn’t have it any other way.
But Rowan has a secret… a power that we aren’t even fully privy to yet.
Unfortunately, like most royals, her life has been planned and arranged from the moment she was born. Her future is already decided: she’s to marry Kane Belmore, the future heir of Skye, to strengthen the alliance between their kingdoms and protect her people from the war raging around them.
Nothing quite puts a spanner in the works of an arranged marriage like being kidnapped by a 6’2” barbarian of a man who looks like he could kill you with one glance.
Enter Ayer.
Captain of Prince Theo’s army, Ayer is every bit as badass as Rowan — and he takes absolutely no shit. He invades Sitara alongside a demon known as the Raven, despises the Fae, and has made it his mission to wipe out Rowan’s bloodline.
Until Prince Theo gifts Rowan to him.
Suddenly, the Princess he expected to despise is the thorn in his side he never asked for… and somehow can’t stop looking at.
Rowan intrigues him. She’s not the spoiled, entitled Princess he assumed she would be, and the more time they spend together, the more they begin to uncover about each other and their pasts.
And that spark between them?
Oh, it’s there.
Neither of them is particularly keen on acknowledging it, though.
Rowan is torn between doing what’s right for her kingdom and following her heart.
Ayer is caught somewhere between getting his revenge and trying to figure out why, every time he’s around this infuriating Princess, he seems to forget that she’s actually his prisoner.
Until Rowan makes a run for it…
“He’s out there. Hunting me.”
Ayer is determined to find her and bring her back.
He fires his arrow.
“He missed.”
“He doesn’t miss.”
“Not ever.”
This is definitely a slow-burn read, but one that had me completely hooked. The tension builds, the chemistry simmers, and you’ll find yourself gripping the book because you NEED to know what happens next.
If you’re a fan of romantasy, slow burn, enemies-to-lovers, forced proximity, political intrigue, and badass FMCs and MMCs, then this one deserves a spot on your TBR.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book! I am not typically a huge romantasy reader, but I’ve been reading more and more of the genre, and being a huge fan of A.J. Wilding, I could not wait to get my hands on this one. And let me tell you—it did NOT disappoint!
Ayer and Rowan are true enemies from the start, but as the story unfolds, a quiet friendship begins to grow between them. Secrets are revealed, walls start to come down, and somewhere along the way, their feelings begin to change.
Rowan is trapped in a world away from everyone else, living obediently as the perfect princess. Ayer is a ruthless and calculating war captain from a rival kingdom. When fate forces these two unlikely enemies to become bound together, they are thrown into a journey through the kingdoms that changes far more than either of them expected.
I could not put this book down! The story pulled me in, and even when I wasn't reading, I found myself thinking about it. And now I’m already itching for the next book because I NEED MORE!
If you pick this one up, be prepared to read until the very end because putting it down is not going to be easy. And when you finally do finish it, don’t be surprised if you can’t stop thinking about it.
Ravenrose absolutely delivered, and I am officially invested.
Tropes/Vibes:
Enemies to Lovers
Forced Proximity
Rival Kingdoms
Slow Burn
Merged review:
This book! I’ve been reading more and more of the genre, and being a huge fan of A.J. Wilding, I could not wait to get my hands on this one. And let me tell you—it did NOT disappoint!
Ayer and Rowan are true enemies from the start, but as the story unfolds, a quiet friendship begins to grow between them. Secrets are revealed, walls start to come down, and somewhere along the way, their feelings begin to change.
Rowan is trapped in a world away from everyone else, living obediently as the perfect princess. Ayer is a ruthless and calculating war captain from a rival kingdom. When fate forces these two unlikely enemies to become bound together, they are thrown into a journey through the kingdoms that changes far more than either of them expected.
I could not put this book down! The story pulled me in, and even when I wasn't reading, I found myself thinking about it. And now I’m already itching for the next book because I NEED MORE!
If you pick this one up, be prepared to read until the very end because putting it down is not going to be easy. And when you finally do finish it, don’t be surprised if you can’t stop thinking about it.
Ravenrose absolutely delivered, and I am officially invested.
Tropes/Vibes:
Enemies to More
Forced Proximity
Rival Kingdoms
Slow Burn
Thank thank you AJ Wilding for the ARC!
Ayer and Rowan are true enemies from the start, but as the story unfolds, a quiet friendship begins to grow between them. Secrets are revealed, walls start to come down, and somewhere along the way, their feelings begin to change.
Rowan is trapped in a world away from everyone else, living obediently as the perfect princess. Ayer is a ruthless and calculating war captain from a rival kingdom. When fate forces these two unlikely enemies to become bound together, they are thrown into a journey through the kingdoms that changes far more than either of them expected.
I could not put this book down! The story pulled me in, and even when I wasn't reading, I found myself thinking about it. And now I’m already itching for the next book because I NEED MORE!
If you pick this one up, be prepared to read until the very end because putting it down is not going to be easy. And when you finally do finish it, don’t be surprised if you can’t stop thinking about it.
Ravenrose absolutely delivered, and I am officially invested.
Tropes/Vibes:
Enemies to Lovers
Forced Proximity
Rival Kingdoms
Slow Burn
Merged review:
This book! I’ve been reading more and more of the genre, and being a huge fan of A.J. Wilding, I could not wait to get my hands on this one. And let me tell you—it did NOT disappoint!
Ayer and Rowan are true enemies from the start, but as the story unfolds, a quiet friendship begins to grow between them. Secrets are revealed, walls start to come down, and somewhere along the way, their feelings begin to change.
Rowan is trapped in a world away from everyone else, living obediently as the perfect princess. Ayer is a ruthless and calculating war captain from a rival kingdom. When fate forces these two unlikely enemies to become bound together, they are thrown into a journey through the kingdoms that changes far more than either of them expected.
I could not put this book down! The story pulled me in, and even when I wasn't reading, I found myself thinking about it. And now I’m already itching for the next book because I NEED MORE!
If you pick this one up, be prepared to read until the very end because putting it down is not going to be easy. And when you finally do finish it, don’t be surprised if you can’t stop thinking about it.
Ravenrose absolutely delivered, and I am officially invested.
Tropes/Vibes:
Enemies to More
Forced Proximity
Rival Kingdoms
Slow Burn
Thank thank you AJ Wilding for the ARC!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy
I knew AJ could write a damn good Mafia and Hockey romance before but now I can confidently say she can write Romantasy as well. This woman can write it all yall.
If you think this is going to be another damsel in distress that needs saving then thinks again.
Is she kidnapped? Oh most def.
Does the big bad war Captain hate her? He thinks he does
Does she need him to protect her? Not in the way you would think......
Can she handle herself? Hell yes she can ( Hidden secret magic)
When Theo invades Rowan's (FMC) kingdom, she gets kidnapped and given to Ayer the slightly morally gray human War Captain MMC.
Ayer hates all Fae and wants nothing more than to end Rowan and her entire Fae bloodline. He does threaten this ALOT, but every time he has the chance to do just that, he doesn't. Something about this sassy, foul mouthed princess pulls him to her and the need to be with her is overbearing. The banter between them while they are on the road is both hilarious and builds so much tension you can feel it and taste it through the pages. They slowly start letting their walls down to one another and learning about each others pasts. This is definitely a will they, won't they and you won't be able to wanting to them to. The pull they have makes you think maybe fate has some plans for them to be mated possibly? Book Two is seriously going to be interesting and we are all here for it......
“The king has three children: an heir, a spare, and a daughter to sell.”
If this doesn't tell you how Rowan was raised and what is expected of her. But we love a defiant FMC with magic in her veins and defiance larger than any kingdom.
Romantasy
Enemies to ( We shall see)
Forced Proximity
One Horse / One Bed
Secret Magic
Betrayal / Twist and Lies
Demons / Humans / Faes and Monsters
Rival Kingdoms
Sassy Fae Princess w / hidden magic FMC
Morally Grey Angry Human War Captain MMC
Political Intrigue
SLOW BURN
I highly recommend this book to all Romantasy lovers. This one has a little of everything for everyone. I think that is part of the pull into the world AJ has created. What a world it is too............
If you think this is going to be another damsel in distress that needs saving then thinks again.
Is she kidnapped? Oh most def.
Does the big bad war Captain hate her? He thinks he does
Does she need him to protect her? Not in the way you would think......
Can she handle herself? Hell yes she can ( Hidden secret magic)
When Theo invades Rowan's (FMC) kingdom, she gets kidnapped and given to Ayer the slightly morally gray human War Captain MMC.
Ayer hates all Fae and wants nothing more than to end Rowan and her entire Fae bloodline. He does threaten this ALOT, but every time he has the chance to do just that, he doesn't. Something about this sassy, foul mouthed princess pulls him to her and the need to be with her is overbearing. The banter between them while they are on the road is both hilarious and builds so much tension you can feel it and taste it through the pages. They slowly start letting their walls down to one another and learning about each others pasts. This is definitely a will they, won't they and you won't be able to wanting to them to. The pull they have makes you think maybe fate has some plans for them to be mated possibly? Book Two is seriously going to be interesting and we are all here for it......
“The king has three children: an heir, a spare, and a daughter to sell.”
If this doesn't tell you how Rowan was raised and what is expected of her. But we love a defiant FMC with magic in her veins and defiance larger than any kingdom.
Romantasy
Enemies to ( We shall see)
Forced Proximity
One Horse / One Bed
Secret Magic
Betrayal / Twist and Lies
Demons / Humans / Faes and Monsters
Rival Kingdoms
Sassy Fae Princess w / hidden magic FMC
Morally Grey Angry Human War Captain MMC
Political Intrigue
SLOW BURN
I highly recommend this book to all Romantasy lovers. This one has a little of everything for everyone. I think that is part of the pull into the world AJ has created. What a world it is too............
Review of advance copy
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - ARC Review through BookSirens
Thank you A.J. Wilding for the oppourtnity to read an ARC of RavenRose.
An Heir. A Spare. And a Daughter to Sell.
If you’re looking for a book with mystery, intrigue, a captive princess, a broody war captain, forbidden magic, a chaotic best friend playing matchmaker and the makings of some VERY good enemies-to-lovers tension, this is a book for you.
Rowan has always known her role as the fae princess: marry and strengthen her family's position. However, her brothers have made sure she knows how to protect herself when that time comes. I really loved the family dynamic between Rowan and her brothers and the genuine love between them.
When Rowan is taken captive, she finds herself stuck with Ayer - a ruthless war captain who wants nothing to do with the fae and even less to do with their “spoiled” princess. Rowan and Ayer can't seem to decide whether they are enemies or reluctant allies as they're forced time and time again to rely on each other. The dual POV made watching these two fight whatever was happening between them while remaining determined to hate each other absolutely delicious.
Then there's Theo - chaotic matchmaker & professional shit disturber and easily my favourite character. His snarky personality had me from the beginning, and I was always looking forward to when he would pop up throughout the story. I need more Theo.
What brought this down to four stars for me was that I was really intrigued by the magic system, but I wanted more explanation of the royals' magic, why the runes were outlawed and how Ayer knows how to use them. I especially would have loved to see more of Rowan's light magic and what she was capable of based on how it was described.
The pacing had a strong beginning, a slightly slower middle and picked right back up at the end. The ending was well done and set things up nicely for book two while leaving me genuinely interested in where the story goes next.
A really enjoyable start to the Tethered Kingdoms series.
Thank you A.J. Wilding for the oppourtnity to read an ARC of RavenRose.
An Heir. A Spare. And a Daughter to Sell.
If you’re looking for a book with mystery, intrigue, a captive princess, a broody war captain, forbidden magic, a chaotic best friend playing matchmaker and the makings of some VERY good enemies-to-lovers tension, this is a book for you.
Rowan has always known her role as the fae princess: marry and strengthen her family's position. However, her brothers have made sure she knows how to protect herself when that time comes. I really loved the family dynamic between Rowan and her brothers and the genuine love between them.
When Rowan is taken captive, she finds herself stuck with Ayer - a ruthless war captain who wants nothing to do with the fae and even less to do with their “spoiled” princess. Rowan and Ayer can't seem to decide whether they are enemies or reluctant allies as they're forced time and time again to rely on each other. The dual POV made watching these two fight whatever was happening between them while remaining determined to hate each other absolutely delicious.
Then there's Theo - chaotic matchmaker & professional shit disturber and easily my favourite character. His snarky personality had me from the beginning, and I was always looking forward to when he would pop up throughout the story. I need more Theo.
What brought this down to four stars for me was that I was really intrigued by the magic system, but I wanted more explanation of the royals' magic, why the runes were outlawed and how Ayer knows how to use them. I especially would have loved to see more of Rowan's light magic and what she was capable of based on how it was described.
The pacing had a strong beginning, a slightly slower middle and picked right back up at the end. The ending was well done and set things up nicely for book two while leaving me genuinely interested in where the story goes next.
A really enjoyable start to the Tethered Kingdoms series.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Firstly, I want to apologise for asking when the next book is 🤭 I’ve just finished this MASTERPIECE and read the acknowledgements where AJ Wilding explains the process leading up to this book, what I will say is that I’m SO GLAD you finished this and I’m excited for the rest of the books in this series when YOU are ready.
I requested an ARC of this via BookSirens in exchange for an honest review.
When I started this book, I got to 4% and started something else however it was not the book, it was me (I tried 3 other fantasies before moving to a fluffy romance), I was just not in the headspace for a fantasy and I’m so glad I went back to it a couple days later because then I just couldn’t put it down.
Our FMC is Rowan and she is just the perfect FMC, she is strong and doesn’t always need a man to come and rescue her. The dynamic between her and the MMC is so perfect, it’s TRUE enemies to lovers (& back to enemies? 😭), to the point where I couldn’t figure out how the heck their relationship was going to develop but it happens to naturally, I felt every emotion watching their relationship develop.
Also a second for Theo because I think I love him.
The pacing of this book is perfect, the world building is ideal, you get enough to picture the places but not too much overload that you’re confused. I also am so intrigued into learning more about the magic system, while this is quite a big factor through this book I have the feeling that there is so much more to come and we as readers have so much more to learn.
Also, I SOBBED chapters 52-56 so be prepared for some tears.
I also sobbed again at the ending because WHAT?! Is going to happen now. I’m really excited to read more from AJ Wilding, I loved her two mafia romance books that were recently released and this fantasy / Romantasy was PERFECT so I definitely have a new go to author.
While I don’t usually read books of an unfinished series, I’m so glad I did read this, I loved every moment of this story and can’t wait to see how it unfolds.
I requested an ARC of this via BookSirens in exchange for an honest review.
When I started this book, I got to 4% and started something else however it was not the book, it was me (I tried 3 other fantasies before moving to a fluffy romance), I was just not in the headspace for a fantasy and I’m so glad I went back to it a couple days later because then I just couldn’t put it down.
Our FMC is Rowan and she is just the perfect FMC, she is strong and doesn’t always need a man to come and rescue her. The dynamic between her and the MMC is so perfect, it’s TRUE enemies to lovers (& back to enemies? 😭), to the point where I couldn’t figure out how the heck their relationship was going to develop but it happens to naturally, I felt every emotion watching their relationship develop.
Also a second for Theo because I think I love him.
The pacing of this book is perfect, the world building is ideal, you get enough to picture the places but not too much overload that you’re confused. I also am so intrigued into learning more about the magic system, while this is quite a big factor through this book I have the feeling that there is so much more to come and we as readers have so much more to learn.
Also, I SOBBED chapters 52-56 so be prepared for some tears.
I also sobbed again at the ending because WHAT?! Is going to happen now. I’m really excited to read more from AJ Wilding, I loved her two mafia romance books that were recently released and this fantasy / Romantasy was PERFECT so I definitely have a new go to author.
While I don’t usually read books of an unfinished series, I’m so glad I did read this, I loved every moment of this story and can’t wait to see how it unfolds.
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC review/no spoilers
👏🏻AJ👏🏻WILDING👏🏻
You have reminded me why I LOVE romantasy. It’s been a while since I’ve read a book where I’m giggling and kicking my feet in the air. Holding my breathe and genuinely enjoying both characters. FMC Rowan is LIKEABLE, a huge feet to come across these days. She’s smart, clever, brave but soft and niave, not to her detriment but just out of life circumstances. Ayer is all the best things we love in an morally grey MMC, broody, unemotional, mean but yet, you see the cracks in his armour.
When you see “enemies to lovers” in books now it’s never that, it’s Lust at first sight or half way through the book they give in and immediately the magic is gone.
This book reminds us what enemies to lovers is. Dual POV lately has lost the mystery of the characters and stories, giving us a peak inside things I don’t want to know, but I want to figure out through the writing. AJ does it properly. I’m in Ayer’s POV but I’m not given information that spells it out for me, he’s still a mystery. I can assume, guess and hope but I don’t know.
This is AJ Wildings first romantasy and she does it in spades. I’m so incredibly honoured to get an ARC for this book and tell EVERYONE I know far and wide, if you like romantasy and miss the magic of reading this genre (in a somewhat saturated market), this is the breathe of fresh air this genre needed. The tropes, are troping but not in a copy paste generic way, they make sense. It fits the story. It’s natural and makes you giddy for sharing a horse and other wonderful tropes (I’m not giving any more tropes away)
I am frothing at the mouth for the next one but I hope she tunes out the noise that will follow demanding the next book ASAP, and she takes her time. A book written with this much care to detail and understanding the craft that is romantasy, deserves the space to be created properly.
Well done and thank AJ wilding.
👏🏻AJ👏🏻WILDING👏🏻
You have reminded me why I LOVE romantasy. It’s been a while since I’ve read a book where I’m giggling and kicking my feet in the air. Holding my breathe and genuinely enjoying both characters. FMC Rowan is LIKEABLE, a huge feet to come across these days. She’s smart, clever, brave but soft and niave, not to her detriment but just out of life circumstances. Ayer is all the best things we love in an morally grey MMC, broody, unemotional, mean but yet, you see the cracks in his armour.
When you see “enemies to lovers” in books now it’s never that, it’s Lust at first sight or half way through the book they give in and immediately the magic is gone.
This book reminds us what enemies to lovers is. Dual POV lately has lost the mystery of the characters and stories, giving us a peak inside things I don’t want to know, but I want to figure out through the writing. AJ does it properly. I’m in Ayer’s POV but I’m not given information that spells it out for me, he’s still a mystery. I can assume, guess and hope but I don’t know.
This is AJ Wildings first romantasy and she does it in spades. I’m so incredibly honoured to get an ARC for this book and tell EVERYONE I know far and wide, if you like romantasy and miss the magic of reading this genre (in a somewhat saturated market), this is the breathe of fresh air this genre needed. The tropes, are troping but not in a copy paste generic way, they make sense. It fits the story. It’s natural and makes you giddy for sharing a horse and other wonderful tropes (I’m not giving any more tropes away)
I am frothing at the mouth for the next one but I hope she tunes out the noise that will follow demanding the next book ASAP, and she takes her time. A book written with this much care to detail and understanding the craft that is romantasy, deserves the space to be created properly.
Well done and thank AJ wilding.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Okay I love AJs Devils & Darlings series and was so intrigued when she announced this.
I could not put it down.
Rowan, the princess sent to be married off for the better of their kingdom finds herself captured by a human army that despises the fae after her home was invaded with the help of the demon known as the Raven.
Ayer the captain is gifted Rowan by Prince Theo and she becomes a thorn in his side. His need to end her bloodline & enact revenge pushing him forward.
The banter between the two of them is so good. Towards the middle to end you just feel tise tension between the two of them, they argue & push eachother, you learn about their upbringings but you still don't know what it means for them. The plot twists that come, right before the ending I MEAN COME ON. I need book two. I have so many questions. I am reluctant if I trust that Rowan has made the wisest choice but now I need to wait it out....
I like Rowan as an FMC. She's feisty, caring, stubborn, a bit bratty, smart, and now struggling with some raging internal emotions. All that she knew perhaps isn't true. She's not a spoiled princess like most would believe, and she's tough.
Ayer is like an onion, (thank you Shrek) he's got layers. One minute you think he's just this broody captain, and the next you think he's genuine. Then is he manipulating Rowan, or is he a safe space for her. Can he stop hating fae or at least Rowan?
I loved the side characters, Theo has me laughing and I desperately wish we had a little more of him. I think Theo knows something we don't know. I like Wyatt as well.
Enemies to loversfriendsalliesorsomething stay tuned
Romantasy
Magic
Forced proximity
Touch Her & Die ( for a multitude of reasons even our Captain doesn't understand)
One bed 👀
"Admire the rose," she says lightly, her gaze trailing to meet mine, "but beware of the thorns."
I could not put it down.
Rowan, the princess sent to be married off for the better of their kingdom finds herself captured by a human army that despises the fae after her home was invaded with the help of the demon known as the Raven.
Ayer the captain is gifted Rowan by Prince Theo and she becomes a thorn in his side. His need to end her bloodline & enact revenge pushing him forward.
The banter between the two of them is so good. Towards the middle to end you just feel tise tension between the two of them, they argue & push eachother, you learn about their upbringings but you still don't know what it means for them. The plot twists that come, right before the ending I MEAN COME ON. I need book two. I have so many questions. I am reluctant if I trust that Rowan has made the wisest choice but now I need to wait it out....
I like Rowan as an FMC. She's feisty, caring, stubborn, a bit bratty, smart, and now struggling with some raging internal emotions. All that she knew perhaps isn't true. She's not a spoiled princess like most would believe, and she's tough.
Ayer is like an onion, (thank you Shrek) he's got layers. One minute you think he's just this broody captain, and the next you think he's genuine. Then is he manipulating Rowan, or is he a safe space for her. Can he stop hating fae or at least Rowan?
I loved the side characters, Theo has me laughing and I desperately wish we had a little more of him. I think Theo knows something we don't know. I like Wyatt as well.
Enemies to loversfriendsalliesorsomething stay tuned
Romantasy
Magic
Forced proximity
Touch Her & Die ( for a multitude of reasons even our Captain doesn't understand)
One bed 👀
"Admire the rose," she says lightly, her gaze trailing to meet mine, "but beware of the thorns."
September 3, 2026
Do you like Romantasy, with Enemies to Lovers, Slow burn romance?
📚Book Review📚
📚Ravenrose📚
📖Tethered Kingdoms - Book 1📖
👉A J Wilding
🗓️2 October 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
⭐️My Book review⭐️
Ok Well this was a different read to what I had previously read by A J Wilding, Am I mad about it, No Certainly not. I loved her previous books, and it took me a moment to get myself on a different trajectory for this story. But once I did I really enjoyed this.
Ok first off that Cliffhanger has me shook, and I am sooo on the Hook for the next installment!!!
I Loved the banter between Rowan and well, pretty much everyone. She can more than hold her own, she is one strong FMC. When Theo was first introduced, I though oookk…. And then we Meet Ayer 😂And now I have to wonder what Theo’s intentions were… What was he thinking, cause it seemed like he has a plan??
Did someone say Enemies to lovers slowburn? Forced Proximity, she’s his captive so there's that. One Horse ✅ One bed ✅.
The World was not hard to imagine, bonus points for adding in a map at the beginning.🌎
There is so much to unpack in this book and there are so many secrets. 🤔🤷♀️But I just really enjoyed it!!
I have so many questions???
I am intrigued and confused and why why why with that ending A J Wilding?
Hmmm 🤔I’ll be back!!!
🖤 Enemies to lovers
🥀 Forced proximity
😈 Villain gets the girl
☠️ Touch her and die
🩶 Morally grey mmc
⛓️ Captivity romance
🔥 Slow-burn
🏰 Fae kingdoms and dangerous magic
🗡️ Obsessive and protective anti-hero
🥊 Banter and emotional damage
👑 Court politics
💁🏼♀️ Strong FMC
🦄 High stakes fantasy romance
🤫 Everybody is keeping secrets
Thank you to A J Wilding for the opportunity to read this ARC - as always this review is my open and honest review.
📚Book Review📚
📚Ravenrose📚
📖Tethered Kingdoms - Book 1📖
👉A J Wilding
🗓️2 October 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
⭐️My Book review⭐️
Ok Well this was a different read to what I had previously read by A J Wilding, Am I mad about it, No Certainly not. I loved her previous books, and it took me a moment to get myself on a different trajectory for this story. But once I did I really enjoyed this.
Ok first off that Cliffhanger has me shook, and I am sooo on the Hook for the next installment!!!
I Loved the banter between Rowan and well, pretty much everyone. She can more than hold her own, she is one strong FMC. When Theo was first introduced, I though oookk…. And then we Meet Ayer 😂And now I have to wonder what Theo’s intentions were… What was he thinking, cause it seemed like he has a plan??
Did someone say Enemies to lovers slowburn? Forced Proximity, she’s his captive so there's that. One Horse ✅ One bed ✅.
The World was not hard to imagine, bonus points for adding in a map at the beginning.🌎
There is so much to unpack in this book and there are so many secrets. 🤔🤷♀️But I just really enjoyed it!!
I have so many questions???
I am intrigued and confused and why why why with that ending A J Wilding?
Hmmm 🤔I’ll be back!!!
🖤 Enemies to lovers
🥀 Forced proximity
😈 Villain gets the girl
☠️ Touch her and die
🩶 Morally grey mmc
⛓️ Captivity romance
🔥 Slow-burn
🏰 Fae kingdoms and dangerous magic
🗡️ Obsessive and protective anti-hero
🥊 Banter and emotional damage
👑 Court politics
💁🏼♀️ Strong FMC
🦄 High stakes fantasy romance
🤫 Everybody is keeping secrets
Thank you to A J Wilding for the opportunity to read this ARC - as always this review is my open and honest review.
October 1, 2026
« Admire the rose, but beware the thorns.”
I’m now reigning my new fantasy romance era because of master storytellers like A.J. Wilding. Shocking if you know the mafia and dark romance addict in me. So, yes, I’m now a romantasy girlie. And my love affair with this genre continues with Wilding’s addictive Ravenrose.
Originally I was going to forgo this story, still convinced this genre wasn’t for me. But Ravenrose had other plans. Its beautiful cover called to me so much as it dared me to peek inside. So I dove into Ravenrose blindly because it’s better with more mystery, trust me.
This book … just WOW!!! For two nights straight, I was on a Ravenrose banger. Completely consumed by this dark beauty. A fierce fusion of fantasy, romance, and forced proximity with all the delicious love-hate vibes. Ravenrose is unyielding and unrelenting … and oh my was I slayed!
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. And the hero and heroine? Ultimate warriors who I felt so much. Princess Rowan is Katniss meets Snow White and Captain Ayer is basically a broody Viking god who can capture me anytime. Rowan and Ayer are electric together.
Plot twist … or not: The new romantasy girlie fell for Ravenrose that’s uniquely incredible and unputdownable. I had no choice but to succumb to this immersive and extraordinary story of fated mates, alternate realms, death-defying wars, twists and turns, agonizing angst, and all the feels. Ravenrose is thrilling, tenacious, terrifyingly beautiful, and brilliantly told. IT’S EVERYTHING! I. NEED. MORE. NOW!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ but worth all the stars in all the realms
➡️ https://amzn.to/3W3z08n
I’m now reigning my new fantasy romance era because of master storytellers like A.J. Wilding. Shocking if you know the mafia and dark romance addict in me. So, yes, I’m now a romantasy girlie. And my love affair with this genre continues with Wilding’s addictive Ravenrose.
Originally I was going to forgo this story, still convinced this genre wasn’t for me. But Ravenrose had other plans. Its beautiful cover called to me so much as it dared me to peek inside. So I dove into Ravenrose blindly because it’s better with more mystery, trust me.
This book … just WOW!!! For two nights straight, I was on a Ravenrose banger. Completely consumed by this dark beauty. A fierce fusion of fantasy, romance, and forced proximity with all the delicious love-hate vibes. Ravenrose is unyielding and unrelenting … and oh my was I slayed!
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. And the hero and heroine? Ultimate warriors who I felt so much. Princess Rowan is Katniss meets Snow White and Captain Ayer is basically a broody Viking god who can capture me anytime. Rowan and Ayer are electric together.
Plot twist … or not: The new romantasy girlie fell for Ravenrose that’s uniquely incredible and unputdownable. I had no choice but to succumb to this immersive and extraordinary story of fated mates, alternate realms, death-defying wars, twists and turns, agonizing angst, and all the feels. Ravenrose is thrilling, tenacious, terrifyingly beautiful, and brilliantly told. IT’S EVERYTHING! I. NEED. MORE. NOW!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ but worth all the stars in all the realms
➡️ https://amzn.to/3W3z08n
October 7, 2026
What an incredible gem this book was!
It's been a while since a book truly ensnared me and made me want to stay awake and go on at night.
I'd try not to spoil much, but the character work was such a highlight, though I hope the next installment would focus more on Rowan's side.
The tension, angst, and darkness were done extremely well as was the conflict (I am optimistic it wouldn't take the easy way that the fae are in the wrong/the bad guys and the humans - the good ones, because what was presented is that both sides are flawed and prejudiced).
All the twists were great, but I guessed the one with the MMC right away, but it's not important as it gives a great setup for the next book. The FMC one was stunning and pretty surprising.
And oh boy was that (finally!) a true enemies to lovers slow burn with almost zero lust, when I was exhausted with empty promises about that. The stakes, how tense and difficult it was, I couldn't wait to read more.
I have to admit that maybe the author did it too well as I still find the MMC pretty irredeemable. I don't want to say too much, but no way around that he's very racist and hateful, and plenty of his actions were unnecessarily cruel and degrading, not to mention manipulative. Despite Rowan helping him and his friends multiple times for no gain for herself.
So, I am hopeful and believe in the author that this doesn't go the way most books do and he has to really work for it and grovel (and not you know, being brushed off when he starts being nice).
In any case, Ravenrose surpassed my expectations immensely, and I have all confidence in the next parts of the trilogy. The only pain is that I have to wait to be honest, but I know it would be worth it.
It's been a while since a book truly ensnared me and made me want to stay awake and go on at night.
I'd try not to spoil much, but the character work was such a highlight, though I hope the next installment would focus more on Rowan's side.
The tension, angst, and darkness were done extremely well as was the conflict (I am optimistic it wouldn't take the easy way that the fae are in the wrong/the bad guys and the humans - the good ones, because what was presented is that both sides are flawed and prejudiced).
All the twists were great, but I guessed the one with the MMC right away, but it's not important as it gives a great setup for the next book. The FMC one was stunning and pretty surprising.
And oh boy was that (finally!) a true enemies to lovers slow burn with almost zero lust, when I was exhausted with empty promises about that. The stakes, how tense and difficult it was, I couldn't wait to read more.
I have to admit that maybe the author did it too well as I still find the MMC pretty irredeemable. I don't want to say too much, but no way around that he's very racist and hateful, and plenty of his actions were unnecessarily cruel and degrading, not to mention manipulative. Despite Rowan helping him and his friends multiple times for no gain for herself.
So, I am hopeful and believe in the author that this doesn't go the way most books do and he has to really work for it and grovel (and not you know, being brushed off when he starts being nice).
In any case, Ravenrose surpassed my expectations immensely, and I have all confidence in the next parts of the trilogy. The only pain is that I have to wait to be honest, but I know it would be worth it.
October 9, 2026
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Ravenrose was such an interesting read, especially for its slow-burn enemies-to-lovers romance. I really enjoyed how Rowan and Ayer’s relationship developed over time. Their dynamic had that tension and uncertainty I love in this trope, where feelings don’t appear overnight and trust has to be earned. Watching their relationship slowly evolve made their moments together feel more meaningful.
Rowan was a character I felt for, especially knowing how much of her life had been shaped by expectations and obligations she never chose for herself. The thought of her having to sacrifice her own happiness for a marriage that had been planned for her was heartbreaking. She deserved the chance to make her own choices instead of always having to put duty before herself.
I also really appreciated the world-building. The way the world was divided and structured added an interesting layer to the story and made the setting feel more developed. It was one of the aspects that stood out to me the most.
Going into this book, I expected something much darker based on the descriptions and content warnings. While there were darker elements, I personally didn’t find the story as dark as I had anticipated. That wasn’t necessarily a bad thing, but I think readers expecting an extremely dark romance should keep that in mind.
Overall, I enjoyed the romance, the world-building, and the emotional journey of the characters. If you love a genuine slow-burn enemies-to-lovers story with fantasy elements, complicated relationships, and characters caught between duty and desire, Ravenrose might be worth adding to your TBR.
Ravenrose was such an interesting read, especially for its slow-burn enemies-to-lovers romance. I really enjoyed how Rowan and Ayer’s relationship developed over time. Their dynamic had that tension and uncertainty I love in this trope, where feelings don’t appear overnight and trust has to be earned. Watching their relationship slowly evolve made their moments together feel more meaningful.
Rowan was a character I felt for, especially knowing how much of her life had been shaped by expectations and obligations she never chose for herself. The thought of her having to sacrifice her own happiness for a marriage that had been planned for her was heartbreaking. She deserved the chance to make her own choices instead of always having to put duty before herself.
I also really appreciated the world-building. The way the world was divided and structured added an interesting layer to the story and made the setting feel more developed. It was one of the aspects that stood out to me the most.
Going into this book, I expected something much darker based on the descriptions and content warnings. While there were darker elements, I personally didn’t find the story as dark as I had anticipated. That wasn’t necessarily a bad thing, but I think readers expecting an extremely dark romance should keep that in mind.
Overall, I enjoyed the romance, the world-building, and the emotional journey of the characters. If you love a genuine slow-burn enemies-to-lovers story with fantasy elements, complicated relationships, and characters caught between duty and desire, Ravenrose might be worth adding to your TBR.
September 8, 2026
***ARC Review***
“The king has three children: an heir, a spare, and a daughter to sell”
Tropes
⚔️Enemies to Lovers
⚔️Forced Proximity
⚔️Captor/Captive
⚔️Arranged Marriage
⚔️Slow Burn
⚔️One Bed/One Horse
⚔️Touch Her And Die
Three fae siblings Fel, Riven, and Rowan capture a charismatic human, Theo, in the woods near their childhood home. That night that very home falls under attack and walls that have stood impenetrable fall at the hands of a Demon Raven. In a desperate attempt to save her twin, Rowan manages to secure the townsfolk but falls into the hands of their attackers. As a thanks for his rescue, Theo, the prince, bestows Rowan as a gift to the grumpy captain of the army with only the orders to keep her alive. It becomes a battle of will for Ayer and his stubborn princess as they take a treacherous journey through the woods to get to an outpost to rejoin Theo. Rowan quickly finds out how sheltered of a life she has had, naive to the world and its dangers outside the walls of her childhood home. Ayer quickly discovers that even the prettiest of roses have thorns.
I couldn’t put this down! It was a battle of wills and full of tension. The banter never stops, and neither do the twists and turns that happen on this journey. I found myself needing to know what happened next and by the end holding my breath while I got hung off a cliff. I need book 2 in my hands now to see how the rest of this plays out!!!
I have loved AJ Wildings Irish Mafia series and when it came to her romantasy she did not disappoint. This was very well written with solid world building and structure!
“The king has three children: an heir, a spare, and a daughter to sell”
Tropes
⚔️Enemies to Lovers
⚔️Forced Proximity
⚔️Captor/Captive
⚔️Arranged Marriage
⚔️Slow Burn
⚔️One Bed/One Horse
⚔️Touch Her And Die
Three fae siblings Fel, Riven, and Rowan capture a charismatic human, Theo, in the woods near their childhood home. That night that very home falls under attack and walls that have stood impenetrable fall at the hands of a Demon Raven. In a desperate attempt to save her twin, Rowan manages to secure the townsfolk but falls into the hands of their attackers. As a thanks for his rescue, Theo, the prince, bestows Rowan as a gift to the grumpy captain of the army with only the orders to keep her alive. It becomes a battle of will for Ayer and his stubborn princess as they take a treacherous journey through the woods to get to an outpost to rejoin Theo. Rowan quickly finds out how sheltered of a life she has had, naive to the world and its dangers outside the walls of her childhood home. Ayer quickly discovers that even the prettiest of roses have thorns.
I couldn’t put this down! It was a battle of wills and full of tension. The banter never stops, and neither do the twists and turns that happen on this journey. I found myself needing to know what happened next and by the end holding my breath while I got hung off a cliff. I need book 2 in my hands now to see how the rest of this plays out!!!
I have loved AJ Wildings Irish Mafia series and when it came to her romantasy she did not disappoint. This was very well written with solid world building and structure!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Ravenrose is the first book in The Tethered Kingdoms Series, an enemies-to-lovers light/dark romantasy centered around Rowan Valrose, a princess who has spent her entire life being molded into the perfect heir. She’s expected to be obedient, composed, and exactly what her kingdom needs her to be.
Then there’s Ayer, a ruthless and calculating war captain from a rival kingdom who is determined to see the Valrose bloodline destroyed. When circumstances force Rowan and Ayer together, Rowan finds herself caught between her responsibilities to her kingdom and the very man who has vowed to end her.
This story was captivating from the beginning, with enough tension and intrigue to keep me turning the pages. Rowan initially comes across as quiet, timid, and somewhat sheltered, but there is much more to her than meets the eye. She has abilities and a strength that catch the men around her off guard, and I enjoyed watching her slowly challenge the expectations they had of her.
Ayer was an interesting character as well. He’s intelligent, capable, quick-witted, and not particularly easy to figure out. I wasn’t sure how I felt about him at first, but he gradually grew on me. His POV added another layer to his character, especially seeing the contrast between what he says and threatens and what is actually going on in his head.
The story kept me engaged, and by the time I reached the end, I was disappointed to realize there wasn’t more to read. The ending definitely left me curious about where Rowan and Ayer’s story will go next, so I’ll be keeping an eye out for book two.
Then there’s Ayer, a ruthless and calculating war captain from a rival kingdom who is determined to see the Valrose bloodline destroyed. When circumstances force Rowan and Ayer together, Rowan finds herself caught between her responsibilities to her kingdom and the very man who has vowed to end her.
This story was captivating from the beginning, with enough tension and intrigue to keep me turning the pages. Rowan initially comes across as quiet, timid, and somewhat sheltered, but there is much more to her than meets the eye. She has abilities and a strength that catch the men around her off guard, and I enjoyed watching her slowly challenge the expectations they had of her.
Ayer was an interesting character as well. He’s intelligent, capable, quick-witted, and not particularly easy to figure out. I wasn’t sure how I felt about him at first, but he gradually grew on me. His POV added another layer to his character, especially seeing the contrast between what he says and threatens and what is actually going on in his head.
The story kept me engaged, and by the time I reached the end, I was disappointed to realize there wasn’t more to read. The ending definitely left me curious about where Rowan and Ayer’s story will go next, so I’ll be keeping an eye out for book two.
October 5, 2026
Ravenrose completely surprised me. This is easily one of my favorite books of 2026.
What impressed me most was the writing. The story is beautifully written, atmospheric, dark, and incredibly immersive. There is so much mystery woven throughout the book that I was constantly trying to figure out the characters, the magic, and what was really happening. Every time I thought I understood where the story was going, another piece was revealed that made me rethink everything.
And the slow burn is SLOW. Somehow, I didn’t care. The tension is so well done that I was completely invested without needing the romance to move quickly. That’s rare for me. The relationship develops naturally alongside the actual story instead of becoming the entire story.
I also loved that the fantasy world felt important. The different kingdoms, political conflicts, magic, runes, secrets, and mythology aren’t just background for a romance. There is an actual plot here, and it kept giving me new questions that I needed answered.
Most importantly, I cared about these characters. I worried about them. I questioned their motives. I changed my mind about people. I kept telling myself I would stop after one more chapter and then immediately kept reading.
This is exactly what I want from romantasy: a romance I can become invested in, but a story strong enough that I would keep reading even without it.
No spoilers because the reveals are part of what makes this book so much fun. Go into it knowing as little as possible.
What impressed me most was the writing. The story is beautifully written, atmospheric, dark, and incredibly immersive. There is so much mystery woven throughout the book that I was constantly trying to figure out the characters, the magic, and what was really happening. Every time I thought I understood where the story was going, another piece was revealed that made me rethink everything.
And the slow burn is SLOW. Somehow, I didn’t care. The tension is so well done that I was completely invested without needing the romance to move quickly. That’s rare for me. The relationship develops naturally alongside the actual story instead of becoming the entire story.
I also loved that the fantasy world felt important. The different kingdoms, political conflicts, magic, runes, secrets, and mythology aren’t just background for a romance. There is an actual plot here, and it kept giving me new questions that I needed answered.
Most importantly, I cared about these characters. I worried about them. I questioned their motives. I changed my mind about people. I kept telling myself I would stop after one more chapter and then immediately kept reading.
This is exactly what I want from romantasy: a romance I can become invested in, but a story strong enough that I would keep reading even without it.
No spoilers because the reveals are part of what makes this book so much fun. Go into it knowing as little as possible.
October 11, 2026
I was gifted this Arc by book sirens.
This is a brilliant romantasy. Rowan is a fae princess who has obligations she is expected to uphold to help her brothers and father keep their kingdom secure. She is to marry a prince from a neighbouring kingdom, as there are many bordering kingdoms that are at war. However Rowan has a secret that she hides and only her brothers know she has them. Rowans kingdom comes under attack and Rowan being the bad ass princess that she is sacrifices herself to save her brothers and her people. She is captured by the human prince Theo who finds it entertaining to gift the spitfire of a princess to his top guard Ayer who despises the fae. Ayer is dark brooding, grumpy and us hiding secrets of his own. Rowan has to accompany Ayer and his squad back to his camp. Ayer despises Rowan and threatens to kill her if she misbehaves to start with, but as their journey proceeds he sees the fight, determination and fire Rowan has and they begin to mutally respect each other. Rowan tries to escape at one point and Ayer saves her. Once they get to camp their hate turns into respect and they finally see one another. Until the castle gets attacked and Rowan sees something that scares her. She runs, chased swiftly by Ayer. Ayer is out for blood but Rowans powers finally reveal themselves, that shock them both. What lies ahead for Rowan and Ayer as there story is only just getting started. Did Ayer trully want to hurt Rowan, will they cross paths again. Cannot wait to find out in the next installment.
This is a brilliant romantasy. Rowan is a fae princess who has obligations she is expected to uphold to help her brothers and father keep their kingdom secure. She is to marry a prince from a neighbouring kingdom, as there are many bordering kingdoms that are at war. However Rowan has a secret that she hides and only her brothers know she has them. Rowans kingdom comes under attack and Rowan being the bad ass princess that she is sacrifices herself to save her brothers and her people. She is captured by the human prince Theo who finds it entertaining to gift the spitfire of a princess to his top guard Ayer who despises the fae. Ayer is dark brooding, grumpy and us hiding secrets of his own. Rowan has to accompany Ayer and his squad back to his camp. Ayer despises Rowan and threatens to kill her if she misbehaves to start with, but as their journey proceeds he sees the fight, determination and fire Rowan has and they begin to mutally respect each other. Rowan tries to escape at one point and Ayer saves her. Once they get to camp their hate turns into respect and they finally see one another. Until the castle gets attacked and Rowan sees something that scares her. She runs, chased swiftly by Ayer. Ayer is out for blood but Rowans powers finally reveal themselves, that shock them both. What lies ahead for Rowan and Ayer as there story is only just getting started. Did Ayer trully want to hurt Rowan, will they cross paths again. Cannot wait to find out in the next installment.
October 8, 2026
Ravenrose was so much more than a romantasy read. This had forced proximity, enemies to lovers, political mess, secrets, magic, and a man who is her enemy in every possible way. He has disdain for the Fae for what they did, and she is the last person who should be making him question everything he believes. Which, of course, made me want to keep reading. Then this book flipped everything on it's head when she is learning she knows nothing of the bigger picture.
I loved the way this story kept giving me more questions as it went. The Fae, demons, and humans all have their own pieces of the bigger picture, and nobody feels fully safe to trust. That is my favorite kind of plot.
The dynamic between the main characters had me hooked. There is anger, distrust, unwanted curiosity, and those little moments where you can feel something shifting even when neither of them wants to admit it. I stayed up way too late reading because I needed to know where it was going. I could not believe how close I got to thinking I knew how this book was going to go and the plot twist literal cliffhanger ending was completely nuts. I can't even tell you how much I loved this read and I need to get book two so badly I am so devastated with the cliffhanger.
If you like romantasy with a darker edge, forced proximity, enemies to lovers, secrets, magic, political alliances, Fae, demons, and a heroine who is keeping more to herself than anyone realizes, Ravenrose is one to grab.
I loved the way this story kept giving me more questions as it went. The Fae, demons, and humans all have their own pieces of the bigger picture, and nobody feels fully safe to trust. That is my favorite kind of plot.
The dynamic between the main characters had me hooked. There is anger, distrust, unwanted curiosity, and those little moments where you can feel something shifting even when neither of them wants to admit it. I stayed up way too late reading because I needed to know where it was going. I could not believe how close I got to thinking I knew how this book was going to go and the plot twist literal cliffhanger ending was completely nuts. I can't even tell you how much I loved this read and I need to get book two so badly I am so devastated with the cliffhanger.
If you like romantasy with a darker edge, forced proximity, enemies to lovers, secrets, magic, political alliances, Fae, demons, and a heroine who is keeping more to herself than anyone realizes, Ravenrose is one to grab.
October 12, 2026
*I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.*
I'm sorry, *what?!*
Rowan and Ayer have completely RUINED me.
When I first started reading, I really wasn't sold on this story. I thought it was going to be your typical, so-called slow burning enemies to lovers.
A fae princess falling for her arranged prince, blah blah. Its not a *bad* trope, its just not really a true slow burn enemy/lover.
LET ME TELL YOU. I was SO unbelievably *wrong*. This story took a WILD right turn, building an amazing, captivating world with an interesting magic system. The lead characters are infuriating, leaning heavily into their stereotypes as a form of armor, and the *snark*. Oh my *god*, the snark between them. Its impossible not to feel every ounce of hate they hold for one another, and even harder not to let it chip away as they do.
The amount of smirking and snickering I did was ridiculous, frankly.
One bed, TRUE enemies to lovers with a WICKED slow burn, touch her and die, captor/captive, forbidden love. Its all here, wrapped in a perfect dark fantasy bow, and I am *aching* for the next book.
I can't wait for this series to continue. Its been a while since I felt these tropes were properly written, and to be in my preferred genre is just. Fabulous.
Desperately looking forward to the next book in the series. If you aren't sure about it, trust me. Its worth it.
I'm sorry, *what?!*
Rowan and Ayer have completely RUINED me.
When I first started reading, I really wasn't sold on this story. I thought it was going to be your typical, so-called slow burning enemies to lovers.
A fae princess falling for her arranged prince, blah blah. Its not a *bad* trope, its just not really a true slow burn enemy/lover.
LET ME TELL YOU. I was SO unbelievably *wrong*. This story took a WILD right turn, building an amazing, captivating world with an interesting magic system. The lead characters are infuriating, leaning heavily into their stereotypes as a form of armor, and the *snark*. Oh my *god*, the snark between them. Its impossible not to feel every ounce of hate they hold for one another, and even harder not to let it chip away as they do.
The amount of smirking and snickering I did was ridiculous, frankly.
One bed, TRUE enemies to lovers with a WICKED slow burn, touch her and die, captor/captive, forbidden love. Its all here, wrapped in a perfect dark fantasy bow, and I am *aching* for the next book.
I can't wait for this series to continue. Its been a while since I felt these tropes were properly written, and to be in my preferred genre is just. Fabulous.
Desperately looking forward to the next book in the series. If you aren't sure about it, trust me. Its worth it.
October 16, 2026
5 ⭐ | WHAT. THE. HELL.
ARE YOU TELLING ME THIS ISN’T A STANDALONE?!
NOOOOOOOO.
THAT. CLIFFHANGER.
HOW COULD YOU DO THIS TO ME?! WHY?! PLEASE, SOMEONE TELL ME WHY?!
The absolute torture.
Gods… WHY. JUST WHY. 😭
Okay. Emotional damage aside, I absolutely loved this story.
Ayer is an asshole. A morally grey (or let’s be real, morally BLACK) asshole. And honestly? Just the way I like them. 🖤
I also loved Rowan, our FMC. She actually has a personality, a backbone, and some really nice character development throughout the story.
My one minor complaint? The whole transition from “We hate the fae!” to “Oh, Rowan? Yeah, she’s cool, we accept her now.” happened a little too quickly for my liking. I would’ve liked a bit more resistance there.
Now, let’s talk romance.
This is enemies to lovers and a TRUE slow burn. And when I say slow, I mean SLOW. Glacial. We’re talking absolutely no real romance for the first 85% of the book.
And spice? ZERO. ZILCH. NADA. Unfortunately. 🥲
But don’t worry, we do get some delicious little moments of tension, teasing, and the occasional urge to scream JUST KISS ALREADY!
AND THEN…
THERE IS ONLY ONE BED.
YASSSSS QUEEN. 👑
Automatic bonus points. Every. Single. Time.
Despite the complete lack of spice and that absolutely CRIMINAL cliffhanger, I had such a good time reading this.
5 stars. ⭐
Now excuse me while I go emotionally recover from that ending. Or beg for the next book. Preferably both.
ARE YOU TELLING ME THIS ISN’T A STANDALONE?!
NOOOOOOOO.
THAT. CLIFFHANGER.
HOW COULD YOU DO THIS TO ME?! WHY?! PLEASE, SOMEONE TELL ME WHY?!
The absolute torture.
Gods… WHY. JUST WHY. 😭
Okay. Emotional damage aside, I absolutely loved this story.
Ayer is an asshole. A morally grey (or let’s be real, morally BLACK) asshole. And honestly? Just the way I like them. 🖤
I also loved Rowan, our FMC. She actually has a personality, a backbone, and some really nice character development throughout the story.
My one minor complaint? The whole transition from “We hate the fae!” to “Oh, Rowan? Yeah, she’s cool, we accept her now.” happened a little too quickly for my liking. I would’ve liked a bit more resistance there.
Now, let’s talk romance.
This is enemies to lovers and a TRUE slow burn. And when I say slow, I mean SLOW. Glacial. We’re talking absolutely no real romance for the first 85% of the book.
And spice? ZERO. ZILCH. NADA. Unfortunately. 🥲
But don’t worry, we do get some delicious little moments of tension, teasing, and the occasional urge to scream JUST KISS ALREADY!
AND THEN…
THERE IS ONLY ONE BED.
YASSSSS QUEEN. 👑
Automatic bonus points. Every. Single. Time.
Despite the complete lack of spice and that absolutely CRIMINAL cliffhanger, I had such a good time reading this.
5 stars. ⭐
Now excuse me while I go emotionally recover from that ending. Or beg for the next book. Preferably both.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book grabbed me by the throat from the start and did not let go. I was hooked immediately and, naturally, finished the entire thing in 24 hours because apparently sleep is optional now. We have fae vs humans, war, political intrigue, secrets, magic, and enemies to... lovers? (well...I sincerely hope so.)
This story follows Rowan, a fae princess who has always known her marriage would be a strategic one because apparently being a princess means your love life is just another item on the political agenda. She’s been hidden away and raised to be the obedient, powerless daughter, which would probably work better if Rowan wasn’t Rowan. She’s fiesty, clever, and absolutely not here to behave. She’s secretly learned to fight in a kingdom where women aren’t allowed to, she’s politically savvy, and she has some very suspicious magic that we still know very little about...
Then war arrives, and Rowan is thrown into a dangerous journey beyond her castle walls with Ayer, a terrifying war captain who despises all fae and has some serious issues with Rowan’s family. He’s brutal, fierce, and generally giving broody MMC. Unfortunately for him, Rowan is apparently the thorn he cannot remove.
Overall, this is a gripping romantasy with a fascinating magical world, strong characters, plenty of danger, and approximately 47 unanswered questions that I now desperately need answers to. I need the next book immediately.
This story follows Rowan, a fae princess who has always known her marriage would be a strategic one because apparently being a princess means your love life is just another item on the political agenda. She’s been hidden away and raised to be the obedient, powerless daughter, which would probably work better if Rowan wasn’t Rowan. She’s fiesty, clever, and absolutely not here to behave. She’s secretly learned to fight in a kingdom where women aren’t allowed to, she’s politically savvy, and she has some very suspicious magic that we still know very little about...
Then war arrives, and Rowan is thrown into a dangerous journey beyond her castle walls with Ayer, a terrifying war captain who despises all fae and has some serious issues with Rowan’s family. He’s brutal, fierce, and generally giving broody MMC. Unfortunately for him, Rowan is apparently the thorn he cannot remove.
Overall, this is a gripping romantasy with a fascinating magical world, strong characters, plenty of danger, and approximately 47 unanswered questions that I now desperately need answers to. I need the next book immediately.
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