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Harnessed in Gold: A Contemporary Fantasy Romance
“You need to protect her, Sidhe. She doesn’t know half of what she can do.”
Betts Peterson is determined to find a purpose. But offering to use her psychic ability to help save the fae realm might not be the best place to start. Now she’s tied herself to what she fears most: her mysterious, uncontrollable power, and Leo Hawthorn, the faerie who broke her heart.
Yet Betts has no plans to back out, not when the ancient ways of the fae are under threat. If Brier Lynx, Nadar’s rising dictator, gets his hands on the faerie weapon hidden deep in the Blue Ridge Mountains, he could destroy the sacred bond between fae and nature.
It’s a race against the enemy as Betts works side-by-side with her psychic and faerie friends to hunt down the weapon. The deeper into Brownhill’s unexplored corners the search takes them, the faster Brier’s team closes in. And as the heat builds between Betts and Leo, so do the questions about her power.
Is she the key to finding the weapon, or is she something more dangerous than either of them could’ve imagined?
Harnessed in Gold is the sequel to Caged in Silver and the second book in the New Adult Contemporary Fantasy Romance series, The Secrets of Brownhill. Expect mystery, found family, nature magic, and a steamy forbidden romance with all the yearning. Please see the author’s website for content information.
Betts Peterson is determined to find a purpose. But offering to use her psychic ability to help save the fae realm might not be the best place to start. Now she’s tied herself to what she fears most: her mysterious, uncontrollable power, and Leo Hawthorn, the faerie who broke her heart.
Yet Betts has no plans to back out, not when the ancient ways of the fae are under threat. If Brier Lynx, Nadar’s rising dictator, gets his hands on the faerie weapon hidden deep in the Blue Ridge Mountains, he could destroy the sacred bond between fae and nature.
It’s a race against the enemy as Betts works side-by-side with her psychic and faerie friends to hunt down the weapon. The deeper into Brownhill’s unexplored corners the search takes them, the faster Brier’s team closes in. And as the heat builds between Betts and Leo, so do the questions about her power.
Is she the key to finding the weapon, or is she something more dangerous than either of them could’ve imagined?
Harnessed in Gold is the sequel to Caged in Silver and the second book in the New Adult Contemporary Fantasy Romance series, The Secrets of Brownhill. Expect mystery, found family, nature magic, and a steamy forbidden romance with all the yearning. Please see the author’s website for content information.
382 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 10, 2026
About the author
Mara Heath
3 books18 followersMara Heath fell in love with the romance genre when she first started reading the Sweet Valley High and Sweet Dreams series as a teen. Decades later, after working as an English teacher and taking time to be a mother, she's finally become the romance author she always wanted to be.
Mara loves writing stories about soul-searching FMCs and the men who truly see them, especially in settings where the supernatural collides with the real world.
She lives in Maryland with her husband, son, and elderly cat. When she isn't writing, she enjoys reading, sipping hot drinks, and binge-watching shows from the early 2000s.
Mara loves writing stories about soul-searching FMCs and the men who truly see them, especially in settings where the supernatural collides with the real world.
She lives in Maryland with her husband, son, and elderly cat. When she isn't writing, she enjoys reading, sipping hot drinks, and binge-watching shows from the early 2000s.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
August 20, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶
I loved that this book picked up right where book one ended. The way the story develops in this book from what book one built up to is so good!
Where book one gently eased into the romantasy aspect and we only saw glimpses of magic, the second book comes away from the academia setting a bit and delves so much into the fantasy side of the story. We get psychics, fae, nature magic, other realms, and so many dramatic scenes with magic involved 🔮
The spice is also ramped up slightly in this book! It's not overly spicy but there are definitely more steamy scenes with descriptive details 🔥
Betts drove me mad at multiple times throughout, but I think that was just me. I found her frustrating at the beginning with the her and Leo situation. I understand she felt betrayed but come on 🙄 she can literally feel emotions, and even if she couldn't, Leo is making it so obvious he cares about her and his feelings were real, he didn't do it to use her. Then as the story went on, she'd go from accepting things and being a badass, to not understanding and being really whiny again 😅
The star of the show for me (and probably everyone) was RIME! What a great character! He was funny, adorable, protective, and I found myself agreeing with him most of the time. I also really liked Liv and would love to see something happen with them 😍
Honourable mention for the bingo ladies, Jean, Topaz, and Avery 🙌
Overall, I had a really good time reading this! There was action, magic, humour, romance, angst, and found family! The ending has absolutely left me wanting more just like the first book did! 💕
The Secrets of Brownhill Series:
Book 1: Caged In Silver (on KU)
Book 2: Harnessed In Gold (on KU)
If you like the sound of a fun small town college romantasy, I definitely recommend checking this series out 🫶🏼
🌶🌶🌶
I loved that this book picked up right where book one ended. The way the story develops in this book from what book one built up to is so good!
Where book one gently eased into the romantasy aspect and we only saw glimpses of magic, the second book comes away from the academia setting a bit and delves so much into the fantasy side of the story. We get psychics, fae, nature magic, other realms, and so many dramatic scenes with magic involved 🔮
The spice is also ramped up slightly in this book! It's not overly spicy but there are definitely more steamy scenes with descriptive details 🔥
Betts drove me mad at multiple times throughout, but I think that was just me. I found her frustrating at the beginning with the her and Leo situation. I understand she felt betrayed but come on 🙄 she can literally feel emotions, and even if she couldn't, Leo is making it so obvious he cares about her and his feelings were real, he didn't do it to use her. Then as the story went on, she'd go from accepting things and being a badass, to not understanding and being really whiny again 😅
The star of the show for me (and probably everyone) was RIME! What a great character! He was funny, adorable, protective, and I found myself agreeing with him most of the time. I also really liked Liv and would love to see something happen with them 😍
Honourable mention for the bingo ladies, Jean, Topaz, and Avery 🙌
Overall, I had a really good time reading this! There was action, magic, humour, romance, angst, and found family! The ending has absolutely left me wanting more just like the first book did! 💕
The Secrets of Brownhill Series:
Book 1: Caged In Silver (on KU)
Book 2: Harnessed In Gold (on KU)
If you like the sound of a fun small town college romantasy, I definitely recommend checking this series out 🫶🏼
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I just finished Harnessed in Gold and it blew me away. The ending!!!! It was an arc so I am going to be very careful and not spoil anything. That said, I loved getting to know a couple of characters from Caged in Silver much better, and the evolution of Betts and Leo (the two main characters) was really great. There was a lot of action in this one, as two rival teams are working toward the same goal but for opposite purposes. I felt like the danger level was higher than Caged in Silver, and loved that! The friendship between Betts and her best friend Liv was also strong and impactful. I love the found family that continued to form.
There was one quote that I won’t share because I want to be spoiler safe… but when you get to the grilled cheese, that made me laugh out loud. I always felt like Betts was a bit of a soul sister, and I felt that line down to my bones!
The college setting is so fun, and while the “Greek life” element is still present I felt like the story shifted attention more to the perilous undertaking of Betts and her friends.
I really couldn’t have loved it any more. It’s fantastic!
This book has some spice, I think it was three super spicy (by my scale) scenes, but they were a part of the narrative and not gratuitous.
Thank you to author Mara Heath for letting me read an advance copy, I am already excited to find out what happens next.
There was one quote that I won’t share because I want to be spoiler safe… but when you get to the grilled cheese, that made me laugh out loud. I always felt like Betts was a bit of a soul sister, and I felt that line down to my bones!
The college setting is so fun, and while the “Greek life” element is still present I felt like the story shifted attention more to the perilous undertaking of Betts and her friends.
I really couldn’t have loved it any more. It’s fantastic!
This book has some spice, I think it was three super spicy (by my scale) scenes, but they were a part of the narrative and not gratuitous.
Thank you to author Mara Heath for letting me read an advance copy, I am already excited to find out what happens next.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Harnessed in Gold: A Contemporary Fantasy Romance (The Secrets of Brownhill Book 2)
by Mara Heath
4.5⭐️
2🌶️
This book was so fun! Love the way Mara blends Fantasy with contemporary romance!
“Harness in Gold “The second book in the Secrets of Brownhill series.
Unlike “Cage in Silver “ the first book … this story primary focus is the group’s quest for this faerie weapon.
The story kind of lost some of the academia feel to it.
Definitely a different vibe , but I still enjoyed the adventure this story took me on!
And It still has some of my favorite tropes like , forbidden love , banter,
Enemies to friends to lovers, a Protective and supportive MMC, Found family, Witches , Fae and psychics , Nature magic , historical references, and a mystery that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
The romance between Betts and Leo does blossom in this book!
There’s a lot of angst, steamy moments, back and forth and uncertainty.
And even though Betts has her doubts.
Leo doesn’t give up on her and helps her “harness “ her gift and I loved how their relationship progressed!
Even though Rime is against their “love” for each other.
And he definitely gets a lot of hate in this book … but Rime is still my favorite character ! lol 😂
Loved feisty Topaz too ! She’s kind of my spirit animal!
Overall I enjoyed this second book and I’m looking forward to see what unfolds in book three!
Thank you to Author Mara Heath for the ARC! These opinions are my own.
by Mara Heath
4.5⭐️
2🌶️
This book was so fun! Love the way Mara blends Fantasy with contemporary romance!
“Harness in Gold “The second book in the Secrets of Brownhill series.
Unlike “Cage in Silver “ the first book … this story primary focus is the group’s quest for this faerie weapon.
The story kind of lost some of the academia feel to it.
Definitely a different vibe , but I still enjoyed the adventure this story took me on!
And It still has some of my favorite tropes like , forbidden love , banter,
Enemies to friends to lovers, a Protective and supportive MMC, Found family, Witches , Fae and psychics , Nature magic , historical references, and a mystery that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
The romance between Betts and Leo does blossom in this book!
There’s a lot of angst, steamy moments, back and forth and uncertainty.
And even though Betts has her doubts.
Leo doesn’t give up on her and helps her “harness “ her gift and I loved how their relationship progressed!
Even though Rime is against their “love” for each other.
And he definitely gets a lot of hate in this book … but Rime is still my favorite character ! lol 😂
Loved feisty Topaz too ! She’s kind of my spirit animal!
Overall I enjoyed this second book and I’m looking forward to see what unfolds in book three!
Thank you to Author Mara Heath for the ARC! These opinions are my own.
September 16, 2026
It's honestly so hard for me to believe that I read Caged in Silver over a year ago, but I've been patiently waiting for this release for SO long after the way the first one ended. To keep it spoiler free for anyone accidentally reading this (plz stop now), I will keep it vague.
After the ending of the first book, I was really curious to see how Betts, Leo, and the gang would continue their friendships. With Harnessed in Gold picking up right after Caged in Silver (no big waits here, thank God), Betts struggled with her feelings of betrayal from Leo while also trying to juggle her "before" life and friendship with Liv.
Still willing and able to be a part of the search for the Macguffin, there's a bit of will they/won't they with Betts and Leo that had me yearning for a rekindling. But you know how it is, there has to be a bit of a fight and groveling to make it worth it, and Mara delivered with this one.
I was impressed with how the story continued to pan out and there was a lot of lore that we got regarding the town and its history, as well as some new side characters that added more depth to the story that I enjoyed.
THE ENDING THO. *cries* I'm sad it'll likely be another year before the next one, but I really enjoy this series. The characters feel like friends at this point and I'm really excited to see where the story continues to go.
After the ending of the first book, I was really curious to see how Betts, Leo, and the gang would continue their friendships. With Harnessed in Gold picking up right after Caged in Silver (no big waits here, thank God), Betts struggled with her feelings of betrayal from Leo while also trying to juggle her "before" life and friendship with Liv.
Still willing and able to be a part of the search for the Macguffin, there's a bit of will they/won't they with Betts and Leo that had me yearning for a rekindling. But you know how it is, there has to be a bit of a fight and groveling to make it worth it, and Mara delivered with this one.
I was impressed with how the story continued to pan out and there was a lot of lore that we got regarding the town and its history, as well as some new side characters that added more depth to the story that I enjoyed.
THE ENDING THO. *cries* I'm sad it'll likely be another year before the next one, but I really enjoy this series. The characters feel like friends at this point and I'm really excited to see where the story continues to go.
September 2, 2026
Harnessed in Gold is brilliant!!
Once again, Mara Heath has tricked my reader brain and left me absolutely stunned at the end of this book. I was NOT ready! But, I am very ready for book three, asap!
The second installment of The Brownhill Series does not disappoint. Adding on to the mystery of Caged in Silver, Harnessed in Gold adds more Appalachian folklore and insane little details to a plot that was already multi-layered. I have so many questions and I want to continue Betts' journey!
The romance...I mean, the yearning and the swooning doesn't get better than Leo Hawthorn 😍 I am obsessed with the relationship dynamic between Betts and her mysterious and overprotective lover. Between her relationship with Leo, the balance of her college life and psychic life, and the drama with friends, exes, and everything in between, Betts doesn't have a dull moment.
Thank you so much, Mara, for giving me the opportunity to read this ARC of Harnessed in Gold. I am truly obsessed and will read anything you choose to write 😍💜
Once again, Mara Heath has tricked my reader brain and left me absolutely stunned at the end of this book. I was NOT ready! But, I am very ready for book three, asap!
The second installment of The Brownhill Series does not disappoint. Adding on to the mystery of Caged in Silver, Harnessed in Gold adds more Appalachian folklore and insane little details to a plot that was already multi-layered. I have so many questions and I want to continue Betts' journey!
The romance...I mean, the yearning and the swooning doesn't get better than Leo Hawthorn 😍 I am obsessed with the relationship dynamic between Betts and her mysterious and overprotective lover. Between her relationship with Leo, the balance of her college life and psychic life, and the drama with friends, exes, and everything in between, Betts doesn't have a dull moment.
Thank you so much, Mara, for giving me the opportunity to read this ARC of Harnessed in Gold. I am truly obsessed and will read anything you choose to write 😍💜
Review of advance copy received from Author
Harnessed in Gold was a long awaited read, and I was excited when I got my hands on this ARC copy. The second book in the The Secrets of Brownhill series did not disappoint. Heath is a master at making the reader feel like they’re back in their younger days as the language and the feel effortlessly transport you back in time. What can I say that will give Heath’s writing justice? There’s so much to love about this book, an academia fantasy filled with mysteries and revelations. The characters feel so real, even those from a different realm. I turned the pages and finished it in two sittings. I laughed, I wondered and I felt. Harnessed in Gold is well researched with delicious dips into history, action and adventure. Heath is one of the best indie authors around and with this golden nugget she left me gasping, yearning for more and I cannot wait for part three. Heath, you’ve done it again!
August 12, 2026
“Sequel” doesn’t seem like a strong enough word to describe how Harnessed in Gold builds on the story begun in Caged in Silver. The tension between characters, the heavy and relatable internal conflict Betts experiences, and the external forces that prove to be terrifying threats all take book two in The Secrets of Brownhill Series to the next level.
My favorite part of this series is watching Betts grow into her power and herself. She trusts her intuition, gains confidence, and shows a bravery she didn’t have in book one. Her ability to sense emotions and harness them has made her not only valuable to Leo’s team but also possibly just as powerful as the weapon they seek.
The internal battles Betts fights were downright eerie at times, and I could really feel all her feelings as her romance with Leo developed and deepened. Can’t believe I have to wait for book three to get answers, but wow, what an ending!
Highly recommend for NA urban fantasy romance lovers!
My favorite part of this series is watching Betts grow into her power and herself. She trusts her intuition, gains confidence, and shows a bravery she didn’t have in book one. Her ability to sense emotions and harness them has made her not only valuable to Leo’s team but also possibly just as powerful as the weapon they seek.
The internal battles Betts fights were downright eerie at times, and I could really feel all her feelings as her romance with Leo developed and deepened. Can’t believe I have to wait for book three to get answers, but wow, what an ending!
Highly recommend for NA urban fantasy romance lovers!
August 16, 2026
What happens when the person who needs your help is the one who broke your heart?
Harnessed in Gold is the second book in the Secrets of Brownhill series and continues the events from book 1.
Betts’ story continues, but now, her life is different than anything she has known. No longer just a normal college student, but a psychic that’s needed to help the fae find a dangerous object before the man attempting to rule the fae world can find it first.
Betts solidifies her plans to team up with the fae and her two psychic friends as they search legend, history, and the town for answers. This story has new twists, more danger, and more evil as their journey continues. And though she may be helping to save the fae world, it doesn’t mean she has to forgive Leo for his lies or trust what he is saying.
Come back to Brownhill and see if Betts and her friends can find what’s been Harnessed in Gold.
Harnessed in Gold is the second book in the Secrets of Brownhill series and continues the events from book 1.
Betts’ story continues, but now, her life is different than anything she has known. No longer just a normal college student, but a psychic that’s needed to help the fae find a dangerous object before the man attempting to rule the fae world can find it first.
Betts solidifies her plans to team up with the fae and her two psychic friends as they search legend, history, and the town for answers. This story has new twists, more danger, and more evil as their journey continues. And though she may be helping to save the fae world, it doesn’t mean she has to forgive Leo for his lies or trust what he is saying.
Come back to Brownhill and see if Betts and her friends can find what’s been Harnessed in Gold.
Review of advance copy received from Author
As with Caged in Silver, I read this in one day. I couldn't put it down!! Again, the writing is just flawless.
I fell in love with Leo and Betts all over again--and squealed and kicked my feet at so many of their scenes. Their romance really picks up steam in the second half of this book (and I mean that in a spicy way), and I am so not complaining.
I loved getting to know Rime; he and Leo have this competitive siblings/frenemies thing going on that adds a lot of great tension (and hilarity) to the story. I also loved getting to see Liv and Betts' friendship in a new light after all the sorority/fraternity drama of the first book.
As for the fantasy aspects of this book, a lot of new mysteries came to light that made me excited for the rest of the series. It was great to see Betts come into her own power and grow in her confidence throughout, and there is still a great bit of mystery for where she'll ultimately end up.
I fell in love with Leo and Betts all over again--and squealed and kicked my feet at so many of their scenes. Their romance really picks up steam in the second half of this book (and I mean that in a spicy way), and I am so not complaining.
I loved getting to know Rime; he and Leo have this competitive siblings/frenemies thing going on that adds a lot of great tension (and hilarity) to the story. I also loved getting to see Liv and Betts' friendship in a new light after all the sorority/fraternity drama of the first book.
As for the fantasy aspects of this book, a lot of new mysteries came to light that made me excited for the rest of the series. It was great to see Betts come into her own power and grow in her confidence throughout, and there is still a great bit of mystery for where she'll ultimately end up.
August 10, 2026
Today she is releasing her book 2 in The Secrets of Brownhill series, and if you haven't picked her first book yet, you should because this is totally underhyped 🤩
Book 2 starts directly where we were at book 1 and our favorite couple Betts and Leo are...well...let's just say they are dealing with the aftermath of the plot twist of book 1 😅
This book is filled with talks of magic, history (LOTS of it, perfect if you enjoy some lore with your plot!), slowish burn (but oh boy, when it happens, it's worth it! I am giving Mara a 5 stars just for her elegant smut lol, she is getting her Pauline Walters seal of approval just for it.)
If you love the found family trope this books can also be for you, because this group is so cute and perfect! And as you all know I love a good found family trope 🥰
Book 2 starts directly where we were at book 1 and our favorite couple Betts and Leo are...well...let's just say they are dealing with the aftermath of the plot twist of book 1 😅
This book is filled with talks of magic, history (LOTS of it, perfect if you enjoy some lore with your plot!), slowish burn (but oh boy, when it happens, it's worth it! I am giving Mara a 5 stars just for her elegant smut lol, she is getting her Pauline Walters seal of approval just for it.)
If you love the found family trope this books can also be for you, because this group is so cute and perfect! And as you all know I love a good found family trope 🥰
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 22, 2026
This sequel to Caged in Silver did not disappoint!! In fact, I think it was even more enjoyable than the first. Fast-paced and spicy, there was a lot that kept the pages turning. I really loved getting to know the characters more, especially the side ones! If you enjoy that “found family” trope, you definitely get that as the dynamics of the group come together. The fantasy is equally turned up a notch compared to the first, but the author does such a good job of keeping the world building simple while being robust. This series is great for romance readers wanting to dip into historical fiction or fantasy.
And of course, the abrupt ending leaves you wanting more! Can’t wait for the third!
And of course, the abrupt ending leaves you wanting more! Can’t wait for the third!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I leapt at the chance to read this one since I read book 1 last year and I do love how the author leaves us with the perfect lines at the end that make you keep thinking back to the books.
I definitely started to like Liv a little bit more in this one (like more towards the end) because I honestly hated her. I thought she was a horrible friend. But I loved getting more from the characters I loved like Rime. I love the back and forth that Leo and Rime have throughout as well and the more steamy moments that we got with Leo and Bett's were quite enjoyable. I love the sense of mystery that the story keeps giving and I'm oh so curious for more.
I love the growth that we see in honestly everyone but Zander (Yeah I don't like him...) and
If you like witchy vibes, fae magic, different realms, hidden objects, and mystery then I would recommend this one.
I definitely started to like Liv a little bit more in this one (like more towards the end) because I honestly hated her. I thought she was a horrible friend. But I loved getting more from the characters I loved like Rime. I love the back and forth that Leo and Rime have throughout as well and the more steamy moments that we got with Leo and Bett's were quite enjoyable. I love the sense of mystery that the story keeps giving and I'm oh so curious for more.
I love the growth that we see in honestly everyone but Zander (Yeah I don't like him...) and
If you like witchy vibes, fae magic, different realms, hidden objects, and mystery then I would recommend this one.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Harnassed In Gold is the follow up to Heath's Caged In Silver.
I don't read as much fantasy, mostly because the stories focus so much on the fantasy elements and neglect character and plot development.
Or the plot becomes so convoluted that I'm left confused.
That is not the case with Heath's writing. She uses fantasy elements.to enhance the story, not as a crutch for it. Leo and especially Betts have grown so much over the two book series, in a way that feels natural.
Love the new characters that were introduced and interwoven with the characters from the first book.
Highly recommend this series!
I don't read as much fantasy, mostly because the stories focus so much on the fantasy elements and neglect character and plot development.
Or the plot becomes so convoluted that I'm left confused.
That is not the case with Heath's writing. She uses fantasy elements.to enhance the story, not as a crutch for it. Leo and especially Betts have grown so much over the two book series, in a way that feels natural.
Love the new characters that were introduced and interwoven with the characters from the first book.
Highly recommend this series!
Review of advance copy received from Author
If you’re a fan of contemporary fantasy romance, protective MMCs and a bit of Fae magic, you’ll definitely want to check out Harnessed in Gold!
Things really heat up in book two as Betts and the gang race to find the Fae weapon before Brier gets to it. There’s danger, twists, plenty of tension, and of course, the chemistry between Betts and Leo keeps getting hotter!
I loved finding out more about Betts and her powers, and that ending… That cliff-hanger definitely has me wanting the next book NOW! Especially with the new piece of the puzzle about Betts.
Another fab read from Mara Heath.
Things really heat up in book two as Betts and the gang race to find the Fae weapon before Brier gets to it. There’s danger, twists, plenty of tension, and of course, the chemistry between Betts and Leo keeps getting hotter!
I loved finding out more about Betts and her powers, and that ending… That cliff-hanger definitely has me wanting the next book NOW! Especially with the new piece of the puzzle about Betts.
Another fab read from Mara Heath.
September 16, 2026
I was lucky enough to be an ARC reader for this book. No spoilers, but I liked it even better than the first. College girl Betts is coming into her power and I love it, although I was occasionally frustrated with her over-reliance on her romantic interest. Mara Heath has a deft hand with the spice, adding flavor and heat without overpowering the dish. Good writing, fairly well paced, with an understated sense of humor about its own tropes. Definitely worth a read if you like a coming-of-age heroine's journey.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I had the privilege of beta reading this book after I finished Caged in Silver and let me just say it was worth the wait! The FMC, Betts, comes even more into herself in this second book - she stops taking people's BS and stands up for herself more and I love seeing that kind of growth. She and MMC Leo went from 'lovers' to 'it's complicated' with some fake dating and forbidden love (more yearning!) mixed in too. I liked that we are seeing more of my favorite side characters in this book, such as Rime and Topaz, and that we're thankfully seeing less of Zander and the frat boys because man did they get on my nerves in book 1 lol. Furthermore, you'll meet a few really intriguing villains in this one and I can't wait to meet the main villain, Brier, in book 3.
Just like book 1, there's plenty of interesting lore woven in throughout the book. My favorite thing might be the found family as we watch Leo, Betts and their crew of fae and humans with psychic abilities all use their own strength on a dangerous mission that takes them to the woods, the church and the bingo club (trust me, it's a fun journey).
Just like book 1, there's plenty of interesting lore woven in throughout the book. My favorite thing might be the found family as we watch Leo, Betts and their crew of fae and humans with psychic abilities all use their own strength on a dangerous mission that takes them to the woods, the church and the bingo club (trust me, it's a fun journey).
Review of advance copy received from Author
Harnessed in Gold had more of what I loved about Caged in Silver (found family, witchy psychic vibes, history + mystery), plus more action, more Betts being a badass, more romantic angst, more steamy scenes, AND more Rime!
A fantastic sequel that balances character development and interpersonal relationships with the more action-packed, mystery-driven external plot very well.
A fantastic sequel that balances character development and interpersonal relationships with the more action-packed, mystery-driven external plot very well.
August 24, 2026
Harnessed in Gold was an amazing addition to the series. I loved getting to know the side characters and seeing Betts and Leo's relationship evolve. There's a lot more action this time around. And that ending! I can't wait to find out what happens in the next book!
Review of advance copy received from Author
A delightful and pulse pounding sequel to Book 1. Does not suffer from Book 2 problems and does not disappoint!
August 13, 2026
This was an amazing follow-up to Book 1, Caged in Silver! I was invested from the first page all the way to the final word. I'm excited to see where things go from here.
Review of advance copy received from Author
LOVED:
Three spicy scenes
and Mara wrote them beautifully
Mara's writing makes reading feel effortless.
Single POV (fmc)
A ton of faerie and Appalachian folklore
Old ladies at bingo
All the friendship(s)
Fantasy meets paranormal
saved the best for last: he washes her hair
NOTES:
I inhaled Caged in Silver (book 1) and the sequel was no different
This book reminded me that I absolutely LOVE urban fantasy. It's such a nice break from all the complex world-building.
Thank you to the author for the eARC. This review reflects my honest opinion.
Three spicy scenes
and Mara wrote them beautifully
Mara's writing makes reading feel effortless.
Single POV (fmc)
A ton of faerie and Appalachian folklore
Old ladies at bingo
All the friendship(s)
Fantasy meets paranormal
saved the best for last: he washes her hair
NOTES:
I inhaled Caged in Silver (book 1) and the sequel was no different
This book reminded me that I absolutely LOVE urban fantasy. It's such a nice break from all the complex world-building.
Thank you to the author for the eARC. This review reflects my honest opinion.
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