I first read The Hidden Heirs back in 2024, and since then, S.K. May has polished and re-released the book. I have to say, a huge congratulations to Sim for doing so, because I know that couldn’t have been easy! The story was wonderful back then, but now? It’s even better!
Three modern-day women are mysteriously transported into a medieval fantasy world. It gave me Outlander vibes, and I loved the blend of modern mannerisms within an archaic world, especially seeing how their behaviour was perceived by those around them. It made for some very entertaining moments!
This is a multiple-POV story, with our main character Faith, her two best friends and her two male MCs all getting their own perspectives. Annie, one of the other women, also gets a few chapters, which provided some extra insight into the other characters and their points of view.
Faith is a strong-willed character, and there were definitely moments where she spoke to the king in ways that would probably have gotten anyone else executed! 😂 But I love that she stood up for her feminine rights. I really enjoyed her sass, and I loved that she wasn't a pushover. She’s a strong-willed woman trying to find her place in a world ruled by men. I particularly loved the references to modern-day life being brought into the medieval setting, the banter between the characters, and Faith’s inner monologue, which was often very entertaining!
And then we have the love interests! 👀
There’s a great love triangle, and I really liked Aleksander. He’s such a softie beneath the warrior exterior. He gets pushed around a bit, but I have a feeling he’s going to find his spine in the next book! Leader of a rebellion, anyone? 🤭
Sebastian was a much deeper character, and one I found myself liking one minute, disliking the next, and then liking again! Despite being a semi-villain, he still respected Faith, even when she certainly didn’t make it easy for him, and his softer side won me over. His mother was horrible, and the conflict she brought to the story really helped keep the tension going.
Tropes in this book include: 👑 Romantasy ✨ Court Intrigue 👸🏻 Love Triangle 👑 Strong and Sassy FMC ✨ Slow-burn Romance 👸🏻 Lost Royals 👑 Hidden Identity ✨ Twists and Turns 👸🏻 Love Triangle
It’s obvious how much Sim has grown as a writer, and that really shines through in this revised version. The book feels much more polished, and one of my previous gripes about repetitive writing was completely non-existent this time around.
The Hidden Heirs is accidental portal travel of Outlander meets the glittering vibes of Reign, with a slow-burn romantasy love triangle, court intrigue and a modern heroine fighting to survive in a medieval world.
A romantasy romp that fans of the genre will love, a real ‘hidden gem’!
Thank you SO much to SK May for my gifted eARC in exchange for an honest review. It’s such a pleasure being witness to your growth as a writer and I hope you’re proud of your hard work, because I surely am! ❤️✨
Thank you SK May for another opportunity to read another of your fantastic book as an ARC.
I truly love this authors writing something about just pulls me into another world .
The Hidden Heirs again had me hooked from the start ., Imagine waking up in a different roam. We're women were are an object no option just do as you are told. Well that isn't sitting well with Faith as she is very opinionated and strong headed.
Faith and her two best friends are trying to work out this new place they are in. Fast forward Annie & Harley are enjoying it. But Faith is wanting to Escape it.
Alesksander is watching Faith's every move and for good reason which in time will show it's self. In the mean time Sebastian the new king has claimed her as his wife this is were it gets interesting... remember Faith is her own women doesn't like be told what to do . Will she remember her pass or will she Escape this man's world.
I laughed so much throughout this, the way Skmay has captured the girl's humor is on point " c'mon Busy Lips." Still gets me.
Who do you like Alesksander or Sebastian I'm personally 90% with both of them until they do something to annoy me . But something about Alesksander gets you smiling. Really enjoyed this bring on book 2
Oh how I loved this book We follow our modern time FMC Faith as her and her 2 besties (Annie and Harley) are thrown through time/space and they land in medieval times Faith is a strong independent women who cares deeply for her friends - she will always put them first In this book: Romantasy Medieval times Magic Love triangle Best friends Amnesia of sorts (magical) Royalty Kingdoms over thrown
Thank you so much S.K. May for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of your re-release of The Hidden Heirs!
This book is a fast-paced, addictive romantasy following the feisty Faith and her two best friends as they are suddenly whisked away into a medieval world. I was absolutely obsessed from start to finish and I really enjoyed the way in which S.K. May shows the contrast between 21st century language and behaviours and that of medieval times. There are so many books that use fairly modern language for characters that are meant to be in this medieval type setting that reading this was like a breath of fresh air - it was a pleasant surprise and makes the worldbuilding stand out.
I adore that every single character is complex and multifaceted (minus the villain(s) you will absolutely detest). Faith is feisty, stubborn and hilarious but she's also carrying so much grief and vulnerability. Sebastian is the arrogant crown prince who always gets what he wants, but may also have the capacity for softness and growth. And Aleksander is the epitome of the grumpy knight with a "touch her and 💀" level of possessiveness, but he also brings the swoon and cares deeply about those he trusts.
Then there's the romance... the slowest of slow burns with all the yearning!!! 😍 This is a love triangle I wouldn't mind being in the middle of. Both Sebastian and Aleksander have the potential to be the endgame love interest and I have changed my thoughts on who I want Faith to end up with throughout the book. I have a feeling it may be an unpopular opinion, but I am definitely a #TeamSebastian girly at the moment 🥹🫶🏻
The worldbuilding and plot are giving epic fantasy vibes and S.K. May hits the nail on the head with suggesting Heirs has a Game of Thrones x Outlander feel. We've only seen a small portion of the world, the families, the court politics and magic so far, but it's enough to have you needing to know where the story will go and wonder who will win in the end.
I can't even with the absolute cliffhanger this book ends on. You will be wanting to throw your book/ereader across the room and begging S.K. May for book two. I have so many questions and my brain is still going around in circles trying to figure out the mystery left by that ending. I'm telling you, I've already re-read chapters just trying to look for clues and this story will be living in my head rent free for the foreseeable future 😅
My 5 favourite lines: ✨ "That is your biggest mistake, thinking that a woman can't overpower a man." ✨ "This world might not welcome my voice. But it would not silence it either." ✨ "Bloody stupid place! No technology, no toilets, and no fucking common sense." ✨ "Dysentery, here I come!" ✨ "Every time we are in the same room, every time you look at me - by Gods Faith, I can barely breathe when you are not near me."
The Hidden Heirs is perfect for readers who love: 💙 medieval setting 💙 slowww burn 💙 found family 💙 plot twists 💙 humour and snarky banter 💙 court intrigue 💙 love triangle
Did someone say Outlander crossed with GOT? Oh yes, that was @skmay!
That’s exactly what this book is. Faith, Harley and Annie are three beautiful women who live in our time. On their weekend away together, flashes of lightning appear and they are transported to medieval times.
Ive often thought about what it would be like to go back in time from today, what would it be like, how would people respond to me, being dressed differently, and even things like language differences. This book is exactly how I would think it would be like, and I have determined I would have been beheaded by now.
When the girls are transported back in time, they meet Aleksander, a disgraced Lord, and his men and are transported back to the castle to meet with the King and his son.
I think @SKMay did really good job showing just how different life would have been for three women from our time being thrown back into medieval times. It wasn’t just the obvious things either, like the clothes or the way people lived, but also the language barriers, traditions, expectations, and how little control women had compared to now(though it could be argued that we are heading in that direction now). Those details made the time travel side feel a lot more believable, because you could actually feel how out of place they were. At times it was awkward, but mostly it was hilarious listening to people not knowing what they were talking about!
A lot of the book is spent on character development while the plot is running in the background, which I did enjoy, but the purpose of this becomes clearer as you progress through the story. It’s VERY slow burn, and in fact I would say, one of the truest slow burns I have read. I enjoyed that!
Secrets eventually start to come to light, and you start seeing everyone differently and I must say that while I was #teamAleksander the majority of the time, I am now heading into #teamsebastian territory.
The found family trope is done so incredibly well in this book, and particularly with the three girls. They had each others backs, even when they were angry at each other. There were some other notable side characters, and they all contributed to a great story.
Looking forward to seeing what happens in Book 2, because that cliffhanger was unfriendly haha!
Quick Summary This book immediately drew me in with its exploration of the contrast between modern life and medieval times. The time‑travel element was a real highlight. Faith was a standout: fierce, witty, and unapologetic in defending her feminine rights. Sebastian surprised me - while I expected him to be insufferable, his softer, caring side gradually won me over. Aleksander had me hooked from the start as the stoic, powerful warrior whose quiet devotion to Faith was unmistakable. The push and pull between all the characters and the discovering of secrets kept the tension high and had me flying through the pages.
While Reading Thoughts 📘The beginning of this book was definitely a highlight into the difference between our modern time and medieval time. I loved this concept of going back. 📘Faith has some serious sassy nests going on and was not going to let this medieval land make her give up her feminine rights. Watching her fight right through the book was divine. 📘So I thought that Sebastian was going to be a right royal toss but as the book progressed he really shadowed this caring side that pulled me in 📘Aleksander was this tough, masculine warrior that had me from the start. He was stoic but you could tell he was all for Faith. 📘This push and pull between all the characters had me speeding through this book.
Words that linger 🍷And honestly, I’d love it if a man would throw me against the wall and just give it to me. I could do with a good railing about now.” 🍷“Bloody stupid place! No technology, no toilets, and no fucking common sense. 🍷“I feared you might not endure. To be forever denied the grace of your beauty, to wander lost without the light of your eyes? It would have been a sorrow beyond bearing.” 🍷There would never be time for me to do all the things I wanted him to do to me, and me to him. We would never get that opportunity. 🍷I cannot see the sun rise another day and not say this to you.
Tropes 👑Medieval 👑Time travel 👑Court Intrigue 👑Slow burn 👑Found family
For those who are used the the more supernatural themes that SK May’s books follow this one is going to be something so very different, but of course with that keep us on the edge of our seats flair she so loves to use.
This medieval romance has a twist. And if you’re like me; and love spending many many many chapters being teased and wishing for the happily ever after but predicting the emotional damage , you will love this. We have come to expect these twists and turns from this amazing author and this book is no exception.
Three girls are thrown from their modern day lives into an unknown medieval world. No modern map or history book can prepare them for what they find or how to survive among it. Strong willed and opinionated Faith finds herself in constant danger in a world that wants her to sit pretty and stay quiet, made worse when the King himself decides to claim her. But there is a secret in those blue eyes, something familiar in her firey attitude that makes others wonder if maybe something almost impossible is at play. Aleksander must be sure, but is his obsession with her going to put her further in harms way before the truth is known?
The cat and mouse electric attraction between Faith and Aleksander is to die for, and will have you literally screaming at the pages ‘ just do it already!!!!’. It’s classic grumpy meets sunshine, impossible love tropes with moments of humour and genuine deviation. You will fall for these characters and connect with their backstory as it all connects together as you read, but will they have their happily ever after? Well…you will just have to read and see. Just be prepared…nothing is as it seems.
The Hidden Heirs by S.K. May is an enjoyable fantasy romance that blends adventure, humour, and friendship into an engaging story. The novel follows three friends—Faith, Annie, and Harley—who are mysteriously transported back in time, where they must navigate an unfamiliar world full of unexpected challenges.
One of the highlights of the story is the humour that comes from the language barrier. Modern expressions and historical speech often clash, leading to plenty of hilarious misunderstandings and moments of frustration for the characters. These interactions add a light-hearted touch to the adventure and make the trio's journey even more entertaining.
Life is far more difficult for these modern women, who are used to a degree of independence and autonomy in their own time. Faith, the main female character, especially struggles with the loss of control over her circumstances. As she adjusts to the customs and expectations of the past, she must carefully navigate complicated relationships while learning to show the appropriate respect to those who hold power. Her resilience and determination make her an easy character to root for.
If you enjoy fantasy romance with likeable characters, witty dialogue, strong female friendships, and a unique time-travel twist, The Hidden Heirs is well worth picking up.
“If you continue to smile at me in that manner, I may be forced to find us another dark corner.” ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 0.5 🌶️ The Hidden Heirs SK May
I was excited to be able to read the re-release of this very special bookby @Skmay I loved the exploration of modern and medieval times. The time travel and differences that were expressed were crazy. No flushing toilets, the lack of women’s rights, public unaliving, extreme poverty. Was very well written especially the change in language.
I loved Faith’s character! She was smart, feisty, strong, and unapologetically her. Sebastian had me cautious all the way through, I wasn’t sure how to take him. It was lovely to see his more caring and softer side throughout the book. I loved Aleksander from the beginning. He just got me in with his brave, stoic and protective vibe. I loved that he came out of his shell and started to say what he actually meant. The chemistry between him and Faith was everything. Given how this ended on such a SK May trademark cliffhanger, I am eager to read the next one asap.
Words that Linger: 🗡️ “That is your biggest mistake, thinking that a woman can’t overpower a man.” 🗡️ “Don’t ever apologise. Every wound tells a story. Some might be hidden, but you should wear them with pride. They’ve shaped the person that you are today, even if it’s a grump.” 🗡️ “Tease me all you like, princess. I know my way around a corset.” 🗡️ “My one desire is to hold you through the night, to show you with my entire body how greatly I long to be yours. Wholly and completely, yours.”
Tropes: 👑Medieval 👑Slow Burn 👑Time Travel 👑Found Family 👑Cliffhanger
There is a reason we call her the cliffhanger queen, and SK May continues to hold that title with her re write of The Hidden Heirs. This slow burn romantasy that will have you hooked from the very beginning.
Faith, Annie and Harley set out for girls trip, to the beach for some time to get away. Little do they know that their getaway would take them far away from the world they know.
Waking up and finding themselves in a forest instead of the beach is quite alarming but the friends do their best to navigate their surroundings and find some answers.
Soon the three friends encounter Aleksander and his men who are sent to search for the mysterious light that just so happens to be Faith, Annie and Harley.
Aleksander takes them back to the castle where they soon find that things are indeed quite different. As Annie and Harley come to terms with their new reality, Faith is still struggling to accept It.
SK May does an incredible job developing each character and slowly revealing the hidden secrets within this story. She has truly earned her title of Cliffhanger Queen and I look forward to reading the next installment of this series.
🦋 The Hidden Heirs 🦋 ARC Review By S. K May ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you so much to @skmay for an Advance Reader Copy in exchange for honest review.
🦋 So, I just got my hands on the re-release of S.K. May’s debut that I read back in 2024, and I loved it all over again! Faith is still sassy and stubborn, and Aleksander’s the grump who secretly looks at her like she’s his entire world. And King Sebastian? You want to hate him, but you kinda can’t.
There’s a bunch of twists, lots of intrigue, and honestly, it’s so atmospheric that I felt like I was plopped into medieval times, being serenaded with flowers and a dagger in my hands.
It’s got some magic, but not over the top, so it’s perfect if you’re not big on heavy fantasy. I couldn’t put it down! It honestly felt like reading it fresh again, and I’d definitely recommend it for anyone who likes a little court and political intrigue, a slow-burn romance, Reign feels and that tortured knight vibe.
Ok so as a bookish girlie have we all not dreamed of being teleported to a fantasy land where both a prince and a knight are vying for our affections? Hot right?! Well why it may sound hot it is also extremely dangerous, one wrong move and you may hear a chorus of "off with their head". Not only that but the healthcare system is NO way up to scratch (what do you mean there is no painkillers or tampons)? There is no such thing as women's rights and no technology in sight. Well this is the situation that faith and her 2 besties Annie and Harley find themselves in. Will they be able to use their brains and wiles to stay alive? I loved all the twists and turns in the hidden heirs and tHe cliffhanger took me by surprise. Now the question is are you team Faith, team Sebastian or team Aleksander?
The Hidden Heirs by S.K May is dark epic romantasy, Book 1 of a trilogy, which will slowly draw you into a world of mystery and intrigue.
Map lovers alert! There is a map!
Beware of becoming too comfortable in your belief that you know the direction this story is heading... You will be surprised everytime, dare I say wrong!
The mystery, action and adventure will keep you captivated from the very first page... The characters will become your friends and your enemies, and prepare for admonishing characters for action as though they were old friends.
The colour of the book cover is just beautiful!
If you love a strong FMC, adorable overprotective and slightly misguided MMCs that regularly catch you off guard and are most perplexing, then this is the trilogy for you.
How this book started out kinda confused me. Like 1 min they were at a waterfall then next they had fallen through a portal into the past to medieval times.
It got sooo much better after that.
I loved the Sass and the quip of the girls, even though it could get them into serious trouble they never forgot who they were and stayed true to themselves.
I found it outstanding though that even though they were talking of things not even invented yet or things that era could even fathom not once did they get accused of witchcraft. Everyone just kinda went with it.
I thoroughly enjoyed the back stories of the ruling families and also the hidden and forbidden love stories.
I am definitely team Aleksander
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
S.K. May has done it again with a fantastic medieval romantasy. The story follows Faith, Harley, and Annie—three modern-day girls who are transported back to medieval times. The girls are completely out of place, with their language and clothing leaving the men around them slightly confused. Faith, Harley, and Annie slowly adapt to their new surroundings, but not without losing parts of themselves along the way. Their quirky one-liners and sass make them three very distinct and unique characters. The only question that remains is: which team are you on? A 5-star read and a rewrite that was definitely worth the wait.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
“I had never seen one that big… What would it… Mind out of the gutter, Faith.”
Just WOW! From the very first chapter, Faith and the girls have you addicted to the chaos that is their friendship. The culture clash of travelling to medieval times makes it impossible to put the book down. The swoon worthy Aleksander and Sebastian truely have you bitting at the nails to pick a team, shhhhh #teamsebastian for the win!
To the queen of cliffhanger endings, you have ruined us yet again!
Thank you so much for the ARC opportunity! Bring on book 2!
“That is your biggest mistake, thinking that a woman can’t overpower a man.”
Yeah I need book 2 because what do you meannnn! I am definitely team Aleksander 🤭 I’m sorry but Sebastian just doesn’t do it for me oops. I loved the setting and the vibes of this book. The fmc was also enjoyable as well and I loved the banter throughout the book. The slow burn hurts hard with lots of tension which we love. I cannot wait to see what happens next!
I absolutely loved this! The time travel, medieval setting, secrets, court intrigue and romance had me completely hooked (even though it took me forever to read thanks to life being…life)
Faith’s modern‑girl‑thrown‑into‑medieval‑nonsense energy is genuinely entertaining, the banter hits, and the world feels easy to sink into even after long breaks. The tension between her, Aleksander and Sebastian had me constantly switching teams.
And THAT ending?! S.K. May really said “you’ll be needing book 2” and left us hanging. I need it NOW!
I adored everything about this book. Ive always beenam a fan of book where modern people are transported back in the past. This is exactly what happens with Faith, Harley, and Annie. The author did an amazing job with noting the difference between past and present. Plus the imagery and descriptions of the medieval times were perfect. The characters were so well done. Never read this author before but im definitely a fan now
I am very appreciative that I got to read The Hidden Heirs, as an eARC, and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Wow! A book full of medieval political intrigue, slow burn romance with an amnesia trope, and a little magical mystery. I could not pick who to trust in this story, so many players and so much still to learn. Book 2 cannot come fast enough!
This was such a great start to what i believe will be an amazing series. The broody men, strong willed women, secrets and betrayals. Everything you expect from a medieval romantasy. The slow burn will be torture but im excited to see where this goes.
This was wonderful. I love the dynamic between the characters the blurred lines and ultimately the ending that will leave you screaming at SK May (in a good way lol)
I loved how I was addicted in the first chapter. That’s when you know you have a good book on your hands. It was so well done and loved how it was fun exciting.
The Hidden Heirs by S.K May is a Romantic Fantasy where FMC Faith and her 2 best friends Annie and Harley time travel to Medieval times where everything is different, from no flushing toilets, differing values towards women's rights, and language barriers.
After appearing in these new strange lands, Faith meets a very Grumpy yet ruggedly handsome and swoonworthy Aleksander and his men who escort Faith and her friends to the castle to meet their fate. Throughout the book Faith uncovers hidden secrets and is left with more questions than answers.
While Faith and her friends try to navigate this new world full of royalty, courts and where women must obey men, they also learn who they can and can't trust.
Faith and her friends meet King Sebastian who Faith takes an instant disliking to with his arrogant charm and iron fist. But Faith and her friends must behave and adapt to survive these unknown lands.
The Hidden Heirs has many layers of mystery and character building which had me hook, line and sinker from the get go. I love Medieval times, and the language in this book was Chefs Kiss 👌. The blend of Urban and Medieval was really refreshing and super interesting. I can't wait for book 2!
Quotes that life rent free in my head:
🌟She was warm beneath my grasp, alive with the echo of the fight. Our faces hovered a whisper apart, the space between us fraught and trembling.
🌟“I will not, and you will hear me. I cannot see the sun rise another day and not say this to you. I dream about you every night, Faith, wanting you, warring with that want, not choosing you, and needing you like my next breath.”
🌟“Every time we are in the same room, every time you look at me— by the Gods Faith, I can barely breathe when you are not near me.”
🌟“It’s okay to let go and feel something more. You don’t always have to be our rock; we can be yours, if you let us.”
The story is a blend of romance, politics, and magic. Think Outlander crossed with Game of Thrones. Time displacement, royal intrigue, dangerous alliances, and a world that feels both familiar and entirely new. Our MFC, Faith, is complex but strong‑willed. She is missing pieces of her past, and suddenly thrown into a world she doesn’t recognise. She’s messy, vulnerable, stubborn, and extremely capable. Her ride‑or‑dies, Annie and Harley, are thrown into this new world with her. They feel like family and their bond is central. I loved that their friendships mattered just as much as the romance, if not more. Speaking of romance…the triangle.... Aleksander, The Knight, brings the slow‑burn tension that makes you want to scream. Sebastian, The Prince, let's just say you will hate to love him.
And then there’s Dmitirov. I’m hoping he becomes a bigger presence as the series unfolds. He's not a love interest but he's definitely worth a mention.
I’m usually a speed‑reader, but this was one of those rare books where I forced myself to slow down because I wanted to savour every moment. I cannot wait for book 2.
If S.K. May writes it, I am reading it. I had the absolute pleasure of reading The Hidden Heirs and loved every minute of it. The story pulled me in and kept me enthralled throughout the entire plot. The court intrigue, the character growth, the ending...so good!
The Hidden Heirs is an addictive time travel fantasy where the modern world collides with a medieval realm full of secrets, power, and danger.
This is a re-release of S. K. May’s debut novel. I haven’t read the original release, so I can’t compare the two versions, but what I can say is that I loved this story so much I genuinely struggled to put it down. It was honestly frustrating having to stop reading just to do everyday life!
Faith and her two best friends, Annie and Harley, head away for a girls’ weekend that quickly turns into something far bigger than they ever expected. Suddenly transported into another realm and thrown into a medieval society where men rule with iron fists and women are expected to obey, the girls are forced to adapt quickly just to survive.
I loved everything about Faith. She’s cheeky, impulsive, fierce, and carries this untamed energy that refuses to be suppressed. Her dynamic with Sebastian is volatile and emotionally layered. While she tries to understand the different sides of him, there’s this constant tension between compassion, frustration, attraction, and resistance that kept pulling me further into their story.
As the story unfolds, buried secrets and hidden truths slowly begin surfacing, and the deeper Faith gets entangled in this world, the harder it becomes to escape it. Every revelation added another layer to the mystery and kept me completely immersed.
Annie and Harley also adapt into this world, and I love how they aren’t forgotten throughout the story. While Faith is the MFC, her best friends are never far away. They aren’t just Faith’s best friends, they are what keep her grounded and compel her to keep fighting.
And then there’s Aleksander… who I absolutely adored and needed far more of. You’ll just have to read the book yourself to understand why.
S. K. May has done it again. She completely pulled me into this world, kept me emotionally invested the entire way through, and left me desperate for the next book. This is one of those stories you don’t want to leave behind, and even though I’ve just finished it, I already want to dive straight back in.
I received this book as an ARC, however, this review reflects my honest thoughts and feelings, shared voluntarily.