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The Encore's Crown
Not yet published
Expected 14 Sep 26She built her following by knowing exactly how to be watched. He should have known better than to look.
Natalia Sawadzka is twenty-three and gorgeous with the world at her red-bottomed feet. The razor-tongued blonde is an expert at turning her life into content as a rising influencer. Online, she knows how to pose, tease, smile, and make thousands of strangers feel like they’ve been invited close enough to touch.
Bassist for The Riven Altar, Kiri Chhim has spent at least twenty of his thirty-six years making bad decisions look enticing. He's charm with a bassline, trouble with tattoos, and the man who used to make Natalia’s phone light up, until interference from the band's frontman, Rafe, forced Kiri to step away from her, over a year ago.
Rafe’s engagement to Kasia, Natalia’s older sister, meant that soon she'd be family. Kiri, with his easy charm and list of previous romantic casualties, was not a risk Rafe was willing to let her take.
It wasn’t a suggestion, it was a demand.
Natalia joins their Asia tour, to be there for her sister, whose life is tangled with the band, caught up in sold-out arenas, luxury hotels, and chaos. But while she’s sharing space with her almost-flame, she plans to make it as torturous as possible, using every curve and smile at her disposal.
Now Natalia is on Kiri's tour bus, at his shows, and is getting deeper under his skin. She wants answers. Kiri wants distance. Neither of them is prepared for rooftop dares, jokes that sound like seduction, jealous sparks, or the kind of attraction that turns every heated argument into foreplay.
Natalia came to Asia to be with her sister. Kiri is the tempting distraction waiting backstage.
But backstage, where the lights can’t reach, secrets are easy to hide.
Natalia Sawadzka is twenty-three and gorgeous with the world at her red-bottomed feet. The razor-tongued blonde is an expert at turning her life into content as a rising influencer. Online, she knows how to pose, tease, smile, and make thousands of strangers feel like they’ve been invited close enough to touch.
Bassist for The Riven Altar, Kiri Chhim has spent at least twenty of his thirty-six years making bad decisions look enticing. He's charm with a bassline, trouble with tattoos, and the man who used to make Natalia’s phone light up, until interference from the band's frontman, Rafe, forced Kiri to step away from her, over a year ago.
Rafe’s engagement to Kasia, Natalia’s older sister, meant that soon she'd be family. Kiri, with his easy charm and list of previous romantic casualties, was not a risk Rafe was willing to let her take.
It wasn’t a suggestion, it was a demand.
Natalia joins their Asia tour, to be there for her sister, whose life is tangled with the band, caught up in sold-out arenas, luxury hotels, and chaos. But while she’s sharing space with her almost-flame, she plans to make it as torturous as possible, using every curve and smile at her disposal.
Now Natalia is on Kiri's tour bus, at his shows, and is getting deeper under his skin. She wants answers. Kiri wants distance. Neither of them is prepared for rooftop dares, jokes that sound like seduction, jealous sparks, or the kind of attraction that turns every heated argument into foreplay.
Natalia came to Asia to be with her sister. Kiri is the tempting distraction waiting backstage.
But backstage, where the lights can’t reach, secrets are easy to hide.
Paperback
Expected publication September 14, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
August 20, 2026
D.M. Randall books are masterpieces with how she makes an entire person come to live as then mend their story together to create an epic love story. Their relationships are so deep that you are left with no doubt that they are soul mates. So many trials and barriers they go through together to come out of it on the other side of it stronger together. Absolutely love how Natalie and Kiri learn to talk each other love language and their story is unique theirs. It has banter and is even a little cheeky and a totally different vibe from Rafe and Kasia story. It still has DM Randall magic of such lyrically and smoothly written that each chapter blends so perfectly into the next. Next thing I know it is an hour or more later, I get so sucked into this book. The change of POV between the main characters is really interestly done in parts that give you both of their sides of some moments, which added so much to the story. The characters come alive in this book for me with how you feel what the characters feel between crying with them, laughing out loud, wanting to yell with them, and complete happiness. D.M. doesn’t shy away from making the book feel real in the fact that life isn’t always rainbows and unicorns, but sometimes the most beautiful stuff comes out of life not always being perfect. A few more favorite parts of mine is the nicknames are perfect, love the playboy trying to prove he is more trope, and the off the charts tension. When the book is over 600+ and you don’t even notice, you know it is a perfection of a book!
August 21, 2026
ARC REVIEW
D.M.!!!!! You are seriously such an amazing author I cannot even put it into words. Your stories pull me in and literally throw me into your worlds. I feel everything like I’m right there with them. The laughter. The tears. The grief. The heartbreak. Reading one of your books is like riding a roller coaster and I love every single second.
Nat is still reeling from the events at the end of The Riven Alter. Trying to navigate her grief and her want for a man who keeps pushing her away. And Kiri….holy hot damn Kiri!!! I wanted to throttle him a few times but damn did he make me weak in the knees!! Everything he has overcome in his life to get where he is. Ughhhhh *chefs kiss*
The last 25% left me gutted (in a good way) but also brought me to tears at the realness and rawness in a particular part. Then for everything to come together in the end like it did. UGHHHHHH I need more of Nat and Kiri. Can they have a book 2 please????
I cannot wait to see where book 3 takes us!!❤️❤️❤️
D.M.!!!!! You are seriously such an amazing author I cannot even put it into words. Your stories pull me in and literally throw me into your worlds. I feel everything like I’m right there with them. The laughter. The tears. The grief. The heartbreak. Reading one of your books is like riding a roller coaster and I love every single second.
Nat is still reeling from the events at the end of The Riven Alter. Trying to navigate her grief and her want for a man who keeps pushing her away. And Kiri….holy hot damn Kiri!!! I wanted to throttle him a few times but damn did he make me weak in the knees!! Everything he has overcome in his life to get where he is. Ughhhhh *chefs kiss*
The last 25% left me gutted (in a good way) but also brought me to tears at the realness and rawness in a particular part. Then for everything to come together in the end like it did. UGHHHHHH I need more of Nat and Kiri. Can they have a book 2 please????
I cannot wait to see where book 3 takes us!!❤️❤️❤️
September 1, 2026
I didn’t think it was possible, but I just became a little more obsessed with The Riven Alter boys! The Encore’s Crown is a FAB follow up that I highly recommend for any rockstar romance groupie!
Kiri is a man who floats through life on his looks, his charm, his talent, magnetism, rockstar appeal… on it all. But with that level of fame, love isn’t an option. He tried once, and it didn’t stick.
Natalia is young, beautiful, determined, stubborn, electric and hopeful. An up-and-coming social influencer that could have anyone.
But what happens when the man she sets her eyes on is not only famous, but 13 years older, a band member to her sister’s fiancé, and a playboy she should not be talking to?
Their chemistry is pure fire, but both are off limits. Nat gave Kiri the chance to crawl under her skin once, only for him to throw her away before anything could start.
When opportunity for payback comes knocking in the form of Nat joining her sister and the band for part of their Asia tour, she jumps headfirst. Now she’ll make his life hell and show him exactly what he’s missing.
Will their attraction, or possibly the chance of more be enough to let Kiri risk it all??
5 ⭐️
3 🌶️
Kiri is a man who floats through life on his looks, his charm, his talent, magnetism, rockstar appeal… on it all. But with that level of fame, love isn’t an option. He tried once, and it didn’t stick.
Natalia is young, beautiful, determined, stubborn, electric and hopeful. An up-and-coming social influencer that could have anyone.
But what happens when the man she sets her eyes on is not only famous, but 13 years older, a band member to her sister’s fiancé, and a playboy she should not be talking to?
Their chemistry is pure fire, but both are off limits. Nat gave Kiri the chance to crawl under her skin once, only for him to throw her away before anything could start.
When opportunity for payback comes knocking in the form of Nat joining her sister and the band for part of their Asia tour, she jumps headfirst. Now she’ll make his life hell and show him exactly what he’s missing.
Will their attraction, or possibly the chance of more be enough to let Kiri risk it all??
5 ⭐️
3 🌶️
September 2, 2026
ARC Book Review
I loved the book, fun and edgy. First rock star romance for me. I enjoy how D.M. Randall takes two characters POV to create a love story. It was a slow start for me and I was a little thrown off by a previous lovers back story at first but once it got going I didn’t want to put it down!
I loved the book, fun and edgy. First rock star romance for me. I enjoy how D.M. Randall takes two characters POV to create a love story. It was a slow start for me and I was a little thrown off by a previous lovers back story at first but once it got going I didn’t want to put it down!
August 30, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Review to come!
Review to come!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received an advanced reader’s copy of this book and was not paid for my review.
***
She built her following by knowing exactly how to be watched. He should have known better than to look. Rising influencer Natalia is joining a sold-out Asia tour for the band The Riven Altar, to support her older sister. Unfortunately, that means sharing tight quarters with Kiri Chhim, the tattooed bassist who ghosted her a year ago. Now Natalia is determined to make his life a living hell, but their kind of attraction that turns every heated argument into foreplay
- Rockstar romance
- Forced proximity
- Age gap
- Second chance
- Perfect revenge
***
I honestly don’t know where to start with this review, I am more than a little bit shell shocked. The first book in the series had me sobbing through a broken heart and I was more than a little bit scared about what DM would do to me this time round. Well, she made me cry again, more in fact – but this time she did it through fear, sadness, trauma and happiness. Not cool. So obviously I am now fully addicted to anything she writes.
The characters in this book are everything I love. Natalia is young, beautiful and damned clever, she is absolutely not just a pretty face but that doesn’t mean she can’t use it to cut someone down to size. So of course, when she gets the chance to make Kiri regret ever sending her a Dear John and then ghosting her, our girl does it in slinky dresses, heels with every word, sigh and eyelash flutter perfectly aimed. And oh boy does the tension ratchet up quickly. Kiri is our bear of a man, he holds the band together by being everyone’s rock, and yet is still the perpetual flirt, he curates that image to keep anything that could hurt him at arms length. He may be doing everything he can to behave since being told to stay away from his frontman’s future sister-in-law, but Kiri is not without skills when it comes to derailing Nat’s plans for revenge.
The wit, the sarcasm, the funnies, the laughter through tears, the words. Just the words. This book builds relationships, adds depth, makes you crave more from friendships with side characters just as much as it will have you screaming “just kiss already!”. I cannot say enough about the character building in this book.
But this book is more than just strategically placed hemlines and the perfectly shiny lip gloss on a roof overlooking a city skyline at night. It is grab you in the chest, pin you to the wall and tear your heart into teeny tiny pieces. It deals with some seriously complex and heavy trauma in our main characters, how this controls their lives and how it has built up so much scar tissue it would take a pneumatic drill to get through it. Be prepared, have tissues ready, you will need them as much as you need the happily ever after.
This book is fire. This book is yearning. This book is exquisite tension. This book has you cheering. This book has you bawling your eyes out. This book will make you giggle, cackle and out right snort laugh. You need this book.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Just read it. No other words.
***
She built her following by knowing exactly how to be watched. He should have known better than to look. Rising influencer Natalia is joining a sold-out Asia tour for the band The Riven Altar, to support her older sister. Unfortunately, that means sharing tight quarters with Kiri Chhim, the tattooed bassist who ghosted her a year ago. Now Natalia is determined to make his life a living hell, but their kind of attraction that turns every heated argument into foreplay
- Rockstar romance
- Forced proximity
- Age gap
- Second chance
- Perfect revenge
***
I honestly don’t know where to start with this review, I am more than a little bit shell shocked. The first book in the series had me sobbing through a broken heart and I was more than a little bit scared about what DM would do to me this time round. Well, she made me cry again, more in fact – but this time she did it through fear, sadness, trauma and happiness. Not cool. So obviously I am now fully addicted to anything she writes.
The characters in this book are everything I love. Natalia is young, beautiful and damned clever, she is absolutely not just a pretty face but that doesn’t mean she can’t use it to cut someone down to size. So of course, when she gets the chance to make Kiri regret ever sending her a Dear John and then ghosting her, our girl does it in slinky dresses, heels with every word, sigh and eyelash flutter perfectly aimed. And oh boy does the tension ratchet up quickly. Kiri is our bear of a man, he holds the band together by being everyone’s rock, and yet is still the perpetual flirt, he curates that image to keep anything that could hurt him at arms length. He may be doing everything he can to behave since being told to stay away from his frontman’s future sister-in-law, but Kiri is not without skills when it comes to derailing Nat’s plans for revenge.
The wit, the sarcasm, the funnies, the laughter through tears, the words. Just the words. This book builds relationships, adds depth, makes you crave more from friendships with side characters just as much as it will have you screaming “just kiss already!”. I cannot say enough about the character building in this book.
But this book is more than just strategically placed hemlines and the perfectly shiny lip gloss on a roof overlooking a city skyline at night. It is grab you in the chest, pin you to the wall and tear your heart into teeny tiny pieces. It deals with some seriously complex and heavy trauma in our main characters, how this controls their lives and how it has built up so much scar tissue it would take a pneumatic drill to get through it. Be prepared, have tissues ready, you will need them as much as you need the happily ever after.
This book is fire. This book is yearning. This book is exquisite tension. This book has you cheering. This book has you bawling your eyes out. This book will make you giggle, cackle and out right snort laugh. You need this book.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Just read it. No other words.
Review of advance copy received from Author
And by book two, D. M. Randall is officially a must-read author for me! 🖤
I read The Riven Altar last month and it had me curling my toes, giggling, crying, swooning, screaming and then SOBBING.
Naturally, I then slid into the beautiful author's DMs demanding that the ARC I'd applied for be approved as emotional compensation. 😂
Going into this one, I was mentally prepared. I knew this author had a bag full of extremely well-written characters, a hot and talented band, warm and inviting family dynamics, and writing I could read forever.
And the second book is never quite as hard-hitting as the first book, right?
I knew we had:
🏨 Forced proximity
🎸 Age gap
🖕🏻 Does he deserve a second chance?
💄 He's going to regret losing me
🤫 Forbidden romance
Well… let me tell you, I was once again sliding into the DMs.
Kiri's story opened up my skin, wormed its way inside pieces of me I'd patched over long ago, and then screamed "YOUR FEELINGS ARE VALID!"
Okay. Now I'm crying again. 🥲
Natalia is a smart and underestimated 23-year-old influencer who has captured Kiri's attention. With his bandmate dating her sister, this has been firmly declared forbidden territory.
So yes, we have yearning.
Stolen glances.
Fist-clenching.
Complete denial.
And then we have grown man Kiri, who I honestly wanted to strangle at certain points. 😂
Their chemistry is undeniable, but the insecurities fuelling both Natalia and Kiri's decision making was rage inducing, while being extremely valid.
Because HOW do you go from:
"𝐴𝑠 𝑖𝑓 ℎ𝑒 𝑑𝑖𝑑𝑛’𝑡 𝑜𝑛𝑐𝑒 𝑏𝑒𝑔 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑎 𝑐𝑜𝑝𝑦 𝑜𝑓 𝑎 𝑝𝑖𝑐𝑡𝑢𝑟𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑚𝑦 ℎ𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑤𝑟𝑎𝑝𝑝𝑒𝑑 𝑎𝑟𝑜𝑢𝑛𝑑 𝑎 𝑐𝑜𝑐𝑘𝑡𝑎𝑖𝑙 𝑔𝑙𝑎𝑠𝑠 𝑏𝑒𝑐𝑎𝑢𝑠𝑒 ℎ𝑒 𝑠𝑎𝑖𝑑 𝑚𝑦 𝑛𝑎𝑖𝑙𝑠 𝑙𝑜𝑜𝑘𝑒𝑑 𝑙𝑖𝑘𝑒 𝑡𝑟𝑜𝑢𝑏𝑙𝑒 𝑎𝑛𝑑 ℎ𝑒'𝑑 𝑙𝑜𝑣𝑒 𝑡𝑜 𝑝𝑟𝑒𝑡𝑒𝑛𝑑 𝑚𝑦 ℎ𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑤𝑎𝑠 𝑤𝑟𝑎𝑝𝑝𝑒𝑑 𝑎𝑟𝑜𝑢𝑛𝑑 𝑠𝑜𝑚𝑒𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑒𝑙𝑠𝑒."
…to being BLOCKED?!
Well, you'll just have to read it and become emotionally invested yourself.
Because I genuinely cannot find the words to explain how two brothers who, in the first book, were just these aloof and very annoying members of The Riven Altar crawled their way into my scarred heart.
"𝐾𝑖𝑛𝑑. 𝐾𝑖𝑟𝑖 𝐶ℎℎ𝑖𝑚 𝑖𝑠 𝑘𝑖𝑛𝑑." 😭😭😭😭😭
They're survivors with little pinky promises gluing their broken pieces together, and apparently I am emotionally attached to both of them.
This review has officially become a ramble, so I'm going to stop pretending I can articulate my feelings.
I'm off to paint myself with frosting to sweeten my mood.
I read The Riven Altar last month and it had me curling my toes, giggling, crying, swooning, screaming and then SOBBING.
Naturally, I then slid into the beautiful author's DMs demanding that the ARC I'd applied for be approved as emotional compensation. 😂
Going into this one, I was mentally prepared. I knew this author had a bag full of extremely well-written characters, a hot and talented band, warm and inviting family dynamics, and writing I could read forever.
And the second book is never quite as hard-hitting as the first book, right?
I knew we had:
🏨 Forced proximity
🎸 Age gap
🖕🏻 Does he deserve a second chance?
💄 He's going to regret losing me
🤫 Forbidden romance
Well… let me tell you, I was once again sliding into the DMs.
Kiri's story opened up my skin, wormed its way inside pieces of me I'd patched over long ago, and then screamed "YOUR FEELINGS ARE VALID!"
Okay. Now I'm crying again. 🥲
Natalia is a smart and underestimated 23-year-old influencer who has captured Kiri's attention. With his bandmate dating her sister, this has been firmly declared forbidden territory.
So yes, we have yearning.
Stolen glances.
Fist-clenching.
Complete denial.
And then we have grown man Kiri, who I honestly wanted to strangle at certain points. 😂
Their chemistry is undeniable, but the insecurities fuelling both Natalia and Kiri's decision making was rage inducing, while being extremely valid.
Because HOW do you go from:
"𝐴𝑠 𝑖𝑓 ℎ𝑒 𝑑𝑖𝑑𝑛’𝑡 𝑜𝑛𝑐𝑒 𝑏𝑒𝑔 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑎 𝑐𝑜𝑝𝑦 𝑜𝑓 𝑎 𝑝𝑖𝑐𝑡𝑢𝑟𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑚𝑦 ℎ𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑤𝑟𝑎𝑝𝑝𝑒𝑑 𝑎𝑟𝑜𝑢𝑛𝑑 𝑎 𝑐𝑜𝑐𝑘𝑡𝑎𝑖𝑙 𝑔𝑙𝑎𝑠𝑠 𝑏𝑒𝑐𝑎𝑢𝑠𝑒 ℎ𝑒 𝑠𝑎𝑖𝑑 𝑚𝑦 𝑛𝑎𝑖𝑙𝑠 𝑙𝑜𝑜𝑘𝑒𝑑 𝑙𝑖𝑘𝑒 𝑡𝑟𝑜𝑢𝑏𝑙𝑒 𝑎𝑛𝑑 ℎ𝑒'𝑑 𝑙𝑜𝑣𝑒 𝑡𝑜 𝑝𝑟𝑒𝑡𝑒𝑛𝑑 𝑚𝑦 ℎ𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑤𝑎𝑠 𝑤𝑟𝑎𝑝𝑝𝑒𝑑 𝑎𝑟𝑜𝑢𝑛𝑑 𝑠𝑜𝑚𝑒𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑒𝑙𝑠𝑒."
…to being BLOCKED?!
Well, you'll just have to read it and become emotionally invested yourself.
Because I genuinely cannot find the words to explain how two brothers who, in the first book, were just these aloof and very annoying members of The Riven Altar crawled their way into my scarred heart.
"𝐾𝑖𝑛𝑑. 𝐾𝑖𝑟𝑖 𝐶ℎℎ𝑖𝑚 𝑖𝑠 𝑘𝑖𝑛𝑑." 😭😭😭😭😭
They're survivors with little pinky promises gluing their broken pieces together, and apparently I am emotionally attached to both of them.
This review has officially become a ramble, so I'm going to stop pretending I can articulate my feelings.
I'm off to paint myself with frosting to sweeten my mood.
Review of advance copy received from Author
The Encore's Crown was the perfect follow-up to The Riven Altar. While you can definitely read this book as a standalone, I would highly recommend reading The Riven Altar first - one, because it's an amazing book, and two, because it makes Natalia's loneliness and emotion easier to understand. Natalia is a social media influencer, and knows exactly how to present herself to the world. Whether the face she shows them is real or not is another story. Likewise, Kiri (bassist in the band, The Riven Altar) knows what it's like to live in someone else's shadow and feel pressured to present a different face to the public. He has always been the backbone of his band, the one who does what needs to be done behind the scenes without bringing attention to himself for it. Natalia is the little sister of Kasia, Rafe's girl. As the lead singer and protector of Kasia, Rafe insists that Natalia is off-limits to Kiri, since he is known as the band's playboy and general screw up. Even though the pair have had a mutual flirtation through social media DMs and voice notes, Kiri tends to agree with Rafe's assessment of the situation, so he pushes Natalia away, until she tags along with her sister and joins the tour. Again, Kiri tries to keep his distance, but Natalia is not one to be told what to do or how to act. She is a force of nature, and refuses to play by anyone else's rules.
D.M. Randall is masterful at weaving storylines together, creating fascinating backstories and redeeming qualities in her most flawed characters, and she is also terrifyingly good at causing emotional damage to readers as they traverse the roller coaster ride that is one of her books. Trust me when I say, every page is worth the time and tears (happy and sad) you will expend, and by the end of this musical journey, you will be content with where the story takes you, yet impatiently waiting for her to finish the next installation in this series!
D.M. Randall is masterful at weaving storylines together, creating fascinating backstories and redeeming qualities in her most flawed characters, and she is also terrifyingly good at causing emotional damage to readers as they traverse the roller coaster ride that is one of her books. Trust me when I say, every page is worth the time and tears (happy and sad) you will expend, and by the end of this musical journey, you will be content with where the story takes you, yet impatiently waiting for her to finish the next installation in this series!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book was ABSOLUTE PERFECTION!!! I don’t read a ton of contemporary/rockstar romance (more of a fantasy girl) but this, omg I am obsessed. I can confidently say I will read anything D.M. writes in the future and plan to read her previous book.
The writing for this story was so good. I literally devoured this book in 48 hrs and she’s THICK, and I still wanted more! The way the author writes I felt like I was there in every moment with these characters. I love Nat and Kiri SO MUCH omg. Their relationship is really put to the test and I don’t want to spoil anything by saying too much but after all the heartache and challenges it was just the most beautiful love. There are so many different emotions throughout the book. You’re happy, excited, ready to rage, feeling hot and bothered, laughing, crying (I cried multiple times)…all the things. The plot was fantastic. All of the characters were written brilliantly. I could connect to every single one. The found family was so amazing. I was envisioning so many different scenes and just smiling at the love between everyone. ❤️ Another thing I really loved was the different cultures woven into this story. It was really refreshing to read and I enjoyed it so much.
In this book you will find trauma, heartbreak, friendship, forgiveness, tragedy, so much love, happiness, YEARNING, the challenges of relationship, and one of the most beautiful found family aspects I’ve read. Oh and let’s not forget the spice. Holy sh*t. It was SOOOOOOO GOOD. Perfectly written. Delicious. I couldn’t get enough! 🥵 Kiri is so damn HOT and is now one of my favorite MMC’s.
Highly recommend this read!
The writing for this story was so good. I literally devoured this book in 48 hrs and she’s THICK, and I still wanted more! The way the author writes I felt like I was there in every moment with these characters. I love Nat and Kiri SO MUCH omg. Their relationship is really put to the test and I don’t want to spoil anything by saying too much but after all the heartache and challenges it was just the most beautiful love. There are so many different emotions throughout the book. You’re happy, excited, ready to rage, feeling hot and bothered, laughing, crying (I cried multiple times)…all the things. The plot was fantastic. All of the characters were written brilliantly. I could connect to every single one. The found family was so amazing. I was envisioning so many different scenes and just smiling at the love between everyone. ❤️ Another thing I really loved was the different cultures woven into this story. It was really refreshing to read and I enjoyed it so much.
In this book you will find trauma, heartbreak, friendship, forgiveness, tragedy, so much love, happiness, YEARNING, the challenges of relationship, and one of the most beautiful found family aspects I’ve read. Oh and let’s not forget the spice. Holy sh*t. It was SOOOOOOO GOOD. Perfectly written. Delicious. I couldn’t get enough! 🥵 Kiri is so damn HOT and is now one of my favorite MMC’s.
Highly recommend this read!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I’ve never wanted to scream at a fictional character more than I did when reading this book. From the start, I knew I was in for a wild ride. But just in the first few chapters of the book, I was already ready to reach my hands in and strangle this man.
KIRI is absolutely one of the hottest men I’ve ever read about, but also one of the men who’s made me want to scream, gag, and throw a potted plant at his head. IFYKYK. The hot and cold that I had to ride on sent me to hypothermia and then straight to the pits of hell.
Nat is such a sweet soul, who I feel everyone seems to forget has more to her than what is shown as an influencer. Not only does she deserve everything and moreeeee BUT she is one of the sweetest FMCs as well as being so strong.
Every time I turned the page in this book, I was on a new high or a bad low, there were moments that had me gagging, moments that had me cheesing so hard my cheeks hurt, and there were moments that I could not believe were being brought up again because the emotional damage was still just as damaging. But I wouldn’t have wanted it any other way because I loved every moment of these two together and I loved every moment of watching them finally come to that moment of realization. I LOVE EVERY SOUL (well not you dad.) IN THIS BOOK!
And shout out to Rithy mamas got you baby.
KIRI is absolutely one of the hottest men I’ve ever read about, but also one of the men who’s made me want to scream, gag, and throw a potted plant at his head. IFYKYK. The hot and cold that I had to ride on sent me to hypothermia and then straight to the pits of hell.
Nat is such a sweet soul, who I feel everyone seems to forget has more to her than what is shown as an influencer. Not only does she deserve everything and moreeeee BUT she is one of the sweetest FMCs as well as being so strong.
Every time I turned the page in this book, I was on a new high or a bad low, there were moments that had me gagging, moments that had me cheesing so hard my cheeks hurt, and there were moments that I could not believe were being brought up again because the emotional damage was still just as damaging. But I wouldn’t have wanted it any other way because I loved every moment of these two together and I loved every moment of watching them finally come to that moment of realization. I LOVE EVERY SOUL (well not you dad.) IN THIS BOOK!
And shout out to Rithy mamas got you baby.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Infinity stars, no notes, I AM OBSESSED WITH THIS OMGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG. The Encore's Crown was EVERYTHING from start TO finish; There was genuinely never a dull moment, and I was completely hooked the whole time. I am literally OBSESSED with Natalia. She is EVERYTHING 😭😭😭 She feels so real, and I loved how bold, strong, and unapologetically Nat she is. And KIRI TOO OMGGG!! Their dynamic had me LOSING IT. The history, the unresolved tension, the revenge, the banter, and the ATTRACTION AHHH I was eating up EVERY. SINGLE. WORD. Nat and Kiri are everything. Their nicknames, chemistry, dynamic IT IS INSANE. I’m never getting over them. And KIRI WHEN I CATCH YOUUU. COUNT YOUR DAYS.
What I loved most about this book was the writing; D.M. Randall’s writing is so visceral. She has a way of writing characters, their personalities, and emotions that makes you feel EVERYTHING as they are, but magnified 10x. The happy moments had me jumping around, the tension had me SCREAMING and the emotional moments killed me. I thought I was prepared enough after The Riven Altar, but apparently NOT after what D.M. put me through AGAIN. There was even more screaming, crying, sobbing than last time. I would not have it any other way though 😭😭😭
Thank you so much, D. M. Randall for the ARC. I’m forever grateful for you <33
What I loved most about this book was the writing; D.M. Randall’s writing is so visceral. She has a way of writing characters, their personalities, and emotions that makes you feel EVERYTHING as they are, but magnified 10x. The happy moments had me jumping around, the tension had me SCREAMING and the emotional moments killed me. I thought I was prepared enough after The Riven Altar, but apparently NOT after what D.M. put me through AGAIN. There was even more screaming, crying, sobbing than last time. I would not have it any other way though 😭😭😭
Thank you so much, D. M. Randall for the ARC. I’m forever grateful for you <33
Review of advance copy received from Author
The queen of yearning has done it again.
The fact that Kiri and Natalia already know exactly how badly they want each other and are still determined to make absolutely terrible decisions about it...they will have you screaming at the pages. But in the best way. There is something particularly delicious about a romance where the problem isn't 'Do they want each other?' but 'What the hell are they going to do about the fact that they want each other this much?'
Natalia was so fun to get to know beyond the influencer persona. I loved watching the story peel back everything underneath that carefully curated image. And Kiri...sir. You were supposed to know better. You are thirty-six years old. Please explain why I am watching you make these choices while simultaneously rooting for every single one of them.
That's one of my favorite things about D.M., though: she writes complicated people and then has the audacity to make me love them. Even characters I've side-eyed in previous books. Even characters I was positive I had already made up my mind about. Apparently my opinions mean nothing once she decides it's time for me to understand somebody.
At this point, I should probably stop pretending I'm capable of being normal about this series.
The fact that Kiri and Natalia already know exactly how badly they want each other and are still determined to make absolutely terrible decisions about it...they will have you screaming at the pages. But in the best way. There is something particularly delicious about a romance where the problem isn't 'Do they want each other?' but 'What the hell are they going to do about the fact that they want each other this much?'
Natalia was so fun to get to know beyond the influencer persona. I loved watching the story peel back everything underneath that carefully curated image. And Kiri...sir. You were supposed to know better. You are thirty-six years old. Please explain why I am watching you make these choices while simultaneously rooting for every single one of them.
That's one of my favorite things about D.M., though: she writes complicated people and then has the audacity to make me love them. Even characters I've side-eyed in previous books. Even characters I was positive I had already made up my mind about. Apparently my opinions mean nothing once she decides it's time for me to understand somebody.
At this point, I should probably stop pretending I'm capable of being normal about this series.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Ever since I read The Riven Altar (the first in this series) earlier this year I’ve been chasing the high that it gave me. Sequels to amazing stories don’t always hit as hard but let me tell you… The Encore’s Crown served, delivered and completely satiated my hunger for an amazing love story.
DM truly is a master of her craft. TEC was completely different from TRA but still hit every part of my soul the same way.
Every character feels deeply complex and fully developed to the point that I would fight anyone who dares to claim they are their biggest fan above me. Kiri and Nat were the perfect unlikely match that somehow weaves together beautifully, seamlessly, so authentically it feels like magic.
I love this universe, these characters, the catharsis, the healing. When I say these I think about these stories and characters every single day and that these are the best books that I’ve read in 2026, I promise that’s the god honest truth.
DM truly is a master of her craft. TEC was completely different from TRA but still hit every part of my soul the same way.
Every character feels deeply complex and fully developed to the point that I would fight anyone who dares to claim they are their biggest fan above me. Kiri and Nat were the perfect unlikely match that somehow weaves together beautifully, seamlessly, so authentically it feels like magic.
I love this universe, these characters, the catharsis, the healing. When I say these I think about these stories and characters every single day and that these are the best books that I’ve read in 2026, I promise that’s the god honest truth.
Review of advance copy received from Author
How do I adequately describe my undying love of this series as eloquently as the amazing, wonderful, fabulous, captivating D.M. Randall?
The Encore's Crown exceeded my expectations in every possible way and then some. When D.M. writes characters they become so real to me and I am genuinely immersed in the story.
Nat and Kiri bring such a new energy with the second edition in this series with all the real, messy, beautiful parts of human life. I laughed with them, I cried with them, I yelled at them, I rejoiced with them.
Pacing? Immaculate.
Plot? Perfection 👌🏻
Conflicts? Made one-hundred percent sense for the characters.
Resolutions? So satisfying.
TENSION?? D.M. DELIVERED, and the way I ate it up!
I will forever love this band, these boys, and the time spent in their lives. Rockstar Romance with so much to offer. This is a MUST READ.
The Encore's Crown exceeded my expectations in every possible way and then some. When D.M. writes characters they become so real to me and I am genuinely immersed in the story.
Nat and Kiri bring such a new energy with the second edition in this series with all the real, messy, beautiful parts of human life. I laughed with them, I cried with them, I yelled at them, I rejoiced with them.
Pacing? Immaculate.
Plot? Perfection 👌🏻
Conflicts? Made one-hundred percent sense for the characters.
Resolutions? So satisfying.
TENSION?? D.M. DELIVERED, and the way I ate it up!
I will forever love this band, these boys, and the time spent in their lives. Rockstar Romance with so much to offer. This is a MUST READ.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I ARC The Riven Altar and completely fell in love with the characters, so I was really excited to get the chance to ARC the second book!
Just like the first one, this book is packed with emotion. I absolutely loved that the family dynamic carried over into book two—it made the story feel even more connected.
You will laugh with Natalia, cry with her, and probably want to cheer her on more than once. I love her confidence and independence. She takes no shit, knows what she wants, and isn't afraid to stand her ground. She quickly became one of my favorite parts of the story.
And Kiri… one minute you want to smack some sense into him, and the next, you just want to pull him into a hug. 😂 Natalia was made for him, even if he couldn't see it himself.
Their dynamic was one of my favorite things about this book, and watching everything unfold between them was such an emotional ride.
Just like the first one, this book is packed with emotion. I absolutely loved that the family dynamic carried over into book two—it made the story feel even more connected.
You will laugh with Natalia, cry with her, and probably want to cheer her on more than once. I love her confidence and independence. She takes no shit, knows what she wants, and isn't afraid to stand her ground. She quickly became one of my favorite parts of the story.
And Kiri… one minute you want to smack some sense into him, and the next, you just want to pull him into a hug. 😂 Natalia was made for him, even if he couldn't see it himself.
Their dynamic was one of my favorite things about this book, and watching everything unfold between them was such an emotional ride.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received a review copy of this book from the author.
NO SPOILERS!
5⭐♾️
What can I say?
Oh my God. This book is 'chef's kiss' epic writing. Falling deeply in love with the characters is so easy to do. You'll find their depth on the page and bleed, cry, laugh and love with them 💜
The debut published novel by DM Randall, 'The Riven Altar' ripped my heart out, tore it to pieces, rolled it up and stuffed that broken heart back into my body 💔
DM's second book, 'The Encore's Crown' put all those pieces back together again ❤️
The yearning
The sassy, teeth baring FMC
The tortured bear MMC
The backstory
The anguish, trauma, fear
The chase
The chemistry (Kiri, our MMC certainly knows what he's doing! IYKYK) 🔥
The love, oh my god, the love 💕
I dared you not to fall in love with Riven. I double dare you not to fall in love with 'The Encore's Crown'.
DM Randall has a gift. A gift of writing masterpieces. She has earned her place as one of my top five authors of all time. I would even enjoying reading her shopping lists! And can hardly wait to read more 💜
'The Mark of Pothos' books can all be read as standalones - If you've not read 'The Riven Altar' yet, spoil yourself and grab that too. You'll be obsessed and totally invested in these stories in no time!
NO SPOILERS!
5⭐♾️
What can I say?
Oh my God. This book is 'chef's kiss' epic writing. Falling deeply in love with the characters is so easy to do. You'll find their depth on the page and bleed, cry, laugh and love with them 💜
The debut published novel by DM Randall, 'The Riven Altar' ripped my heart out, tore it to pieces, rolled it up and stuffed that broken heart back into my body 💔
DM's second book, 'The Encore's Crown' put all those pieces back together again ❤️
The yearning
The sassy, teeth baring FMC
The tortured bear MMC
The backstory
The anguish, trauma, fear
The chase
The chemistry (Kiri, our MMC certainly knows what he's doing! IYKYK) 🔥
The love, oh my god, the love 💕
I dared you not to fall in love with Riven. I double dare you not to fall in love with 'The Encore's Crown'.
DM Randall has a gift. A gift of writing masterpieces. She has earned her place as one of my top five authors of all time. I would even enjoying reading her shopping lists! And can hardly wait to read more 💜
'The Mark of Pothos' books can all be read as standalones - If you've not read 'The Riven Altar' yet, spoil yourself and grab that too. You'll be obsessed and totally invested in these stories in no time!
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC Review
Apparently, getting attached to rockstars is a hobby I refuse to give up. 🎸😭
After book one, we’re back with the band and on the Asia leg of the tour for the younger sister’s story. There’s chemistry, tension, rock’n’roll chaos, and plenty of unfinished business, but beneath it all is a story about trauma, difficult pasts, and learning how to move forward.
I loved how layered these characters are. They feel human, carrying insecurities, fears, and wounds beneath everything we see on the surface. Getting to understand those hidden pieces made me feel even more connected to them, and yes, I cried all over again. 🥺
Another fantastic addition to the series, balancing romance, emotion, music, and chaos perfectly.
Kelly (TheInkAddictsReads on Insta)
Apparently, getting attached to rockstars is a hobby I refuse to give up. 🎸😭
After book one, we’re back with the band and on the Asia leg of the tour for the younger sister’s story. There’s chemistry, tension, rock’n’roll chaos, and plenty of unfinished business, but beneath it all is a story about trauma, difficult pasts, and learning how to move forward.
I loved how layered these characters are. They feel human, carrying insecurities, fears, and wounds beneath everything we see on the surface. Getting to understand those hidden pieces made me feel even more connected to them, and yes, I cried all over again. 🥺
Another fantastic addition to the series, balancing romance, emotion, music, and chaos perfectly.
Kelly (TheInkAddictsReads on Insta)
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book had me hooked by the first chapter! The pining, the yearning, the longing, the banter it captured me and I couldn’t put it down.
My only complaint is that the book ended!! I wanted more of the characters, more of the story, and more of the author’s amazing writing.
I’d be careful picking this book up if you have any plans for the day, you will not want to put it down!!
DM Randall did a wonderful job and I loved every word of this book.
I’d give it six stars if I could.
100/10 would recommend this book
I was given an ARC copy of this book and this is my honest opinion
My only complaint is that the book ended!! I wanted more of the characters, more of the story, and more of the author’s amazing writing.
I’d be careful picking this book up if you have any plans for the day, you will not want to put it down!!
DM Randall did a wonderful job and I loved every word of this book.
I’d give it six stars if I could.
100/10 would recommend this book
I was given an ARC copy of this book and this is my honest opinion
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you DM for the opportunity to read about Nat and Kiri, they changed for each other and really grew as people.
There was yearning, attraction, emotion and tears. I laughed and cried right along with all the characters. I loved the throwbacks to The Riven Altar and how it was a direct continuation on from it with everyone still thinking of Piotr.
This is a great rockstar contemporary romance, definitely one to put on your TBR if you like that sort of book.
Nat and Kiri's story is epic and full of depth. Their love for one another will endure and know no bounds.
There was yearning, attraction, emotion and tears. I laughed and cried right along with all the characters. I loved the throwbacks to The Riven Altar and how it was a direct continuation on from it with everyone still thinking of Piotr.
This is a great rockstar contemporary romance, definitely one to put on your TBR if you like that sort of book.
Nat and Kiri's story is epic and full of depth. Their love for one another will endure and know no bounds.
September 2, 2026
I honestly did not think anything after The Riven Altar (D.Ms first book) would be topped - then I read this.
I loved Rafe & Kasia… but I am IN LOVE with Kiri & Natalia 💜
With STUNNING penmanship, this is the ultimate romance, everything you could ever want love to be portrayed as. All interwoven with the depth of both Nat and Kiri’s pasts.
We have love, lust, Allllll the feelings, yearning, and dare I say it? for once, a vulnerable mmc (we so love to see it) and there is no bad guys here.
Kiri doesn’t act like he’s the big man, like he’s all that, show-off. There is no need, because he simply IS all that.
I love every character in this book and every family and friend intertwining.
A long-ass book and still somehow not long enough.
A ⭐️
I loved Rafe & Kasia… but I am IN LOVE with Kiri & Natalia 💜
With STUNNING penmanship, this is the ultimate romance, everything you could ever want love to be portrayed as. All interwoven with the depth of both Nat and Kiri’s pasts.
We have love, lust, Allllll the feelings, yearning, and dare I say it? for once, a vulnerable mmc (we so love to see it) and there is no bad guys here.
Kiri doesn’t act like he’s the big man, like he’s all that, show-off. There is no need, because he simply IS all that.
I love every character in this book and every family and friend intertwining.
A long-ass book and still somehow not long enough.
A ⭐️
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