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Knights of Sin and Secrets

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411 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 17, 2026

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KC Kingmaker

87 books4 followers

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
Profile Image for BooksBooksandmoreBooks69.
2,172 reviews43 followers
July 17, 2026
I just finished Knights of Sin and Secrets, the first book in KC Kingmaker’s Lustbound Curse series, and I’m still a little breathless.

This was exactly the kind of dark, indulgent fantasy romance I didn’t know I needed, it’s steamy, mysterious, and packed with tension that had me flipping pages late into the night.

From the very beginning, Katyr’s ordinary life is upended when a knight shows up at her door, dragging her into the world of the Vulwen Bastion and the elite Knights Pantheon.

What follows is a delicious collision of forbidden desire and ancient secrets. The lustbound curse isn’t just for background, pulses through every interaction, turning even the smallest glance or brush of skin into something charged and dangerous.

I loved how the knights……Vrace, Lethander, and Keradin, feel like they’re constantly one breath away from losing control, even as they cling to their vows of virtue. Their individual personalities shine through, we have Vrace’s quiet intensity, Lethander’s sharp edged antagonism that flips so satisfyingly into heat, and Keradin’s layered mystery. The way each man reacts differently to Katyr kept the dynamic fresh and addictive.

The world building is atmospheric and immersive without ever slowing the pace. The Vrinian Empire, the looming threat of the fae, and the sacred (but cursed) city of Ninthalus create a rich backdrop that feels both medieval and otherworldly. There’s a cult like, dark academia vibe to the Bastion that pairs perfectly with the spice, (think sacred halls, whispered rituals, and simmering rivalries.) And speaking of spice… KC Kingmaker does not hold back. This book is unapologetically raunchy in the best way, with scenes that are creative, intense, and emotionally layered rather than just over the top. The slowburn tension before things ignite makes the payoff incredibly satisfying.

Katyr herself is a great character, she’s strong, skeptical, resilient, and refreshingly unafraid to question the world she’s been thrown into. Her growing awareness of the curse and her own role in it adds a compelling layer of intrigue that kept me guessing.

The enemies to lovers threads, the secrets, and the larger conspiracy unfolding around the knights all weave together into a story that feels bigger than just the romance, even as the romance remains front and center.

If you love reverse harem (or why choose) stories with high heat, morally gray warriors, fae touched curses, and that perfect blend of mystery and lust, this one delivers in spades.

It’s a spicy reimagining of knightly legends that leans hard into the “sacred but sinful” vibe, and I was absolutely here for it.

I’m already eager for book two, those final revelations have me hooked.

Highly recommended for anyone who wants their fantasy romance dark, delicious, and more than a little wicked. 😜

🦋
Profile Image for Lauren.
152 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy
June 28, 2026
Thank you to Booksprout, KC Kingmaker, and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I am completely unashamed to admit I finished this in a single day. It was a total page-turner. The spice was easily a 5/5, but what I appreciated most was that it actually had a plot to back it up.

The immediate spice caught me off guard at first—I definitely had a moment of, “Oh… so this is how we’re starting.” But once we met Katyr’s two mates, I was hooked. Every character was charming in their own way, and the relationships felt genuine from the beginning.

The worldbuilding around the knights was detailed and clearly well thought out. I especially appreciated the glossary at the beginning because there were quite a few titles, terms, and side characters to keep track of. Once Vrace gave Katyr a tour of the Bastion, the world started clicking into place and became much easier to follow.

The spice was incredibly well written, and there were a few wonderfully unhinged scenes that were right up my alley. At first it seemed like everyone was simply very enthusiastic, but once the curse was revealed, everything made much more sense. It was a fun twist that I haven’t come across very often in this genre.

That said, there were a few places where the story felt rushed, especially in the beginning. Even though the FMC acknowledges that the curse caused her to gloss over important information about her family, I still would have liked a little more buildup before she left. I also found myself feeling bad for Mac. He deserved better, and I’m curious to see whether his absence becomes more significant in future books.

There were also moments where the worldbuilding felt like an information dump. I wanted a little more context about the surrounding world before diving so deeply into the knights, the different titles, and especially the magic system. I was particularly interested in the Houndsmen since they play such a large role in the story.

Overall, I enjoyed the pacing, but there were times when I wished the book had slowed down just a bit. I would have happily read another hundred pages if it meant spending more time with these characters, learning about the world, and getting a deeper look into each of the MMCs. I liked them all, but I finished the book wanting to know so much more about their backgrounds.

Overall, I loved the direction of the story, the worldbuilding, the characters, the relationships, and, of course, the spice. The ending left me eager to see what happens next, and I’ll definitely be picking up the sequel.
Profile Image for Isabella Martin.
9 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
July 16, 2026
Thank you to the author for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This was my first time reading one of this author's books, and after finishing Knights of Sins and Secrets, I can honestly say it won't be my last. I'm officially hooked and already want to dive into the rest of her catalog.

If you love spicy, why choose romances with plenty of steam, this book is absolutely for you. The chemistry between the characters is incredible, and the tension had me completely invested from beginning to end. The plot had me on the edge of my seat.. I was actually irritated every time work interrupted my reading because all I wanted to do was find out what happened next!

One thing I especially appreciated was the FMC. She was voluptuous, confident, and represented a type of body positivity that I don't see nearly enough in romance books. It was refreshing to read about a heroine who wasn't written to fit the same mold as everyone else.

The knights? Let's just say they're dangerously handsome, fiercely protective, and definitely leave very little to the imagination... if you know what I mean. 😉

My only small criticism is that a few scenes felt a little rushed, and I would have loved to spend more time with certain moments. Even so, it didn't take away from how much I enjoyed the overall story.

Now I'm counting down the days until the next book because I **need** answers. There are so many questions left about certain characters, and I have to know what happens next. This series has officially earned a spot on my must-read list, and I can't wait to see where the story goes from here.
Profile Image for Morally_Gray_Nola.
1,079 reviews54 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
June 30, 2026
This Five 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ Chili, XXX-tra 🥵 Spicy, Swords ⚔️ Crossing, (definitely) Sex Positive, Body Positive, curse laden. blood-guts-gore fest, whore-fest (couldn’t resist), secret filled, battle zoned, fantastic story kept me greedily gobbling up the text and flipping pages anxious to reach the next page. I have been a big fan of K. C. Kingmaker since BRIARWITCH ACADEMY—loveLoveLOVE her writing style, definitely an automatic-read. KNIGHTS OF SIN AND SECRETS is fast paced, full of bloody battles, banter, and debauchery. Good Stuff.
*** Recommended ***

📌 Just a little note here on the only ‘cringe’ I have on this lusty book:
* there are several occurrences where one of the main males goes straight from someone’s ‘A’ to Katyr’s ‘V’, without washing . . . I am assuming in this fantasy land bacterial vaginosis doesn’t exist. So just a heads up 🖤

MMC:
✨Vrace
✨Lethander
✨Keradin
FMC:
✨Katyr
HEA/Cliffhanger:
✨cliffhanger
Series:
✨Book 1: The Lustbound Curse
Tropes:
👉spicy fae romance
👉dark fantasy romance
👉touch her and ☠️
👉enemies to lovers
👉why choose
👉swords cross ⚔️ shamelessly
Triggers:🛑see content warning page/author’s website for full list🛑
💥18+
💥 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️, mf, mm, mmf, mfm, open🚪sex
💥profanity
💥violence - lots and LOTS
💥death - big time.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Fedythereader.
1,110 reviews32 followers
July 9, 2026
Thank you so so much to this author for sharing with me an ARC copy of this book !!!

“The first time I saw a man get maimed, the shock to my system made me vomit”

“You belong to the War Chapter, my lioness. You belong to me”

As always when it comes to the why choose series of this author … I am obsessed. First Camelot, then vampires and now Knights of Templar??? This first book in the Lustbound Curse series was a guilty pleasure I cannot deny to myself I obsessed over from the very first pages !! This book was spice. It was smut. I can’t yet say - cause I’m not sure exaclty - how many people are involved (lucky girl) but I know that if this time around she did have a lot of fun … it’s only about ro grow!!! Our FMC Katyr is wild. Supposedly taken by a lust curse. And the MMCs are knights … who are supposed to find a cure … and somehow she is the key. Only they may or may not overwhelmed by her. And then chaos ensues !! The plot thickens very soon and the action slowly starts taking first place in this but twisted but hot and intense fantasy romance series that promised good times and definitely some hard earned HEAs !!!

“Eventually, desensitisation to violence could swing the other way, until you found yourself craving it. Needing it. Seeking it.”

“You have freed a trapped man without even knowing it, little lix”
Profile Image for Marcie  P.
38 reviews3 followers
July 18, 2026
Knights of Sin and Secrets; Lust Bound Curse book 1

🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🔥

This is the first time I've read this author and I enjoyed this book. It has a fun premise that Romantasy and Historical Romance readers should enjoy. It's deliciously dark and sinful

There's a lot of spice but with good plot so it works. Strong body positive FMC , reverse harem, morally gray everything I mean warriors..

The book is quick paced with great character development that have amazing chemistry, it also has interesting subplots that could definitely lead to spin-offs. 

It's got 3 hot Templar Knight, Vrance, Lethander and Keradin who are wickedly handsome and suffering a lust curse. Katyr the strong FMC who isn't afraid to live outside the norm who was "taken" on the premise she's the cure of the lust curse. So fun!!

I think Kingmaker does an amazing job with world building .. and she certainly doesn't hold back with smut 

I really appreciate the fast pace of this book though there were a couple areas I thought could have used a bit more detail but all in all it's a good spicy read. 

I'm looking forward to the next installment
Profile Image for Shu.
34 reviews
Review of advance copy
July 16, 2026
I love the storyline (human knights and power fighting the fae over land) and the main characters so far but do hate how repetitive the titles are to each person (Knight, Var, Vel, etc.). Just have their names mentioned as they already been introduced before. No need to constantly give their titles then name. Plenty of spice scenes (with MM here and there) but it’s still mainly the FMC, her men, and another side character man. Who doesn’t like a Vrace, even though he doesn’t know if he loves Katyr yet but is protective and cares for her very much. Lethander is still 50/50 because I felt his relationship with Katyr wasn’t built up in this book as much compared to Vrace. There were multiple viewpoints from each main character but Vrace’s chapters, showed more of his feelings/buildup towards Katyr compared to Lethander and Keradin. Katyr isn’t a simpering woman, looking for her brother. She actually wants to fight the “enemies.” The plot is just getting started but it ends on a somewhat big cliffhanger.
Profile Image for Teresa.
854 reviews57 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
July 17, 2026
✨𝒜𝑅𝒞 𝑅𝑒𝓋𝒾𝑒𝓌✨
📖: Knights of Sin and Secrets (The Lustbound Curse Book 1)

After receiving devastating news, Katyr is determined to find answers and accompanies Vrace to the stronghold of the Knights Pantheon. As she resolves to earn her place, she clashes with the brooding leader of the Houndsmen Lethander and meets Keradin, a minstrel priest harboring dangerous secrets. But there’s more to the Knights Pantheon than meets the eye.

Tropes:
🧑‍🧑‍🧒‍🧒Multi POV
⚔️Enemies to lovers
💞Why Choose
🏫Dark academia
🧝Fae vs humans
💫Magic
🌶️Open door

This dark tale explores religion, secret societies, and lore. Katyr is spirited and determined and the Knights all battle their unbidden desires for her. With its gradual reveals and evolving relationships, I cannot wait to see what happens next!

Bristling with mystery, captivating characters, and lusty curses, Knights of Sin and Secrets is a sinfully delightful Knights Templar inspired why choose romantasy.

Huge thanks to the author for the review copy opportunity. This is my honest and voluntary review.

Profile Image for Johanna.
6,542 reviews112 followers
July 18, 2026
Book 1 of The Lustbound Curse. And a FANtastic start it is! Look forward to more from this world.

'Knights of Sin and Secrets is a loose and very spicy retelling of Knights Templar legends, but with fae and smutty curses. One-click today if you enjoy forbidden attraction, dark and culty academia, unbelievably raunchy spice, wicked mysteries, enemies to lovers, and so many men to choose from it’s enough to make any girl’s head spin!'

The characters were very appealing and likeable and complicated and compelling and absolutely perfect together. Plot was intriguing and exciting and well paced. World building was excellent and expertly drawn. Thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend.

Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Kali Dempsey.
2,606 reviews76 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
July 13, 2026
4 ⭐ 5 🌶️

Hooo boy. This one starts spicy and just gets spicier and spicier. But I suppose that's to be expected when there's a spicy curse on the kingdom lol I really enjoyed following Katyr and her men on this journey, it was fun, spicy and at times pretty suspenseful (especially that third act/cliffhanger) and had a couple unexpected twists that kept me on my toes.

The world building was intense at times which is hard for me, but eventually it started to click as we learned more. I'm not sure if that was just a me problem as I generally have a hard time with fantasy for this reason though....

Overall I loved this one and I'm excited to keep going and see where Katyr, Vrace, Lethander and Keradin end up. Thank you so much to KC for the advanced copy!
Profile Image for Kaija.
1,625 reviews28 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
July 16, 2026
If you want smut and I mean smut with some light Knights Templar reimagining look no further! I love KC Kingmakers book without fail I know I’m going to get some chaotic, red flag men I’ll fall in love with and steamy steamy scenes plus our FMC never has to choose between them so why choose for the win!
I love how KC Kingmaker gives us smut but also good world building and a story that makes you want to keep going and find out what happens next!

I totally judged the book by the cover then I got the ARC and I’m hooked, though I still haven’t fully recovered from KC’s cliffhangers in her earlier series and this one has a cliffy too so KC what do I need to do for you to drop book 2 in my inbox?!

I love KC Kingmakers books and this one is no different!!
1,350 reviews6 followers
Review of advance copy
July 16, 2026
A great start to a new series!

In this, the first story of a new series by author KC Kingmaker, the worldbuilding is awesome! This world has shifters and fae and familiars and a curse of lust. The curse of lust was a different twist. Our heroine, the daughter of the Selen Homestead, can’t stop wondering what happened to her father and her older brother. They went to war, to fight the fae and nothing has been heard of them since. So, of course, when a Knight of the Pantheon comes through her home, our heroine leaves with him. This is her story, and that of her lovers. Honestly, I cannot recommend anything by KC Kingmaker highly enough.

I received a free advanced reader’s copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
7 reviews
August 18, 2026
Title is very spot on.
Knights, you'll find
Secrets, they keep plenty more than can fit in one book
Sins, well I guess it depen on what is considered a sin :D
and Lustbound cursed ? They all defenitely are !
The spice is off the charts, creative & ever present.

The military (= our knights) have a cult-like vibe, witth a bunch of secrets. (no really ? :D) Combined with the omnipresent lust, it turns what could have been a straightforward "joing the military - train - go to war" story into something better.
Vrace, Ander & Keradin each add another layer of intrigue to the mix.

Simply put, if spice bothers you, this book is likely not for you.
Otherwise, the book has a way of dragging you in that is hard to resist.
Will be keeping an eye out for the next one.
6 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
July 12, 2026
Wonderful 1st book in another excellent Kingmaker Series. The characters are very likeable, genuine, and well-constructed. The plot (and various subplots), although familiar, has new twists and turns, opens lots of possibilities for the series, and is well-developed. The 'steam' is there and fits both the characters and the plot-lines. The 'magical-mystery' world that Kingmaker develops in the book has great potential for the rest of the series ... and the development is book 1 is excellent. The ending to book 1 leaves you yearning for book 2.

I always enjoy reading a Kingmaker's Series and this one looks to be another Winner. I highly recommend this book and the Series!
188 reviews3 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
July 12, 2026
Guys, you must like a lot of spice in a why choose book, if you are going to read this. Kat is the FMC who longs for a better life than farm life. This is a loose Knights Templar retelling. This book took me a second to get into, but I did like Kat's character development. The guys, I feel need some more fleshing out but that may come later. You really don't know s lot of their back story and I'd like to know more about them. There is a curse on the humans, put upon them by the Fae by making the humans want to get it on all the time. There are some upsetting scenes so check your triggers.

I will definitely be continuing with the series because I need to know more.
36 reviews
July 17, 2026
The characters had very good depth at the beginning but I feel as though they lost it after arriving on the hill. Everyone seemed to blend together, no real difference in personality or way of speaking. The story read well and kept me entertained, I did think the cliffhanger was a little obvious but I always try to figure books out before I get to the end. For most people I believe this would be a very nice read especially with the spice content. It most definitely had its spicy qualities and some crude descriptions of scenes that were actually quite refreshing. I would give the second book a chance if the characters felt more individualized.
Profile Image for Nocturne Pages.
227 reviews4 followers
August 5, 2026
Oh my Virtues! I may have stayed up until 5:30 am to finish this book. Once I got to part four, I just couldn’t put it down, sleep be damned. I freaking love a good quest, and I feel like this whole book was a build up to one of the best quests I’ll ever read. 😂 (with some side quests! Who doesn’t love a good side quest?)

Kat is fierce, and I love her. Vrace is hot, but ANDER?! 🥵 And, I’m sorry, they did *what* with a table leg? I am in awe and shock, and the two cannot be reconciled.

I love that everybody’s getting it on in this book! I can’t wait to get to know Keradin more; he’s so intriguing. Ah, who am I kidding? I can’t wait for more of all of them. And I mean alllll.
Profile Image for Brittney Stanford.
129 reviews1 follower
July 25, 2026
HOW am I to put this story into words without catching a violation?

I was in SUCH a slump. Buuuut.. knightly 'baby legs' and table legs changed that for me. As a lover of the things that make you say wtf in the best way- this hit that and made me giggle while doing it.

When I tell yall I ATE this up.... you guys whew this was HOT. A total page turner for me.

Did I get confused on the virtues and what they stood for and the use of var and vel? Yes. Did I care? No.

I'm literally already slumping on my next read because I just want more Katyr, Lethander, Vrace and poor little Arlo too.
77 reviews
July 18, 2026
This book has an interesting premise and a fun historical‑fantasy vibe that I think many readers will enjoy. There's a lot of open door free‑lovin’ throughout. Even with all that, I found myself having a hard time getting fully absorbed in the story. The elements were there, but something about the execution kept me from feeling truly invested.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Summer.
362 reviews2 followers
July 20, 2026
Good heavens this was extremely SPICY! 🥵
Katyr,Vrace, Lethander, and Keradin are going to be living rent free in my head for some time to come. This has some very unique world building and an interesting plot, but it's the characters who really move things forward in this particular book. Found family, Forced Proximity and a lot of heat. I would like to leave more Stars but five is still the limit.

Profile Image for ananya.
7 reviews1 follower
July 21, 2026
Im really happy that I got the pleasure to be an ARC reader. Honestly, I really liked it. I really liked how the story had lots of mystery, secrets, and drama because it kept me wanting to know what would happen next. The characters gotta be one of my favs. Personally, i felt like it kind of got slower at some parts. Also, the spice level wasnt for me, Im sorry as I refrain from reading stuff with spice.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Courtney  La Verne.
114 reviews1 follower
August 15, 2026
Review of advanced copy received from author.

Well I can say this was certainly an…interesting read… I wasn’t quite sure what I was reading for the majority of the time, but it was just something I couldn’t stop reading because of it. Wouldn’t necessarily call that a good thing, but it kept my attention until the end so I’m giving it 3.5 stars. Super weird story though with lots of super raunchy sex that didn’t make sense most of the time.
Profile Image for Sonya.
1,480 reviews57 followers
Review of advance copy
July 16, 2026
Umm I don't even know where to begin. I'll put it like this; if you like your Why Choose with more Spice than Plot this is the book for you. This loose retelling of Knights Templar legends involving Fae and a lustful curse is highly entertaining, and the spice level is easily 10 out of 5 chili peppers. LOL!!!

I mean the spice is really SPICING!!! LOL

1,131 reviews4 followers
July 24, 2026
Knights of Sin and Secrets by K. C. Kingmaker is a great enemies to lovers dark romance. The story is entertaining, interesting, spicy, enjoyable, engaging, dark romance, and more. Knights of Sin and Secrets is the first book in The Lustbound Curse series.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Stefanie Verhelst.
709 reviews41 followers
July 26, 2026
From the very first chapter, this book captured my attention and didn’t let go!!!

Reading this book was a very pleasurable and dreamy experience.

This first book has aroused my curiosity for what follows in this series….

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Michele  B.
26 reviews1 follower
July 18, 2026
Very fast moving pace. Was a little hard for me to understand at first, with all the different ranks in the Order, but the author explains it all throughout the book.
It ends with a cliffhanger that leaves so many questions!!
I have to read the next book!
Profile Image for Sandra.
242 reviews9 followers
July 18, 2026
Review of Advanced Copy:

Right from the first paragraph, this new series pulled me in and did not let me go. The characters and story are fresh and original. The amount of spice was amazing and was an integral part of the story. I’m excited to see this series develop!
37 reviews
July 24, 2026
The beginning of another great series from KC Kingmaker! Plot and character development is a bit complex but once I was in, I was all in. Not sure how many additional books will be in this series, but it seems like it would support several books as Katyr and her knights begin their adventures!!
Profile Image for Bethany Grace.
32 reviews2 followers
July 26, 2026
Ahhh what’s going to happen next?? Book 1 in this spicy, dark academia fantasy was a whirlwind! Curses, fae vs humans, and a strong FMC who fights for what she wants in and outside of the bedroom 😆 If you love a dark Romantasy with lots of inclusive spice then this is the series for you!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews