Dearly Beloved

by Rae Werth

246 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 3, 2026

Reviews

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

ADVANCED ARC COPY

No spoilers, you’re just going to have to go read it yourself.

I have been waiting for this book for a while, about a year. There had need talk about it and snippets. Just small little crumbs of this masterpiece. When I got my hands on this ARC copy I thought I knew what was getting into, boy was I wrong! This book exceeded my expectations and kept me on my toes. I felt the anxiety and anticipation that the characters felt. The raw emotions perfectly captured within the cover of this book by each of the characters, and I felt them all. Even Mary’s heartbreaking realization as I have felt that sort of loss. Still hate Mary…just a side note. I found myself hiding in the bathroom or putting my kids down for naps a little more urgently so I can read the next chapter. When my internet went out I wasn’t mad at all because I had this book. I WILL be getting a physical copy. This was beautifully written with the perfect spice and plot balance. There are parts that made me giggle and others made my jaw drop. If I could go back, erase my memory just to experience this book for the first time again I would.

[Book.lovin.Brandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the very first chapter of this book I was completely hooked. So much though that I read the entire book in one day. I found myself falling in love with Sebastian and Veronica along with numerous other characters in this book. The characters felt very real and the emotional moments in the book hit exactly the way they were supposed to. The pacing of the story kept me turning pages and there was even a couple of moments where I was truly shocked at what happened. I found myself thinking about this story long after I had finished it.

Knowing the author Rae Werth makes me incredibly proud, but I would recommend this read even if I didn’t. All of her hard work, blood, sweat and tears that went into creating this first masterpiece shows in every chapter.

If you are looking for:
Hot Prickish Price 🌶️
Best friends to lovers
Royal family drama
Lots of 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Forced Arranged Marriage (I Hate Mary ugh!!)
Handmaids Tale
Little 🕊️ (IYKYK)
True Love

Then this is Definitely for you!! Enjoy!! 😉

[Kelly Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dearly Beloved was an emotional and captivating read that pulled me in from the very beginning. Veronica and Sebastian are complex characters, and I enjoyed watching their story unfold as they faced difficult choices, unexpected emotions, and life-changing moments.
The author did a wonderful job creating a story filled with romance, drama, and heartfelt moments. The characters felt real, and I found myself invested in their struggles, growth, and relationships. The writing kept me engaged, and I wanted to keep turning the pages to see what would happen next.
If you enjoy emotional romance with strong characters and a story that makes you feel, Dearly Beloved is definitely worth reading. It was a memorable book that stayed with me even after I finished it.
I

[Claire]

I just finished reading this incredible book by Rae Werth, and I honestly could not put it down! From the very first page to the satisfying, emotional conclusion, the writing was absolutely captivating. The author has a true gift for crafting relatable characters, weaving engaging dialogue, and building worlds that completely pull you in. If you are looking for a story that is beautifully paced and full of memorable moments, I highly recommend picking this up. It is a stellar read that will stay with you long after the final chapter.

[Oopsiboughtbooksagain✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC🖤
I absolutely LOVED this book! There were so many emotions that I experienced from each character. There were moments my jaw went to the FLOOR! I was like no wayyy! Mary is the worst, period. I don’t want to spoil anything but eww. I didn’t want to put this book down, I was so consumed with their story. I swear I wanted to cry at times, laugh, smiled, all the feels. It doesn’t keep you dragging along, the pacing is perfect and to the point. I was so happy to get to be an ARC for this author. I highly recommend this book.

[Emily Derek · Rating 5 out of 5]

absolutely loved this!

[Sara Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC advanced reader:

Great first book by this author. I have been waiting patiently to read this book, and when I got my advanced copy I couldn’t put it down. The characters are relatable, even though they are living in a royal setting. The relationships Sebastian has with the other characters had me feeling so many different emotions. One minute I was happy, then sad, and mostly so angry, especially with Mary! If you get a chance to pick this book up, do it. You won’t regret it!

[Victoria Brinius · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an interesting read. The setting was one of my favorites, a castle. There was also a mean king, stupid queen and a wife, Mary, that was completely ignorant of what she was doing. There was a handmaid in this book, but not the kind that we have been used to reading lately. Veronica, the handmaid, was a character to like. She wanted to be reunited with her childhood sweetheart. Her childhood sweetheart was the son of the king, and the future heir. The stupid queen did awful things, but she thought she was doing them for the right reasons. There was sex and adult language/ scenes in the book. This is an adult book. There was also a question of infertility. Thus, the handmaid. Veronica is a spitfire! She is snarky and not afraid to voice her opinions. Sebastian is stubborn and not a great guy. He does some pretty shady things. I liked the other characters like Georgina and especially the cat!!!!! All this character development and world building is added to the main plot of the book. Veronica's secret. I was surprised that it took so long for Sebastian and the others to catch on. The character banter, spice, vengefulness and true lifelike characters made for a fast read. I could see these characters in a series. I really liked this book and only wished that the end had more information. I wanted to know more about how these characters ended up. I hope that there is a sequel. I am giving this book a 5/5. I was given a copy, all opinions are my own.

[Autumn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Arc Advanced Read.
✨️SPOILERS✨️

Dearly Beloved was a great read and I enjoyed learning the characters and the storyline. The overall idea involved throughout was intriguing and had a great set idea. Both Sebastian and Veronica had an adorable and spicy relationship. ❤️‍🔥🥰 Veronica was fun and I loved her sassy personality. Sebastian was definitely a bit of a Jerk at times but I loved him equally. Tomato the cat. My absolute favorite 🥰🥰 Just the cutest little thing. Feisty and Adorable 10/10 haha. ❤️

A few things that had bothered me though were how even if the story was amazing, the way it was more fast paced and less explained was a little problem. Although the story does say that Sebastian left for war it doesn't go fully into detail of how both characters felt emotionally minus the letters for it. I feel the story was not fully told to its absolute extent.

[Carrera Bradley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dearly beloved went above and beyond my expectations. Tackling court arrangements, childhood reunions, and secret identities this book kept me hooked to the point of fixation.

There was no moment where I was waiting for the next beat— no frustration yearning for action. Just two-hundred eighty-one pages of raw tension, toe-curling smut, and love rooted in invisible string-like friendship. I spent the whole read bouncing from emotion to emotion— giggling and kicking my feet one moment, to clutching my heart the next— this author really kept me on my toes.

All in all, Dearly Beloved is a fantastical whirlwind of duty-bound royals and foreign relations in a way that somehow feels rooted in real, deep relationships and feelings. It was a roller coaster that I am truly grateful I had the opportunity to go on.

[Alex · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book honestly got me way more interested in the adult romance genre- as someone who never really gravitated towards this type of novel, I admit my mind wasn’t AS open as it could have been… but this story isn’t smut. Not only do the characters have substance, but the author does a great job of appealing to multiple emotions- sad, happy, enthralled, angry, shocked, and… etc. Rarely does an author release a book that makes me want MORE to the point of reviewing it to encourage others to read it… But I HIGHLY recommend giving this a read. For a debut novel ESPECIALLY… I’ll say that I’m already looking forward to future works from her!

[Danyal Watkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Be prepared to be thrown into the thick of it in the best way possible. You love to hate some characters, you want to choke slam others, and melt all within a few sentences. The humor slips in just at the right time to break up the spice and tension. Speaking of the spice, we spicy but not obscene. It gives a nice and raw view of royalty and the desperate unfeeling need to produce an heir. Do you want to shake Veronica and Sebastian? Absolutely but you also cheer the whole way. Good read with just the right amount of everything.

[Mirandalikestoread · Rating 5 out of 5]

This royal romance tells the story of Veronica AKA Victoria who returns to the castle she was banished from as a child. She has returned to be a handmaid for the prince Sebastian. He is recently married and also happens to be her childhood best friend. When it is revealed that his wife cannot get pregnant, Sebastian then asks Veronica/Victoria to carry his heir. This story was twisty, spicy, engaging and had great characters that you wanted to root for and that you also wanted to hate. It has everything you could want in a romance novel.

[Morgan Garmon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes. YES! Just, yes. This book made me laugh and cry in equal measure. It is beautifully written and the story is a new favorite of mine. I honestly can’t believe this is her first book! I won’t list any spoilers, but I will say that justice is served in the end and Sebastian has made the book boyfriend list!

[Ashley Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read an arc copy and absolutely loved this book. From the first page to the last page I was hooked and wanting to know how what happened next. The twists and turns were like woah where's this going? The author did a great job of keeping me want more.

[Lindz Deaver · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review: OMG Sabastian and Veronica!! This book had me screaming from start to finish! The tension, banter and the mutual hate for Mary-this book had it all. This author is amazing and I cannot wait to see what she comes up with next.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cannot speak highly enough about this book. It has intensity, tortured love, royals, and tension! I love nothing more than a well written character I can hate fully!!!!

I have nothing but good things to say about this author.
Story ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Writing ✍️✍️✍️✍️✍️

[Dorothy R · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was Lucky enough to receive an ARC copy of this book!!! The authors personally flowed through her characters. You can feel how much time she took writing this.

I already pre ordered the physical copy! I can't wait to get it!!! 10/10 recommend <3

[Holly Coombs · Rating 5 out of 5]

I feel beyond privileged to have been given the opportunity to read and review an ARC copy of Dearly Beloved before its release date. I was sucked in from the very beginning and couldn't put it down! I laughed out loud. I cried (more than once). I fell in love with Sebastian, Veronica, Georgina and Gareth, all of whom play a vital role in this book. The characters are well written and the storyline pulls you along and throws you for loops...it just gets better and better as the book goes on. There is friendship and loyalty, betrayal, villains, love and loss. My heart broke several times throughout the story, but was mended by the end. If this debut novel by Rae Werth is any indication of what's to come, I'm all in!

[Abbie Nott · Rating 5 out of 5]

ADVANCED READERS COPY REVIEW

Dearly beloved is finally the forbidden romance I’ve been looking for. Amazing perfect mix of spice, emotions, and a touch of keeping you on your toes. Rae has done an amazing job bringing these characters to life with the most beautiful descriptions of not only her characters but the kingdom as well. From page 1 I couldn’t out this book down I craved more from the start . I can’t wait to see what’s next.

[Kaycee Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dearly Beloved is the story of a brutally cranky price and his new handmaid who just so happens to be his childhood best friend under an alias. The characters feel real, the plot is insane, and the spice is IMMACULATE. You'll be reading this book one handed.

I dub the author the Queen of Smut. 😌