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Crown of the Courtesan
This is a slow-burn romantic fantasy with rich world-building and plot, with spice that builds gradually and culminates in a very spicy second book.
She seduces. She glows. She entertains.
Travelers journey from every realm, all curious about the fabled courtesans who glow brighter than the stars.
Tabitha has spent her whole life as a Lady Courtesan—property of the madames and the cathedral. That is, until secrets surface and her dying father crowns her. When the Witch-King's shadow hounds hunt her down and plunge her into the river that runs across enemy lines, she expects a dungeon and a quick death.
What she finds is much more dangerous.
The Witch-King is everything the bards sing about—cruel, powerful, and haunted by a war three hundred years in the making. He has every reason to want her dead. So why does he keep choosing otherwise? Every instinct tells her to run.
Then there is the charming half-orc Prince of the Beast Realm, who rides to her rescue with armies at his back and promises on his lips. He offers her everything she could ever need. But want and need have never been the same thing, and Tabitha has been taught since birth to know the difference.
Trusting no one, Tabitha begins to question everything she knows about the glowing courtesans, the priestesses, and those who control these realms. Fighting for her usurped throne, hunted by enemies on every side, and accompanied by whispers only she can hear, nothing has prepared her for this—not even the ancient power growing within her. Yet every answer she learns about her lineage pulls her deeper into a mystery that threatens to consume her.
She was trained to survive in a system that controlled her. She'll have to break free of those chains to find her voice.
A queen. A weapon. A witch.
She's all three.
While Tabitha leaves a wake of broken hearts behind her, she only has one true love. This is M/F romance throughout the entire series. Spice increases in the second book. This is a slow burn.
Tropes Enemies to Lovers - Captive Romance - Slow Burn - Forced Proximity - Unreliable Narrator - Betrayals - Political Intrigue - Found Family - Dubious Hero - Secret Identity - Morally Grey Characters - Touch Her and Die - Fake Relationship - Yearning - Primal Chase - One Horse
Content sexual content, dubious consent, human trafficking, violence, gore, trauma, suicidal ideation, and themes of coercion and captivity.
Perfect for fans of dark political romantasy and romantic fantasy with a similar writing style to Raven Kennedy, Callie Hart, and Rachel Gillig.
Experience the first novel in the immersive and atmospheric Spirit-Fae duology from debut author Natalie Jacks-Smith, featuring razor-sharp banter, plot-heavy adventure, and blistering hot slow-burn romance.
She seduces. She glows. She entertains.
Travelers journey from every realm, all curious about the fabled courtesans who glow brighter than the stars.
Tabitha has spent her whole life as a Lady Courtesan—property of the madames and the cathedral. That is, until secrets surface and her dying father crowns her. When the Witch-King's shadow hounds hunt her down and plunge her into the river that runs across enemy lines, she expects a dungeon and a quick death.
What she finds is much more dangerous.
The Witch-King is everything the bards sing about—cruel, powerful, and haunted by a war three hundred years in the making. He has every reason to want her dead. So why does he keep choosing otherwise? Every instinct tells her to run.
Then there is the charming half-orc Prince of the Beast Realm, who rides to her rescue with armies at his back and promises on his lips. He offers her everything she could ever need. But want and need have never been the same thing, and Tabitha has been taught since birth to know the difference.
Trusting no one, Tabitha begins to question everything she knows about the glowing courtesans, the priestesses, and those who control these realms. Fighting for her usurped throne, hunted by enemies on every side, and accompanied by whispers only she can hear, nothing has prepared her for this—not even the ancient power growing within her. Yet every answer she learns about her lineage pulls her deeper into a mystery that threatens to consume her.
She was trained to survive in a system that controlled her. She'll have to break free of those chains to find her voice.
A queen. A weapon. A witch.
She's all three.
While Tabitha leaves a wake of broken hearts behind her, she only has one true love. This is M/F romance throughout the entire series. Spice increases in the second book. This is a slow burn.
Tropes Enemies to Lovers - Captive Romance - Slow Burn - Forced Proximity - Unreliable Narrator - Betrayals - Political Intrigue - Found Family - Dubious Hero - Secret Identity - Morally Grey Characters - Touch Her and Die - Fake Relationship - Yearning - Primal Chase - One Horse
Content sexual content, dubious consent, human trafficking, violence, gore, trauma, suicidal ideation, and themes of coercion and captivity.
Perfect for fans of dark political romantasy and romantic fantasy with a similar writing style to Raven Kennedy, Callie Hart, and Rachel Gillig.
Experience the first novel in the immersive and atmospheric Spirit-Fae duology from debut author Natalie Jacks-Smith, featuring razor-sharp banter, plot-heavy adventure, and blistering hot slow-burn romance.
432 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 15, 2026
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Review of advance copy
What a cliffhanger that was! When is the next book coming out?!!
This was a great book: a courtesan who becomes queen, then has a shadow daddy king and a sexy half-orc prince as love interests- yes, please sign me up.
I really enjoyed the FMC in this book; not only was she bookish, but she comes across as so real. She wasn’t overly a warrior; she wasn’t afraid to cry if stuff got emotional.
If you like betrayal, political intrigue, found family, unknown powers, and bonded partners this book is for you!
I received this ARC from Book Sirens; all opinions shared are mine and given freely.
This was a great book: a courtesan who becomes queen, then has a shadow daddy king and a sexy half-orc prince as love interests- yes, please sign me up.
I really enjoyed the FMC in this book; not only was she bookish, but she comes across as so real. She wasn’t overly a warrior; she wasn’t afraid to cry if stuff got emotional.
If you like betrayal, political intrigue, found family, unknown powers, and bonded partners this book is for you!
I received this ARC from Book Sirens; all opinions shared are mine and given freely.
September 19, 2026
Crown of the Courtesan · ARC Review
It took me longer than expected, but here I am, and I come bearing a good review. So, jump in with me into the Crown of the Courtesan universe!
this is a dark romantasy where myth, religion, and prophecy intertwine, blurring the line between what is chosen and what is destined, with consequences written long before the characters ever understand them. Bare bones of it: we’re following Tabitha, a Lady Courtesan who is about to have her whole world turned upside down by a chain of... uh... let’s say fateful events. Ones that will lead her to discover way more than she bargained for.
So, if you love foreshadowing and theory-building as much as I do, you’re in for a long, bumpy, but incredibly exciting ride. Brace yourself, bring the notebook, the corkboard, the pins and the threads, because our lovely author paves the way with clues and little tidbits of information that seem completely meaningless at first. Spoiler: they’re not. In fact, although they’re often presented as nothing more than part of the lore or background information, they slowly begin to paint a much bigger picture. The more pieces start falling into place, the more you realize those little details were never there just for atmosphere.
That was also what made this book a tricky one to finish, but not because I didn’t enjoy it. Quite the opposite, I loved it. There was simply so much to keep track of, connect, question, and eventually rethink as the story unfolded. It was the kind of book that made me slow down and take my time with it, because I wanted to actually piece everything together rather than simply rush to the next chapter.
I usually focus on a few categories:
Final scorecard
**Overall Rating (book): ⭐⭐⭐⭐
**World-building:** ⭐⭐⭐⭐
**Romance:** ⭐⭐⭐
**Spice:** 🌶️
**Ending:** ⭐⭐⭐⭐
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
That was the long story short, now let’s start with the good stuff
world-building:
The physical setting is present, but the book’s world-building is not just about atmosphere. Its real strength lies in the social structure, the magic system, and the religion and mythology woven throughout the narrative.
The social structure is one of the aspects I found most compelling. This is a world with a clearly defined hierarchy, where social status, gender, bloodline, religion, and power are deeply intertwined. It also offers an interesting critique of how fickle public opinion can be, especially when it comes to beauty, age, and motherhood, and how quickly society can change the value it places on a woman once she no longer fits the role or standards she is supposed to adhere to. The institution of the Lady Courtesans is a particularly strong example of this, because it is not simply a role within society, but a system that shapes the lives of every child born into it, as well as the fate that awaits the mother.
Magic is woven into the world in a subtle but intriguing way: In a world where magic is slowly fading and becoming increasingly rare, it has become one of the most closely guarded secrets. As Tabitha begins her own journey of self-discovery, looking beyond the role and ownership imposed on her and exploring who she is beyond society’s expectations, the magic surrounding her becomes increasingly fascinating, slowly unravelling thread by thread.
What I particularly enjoyed is that these elements don’t exist independently of the plot. The social structure, magic, and mythology constantly feed into one another, making the setting feel like an active part of the narrative rather than simply its backdrop.
Now Spice & Romance:
Let’s talk about spice and romance, because while they often go hand in hand, they are not the same thing. The open-door scenes are fairly limited, and for a book with this much tension between its characters, I expected more. There are moments of strong sexual tension and chemistry, but most of that tension remains outside the bedroom.
Which brings me to our second point: the romance.
The romance starts off slowly. Our MMCs are physically attracted to each other, but neither of them is willing to simply give in to it. In this world, pretty things have teeth, and no one does anything without an ulterior motive. But like any good exponential curve, the build-up doesn’t stay linear for long. The tension starts building, and before you know it, things escalate quickly.
The chemistry between the characters is undeniable, but what really stood out to me was the level of desire, restraint, tension, and emotional push and pull. Some of the dynamics are particularly charged. The Witch King’s dynamic with Tabitha adds a whole new layer to the story, raising the stakes even further through attraction, distrust, power, and a very deliberate refusal to give in to what is happening between them.
And then we have the love triangle...ish, diamond...ish... thing involving the secondary characters, Lir and Rett.
Neither dynamic quite develops into a conventional romance, but both add depth to Tabitha’s relationships, bringing out many more shades in the ways desire, attraction, and possession can play out around her.
the Antagonists... A quick note on the “villains,” because calling them villains feels almost too simple. There are no clean-cut, black-and-white villains here. Balor Black and General Metalla, Tabitha’s uncle, are two of the main antagonistic forces, with abuse of power and the political machinations surrounding them driving much of the conflict.
In Balor’s case, I would add a cautionary note, as some of his interactions with Tabitha might be upsetting at the very least and triggering at worst. Proceed with caution.
And then we have the ending... Cliffhanger... Again. (And no, I am not a masochist. But give me a good cliffhanger, and I’ll fall for it with a smile.)
I’ll admit, I was completely shell-shocked by the last three pages. I genuinely did not see what happened coming. Another important piece of the puzzle is revealed, opening the door to even more interpretations and theories. It’s the kind of ending that leaves you staring at the page thinking, “Okay... but what happens next?”
And I really want to know what happens next.
Overall, Crown of the Courtesan was a story that demanded my attention and constantly made me reconsider what I thought I understood. It gave me a very real love-hate relationship with my own tendency to overanalyze and look for foreshadowing. The whole concept of this world, the mysteries, and the sheer amount of unanswered questions kept my mind running until the very last page
And if you’ve read this far, as a little closing note:
Thank you, Natalie Jacks-Smith, for keeping me on my toes and for writing such a beautiful story. It was a wild ride, and I genuinely enjoyed every twist, theory, and unanswered question along the way.
Final scorecard
**Overall Rating (book): ⭐⭐⭐⭐
**World-building:** ⭐⭐⭐⭐
**Romance:** ⭐⭐⭐
**Spice:** 🌶️
**Ending:** ⭐⭐⭐⭐
It took me longer than expected, but here I am, and I come bearing a good review. So, jump in with me into the Crown of the Courtesan universe!
this is a dark romantasy where myth, religion, and prophecy intertwine, blurring the line between what is chosen and what is destined, with consequences written long before the characters ever understand them. Bare bones of it: we’re following Tabitha, a Lady Courtesan who is about to have her whole world turned upside down by a chain of... uh... let’s say fateful events. Ones that will lead her to discover way more than she bargained for.
So, if you love foreshadowing and theory-building as much as I do, you’re in for a long, bumpy, but incredibly exciting ride. Brace yourself, bring the notebook, the corkboard, the pins and the threads, because our lovely author paves the way with clues and little tidbits of information that seem completely meaningless at first. Spoiler: they’re not. In fact, although they’re often presented as nothing more than part of the lore or background information, they slowly begin to paint a much bigger picture. The more pieces start falling into place, the more you realize those little details were never there just for atmosphere.
That was also what made this book a tricky one to finish, but not because I didn’t enjoy it. Quite the opposite, I loved it. There was simply so much to keep track of, connect, question, and eventually rethink as the story unfolded. It was the kind of book that made me slow down and take my time with it, because I wanted to actually piece everything together rather than simply rush to the next chapter.
I usually focus on a few categories:
Final scorecard
**Overall Rating (book): ⭐⭐⭐⭐
**World-building:** ⭐⭐⭐⭐
**Romance:** ⭐⭐⭐
**Spice:** 🌶️
**Ending:** ⭐⭐⭐⭐
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
That was the long story short, now let’s start with the good stuff
world-building:
The physical setting is present, but the book’s world-building is not just about atmosphere. Its real strength lies in the social structure, the magic system, and the religion and mythology woven throughout the narrative.
The social structure is one of the aspects I found most compelling. This is a world with a clearly defined hierarchy, where social status, gender, bloodline, religion, and power are deeply intertwined. It also offers an interesting critique of how fickle public opinion can be, especially when it comes to beauty, age, and motherhood, and how quickly society can change the value it places on a woman once she no longer fits the role or standards she is supposed to adhere to. The institution of the Lady Courtesans is a particularly strong example of this, because it is not simply a role within society, but a system that shapes the lives of every child born into it, as well as the fate that awaits the mother.
Magic is woven into the world in a subtle but intriguing way: In a world where magic is slowly fading and becoming increasingly rare, it has become one of the most closely guarded secrets. As Tabitha begins her own journey of self-discovery, looking beyond the role and ownership imposed on her and exploring who she is beyond society’s expectations, the magic surrounding her becomes increasingly fascinating, slowly unravelling thread by thread.
What I particularly enjoyed is that these elements don’t exist independently of the plot. The social structure, magic, and mythology constantly feed into one another, making the setting feel like an active part of the narrative rather than simply its backdrop.
Now Spice & Romance:
Let’s talk about spice and romance, because while they often go hand in hand, they are not the same thing. The open-door scenes are fairly limited, and for a book with this much tension between its characters, I expected more. There are moments of strong sexual tension and chemistry, but most of that tension remains outside the bedroom.
Which brings me to our second point: the romance.
The romance starts off slowly. Our MMCs are physically attracted to each other, but neither of them is willing to simply give in to it. In this world, pretty things have teeth, and no one does anything without an ulterior motive. But like any good exponential curve, the build-up doesn’t stay linear for long. The tension starts building, and before you know it, things escalate quickly.
The chemistry between the characters is undeniable, but what really stood out to me was the level of desire, restraint, tension, and emotional push and pull. Some of the dynamics are particularly charged. The Witch King’s dynamic with Tabitha adds a whole new layer to the story, raising the stakes even further through attraction, distrust, power, and a very deliberate refusal to give in to what is happening between them.
And then we have the love triangle...ish, diamond...ish... thing involving the secondary characters, Lir and Rett.
Neither dynamic quite develops into a conventional romance, but both add depth to Tabitha’s relationships, bringing out many more shades in the ways desire, attraction, and possession can play out around her.
the Antagonists... A quick note on the “villains,” because calling them villains feels almost too simple. There are no clean-cut, black-and-white villains here. Balor Black and General Metalla, Tabitha’s uncle, are two of the main antagonistic forces, with abuse of power and the political machinations surrounding them driving much of the conflict.
In Balor’s case, I would add a cautionary note, as some of his interactions with Tabitha might be upsetting at the very least and triggering at worst. Proceed with caution.
And then we have the ending... Cliffhanger... Again. (And no, I am not a masochist. But give me a good cliffhanger, and I’ll fall for it with a smile.)
I’ll admit, I was completely shell-shocked by the last three pages. I genuinely did not see what happened coming. Another important piece of the puzzle is revealed, opening the door to even more interpretations and theories. It’s the kind of ending that leaves you staring at the page thinking, “Okay... but what happens next?”
And I really want to know what happens next.
Overall, Crown of the Courtesan was a story that demanded my attention and constantly made me reconsider what I thought I understood. It gave me a very real love-hate relationship with my own tendency to overanalyze and look for foreshadowing. The whole concept of this world, the mysteries, and the sheer amount of unanswered questions kept my mind running until the very last page
And if you’ve read this far, as a little closing note:
Thank you, Natalie Jacks-Smith, for keeping me on my toes and for writing such a beautiful story. It was a wild ride, and I genuinely enjoyed every twist, theory, and unanswered question along the way.
Final scorecard
**Overall Rating (book): ⭐⭐⭐⭐
**World-building:** ⭐⭐⭐⭐
**Romance:** ⭐⭐⭐
**Spice:** 🌶️
**Ending:** ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Crown of the Courtesan by Natalie Jacks-Smith presents an intriguing, high-stakes premise that pulls readers into a world of court intrigue, unexpected duty, and unexpected turns of power. Blending core elements of romantasy with political maneuvering, the novel centers on an a protagonist who finds herself thrust out of her expected role and elevated to the role of queen—a position she never anticipated, yet one she must quickly navigate to save and support the people she cares about.
The overarching plot follows Tabitha as her world is completely upended. Pushed into a position of high authority, she must adjust to the heavy realities of leadership while surrounding herself with questionable characters whose motives are rarely clear. As she tries to figure out how to help her people, the narrative leans heavily into political tension, secrets, and the precarious nature of wearing a crown when you were never trained for the seat. The general world-building and the central political conflict provide a strong foundation that drives the narrative forward, keeping the stakes genuinely high throughout.
Where the story leaves room for debate is in Tabitha’s internal and external growth. On paper, Tabitha’s journey is about stepping into power and finding her footing amidst court chaos. Given her background and upbringing, her initial hesitancy and gentler demeanor are understandable—she wasn’t raised to be a ruthless warrior or a hardened strategist.
However, her internal commentary often signals a desire for greater agency, creating a slight disconnect with her outward actions. Throughout much of the book, rather than taking decisive, fierce control of her circumstances, Tabitha tends to react to events rather than direct them, often going with the flow when a firmer stance would have felt more satisfying.
And I know this might seem weird but I feel like this dynamic is further highlighted by a recurring storytelling choice: Tabitha faints with noticeable frequency. While fainting as a narrative device isn't uncommon in classic or fantasy tropes, the aftermath here feels slightly jarring. When she wakes up from these episodes, the surrounding characters often react with passive casualness—almost as if she had simply taken a brief afternoon nap rather than collapsed under severe physical or magical strain. Stronger external pushback or a fiercer response from Tabitha in these moments would have helped solidify her evolving strength earlier in the narrative.
The romantasy elements center around the key male figures, Ashland and Rett. While both characters add distinct dynamics and friction to the overall plot, the romantic progression between them and Tabitha occasionally feels a bit forced. The emotional payoff and romantic chemistry don't quite build as organically as the high-stakes political plot, leaving the romance feeling secondary to the central struggle for the realm.
Despite these character and pacing hurdles, Crown of the Courtesan delivers where it counts most in its final act. The overarching plot of Tabitha grappling with unexpected royalty, kidnapping, and navigating complex power dynamics keeps the pages turning, and the late-game twists are genuinely surprising. The unexpected turns at the end reshape the landscape for Tabitha and the surrounding realm, raising the stakes and leaving a compelling setup for what comes next.
While Tabitha's passivity and the forced romantic beats occasionally stall the story's momentum, the underlying world-building, political stakes, and explosive ending make Crown of the Courtesan a worthwhile read. It is a solid foundation for a series, and the final developments ensure that readers will want to return to see how Tabitha truly steps into her power in the next installment.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the copy in exchange for an honest review.
The overarching plot follows Tabitha as her world is completely upended. Pushed into a position of high authority, she must adjust to the heavy realities of leadership while surrounding herself with questionable characters whose motives are rarely clear. As she tries to figure out how to help her people, the narrative leans heavily into political tension, secrets, and the precarious nature of wearing a crown when you were never trained for the seat. The general world-building and the central political conflict provide a strong foundation that drives the narrative forward, keeping the stakes genuinely high throughout.
Where the story leaves room for debate is in Tabitha’s internal and external growth. On paper, Tabitha’s journey is about stepping into power and finding her footing amidst court chaos. Given her background and upbringing, her initial hesitancy and gentler demeanor are understandable—she wasn’t raised to be a ruthless warrior or a hardened strategist.
However, her internal commentary often signals a desire for greater agency, creating a slight disconnect with her outward actions. Throughout much of the book, rather than taking decisive, fierce control of her circumstances, Tabitha tends to react to events rather than direct them, often going with the flow when a firmer stance would have felt more satisfying.
And I know this might seem weird but I feel like this dynamic is further highlighted by a recurring storytelling choice: Tabitha faints with noticeable frequency. While fainting as a narrative device isn't uncommon in classic or fantasy tropes, the aftermath here feels slightly jarring. When she wakes up from these episodes, the surrounding characters often react with passive casualness—almost as if she had simply taken a brief afternoon nap rather than collapsed under severe physical or magical strain. Stronger external pushback or a fiercer response from Tabitha in these moments would have helped solidify her evolving strength earlier in the narrative.
The romantasy elements center around the key male figures, Ashland and Rett. While both characters add distinct dynamics and friction to the overall plot, the romantic progression between them and Tabitha occasionally feels a bit forced. The emotional payoff and romantic chemistry don't quite build as organically as the high-stakes political plot, leaving the romance feeling secondary to the central struggle for the realm.
Despite these character and pacing hurdles, Crown of the Courtesan delivers where it counts most in its final act. The overarching plot of Tabitha grappling with unexpected royalty, kidnapping, and navigating complex power dynamics keeps the pages turning, and the late-game twists are genuinely surprising. The unexpected turns at the end reshape the landscape for Tabitha and the surrounding realm, raising the stakes and leaving a compelling setup for what comes next.
While Tabitha's passivity and the forced romantic beats occasionally stall the story's momentum, the underlying world-building, political stakes, and explosive ending make Crown of the Courtesan a worthwhile read. It is a solid foundation for a series, and the final developments ensure that readers will want to return to see how Tabitha truly steps into her power in the next installment.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the copy in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Spice level 2.5-3 🌶
Tabitha, a high-priced courtesan, waits in dread to learn whether her violent noble patron will keep her for another year -- then a summons to the King’s castle upends everything.
``Obedience is but a gift to make small men believe their power is anything but a shackle.'' -- very good.
Strong elements: Plenty of plot movement, and several interesting lines, large and small. Character development is especially strong for Tabitha. The conflict between her training, her feelings about that life, and what happens next is well articulated. The grey scale is the best of it: every major character is morally mixed in ways that are often believable. Tabitha is called disloyal until she treats that charge as a way to survive. One of the men love-bombs her, then a darker side shows through, all in line with the bigger plot arc.
What kept it from five: about a dozen grammar issues (clauses disagreeing with their subjects). Some cheese: e.g., grave concern over missing women, while the same people are already in mortal danger and at war, felt over the top -- more a test of who is ``really'' good than a convincing plot turn. Subtlety would have been better. Magic has interesting pieces, but too many conveniences: a bond that's a life-and-death matter in one crisis is immediately irrelevant in another with no clear rule.
The main romance is my biggest reservation. There is chemistry, but several scenes between the leads rang emotionally wrong: childish gestures toward each other against a dark, dangerous background of their relationship, and not in keeping with Tabitha's court experience or political skill. Her attempts to use courtesan training on him felt poorly planned and oddly rookie, and her efforts to please him in the witch ransom scene could have been stronger if they were presented as clever efforts to ingratiate herself rather than altruistic help. His attraction is hard to source: she is clearly his enemy, this is well articulated and well supported by his actions, then his sudden, long speech about wanting her arrives more or less out of the blue. The initial scenes when Tabitha is shown off to the public in captivity as a prize could have had a lot more force if they were more subtle. The boat scene was forced by attempts to paint a certain picture to the generals, but that whole pretense plot line was weak and unnecessary. Spice: the scenes are a little too anatomical, and again the uneven emotional romance-building undermines them somewhat too.
Despite all these issues, the male lead has an arc, and some late turns fit the plot. The best moments of the romantic arcs are when Tabitha shows character growth and emerges with a clear understanding of the offenses against her -- ``Only a weak king would insist on reverence'' -- and when she tells another man she owes him nothing because he lied.
Still invested, and looking forward to the last book -- one sequel, not an endless saga, which is very nice.
Thank you to NetGalley for a free Advance Review Copy in exchange for an honest review.
Tabitha, a high-priced courtesan, waits in dread to learn whether her violent noble patron will keep her for another year -- then a summons to the King’s castle upends everything.
``Obedience is but a gift to make small men believe their power is anything but a shackle.'' -- very good.
Strong elements: Plenty of plot movement, and several interesting lines, large and small. Character development is especially strong for Tabitha. The conflict between her training, her feelings about that life, and what happens next is well articulated. The grey scale is the best of it: every major character is morally mixed in ways that are often believable. Tabitha is called disloyal until she treats that charge as a way to survive. One of the men love-bombs her, then a darker side shows through, all in line with the bigger plot arc.
What kept it from five: about a dozen grammar issues (clauses disagreeing with their subjects). Some cheese: e.g., grave concern over missing women, while the same people are already in mortal danger and at war, felt over the top -- more a test of who is ``really'' good than a convincing plot turn. Subtlety would have been better. Magic has interesting pieces, but too many conveniences: a bond that's a life-and-death matter in one crisis is immediately irrelevant in another with no clear rule.
The main romance is my biggest reservation. There is chemistry, but several scenes between the leads rang emotionally wrong: childish gestures toward each other against a dark, dangerous background of their relationship, and not in keeping with Tabitha's court experience or political skill. Her attempts to use courtesan training on him felt poorly planned and oddly rookie, and her efforts to please him in the witch ransom scene could have been stronger if they were presented as clever efforts to ingratiate herself rather than altruistic help. His attraction is hard to source: she is clearly his enemy, this is well articulated and well supported by his actions, then his sudden, long speech about wanting her arrives more or less out of the blue. The initial scenes when Tabitha is shown off to the public in captivity as a prize could have had a lot more force if they were more subtle. The boat scene was forced by attempts to paint a certain picture to the generals, but that whole pretense plot line was weak and unnecessary. Spice: the scenes are a little too anatomical, and again the uneven emotional romance-building undermines them somewhat too.
Despite all these issues, the male lead has an arc, and some late turns fit the plot. The best moments of the romantic arcs are when Tabitha shows character growth and emerges with a clear understanding of the offenses against her -- ``Only a weak king would insist on reverence'' -- and when she tells another man she owes him nothing because he lied.
Still invested, and looking forward to the last book -- one sequel, not an endless saga, which is very nice.
Thank you to NetGalley for a free Advance Review Copy in exchange for an honest review.
September 20, 2026
This book is one long commentary on misogyny, and it calls to mind how while things have changed, they remain the same.
Tabitha is a Courtesan in a world where sex work is a part of the culture, but is not honorable. Worse, it isn't a choice, but something that women are forced into by way of their family. If your mom was a Courtesan, congrats, you're going to be one, too.
The culture involves Keepers that bid on Courtesans annually, and once they win, they can do whatever they want to the courtesan, including using her as a weapon in political games (as Tabitha's keeper has done for years). It's not as if being forced into s*x work isn't bad enough. Keepers can exploit the courtesans even more, and there isn't anything the woman can do about it.
The story is ultimately about a journey to take back power that Tabitha didn't know she had. Unfortunately, the journey isn't straightforward, and discovering she's the heir to the kingdom does little to improve her situation. This is partly due to her not knowing how to claim her power, having spent her whole life being controlled by men.
Over the course of the book, Tabitha thinks she's found men who she can trust, and becomes even more disillusioned as each one turns out to be no different from the others.
I get what the author was trying to do with this story, which is why I've rated it 3.5 stars. The issue is that it took 60% of the book to really get me interested. I came very close to a DNF, which I chose not to do because I received this book as an advance reader copy through NetGalley. If the book had been about 20% shorter, with less time spent on initial world building, it would be a 4 star read. I prefer the world building be done as a part of the story in a more subtle way, rather than taking the first 100 pages of the book to lay it out.
If you enjoy political intrigue and are OK with things taking a while, you may enjoy this book. But if you're looking for a romantasy, this isn't one. I'd consider it straight up fantasy, with a teensy little side plot with a tiny bit of romance.
I'm not sure if I'll read the second book in this duet. I may if I can get it as an advance reader copy, but I don't think I'd buy it.
I received an advance reader copy of this book. The opinions are all my own.
Tabitha is a Courtesan in a world where sex work is a part of the culture, but is not honorable. Worse, it isn't a choice, but something that women are forced into by way of their family. If your mom was a Courtesan, congrats, you're going to be one, too.
The culture involves Keepers that bid on Courtesans annually, and once they win, they can do whatever they want to the courtesan, including using her as a weapon in political games (as Tabitha's keeper has done for years). It's not as if being forced into s*x work isn't bad enough. Keepers can exploit the courtesans even more, and there isn't anything the woman can do about it.
The story is ultimately about a journey to take back power that Tabitha didn't know she had. Unfortunately, the journey isn't straightforward, and discovering she's the heir to the kingdom does little to improve her situation. This is partly due to her not knowing how to claim her power, having spent her whole life being controlled by men.
Over the course of the book, Tabitha thinks she's found men who she can trust, and becomes even more disillusioned as each one turns out to be no different from the others.
I get what the author was trying to do with this story, which is why I've rated it 3.5 stars. The issue is that it took 60% of the book to really get me interested. I came very close to a DNF, which I chose not to do because I received this book as an advance reader copy through NetGalley. If the book had been about 20% shorter, with less time spent on initial world building, it would be a 4 star read. I prefer the world building be done as a part of the story in a more subtle way, rather than taking the first 100 pages of the book to lay it out.
If you enjoy political intrigue and are OK with things taking a while, you may enjoy this book. But if you're looking for a romantasy, this isn't one. I'd consider it straight up fantasy, with a teensy little side plot with a tiny bit of romance.
I'm not sure if I'll read the second book in this duet. I may if I can get it as an advance reader copy, but I don't think I'd buy it.
I received an advance reader copy of this book. The opinions are all my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received an advance review copy for free from Book Sirens, and I’m leaving this review voluntarily.
Fantasy Romance
Trigger Warnings: Death, Profanity, Violence, Sex, Abuse
For a 505‑page story, I finished this much faster than I expected! Crown of the Courtesan by Natalie Jacks‑Smith, a debut fantasy romance, is full of twists, turns, and reveals. At times it felt like the plot snapped in new directions so quickly I almost got whiplash—but honestly, that unpredictability is what kept me turning the pages.
The story unfolds in a world steeped in political intrigue, betrayal, and control. The FMC, a courtesan treated more like property than a person, is constantly pushed into dangerous and manipulative situations. I found her to be written thoughtfully and believably; she felt like someone who truly belonged in the harsh world around her.
There are a lot of characters introduced early on, which took me a moment to adjust to, but the large cast allows for so many possibilities. It sets the stage for the twists that follow and gives the story a sense of depth. The beginning felt a little slow for me, but as the plot progressed, pieces started falling into place. Some characters still feel mysterious, but the hints sprinkled throughout make me hopeful for satisfying reveals in the second book of this duology.
The writing itself is strong, though a few sections dragged slightly. Overall, the story remained engaging. It wasn’t as “spicy” as I expected, but that didn’t lessen my enjoyment—the plot really takes center stage, and the magic system felt refreshingly unique.
If you enjoy stories filled with twists, secrets, political maneuvering, and betrayal, this one might be a great fit for you.
Fantasy Romance
Trigger Warnings: Death, Profanity, Violence, Sex, Abuse
For a 505‑page story, I finished this much faster than I expected! Crown of the Courtesan by Natalie Jacks‑Smith, a debut fantasy romance, is full of twists, turns, and reveals. At times it felt like the plot snapped in new directions so quickly I almost got whiplash—but honestly, that unpredictability is what kept me turning the pages.
The story unfolds in a world steeped in political intrigue, betrayal, and control. The FMC, a courtesan treated more like property than a person, is constantly pushed into dangerous and manipulative situations. I found her to be written thoughtfully and believably; she felt like someone who truly belonged in the harsh world around her.
There are a lot of characters introduced early on, which took me a moment to adjust to, but the large cast allows for so many possibilities. It sets the stage for the twists that follow and gives the story a sense of depth. The beginning felt a little slow for me, but as the plot progressed, pieces started falling into place. Some characters still feel mysterious, but the hints sprinkled throughout make me hopeful for satisfying reveals in the second book of this duology.
The writing itself is strong, though a few sections dragged slightly. Overall, the story remained engaging. It wasn’t as “spicy” as I expected, but that didn’t lessen my enjoyment—the plot really takes center stage, and the magic system felt refreshingly unique.
If you enjoy stories filled with twists, secrets, political maneuvering, and betrayal, this one might be a great fit for you.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received an ARC copy of this book for review purposes.
Ok. Let’s get one thing straight, Tabitha, while being a badass, is also very frustrating at times. While I loved her sass and conniving ways. There are times I wanted to smack her upside her head because she was being a dolt. I mean. Ash too. I’ll smack him too. (Maybe. I doubt I’d get far).
Let’s back up. This story follows Tabitha. A courtesan who is thrust onto a throne she doesn’t want. And then into the clutches of a man she also doesn’t want. Or maybe she does. And while the fearsome witch king maybe her enemy, he also has moments of tenderness. ( if we ignore the whole, holding a woman semi hostage thing. You know. Casual.). But the Witch king also makes some stupid decisions. I’m also going to smack him upside his head. (Or maybe let Valora do it. You know. Cause she’s like the true badass of this book and I slightly fear her.).
After a mission gone wrong,Tabitha ends up in the clutches of yet another man she doesn’t want. Or maybe she does. ( this girl can’t make up her mind!). But this prince is charming. And is offering to help. But maybe he’s not. Rett seems sweet enough. And he did save her life. What could go wrong?
Anyways. If you like romantasy, sassy women, with swords. (Who doesn’t?!?!?). Some great banter. And a long epic journey. This is the book for you!! For me the spice was lower than I was expecting. But I read filth. So take that with a grain of salt. I really enjoyed this book. And I’m mad I have to wait for the next one now.
Ok. Let’s get one thing straight, Tabitha, while being a badass, is also very frustrating at times. While I loved her sass and conniving ways. There are times I wanted to smack her upside her head because she was being a dolt. I mean. Ash too. I’ll smack him too. (Maybe. I doubt I’d get far).
Let’s back up. This story follows Tabitha. A courtesan who is thrust onto a throne she doesn’t want. And then into the clutches of a man she also doesn’t want. Or maybe she does. And while the fearsome witch king maybe her enemy, he also has moments of tenderness. ( if we ignore the whole, holding a woman semi hostage thing. You know. Casual.). But the Witch king also makes some stupid decisions. I’m also going to smack him upside his head. (Or maybe let Valora do it. You know. Cause she’s like the true badass of this book and I slightly fear her.).
After a mission gone wrong,Tabitha ends up in the clutches of yet another man she doesn’t want. Or maybe she does. ( this girl can’t make up her mind!). But this prince is charming. And is offering to help. But maybe he’s not. Rett seems sweet enough. And he did save her life. What could go wrong?
Anyways. If you like romantasy, sassy women, with swords. (Who doesn’t?!?!?). Some great banter. And a long epic journey. This is the book for you!! For me the spice was lower than I was expecting. But I read filth. So take that with a grain of salt. I really enjoyed this book. And I’m mad I have to wait for the next one now.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Advanced copy read!
Crown of the Courtesan is a fast-paced, unpredictable debut fantasy romance set in a world of political intrigue, control, and dangerous maneuvering. The story centers on a female protagonist, a courtesan treated more as property than a person, who must navigate a harsh, high-stakes environment where she is constantly pushed into manipulative situations.
Despite its 505-page length, the narrative moves quickly. Packed with twists, turns, and sudden reveals, the story keeps readers guessing and eager to see what happens next.
The female lead is thoughtfully written, believable, and grounded. Readers gain insight into her backstory through flashes throughout the text, watching her maintain her core beliefs and take charge of her life despite the harsh realities surrounding her.
The book establishes a strong, atmospheric world supported by a refreshingly unique magic system. Though introducing many characters early on creates a slightly slow start, it establishes a expansive cast with strong potential for future reveals in book two.
While there is romantic tension and minor explicit scenes, the plot and political intrigue take center stage rather than heavy romance content.
While a few sections slow down slightly during the character setup, the overall tension and plot momentum maintain a high level of engagement.
Recommended for readers who enjoy plot-driven fantasy romance, high-stakes political maneuvering, resilient main characters, and stories filled with twists and secrets.
Crown of the Courtesan is a fast-paced, unpredictable debut fantasy romance set in a world of political intrigue, control, and dangerous maneuvering. The story centers on a female protagonist, a courtesan treated more as property than a person, who must navigate a harsh, high-stakes environment where she is constantly pushed into manipulative situations.
Despite its 505-page length, the narrative moves quickly. Packed with twists, turns, and sudden reveals, the story keeps readers guessing and eager to see what happens next.
The female lead is thoughtfully written, believable, and grounded. Readers gain insight into her backstory through flashes throughout the text, watching her maintain her core beliefs and take charge of her life despite the harsh realities surrounding her.
The book establishes a strong, atmospheric world supported by a refreshingly unique magic system. Though introducing many characters early on creates a slightly slow start, it establishes a expansive cast with strong potential for future reveals in book two.
While there is romantic tension and minor explicit scenes, the plot and political intrigue take center stage rather than heavy romance content.
While a few sections slow down slightly during the character setup, the overall tension and plot momentum maintain a high level of engagement.
Recommended for readers who enjoy plot-driven fantasy romance, high-stakes political maneuvering, resilient main characters, and stories filled with twists and secrets.
Review of advance copy received from Author
REVIEW OF ADVANCED COPY
Right of the start this book created a great atmosphere. Starting with not just a list of content warnings but a short quick explanation that helps to allow a better understanding.
The book is detailed and has a nice pace. Well written and maintains a growth that even minor is easy to see. Keeping with the main character you can see the changes, yet the way she stays true to herself, and her beliefs in the best way she can.
Starting off with no real backstory you get flashes throughout so helps to gain a better understanding. However it keeps you on your seat because the twists and turns that come are delightful and so unexpected. You get excited to continue reading and want to see what happens.
Some spicy feeling and minor scenes but nothing too dramatic on the spice I feel, but it definitely has a spicy storyline. It constantly makes you wonder what may happen. I know I had to pause reading every once in a while because the tension definitely made me wonder and made it hard to focus.
I truly cannot wait to see what will happen next!!!
If you like romance and fantasy and people who take charge of their life as best they can and try to do everything in their power to make things right despite what may be thrown at them then I recommend this book!
Right of the start this book created a great atmosphere. Starting with not just a list of content warnings but a short quick explanation that helps to allow a better understanding.
The book is detailed and has a nice pace. Well written and maintains a growth that even minor is easy to see. Keeping with the main character you can see the changes, yet the way she stays true to herself, and her beliefs in the best way she can.
Starting off with no real backstory you get flashes throughout so helps to gain a better understanding. However it keeps you on your seat because the twists and turns that come are delightful and so unexpected. You get excited to continue reading and want to see what happens.
Some spicy feeling and minor scenes but nothing too dramatic on the spice I feel, but it definitely has a spicy storyline. It constantly makes you wonder what may happen. I know I had to pause reading every once in a while because the tension definitely made me wonder and made it hard to focus.
I truly cannot wait to see what will happen next!!!
If you like romance and fantasy and people who take charge of their life as best they can and try to do everything in their power to make things right despite what may be thrown at them then I recommend this book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Crown of the Courtesan combines political intrigue, high-stakes and mythical beasts in an enticing and whimsical debut romantasy.
I absolutely adored how authentic and resilient our FMC is. Tabitha already faces power hungry men and snobby courtesans in her daily life so when she is captured by the Witch-King, and he expects her to crumble, she decides to fight. As truths begin to unravel, she finds herself questioning everything -and everyone- around her.
We’re basically thrown right into the action from the beginning and I felt things were moving a bit fast. Tabitha meets the half-orc Prince quite early on and the hastiness of their exchanges came across as disingenuous at times. I preferred the more candid back-and-forth she had with the Witch-King. Contrarily, other sections dragged slightly and I found myself skimming forward.
I would’ve liked to have seen more of Tabitha's backstory to get to know her more before she's taken to the Beast Realm. Nonetheless, the magic system was interesting and I could tell the author worked really hard to write a unique and compelling novel.
I absolutely adored how authentic and resilient our FMC is. Tabitha already faces power hungry men and snobby courtesans in her daily life so when she is captured by the Witch-King, and he expects her to crumble, she decides to fight. As truths begin to unravel, she finds herself questioning everything -and everyone- around her.
We’re basically thrown right into the action from the beginning and I felt things were moving a bit fast. Tabitha meets the half-orc Prince quite early on and the hastiness of their exchanges came across as disingenuous at times. I preferred the more candid back-and-forth she had with the Witch-King. Contrarily, other sections dragged slightly and I found myself skimming forward.
I would’ve liked to have seen more of Tabitha's backstory to get to know her more before she's taken to the Beast Realm. Nonetheless, the magic system was interesting and I could tell the author worked really hard to write a unique and compelling novel.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received this as an ARC from the author.
First off I shall say: If you like twists, secrets, political intrigue and betrayal with a cliffhanger ending this is for you.
The FMC, Tabitha is the High Lady Courtesan of the kingdom and is thrown into an unexpected high authority position in a world that both envies and judges Lady Courtesans. The story has a lot of character building and world building sprinkled through out like little easter eggs. The reader learns at the same time as Tabitha, which is both intriguing and frustrating.
The plot is really the primary focus of the book with a little spice thrown in occasionally. It was a little slow to read in the beginning but did pick up and was actually a pretty fast read for a 500+ page book. I enjoyed that it doesn’t follow the more standard forms of magic for many fantasy books out there and I am anxiously awaiting the second book to see how the cliffhanger is resolved. All in all a good book from an indie author's debut.
#morallygreyloveinterest #darkromantasy
First off I shall say: If you like twists, secrets, political intrigue and betrayal with a cliffhanger ending this is for you.
The FMC, Tabitha is the High Lady Courtesan of the kingdom and is thrown into an unexpected high authority position in a world that both envies and judges Lady Courtesans. The story has a lot of character building and world building sprinkled through out like little easter eggs. The reader learns at the same time as Tabitha, which is both intriguing and frustrating.
The plot is really the primary focus of the book with a little spice thrown in occasionally. It was a little slow to read in the beginning but did pick up and was actually a pretty fast read for a 500+ page book. I enjoyed that it doesn’t follow the more standard forms of magic for many fantasy books out there and I am anxiously awaiting the second book to see how the cliffhanger is resolved. All in all a good book from an indie author's debut.
#morallygreyloveinterest #darkromantasy
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
``Obedience is but a gift to make small men believe their power is anything but a shackle.''
The story unfolds in a world steeped in political intrigue, betrayal, and control. The FMC, a courtesan treated more like property than a person, is constantly pushed into dangerous and manipulative situations.
I loved how authentic and resilient our FMC is! She faces all these power hungry men in her daily life so when she is captured by the Witch-King, and he expects her to fall apart but she decides to fight! As the truth begin to untangle, she finds herself questioning everything and everyone.
Overall, the story remained engaging! The plot really takes center stage, and the magic system felt refreshingly unique. If you enjoy stories filled with twists, secrets, political maneuvering, and betrayal, this one might be a great fit for you.
Thank you to NetGalley for a free Advance Review Copy in exchange for an honest review.
⭐⭐⭐.5
The story unfolds in a world steeped in political intrigue, betrayal, and control. The FMC, a courtesan treated more like property than a person, is constantly pushed into dangerous and manipulative situations.
I loved how authentic and resilient our FMC is! She faces all these power hungry men in her daily life so when she is captured by the Witch-King, and he expects her to fall apart but she decides to fight! As the truth begin to untangle, she finds herself questioning everything and everyone.
Overall, the story remained engaging! The plot really takes center stage, and the magic system felt refreshingly unique. If you enjoy stories filled with twists, secrets, political maneuvering, and betrayal, this one might be a great fit for you.
Thank you to NetGalley for a free Advance Review Copy in exchange for an honest review.
⭐⭐⭐.5
Review of advance copy
Im very invested. The world was well built and written. I think it could be harder topic to read if a patriarchal society where women are being sold and abused is something that will trigger you. I almost couldnt keep going. I didnt mind that she was a bit spoiled too since she didnt come off as bratty but she did crash out a lot 💀 I was really rooting for her and all her progress… up until 90% 🤦🏻♀️
I also didnt mind that there were “other guys” since she was trying to form genuine connections with them , whereas all the other women were there as jealousy story bits which i didnt enjoy
I felt bad for rett for a second there but damn its really hard to. I was on the fence about him being genuine or manipulative… but good to know that Im not able to tell which is which shame on me smh
It was hard to like ash because of the mood swings like pick a personality dude but I hope Valora becomes her found family since Beatrix… 😒
Please please please let nothing happen to Klara
I also didnt mind that there were “other guys” since she was trying to form genuine connections with them , whereas all the other women were there as jealousy story bits which i didnt enjoy
I felt bad for rett for a second there but damn its really hard to. I was on the fence about him being genuine or manipulative… but good to know that Im not able to tell which is which shame on me smh
It was hard to like ash because of the mood swings like pick a personality dude but I hope Valora becomes her found family since Beatrix… 😒
Please please please let nothing happen to Klara
Review of advance copy
This story was interesting, following Tabitha, a courtesan in her kingdom turned queen following the death of the king. All of a sudden, she is thrust into a court she doesn’t fully understand along with magical powers that arrive abruptly. Her backstory is confusing and there are many variants to it - it changes based on who she’s hearing the story from. She knows little of history, politics, or culture of other places. Sometimes the story arrives at places and I’m not sure how we got there, however the plot and characters overall were very interesting and dynamic.
I can appreciate the twist at the end, I hope the author sticks with it for future installments and doesn’t magically reverse what happened.
I received an ARC copy of this book for free and am leaving this review voluntarily.
I can appreciate the twist at the end, I hope the author sticks with it for future installments and doesn’t magically reverse what happened.
I received an ARC copy of this book for free and am leaving this review voluntarily.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Review of advance copy provided by NetGalley
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Murder, magic, mystery, intrigue, and just the right amount of 🌶️. The role of Lady Courtesans and protection of their craft is a refreshing element. I’m really enjoying watching Tabitha find her voice throughout this story! Her character development in this book was one of my favorite parts, and I loved seeing her become more confident in herself and her choices.
And that ending?! 😳 I genuinely did NOT see that twist coming. The book ended on such a cliffhanger that I immediately wanted the next one. I need to know what happens!
Overall, 4/5 stars. I’m officially invested and very impatient for the next book! 👑
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Murder, magic, mystery, intrigue, and just the right amount of 🌶️. The role of Lady Courtesans and protection of their craft is a refreshing element. I’m really enjoying watching Tabitha find her voice throughout this story! Her character development in this book was one of my favorite parts, and I loved seeing her become more confident in herself and her choices.
And that ending?! 😳 I genuinely did NOT see that twist coming. The book ended on such a cliffhanger that I immediately wanted the next one. I need to know what happens!
Overall, 4/5 stars. I’m officially invested and very impatient for the next book! 👑
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Wow, I truly loved this book! From the very first page, I was completely captivated by the story. I felt every single ounce of emotion, tension, and turmoil alongside the characters. I absolutely loved the enemies-to-lovers dynamic between Tabitha and the Witch King, and the twists with Rett and Lir were completely amazing! Watching the FMC’s astounding transformation by the final page was incredibly powerful. That cliffhanger left me completely gobsmacked and desperately hungry for the next installment! Thank you to the publishers for the opportunity to read this book—it was an absolute privilege.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Omg the twists and turns for poor Tabitha!
First she is a Lady Courtesan, who is not only beautiful, talented and highly regarded, she GLOWS!! Courtesans are given a tincture that stops them from getting pregnant but the side effect is they glow.
Her Keeper, Baylor Black, is a horrible man who has been her highest bidder for 10 years running!
But things are about to change. Some for good, some for worse.
Magic, loss, friendship and adventure abundant.
This is NOT a love story, as who can truly trust and love a Courtesan?
I was hooked and campy wait for more from Tabitha!
First she is a Lady Courtesan, who is not only beautiful, talented and highly regarded, she GLOWS!! Courtesans are given a tincture that stops them from getting pregnant but the side effect is they glow.
Her Keeper, Baylor Black, is a horrible man who has been her highest bidder for 10 years running!
But things are about to change. Some for good, some for worse.
Magic, loss, friendship and adventure abundant.
This is NOT a love story, as who can truly trust and love a Courtesan?
I was hooked and campy wait for more from Tabitha!
Review of advance copy
This book kept me entertained from the very beginning. I loved the back and forth between the different kingdoms. The story itself I thought was refreshing and new. It is in the fantasy realm but deals with curses, fae, witches, and much more. I read this book in one day and can't wait for the next one it held me in that much of a grip. I had to know what was going to happen next. It ends on a bit of a cliffhanger but leaves you eager for more. I highly recommend this book.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 14, 2026
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The premise is fresh, the worldbuilding complex (and it holds). The characters were what drew me in and sold me. Though, as another reviewer commented, I would have liked to smack some of them over the head at times for being dense and not seeing what was in front of their eyes. But each misunderstanding, each miscommunication is believable in very in tune with what they are.
Expect plot-twists and a cliffhanger that had me cry out, "when is the next one coming?!"
Expect plot-twists and a cliffhanger that had me cry out, "when is the next one coming?!"
Review of advance copy received from Author
Crown of the Courtesan by Natalie Jacks-Smith is political intrigue, manipulation, and betrayal at it’s best. I feel like I know these characters and I’m invested in their lives and stories. The world is vast with various kingdoms, each with their own agendas. I’m looking forward to seeing where this series goes.
I highly recommend!
Thank you to the author for a free ARC copy. This voluntary review is my honest opinion.
I highly recommend!
Thank you to the author for a free ARC copy. This voluntary review is my honest opinion.
September 18, 2026
I received a review readers copy of this story, and this is my honest review. This book has so much to love end enjoy, and it was very well written overall. The characters had great depth, the plot was well done, and the overall romance was fun. It just felt a little forced at times, rushed others, or too drawn out at points which pulled me out of the story a bit sadly. I really enjoyed this though and am really looking forward to the next book!
September 23, 2026
This book blew me away! Its one of those one more chapter books. Lots of surprises .There's always something happening with every page turn. I love the unique premise of glowing courtesans.
In a change of events, Tabitha's world gets upended! The dynamics really change when the 2 mmc enter the story. There's also creatures, high stakes, power dynamics, mystery,and a bargain. The last 10% had me screaming and kicking. Readers will love following the growth in Tabitha.
In a change of events, Tabitha's world gets upended! The dynamics really change when the 2 mmc enter the story. There's also creatures, high stakes, power dynamics, mystery,and a bargain. The last 10% had me screaming and kicking. Readers will love following the growth in Tabitha.
Review of advance copy received from Author
3.5 stars for me. I think there is so much to love in this story, and it holds a message that matters. I loved the prose and the pacing, and I could see this being a lot of people's next fantasy series. I didn't gel with it as much as I wanted to, and part if that lies in the first few chapters; I needed more to care about the FMC before things changed. Keep in mind this is personal preference.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Crown of the Courtesan by Natalie Jacks-Smith is an interesting story with many twists I didn’t see coming. There is a diverse cast of MMCs, and I am interested in finding out where the story leads.
It ends on a huge cliffhanger, so be prepared for that!
I received an ARC in exchange for a review.
It ends on a huge cliffhanger, so be prepared for that!
I received an ARC in exchange for a review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I couldn't put this down. Twists and turns kept me guessing where the plot was going. I enjoyed the character development and elements of self worth, strength, and what defines a person. I can't wait to read book 2 and see what Tabitha does next
Review of advance copy
I really enjoyed the book! It kept me invested from early on. It has a nice plot and a nice development of characters. I will definitely read the next one.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
Review of advance copy received from Author
I LOVED this book. The storyline is reminiscent of a combination of The Plated Prisoner series and Quicksilver. This definitely leans more towards adult content (check trigger warnings). However, two weeks after finishing this book, I am still obsessing over this storyline. I need a sequel, stat!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Overall it was a great book! Fantasy, political intrigue, and mild spice all wrapped into one!!
The ending of the book…what the…I need MORE!!!! It was such a twist and turn ending I had to read it twice!
I’m excited to hear what else this author puts out and find some answers out!!!
The ending of the book…what the…I need MORE!!!! It was such a twist and turn ending I had to read it twice!
I’m excited to hear what else this author puts out and find some answers out!!!
September 18, 2026
I am so glad that I branched out of my normal romantasy and fantasy favourites and gave this book a read. I was hooked and really enjoyed the writing, themes, and political aspect. I love a strong female lead character and this book delivers!
September 22, 2026
Amazing book. The world building is great and there are so many twists and turns I was very rarely able to figure out what was coming next. The characters are diverse and lovable and hateable. Can’t wait for book two!!
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