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Her Crimson Fate: Crimson Kingdom: Book One
Not yet published
Expected 13 Nov 26The dragon shifter craves her blood.
Can she resist him long enough to earn her freedom?
In a world run by shifters, Scarlet has finally repaid her debts after four gruelling years of fighting in The Cage. But she barely tastes freedom when she's suddenly accused of a crime she didn't commit.
Now a prisoner, she's forced to work with Kane, Selerune's most lethal dragon shifter, to clear her name. Scarlet must survive the dangers lurking in every shadow--including Kane's insatiable cravings for her blood--if she wants her freedom once and for all.
As they work to stop Rebels from wreaking havoc across the kingdom, Scarlet discovers powers history has long forgotten, along with the truth of the handsome yet terrifying dragon shifter's past. But can she trust Kane with her heart? Or will she lose her final chance at freedom--and her life--in the process?
Perfect for fans of A Court of Thorns and Roses and Fourth Wing who also love dragon shifters, enemies to lovers, and spice!
Can she resist him long enough to earn her freedom?
In a world run by shifters, Scarlet has finally repaid her debts after four gruelling years of fighting in The Cage. But she barely tastes freedom when she's suddenly accused of a crime she didn't commit.
Now a prisoner, she's forced to work with Kane, Selerune's most lethal dragon shifter, to clear her name. Scarlet must survive the dangers lurking in every shadow--including Kane's insatiable cravings for her blood--if she wants her freedom once and for all.
As they work to stop Rebels from wreaking havoc across the kingdom, Scarlet discovers powers history has long forgotten, along with the truth of the handsome yet terrifying dragon shifter's past. But can she trust Kane with her heart? Or will she lose her final chance at freedom--and her life--in the process?
Perfect for fans of A Court of Thorns and Roses and Fourth Wing who also love dragon shifters, enemies to lovers, and spice!
487 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication November 13, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you so much Aubrey Winters for giving me this Arc and so I would give my honest review of the book. I went into this book not knowing what to expect from a shifter romance, and I am genuinely glad I gave it a chance. There is something about a story that grabs you from the very beginning and refuses to let you settle comfortably, and this one did exactly that.
Scarlet was a character I enjoyed following. She has been through so much, yet she still has that stubbornness that makes you want to root for her. I liked that she was a strong female lead, and not just because she could fight. She has her own goals, her own fears, and a desire for freedom that makes her choices understandable even when I do not always agree with them.
And Kane? Oh, Kane. I will be honest, I did NOT like him in the beginning. The way he treated Scarlet annoyed me, especially when she had done so little to deserve his hostility. Then there was Shelley, and I was not exactly rushing to defend him after that. I needed answers, and I needed him to give me a reason to look at him differently.
As the story progressed, I began to understand him more. I am not saying that suddenly made everything he did okay, because it did not, but I could see more of the person behind the frightening reputation. Their relationship had moments that made me want to keep reading, and I enjoyed watching Scarlet's perception of him change.
One thing I particularly enjoyed was the pace. The story gets moving quickly, and there was always something happening to keep me interested. I never felt like I had to drag myself through the book just to reach the next important moment. For my first shifter romance, this was a very enjoyable experience, and I am happy to say that it delivered on the excitement I hoped to find.
However, I do have my reservations.
Worldbuilding is VERY important to me. I love being able to picture where I am, understand the rules of the world, and feel as though I could walk into the setting myself. This book introduced some interesting concepts, especially with its shifters, magic, and political conflict, but I wanted more. I wanted to understand the world beyond what was immediately necessary for the plot. There were moments when I could follow what was happening without feeling that I fully understood the world in which it was happening, and that was disappointing.
I also have to talk about Scarlet and her friendships. The way she manages to make friends sometimes baffles me. How do you meet someone, barely know them, and suddenly find yourself willing to risk your life for them? I understand that she has been lonely and that kindness can mean a lot to someone who has suffered, but I wanted some of those relationships to develop more naturally. Give me the little moments, the conversations, the gradual trust. Let me see why these people matter so much to one another.
Still, I had a good time reading this book. I cared about Scarlet, I wanted to understand Kane, and the story kept me curious about what would happen next. My issues with the worldbuilding and some of the character development did not erase the enjoyment I got from reading it, even though I wish those areas had been handled better.
For a first experience with shifter romance, I am genuinely pleased with how this turned out. It gave me a fast-paced story, a heroine I enjoyed following, and a romance that kept me interested even when I wanted to shake the MMC.
Would I have loved a more developed world and more gradual friendships? Absolutely. Did those flaws stop me from enjoying the book? No.
I would recommend this to readers who enjoy fast-paced paranormal romance, powerful shifters, a determined FMC, and a relationship that develops amid danger and uncertainty. I had a good time with this one, and I am interested in seeing where the story goes next.
Scarlet was a character I enjoyed following. She has been through so much, yet she still has that stubbornness that makes you want to root for her. I liked that she was a strong female lead, and not just because she could fight. She has her own goals, her own fears, and a desire for freedom that makes her choices understandable even when I do not always agree with them.
And Kane? Oh, Kane. I will be honest, I did NOT like him in the beginning. The way he treated Scarlet annoyed me, especially when she had done so little to deserve his hostility. Then there was Shelley, and I was not exactly rushing to defend him after that. I needed answers, and I needed him to give me a reason to look at him differently.
As the story progressed, I began to understand him more. I am not saying that suddenly made everything he did okay, because it did not, but I could see more of the person behind the frightening reputation. Their relationship had moments that made me want to keep reading, and I enjoyed watching Scarlet's perception of him change.
One thing I particularly enjoyed was the pace. The story gets moving quickly, and there was always something happening to keep me interested. I never felt like I had to drag myself through the book just to reach the next important moment. For my first shifter romance, this was a very enjoyable experience, and I am happy to say that it delivered on the excitement I hoped to find.
However, I do have my reservations.
Worldbuilding is VERY important to me. I love being able to picture where I am, understand the rules of the world, and feel as though I could walk into the setting myself. This book introduced some interesting concepts, especially with its shifters, magic, and political conflict, but I wanted more. I wanted to understand the world beyond what was immediately necessary for the plot. There were moments when I could follow what was happening without feeling that I fully understood the world in which it was happening, and that was disappointing.
I also have to talk about Scarlet and her friendships. The way she manages to make friends sometimes baffles me. How do you meet someone, barely know them, and suddenly find yourself willing to risk your life for them? I understand that she has been lonely and that kindness can mean a lot to someone who has suffered, but I wanted some of those relationships to develop more naturally. Give me the little moments, the conversations, the gradual trust. Let me see why these people matter so much to one another.
Still, I had a good time reading this book. I cared about Scarlet, I wanted to understand Kane, and the story kept me curious about what would happen next. My issues with the worldbuilding and some of the character development did not erase the enjoyment I got from reading it, even though I wish those areas had been handled better.
For a first experience with shifter romance, I am genuinely pleased with how this turned out. It gave me a fast-paced story, a heroine I enjoyed following, and a romance that kept me interested even when I wanted to shake the MMC.
Would I have loved a more developed world and more gradual friendships? Absolutely. Did those flaws stop me from enjoying the book? No.
I would recommend this to readers who enjoy fast-paced paranormal romance, powerful shifters, a determined FMC, and a relationship that develops amid danger and uncertainty. I had a good time with this one, and I am interested in seeing where the story goes next.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I want to thank Aubrey and her wonderfull team for the ARC
This is my honest and unbias review.
I have never read a shifter romance, and I have found the best one for the first one. It is so good, well written and I cannot wait for more.
The FMC was amazing, she isn't a damsel in distress like most romantasy FMC's are. MMC is also really well written. Though I feel like we could have gotten a little more of who he was in a whole.
I wanna know more about the side characters, they were hella awesome.
The ending reallllllly shocked me, and didn't at the same time which I always love.
All I have to say is Aubrey Winters, come and face your crimes because I want the second book!!!!
This is my honest and unbias review.
I have never read a shifter romance, and I have found the best one for the first one. It is so good, well written and I cannot wait for more.
The FMC was amazing, she isn't a damsel in distress like most romantasy FMC's are. MMC is also really well written. Though I feel like we could have gotten a little more of who he was in a whole.
I wanna know more about the side characters, they were hella awesome.
The ending reallllllly shocked me, and didn't at the same time which I always love.
All I have to say is Aubrey Winters, come and face your crimes because I want the second book!!!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Spit Out the Trauma, Kane, We’ve Been Waiting 300 Pages
Her Crimson Fate, by Aubrey Winters, was a ride, and I won’t lie, I considered DNFing it. It didn’t hook me early. I pushed forward anyway, because I could see what those opening chapters were doing. They paint Scarlet’s life in full: her pain, her abandonment, her need for freedom, and above all, her desperation.
Scarlet is shiftless in a kingdom where nearly everyone else has an animal. Shifters sit outside The Cage and place bets. The shiftless bleed inside it. For four years, she’s fought there as “Bloody Scarlet” to pay off a debt her dead adoptive parents left behind, and the man who holds it changes the terms whenever it suits him. Her three siblings shifted one by one and left her alone in a cabin with a leaking roof. Then, the night she finally wins her freedom, she’s framed for burning down her own town and hauled to the castle dungeons. Her only real way out is an “opportunity” with the King’s Three: Kane, the king’s dragon-shifter nephew, and his wolf cousins, Greyson and Maverik. Survive an assignment with them, and you walk free. No one ever has.
Those slow early chapters earn their place. Scarlet counts every copper. She tucks half her bread into her pocket in case the next meal never comes. When a gruff old butcher slips her some sweetmallow for a stew, she nearly cries over soup she hasn’t tasted since her siblings left. By the time she’s rattling the bars and demanding a spot with the most dangerous men in the kingdom, I understand exactly why she’d rather risk her life than hand control of it to anyone else again. Her name is the only thing nobody has taken from her, so every time Kane refuses to use it, it stings.
Her growth comes from refusing to be controlled. In The Cage, the only choice she ever made was her opponent’s. Over the course of the book, she starts making her own, talking back to the King’s Justice, refusing to leave people behind, and demanding to know what she’s risking her life for. The same wound drives her flaws, though. Her fear of being abandoned makes her loyal to a fault, and it pushes her into some choices that made me want to shake her. That felt honest. Trauma doesn’t make anyone smart, just fiercely protective.
Kane is a different story. For most of the book, he’s brooding, grumpy, and withholding. He glares at Scarlet like he wants her dead, drinks blood in front of her, and gives answers that aren’t really answers. He calls her Crimson, Carmine, Vermillion, Cinnabar, Garnet, and Fire Opal, every shade of red except Scarlet. I could tell the scowl was hiding something, but the book holds its cards so close for so long that his moodiness started to feel more like a wall than a mystery. Then, at about 80%, I finally got a glimpse of why Kane is the way he is and what drives him. That’s when the book hooked me. I won’t say what it is, but it turned him from a monster I was putting up with into a man I wanted to see free.
Maverik and Greyson are wonderful supporting characters who balance out Kane’s brooding. Maverik jokes, flirts, and can’t keep a straight face even mid-ambush. Greyson is the weary older brother who reads every crumbling book he can find and invented a map language only the three of them can read. They add character where Kane’s demeanor, understandable as it is, shuts it down, and the way the three of them read each other without saying a word is the strongest bond in the book.
Mariette is a lovely character, too. She’s the panther shifter in Scarlet’s cell who barely speaks at first, then turns out to have a dry wit and a stubborn loyalty that refuses to leave Scarlet stranded. Despite what happens later in the book, it’s clear she’s grown attached to Scarlet and cares deeply for her. She keeps secrets, which can make her infuriating, but I’m anxious to see where she goes from here and how she grows.
The romance runs hot and angry. It’s enemies-to-lovers in the most literal sense, and the first time they cross the line, it’s fueled more by hatred than affection. It’s open-door and explicit. My issue is the middle stretch. It loops through the same beats: she hates him, she wants him, he forces his blood on her to heal her, she’s furious about it, and repeat. The tension circles instead of building until Kane finally opens up.
The kingdom itself has a strong foundation. Being shiftless works like a caste. Wild cats are considered bad omens because they’re the only animal no shifter has ever turned into. Shifters who barely pass their Bonding Ordeal keep black eyes and shaky control. Freedom is measured in silence stones, black gems that cut off shifter magic, and Scarlet needs a thousand to buy her pardon. I loved that some of the most important clues are hidden in old children’s picture books. Still, a lot of the history gets dropped in a paragraph and left there: the drought two centuries ago, the king paying people to have babies, newborn dragons taken away and never seen again. The Rebels’ goals stay hazy, and so does the origin of the red-eyed shifters. I want more of the king’s past, too. The book hints at centuries of very dark choices, and I want the receipts.
The ending was frustrating. I felt like I was finally caught, which I suppose is the point, and then the book ended the way it did. One thing is certain: I felt Scarlet’s emotions as if they were my own. I’m desperate for the next book, both to find out one character’s fate and to get answers for a plot and story unlike what I expected.
Content warnings: graphic violence and gore, death of side characters, shifters cannibalizing their own kind, blood-drinking, forced blood-feeding, imprisonment, debt bondage, a knife to the throat, and explicit open-door scenes that include rough play.
Tropes: enemies to lovers, morally grey hero, prisoner and captor, forced proximity, touch her and die, found family, hidden powers, monster hero
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Her Crimson Fate, by Aubrey Winters, was a ride, and I won’t lie, I considered DNFing it. It didn’t hook me early. I pushed forward anyway, because I could see what those opening chapters were doing. They paint Scarlet’s life in full: her pain, her abandonment, her need for freedom, and above all, her desperation.
Scarlet is shiftless in a kingdom where nearly everyone else has an animal. Shifters sit outside The Cage and place bets. The shiftless bleed inside it. For four years, she’s fought there as “Bloody Scarlet” to pay off a debt her dead adoptive parents left behind, and the man who holds it changes the terms whenever it suits him. Her three siblings shifted one by one and left her alone in a cabin with a leaking roof. Then, the night she finally wins her freedom, she’s framed for burning down her own town and hauled to the castle dungeons. Her only real way out is an “opportunity” with the King’s Three: Kane, the king’s dragon-shifter nephew, and his wolf cousins, Greyson and Maverik. Survive an assignment with them, and you walk free. No one ever has.
Those slow early chapters earn their place. Scarlet counts every copper. She tucks half her bread into her pocket in case the next meal never comes. When a gruff old butcher slips her some sweetmallow for a stew, she nearly cries over soup she hasn’t tasted since her siblings left. By the time she’s rattling the bars and demanding a spot with the most dangerous men in the kingdom, I understand exactly why she’d rather risk her life than hand control of it to anyone else again. Her name is the only thing nobody has taken from her, so every time Kane refuses to use it, it stings.
Her growth comes from refusing to be controlled. In The Cage, the only choice she ever made was her opponent’s. Over the course of the book, she starts making her own, talking back to the King’s Justice, refusing to leave people behind, and demanding to know what she’s risking her life for. The same wound drives her flaws, though. Her fear of being abandoned makes her loyal to a fault, and it pushes her into some choices that made me want to shake her. That felt honest. Trauma doesn’t make anyone smart, just fiercely protective.
Kane is a different story. For most of the book, he’s brooding, grumpy, and withholding. He glares at Scarlet like he wants her dead, drinks blood in front of her, and gives answers that aren’t really answers. He calls her Crimson, Carmine, Vermillion, Cinnabar, Garnet, and Fire Opal, every shade of red except Scarlet. I could tell the scowl was hiding something, but the book holds its cards so close for so long that his moodiness started to feel more like a wall than a mystery. Then, at about 80%, I finally got a glimpse of why Kane is the way he is and what drives him. That’s when the book hooked me. I won’t say what it is, but it turned him from a monster I was putting up with into a man I wanted to see free.
Maverik and Greyson are wonderful supporting characters who balance out Kane’s brooding. Maverik jokes, flirts, and can’t keep a straight face even mid-ambush. Greyson is the weary older brother who reads every crumbling book he can find and invented a map language only the three of them can read. They add character where Kane’s demeanor, understandable as it is, shuts it down, and the way the three of them read each other without saying a word is the strongest bond in the book.
Mariette is a lovely character, too. She’s the panther shifter in Scarlet’s cell who barely speaks at first, then turns out to have a dry wit and a stubborn loyalty that refuses to leave Scarlet stranded. Despite what happens later in the book, it’s clear she’s grown attached to Scarlet and cares deeply for her. She keeps secrets, which can make her infuriating, but I’m anxious to see where she goes from here and how she grows.
The romance runs hot and angry. It’s enemies-to-lovers in the most literal sense, and the first time they cross the line, it’s fueled more by hatred than affection. It’s open-door and explicit. My issue is the middle stretch. It loops through the same beats: she hates him, she wants him, he forces his blood on her to heal her, she’s furious about it, and repeat. The tension circles instead of building until Kane finally opens up.
The kingdom itself has a strong foundation. Being shiftless works like a caste. Wild cats are considered bad omens because they’re the only animal no shifter has ever turned into. Shifters who barely pass their Bonding Ordeal keep black eyes and shaky control. Freedom is measured in silence stones, black gems that cut off shifter magic, and Scarlet needs a thousand to buy her pardon. I loved that some of the most important clues are hidden in old children’s picture books. Still, a lot of the history gets dropped in a paragraph and left there: the drought two centuries ago, the king paying people to have babies, newborn dragons taken away and never seen again. The Rebels’ goals stay hazy, and so does the origin of the red-eyed shifters. I want more of the king’s past, too. The book hints at centuries of very dark choices, and I want the receipts.
The ending was frustrating. I felt like I was finally caught, which I suppose is the point, and then the book ended the way it did. One thing is certain: I felt Scarlet’s emotions as if they were my own. I’m desperate for the next book, both to find out one character’s fate and to get answers for a plot and story unlike what I expected.
Content warnings: graphic violence and gore, death of side characters, shifters cannibalizing their own kind, blood-drinking, forced blood-feeding, imprisonment, debt bondage, a knife to the throat, and explicit open-door scenes that include rough play.
Tropes: enemies to lovers, morally grey hero, prisoner and captor, forced proximity, touch her and die, found family, hidden powers, monster hero
Verdict: Don’t DNF at the dungeon chores. The last fifth of the book makes the slow climb worth it, and the ending will leave you angry enough to preorder book two.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC provided by the Author in exchange for an honest review.
With dangerous secrets, powerful shifters, complicated loyalties, and a romance threaded through tension and uncertainty, this story kept me emotionally invested from beginning to end. What stood out to me most was how cinematic the whole reading experience felt. The plot twists, emotional turns, and escalating stakes made it easy to get swept up in Scarlet’s journey, and more than once I felt like I was watching everything unfold rather than simply reading it.
Scarlet was one of my favorite parts of the story. She’s resilient, determined, and easy to root for, especially because of the way she continues pushing forward despite everything stacked against her. I always love an FMC with grit, and Scarlet absolutely delivered that.
I also really appreciated that the cast felt distinct rather than blending together. Kane in particular brings exactly the kind of broody, dangerous energy you want in a dragon shifter MMC, while still feeling layered enough to keep you invested in what lies beneath the surface.
Another thing I appreciated was the balance of fantasy, romance, and emotional tension. The story doesn’t rely on just one element to keep you hooked -- it gives you action, mystery, relationship development, and enough uncertainty to keep you guessing.
My one main critique, and really the only reason this wasn’t a full five-star read for me, is that I wanted a little more physical description for Scarlet and the King’s Three. Because the story felt so vivid and cinematic in every other way, I found myself wanting just a bit more detail so I could picture them even more clearly.
That said, the storytelling itself was thoughtful, immersive, and incredibly easy to get caught up in. And that ending?! It’s the kind of cliffhanger that makes you stare at the last page wondering if that was really where the book was going to leave you.
If you love dangerous shifters, tension-filled romance, layered character dynamics, and stories that keep you emotionally invested, Her Crimson Fate is definitely one to add to your TBR.
And if you’re an eldest or middle daughter like I am… just know this one might hit a little too close to home in the best/worst way.
With dangerous secrets, powerful shifters, complicated loyalties, and a romance threaded through tension and uncertainty, this story kept me emotionally invested from beginning to end. What stood out to me most was how cinematic the whole reading experience felt. The plot twists, emotional turns, and escalating stakes made it easy to get swept up in Scarlet’s journey, and more than once I felt like I was watching everything unfold rather than simply reading it.
Scarlet was one of my favorite parts of the story. She’s resilient, determined, and easy to root for, especially because of the way she continues pushing forward despite everything stacked against her. I always love an FMC with grit, and Scarlet absolutely delivered that.
I also really appreciated that the cast felt distinct rather than blending together. Kane in particular brings exactly the kind of broody, dangerous energy you want in a dragon shifter MMC, while still feeling layered enough to keep you invested in what lies beneath the surface.
Another thing I appreciated was the balance of fantasy, romance, and emotional tension. The story doesn’t rely on just one element to keep you hooked -- it gives you action, mystery, relationship development, and enough uncertainty to keep you guessing.
My one main critique, and really the only reason this wasn’t a full five-star read for me, is that I wanted a little more physical description for Scarlet and the King’s Three. Because the story felt so vivid and cinematic in every other way, I found myself wanting just a bit more detail so I could picture them even more clearly.
That said, the storytelling itself was thoughtful, immersive, and incredibly easy to get caught up in. And that ending?! It’s the kind of cliffhanger that makes you stare at the last page wondering if that was really where the book was going to leave you.
If you love dangerous shifters, tension-filled romance, layered character dynamics, and stories that keep you emotionally invested, Her Crimson Fate is definitely one to add to your TBR.
And if you’re an eldest or middle daughter like I am… just know this one might hit a little too close to home in the best/worst way.
October 27, 2026
Dragon shifters, broody men, enemies to lovers, and spice? SIGN ME UP! 🐉🔥
I actually discovered this book through a Facebook post from the author looking for ARC readers, and the promise of dragon shifters and broody MMCs was all I needed to be interested!
Overall, I really enjoyed this one! It did take me a little while to get into the story, though. The beginning felt a bit slow, and I found myself waiting for the actual purpose of the story to become clear. Once things started coming together, however, I was definitely invested!
The romance was easily one of my favorite parts. We have what feels like a classic enemies-to-lovers situation, except at this point, I’d argue we’re firmly in the lovers-in-denial stage. 😂
The tension! The chemistry! The absolute refusal to acknowledge what’s happening between them!
And can we talk about how much their relationship reminded me of Darius and Tory from Zodiac Academy?! Because the similarities in their dynamic were giving me MAJOR vibes, and honestly? I’m not even mad about it! I love a romance where the characters seem determined to fight their feelings every step of the way, even when the attraction is practically screaming at them.
I also really enjoyed the dragon shifter aspect of the story. It’s one of those fantasy elements that immediately catches my attention, and I was excited to see how it would fit into the larger story.
My biggest complaint, aside from the slower beginning, is THAT ENDING.
EXCUSE ME?! YOU’RE JUST GOING TO LEAVE ME THERE?! 😭
I understand that this is the first book in a series, and cliffhangers are practically expected at this point, but that doesn’t mean I have to like being left with so many questions!
Despite the slower start, I really enjoyed the romance, the tension, and the direction the story was heading. I’m excited to see how everything develops, especially with these two characters who seem determined to deny what’s right in front of them.
And now I have to wait for book two. 🙃
⭐️ 4 stars! A promising start to a new romantasy series with dragon shifters, undeniable chemistry, and a cliffhanger that has me impatiently waiting for more!
Thank you to Aubrey Winters for the opportunity to read an advance copy! All opinions are my own.
I actually discovered this book through a Facebook post from the author looking for ARC readers, and the promise of dragon shifters and broody MMCs was all I needed to be interested!
Overall, I really enjoyed this one! It did take me a little while to get into the story, though. The beginning felt a bit slow, and I found myself waiting for the actual purpose of the story to become clear. Once things started coming together, however, I was definitely invested!
The romance was easily one of my favorite parts. We have what feels like a classic enemies-to-lovers situation, except at this point, I’d argue we’re firmly in the lovers-in-denial stage. 😂
The tension! The chemistry! The absolute refusal to acknowledge what’s happening between them!
And can we talk about how much their relationship reminded me of Darius and Tory from Zodiac Academy?! Because the similarities in their dynamic were giving me MAJOR vibes, and honestly? I’m not even mad about it! I love a romance where the characters seem determined to fight their feelings every step of the way, even when the attraction is practically screaming at them.
I also really enjoyed the dragon shifter aspect of the story. It’s one of those fantasy elements that immediately catches my attention, and I was excited to see how it would fit into the larger story.
My biggest complaint, aside from the slower beginning, is THAT ENDING.
EXCUSE ME?! YOU’RE JUST GOING TO LEAVE ME THERE?! 😭
I understand that this is the first book in a series, and cliffhangers are practically expected at this point, but that doesn’t mean I have to like being left with so many questions!
Despite the slower start, I really enjoyed the romance, the tension, and the direction the story was heading. I’m excited to see how everything develops, especially with these two characters who seem determined to deny what’s right in front of them.
And now I have to wait for book two. 🙃
⭐️ 4 stars! A promising start to a new romantasy series with dragon shifters, undeniable chemistry, and a cliffhanger that has me impatiently waiting for more!
Thank you to Aubrey Winters for the opportunity to read an advance copy! All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I absolutely loved Her Crimson Fate! With its dangerous secrets, powerful shifters and intriguing storyline, this book had me hooked from beginning to end.
Scarlet was my favorite part of the story. She’s strong, resourceful and full of spunk! Life hasn’t been kind to her, but she refuses to let her circumstances define her. I especially loved that even when she feared Kane, she still stood up to him. She knows when to choose her battles, but she isn’t afraid to speak her mind. I love an FMC with that kind of backbone!
And Kane? A distant, dangerous dragon shifter with a fiercely protective and possessive side? Yes, please! 🐉🖤 What made their romance so enjoyable was how naturally it developed. The attraction, tension and trust built throughout the story, making their growing connection believable.
The worldbuilding added plenty of intrigue, from the different shifters and mysteries surrounding Scarlet to the political struggles and complicated loyalties. I also appreciated the morally ambiguous secondary characters, who kept me questioning whom to trust.
The pacing worked perfectly for me. The balance of action, mystery and romance kept me turning pages without a dull moment.
And that ending?! ARE YOU KIDDING ME?! 😭 That cliffhanger left me desperate for the next book!
Overall, Her Crimson Fate was an easy five-star read. A spirited heroine, a possessive dragon shifter, a romance that feels earned and a story that never lost my attention. I can’t wait to see what happens next!
Scarlet was my favorite part of the story. She’s strong, resourceful and full of spunk! Life hasn’t been kind to her, but she refuses to let her circumstances define her. I especially loved that even when she feared Kane, she still stood up to him. She knows when to choose her battles, but she isn’t afraid to speak her mind. I love an FMC with that kind of backbone!
And Kane? A distant, dangerous dragon shifter with a fiercely protective and possessive side? Yes, please! 🐉🖤 What made their romance so enjoyable was how naturally it developed. The attraction, tension and trust built throughout the story, making their growing connection believable.
The worldbuilding added plenty of intrigue, from the different shifters and mysteries surrounding Scarlet to the political struggles and complicated loyalties. I also appreciated the morally ambiguous secondary characters, who kept me questioning whom to trust.
The pacing worked perfectly for me. The balance of action, mystery and romance kept me turning pages without a dull moment.
And that ending?! ARE YOU KIDDING ME?! 😭 That cliffhanger left me desperate for the next book!
Overall, Her Crimson Fate was an easy five-star read. A spirited heroine, a possessive dragon shifter, a romance that feels earned and a story that never lost my attention. I can’t wait to see what happens next!
October 26, 2026
Freedom. Betrayal. Unexpected Love. New Friendships. And the Courage to Fight for Something Bigger Than Yourself.
This story had so many things I love in a good read! The enemies-to-lovers tension, the unexpected friendships, the sting of betrayal, and the constant fight for freedom kept me turning page after page.
But what really stood out to me was the deeper message behind it all. Sometimes life isn’t about having everything you want. It’s about making the most of what you have, finding strength in difficult circumstances, and choosing to help others even when you’re fighting your own battles.
I loved watching relationships develop, seeing trust built where there was once hatred, and realizing that sometimes the people you least expect can become the ones who mean the most. And of course, what’s a good story without a little betrayal to make you question everything?!
The themes of loyalty, sacrifice, survival, and fighting for what you believe in made this more than just another romance or fantasy read.
❤️ And can we talk about how addicting this book was?! I genuinely could NOT put it down! I finished it in just THREE DAYS, and that alone says a lot about how invested I was in this story.
If you love enemies-to-lovers, unexpected twists, complicated relationships, newfound friendships, and characters who refuse to give up even when the odds are against them, The Crimson Fate deserves a spot on your TBR!
This story had so many things I love in a good read! The enemies-to-lovers tension, the unexpected friendships, the sting of betrayal, and the constant fight for freedom kept me turning page after page.
But what really stood out to me was the deeper message behind it all. Sometimes life isn’t about having everything you want. It’s about making the most of what you have, finding strength in difficult circumstances, and choosing to help others even when you’re fighting your own battles.
I loved watching relationships develop, seeing trust built where there was once hatred, and realizing that sometimes the people you least expect can become the ones who mean the most. And of course, what’s a good story without a little betrayal to make you question everything?!
The themes of loyalty, sacrifice, survival, and fighting for what you believe in made this more than just another romance or fantasy read.
❤️ And can we talk about how addicting this book was?! I genuinely could NOT put it down! I finished it in just THREE DAYS, and that alone says a lot about how invested I was in this story.
If you love enemies-to-lovers, unexpected twists, complicated relationships, newfound friendships, and characters who refuse to give up even when the odds are against them, The Crimson Fate deserves a spot on your TBR!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I really enjoyed Her Crimson Fate! I got invested in the FMC’s (Scarlet)story pretty quickly, and I loved how what starts out as her fight to earn her freedom turns into something so much bigger.
Scarlet was one of my favourite parts of the book. She’s stubborn, strong, and has been through so much, but she still cares about the people around her. I enjoyed getting to know the King’s Three, and of course, Scarlet and Kane (MMC)! Their dynamic had me hooked. I loved the tension between them and how complicated their relationship was.
I also really enjoyed discovering more about the world, the different shifters, and Scarlet’s abilities. There were so many questions I wanted answers to, and I liked that there was more to the story than just the romance. The mix of fantasy, action and mystery, I wanted to keep reading to see what would happen next.
There were a few moments where I felt the writing was a little repetitive, and some parts could have flowed better for me, which is why this wasn’t quite a five-star read. But overall, I had a really good time reading it.
And that ending! I definitely need to know what happens next because there are still so many unanswered questions.
Scarlet was one of my favourite parts of the book. She’s stubborn, strong, and has been through so much, but she still cares about the people around her. I enjoyed getting to know the King’s Three, and of course, Scarlet and Kane (MMC)! Their dynamic had me hooked. I loved the tension between them and how complicated their relationship was.
I also really enjoyed discovering more about the world, the different shifters, and Scarlet’s abilities. There were so many questions I wanted answers to, and I liked that there was more to the story than just the romance. The mix of fantasy, action and mystery, I wanted to keep reading to see what would happen next.
There were a few moments where I felt the writing was a little repetitive, and some parts could have flowed better for me, which is why this wasn’t quite a five-star read. But overall, I had a really good time reading it.
And that ending! I definitely need to know what happens next because there are still so many unanswered questions.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I want to thank Aubrey and her team for the advanced copy of Her Crimson Fate.
♥️🖤
In a world of people able to shift, Scarlet is part of the ones that can not, and that gets her in the dangerous position of having to pay her parents' debt by fighting. After years of this, she finally tastes freedom, a very short taste of it (mere paragraphs, poor Scarlet), and she's accused of a serious crime!
Determined to get her freedom, once again, she gets involved in what we could call an adventure through the realm with some not so ideal companions.
I've never read anything by this author, and I have to say that I regret not doing so earlier!! Scarlet, dare I say one of my favourite fmc's ever, that even though she went through too much, she still has that fire in herself.
And oh, how I love a mmc that's feels a pull for the main female character! The banter was everything! The way that we saw Kane restraining himself of what he wanted!! I love them together so much! And believe me when I tell you that this won't be the last time you hear me talk about this book!
♥️🖤
In a world of people able to shift, Scarlet is part of the ones that can not, and that gets her in the dangerous position of having to pay her parents' debt by fighting. After years of this, she finally tastes freedom, a very short taste of it (mere paragraphs, poor Scarlet), and she's accused of a serious crime!
Determined to get her freedom, once again, she gets involved in what we could call an adventure through the realm with some not so ideal companions.
I've never read anything by this author, and I have to say that I regret not doing so earlier!! Scarlet, dare I say one of my favourite fmc's ever, that even though she went through too much, she still has that fire in herself.
And oh, how I love a mmc that's feels a pull for the main female character! The banter was everything! The way that we saw Kane restraining himself of what he wanted!! I love them together so much! And believe me when I tell you that this won't be the last time you hear me talk about this book!
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC Reader Review
I really liked this book. I was questioning at first as it is a slow start, but once you get into the main plot, I really liked it.
You’ve got a badass FMC (Scarlett) who has been put through the wringer most of her life and truly just wants freedom in her life. However, shortly after narrowly winning her freedom, Scarlett is detained for a crime she did not commit and yet again is facing imprisonment.
Willing to do anything for that freedom so long as it’s her choice, she gets caught up with our MMC (Kane) and his two cousins (Maverik and Greyson). While Kane seems to absolutely loathe her, his cousins are there to minimize the tension and maximize the laughter.
As the reluctant crew sets off on their mission that Scarlett is desperate to survive and earn her freedom, danger continuously presents itself. Tensions run high, questions are thick, and there is so much to figure out. The banter runs high and the slow burn between our main characters. is so so good.
The cliffhangers at the end might actually be the death of me. I cannot wait for the next book!
I really liked this book. I was questioning at first as it is a slow start, but once you get into the main plot, I really liked it.
You’ve got a badass FMC (Scarlett) who has been put through the wringer most of her life and truly just wants freedom in her life. However, shortly after narrowly winning her freedom, Scarlett is detained for a crime she did not commit and yet again is facing imprisonment.
Willing to do anything for that freedom so long as it’s her choice, she gets caught up with our MMC (Kane) and his two cousins (Maverik and Greyson). While Kane seems to absolutely loathe her, his cousins are there to minimize the tension and maximize the laughter.
As the reluctant crew sets off on their mission that Scarlett is desperate to survive and earn her freedom, danger continuously presents itself. Tensions run high, questions are thick, and there is so much to figure out. The banter runs high and the slow burn between our main characters. is so so good.
The cliffhangers at the end might actually be the death of me. I cannot wait for the next book!
Review of advance copy received from Author
WHAT A READ!!!
Just when I thought no other Enemies to Lovers troupe could level with The Cruel Prince, this would almost equals to it. I have not read another Romantasy book this nerve-wrecking and exciting.
First off, I would like to say I enjoyed reading the first few chapters that introduced us to Scarlet. Usually, some stories will let us guess along the way when the MMC comes into the story, but I really liked her spunk. I will say there were a few times she made me a bit frustrated, then again, they can’t always be perfect which makes it better.
Kane was definitely not what I was expecting of him. Definitely brooding and mean, perfect. But even throughout the chapters, he made me angry! Then I became like Scarlet and began falling for him too, geez. Still good though. AND DON’T EVEN GET ME STARTED ON THE SPICY SCENES! HOT HOT HOT.
Overall, I genuinely enjoyed it so much. Thank you Aubrey for giving me such an opportunity!
Just when I thought no other Enemies to Lovers troupe could level with The Cruel Prince, this would almost equals to it. I have not read another Romantasy book this nerve-wrecking and exciting.
First off, I would like to say I enjoyed reading the first few chapters that introduced us to Scarlet. Usually, some stories will let us guess along the way when the MMC comes into the story, but I really liked her spunk. I will say there were a few times she made me a bit frustrated, then again, they can’t always be perfect which makes it better.
Kane was definitely not what I was expecting of him. Definitely brooding and mean, perfect. But even throughout the chapters, he made me angry! Then I became like Scarlet and began falling for him too, geez. Still good though. AND DON’T EVEN GET ME STARTED ON THE SPICY SCENES! HOT HOT HOT.
Overall, I genuinely enjoyed it so much. Thank you Aubrey for giving me such an opportunity!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you for letting me participate in this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
How can you not absolutely fall in love with Kane and Scarlett? This is one of the best done shifter romances I have ever read!
Scarlett comes from a cage of her own, fear of abandonment and a longing to truly live free. She gambles complete freedom by taking a deal from our beloved broody MMC- Kane. Through many twists and turns they slowly fall deeper while fighting for freedoms each their own. Her blood is a bit more than distracting for him, and just looking at him is distracting enough for her 🔥
The spice is perfect, the brotherly bond from the steamy trio, the special bond of friendship with Mariette,… too much to write without spoiling this book.
I am on the edge of my seat waiting for book two in this series and cannot recommend it enough.
Thank you Aubrey Winters for your blessed creative mind & for sharing this story with the world!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
How can you not absolutely fall in love with Kane and Scarlett? This is one of the best done shifter romances I have ever read!
Scarlett comes from a cage of her own, fear of abandonment and a longing to truly live free. She gambles complete freedom by taking a deal from our beloved broody MMC- Kane. Through many twists and turns they slowly fall deeper while fighting for freedoms each their own. Her blood is a bit more than distracting for him, and just looking at him is distracting enough for her 🔥
The spice is perfect, the brotherly bond from the steamy trio, the special bond of friendship with Mariette,… too much to write without spoiling this book.
I am on the edge of my seat waiting for book two in this series and cannot recommend it enough.
Thank you Aubrey Winters for your blessed creative mind & for sharing this story with the world!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Her Crimson Fate: Crimson Kingdom: Book One
Another great read by Aubrey Winters. The story was fast paced and had a great blend of action with steamy tension and some spice. The characters are well developed, though their stories will continue to evolve as the series continues. I really enjoy how this author shows the vulnerability of the main character without going the route that so many do in making them helpless, whiny, and annoying. The FMC is strong in her own rights while coming into her own new strengths. I look forward to the rest of their story!
Another great read by Aubrey Winters. The story was fast paced and had a great blend of action with steamy tension and some spice. The characters are well developed, though their stories will continue to evolve as the series continues. I really enjoy how this author shows the vulnerability of the main character without going the route that so many do in making them helpless, whiny, and annoying. The FMC is strong in her own rights while coming into her own new strengths. I look forward to the rest of their story!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received an advanced copy of this book from the author. It was a 5 star read for me. The characters were fantastic and the banter was everything I hoped for. Loved the connections between the cousins. I was completely invested in the story from beginning to end. The surprises kept me guessing and made it impossible to put down the book. A fantastic read about shifters, power shifts and loyalty. The FMC was a powerful character, very relatable and unapologetically herself. I loved that she didn’t need to be rescued or told what to do, she could hold her own. Her strength made her such a compelling character and watching her navigate everything thrown her way was an absolute pleasure. She brought so much intensity and personality to the story it made this book an unforgettable read.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is a captivating fantasy that blends magic, political intrigue, and destiny into an engaging and emotional story. The novel draws readers into a richly imagined world where loyalties are tested, secrets run deep, and every choice carries significant consequences. The heroine's journey is compelling as she navigates power, danger, and the weight of her fate while facing challenges that push her beyond her limits. The character development is full of suspense and world-building, creating a story that is both immersive and difficult to put down. Filled with tension, mystery, and unexpected twists, Her Crimson Fate is a strong opening to the Crimson Kingdom series that will appeal to fans of epic fantasy, court intrigue, and character-driven adventures.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I ADORED this book! My only complaint is that I now have to wait for the next book to come out when I need to devour 900 more pages 😭 Kane is the broodiest and gives nothing away if he can help it, which of course makes my hopeless romantic heart snag on every tiny crack in his armor. I really enjoyed that I also fell in love with Maverick and Greyson as people even if they were side characters this trio is my new favorite book boyfriend I don’t care if it’s three men they are one in my head and i’m married to them now. I will be hanging on every word I get from Aubrey Winters from now on 💖 Thank you for the opportunity to receive this ARC and thank you for an AMAZING read!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book was so hard to put down!! It had all the danger, amazing characters and wonderful storyline you could hope for! Scarlet and Kane truly made this book with her being strong and full of spunk to his protectiveness! This book is full of action, mystery and everyone's favorite romance! If this sounds like your kind of book you will not be disappointed!
My only warning is it does have a cliffhanger, but it is worth it! Can't wait to see what happens next
My only warning is it does have a cliffhanger, but it is worth it! Can't wait to see what happens next
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book was so good. The beginning of it felt slightly slow at first but once i got through that, i couldnt put it down. Seeing the pull between Kane and Scarlet and how it progressed through the book was fascinating. Seeing her internal battle of whether trusting any of them was the right way to go or if she could only trust herself was so hard. It hit a little too close to home. The connection between her seeing the marks in the cell and realizing who left them was heartbreaking.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Read as an ARC. All I can say is oh.em.gee. The twists and turns and surprises will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish! Scarlet has had to fight to survive her entire life, and that doesn’t stop even after earning her short-lived freedom. There is banter and sooo much tension, but also some incredible action and a few heartwarming moments. Basically, I’m going to need Aubrey Winters to stop what she’s doing and write book 2 ASAP.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Absolutely amazing book. The background stories you learn about and seeing the characters growth is amazing. It takes you on twist after twist as the book unfolds! I couldnt put this down besides the 1 time I had to. This book will live rent free in my head for a long time. If you love tension, banter and lovable characters you dont expect to love read this! If you read read this book!
October 28, 2026
if you were looking for a bridge from YA fantasy to adult fantasy, this is the book for you. The only fantasy book/series I have read is a guitar so maybe my standards are too high while reading this book I was reminded a lot of the cruel Prince, which is a YA. It was a good easy read, but it was hard for me to connect with the characters or the book in general.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you to Aubrey Winters for providing me with a copy. The following review represents my honest opinion.
This was such a fun read!! Very fast paced and the characters are all so interesting. I'm really looking forward to reading what happens next!
This was such a fun read!! Very fast paced and the characters are all so interesting. I'm really looking forward to reading what happens next!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you so much to the author for an Advanced Reader Copy. The book was awesome! I really enjoyed the characters and plot of the story. This one’s for the romantasy readers. I couldn’t put it down. can’t wait for the next book in the series!
Review of advance copy received from Author
First book I have read from this author and I am hooked! I could not book this book down and looking forward to the new book! It’s a must read!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Hooked from chapter 1, will definitely be buying a physical copy for the shelf and am already desperate for book 2!
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