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In Fealty and in Love
A single hunt. A deadly mistake. An inescapable bond.
As a striking, white-haired fae blessed with powerful allure magic and natural skill with a sword, Zhiolas was always the favored child. All he ever wanted was to be his own person. When he joined the Second Army, all Zhiolas wanted was a chance for adventure and an escape from the expectations of his family.
He never expected to be summoned by the handsome, aloof General of the First Army—or to nearly die in the claws of a soul-eating monster for the sake of a man he barely knows.
Alluin Xilsatra is known for being cold, calculating, and ruthless. When a grueling hunt leads him to the lair of a nine-tailed fox, he knows the only chance of success is to send an allure mage in as a sacrificial lamb. When that mage survives—when he succeeds—Alluin puts his own soul on the line to save the man he sent to his doom.
Bound together by a soul-splice neither asked for and that neither can afford to break, Zhiolas and Alluin find themselves drawn together despite their vastly different ages and stations. Every encounter ties them more closely together…and awakens desire neither man may be willing to face.
In Fealty & in Love is an MM fae fantasy romance that spans two hundred years of slow burn yearning and mutual pining. This book follows the romance of two side characters in Captured by the Fae Beast and can be read as a companion or as a standalone novel.
As a striking, white-haired fae blessed with powerful allure magic and natural skill with a sword, Zhiolas was always the favored child. All he ever wanted was to be his own person. When he joined the Second Army, all Zhiolas wanted was a chance for adventure and an escape from the expectations of his family.
He never expected to be summoned by the handsome, aloof General of the First Army—or to nearly die in the claws of a soul-eating monster for the sake of a man he barely knows.
Alluin Xilsatra is known for being cold, calculating, and ruthless. When a grueling hunt leads him to the lair of a nine-tailed fox, he knows the only chance of success is to send an allure mage in as a sacrificial lamb. When that mage survives—when he succeeds—Alluin puts his own soul on the line to save the man he sent to his doom.
Bound together by a soul-splice neither asked for and that neither can afford to break, Zhiolas and Alluin find themselves drawn together despite their vastly different ages and stations. Every encounter ties them more closely together…and awakens desire neither man may be willing to face.
In Fealty & in Love is an MM fae fantasy romance that spans two hundred years of slow burn yearning and mutual pining. This book follows the romance of two side characters in Captured by the Fae Beast and can be read as a companion or as a standalone novel.
345 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 29, 2026
About the author
Mallory Dunlin
25 books495 followersMallory Dunlin is a certified monster lover who cut her reader eyeteeth on fantasy epics. She combines her reading passions into writing romantasy novels with powerful women and traumatized, dangerous, non-human male leads.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
September 27, 2026
ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
4.5 stars
This was so heartwarming and precious. My favourite kind of friends-to-lovers: they were partially codependent, fully in love, perfectly matched, and completely devoted. Definitely a lighter, less-angsty addition to the series - I adored it!
“the deep and terrible truth that served as the bedrock of my existence: I could no longer live without him. He was… the anchor of my entire existence.”
I think this is one of the best depictions of immortal lifespans I’ve ever read. They were mature but still appreciated life, and their relationship development was so gorgeous. The passage of time felt realistic and comprehensible, and the plot was so enjoyable. Romance was definitely the main plotline here, but it worked really well interwoven with some earlier storylines. While I didn’t remember all that much from Dane’s story, I still enjoyed reading another perspective on his life.
I do think the worldbuilding would have been slightly confusing without reading earlier novels to set the scene, but it definitely doesn’t require complete knowledge of the earlier plotlines, and I’m sure you could muddle through for all the essential sections!
”being without Alluin was like being without sunlight. I could survive for a while, but it wore on me, and when I had the chance to be with him again, most everything else fell to the wayside.”
As with all friends-to-lovers books, there was a slight refusal to communicate. But I didn’t mind it at all!! It felt authentic and heartbreaking, instead of aggravating, and they always remained to loyal and loving. The relationship was realistic; they had fights and differences but always loved one another. They may not have remained celibate, but it was clear to everyone that they were the most important people in each other’s lives.
It was just SO CUTE and they were so perfectly matched, and devoted to one another, and accepting of the other’s mistakes, and there was so much yearning! The whole book was a big warm cuddle that had me kicking my feet. Minimal drama: just love and affection and adoration! I cannot emphasise the amount of yearning - it’s insane. They fit each other so perfectly and loved each other with such strength!!
All in all, this was so wonderful. Well-written, heartwarming, a precious, beautiful (and hot) romance, and a quick, easy read. Thank you so much to the lovely author for the ARC!
4.5 stars
This was so heartwarming and precious. My favourite kind of friends-to-lovers: they were partially codependent, fully in love, perfectly matched, and completely devoted. Definitely a lighter, less-angsty addition to the series - I adored it!
“the deep and terrible truth that served as the bedrock of my existence: I could no longer live without him. He was… the anchor of my entire existence.”
I think this is one of the best depictions of immortal lifespans I’ve ever read. They were mature but still appreciated life, and their relationship development was so gorgeous. The passage of time felt realistic and comprehensible, and the plot was so enjoyable. Romance was definitely the main plotline here, but it worked really well interwoven with some earlier storylines. While I didn’t remember all that much from Dane’s story, I still enjoyed reading another perspective on his life.
I do think the worldbuilding would have been slightly confusing without reading earlier novels to set the scene, but it definitely doesn’t require complete knowledge of the earlier plotlines, and I’m sure you could muddle through for all the essential sections!
”being without Alluin was like being without sunlight. I could survive for a while, but it wore on me, and when I had the chance to be with him again, most everything else fell to the wayside.”
As with all friends-to-lovers books, there was a slight refusal to communicate. But I didn’t mind it at all!! It felt authentic and heartbreaking, instead of aggravating, and they always remained to loyal and loving. The relationship was realistic; they had fights and differences but always loved one another. They may not have remained celibate, but it was clear to everyone that they were the most important people in each other’s lives.
It was just SO CUTE and they were so perfectly matched, and devoted to one another, and accepting of the other’s mistakes, and there was so much yearning! The whole book was a big warm cuddle that had me kicking my feet. Minimal drama: just love and affection and adoration! I cannot emphasise the amount of yearning - it’s insane. They fit each other so perfectly and loved each other with such strength!!
All in all, this was so wonderful. Well-written, heartwarming, a precious, beautiful (and hot) romance, and a quick, easy read. Thank you so much to the lovely author for the ARC!
September 30, 2026
⭐ 4.75 | ❤️ 4/5
Mallory Dunlin is one of my favorite fantasy romance authors for her Echoes of the Void series, where she writes refreshingly sensitive MMCs. In Fealty and in Love is her MM prequel to Captured by the Fae Beast. While the first book wasn’t a fit for me due to the informal register, I’m happy to share that In Fealty and in Love has everything that I loved about the Echoes of the Void: the beautiful prose, sensitive MMCs, and memorable spice.
If you haven’t already read Captured by the Fae Beast, I’d say you can skip it and start with In Fealty and in Love. You will get spoiled for book 1 and 2 of the series, but it’s an interconnected series that can be read as standalones. If you have read Captured by the Fae Beast, I do think the subplot with Dain’s early childhood will hit harder.
If you loved all the yearning of Divine Rivals and have been looking for something to scratch the itch of Heated Rivalry’s emotional slow burn across years, you should give In Fealty and in Love a chance. This might be one of the most romantic books I’ve ever read, and I’ve read probably 470+ romances by this point. This romance takes place across 200 years; it’s a glacial slow burn of friends to lovers that feels fully earned through an accumulation of specific moments.
I adored both MMCs: Zhiolas, a rakish siren-like (allure mage) 1,400-year-old fae commander of the second army and 48,000-year-old introverted, dominant General Alliun Xilsatra. The leads felt so lived in as characters and well fleshed out. While there’s nothing that puts me off more than miscommunication in romance books, I forgave these two lovable buffoons for their terrible communication skills, since their reluctance to talk about their true feelings for each other made a lot of sense. There is so much yearning, devotion, vulnerability, and tenderness between these two “best friends.” I was so invested in their relationship in spite of being spoiled by Captured by the Fae Beast, and I was rooting for them so hard and kicking my feet at every milestone of their relationship.
The writing of this book is as strong as in Echoes of the Void. She writes torment and inner turmoil so beautifully. Dunlin also writes some of the most memorable spice scenes, which have specificity to each character and without shying away from kink.
For those who read Captured by the Fae Beast, I loved child Dain, who is lovable and cute, and I loved the changes made in this book from Captured by the Fae Beast. The author wrote herself out of the corner that she could have been in if she constrained herself to what was written in Captured by the Fae Beast, but she did a great job addressing the changes and explaining them away within the story. As someone who finds continuity errors to be really jarring, I appreciated this approach and felt like it resulted in a stronger story.
My only critique would be that by halfway through the book, I was a bit tired of Zhiolas making assumptions about what type of person Alliun wanted to be with, rather than letting Alliun decide for himself with full information of Zhiolas’s feelings for him. He spent so much of the book withholding his feelings because of his own hang-ups. Sometimes miscommunication would go on for years—even a whole decade, but it was forgivable in the whole scheme of things, because the characters are so lovable, and it is really understandable why they struggled to communicate; the stakes were so high.
I did skim 3 1/2 chapters of battle scenes near the end, since I was too excited to get to what happens after with full knowledge from reading Captured by the Fae Beast. Dunlin writes battle scenes well, but there wasn’t much tension reading these scenes when you know the outcome and know how exciting what comes after is.
To sum it up, if you love yearning, read this. I’d be surprised if you don’t fall in love with the leads and their relationship.
Monsters of Faery
0.5 In Fealty and in Love ⭐ 4.75 | ❤️ 4/5
1 Captured by the Fae Beast ⭐ 2.5 | ❤️ 4/5
Echoes of the Void
1 The Gardener and the Water-horse ⭐ 4.5 | ❤️ 4/5
2 The Sorceress and the Incubus ⭐ 4.75 | ❤️ 4/5
3 The Changeling and the Dragon ⭐ 4.25 | ❤️ 4/5
This review is based on an ARC provided by Mallory Dunlin. All opinions are my own.
Mallory Dunlin is one of my favorite fantasy romance authors for her Echoes of the Void series, where she writes refreshingly sensitive MMCs. In Fealty and in Love is her MM prequel to Captured by the Fae Beast. While the first book wasn’t a fit for me due to the informal register, I’m happy to share that In Fealty and in Love has everything that I loved about the Echoes of the Void: the beautiful prose, sensitive MMCs, and memorable spice.
If you haven’t already read Captured by the Fae Beast, I’d say you can skip it and start with In Fealty and in Love. You will get spoiled for book 1 and 2 of the series, but it’s an interconnected series that can be read as standalones. If you have read Captured by the Fae Beast, I do think the subplot with Dain’s early childhood will hit harder.
If you loved all the yearning of Divine Rivals and have been looking for something to scratch the itch of Heated Rivalry’s emotional slow burn across years, you should give In Fealty and in Love a chance. This might be one of the most romantic books I’ve ever read, and I’ve read probably 470+ romances by this point. This romance takes place across 200 years; it’s a glacial slow burn of friends to lovers that feels fully earned through an accumulation of specific moments.
I adored both MMCs: Zhiolas, a rakish siren-like (allure mage) 1,400-year-old fae commander of the second army and 48,000-year-old introverted, dominant General Alliun Xilsatra. The leads felt so lived in as characters and well fleshed out. While there’s nothing that puts me off more than miscommunication in romance books, I forgave these two lovable buffoons for their terrible communication skills, since their reluctance to talk about their true feelings for each other made a lot of sense. There is so much yearning, devotion, vulnerability, and tenderness between these two “best friends.” I was so invested in their relationship in spite of being spoiled by Captured by the Fae Beast, and I was rooting for them so hard and kicking my feet at every milestone of their relationship.
The writing of this book is as strong as in Echoes of the Void. She writes torment and inner turmoil so beautifully. Dunlin also writes some of the most memorable spice scenes, which have specificity to each character and without shying away from kink.
For those who read Captured by the Fae Beast, I loved child Dain, who is lovable and cute, and I loved the changes made in this book from Captured by the Fae Beast. The author wrote herself out of the corner that she could have been in if she constrained herself to what was written in Captured by the Fae Beast, but she did a great job addressing the changes and explaining them away within the story. As someone who finds continuity errors to be really jarring, I appreciated this approach and felt like it resulted in a stronger story.
My only critique would be that by halfway through the book, I was a bit tired of Zhiolas making assumptions about what type of person Alliun wanted to be with, rather than letting Alliun decide for himself with full information of Zhiolas’s feelings for him. He spent so much of the book withholding his feelings because of his own hang-ups. Sometimes miscommunication would go on for years—even a whole decade, but it was forgivable in the whole scheme of things, because the characters are so lovable, and it is really understandable why they struggled to communicate; the stakes were so high.
I did skim 3 1/2 chapters of battle scenes near the end, since I was too excited to get to what happens after with full knowledge from reading Captured by the Fae Beast. Dunlin writes battle scenes well, but there wasn’t much tension reading these scenes when you know the outcome and know how exciting what comes after is.
To sum it up, if you love yearning, read this. I’d be surprised if you don’t fall in love with the leads and their relationship.
Monsters of Faery
0.5 In Fealty and in Love ⭐ 4.75 | ❤️ 4/5
1 Captured by the Fae Beast ⭐ 2.5 | ❤️ 4/5
Echoes of the Void
1 The Gardener and the Water-horse ⭐ 4.5 | ❤️ 4/5
2 The Sorceress and the Incubus ⭐ 4.75 | ❤️ 4/5
3 The Changeling and the Dragon ⭐ 4.25 | ❤️ 4/5
This review is based on an ARC provided by Mallory Dunlin. All opinions are my own.
September 29, 2026
This story is single POV (Zhiolas), well written, and a slow burn, steamy and spicy, companions/friends to lovers, opposites attract, age gap, fantasy romance that is a companion/prequel to the author’s existing series, between Zhiolas, the male fae mage lead, and Alluin, the male fae general lead. These characters have been secondary characters/cameos for several stories in the series and the author has now kindly provided their story, which takes place over *many* years. I don’t usually read MM (or FF, for that matter), but these characters had intrigued me and I wanted to see more of them. I adored the contrast of their personalities and experiences. I enjoyed seeing them mesh as acquaintances, then friends, then more. I enjoyed Zhiolas’ enthusiasm and impulsiveness contrasted with Alluin’s more staid and measured approach. I adored the deep commitment that built between them, even before they were lovers, and the determination to protect the other at all costs. I enjoyed the steamy and spicy interactions and the apparent switchiness between them. I adored the deep and abiding commitment and possessiveness, verging on obsession that they settled into. I enjoyed the secondary character contributions and another perspective on certain events in other stories already written. I enjoyed the banter and playfulness as a contrast to the deeply emotional and intense sections. This story is fantastic and a superb complement to the rest of the series that happily joins my “re-read” list for when I’m in a slump.
I received a complimentary copy from the author and this is my voluntary honest review.
I received a complimentary copy from the author and this is my voluntary honest review.
November 12, 2026
Gosh, I just love a sprawling years-long mutual - seemingly - unrequited pining. The only reason In Fealty and in Love isn't a full five stars is the almost comical amount of miscommunication.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is my honest review of the ARC graciously provided by the author!
I only came across Dunlin’s work a few months ago, but she quickly established herself as an author I could rely on for believable, nuanced character development and a setting as magical as it is dangerous. In Fealty and in Love, I am happy to say, continues that trend.
My journey with her Monsters of Faery series has been rather, er, ~creative~, since I keep hopping around to whatever book interests me the most at the moment. That said, I must confess I haven’t read the two books Zhiolas and Alluin (fabulous character names btw) appeared in before reading this standalone: Captured by the Fae Beast and In The Claws of the Raven Prince. BUT! Despite my lack of foreknowledge, I never found myself confused or frustrated, so kudos to Dunlin for that.
Okay, personal lore aside, how did I truly feel about this book?
It was a fabulous example of slow-burn, friends-to-lovers that I rarely find, considering that is my #1 preferred dynamic. Their feelings felt genuine and grounded in more than mere attraction—though we had that too, of course; they’re not blind. Even if they navigated those feelings like complete idiots, they’re MY idiots. They’re both, frankly, abysmal communicators, but we avoided the miscommunication trope on any large scale, so I can forgive them their insecurities.
Glacially-paced emotional intelligence aside, what else did I enjoy about this book?
1. Zhiolas and Alluin . You learn this pretty early on, so it doesn’t feel like a spoiler to me, but I'll mark it anyway. Due to their unique circumstances, however, there’s no “other woman” drama, which was a relief.
2. They’re both fully fae in the traditional sense, no wild leanings here. I’ve loved the monstrous aspects of Dunlin’s other characters in this series (when are we gonna get a female monster with a male mortal?? PLEASE), but it was nice to catch a glimpse into what life looks like for two typically fae men.
3. Dunlin didn’t shy away from the passage of time. In the grand scheme of things, their slow-burn might feel like it spanned a ridiculous length of time, but these are creatures that live for millennia—it makes sense they move at a different pace than mortals.
All in all, I had a great time reading this book, and stayed up FAR too late, consuming chapter after chapter. I can confidently say that this has become one of my favorite Dunlin books to date.
I only came across Dunlin’s work a few months ago, but she quickly established herself as an author I could rely on for believable, nuanced character development and a setting as magical as it is dangerous. In Fealty and in Love, I am happy to say, continues that trend.
My journey with her Monsters of Faery series has been rather, er, ~creative~, since I keep hopping around to whatever book interests me the most at the moment. That said, I must confess I haven’t read the two books Zhiolas and Alluin (fabulous character names btw) appeared in before reading this standalone: Captured by the Fae Beast and In The Claws of the Raven Prince. BUT! Despite my lack of foreknowledge, I never found myself confused or frustrated, so kudos to Dunlin for that.
Okay, personal lore aside, how did I truly feel about this book?
It was a fabulous example of slow-burn, friends-to-lovers that I rarely find, considering that is my #1 preferred dynamic. Their feelings felt genuine and grounded in more than mere attraction—though we had that too, of course; they’re not blind. Even if they navigated those feelings like complete idiots, they’re MY idiots. They’re both, frankly, abysmal communicators, but we avoided the miscommunication trope on any large scale, so I can forgive them their insecurities.
Glacially-paced emotional intelligence aside, what else did I enjoy about this book?
1. Zhiolas and Alluin . You learn this pretty early on, so it doesn’t feel like a spoiler to me, but I'll mark it anyway. Due to their unique circumstances, however, there’s no “other woman” drama, which was a relief.
2. They’re both fully fae in the traditional sense, no wild leanings here. I’ve loved the monstrous aspects of Dunlin’s other characters in this series (when are we gonna get a female monster with a male mortal?? PLEASE), but it was nice to catch a glimpse into what life looks like for two typically fae men.
3. Dunlin didn’t shy away from the passage of time. In the grand scheme of things, their slow-burn might feel like it spanned a ridiculous length of time, but these are creatures that live for millennia—it makes sense they move at a different pace than mortals.
All in all, I had a great time reading this book, and stayed up FAR too late, consuming chapter after chapter. I can confidently say that this has become one of my favorite Dunlin books to date.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I am very grateful to have received an ARC. I should start by saying that I have read literally everything from Mallory Dunlin that I could get my hands on. If you're already a fan of her work, you don't need my review, you need to just go read this book.
For those curious about it, maybe even on the fence, the theme of this book is pining! So. Much. Pining. A love that spans centuries born from selflessness disguised as duty, true love masquerading as friendship, and the fear of not being quite good enough. I don't want to give away too many things but if you've read any of the other Monsters of Faery it's not a surprise that they get together. This is the story of *how*.
It shows how time is relative to a being that can, theoretically, live forever but how old wounds can still hurt, even after the scars have faded. This was Mallory Dunlin telling an exceptional story about characters we already thought we knew well in a way that made them even more loveable.
Exciting, world building things:
We learn a lot more of the world before the Annihilation War
Baby, toddler, and teen Dain (so, so precious)
More behind the scenes for what's been going on at the Stag Court
Much appreciated character depth/arcs!
About that last point- When I read Captured by the Fae Beast, the part where Zhiolas and Alluin came together felt odd and almost out of nowhere. If you also felt that way, this book scratches that itch for a reason and purpose behind that scene. It was centuries in the making and everyone else saw it *but* them.
For those curious about it, maybe even on the fence, the theme of this book is pining! So. Much. Pining. A love that spans centuries born from selflessness disguised as duty, true love masquerading as friendship, and the fear of not being quite good enough. I don't want to give away too many things but if you've read any of the other Monsters of Faery it's not a surprise that they get together. This is the story of *how*.
It shows how time is relative to a being that can, theoretically, live forever but how old wounds can still hurt, even after the scars have faded. This was Mallory Dunlin telling an exceptional story about characters we already thought we knew well in a way that made them even more loveable.
Exciting, world building things:
We learn a lot more of the world before the Annihilation War
Baby, toddler, and teen Dain (so, so precious)
More behind the scenes for what's been going on at the Stag Court
Much appreciated character depth/arcs!
About that last point- When I read Captured by the Fae Beast, the part where Zhiolas and Alluin came together felt odd and almost out of nowhere. If you also felt that way, this book scratches that itch for a reason and purpose behind that scene. It was centuries in the making and everyone else saw it *but* them.
September 28, 2026
This is a review for the ARC version of this book.
First off, the very start of the book begins with some unexciting telling rather than showing. We're told the MC has received an urgent summons from the General of the Stag Court's First Army, and a bit about the General himself, but this scene could do with being deeper into Zhiolas' head; it feels a bit too distant. This is unfortunate because of readers' tendency to read the first page of a book and decide whether to continue. I don't think the first page of Fealty does the book any favors in that regard. However, once Zhiolas actually arrives at the General's camp, we are settled deeper into his pov and from there I was sucked right in.
And when the actual fighting starts, we are off to the fucking races, holy crap.
I appreciate that this book doesn't shy away from the horror inherent in fae monsters when they are not on your side. Fights to the death aren't prettily staged things, the way they often are in fantasy. It's the hero scrabbling in the mud and sobbing, and a woman's dead body stained with her own feces, because that's what a battle is.
Aha, and here's the catalyst - a very unique form of soul connection that I've never seen done before.
Around the first time skip I began wishing this book was dual pov. However, I will trust the author, because in the first book of the series I didn't feel the story was lacking anything by being single pov, which is rare for me. Normally, I don't find that authors can convey the emotional equality I need in a good romance in a single pov story. Captured by the Fae Beast did hit that difficult mark, though, so I will trust.
ALSO OMG, PRAISE AND AFFIRMATIONS ARE MY LOVE LANGUAGE. ALLUIN, YOU GET TOP FUCKING MARKS.
Oohh, chapter 21's title is Phazikai. 👀
I've only finished chapter 4, but right now, I'm wondering if I would've preferred Alluin as the protagonist for this story.... I think I'd relate more to the caretaker role than the alluring playboy. I'll have to judge at the end.
Well, well. It looks like the emotional roles in this relationship aren't as easily predicted as I'd assumed. Interesting.
Still somewhat wishing for dual pov, because it's like I can SEE another romance story happening in Alluin's head and I want to be reading that one too. But as in the first book I read in this series, the author does a good job of showing the reader the emotional journey of the other party, even though we're not in his head.
Sometimes in single pov stories, it seems as if the love interest has very little emotional stake in the romance until near the very end, and I hate that. You know, the stories that are like, "Yes, it is I, the inscrutable, distant love interest appearing in the final tenth of the book to reveal that I've actually been falling in love this whole time! Aren't you shocked, because I gave ABSOLUTELY ZERO FUCKING SIGN OF IT?? Ha ha, bet you wish you could have witnessed that emotional arc, huh? loool"
But Dunlin does a great job of letting the reader see the emotion of both parties, so that neither the relationship nor the story itself feels one-sided.
I'm one quarter of the way through this, and I know I'm gonna have to re-read Captured by the Fae Beast as soon as I'm done to see these two with my new understanding of them and what they had going on.
I think the land ceremony would really have benefited from being seen on screen.
Oh my stars and garters, puppy Dain is precious.
God, Alluin and Zhiolas are so goopy with each other. They're two wax candles that melt into each other when they're close and I love it so much. /mushes them together
Okay, post-Phazikai I have changed my mind completely. If we can only have only one pov, I'm glad it's Zhiolas. Ugh, that goodbye letter. That is the GOOD yearn. Shoot that shit directly into my veins and let me die.
And I read the rest in one stretch. Love the battle scenes. I could fully imagine the creepy silence of the undead army, voiceless and squelching and relentless as an indifferent force of nature.
"That's my boy." 😭
And the requisite happy ending is given enough time to enjoy it. Thoroughly. Ahem.
Just as I suspected, I'm now itching to read Raven Prince, as well as reread Fae Beast. But for now, I'll let the afterglow of this one settle, and confidently give my rec for In Fealty And In Love for those who live for absolutely mushy love between beautiful men, and don't mind a few centuries of mutual pathetic yearning.
(C'mon, who minds that, really?)
First off, the very start of the book begins with some unexciting telling rather than showing. We're told the MC has received an urgent summons from the General of the Stag Court's First Army, and a bit about the General himself, but this scene could do with being deeper into Zhiolas' head; it feels a bit too distant. This is unfortunate because of readers' tendency to read the first page of a book and decide whether to continue. I don't think the first page of Fealty does the book any favors in that regard. However, once Zhiolas actually arrives at the General's camp, we are settled deeper into his pov and from there I was sucked right in.
And when the actual fighting starts, we are off to the fucking races, holy crap.
I appreciate that this book doesn't shy away from the horror inherent in fae monsters when they are not on your side. Fights to the death aren't prettily staged things, the way they often are in fantasy. It's the hero scrabbling in the mud and sobbing, and a woman's dead body stained with her own feces, because that's what a battle is.
Aha, and here's the catalyst - a very unique form of soul connection that I've never seen done before.
Around the first time skip I began wishing this book was dual pov. However, I will trust the author, because in the first book of the series I didn't feel the story was lacking anything by being single pov, which is rare for me. Normally, I don't find that authors can convey the emotional equality I need in a good romance in a single pov story. Captured by the Fae Beast did hit that difficult mark, though, so I will trust.
ALSO OMG, PRAISE AND AFFIRMATIONS ARE MY LOVE LANGUAGE. ALLUIN, YOU GET TOP FUCKING MARKS.
Oohh, chapter 21's title is Phazikai. 👀
I've only finished chapter 4, but right now, I'm wondering if I would've preferred Alluin as the protagonist for this story.... I think I'd relate more to the caretaker role than the alluring playboy. I'll have to judge at the end.
Well, well. It looks like the emotional roles in this relationship aren't as easily predicted as I'd assumed. Interesting.
Still somewhat wishing for dual pov, because it's like I can SEE another romance story happening in Alluin's head and I want to be reading that one too. But as in the first book I read in this series, the author does a good job of showing the reader the emotional journey of the other party, even though we're not in his head.
Sometimes in single pov stories, it seems as if the love interest has very little emotional stake in the romance until near the very end, and I hate that. You know, the stories that are like, "Yes, it is I, the inscrutable, distant love interest appearing in the final tenth of the book to reveal that I've actually been falling in love this whole time! Aren't you shocked, because I gave ABSOLUTELY ZERO FUCKING SIGN OF IT?? Ha ha, bet you wish you could have witnessed that emotional arc, huh? loool"
But Dunlin does a great job of letting the reader see the emotion of both parties, so that neither the relationship nor the story itself feels one-sided.
I'm one quarter of the way through this, and I know I'm gonna have to re-read Captured by the Fae Beast as soon as I'm done to see these two with my new understanding of them and what they had going on.
I think the land ceremony would really have benefited from being seen on screen.
Oh my stars and garters, puppy Dain is precious.
God, Alluin and Zhiolas are so goopy with each other. They're two wax candles that melt into each other when they're close and I love it so much. /mushes them together
Okay, post-Phazikai I have changed my mind completely. If we can only have only one pov, I'm glad it's Zhiolas. Ugh, that goodbye letter. That is the GOOD yearn. Shoot that shit directly into my veins and let me die.
And I read the rest in one stretch. Love the battle scenes. I could fully imagine the creepy silence of the undead army, voiceless and squelching and relentless as an indifferent force of nature.
"That's my boy." 😭
And the requisite happy ending is given enough time to enjoy it. Thoroughly. Ahem.
Just as I suspected, I'm now itching to read Raven Prince, as well as reread Fae Beast. But for now, I'll let the afterglow of this one settle, and confidently give my rec for In Fealty And In Love for those who live for absolutely mushy love between beautiful men, and don't mind a few centuries of mutual pathetic yearning.
(C'mon, who minds that, really?)
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
After reading the full Monsters of Faery series, I can confidently state this is the best book in the series by a significant margin. The story is told from the point of view of Zhiolas, who is a deeply likeable but flawed character. You get to view Alluin through his eyes while also having the background of the other books and Alluin's own dialogue to balance out Zhi's point of view. While I likely would've enjoyed having at least part of the story told from Alluin's point of view as he feels somewhat remote for certain sections, I think that exact remoteness is part of his innate character. He himself feels that he cannot be truly known and loved for who he is and Zhiolas demonstrates throughout the book that he knows Alluin deeply, thereby allowing the reader to come to know him as well. The writing is unique in this way though it shares attributes with the other books in the series including a thoughtful and self-aware (if self-effacing) protagonist being the one who can melt the heart of a steely, somewhat over-serious romantic interest. Although it's likely not completely necessary to have read the other books to understand this one, I think at least having read Captured by the Fae Beast is helpful both to have a background idea of the world and how these characters fit into it and allows you to delight in seeing Dunlin reveal how the slow build of this relationship winds within and between all of the other stories. In many ways, this is both a sequel and a prequel and does a lovely job tying together the other books and creating a unifying narrative while keeping their relationship consistently at the forefront. Having this throughline allowed for a deeper emotional connection to the events of the story and I found myself caring more about the power dynamics of Faery than I had in prior books. If you're hoping for the intrigue of who is the actual villain/what are their motives, you may be disappointed to find that those questions are largely answered by prior books in the series. However, if you've come to this book due to a love of romance, emotional turmoil, and the ultimate promise of a happy ending despite a fair amount of largely unnecessary (but plot relevant and deeply satisfying) self-doubt and worry over how someone can come to know and love another completely, you (like me) will find this worth reading at least twice. I will note that some readers may find themselves becoming frustrated with Zhi's lack of self-esteem or inability to confess his feelings throughout much of the book. Notably, I frequently find myself becoming frustrated with characters when the volume of the whining seems to outweigh that required by the circumstances. However, there is such an earnest quality to him as a protagonist, an underlying message of being true to yourself even when you aren't who you (or others) hoped you'd turn out to be, and a display of the value of all types of relationships, that it manages to avoid the tedium present in a variety of other media. Instead, you are taken alongside Zhiolas on a centuries-long journey of falling in love in all its forms- friendship, loyalty, and romance- with the underlying recognition that it is difficult, if not impossible, to allow another person to love you without first accepting yourself.
October 12, 2026
This is a review of an eARC provided by the author. In Fealty and In Love is a MM romance side story to the completed Monsters of Faery series. So while it’s a stand alone, it contains spoilers as Alluin Xilsatra and Zhiolas (Zhi) Ulahana are key figures in Prince Dain’s life and the Stag Court’s army. Conversely, if you’ve read the series you know where they end up (wink, wink, nudge, nudge). Fans of the series will enjoy getting to know so much more about this endearing and humorous couple while learning more about the Fae world as told from Zhi’s POV. If you’ve not read at least books 1-2 of the series, it’s still a good story but you’ll be missing a lot of the kingdom level significance and context.
As a fan of the series this is the friends-to-lovers story I’ve been waiting for. The story hooked me so quickly with Zhi's fun spirit and vulnerability as a foil to Alluin’s introverted dominance. Plus I was pulled in by the pining, dry and flirty banter, and their friendship that were all fully realized on the page. Mallory Dunlin is so good at bringing to life characters as individuals with different strengths and vulnerabilities that you can’t help but care about them. Thus, I may or may not have eschewed all adult responsibilities to inhale this book in 24 hours.
Given the length of Zhi’s and Alluin’s relationship, the book does a good job condensing the breadth of their 200-ish years together through key milestones, as well as some of the day-to-day, without dragging. The story begins with how they meet when Zhi’s allure talent is needed for a military monster hunt, long before the events of the series, then follows how the connection built from that brings them together over the years. Notably it doesn’t dive deeply into the darker side of events in the main storyline, but adds extra layers to their and Dain’s story. Seeing Dain’s frustration with them circling around each other was amusing and relatable.
Their journey as friends, while frustrating at times, also shows why it took them so long to get together. It’s almost refreshing to see immortals as entities that also misassume or miscommunicate, despite their years. Although I still wanted to smack some sense into and hug Zhi many times. You could just tell that everyone around them knew they loved each other, but Zhi’s unwillingness or insecurity over his view of his reputation as a rake and being from the merchant class was a major stumbling block for him.
“…but I could never let those fantasies see the light of day. I could never face the heartbreak in his eyes when I inevitably fucked it up.”
Not that Alluin was without fault, because hey, definitely some confusing signals from him as he enjoyed teasing Zhi.
“Are you seriously flirting with me mere hours before you take me upstairs to chastely cuddle all night?”
So when they get past all the missed signals and insecurities it is so satisfying to see them finally together.
Overall, I loved this story so much I wanted more, even though the author did a great job of condensing the centuries of a relationship. I would have liked to have gotten Alluin’s POV at least once or twice, and to have some epilogue details that showed their perspective during the end of the main series. I was also curious about Zhi’s relationship with his sister, who’s a supporting character in In the Claws of the Raven Prince, so I was disappointed that there wasn’t much more detail on that. Even so this ended in a satisfying way for them as a couple. Fans of the Monsters of Faery should thoroughly enjoy this. New readers looking for a good slow-burn fae romance may find this will hook them into the main series if they enjoy the characters and want more.
As a fan of the series this is the friends-to-lovers story I’ve been waiting for. The story hooked me so quickly with Zhi's fun spirit and vulnerability as a foil to Alluin’s introverted dominance. Plus I was pulled in by the pining, dry and flirty banter, and their friendship that were all fully realized on the page. Mallory Dunlin is so good at bringing to life characters as individuals with different strengths and vulnerabilities that you can’t help but care about them. Thus, I may or may not have eschewed all adult responsibilities to inhale this book in 24 hours.
Given the length of Zhi’s and Alluin’s relationship, the book does a good job condensing the breadth of their 200-ish years together through key milestones, as well as some of the day-to-day, without dragging. The story begins with how they meet when Zhi’s allure talent is needed for a military monster hunt, long before the events of the series, then follows how the connection built from that brings them together over the years. Notably it doesn’t dive deeply into the darker side of events in the main storyline, but adds extra layers to their and Dain’s story. Seeing Dain’s frustration with them circling around each other was amusing and relatable.
Their journey as friends, while frustrating at times, also shows why it took them so long to get together. It’s almost refreshing to see immortals as entities that also misassume or miscommunicate, despite their years. Although I still wanted to smack some sense into and hug Zhi many times. You could just tell that everyone around them knew they loved each other, but Zhi’s unwillingness or insecurity over his view of his reputation as a rake and being from the merchant class was a major stumbling block for him.
“…but I could never let those fantasies see the light of day. I could never face the heartbreak in his eyes when I inevitably fucked it up.”
Not that Alluin was without fault, because hey, definitely some confusing signals from him as he enjoyed teasing Zhi.
“Are you seriously flirting with me mere hours before you take me upstairs to chastely cuddle all night?”
So when they get past all the missed signals and insecurities it is so satisfying to see them finally together.
Overall, I loved this story so much I wanted more, even though the author did a great job of condensing the centuries of a relationship. I would have liked to have gotten Alluin’s POV at least once or twice, and to have some epilogue details that showed their perspective during the end of the main series. I was also curious about Zhi’s relationship with his sister, who’s a supporting character in In the Claws of the Raven Prince, so I was disappointed that there wasn’t much more detail on that. Even so this ended in a satisfying way for them as a couple. Fans of the Monsters of Faery should thoroughly enjoy this. New readers looking for a good slow-burn fae romance may find this will hook them into the main series if they enjoy the characters and want more.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received an advance reader copy and am leaving an honest review.
Can I just start with how surreal it is to have been accepted as an ARC reader for one of my top authors? I have never wanted an ARC before, but when I saw the application, I just couldn’t turn away. I never in a million years expected to be chosen, especially since I don’t tend to write in-depth reviews, but here we are!
Onto the review. I’m not 100% sure how spoilers work with ARCs, but they will be marked/covered and for the sake of this being an ARC, I will not be posting direct quotes. Of note – none of this review was written with AI, screw that noise, but you can pry emdashes from my cold dead hands.
For me, Mallory Dunlin’s ability to write intimacy (emotional, non-sexual physical, etc.) is completely unmatched. Of all this books in this series, I think this one is the crown jewel in this aspect specifically. I seriously could not put this book down.
We met Alluin and Zhiolas for the first time in Captured by the Fae Beast, and I was so happy when . But if I thought that wait and pay off was satisfying, it had nothing on the entirety of their relationship.
Their love is palpable in every page of this book. If you like a slow-burn, this is the book for you – I felt very much like the proverbial frog in a boiling pot, but am infinitely happy to be soup. My heart broke and healed for these characters time and time again. Mallory 100% delivered on the emotional moments. I cried more than once, and laughed even more at the ridiculousness people will go through when they don’t feel worthy.
This book reminded me so much of myself and my husband, genders notwithstanding, and that might play into why I connected with it so much, but I don’t think so. Mallory just honestly has a direct line to my heart strings.
Mallory’s world-building is so rich in these books. The descriptions of the settings in this one were some of my favorites. I so wish I could share some examples, but please just give this a read.
All-in-all, Mallory’s books (that I’ve read) are all more-so character driven/focused than plot, and I personally love that. That’s not to say that the plot is lacking, I’m just not a huge fan of political intrigue and the like – getting to read vibrant, sweeping fantasies that focus more on the relationships between different characters/kingdoms while still balancing is just so refreshing to me.
I cannot iterate how much I want you to read this book. And if this is your first book from her, know that it technically can be read as a standalone, but you should go back to book one. You will not regret it!
Can I just start with how surreal it is to have been accepted as an ARC reader for one of my top authors? I have never wanted an ARC before, but when I saw the application, I just couldn’t turn away. I never in a million years expected to be chosen, especially since I don’t tend to write in-depth reviews, but here we are!
Onto the review. I’m not 100% sure how spoilers work with ARCs, but they will be marked/covered and for the sake of this being an ARC, I will not be posting direct quotes. Of note – none of this review was written with AI, screw that noise, but you can pry emdashes from my cold dead hands.
For me, Mallory Dunlin’s ability to write intimacy (emotional, non-sexual physical, etc.) is completely unmatched. Of all this books in this series, I think this one is the crown jewel in this aspect specifically. I seriously could not put this book down.
We met Alluin and Zhiolas for the first time in Captured by the Fae Beast, and I was so happy when . But if I thought that wait and pay off was satisfying, it had nothing on the entirety of their relationship.
Their love is palpable in every page of this book. If you like a slow-burn, this is the book for you – I felt very much like the proverbial frog in a boiling pot, but am infinitely happy to be soup. My heart broke and healed for these characters time and time again. Mallory 100% delivered on the emotional moments. I cried more than once, and laughed even more at the ridiculousness people will go through when they don’t feel worthy.
This book reminded me so much of myself and my husband, genders notwithstanding, and that might play into why I connected with it so much, but I don’t think so. Mallory just honestly has a direct line to my heart strings.
Mallory’s world-building is so rich in these books. The descriptions of the settings in this one were some of my favorites. I so wish I could share some examples, but please just give this a read.
All-in-all, Mallory’s books (that I’ve read) are all more-so character driven/focused than plot, and I personally love that. That’s not to say that the plot is lacking, I’m just not a huge fan of political intrigue and the like – getting to read vibrant, sweeping fantasies that focus more on the relationships between different characters/kingdoms while still balancing is just so refreshing to me.
I cannot iterate how much I want you to read this book. And if this is your first book from her, know that it technically can be read as a standalone, but you should go back to book one. You will not regret it!
September 30, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️️⭐️/ ️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Two side characters that contain main character energy finally get their chance with this addition to the Monsters of Faery series by Mallory Dunlin. Within the pages of In Fealty and In Love, Mallory brings together two beloved characters from previous books and gives her readers the story they deserve. The amount of yearning between our MCs is beautiful and is easy to feel as the story progresses. One thing you can always count on Mallory to do is find the beauty within and make it shine.
Zhiolas and Alluin have been friends for a while, each with a hidden desire for the other. Their relationship is complicated as it has a lot of time to grow, centuries in fact. You don’t have to read any other books in this series to understand their story, however there are moments in other books that make much more sense after reading this. Each of Mallory’s stories is a single thread that is woven together to create a rope that wraps around readers and doesn’t let go. Wonderfully intricate, beautifully colored, and perfectly balanced.
The friends to lovers element is a huge plus for me, because I truly believe that when an attraction and love is built on a solid friendship, you can put that relationship through almost anything and the foundation will withstand. It makes for some very hot moments between our MCs, even if they don’t realize it yet. The electricity crackles between these two and is easy to feel by the reader thanks to Mallory’s immersive writing style and ability to make her books come to life.
This book isn’t just all lust and temptation. Mallory includes emotional themes throughout the book, mainly around not feeling worthy of someone to love you unconditionally. It was hard to read about our MCs not seeing themselves in the same light as the other or even as the readers. Seeing these two growing up adds a layer not seen in the other books. I am excited to re-read the other stories they are in knowing what I know now and seeing them in a brighter light. I will forever love losing myself in Mallory’s books.
As always, review any author notes before reading.
What to Expect:
❤️MM Romance
🖤Age Gap Romance
❤️Best Friends to Lovers
🖤General MMC
❤️Playboy MMC
🖤Soldier x Commander
❤️Yearning
🖤Forced Proximity
❤️It’s Always Been You
🖤Warring Fae Courts
Two side characters that contain main character energy finally get their chance with this addition to the Monsters of Faery series by Mallory Dunlin. Within the pages of In Fealty and In Love, Mallory brings together two beloved characters from previous books and gives her readers the story they deserve. The amount of yearning between our MCs is beautiful and is easy to feel as the story progresses. One thing you can always count on Mallory to do is find the beauty within and make it shine.
Zhiolas and Alluin have been friends for a while, each with a hidden desire for the other. Their relationship is complicated as it has a lot of time to grow, centuries in fact. You don’t have to read any other books in this series to understand their story, however there are moments in other books that make much more sense after reading this. Each of Mallory’s stories is a single thread that is woven together to create a rope that wraps around readers and doesn’t let go. Wonderfully intricate, beautifully colored, and perfectly balanced.
The friends to lovers element is a huge plus for me, because I truly believe that when an attraction and love is built on a solid friendship, you can put that relationship through almost anything and the foundation will withstand. It makes for some very hot moments between our MCs, even if they don’t realize it yet. The electricity crackles between these two and is easy to feel by the reader thanks to Mallory’s immersive writing style and ability to make her books come to life.
This book isn’t just all lust and temptation. Mallory includes emotional themes throughout the book, mainly around not feeling worthy of someone to love you unconditionally. It was hard to read about our MCs not seeing themselves in the same light as the other or even as the readers. Seeing these two growing up adds a layer not seen in the other books. I am excited to re-read the other stories they are in knowing what I know now and seeing them in a brighter light. I will forever love losing myself in Mallory’s books.
As always, review any author notes before reading.
What to Expect:
❤️MM Romance
🖤Age Gap Romance
❤️Best Friends to Lovers
🖤General MMC
❤️Playboy MMC
🖤Soldier x Commander
❤️Yearning
🖤Forced Proximity
❤️It’s Always Been You
🖤Warring Fae Courts
Review of advance copy received from Author
***ARC Review***
This was the ultimate slow burn. Zhiolas and Alluin have a friendship with an incredibly intense beginning that gives them solid roots to their relationship. Alluin is observant, reserved, thoughtful, and restrained. Zhiolas is gregarious, outgoing, passionate, and open. Even so, they complement each other so well, and fit together in a way that brings out the best in the other. It turns out that the traits that they share are the ones that prevent them from being forthright with each other about their feelings beyond platonic love. Zhi thinks he doesn't deserve Alluin, and doesn't trust that he will be steady and reliable enough for him. Alluin feels like he's too much and doesn't want to hold Zhi back from living freely. So they both end up holding themselves back from what they really want. It could've been really frustrating to see them do this over and over again, but it honestly made sense for their characters, plus their friendship was so sweet to witness, that it all balanced out.
I really liked that their relationship wasn't perfectly linear. It spans hundreds of years, and their ups and downs reflect that. At times, they go years without seeing each other, and there are misunderstandings and periodically a lack of communication. But I really loved how each of these moments were resolved. It didn't feel like any miscommunication was shoe-horned into the plot; it always made sense, and Zhiolas and Alluin took turns being the one to step forward and re-center their relationship. They offered grace to each other for their legitimate insecurities and flaws, which only ended up bringing them closer together.
This was one of those books where as soon as I finished reading it, I was ready to start back at the beginning and do it all over again. Even with so much battle and so many intense moments throughout, it still felt like a comfort read because of how lovely Zhiolas and Alluin are together. There is never a question that they love each other, and equally wonderful was seeing Zhiolas learn to love himself exactly as he is.
This was the ultimate slow burn. Zhiolas and Alluin have a friendship with an incredibly intense beginning that gives them solid roots to their relationship. Alluin is observant, reserved, thoughtful, and restrained. Zhiolas is gregarious, outgoing, passionate, and open. Even so, they complement each other so well, and fit together in a way that brings out the best in the other. It turns out that the traits that they share are the ones that prevent them from being forthright with each other about their feelings beyond platonic love. Zhi thinks he doesn't deserve Alluin, and doesn't trust that he will be steady and reliable enough for him. Alluin feels like he's too much and doesn't want to hold Zhi back from living freely. So they both end up holding themselves back from what they really want. It could've been really frustrating to see them do this over and over again, but it honestly made sense for their characters, plus their friendship was so sweet to witness, that it all balanced out.
I really liked that their relationship wasn't perfectly linear. It spans hundreds of years, and their ups and downs reflect that. At times, they go years without seeing each other, and there are misunderstandings and periodically a lack of communication. But I really loved how each of these moments were resolved. It didn't feel like any miscommunication was shoe-horned into the plot; it always made sense, and Zhiolas and Alluin took turns being the one to step forward and re-center their relationship. They offered grace to each other for their legitimate insecurities and flaws, which only ended up bringing them closer together.
This was one of those books where as soon as I finished reading it, I was ready to start back at the beginning and do it all over again. Even with so much battle and so many intense moments throughout, it still felt like a comfort read because of how lovely Zhiolas and Alluin are together. There is never a question that they love each other, and equally wonderful was seeing Zhiolas learn to love himself exactly as he is.
September 30, 2026
Advanced Reader Copy Review
Mallory Dunkin has done it AGAIN!! She never misses. As an ARC reader I must say NO ONE will be disappointed
To be in love the way Zhiolas and Allison are is the goal. Without the 200 years of yearning of course.
This story was amazing to read from beginning to end. Learning the origin after hearing so much about both Alluin and Zhiolas from all the previous stories I was giddy from top to bottom.
Zhiolas being a Fae “playboy” if you will, has such a soft spot for Alluin that it’s hard to understand how he held it in so long. From their first meeting you can tell the care and love Alluin has for Zhiolas, simply from the fact that he allowed his soul to be shared with him.
Alluin being the first Commander of the Stag Court First Army and after such a heartbreaking and long life has essentially given up on being loved correctly, until meeting Zhiolas.
The yearning within these pages will have you not wanting to put the book down. You are ultimately rooting for them while also loving the way they show their love without ever actually speaking the words to each other. When we finally understand Zhiolas hesitation, Alluin tells him “Then dont deserve it, but have me anyway” how can you NOT love them.They even raise a Prince together.
I also have to say as a FAN of Faery I was so tickled to basically get the behind the scenes of what was happening in “Captured By the Fae Beast” we are relearning what happened from the beginning, even before the birth of the Crowned Prince.
I don’t think I can put into words how much I lived this book, as well as the whole series.
Mallory Dunkin has done it AGAIN!! She never misses. As an ARC reader I must say NO ONE will be disappointed
To be in love the way Zhiolas and Allison are is the goal. Without the 200 years of yearning of course.
This story was amazing to read from beginning to end. Learning the origin after hearing so much about both Alluin and Zhiolas from all the previous stories I was giddy from top to bottom.
Zhiolas being a Fae “playboy” if you will, has such a soft spot for Alluin that it’s hard to understand how he held it in so long. From their first meeting you can tell the care and love Alluin has for Zhiolas, simply from the fact that he allowed his soul to be shared with him.
Alluin being the first Commander of the Stag Court First Army and after such a heartbreaking and long life has essentially given up on being loved correctly, until meeting Zhiolas.
The yearning within these pages will have you not wanting to put the book down. You are ultimately rooting for them while also loving the way they show their love without ever actually speaking the words to each other. When we finally understand Zhiolas hesitation, Alluin tells him “Then dont deserve it, but have me anyway” how can you NOT love them.They even raise a Prince together.
I also have to say as a FAN of Faery I was so tickled to basically get the behind the scenes of what was happening in “Captured By the Fae Beast” we are relearning what happened from the beginning, even before the birth of the Crowned Prince.
I don’t think I can put into words how much I lived this book, as well as the whole series.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is my honest review of the ARC graciously provided by the author!
If you love a slow and excruciating burn that is full of yearning and not will they/wont they but WHEN, this is for you!
When I found out Lu and Zhi were getting their own book, I nearly lost my mind. I loved their appearance in Captured by the Fae Beast, and after finishing that book, I was hoping we’d get more and here we are! I loved how this went into their origin story and even included young Dain and his upbringing and events that also happened in Captured by the Fae Beast. (Another must read if you haven’t!)
The characters are super relatable and flawed, which makes me love them even more. I loved the banter, the flirting and constant tension between the two. Talk about getting edged!
The scenery and setting were beautifully described and I loved the description and connection of Droesh. I wish it was a real place.
This book gave me Skyrim/Witcher vibes especially with the soul shards and monsters and I was all for it!
What I love about this author is there’s always a guaranteed happily ever after but the characters get put through the wringer for sure, which makes it worth it even more. They’ve earned it and believe me when I tell you the waiting and patience is WORTH IT!
Favorite quote:
“Then don’t deserve it but have me anyway.”
Favorite thing about this book was definitely the “going feral” for both characters. Seeing that side of them and how it affected the other when they saw it. 🤭
This is my honest review of the ARC graciously provided by the author!
If you love a slow and excruciating burn that is full of yearning and not will they/wont they but WHEN, this is for you!
When I found out Lu and Zhi were getting their own book, I nearly lost my mind. I loved their appearance in Captured by the Fae Beast, and after finishing that book, I was hoping we’d get more and here we are! I loved how this went into their origin story and even included young Dain and his upbringing and events that also happened in Captured by the Fae Beast. (Another must read if you haven’t!)
The characters are super relatable and flawed, which makes me love them even more. I loved the banter, the flirting and constant tension between the two. Talk about getting edged!
The scenery and setting were beautifully described and I loved the description and connection of Droesh. I wish it was a real place.
This book gave me Skyrim/Witcher vibes especially with the soul shards and monsters and I was all for it!
What I love about this author is there’s always a guaranteed happily ever after but the characters get put through the wringer for sure, which makes it worth it even more. They’ve earned it and believe me when I tell you the waiting and patience is WORTH IT!
Favorite quote:
“Then don’t deserve it but have me anyway.”
Favorite thing about this book was definitely the “going feral” for both characters. Seeing that side of them and how it affected the other when they saw it. 🤭
Review of advance copy received from Author
I really enjoyed this! I was excited going into it because I love the rest of the series, but slightly sceptical of how much we could learn about Alluin and Zhiolas since we see a fair amount of them in Captured by the Fae Beast. I was so glad to be wrong! The story showed so many new sides to them and so much more of the world of Faery. The stakes were still high, but not as apocalyptic as they are in the main series, so this book felt cozier and more intimate. It's an absolute masterclass in yearning and pining, and I was pleased to see my favourite genre of miscommunication, It was also really fun to see a bit more of Dain's backstory and other pieces referenced in the main series. I felt like the pacing of new material vs Zhiolas's point of view of the first book was handled so well, nothing felt drawn out or repetitive in any way. I loved seeing some more insight into the life of everyday people in this world. The faery perspective of this one is also a fun change from the rest of the series. The sense of time is completely different from a human narrator and it gave the whole book an extra layer of fantasy that felt very almost like a fairytale.
This was exactly what I needed to read this week, I really appreciate the ARC from the author and I'm giving my honest opinion in return.
This was exactly what I needed to read this week, I really appreciate the ARC from the author and I'm giving my honest opinion in return.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I’ve loved Mallory Dunlin’s books for a long time — in my opinion, she writes circles around most popular romantasy authors. I was SUPER freaking excited for her to write MM. This book ties in with her Monsters of Faery series but would likely work just fine as a standalone. There’s rich world building and some background War Stuff, but it’s a lot less integral to the plot than in the other Monsters books. This one is really more about the relationship between the characters.
It’s the literal dictionary definition of the “everyone knows they’re together except them” trope. It is the slowest of slow burns (they’re fae, so… literally hundreds of years). If you like the kind of slow burn where you’re about ready to hit the characters over the head to just have a conversation about their feelings already, boy is this the book for you. (It’s me. I am a connoisseur of slow burn, and this one does. it. so. good.) The unresolved sexual tension could set something on fire, but what makes it is the intimacy that these two characters manage to create without ever taking their clothes off. I was HERE FOR IT.
Best friends (and idiots) to lovers, everyone else figures it out first, faeries, soft dom so hot you should bring ice, they’re both convinced they’re not good enough, cool magic, check here for military uniforms, there are multiple beds but there might as well only be one, seriously SLOW burn.
Thank you to the author for an ARC!
It’s the literal dictionary definition of the “everyone knows they’re together except them” trope. It is the slowest of slow burns (they’re fae, so… literally hundreds of years). If you like the kind of slow burn where you’re about ready to hit the characters over the head to just have a conversation about their feelings already, boy is this the book for you. (It’s me. I am a connoisseur of slow burn, and this one does. it. so. good.) The unresolved sexual tension could set something on fire, but what makes it is the intimacy that these two characters manage to create without ever taking their clothes off. I was HERE FOR IT.
Best friends (and idiots) to lovers, everyone else figures it out first, faeries, soft dom so hot you should bring ice, they’re both convinced they’re not good enough, cool magic, check here for military uniforms, there are multiple beds but there might as well only be one, seriously SLOW burn.
Thank you to the author for an ARC!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book made me feel so many things that I don’t know where to start this review but I start with the basics, PLEASE READ IT! haha
Although don’t get near to it if you don’t like slow burn books because let me tell you, these two? Make us BEG for it for 200 years… 200 of a connection so bright and strong, 200 of yearning and learning to be the only person in the whole world that keeps the other sane, 200 of being their mutual safe space…the whole purpose of life, 200… ok you get the idea? Even with all of that years experiencing this amazing connection these two were so terrified of wanting too much that they preferred the “platonic relationship” although every single person thought of them as a marriage haha
But you know even though I would die to have had more of them being lovers, I enjoyed so much of them together as whatever they wanted to be, partners, friends, teammates whatever because they’re together are so magical that I enjoyed every moment.
Now, obviously I enjoyed them so much as a couple and of course as an individual characters, they’re complex but relatable, funny but emotional too, sweet but ruthless…
And of course, the world building was so well done! The vast world, the politics, the military, the wild prince (I love Dain so freaking much)… the multiple plot lines were entertaining and interesting!
I had an absolute blast with it!
Although don’t get near to it if you don’t like slow burn books because let me tell you, these two? Make us BEG for it for 200 years… 200 of a connection so bright and strong, 200 of yearning and learning to be the only person in the whole world that keeps the other sane, 200 of being their mutual safe space…the whole purpose of life, 200… ok you get the idea? Even with all of that years experiencing this amazing connection these two were so terrified of wanting too much that they preferred the “platonic relationship” although every single person thought of them as a marriage haha
But you know even though I would die to have had more of them being lovers, I enjoyed so much of them together as whatever they wanted to be, partners, friends, teammates whatever because they’re together are so magical that I enjoyed every moment.
Now, obviously I enjoyed them so much as a couple and of course as an individual characters, they’re complex but relatable, funny but emotional too, sweet but ruthless…
And of course, the world building was so well done! The vast world, the politics, the military, the wild prince (I love Dain so freaking much)… the multiple plot lines were entertaining and interesting!
I had an absolute blast with it!
October 2, 2026
This book is yearning personified. The type of yearning that makes your heart feel like you’re about to drop on a rollercoaster. The whole time I was reading, I could feel my heart squeezing by the force of Alluin and Zhiolas’ want and love for each other. We’re talking centuries of writing letters, memorizing the look and smell of each other, raising Dain, fighting wars, moving in together, and dancing around their true feelings. They were quite literally soul bound and blood bound together and they were still afraid to get their feelings across. It was the sweet burn of yearning that we all love and carve. True yearning for hundreds of years.
I have a hard time even expressing how much I loved this book. I loved Alluin and Zhi in the previous books they appeared in as side characters but this was so beyond. The easy way they talk and understand each other while still not fully knowing how the other felt. They always found their way back to each other; Zhi simply agreeing that they would need to take care of Dain on their own. And when the dam finally broke after the world? They were insatiable for each other, possessive heady claims that made it clear to everyone they belonged to each other. It was so heart wrenching and real and amazing, I cannot recommend it enough!
I have a hard time even expressing how much I loved this book. I loved Alluin and Zhi in the previous books they appeared in as side characters but this was so beyond. The easy way they talk and understand each other while still not fully knowing how the other felt. They always found their way back to each other; Zhi simply agreeing that they would need to take care of Dain on their own. And when the dam finally broke after the world? They were insatiable for each other, possessive heady claims that made it clear to everyone they belonged to each other. It was so heart wrenching and real and amazing, I cannot recommend it enough!
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC REVIEW - Thank you Mallory Dunlin for the opportunity to read this book early!
This book rewrote my emotional cortex. I wanted to crawl into the skins of these characters so I could feel each and every emotion they experienced as they met, became friends, fell in love, and made their way to their HEA.
The story begins when Zhiolas is recruited by General Alluin to capture a monster. The encounter ends with Zhiolas fighting for his life and Alluin saving him with a soul-splice, aka giving a piece of his soul to Zhiolas.
What follows is a wild ride, with Zhiolas and Alluin becoming friends over decades as they cross paths, both accidentally and intentionally, developing their relationship. Each is harboring a yearning and love for the other that they never talk about, much less act on.
The chemistry, the love, leaps off the page. It is a very slow burn: they don't kiss till about 50%, and they don't have sex till about 84%. It was well worth it, IMO.
I especially enjoyed the storyline about Prince Dain, as it gives a wonderful inside look into their relationship and friendship.
Wow, what a ride!
This book rewrote my emotional cortex. I wanted to crawl into the skins of these characters so I could feel each and every emotion they experienced as they met, became friends, fell in love, and made their way to their HEA.
The story begins when Zhiolas is recruited by General Alluin to capture a monster. The encounter ends with Zhiolas fighting for his life and Alluin saving him with a soul-splice, aka giving a piece of his soul to Zhiolas.
What follows is a wild ride, with Zhiolas and Alluin becoming friends over decades as they cross paths, both accidentally and intentionally, developing their relationship. Each is harboring a yearning and love for the other that they never talk about, much less act on.
The chemistry, the love, leaps off the page. It is a very slow burn: they don't kiss till about 50%, and they don't have sex till about 84%. It was well worth it, IMO.
I especially enjoyed the storyline about Prince Dain, as it gives a wonderful inside look into their relationship and friendship.
Wow, what a ride!
October 3, 2026
God I love this world and these books
I can't really say enough good things about this author. Mallory has created a world that I have been able to escape to many, many times. If you haven't yet read the Monsters of Faery series, go do that first.
Technically this story is set before any of those books, way before, but read them first anyway because it will make you enjoy this one oh so much more.
Baby.
Dain.
Dear Lord, we have a baby, puppy Dain in this book!!! I squeee'd and I'm not the kinda person that squee's.
Zhi and Lu's romance is beautiful and sweet and perfect. It takes them a painfully long time to get to the spicy scenes but phew 🥵🔥 it's worth the wait.
Seriously, if you're new to this world, go back to Captured by the Fae Beast and the rest of the books. If you're an old hand here, then what are you waiting for? Get busy reading your new favorite book.
I can't really say enough good things about this author. Mallory has created a world that I have been able to escape to many, many times. If you haven't yet read the Monsters of Faery series, go do that first.
Technically this story is set before any of those books, way before, but read them first anyway because it will make you enjoy this one oh so much more.
Baby.
Dain.
Dear Lord, we have a baby, puppy Dain in this book!!! I squeee'd and I'm not the kinda person that squee's.
Zhi and Lu's romance is beautiful and sweet and perfect. It takes them a painfully long time to get to the spicy scenes but phew 🥵🔥 it's worth the wait.
Seriously, if you're new to this world, go back to Captured by the Fae Beast and the rest of the books. If you're an old hand here, then what are you waiting for? Get busy reading your new favorite book.
October 7, 2026
If you want YEARNING, read this book. A lot of authors advertise their books as having a lot of yearning, but this is on a whole different level.
Mallory never misses, and this is no exception, despite being a little different from her typical monster romance. It makes me want to do a re-read of the entire series. I just love the way she writes characters and the bonds that form between the characters. They are such dynamic and complex characters, flawed and imperfect, but so easy to love.
When I heard the story takes place over many years, I was worried it might feel rushed, but I found the pacing to be excellent. I did not feel like things were being rushed or drawn out too long. It felt very natural in its unfolding.
I absolutely recommend reading this book as well as the entire Monsters of Faery series. You will not be disappointed.
Thank you to the author for providing me with an early copy of this book. This is my honest and voluntary review.
Mallory never misses, and this is no exception, despite being a little different from her typical monster romance. It makes me want to do a re-read of the entire series. I just love the way she writes characters and the bonds that form between the characters. They are such dynamic and complex characters, flawed and imperfect, but so easy to love.
When I heard the story takes place over many years, I was worried it might feel rushed, but I found the pacing to be excellent. I did not feel like things were being rushed or drawn out too long. It felt very natural in its unfolding.
I absolutely recommend reading this book as well as the entire Monsters of Faery series. You will not be disappointed.
Thank you to the author for providing me with an early copy of this book. This is my honest and voluntary review.
October 1, 2026
I don’t usually read MM romance, but this book was a lovely exception to that. It pulled me in from the start and by the end I was kicking my heels. This book was a wonderful addition to her Monsters of Faerie series, and while reading the rest of it isn’t required for this one, I really enjoyed seeing the events from some of her other books from a slightly different perspective.
Mallory’s world is vibrant. Her characters are multifaceted and relatable. Alluin is a steadfast and stoic general with a soft heart. Zhiolas is a social butterfly and relentless flirt who longs to be accepted. Watching the two of them orbit each other and inch closer to an inevitable collision was immensely satisfying.
If you love yearning, tension, and slow burn mixed with absolute devotion- you are going to love this book.
Mallory’s world is vibrant. Her characters are multifaceted and relatable. Alluin is a steadfast and stoic general with a soft heart. Zhiolas is a social butterfly and relentless flirt who longs to be accepted. Watching the two of them orbit each other and inch closer to an inevitable collision was immensely satisfying.
If you love yearning, tension, and slow burn mixed with absolute devotion- you are going to love this book.
October 2, 2026
Oh my god the YEARNING. I've been sitting on this book finished for almost a week waiting for the book hangover to fade, and it's lingering almost as hard as Alluin and Zhiolas did.
Without spoilers, this book was absolutely EVERYTHING I wanted it to be, full of mutual, entirely oblivious pining, all the little world-building details that make this series so utterly perfect, and the most gorgeous friendship that continued even through their love story. And of course, the slowest of slow burn with an immaculately steamy payoff.
All that and the bonus glimpses at our OG Dain and Leah? Honestly, what more can a reader ask for?
Mallory kills it every. Single. Time. And bless her for it, I'll never get tired of this world she's created.
I received an advanced copy of this book and am providing this review of my own volition.
Without spoilers, this book was absolutely EVERYTHING I wanted it to be, full of mutual, entirely oblivious pining, all the little world-building details that make this series so utterly perfect, and the most gorgeous friendship that continued even through their love story. And of course, the slowest of slow burn with an immaculately steamy payoff.
All that and the bonus glimpses at our OG Dain and Leah? Honestly, what more can a reader ask for?
Mallory kills it every. Single. Time. And bless her for it, I'll never get tired of this world she's created.
I received an advanced copy of this book and am providing this review of my own volition.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Review of Advance Copy From Author
Talk about a slow burn, this book had me begging for them to get together!!!!!! And goodness it was steamy ! I have not read the books that preceded In Fealty and In Love in the series, but now I need to. Normally I am not a friends to lovers trope fan, however the tension and build up was insane and had me on the edge on my seat. From the character setups to the details this was well written. I loved the transitions through time that built up to the Alluin and Zhiolas finally finding their HEA. Time transitions isn’t something I have seen done so smoothly in other novels, it was one of the many things that I found pleasing. This is definitely a book you want on your shelf or on your kindle.
Talk about a slow burn, this book had me begging for them to get together!!!!!! And goodness it was steamy ! I have not read the books that preceded In Fealty and In Love in the series, but now I need to. Normally I am not a friends to lovers trope fan, however the tension and build up was insane and had me on the edge on my seat. From the character setups to the details this was well written. I loved the transitions through time that built up to the Alluin and Zhiolas finally finding their HEA. Time transitions isn’t something I have seen done so smoothly in other novels, it was one of the many things that I found pleasing. This is definitely a book you want on your shelf or on your kindle.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 19, 2026
Alluin Xilsatra, General of the First Army
&
Zhiolas Ulahana, Commander of the Third Battalion of the Second Army
Loved this book. 5 stars is insufficient. One of the best reads of the year.
I’ve loved Alluin Xilsatra & Zhiolas Ulahana from the moment they stepped onstage. In both of the other books they were in, they eclipsed the main characters.
Didn’t realize I was such a sucker for a slow burn, but over 200 years is the ultimate slow burn. But once they got together, it spanned the last 7 chapters, including the epilogue.
Written from Zhiolas’ pov.
Trying to pick my favorite book. Hard to separate Vaduin (Basilisk) & Cass. They’re my favorites on that side of the war (Raven Court/Mercy Court), Alluin & Zhiolas are my favorites on this side (Stag Court).
&
Zhiolas Ulahana, Commander of the Third Battalion of the Second Army
Loved this book. 5 stars is insufficient. One of the best reads of the year.
I’ve loved Alluin Xilsatra & Zhiolas Ulahana from the moment they stepped onstage. In both of the other books they were in, they eclipsed the main characters.
Didn’t realize I was such a sucker for a slow burn, but over 200 years is the ultimate slow burn. But once they got together, it spanned the last 7 chapters, including the epilogue.
Written from Zhiolas’ pov.
Trying to pick my favorite book. Hard to separate Vaduin (Basilisk) & Cass. They’re my favorites on that side of the war (Raven Court/Mercy Court), Alluin & Zhiolas are my favorites on this side (Stag Court).
September 30, 2026
I loved it! I really enjoyed Captured by the Fae Beast (Dain and Leah's book) where I was first introduced to Zhiolas and Alluin. This book had the yearning and we got to learn so much more about them and their history. Both characters felt real, both had flaws and strengths. They supported each other even when each of them did not believe in themselves. It was also amazing to read a little about baby Dain. It is not necessary to have read any of the other books in the series but I think you will enjoy it more it you have at least read Captured by the Fae Beast.
I received an ARC (advance reader copy) and am leaving an honest review
I received an ARC (advance reader copy) and am leaving an honest review
October 1, 2026
infinity stars...like OMG this is her best book yet.
I read all the monster books and like some more than others but this one is just fantastic. The YEARNING!!! the love, growth, sadness, happiness and just their love for each other that you see over decades. I read this book in less than 24 hrs...like I woke up at 3am to make sure I finished it before going to work, haha. The only 0.0001 deduction I could think of is the use of the word "gems" but honestly there is no other word that would be better. I loved seeing some of the characters/stories from the other books play out here. OMGGGG I LOVE THIS BOOK SO MUCH
I read all the monster books and like some more than others but this one is just fantastic. The YEARNING!!! the love, growth, sadness, happiness and just their love for each other that you see over decades. I read this book in less than 24 hrs...like I woke up at 3am to make sure I finished it before going to work, haha. The only 0.0001 deduction I could think of is the use of the word "gems" but honestly there is no other word that would be better. I loved seeing some of the characters/stories from the other books play out here. OMGGGG I LOVE THIS BOOK SO MUCH
Review of advance copy received from Author
Much gratitude for Mallory Dunlin for providing an ARC of this book.
I absolutely loved this book! Getting to see so much more of Alluin and Zhiolas was amazing. They were a great part of Captured by the Fae Beast so it was really nice to see how they became those characters.
I also loved getting to see some of Dain as a kid and get more of his history and how he became the man he is in his book.
This book was also very emotional. I nearly cried on several occasions, which isn’t something I do often.
Now I gotta go re-read the rest of the series, lol.
I absolutely loved this book! Getting to see so much more of Alluin and Zhiolas was amazing. They were a great part of Captured by the Fae Beast so it was really nice to see how they became those characters.
I also loved getting to see some of Dain as a kid and get more of his history and how he became the man he is in his book.
This book was also very emotional. I nearly cried on several occasions, which isn’t something I do often.
Now I gotta go re-read the rest of the series, lol.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Mallory Dunlin’s Monster of Faery series is one of my favorites of all time. When the ARCs were going out for the prequel IN FEALTY AND IN LOVE, of course I devoured it and loved every second. I even shed a couple tears, which almost never happens to me. This book is a perfect showcase of the writing tropes I always say are Mallory’s talent- hurt/comfort, angst, and yearning. Truly she is unmatched with her skill in portraying these emotions, and if you’ve read any of her other books you’d agree.
Mallory has a real gift for storytelling. She somehow keeps complex plots and timelines together, gets them to make sense, and ties up all the loose ends like it’s her superpower. We love to talk about tropes and see beautiful character art, but truly every book from this author has the kind of depth and complexity I yearn for. There aren’t any surface-level characters here. Each one is fully fleshed out, extremely lovable, and shows growth and change.
This book was a solid 5/5⭐️ and I will be promptly rereading the original series!
Mallory has a real gift for storytelling. She somehow keeps complex plots and timelines together, gets them to make sense, and ties up all the loose ends like it’s her superpower. We love to talk about tropes and see beautiful character art, but truly every book from this author has the kind of depth and complexity I yearn for. There aren’t any surface-level characters here. Each one is fully fleshed out, extremely lovable, and shows growth and change.
This book was a solid 5/5⭐️ and I will be promptly rereading the original series!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Another fantastic story in the Monsters of Faery world! I loved this look back in time to see Alluin and Zhiolas find their HEA.
The guilt, the longing, the hope, the hurt and the love written into Alluin & Zhiolas’s story almost broke me right alongside them! This is a slow burn that literally takes centuries to resolve as both of them are too afraid to risk their friendship on the chance the other doesn’t return their feelings. As agonizing as this journey was, I couldn’t put the book down - I was completely enthralled right to the end. A must-read for fans of the series!
The guilt, the longing, the hope, the hurt and the love written into Alluin & Zhiolas’s story almost broke me right alongside them! This is a slow burn that literally takes centuries to resolve as both of them are too afraid to risk their friendship on the chance the other doesn’t return their feelings. As agonizing as this journey was, I couldn’t put the book down - I was completely enthralled right to the end. A must-read for fans of the series!
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