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Tempted Kingdom #1
A Song in the Night
She is the key to their escape, and they are the key to her survival…
When vagabond and criminal-on-the run Saylor Greyson boards a bus to Los Angeles, she doesn’t expect to crash land in a coffin in a world she thought only existed in the pages of fairytales. A world of astonishing magic, deadly curses, and a vast kingdom… that’s all hers. She just can't remember it.
It turns out that everything Saylor has ever known was an elaborate dream– except for her knack for seduction, the illicit power that sent her running in the first place.
With time running out, Saylor will need the help of her not one, but five super hot watchmen…. watchmen with questionable loyalties who are conveniently immune to her siren superpowers. Each of these men may have had a part to play in the dream of the life she knew, and Saylor suspects that tangling with them might be the only way to untangle her fabricated identity from the one she must remember if she hopes to break her curse, escape the tower, and...you know... live happily ever after.
A fresh mashup of fairytales and Greek mythology, this slow burn gothic romance will thrill readers with its twists and turns, and one headstrong heroine at the helm!
NOTE: A SONG IN THE NIGHT contains the first three episodes of the TEMPTED KINGDOM serial, and reads as a continuous full-length novel.
When vagabond and criminal-on-the run Saylor Greyson boards a bus to Los Angeles, she doesn’t expect to crash land in a coffin in a world she thought only existed in the pages of fairytales. A world of astonishing magic, deadly curses, and a vast kingdom… that’s all hers. She just can't remember it.
It turns out that everything Saylor has ever known was an elaborate dream– except for her knack for seduction, the illicit power that sent her running in the first place.
With time running out, Saylor will need the help of her not one, but five super hot watchmen…. watchmen with questionable loyalties who are conveniently immune to her siren superpowers. Each of these men may have had a part to play in the dream of the life she knew, and Saylor suspects that tangling with them might be the only way to untangle her fabricated identity from the one she must remember if she hopes to break her curse, escape the tower, and...you know... live happily ever after.
A fresh mashup of fairytales and Greek mythology, this slow burn gothic romance will thrill readers with its twists and turns, and one headstrong heroine at the helm!
NOTE: A SONG IN THE NIGHT contains the first three episodes of the TEMPTED KINGDOM serial, and reads as a continuous full-length novel.
- GenresFantasyParanormal
416 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 10, 2018
49 people are currently reading
160 people want to read
About the author
Jessa Lucas
9 books30 followersHey y'all! I'm Jessa Lucas, the author of spirited (and sometimes snarky) new and young adult fantasy. I currently pass my time writing about spunky wayward witches.
When not writing, my favorite pastimes are playing fetch with my cats, falling for bad boys and regretting it, and running away to Paris whenever funds allow.
Be kind & stay spooky!
When not writing, my favorite pastimes are playing fetch with my cats, falling for bad boys and regretting it, and running away to Paris whenever funds allow.
Be kind & stay spooky!
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
November 30, 2018
This book is a beautiful web of love, mystery, sorrow and discovery. The writing was so intricate that I was lost in the story from the very first pages. I found myself immersed in the world of Saylorabel Gathrul and I never wanted out. The character development was absolutely phenomenal that I grew to love them all. I will be waiting expectantly for the next book.
November 9, 2018
A Song in the Night is an intriguing mix of elements from Snow White, Rapunzel, and Sleeping Beauty all wrapped into one creative new story.
After waking from an enchanted sleep, Saylora has to deal with some news that would make anyone doubt their sanity:
- She's a siren...and more
- She's a princess
- She's been imprisoned in this tower by the Evil Queen
- She has two weeks to break the curse and escape the tower, or she'll be doomed back into the enchanted sleep, and her five handsome guards? They'll be f*cked too (and not in a fun way)
A Song in the Night is the kind of book that you need to stick with. There are questions at the beginning and throughout the story, and there's no easy, immediate answer. When Saylora wakes up, she has no memories of her life before- of the kingdom, of the Queen, and especially not of her relationship (or lack thereof) with the handsome guards who are stuck in the tower with her.
This means that she's got a lot to make up for to find her footing in this "new" world and in figuring out the dynamics with each of the guys. I think it's partially made easier by the fact that they're trapped in the tower. The story is very much character-driven because it's about Saylor figuring out who she is, what she's capable of, and especially, what she wants. If you're looking for a story that travels across vast seas or through foreign lands, we're not quite there YET. Despite this, the story kept me engaged the whole time.
Saylor is a batch of contradictions. She's a temptress but reluctant at the same time. She's powerful, but also powerless because she's starting at the basics of understanding what she can do. She's street smart but so ignorant of her new surroundings. Really, she does intrigue me. There's so much going on with her that she comes off as a bit temperamental, but A Song in the Night covers such a short period of time that we're really seeing Saylor in the days where she has to adjust to learning the entire life she knew was a lie. I'm really excited to see what she becomes when she gets more settled.
The men are still a bit of a mystery; they're definitely not big on sharing details about themselves, but you do slowly learn more about each of them as Saylor spends time with them and asks questions. What I most want to know is what their connections to her were like before she went into the sleep, but I think it makes sense that they're not overwhelming her by pressing their history onto her. There's some variety in personality: the *sshole guy, the smart one, the flirt, the easygoing guy, etc.
It seems like they didn't always fill these roles though, which leaves a lot of potential for life to get complicated later as they struggle to find their new connections to a different Saylor than the one they remember.
Overall, I'd give A Song in the Night a 3.5, but I'll round up the stars since Amazon won't allow halves. The world was unique enough that it stands on its own, the characters are likable (even Gilles, the *sshole), and there's enough curiosity that I'd like to see what happens next. The burn is slow; there's a little flirtation, a little playing, so it's not totally devoid of romance, but this is DEFINITELY not an immediate sex scenario, so be prepared to show some patience.
After waking from an enchanted sleep, Saylora has to deal with some news that would make anyone doubt their sanity:
- She's a siren...and more
- She's a princess
- She's been imprisoned in this tower by the Evil Queen
- She has two weeks to break the curse and escape the tower, or she'll be doomed back into the enchanted sleep, and her five handsome guards? They'll be f*cked too (and not in a fun way)
A Song in the Night is the kind of book that you need to stick with. There are questions at the beginning and throughout the story, and there's no easy, immediate answer. When Saylora wakes up, she has no memories of her life before- of the kingdom, of the Queen, and especially not of her relationship (or lack thereof) with the handsome guards who are stuck in the tower with her.
This means that she's got a lot to make up for to find her footing in this "new" world and in figuring out the dynamics with each of the guys. I think it's partially made easier by the fact that they're trapped in the tower. The story is very much character-driven because it's about Saylor figuring out who she is, what she's capable of, and especially, what she wants. If you're looking for a story that travels across vast seas or through foreign lands, we're not quite there YET. Despite this, the story kept me engaged the whole time.
Saylor is a batch of contradictions. She's a temptress but reluctant at the same time. She's powerful, but also powerless because she's starting at the basics of understanding what she can do. She's street smart but so ignorant of her new surroundings. Really, she does intrigue me. There's so much going on with her that she comes off as a bit temperamental, but A Song in the Night covers such a short period of time that we're really seeing Saylor in the days where she has to adjust to learning the entire life she knew was a lie. I'm really excited to see what she becomes when she gets more settled.
The men are still a bit of a mystery; they're definitely not big on sharing details about themselves, but you do slowly learn more about each of them as Saylor spends time with them and asks questions. What I most want to know is what their connections to her were like before she went into the sleep, but I think it makes sense that they're not overwhelming her by pressing their history onto her. There's some variety in personality: the *sshole guy, the smart one, the flirt, the easygoing guy, etc.
It seems like they didn't always fill these roles though, which leaves a lot of potential for life to get complicated later as they struggle to find their new connections to a different Saylor than the one they remember.
Overall, I'd give A Song in the Night a 3.5, but I'll round up the stars since Amazon won't allow halves. The world was unique enough that it stands on its own, the characters are likable (even Gilles, the *sshole), and there's enough curiosity that I'd like to see what happens next. The burn is slow; there's a little flirtation, a little playing, so it's not totally devoid of romance, but this is DEFINITELY not an immediate sex scenario, so be prepared to show some patience.
August 20, 2018
A Song In The Night is a poetic mismatch of different fairytales with a new and unique twist. With hints of many of the Brothers Grimm/Disney fairytales, such as Rapunzel, Snow White, Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty and more, this RH always promised to be interesting; and the world that Lucas has created certainly keeps you enraptured.
Saylor is no wallflower. She is headstrong and determined and certainly not willing to be pushed around by anyone. Saylor’s confusion in regards to what is happening to her and her life is well written; the obvious swings in emotion reflects what is happening to her and the pressure she suddenly finds herself under. The men are all enigmas, with both their loyalties and personalities being made known to the reader as Saylor discovers them for herself.
Lucas’ writing is a work of art. Her style of writing has a mature feel and is quite unique in the RH genre. The world building and characters are strong and you are taken on an emotional journey while Saylor traverses her memories and dreams. There is a running theme of dreamscapes and flashbacks throughout the book but this helps establish the story.
While there is no explicit steamy scenes as such, this is by no means a YA book. With a dark undertone of abuse and mature content, this RH is best for those who are a little more experienced. There is a definitive story arc to this first novel but many things are left open and the ending is a little bit of a cliffhanger. I really enjoyed A Song In The Night, so much so that it has gone into my FAVOURITES folder, and I look forward to reading more by this author.
Saylor is no wallflower. She is headstrong and determined and certainly not willing to be pushed around by anyone. Saylor’s confusion in regards to what is happening to her and her life is well written; the obvious swings in emotion reflects what is happening to her and the pressure she suddenly finds herself under. The men are all enigmas, with both their loyalties and personalities being made known to the reader as Saylor discovers them for herself.
Lucas’ writing is a work of art. Her style of writing has a mature feel and is quite unique in the RH genre. The world building and characters are strong and you are taken on an emotional journey while Saylor traverses her memories and dreams. There is a running theme of dreamscapes and flashbacks throughout the book but this helps establish the story.
While there is no explicit steamy scenes as such, this is by no means a YA book. With a dark undertone of abuse and mature content, this RH is best for those who are a little more experienced. There is a definitive story arc to this first novel but many things are left open and the ending is a little bit of a cliffhanger. I really enjoyed A Song In The Night, so much so that it has gone into my FAVOURITES folder, and I look forward to reading more by this author.
December 4, 2018
Saylor has always been on the run; from her abusive father and his friend, from committing arson and an accidental murder.
So imagine her surprise when she woke up from a bus accident to inside a glass coffin and found out that she was a princess and an heir to a kingdom. Yeah, right.
But as she continues to live with the five watchmen sworn to protect her, she discovered that most of her life on Earth was an elaborate lie. Now she was given the most important task; break the evil curse on herself and her men within two weeks, overthrow the Evil Queen mastermind and take her rightful place on the throne. If only it was that easy with a traitor right in their midst.
What I really like about this book was the amount of narrative placed on fleshing out the characters and the story itself. Saylor is one snarky character that I could relate to and even when she was struggling to find her truth, I could definitely feel her anxiety. There were some references to our favorite fairytales in connection with the story that I found entertaining. You have believable characters that you couldn’t help but love even Gilles (I heart him by the way). The mystery though is killing me. Like-guys-enough- with-the-mystery-and-secrets-so-we-can-move-on-to-help-Saylor-defeat-the-Evil-Queen kind of thing. However, this makes me more eager to read the next installment to know more of this world and what kind of shenanigans Saylor will get into.
So imagine her surprise when she woke up from a bus accident to inside a glass coffin and found out that she was a princess and an heir to a kingdom. Yeah, right.
But as she continues to live with the five watchmen sworn to protect her, she discovered that most of her life on Earth was an elaborate lie. Now she was given the most important task; break the evil curse on herself and her men within two weeks, overthrow the Evil Queen mastermind and take her rightful place on the throne. If only it was that easy with a traitor right in their midst.
What I really like about this book was the amount of narrative placed on fleshing out the characters and the story itself. Saylor is one snarky character that I could relate to and even when she was struggling to find her truth, I could definitely feel her anxiety. There were some references to our favorite fairytales in connection with the story that I found entertaining. You have believable characters that you couldn’t help but love even Gilles (I heart him by the way). The mystery though is killing me. Like-guys-enough- with-the-mystery-and-secrets-so-we-can-move-on-to-help-Saylor-defeat-the-Evil-Queen kind of thing. However, this makes me more eager to read the next installment to know more of this world and what kind of shenanigans Saylor will get into.
November 11, 2018
I enjoyed the story and will certainly continue with this series. It took me a bit to get into the story as it straddled two worlds. The further I got into the story the more is revealed about sera’s life and how she behaves towards the watchmen, keeping in mind that they share very little information with her apart from one is a traitor, but so far no hint to who he is. She slowly begins to unravel truth from lies that she has spent 50 years believing and needs to fall in love to be free from the curse along with 5 men and take back her stolen kingdom. For me it was a slow warming up to the story. Still enjoyed it thoroughly.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 13, 2018
I liked it
This story has a lot going for it, and is well written.
I'm not a big fan of dream landscapes, and flashbacks however, and there is a lot of that in this book. I get what the author is moving toward though, and I think it'll pay off in the next hook! I'd also like to see more of Saylors actual Siren, not just the description of her, and her abilities.
I like the mystery aspects of this story, as well as the men, who were great!
Looking forward to exploring more of both in the next book!
This story has a lot going for it, and is well written.
I'm not a big fan of dream landscapes, and flashbacks however, and there is a lot of that in this book. I get what the author is moving toward though, and I think it'll pay off in the next hook! I'd also like to see more of Saylors actual Siren, not just the description of her, and her abilities.
I like the mystery aspects of this story, as well as the men, who were great!
Looking forward to exploring more of both in the next book!
November 16, 2018
A siren trapped in a dream weaved by the Grimms, 5 watchmen waiting for her to awaken.
She awakes in a glass blown coffin meant to keep her trapped while she was stuck in the grimms nightmare.
Her view is blocked by 5 handsome men desperately trying to set her free...
The curse on the tower must be lifted in order for Saylor and her 5 watchmen to survive. The only problem is that Saylor must fall in love and be loved in turn by men who aren’t susceptible to her siren call.
Will Saylor and her men survive her step mothers curse and will the traitor in their mist be found
She awakes in a glass blown coffin meant to keep her trapped while she was stuck in the grimms nightmare.
Her view is blocked by 5 handsome men desperately trying to set her free...
The curse on the tower must be lifted in order for Saylor and her 5 watchmen to survive. The only problem is that Saylor must fall in love and be loved in turn by men who aren’t susceptible to her siren call.
Will Saylor and her men survive her step mothers curse and will the traitor in their mist be found
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 2, 2020
Damn, another unexpected treat. I've been trudging my way through a whole bunch of reverse harem type books lately – some more dire than others, some even pretty decent. But I kind of learned not to expect *too* much, you know?
Even so, I'm by nature and design a pretty critical reader – so it was actually something of a relief how much I enjoyed this. It was thoughtful, layered and very well written. An better yet, managed to avoid (or at least subvert) pretty much all of my most abhorred tropes of the genre. Good job Ms. Lucas.
Even so, I'm by nature and design a pretty critical reader – so it was actually something of a relief how much I enjoyed this. It was thoughtful, layered and very well written. An better yet, managed to avoid (or at least subvert) pretty much all of my most abhorred tropes of the genre. Good job Ms. Lucas.
December 4, 2018
Saylor finds herself trapped and doesn't know what it real or what is a nightmare. The life she thought she lived is who made her into the woman she is now but the life she was supposed to have is coming at her full force. Luckily she has 5 watchmen with her. Some who are not so nice and some who are too understanding. Let's not forget the wicked stepmother! Steam 2/10 * Sweet 5/10 * RH * 1st POV * Cliffhanger
September 30, 2018
Need more
This was great. So different than other books and Saylor is tempting but raw in her feelings and powers. The setting of the tower is perfect and even I began to forget her time in Earth. I look forward to finding out the truth of what happened on the ship and about all their lives!
This was great. So different than other books and Saylor is tempting but raw in her feelings and powers. The setting of the tower is perfect and even I began to forget her time in Earth. I look forward to finding out the truth of what happened on the ship and about all their lives!
November 13, 2018
Saylor is the female lead character of this very mish mashed fairytale story. It is truly different from any other fairytale retelling that I have ever read. Its several different retellings meshed into one story. So just when you think you know, you really don't know. Saylor is very complex . She must find a traitor, but not being able to trust her self? That's going to be the test.
November 30, 2018
Overall this is a really good story. But for me the only problem was that it was a bit slow and dragged a lot in places. So I had a hard time getting through it. I even put it down and read another book them came back to this one. Once I finished reading I did think that the story was a good one. Just a bit to slow paced for me.
June 8, 2019
Surprisingly wonderful
I had very mixed feelings about this book from. The description, and even the beginning I was wondering how.... Engaging? Enchanting? It could be. But it was very much so. The characters grow on you with each page and the plot becomes more enticing.. can't wait to read more.
I had very mixed feelings about this book from. The description, and even the beginning I was wondering how.... Engaging? Enchanting? It could be. But it was very much so. The characters grow on you with each page and the plot becomes more enticing.. can't wait to read more.
September 25, 2018
I’m a huge fan of fantasy, romance, and strong female leads and this one has got it all! Strong world-building up front, leading to an ending that leaves you wanting more, with a whole lot of sexual tension packed in between. I can’t wait to see what happens next with Saylor and her watchmen!
November 9, 2018
Please, may I have some more.
The characters, the writing, the plot everything was flawless. I love the twists and turns and Saylor and the guys and the intrigue. Please. I need more.
The characters, the writing, the plot everything was flawless. I love the twists and turns and Saylor and the guys and the intrigue. Please. I need more.
November 9, 2018
I greatly enjoyed this book.
It was compelling and, at times, a little heart wrenching. The story line is great and the characters are flawed and beautiful. Absolutely worth reading.
It was compelling and, at times, a little heart wrenching. The story line is great and the characters are flawed and beautiful. Absolutely worth reading.
November 14, 2018
Unexpectedly wowed!
Unexpectedly wowed! I won't lie the first couple of pages I was asking myself what was going on! The more I read the harder it was to put down....the ending was definitely unexpected and leaving me wanting the second book!
Unexpectedly wowed! I won't lie the first couple of pages I was asking myself what was going on! The more I read the harder it was to put down....the ending was definitely unexpected and leaving me wanting the second book!
November 19, 2018
Sucks you in deep!
I can’t wait to read the next book. Believable Saylor and her men...well written, so much depth and struggle to be oneself. If you enjoy the not so normal this is a must read...
I can’t wait to read the next book. Believable Saylor and her men...well written, so much depth and struggle to be oneself. If you enjoy the not so normal this is a must read...
November 29, 2018
**Read in Kindle Unlimited**
This is the first book that I have read by this author. The characters and world building are great and pull you in. This book pulled at all the feels and I can not wait to read the next one in the series.
This is the first book that I have read by this author. The characters and world building are great and pull you in. This book pulled at all the feels and I can not wait to read the next one in the series.
January 18, 2019
AMAZING
I could not put this book down!!! I have gone back and reread the book. I keep hoping the second one will come out sooner than it’s supposed to but what can I say? It is that good!!
I could not put this book down!!! I have gone back and reread the book. I keep hoping the second one will come out sooner than it’s supposed to but what can I say? It is that good!!
January 23, 2019
Unexpected find
I stumbled onto this book on accident and I’m so happy that I did! It had a new twist to the story that I haven’t read before and I absolutely loved it. I can’t wait to read more about these characters!
I stumbled onto this book on accident and I’m so happy that I did! It had a new twist to the story that I haven’t read before and I absolutely loved it. I can’t wait to read more about these characters!
August 16, 2018
Love!
This was an amazing book. I love Saylor, and the world the author built. Definitely worth a read or more!
This was an amazing book. I love Saylor, and the world the author built. Definitely worth a read or more!
August 19, 2018
Looking forward
To the rest of the story. I'm really enjoying the characters. Especially having a strong lead. Lead on Saylor. I'm with ya.
To the rest of the story. I'm really enjoying the characters. Especially having a strong lead. Lead on Saylor. I'm with ya.
November 9, 2018
Was not expecting this
I was not expecting this book to be as good as it was. I seriously need more and need more now! You definitely want to read this book, it was so amazing!
I was not expecting this book to be as good as it was. I seriously need more and need more now! You definitely want to read this book, it was so amazing!
November 9, 2018
Siren
Good book. I can't wait for the next book to continue Saylor's story. This book definitely has some turns that you aren't expecting.
Good book. I can't wait for the next book to continue Saylor's story. This book definitely has some turns that you aren't expecting.
November 29, 2018
Good story
This is a good story. It has a nice way of being different from other fantasy rh novels. It mixes RH, fantasy, and mystery in a nice unique way.
This is a good story. It has a nice way of being different from other fantasy rh novels. It mixes RH, fantasy, and mystery in a nice unique way.
December 7, 2018
Never before have I come across a storyline that so expertly weaved a fine line between reality and fantasy. And as a reverse harem, no less! This book is seriously within my top 5 books with a fairytale twist. Every aspect is expertly crafted and oh my gosh I am so in love with Saylor! She is the ideal heroine: flawed but fiercely determined. I love love love her!
I am fervently waiting for the next book in this seriously epic tale!
I am fervently waiting for the next book in this seriously epic tale!
November 14, 2018
Really enjoyed this book loved the story line.
If you enjoy a slow burn R/H then you will definitely enjoy this series
If you enjoy a slow burn R/H then you will definitely enjoy this series
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews