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True Marks #1
Red Rose Rising
In an instant, she lost everything. He pulled her from the chaos, but he's the enemy.
Zalia's world was destroyed in an instant, her family and kingdom ripped away from her. She survives only because of the mysterious dark prince who saves her. Now she is on the run to save herself and to train to take back what was taken from her. She never expected he would be the one to help train her.
When Zalia turns eighteen, her powers manifest along with strange markings that are identical to the dark prince. It will take courage and opening her heart to love to fulfill the quest she has started.
Zalia's world was destroyed in an instant, her family and kingdom ripped away from her. She survives only because of the mysterious dark prince who saves her. Now she is on the run to save herself and to train to take back what was taken from her. She never expected he would be the one to help train her.
When Zalia turns eighteen, her powers manifest along with strange markings that are identical to the dark prince. It will take courage and opening her heart to love to fulfill the quest she has started.
428 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 13, 2019
427 people are currently reading
752 people want to read
About the author
A.J. Manney
20 books131 followersA. J. Manney lives outside of Philadelphia with her husband and four kids. Some of her favorite things to do include reading, family days, being a pastor's wife, and watching football on Sunday afternoons with her family
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
dnf-lost-interest
June 25, 2020Oh God, what was this? So immature. 😶
Read
May 13, 2023DNF @ 24%
I’m on a roll with the amount of books I DNF’d.
I tried to keep on reading despite its flaws, but I just could not turn another page. The premise was interesting and it could’ve been good if only the writing and dialogue weren’t so immature and cringey :(
I’m on a roll with the amount of books I DNF’d.
I tried to keep on reading despite its flaws, but I just could not turn another page. The premise was interesting and it could’ve been good if only the writing and dialogue weren’t so immature and cringey :(
May 11, 2025
Okay so this was actually really good! I gave it 4/5 because the story had that something. I have such a soft spot for fated mates, but not when they fall in love at first sight thankfully, that didn’t happen here! What I really loved is that he already liked her before knowing she was his mate… like come onnnn that made it 10x more special.
The jealousy?? The protectiveness?? Yes, please! He had that intense, silent “you’re mine” energy and it gave me butterflies more than once.
But let me say this—the way he kept bossing her around?? And she was like, “okay, whatever you want”??? Girl, no. I need a bit more fire from the FMC sometimes. Still sweet, still soft, but don’t just let him say whatever!
But overall I liked it! There was magic, fate, hidden power, and a strong bond that grows slowly. It was clean too, no spice, just emotion and tension and that slow-burn connection I adore.
Tropes:
• Fated mates
• Fantasy royalty
• Hidden powers / chosen one
• Jealous + protective male lead
• Clean romance
• Slow burn
• Forced proximity / training together
The jealousy?? The protectiveness?? Yes, please! He had that intense, silent “you’re mine” energy and it gave me butterflies more than once.
But let me say this—the way he kept bossing her around?? And she was like, “okay, whatever you want”??? Girl, no. I need a bit more fire from the FMC sometimes. Still sweet, still soft, but don’t just let him say whatever!
But overall I liked it! There was magic, fate, hidden power, and a strong bond that grows slowly. It was clean too, no spice, just emotion and tension and that slow-burn connection I adore.
Tropes:
• Fated mates
• Fantasy royalty
• Hidden powers / chosen one
• Jealous + protective male lead
• Clean romance
• Slow burn
• Forced proximity / training together
April 13, 2023
If you like possessive males, this is for you
This book was good. I liked the use of marks: tattoos on Royals that are also on their soul match. The person that completes them and helps control their powers. It doesn't have to be romantic but generally is. It's a cool concept that I enjoyed.
The main characters are okay, although slightly two dimensional, and I didn't really connect with them. If you like super possessive males, you'll like this one. I found it a little cringey, but I'm not crazy about the extent of possession that this book had, but I understand once finding your other half you'll do anything to keep them safe.
I will say they really overuse the question, "How are you feeling?" To the point where I was like find another way to ask this. Ugh. All in all, it's not a bad book, and if the second one is available for free at any point, I'll grab it.
"Our greatest strengths come from our deepest moments of pain. Don’t give up.”
This book was good. I liked the use of marks: tattoos on Royals that are also on their soul match. The person that completes them and helps control their powers. It doesn't have to be romantic but generally is. It's a cool concept that I enjoyed.
The main characters are okay, although slightly two dimensional, and I didn't really connect with them. If you like super possessive males, you'll like this one. I found it a little cringey, but I'm not crazy about the extent of possession that this book had, but I understand once finding your other half you'll do anything to keep them safe.
I will say they really overuse the question, "How are you feeling?" To the point where I was like find another way to ask this. Ugh. All in all, it's not a bad book, and if the second one is available for free at any point, I'll grab it.
"Our greatest strengths come from our deepest moments of pain. Don’t give up.”
December 30, 2021
Totally different than my normal reading genre of biblical, historical, bios, or fiction, but from book one I am hooked!
A. J. Manney writes fantasy with a touch of romance, mystery and suspense.
She has her newest book Defy the Tyrant free to download! Been waiting to read this because each book leaves you thinking what will happen next!
A. J. Manney writes fantasy with a touch of romance, mystery and suspense.
She has her newest book Defy the Tyrant free to download! Been waiting to read this because each book leaves you thinking what will happen next!
May 3, 2024
don’t worry
It starts slow and a little weird but I plowed through the first few chapters and I got hooked. You’ll really like this one!!
It starts slow and a little weird but I plowed through the first few chapters and I got hooked. You’ll really like this one!!
June 20, 2025
2.5 rounded to three. It started off good with this secret hidden in a tower princess coming out of the soundproofed panic room in their castle to find everyone dead. Snuck off to safety, ended up with amusingly awkward crush on literally first guy I’ve ever seen that’s not family or older than my dad, ends with “if you smile or wave at another man, including your guard or family, they’ll be lucky if I only break a few of their bones” super jealous caveman type and her just all “oh I love him. I should really do better about listening to his commands and not having any contact with men even if it’s them checking on me cause I’ve been knocked out or stabbed or something…” she gets angry and tries to stand up for herself (yay!) and the gives in after a single look or sentence every time 🤬🤬🤬 And this is YA. Not adults who should know better, but teens romanticizing toxic controlling bs so their future abusers can have them happy to be completely cutoff when he inevitable looses it as has already almost happened a couple times.
January 21, 2025
Absolutely Fantastic!!
I love this story for so many reasons!! One of the biggest ones is that the FMC is a strong and fierce character because of who she is and her character, not because she was trying to act like a man and just be a b**** to act like she’s powerful as many popular FMCs do. Her strength as a woman is what makes her strong and that is so refreshing to see.
The romance is really well done!! It’s multi layered and you see the couple grow and learn together. Also going back to the above comment, their dynamic was very well executed. He is her protector and loves her fiercely and makes sure that she is prepared and not left defenseless. She is right behind him with her weapon while he is her first line of defense and takes that role very seriously.
Also, any training she has is to enhance the skills she already has and what will serve her and others best. She’s not expected to fight like the men around her, she fights to her strengths and knows what she’s doing.
I love this story for so many reasons!! One of the biggest ones is that the FMC is a strong and fierce character because of who she is and her character, not because she was trying to act like a man and just be a b**** to act like she’s powerful as many popular FMCs do. Her strength as a woman is what makes her strong and that is so refreshing to see.
The romance is really well done!! It’s multi layered and you see the couple grow and learn together. Also going back to the above comment, their dynamic was very well executed. He is her protector and loves her fiercely and makes sure that she is prepared and not left defenseless. She is right behind him with her weapon while he is her first line of defense and takes that role very seriously.
Also, any training she has is to enhance the skills she already has and what will serve her and others best. She’s not expected to fight like the men around her, she fights to her strengths and knows what she’s doing.
April 12, 2024
Did not finish book. Stopped at 25%.
Stilted dialogs, a whole lot of telling (I'm not even sure there was any showing at all), a lot of repetitive lines, and a cast of characters that do nonsensical things.
I'll give one example: The FMC had a traumatic reaction over seeing the guy who was possibly involved in the murder of her family. She verbally explained this, explicitly, to her grandpa and cousin. And what did they do in response? They apologized for even bringing him to meet her at the first place, explained that "the guy" wasn't actually involved at all, and then proceeds to invite the said guy inside, again to meet face to face with FMC - who obviously needs time to make sense of the situation. Who does that?
Stilted dialogs, a whole lot of telling (I'm not even sure there was any showing at all), a lot of repetitive lines, and a cast of characters that do nonsensical things.
I'll give one example: The FMC had a traumatic reaction over seeing the guy who was possibly involved in the murder of her family. She verbally explained this, explicitly, to her grandpa and cousin. And what did they do in response? They apologized for even bringing him to meet her at the first place, explained that "the guy" wasn't actually involved at all, and then proceeds to invite the said guy inside, again to meet face to face with FMC - who obviously needs time to make sense of the situation. Who does that?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 20, 2024
A hidden princess. Not the most intriguing was to begin a book but lets see where it goes. Not many contemporary people identify with princes or princesses unless you Meghan Markle and seriously who wants to be her? None the less I decided to give the book a whirl. Can't say I was spell bound by the main character or the princes . The story was a evil King and a bunch of good princes who all want to help the princess. Bored yet? Yeah, it was dull. Three stars unless you were reading to elementary school children. The good news? The author always keeps it clean limiting love scenes to kissing. Thanks for that.
January 22, 2025
This got DNF’d. The FMC (princess Zalia) and her best friend (a servant named Raven) are cute. They are training to be warriors to take back Zalia’s kingdom after a mad king assassinated her family and took over the kingdom.
The MMC is…problematic. Obsessive, violent, and big Touch Her and Die energy. Zalia is talked over, ordered around, and attacked (by enemy soldiers) constantly.
Comments from the MMC also border on lewd towards his lady love. It’s a pass for me. 2 stars. No typos, wouldn’t recommend.
The MMC is…problematic. Obsessive, violent, and big Touch Her and Die energy. Zalia is talked over, ordered around, and attacked (by enemy soldiers) constantly.
Comments from the MMC also border on lewd towards his lady love. It’s a pass for me. 2 stars. No typos, wouldn’t recommend.
November 16, 2024
2.5 stars
This wasn't bad for a YA novel. I picked it up thinking it was something different. The writing was on target for a YA, secluded immature princess persona was well done. I would consider it a quick, light read without much depth to the characters. I really had no emotional attachment to anything.
This wasn't bad for a YA novel. I picked it up thinking it was something different. The writing was on target for a YA, secluded immature princess persona was well done. I would consider it a quick, light read without much depth to the characters. I really had no emotional attachment to anything.
October 7, 2025
I’m in love with this series!
I can’t wait to read the rest of the books. This one is full of adventure, suspense, and intrigue: will they or won’t they discover their feelings. Tyrannical king, and a sweet grandfatherly king, this book has it all to keep you at the edge of your seat, waiting to read what happens next.
I can’t wait to read the rest of the books. This one is full of adventure, suspense, and intrigue: will they or won’t they discover their feelings. Tyrannical king, and a sweet grandfatherly king, this book has it all to keep you at the edge of your seat, waiting to read what happens next.
December 5, 2025
This book had me hooked. I’m obsessed will be continuing the series. The graveling that the male MMC had to go through to realize that he loved her. Oh it was so perfect and I love how the FMC did not let anything bother her besides a couple of things but the side characters ate it up for me. I ate it up.
January 3, 2024
I really enjoyed this book and im getting ready to read the second in this series! If your looking for erotica you won't find it here. This is a light hearted romance and has a good story line! Made me smile and get teary eyed at times. Magic!
February 16, 2024
Interesting
This is a new genre for me and I’ve got to say I’m here for it. The epilogue made me so sad, but I understand it’s needed for book 2. Excuse me while I go see Beckam find his HEA in the midst of chaos.
This is a new genre for me and I’ve got to say I’m here for it. The epilogue made me so sad, but I understand it’s needed for book 2. Excuse me while I go see Beckam find his HEA in the midst of chaos.
March 13, 2024
A Great Book!
I am quickly becoming a big fan of A.J. Manney. Her writing is emmersive, enchanting, and thrilling. It's refreshing to read a story with just enough romance and just enough action and none of the language.
I am quickly becoming a big fan of A.J. Manney. Her writing is emmersive, enchanting, and thrilling. It's refreshing to read a story with just enough romance and just enough action and none of the language.
March 23, 2024
Another great start to new series!
I really enjoyed these new characters and the storyline. Not real sure that the end had to happen. But then again I am a least amount of characters being killed off kind of girl. Anyway get the books and leave your reviews.
I really enjoyed these new characters and the storyline. Not real sure that the end had to happen. But then again I am a least amount of characters being killed off kind of girl. Anyway get the books and leave your reviews.
April 2, 2024
I like her other books but not this series
I can't get beyond the grammar errors, repetitive words, and the fact that the plot is basically the same as her other books. I returned this series.
I can't get beyond the grammar errors, repetitive words, and the fact that the plot is basically the same as her other books. I returned this series.
October 18, 2024
Fantastic read
This was an action packed read with a hot broody MMC and innocent FLC. The story has a lot of interesting plays and details that will have you devouring this book and wanting the next story to see how it all fits together.
This was an action packed read with a hot broody MMC and innocent FLC. The story has a lot of interesting plays and details that will have you devouring this book and wanting the next story to see how it all fits together.
December 6, 2024
FANTASTIC
I had someone recommend I read this series and wow it absolutely did NOT disappoint!! Very well written and has you in its grasp early on , good luck getting anything done because it’s almost impossible to put down…. Moving on to book 2
I had someone recommend I read this series and wow it absolutely did NOT disappoint!! Very well written and has you in its grasp early on , good luck getting anything done because it’s almost impossible to put down…. Moving on to book 2
July 8, 2025
I wasn’t the big fan of the book as I wasn’t excited about what may happen next ect. However I did love the plot a lot. I recon if I didn’t already read a book similar to this one it might have been alright but because I read a bit similar to this one I didn’t enjoy it as much.
October 18, 2025
Not good..
This was a miss for me. Could not connect to the characters, storyline line, and the heroine was unlikabke. Immature, weak, and pathetic. The servant girl as a side plot and who was an instant friend did not flow . DNF ....
This was a miss for me. Could not connect to the characters, storyline line, and the heroine was unlikabke. Immature, weak, and pathetic. The servant girl as a side plot and who was an instant friend did not flow . DNF ....
October 29, 2025
I enjoyed this book until the end. The last few chapters, frankly, just weren’t realistic to me. The intensity of the relationship between Zaria and Valen was just unbelievable. It ruined the book for me especially when it concluded with such a predictable too tidy ending.
December 9, 2025
DNF @ 21%
I’m not sure how this book has such high reviews. The storyline is there, but I can’t stand the writing. It’s all done in narrative with a slight pov from the fmc, but it’s strange. I also don’t like the fmc and the fast relationship development was unrealistic. Hard pass.
I’m not sure how this book has such high reviews. The storyline is there, but I can’t stand the writing. It’s all done in narrative with a slight pov from the fmc, but it’s strange. I also don’t like the fmc and the fast relationship development was unrealistic. Hard pass.
March 19, 2021
Good book and characters
March 24, 2021
An okay story but
poorly written.
I'm a silver adult. I do read YA fantasy, but some is too immature, this book was borderline.
I'm going to give the second book a try ...
poorly written.
I'm a silver adult. I do read YA fantasy, but some is too immature, this book was borderline.
I'm going to give the second book a try ...
January 9, 2022
Brilliant fantasy story
Brilliant fantasy story.
I enjoyed how the characters developed. Read 60% in one go 🙈 a very late night!
Look forward to reading the next instalment.
Brilliant fantasy story.
I enjoyed how the characters developed. Read 60% in one go 🙈 a very late night!
Look forward to reading the next instalment.
January 13, 2023
Wonderful read
What a great read. Would recommend this book, full of action, love and adventure. Loved it and can't wait to read the next book in the series.
What a great read. Would recommend this book, full of action, love and adventure. Loved it and can't wait to read the next book in the series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews