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Court of Bones and Ash #1

Fae King's Temptation

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He's a Fae king with everything to lose.
She's the human outlaw who can bring him down.

For three hundred years, the four kingdoms have watched me from afar, anticipating the day I succumb to the bloodlust that once ruled my ancestors. Now a human woman has crossed into my borders.

Fae law dictates I kill her. But she's not just any human.

She's my fated mate.

Is this my destiny, or a clever trap? Only time will tell, but either way, I’m cursed.

Publisher's Note: Fae King's Temptation is book one in the Court of Bones and Ash series, a M/F romantic fantasy with steamy scenes between one growly fae king and his fated mate. The first four books must be read in order. But beware. Cliffhangers abound. If vertical drops make you dizzy, it may be best to wait until Rogar's story is complete.

191 pages, ebook

First published March 26, 2020

932 people are currently reading
1995 people want to read

About the author

Layla Harper

13 books45 followers
Layla Harper loves all things mythical, including arrogant dragons and the furry beasts who rule her cave. She (and her minions) live in lovely New England where she spends her time tackling domestic trials while dreaming up her next swashbuckling adventure.

www.laylaharper.com
https://www.facebook.com/laylaharpera...

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5 stars
318 (31%)
4 stars
295 (29%)
3 stars
279 (27%)
2 stars
72 (7%)
1 star
38 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
Profile Image for Mikky.
972 reviews275 followers
June 29, 2020
Originally posted at:


I picked this book up on a whim. The quarantine has been doing strange things to my reading habits. Then again maybe I'm in a strange mood due to the quarantine. Overall, I was pleasantly surprised by how much I liked this book! The writing was good though stilted at times and the overall pacing, though slow, helped the developing story tremendously.

I liked Kyra's spunk and how she liked to help the people around her. The moments of witty comebacks and flirty remarks between her and Rogar were very sweet to witness. I liked that she's fighting the lust for Rogar and also maintaining her backbone by standing up to him.

Rogar comes off as this gruff, huge mammoth of a guy but he has a soft and caring side to him when it comes to Kyra. She represents something that he never thought would happen to him and he appreciates it so much. I liked that he didn't force himself on her and that he didn't act like an arrogant and superior being compared to her. He was taking things very slow especially considering the circumstances they found themselves in.

I knew there was going to be something fishy towards the end. With the number of pages that were left by the last few chapters and the way the story was going, I could smell a BIG cliffhanger coming from a mile away. Though because it didn't catch me off-guard I didn't mind it as much. I'm looking forward to the next book in this series so I can find out what happens next!

As a note/suggestion, I would love for this book/series to have a glossary of terms with definitions and pronunciations. If I'm dreaming big maybe even a map of the world the author is creating and will be expanding on in future novels.

My Favorite Quotes:

"Murder is not the answer my friend. History has taught us this lesson."

"I may be at a disadvantage in your world, but I'm not stupid."

"Walking around all starry-eyed will get me killed."
Profile Image for Aaron.
484 reviews2 followers
April 25, 2020
So far a good story. I like strong female characters who think before they act.
I hope she realizes that they don't have condoms where she is at. Consequences
And all that. I hope she will be able to find the most again. The ending definitely
made it so I have to read the next one to find out what happens next...
Profile Image for My Bookish Delights.
889 reviews43 followers
August 11, 2021
Heat Level: Low (but some good sexual tension)

Well this was a pleasant surprise! I just picked it up on a whim and even though it's only 170 pages (the extra 20 or so pages is like samples, etc) I really enjoyed the world and the characters. That's pretty impressive, especially since I have a hard time connecting with books under 300 pages.

The world is interesting, the plot is mysterious, the characters have the potential to become favorites. I look forward to continuing this series.

CAWPILE Score: 8.57 = 4.75 stars
Characters: 9
Atmosphere: 8
Writing: 9
Plot: 8
Intrigue: 9
Logic: 8
Enjoyment: 9
Profile Image for Farah.
398 reviews258 followers
December 31, 2023
Got this book during Stuff Your Kindle Day and decided to give it a try since I was interested in. I enjoyed the plot however it was way too short and I felt like book 1 wasn’t complete. Should have been at least 350-400 pages especially with how extensive the world is.

Sadly the ending did not motivate me enough to continue the series. It’s like the book ended in the middle of the story and i have to say not in a good cliffhanger.

Profile Image for Evelyn Torres.
373 reviews18 followers
September 25, 2020
What...

I wasn’t too sure about this story. Specially when it started our describing WoW. But this was well done and I loved it. Hot sexy man and all. Not a dull moment.
Profile Image for Karen Voitik.
3,219 reviews
May 13, 2020
>Book Review – Fae King’s Temptation
>I am an independent reviewer. This book is the 1st in the Court of Bones and Ash and ends in a cliffhanger. Kyra falls through a portal in to a new realm. She is immediately captured and saved by a huge Orc, named Rogar. Rogar is king of the Orcs. Fated mates have faded throughout the centuries, but he feels the bond when he sees Kyra. Kyra is unaware of any bond, but is very attracted to Rogar. I love that the story doesn’t just have these two characters jump at each other. They both are unsure of their attraction and act realistically.
>Rogar and his second, Gauron have a strong bond, based in love and respect. Their banter is a source of humor that humanizes the orcs. The backstory of the orcs and their realm is revealed slowly, but in a fairly easy way. There are a lot of political machinations, but the author does a good job of not making any of it boring.
>The magic and uniqueness of the realm are described beautifully. I love how protective Rogar is towards Kyra. Their relationship is a nice slow burn and fairly “G” rated in this book. This book is appropriate for an adult audience. I am giving this story 5 stars.
Profile Image for Nicki Heiman.
212 reviews2 followers
October 28, 2020
Good draft

I really like the ideas here but it needs more work then a couple months. You can’t skip the editor phase, a good editor could really make this great.
1. The language regularly changes
2. The number of horses fluctuates
3. Several large plot holes and plot conveniences
4. The plot device to bridge the language barrier has several issues that change throughout the story
5. The author will say the character is something, like angry but then doesn’t give us reasons for that emotion and doesn’t back up that statement with the actions
TLDR:
Just get a real editor please.

There were several parts that I personally found frustrating, like the fl was asking the ml questions, he answered all her questions and was like we gotta go, being hunted and suddenly she’s super pissed at him, why?
She took archery for a couple weeks over 8 years ago so that makes her proficient? What?
At one point the ml is answering more of her questions about the different species and tells her that he’s an orc. Everything so far she has bought but this can’t be true because he’s not green and she’s read lord of the rings AND played Warcraft so he must be lying. .... What? How did this argument make any sense? Why is this the one thing she’s like NOPE! Not true! The orcs in lotr aren’t green at all and the ones in Warcraft are originally brown until they are corrupted by fel magic which turns them green. Idk man. Weird.
There are a lot of misconceptions and miscommunications that I found frustrating. If a large plot point relies on your characters not communicating with each other you need to work on those points because they are weakening your story. Of course you can work this in well where it makes sense and there are a few that genuinely make sense with the situation but more that don’t.

Overall the story is fine. If you’re looking for a quick low fantasy read with some romance you’ll enjoy it. Very few spelling and grammatical errors.
725 reviews7 followers
March 7, 2024
I thought the book was above average in the originality department, considering it’s a fated mates fae romance. There’s the obligatory super-massive hunky 500-year-old MMC and working-class early-twenties brunette FMC. Of course, he knows they’re mates but isn’t going to tell her until some pivotal point in the story—which doesn’t happen in this book.

The blurb at the beginning explains that the book was originally serialized and ends on a cliffhanger, but it doesn’t just end on any old cliffhanger—there’s no resolution at all. To any of the story arcs. So basically it’s an unfinished book that warns you that it’s unfinished, as if that absolves it. It doesn’t. Look, if your book has to undergo a massive formatting change, a conclusion that works for a serial isn’t necessarily going to work for a novel, and you need to either break the story up differently or just combine them. This ending ain’t it.

What I liked about the novel was the lore; I was intrigued by the backstory of the orcs and wanted to know more about their I wanted to know how FMC is involved and I wonder if there’s more to her parents than meets the eye, given she grew up in foster care, is the fated mate of a creature from a team up which she does not originate, and because

The attraction between the MCs seems to be right now mostly physical; I can’t really see what they have in common. It might get better later on, idk.

I think I’ll read the rest of the series, in spite of my sourness about the ending-not-ending issue.
Profile Image for Missie Jones.
217 reviews2 followers
June 28, 2020
One Of The Best Fae books I've read In Forever!

Wow. This author has a way of story telling that yanks you in and the next thing you know it's the last page. I didn't want to put this book down. There's no insta love (thank God). It's a slow burn (my favorite)

The lead male is Rogar . He's Orc/Fae, a far King and perfect. Strong, handsome, with a good heart but still kicks butt. The female lead is Kyra. She's human, yet she's strong, smart and sassy. Even though she's 21 she's not whiney (I despise a whiney, woe with me youngin). Their relationship is fated mates, but only he knows, but is fighting it. It makes for an amazing adventure as he tries to protect her because humans are forbidden in their world.

The world building in great. I feel like I'm in another world right along with them on their journey. I've laughed, been shocked and yelled a few times so loud my family thought I was nuts lmbo. This is the kind of book you definitely want to read to get lost. It does leave off on a cliff hanger, but ...I loved it! I can't wait to read the next book in this continuing series.

I highly Recommend
Adult Read (Slow building, steamy Adult situations)
Profile Image for Alex Lowe.
179 reviews
February 10, 2024
I embarked on tackling my Kindle TBR list and stumbled upon this book, obtained during a "Stuff Your Kindle" event. It appears the series is complete. Juggling life as a mother of three, along with everyday commitments, I managed to finish it in approximately five hours over five days.

My impression of the book is mixed. While I found it enjoyable, it didn't quite captivate me as I had anticipated. The characters and the overall concept intrigued me, leaning towards an introductory piece focused more on character development than on major plot events. I particularly enjoyed the banter between the main female and male characters.

However, I encountered some difficulty in comprehending the depiction of Rogar, an Orc resembling a "black-haired Legolas." My mind kept reverting to the Orcs from World of Warcraft, a comparison amusingly mentioned by the main female character. The book evoked Lord of the Rings vibes, intertwined with romance elements, making the world-building and the plethora of names and places described somewhat bewildering.

Despite these challenges, I am inclined to read the next installment to explore the story further, although I didn't feel an immediate urge to start it right after finishing this one.
Profile Image for Book Keeper.
315 reviews
October 9, 2020
This was an unexpected find. Not a bad story concept or execution. The most difficult part for me? Trying to imagine someone other than the Lord of the Rings Orc as Rogar. I'm sorry, I'm like Kyra in this. You say "Orc" and I'm picturing a nasty, ugly MoFo. Let me tell you, it is hard to stomach a sexy time with THAT face looking down at you, good gracious.

Other than that little mental, "down the rabbit hole" it wasn't too bad. This was my first time reading from this author (that I can remember) and it pretty good. Witty banter, flirting-- a little cheesy at times-- but not too over the top. Kyra is a pretty realistic heroine and Rogar is your typical fated-mate-insta-bond. He seems more clingy than her, but I kind of liked that.

What I didn't like, is Kyra starting to become a typical female trope by the end there. No need for that! Please keep her level headed and not emotionally wishy washy!

All in all, fairly entertaining if your imagination doesn't turn against you (like mine did). It took a bit to get her back on track. Lol I think I will be checking out the next book, it could get better or worse... A little nervous, but I will give it a shot!
415 reviews
May 29, 2022
quick ending
Read on kindle- pretty short overall. The intro was about a human waking up in a fae realm, running from fae, which I normally like.

Key words: fae, human, kingdom, multiple worlds, romance,

Characters-
kyra, parents died young, struggling through college, bar tendering. Out for a run and goes though a portal gate into the far realm.
Regina- half orc half elf. Parent diedZ raised in autumn court by elf’s. King of his orc kingdom.
Gederon- second in conmand, orc, light hearted, funny.
Ari9ol- elf, his cousin, shaman, something is up with her. She doesn’t trust kyra, but I think she is the one up to something bad.

They are running from the wild hunt to protect her. The have to travel through the forest, there is a fog that protects her, vampire ladies, goblins.

At the end, an illusionist fae get them and it’s lights out for her.

They are mid battle… then everything goes dark. Not even really a cliffhanger. Just the end of a sentence. Lol.

But I loved the story so far! Onto the next book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Nerida.
184 reviews1 follower
January 19, 2025
Ma'am he literally says, "I'm not fae, I'm an orc" (my paraphrase), so why is it called The Fae King's Temptation? Surely it should be The Orc King's Temptation? No? Anyway. Good setup, massive cliffhanger at the end (as warned).

Rogar is the classic "she's my mate but this is a terrible idea so I'll stay away from her" guy, setting up a forbidden romance trope. I did like the way this made him constantly moody - you know, sometimes blissfully happy because he's found his mate, sometimes absolutely terrified for her safety, always possessive, occasionally adorably flirty.
Kyra is a typical college student, struggling to fit into this strange fantasy world she's landed in. I suspect she's so fearless because she's actually somewhat disassociating from events. Tracks. What I don't get is why she's so keen to get back home. As far as I can tell, she has approximately 2 friends who would worry, debt, and a potential summer internship there (Earth), and a possessive hot guy and a whole lot of danger here (fantasy land). If you can survive the danger, which you have to do anyway, why bother going back?

My favourite bit was making friends with the sentient forest, even though the locals didn't know that was possible.
6 reviews
June 2, 2024
Nonostante l'autrice avvisi che questo libro ha una fine aperta, devo ammettere che terminando l'ultima pagine sono rimasta a mani vuote più che a bocca aperta. La trama e la storyline non sono male, secondo me dovrebbe essere più completo e descrittivo: dai luoghi che circondano i personaggi, alle loro emozioni, ai vestiti e armi, agli animali e razze; tutto sembra abbozzato grossolanamente. Certo, la serie è lunga e posso capire che magari più avanti si entrerà (spero) nei dettagli di tutto ciò che ho scritto prima, però una delle cose che secondo me è essenziale nei libri fantasy (ma anche in altri generi) sono i piccoli dettagli e le descrizioni: è un mondo che non esiste e non conosciamo, il trucco dell'autore è quello di scolpircelo in testa tramite le parole. Tutto sommato un libro carino.
12 reviews
October 6, 2020
Misleading title | interesting story | extremely short

I'm very frustrated to be enjoying the story even though I was lead to believe this was a story about an "fae" king. He's not a fae king, nobody refers to him as a fae king, he's an orc king. Throughout the book he's called orc king 13 times, and never once fae. There's some details sprinkled around as to why this would make sense basically orcs are unseelie, but that just feels like excuses to cover the lie.

As everyone else I'm sure will mention it's a cliffhanger. Idk if I'll continue the series or not the books are so short, but I hate cliffhangers and the implied 15+ books that these kinds of short stories always end up being.
Profile Image for Sam Walters.
181 reviews2 followers
June 8, 2025
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
“Absolutely spellbinding from page one! Layla Harper weaves a richly atmospheric world where danger and desire collide. Rogar, the stoic and commanding Fae king, grapples with ancient duty and fierce protectiveness when a human outlaw—his fated mate—crosses into his realm. Meanwhile Kyra, a fiery, sharp-witted heroine, refuses to be sidelined, standing her ground and matching Rogar’s growl for growl. Their slow‑burn connection sizzles with tension, and the world‑building is lush and immersive—complete with wild hunts, goblins, fog‑shrouded forests, and searing stakes. The dialogue snaps with wit, the chemistry burns bright, and the cliffhanger left me desperate for book two. A standout romance: steamy, emotional, and utterly compelling.”
44 reviews2 followers
July 15, 2025
Real let down

This was such a slow boring book. I will not be continuing with this series. This was a slow boring book. I actually found myself talking asleep and losing focus a lot. I had to keep re reading paragraphs. At about 60% through I just skimmed to the end and then quit. It has no burn at all. It reads like a sad G rated lord of the rings. No chemistry between characters and the romantic love interest are as sexy and romantic as a ice cube. If I could give zero stars I would. This was a free book, I permanently deleted from my Kindle, won't give it the storage space.
3 reviews
July 9, 2020
Well written but not ended

I enjoyed the rhetoric of the heroin. Things happened quick which was good and disappointing. Kept it exciting but little time for more than a character glimpse for the main players. Very descriptive of the environment which I like. I was very disappointed that the book ended at the climax what would normally be the middle or only 2/3 through in any other story. It is more expensive to purchase the next book to see how the scene ends. In that regards I feel I was baited and I'm resentful of that.
16 reviews
January 28, 2024
Title and description are misleading

Nowhere in the description does it say that the Fae King is an orc. Maybe I haven't read enough in the fantasy genre, but my only frame of reference for orcs came from Lord of the Rings. I had trouble accepting an orc as a hero/love interest. This is book one of a series and there was no resolution. The end of the book reads like just another chapter, ending in a cliffhanger which I suppose is intended to sell the next book. I am not going to waste any more of my time on it.
Profile Image for scarlett.
228 reviews7 followers
May 4, 2025
I wanted to step out of my usual reads and try something different, but this one just didn’t really do it for me. I found myself zoning out and getting confused, but I think it just wasn’t keeping me locked in. It had some cool ideas, especially the mix between the two worlds, and I think other readers might like it more than I did. It ends on a cliffhanger too, so if that’s your thing, it might be worth checking out. Just wasn’t quite right for me.
Profile Image for Natalie.
353 reviews9 followers
May 11, 2025
This has good potential, but next-to-nothing happened.
Kyra transported to the Fae world early on in the book, and then just spent the rest of the book travelling? There was no character development, no chemistry between her and Rogar and no real stakes, apart from the cliffhanger ending, which left me so underwhelmed that I won’t be continuing to read this series.

I unfortunately wouldn’t recommend this book.
Profile Image for Madison Green.
55 reviews4 followers
September 17, 2020
It’s was a good book and the series has potential to be good as well but I just wasn’t drawn in to the story nor was I counting down the minutes until I could read it again. It was a good enough book that I will attempt the rest of the series at some point, but overall while I’d say it’s worth the read, I wouldn’t expect it to go on your shelf as a must read again.
218 reviews5 followers
October 7, 2020
I wanted to hate everything about this, from the generic cover to the fact it's about hot Orc's. But as it was recommended I was sure I would give it a fair shot.

And it absolutely proved me wrong.

This book was funny, engaging and not at all what I had expected. The plot, while using familiar tropes, was surprisingly refreshing. Needless to say, I have now finished the whole series.
Profile Image for Viv.
145 reviews7 followers
November 9, 2020
Enjoyable.

Enjoyable read about about a young women named Kyra who gets transported to a fae realm and triggers " the hunt " as humans are forbidden there!
There she meets Rogar who is the Orc King who aids to help her so she may go home. But he's hiding a secret from Kyra, his second in command and his Shaman which could lead to his ruin!
Profile Image for Yana.
383 reviews1 follower
March 2, 2025
I liked the story, it has potential. However, I can hardly call it a book. A book usually has a beginning, middle, and end. This one ended somewhere in the middle.

Although the story wasn't bad, I have a feeling it will drag on for several books without any resolution and with too much filler. So, I don't plan to continue with this series.
Profile Image for Melanie.
1,521 reviews
September 24, 2020
Ugg I hate cliffhangers but, that will not keep me from reading on in this series. I am hooked in the world that has been created and absolutely love the characters and their interactions with one another.
398 reviews5 followers
October 30, 2020
Awesome

What a delight, a twist of life and death. A different outlook on Orc's. I am a big fan of the under-dog. I recommend this Author and series, you will not be disappointed. This is truly an eye opening experience.
Profile Image for Jinglebelle Jackson.
Author 6 books17 followers
December 5, 2020
I enjoyed this whole series. It was an original approach to Fae King stories and a nice update on my Lord of the Rings impression of Orcs. Loved the warm moments and banter between the characters - especially between Rogar and Kyra.
Profile Image for Pat .
4,150 reviews20 followers
December 22, 2020
What a journey she is on. Gets pulled into another land and meets a king. A hunky one at that. A hunting party is after them and they need to escape. What an adv7this book offers and amazing characters.
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