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A Wicked Trilogy #3.5-3.7
The Summer King Bundle: The Prince / The King / The Queen
From #1 New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Jennifer L. Armentrout comes The Summer King Bundle…
THE PRINCE
She’s everything he wants….
Cold. Heartless. Deadly. Whispers of his name alone bring fear to fae and mortals alike. The Prince. There is nothing in the mortal world more dangerous than him. Haunted by a past he couldn’t control, all Caden desires is revenge against those who’d wronged him, trapping him in never-ending nightmare. And there is one person he knows can help him.
She’s everything he can’t have…
Raised within the Order, Brighton Jussier knows just how dangerous the Prince is, reformed or not. She’d seen firsthand what atrocities he could be capable of. The last thing she wants to do is help him, but he leaves her little choice. Forced to work alongside him, she begins to see the man under the bitter ice. Yearning for him feels like the definition of insanity, but there’s no denying the heat in his touch and the wicked promise is his stare.
She’s everything he’ll take….
But there’s someone out there who wants to return the Prince to his former self. A walking, breathing nightmare that is hell bent on destroying the world and everyone close to him. The last thing either of them needs is a distraction, but with the attraction growing between them each now, the one thing he wants more than anything may be the one thing that will be his undoing.
She’s everything he’d die for….
THE KING
As Caden and Brighton's attraction grows despite the odds stacked against a happily ever after, they must work together to stop an Ancient fae from releasing the Queen, who wants nothing more than to see Caden become the evil Prince once feared by fae and mortals alike.
THE QUEEN
The King must have his Queen....
Bestowed the forbidden Summer’s Kiss by the King of the Summer fae, Brighton Jussier is no longer just human. What she is, what she will become, no one knows for sure, but that isn’t her biggest concern at the moment. Now Caden, the King, refuses to let her go, even at the cost of his Court. When the doorway to the Otherworld is breached, both Brighton and Caden must do the unthinkable—not just to survive themselves, but also to save mankind from the evil that threatens the world.
Every 1001 Dark Nights novella is a standalone story. For new readers, it’s an introduction to an author’s world. And for fans, it’s a bonus book in the author’s series. We hope you'll enjoy each one as much as we do.
THE PRINCE
She’s everything he wants….
Cold. Heartless. Deadly. Whispers of his name alone bring fear to fae and mortals alike. The Prince. There is nothing in the mortal world more dangerous than him. Haunted by a past he couldn’t control, all Caden desires is revenge against those who’d wronged him, trapping him in never-ending nightmare. And there is one person he knows can help him.
She’s everything he can’t have…
Raised within the Order, Brighton Jussier knows just how dangerous the Prince is, reformed or not. She’d seen firsthand what atrocities he could be capable of. The last thing she wants to do is help him, but he leaves her little choice. Forced to work alongside him, she begins to see the man under the bitter ice. Yearning for him feels like the definition of insanity, but there’s no denying the heat in his touch and the wicked promise is his stare.
She’s everything he’ll take….
But there’s someone out there who wants to return the Prince to his former self. A walking, breathing nightmare that is hell bent on destroying the world and everyone close to him. The last thing either of them needs is a distraction, but with the attraction growing between them each now, the one thing he wants more than anything may be the one thing that will be his undoing.
She’s everything he’d die for….
THE KING
As Caden and Brighton's attraction grows despite the odds stacked against a happily ever after, they must work together to stop an Ancient fae from releasing the Queen, who wants nothing more than to see Caden become the evil Prince once feared by fae and mortals alike.
THE QUEEN
The King must have his Queen....
Bestowed the forbidden Summer’s Kiss by the King of the Summer fae, Brighton Jussier is no longer just human. What she is, what she will become, no one knows for sure, but that isn’t her biggest concern at the moment. Now Caden, the King, refuses to let her go, even at the cost of his Court. When the doorway to the Otherworld is breached, both Brighton and Caden must do the unthinkable—not just to survive themselves, but also to save mankind from the evil that threatens the world.
Every 1001 Dark Nights novella is a standalone story. For new readers, it’s an introduction to an author’s world. And for fans, it’s a bonus book in the author’s series. We hope you'll enjoy each one as much as we do.
460 pages, Paperback
First published June 25, 2020
About the author
Jennifer L. Armentrout
162 books160k followersHey Guys! Please note: I don't send out ARCs for review. If you're interested in reviewing a book of mine before release date, please contact the appropriate publisher. I also do NOT check my Goodreads email.
To email me, please use the below addy.
jenniferlarmentrout@live.com
# 1 New York Times and # 1 International Bestselling author Jennifer lives in Charles Town, West Virginia. All the rumors you’ve heard about her state aren’t true. When she’s not hard at work writing. she spends her time reading, watching really bad zombie movies, pretending to write, hanging out with her husband and her Jack Russell Loki. In early 2015, Jennifer was diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa, a group of rare genetic disorders that involve a breakdown and death of cells in the retina, eventually resulting in loss of vision, among other complications. Due to this diagnosis, educating people on the varying degrees of blindness has become of passion of hers, right alongside writing, which she plans to do as long as she can.
Her dreams of becoming an author started in algebra class, where she spent most of her time writing short stories….which explains her dismal grades in math. Jennifer writes young adult paranormal, science fiction, fantasy, and contemporary romance. She is published with Tor, HarperCollins Avon and William Morrow, Entangled Teen and Brazen, Disney/Hyperion and Harlequin Teen. Her Wicked Series has been optioned by PassionFlix. Jennifer has won numerous awards, including the 2013 Reviewers Choice Award for Wait for You, the 2015 Editor’s Pick for Fall With Me, and the 2014/2015 Moerser-Jugendbuch- Jury award for Obsidian. Her young adult romantic suspense novel DON’T LOOK BACK was a 2014 nominated Best in Young Adult Fiction by YALSA. Her adult romantic suspense novel TILL DEATH was a Amazon Editor’s Pick and iBook Book of the Month. Her young adult contemporary THE PROBLEM WITH FOREVER is a 2017 RITA Award Winner in Young Adult Fiction. She also writes Adult and New Adult contemporary and paranormal romance under the name J. Lynn. She is published by Entangled Brazen and HarperCollins.
She is the owner of ApollyCon and The Origin Event, the successful annual events that features over hundred bestselling authors in Young Adult, New Adult, and Adult Fiction, panels, parties, and more.
To email me, please use the below addy.
jenniferlarmentrout@live.com
# 1 New York Times and # 1 International Bestselling author Jennifer lives in Charles Town, West Virginia. All the rumors you’ve heard about her state aren’t true. When she’s not hard at work writing. she spends her time reading, watching really bad zombie movies, pretending to write, hanging out with her husband and her Jack Russell Loki. In early 2015, Jennifer was diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa, a group of rare genetic disorders that involve a breakdown and death of cells in the retina, eventually resulting in loss of vision, among other complications. Due to this diagnosis, educating people on the varying degrees of blindness has become of passion of hers, right alongside writing, which she plans to do as long as she can.
Her dreams of becoming an author started in algebra class, where she spent most of her time writing short stories….which explains her dismal grades in math. Jennifer writes young adult paranormal, science fiction, fantasy, and contemporary romance. She is published with Tor, HarperCollins Avon and William Morrow, Entangled Teen and Brazen, Disney/Hyperion and Harlequin Teen. Her Wicked Series has been optioned by PassionFlix. Jennifer has won numerous awards, including the 2013 Reviewers Choice Award for Wait for You, the 2015 Editor’s Pick for Fall With Me, and the 2014/2015 Moerser-Jugendbuch- Jury award for Obsidian. Her young adult romantic suspense novel DON’T LOOK BACK was a 2014 nominated Best in Young Adult Fiction by YALSA. Her adult romantic suspense novel TILL DEATH was a Amazon Editor’s Pick and iBook Book of the Month. Her young adult contemporary THE PROBLEM WITH FOREVER is a 2017 RITA Award Winner in Young Adult Fiction. She also writes Adult and New Adult contemporary and paranormal romance under the name J. Lynn. She is published by Entangled Brazen and HarperCollins.
She is the owner of ApollyCon and The Origin Event, the successful annual events that features over hundred bestselling authors in Young Adult, New Adult, and Adult Fiction, panels, parties, and more.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 198 reviews
November 22, 2020
• Caden deserves his own full-length series. What a patient, patient man.
• Shout out to my boy Tink. Saving my 2020 one sass remark at a time.
• Oh, Brighton. You are such a peach and you deserved this. You really, really did.
I LOVED these novellas! I was so excited to get more Tink (you can't write a winner and expect him not to slay the whole whole story, ok?) but also to get more Brighton! She is such a strong, fierce, and loyal person and I was anxious to get to see her happy ending. Prophet Elvis knows it has not been an easy road for her! Her relationship with Caden is pretty much everything I could have asked for. I love their romance and they way they back each other up. I loved the Prince getting a redemption and absolutely slaying some Winter Queen (in a non spoiler type way of course).
Anyways, seeing Ivy and Ren again was just the trick candle on top of an already delicious cupcake treat. Thanks for all you do JLA. You're the real MVP.
• Shout out to my boy Tink. Saving my 2020 one sass remark at a time.
• Oh, Brighton. You are such a peach and you deserved this. You really, really did.
I LOVED these novellas! I was so excited to get more Tink (you can't write a winner and expect him not to slay the whole whole story, ok?) but also to get more Brighton! She is such a strong, fierce, and loyal person and I was anxious to get to see her happy ending. Prophet Elvis knows it has not been an easy road for her! Her relationship with Caden is pretty much everything I could have asked for. I love their romance and they way they back each other up. I loved the Prince getting a redemption and absolutely slaying some Winter Queen (in a non spoiler type way of course).
Anyways, seeing Ivy and Ren again was just the trick candle on top of an already delicious cupcake treat. Thanks for all you do JLA. You're the real MVP.
November 15, 2020
I waited two years for this bundle to come out so I could binge read all three at once, because I just couldn't handle the cliffhangers! And oh, it does not disappoint!! Caden and Brighton are just so fantastic together, and I really wish we could've gotten full fledged books instead of just novellas!
Good news is, there is so much potential here for spinoffs, maybe with Tink and the next generation? The Winter Queen is still a threat, there is still a war between Summer and Winter, and the Order are still traditionalists and old fashioned in their ways.
My point being: I NEED MORE!! But still so happy these exist.
Good news is, there is so much potential here for spinoffs, maybe with Tink and the next generation? The Winter Queen is still a threat, there is still a war between Summer and Winter, and the Order are still traditionalists and old fashioned in their ways.
My point being: I NEED MORE!! But still so happy these exist.
July 26, 2021
Jennifer L. Armentrout är min favorit författare, har varit det sedan jag läste hennes första bok och jag anser att hon inte gör något fel i sina böcker. Alla böcker jag har läst av henne (och det är en hel del) har varit sjuk bra så även denna.
Hon kan verkligen skriva allt, ungdomsböcker som vuxenböcker, fantasy som kärleksböcker. Hon är helt enkelt perfekt i mina ögon.
Jag hoppas verkligen på mer böcker i den här världen då jag känner att det inte riktigt blev ett ordentligt slut, vad hände egentligen med hotet? Men känner jag Jennifer L. Armentrout så blir det nog en spinoff serie på denna och jag kan inte bärga mig.
Hon kan verkligen skriva allt, ungdomsböcker som vuxenböcker, fantasy som kärleksböcker. Hon är helt enkelt perfekt i mina ögon.
Jag hoppas verkligen på mer böcker i den här världen då jag känner att det inte riktigt blev ett ordentligt slut, vad hände egentligen med hotet? Men känner jag Jennifer L. Armentrout så blir det nog en spinoff serie på denna och jag kan inte bärga mig.
April 7, 2026
Thank you to the author and Blue Box Press for an early copy of The Summer King. This book blew me away! I was hooked by the prologue, which never happens! I flew through this so fast. The plot was fast paced and the romance had all the angst, yearning, and tension I crave in a romantasy. I was on the verge of tears between 50-70% and the push and pull between Brighton and Caden was so satisfying. This book put my emotions through the wringer and let me very satisfied by the end.
Edited to add - check your triggers. This book has scenes of torture and threats of SA.
Edited to add - check your triggers. This book has scenes of torture and threats of SA.
March 28, 2026
Oh I ate this UP!!! Felt like vampire diaries meets fae folklore and I fear I’m obsessed
July 29, 2020
Cinco veraniegas estrellas ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️para el maravilloso Rey de la Corte de Verano,👑 Caden 👑.
Es el primer y curioso caso en mi vida como lectora donde he encontrado personajes pertenecientes a secuelas o spin-off, que superan con creces a los protagonistas de la historia base. Caden y Brighton se comieron con patatas a Ivy y Ren.
Y Tink? Absolutamente enamorada de ese brownie encantador, tan leal, tan AMIGO, tan poderoso como disparatado, su obsesión con Amazon y otras actividades raritas hicieron las delicias de mi lectura.
Caden fue evolucionando ante mis ojos (creo que usó La Voz conmigo), pasé sin darme cuenta del odio acérrimo al más absoluto amor, arrancando suspiros en cada línea. De nuestra querida Sunshine no tengo quejas, los tiene bien puestos. Es una muestra de que se puede brillar aunque te pongan encima mil capas de tela, cual si fueras cebolla. Más valiente y decidida no se podía ser. Me encantó la pareja y pasa a mi lista de Favoritas❤️.
Fan absoluta de Jennifer y sus maravillosos personajes.
Es el primer y curioso caso en mi vida como lectora donde he encontrado personajes pertenecientes a secuelas o spin-off, que superan con creces a los protagonistas de la historia base. Caden y Brighton se comieron con patatas a Ivy y Ren.
Y Tink? Absolutamente enamorada de ese brownie encantador, tan leal, tan AMIGO, tan poderoso como disparatado, su obsesión con Amazon y otras actividades raritas hicieron las delicias de mi lectura.
Caden fue evolucionando ante mis ojos (creo que usó La Voz conmigo), pasé sin darme cuenta del odio acérrimo al más absoluto amor, arrancando suspiros en cada línea. De nuestra querida Sunshine no tengo quejas, los tiene bien puestos. Es una muestra de que se puede brillar aunque te pongan encima mil capas de tela, cual si fueras cebolla. Más valiente y decidida no se podía ser. Me encantó la pareja y pasa a mi lista de Favoritas❤️.
Fan absoluta de Jennifer y sus maravillosos personajes.
November 17, 2022
I was immediately enthralled by these three novellas! I liked them even more than the first series - probably because I identified with Brighton so much. I could not put these down, and they didn't seem too short or too long, they were perfect! I simply can't wait to read them again.
January 6, 2021
Waiting for the newest book in "Blood and Ash" to come out. This was a fun one to fill the time, and get more of Jennifer Armentrout in my life. Not nearly as good as Blood and Ash, but fun.
July 7, 2021
Me at the end of this book:
So, so many feels with this book. In no way did this book disappoint me. I loved the angst, and I loved how Caden loved Brighton and that he called her his Sunshine and just the way he loved her, even when he tried not to love her. I loved how protective he was for her and how much agony he felt when he couldn't find her when she was missing. Just, I really loved the emotion in this book.
This series of novella's continues the Wicked Trilogy but this time it is Brighton and Caden who have their story told. Caden is the Dark Prince from the Wicked Trilogy who was in actuality, the Summer Prince but under an enthrallment by the Winter Queen. Caden basically know that Brighton is the missing piece of his soul but tries to stay away from her to protect her. That doesn't happen. What often happened was Caden breaking her heart and causing her agony. Which of course, I loved, sick old me. But, goodness, he made up for it. Just, she is his everything.
The three stories are The Prince, The King and The Queen. It is in The King that Brighton is taken by the Ancient who killed her mother and betrayed Caden to the Winter Queen. It was a dark time for Brighton and she almost lost a piece of herself. Without going into detail, it's basically because Caden friggin loved her so much, that she didn't!
These two go through quite a bit but every piece of pain, every angsty moment is worth all the goodness we got in this story. I highly recommend reading this if you've read the Wicked Trilogy, Ivy and Ren's story. You really shouldn't read this without having read those three books first.
I'm hoping with all my soul that Passionflix also optioned these three novellas because WE DESERVE TO SEE THEM ON SCREEN.
Random Thoughts:
💜 Have I said enough how much I loved this book?
💜 How much I loved how Caden loved Brighton?
💜 I have 91 highlights in this book alone.
💜 Some seriously sexy times in this book
💜 The scene at Flex?
💜 Flames
💜 Oh and the angst?
💔 Incapable of moving, all I could do was stand there as what felt like a fist reached into my chest and squeezed. That was how I knew what he was about to say. My heart already knew.
💔 The hole in my chest cracked my heart as I stumbled back from him. I knew it shouldn’t matter. I was just acknowledging that I had feelings for him—how deep those feelings ran, I didn’t know—but there was a hole opening up in my chest.
💔 “Don’t apologize. God, please don’t apologize. That’s….” When his face began to blur I knew I needed to get out of this room. I would not lose it in front of him. I would not cry over what could have been when there was apparently nothing in the first place. “You said… you said you wouldn’t hurt me. You lied.”
💜 PAIN
💜 AND THAT ISN'T EVEN ALL OF THE PAIN
💜 THE ANGST
💜 But oh there is goodness too!
💜 So much goodness.
💜 When he finally rescues her
💜 Like I could go on and on, I loved this series of books so much.
💜 Read them!
Quotes & Faves:
💛 “Why do you call me that? Sunshine?”
“Because I saw you smile once and it was like the sun finally rising.”
💜 SWOON
💛 There was a tense silence and then, “I’m not going to hurt you. I could never hurt you.” His touch returned, slow and measured. He slid his hand along the side of my head, his palm becoming a barrier between me and the floor. “Open your eyes for me, Brighton. Please. Open your eyes, baby. See me and know I’m not going to hurt you. Open your eyes for me, sunshine.”
💛 “It means you are…you are my strength. My sun. You are my heart.”
💜 Gah! The way he loves her!
💛 “I need you to know something.” Caden reached out, taking my hands. When I didn’t flinch away, he threaded his fingers with mine. “I am here. I know you need time, and if it takes a hundred years, so be it. I’ll wait. What I feel for you is not going to change. Not today. Not next year. Not fifty years from now. You tell me when you’re ready, and I’ll be there.”
💛 “I call you my sunshine. Do you know why? It’s because I saw you smile once, and it was like the sun finally rising after centuries of nothing but night.”
OK, I'll stop but there is so much more I loved about all of this! Read it and you definitely won't regret it!
So, so many feels with this book. In no way did this book disappoint me. I loved the angst, and I loved how Caden loved Brighton and that he called her his Sunshine and just the way he loved her, even when he tried not to love her. I loved how protective he was for her and how much agony he felt when he couldn't find her when she was missing. Just, I really loved the emotion in this book.
This series of novella's continues the Wicked Trilogy but this time it is Brighton and Caden who have their story told. Caden is the Dark Prince from the Wicked Trilogy who was in actuality, the Summer Prince but under an enthrallment by the Winter Queen. Caden basically know that Brighton is the missing piece of his soul but tries to stay away from her to protect her. That doesn't happen. What often happened was Caden breaking her heart and causing her agony. Which of course, I loved, sick old me. But, goodness, he made up for it. Just, she is his everything.
The three stories are The Prince, The King and The Queen. It is in The King that Brighton is taken by the Ancient who killed her mother and betrayed Caden to the Winter Queen. It was a dark time for Brighton and she almost lost a piece of herself. Without going into detail, it's basically because Caden friggin loved her so much, that she didn't!
These two go through quite a bit but every piece of pain, every angsty moment is worth all the goodness we got in this story. I highly recommend reading this if you've read the Wicked Trilogy, Ivy and Ren's story. You really shouldn't read this without having read those three books first.
I'm hoping with all my soul that Passionflix also optioned these three novellas because WE DESERVE TO SEE THEM ON SCREEN.
Random Thoughts:
💜 Have I said enough how much I loved this book?
💜 How much I loved how Caden loved Brighton?
💜 I have 91 highlights in this book alone.
💜 Some seriously sexy times in this book
💜 The scene at Flex?
💜 Flames
💜 Oh and the angst?
💔 Incapable of moving, all I could do was stand there as what felt like a fist reached into my chest and squeezed. That was how I knew what he was about to say. My heart already knew.
💔 The hole in my chest cracked my heart as I stumbled back from him. I knew it shouldn’t matter. I was just acknowledging that I had feelings for him—how deep those feelings ran, I didn’t know—but there was a hole opening up in my chest.
💔 “Don’t apologize. God, please don’t apologize. That’s….” When his face began to blur I knew I needed to get out of this room. I would not lose it in front of him. I would not cry over what could have been when there was apparently nothing in the first place. “You said… you said you wouldn’t hurt me. You lied.”
💜 PAIN
💜 AND THAT ISN'T EVEN ALL OF THE PAIN
💜 THE ANGST
💜 But oh there is goodness too!
💜 So much goodness.
💜 When he finally rescues her
💜 Like I could go on and on, I loved this series of books so much.
💜 Read them!
Quotes & Faves:
💛 “Why do you call me that? Sunshine?”
“Because I saw you smile once and it was like the sun finally rising.”
💜 SWOON
💛 There was a tense silence and then, “I’m not going to hurt you. I could never hurt you.” His touch returned, slow and measured. He slid his hand along the side of my head, his palm becoming a barrier between me and the floor. “Open your eyes for me, Brighton. Please. Open your eyes, baby. See me and know I’m not going to hurt you. Open your eyes for me, sunshine.”
💛 “It means you are…you are my strength. My sun. You are my heart.”
💜 Gah! The way he loves her!
💛 “I need you to know something.” Caden reached out, taking my hands. When I didn’t flinch away, he threaded his fingers with mine. “I am here. I know you need time, and if it takes a hundred years, so be it. I’ll wait. What I feel for you is not going to change. Not today. Not next year. Not fifty years from now. You tell me when you’re ready, and I’ll be there.”
💛 “I call you my sunshine. Do you know why? It’s because I saw you smile once, and it was like the sun finally rising after centuries of nothing but night.”
OK, I'll stop but there is so much more I loved about all of this! Read it and you definitely won't regret it!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 14, 2022
I loved these novellas. I wasn’t sure after reading Wicked if I would like them, but I absolute fell in love with The characters. And of course, there is TINK!!
April 7, 2026
April 2026 review:
The Summer King by Jennifer L. Armentrout
👑Spinoff of The Wicked Trilogy
📖Standalone
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
♾️Apr. Favorite
Adult • Urban Romantasy
📖496 Pages
🗓️Rereleased Today!
👑(one sided) enemies to lovers
👑fae and humans
👑royalty
👑forbidden
👑slow burn
📚secrets
🔎“It is very unlikely that he’ll give you up. Ever.”
I read this book - at the time a set of three novellas - back in 2021. I rated it 5 stars and shelved it under favorites.
The moment I started this reread I immediately knew: I’m going to rate it 5 stars and shelved it under favorites.
JLA has written some of my favorite spinoffs. She was the one who made me fall in love with them. The Harbinger has, to this day, one of my favorite FMCs; I cried for an hour reading The Titan series; and I never forgot Caden and his sunshine. Never. For five years, they kept popping up in my head, paying me a visit and making me smile.
This felt like coming home and yet, it was as if I’d never left.
A slow burn masterpiece, with lots of shades of gray and beautiful rays of sunshine coming through. This one is for all the urban romantasy lovers, for all the enemies to lovers girlies, for all who have walked past the veil of grief and loss to find there’s power in loving again.
------------------------------------------
December 2021 review: “It is very unlikely that he’ll give you up. Ever.”
OMG. Brighton is the MC 😱😱😱 I assumed it would be Caden. Because given the name of the bundle… it would be him or Fabian and I just didn’t see Fabian being it. Hell yeah Brighton! 💃🏻🥳
With that out of the way… You know when people say “unputdownable” and all that? I say it to but I usually don’t mean it in a literal way. Well, I present to you these novellas. It was physically painful to close this book and go do adult stuff. So you have an idea… I stayed up a full hour past my bedtime and then my body decided to wake up at 5am to… finish this book. That’s how much I loved this novellas. Caden and his sunshine are everything and I wasn’t a bit surprised *you know who* was working with that piece of trash. I’m only surprised it happened now and not before because I kept expecting a betrayal during Brave. I’m also here for the return of Morgana. Absolutely 💯 on board with more books. Please. 👀 5 stars for you. And 5 stars for you. And 5 stars for you ⭐️
The Summer King by Jennifer L. Armentrout
👑Spinoff of The Wicked Trilogy
📖Standalone
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
♾️Apr. Favorite
Adult • Urban Romantasy
📖496 Pages
🗓️Rereleased Today!
👑(one sided) enemies to lovers
👑fae and humans
👑royalty
👑forbidden
👑slow burn
📚secrets
🔎“It is very unlikely that he’ll give you up. Ever.”
I read this book - at the time a set of three novellas - back in 2021. I rated it 5 stars and shelved it under favorites.
The moment I started this reread I immediately knew: I’m going to rate it 5 stars and shelved it under favorites.
JLA has written some of my favorite spinoffs. She was the one who made me fall in love with them. The Harbinger has, to this day, one of my favorite FMCs; I cried for an hour reading The Titan series; and I never forgot Caden and his sunshine. Never. For five years, they kept popping up in my head, paying me a visit and making me smile.
This felt like coming home and yet, it was as if I’d never left.
A slow burn masterpiece, with lots of shades of gray and beautiful rays of sunshine coming through. This one is for all the urban romantasy lovers, for all the enemies to lovers girlies, for all who have walked past the veil of grief and loss to find there’s power in loving again.
------------------------------------------
December 2021 review: “It is very unlikely that he’ll give you up. Ever.”
OMG. Brighton is the MC 😱😱😱 I assumed it would be Caden. Because given the name of the bundle… it would be him or Fabian and I just didn’t see Fabian being it. Hell yeah Brighton! 💃🏻🥳
With that out of the way… You know when people say “unputdownable” and all that? I say it to but I usually don’t mean it in a literal way. Well, I present to you these novellas. It was physically painful to close this book and go do adult stuff. So you have an idea… I stayed up a full hour past my bedtime and then my body decided to wake up at 5am to… finish this book. That’s how much I loved this novellas. Caden and his sunshine are everything and I wasn’t a bit surprised *you know who* was working with that piece of trash. I’m only surprised it happened now and not before because I kept expecting a betrayal during Brave. I’m also here for the return of Morgana. Absolutely 💯 on board with more books. Please. 👀 5 stars for you. And 5 stars for you. And 5 stars for you ⭐️
July 17, 2020
This series has it all. Romance, heartbreak, betrayal, strong friendships and amazing characters.
It follows Brighton Jussier and Caden The Summer (Prince) King as they both try to adjust after the battle with The Winter Queen Morgana. It's a truly beautiful love story between 2 people so different but yet so connected as they both struggle for revenge against the Fae that hurt them.
It's so full of twists and turns that could break a person but they always have each others back and love won't be denied. A truly wonderful series and I highly recommend it to all.
It follows Brighton Jussier and Caden The Summer (Prince) King as they both try to adjust after the battle with The Winter Queen Morgana. It's a truly beautiful love story between 2 people so different but yet so connected as they both struggle for revenge against the Fae that hurt them.
It's so full of twists and turns that could break a person but they always have each others back and love won't be denied. A truly wonderful series and I highly recommend it to all.
March 27, 2021
I don’t know how it’s possible but honestly this collection of novellas might be even better than the original wicked trilogy.
We have Brighton, the dutiful daughter. She’s attacked and left for dead. She is saved (unknowingly) by the Fae Prince, Caden. Her mother is murdered in the same attack and Brighton makes it her mission to kill all of the Fae who attacked her and her mom. She has nearly caught them all when she runs into Caden and their chemistry is undeniable.
She saves him, forcing him to feed for the first time in two years. They sizzle and start to really engage but he is under pressure to marry one of his own kind. Brighton is kidnapped and tortured by one of her original attackers for like two months or so. He feeds on her and she’s broken but kills him.
Caden finds her and she begins to heal. She finds out she’s pregnant and that Caden gave her the Summer’s Kiss to save her those years ago and he’s her soulmate so that makes her worthy of being his Queen. But someone is still after Brighton and now her baby and it’s a betrayal you won’t see coming.
Tanner. And we aren’t fully sure how he ties into the young Fae’s disappearance and this drug that they’re on her whatever. Also Ivy and Ren are having a baby.
We need a Tink book and I will not back down from this.
We have Brighton, the dutiful daughter. She’s attacked and left for dead. She is saved (unknowingly) by the Fae Prince, Caden. Her mother is murdered in the same attack and Brighton makes it her mission to kill all of the Fae who attacked her and her mom. She has nearly caught them all when she runs into Caden and their chemistry is undeniable.
She saves him, forcing him to feed for the first time in two years. They sizzle and start to really engage but he is under pressure to marry one of his own kind. Brighton is kidnapped and tortured by one of her original attackers for like two months or so. He feeds on her and she’s broken but kills him.
Caden finds her and she begins to heal. She finds out she’s pregnant and that Caden gave her the Summer’s Kiss to save her those years ago and he’s her soulmate so that makes her worthy of being his Queen. But someone is still after Brighton and now her baby and it’s a betrayal you won’t see coming.
Tanner. And we aren’t fully sure how he ties into the young Fae’s disappearance and this drug that they’re on her whatever. Also Ivy and Ren are having a baby.
We need a Tink book and I will not back down from this.
April 7, 2026
It’s been years since I read Ivy’s and Ren’s story, and I’m so happy I had the chance to read Caden and Brighton’s now.
The Summer King is a heat-filled, compelling enemies-to-lovers romantasy that kept me glued to the pages. The new edition is stunning.
The story follows Caden, a dangerous and powerful Prince haunted by his past and driven by revenge, and Brighton, who has been raised to fear and distrust him. Forced into an uneasy alliance, the two must work together against a growing threat that could destroy the world. As Brighton undergoes a shocking transformation and becomes something no longer entirely human, the tension between them deepens into something irresistible and dangerous.
Caden deserved his own story, and he’s an amazing MMC. I loved how protective he was of Brighton. I was so happy to read more scenes with Tink, he’s one of my favorite characters, and I really hope to read a book with him as the main character one day.
Brighton is a strong and fierce FMC; she has grown a lot since Ivy’s story.
The tension between Brighton and Caden is everything!!! And the spice?! 🔥🔥
A huge thanks to Blue Box Press, Jennifer L. Armentrout, and Tanaka Kangara for the ARC and the chance to read this book in advance in exchange for an honest review.
🇮🇹:
Sono passati anni da quando ho letto la storia di Ivy e Ren, e sono così felice di aver avuto la possibilità di leggere finalmente quella di Caden e Brighton.
The Summer King è un romantasy coinvolgente e ricco di tensione, con un trope enemies-to-lovers, che mi ha tenuta incollata alle pagine. La nuova edizione è semplicemente stupenda.
La storia segue Caden, un Principe potente e pericoloso, tormentato dal suo passato e guidato dal desiderio di vendetta, e Brighton, cresciuta per temerlo e non fidarsi di lui. Costretti a collaborare in un’alleanza tutt’altro che semplice, devono affrontare insieme una minaccia sempre più grande che potrebbe distruggere il mondo. Quando Brighton subisce una trasformazione sconvolgente e diventa qualcosa che non è più del tutto umano, la tensione tra loro si trasforma in qualcosa di irresistibile e pericoloso.
Caden meritava assolutamente una storia tutta sua ed è un MMC fantastico. Ho adorato quanto fosse protettivo nei confronti di Brighton. Sono stata felicissima di leggere più scene con Tink, è uno dei miei personaggi preferiti e spero davvero di poter leggere, un giorno, un libro con lui come protagonista.
Brighton è una FMC forte e determinata; è cresciuta molto dai tempi della storia di Ivy.
La tensione tra Brighton e Caden è tutto!!! E le scene spicy?! 🔥🔥
Un enorme grazie a Blue Box Press, Jennifer L. Armentrout e Tanaka Kangara per l’ARC e per avermi dato la possibilità di leggere questo libro in anteprima in cambio di una recensione onesta.
The Summer King is a heat-filled, compelling enemies-to-lovers romantasy that kept me glued to the pages. The new edition is stunning.
The story follows Caden, a dangerous and powerful Prince haunted by his past and driven by revenge, and Brighton, who has been raised to fear and distrust him. Forced into an uneasy alliance, the two must work together against a growing threat that could destroy the world. As Brighton undergoes a shocking transformation and becomes something no longer entirely human, the tension between them deepens into something irresistible and dangerous.
Caden deserved his own story, and he’s an amazing MMC. I loved how protective he was of Brighton. I was so happy to read more scenes with Tink, he’s one of my favorite characters, and I really hope to read a book with him as the main character one day.
Brighton is a strong and fierce FMC; she has grown a lot since Ivy’s story.
The tension between Brighton and Caden is everything!!! And the spice?! 🔥🔥
A huge thanks to Blue Box Press, Jennifer L. Armentrout, and Tanaka Kangara for the ARC and the chance to read this book in advance in exchange for an honest review.
🇮🇹:
Sono passati anni da quando ho letto la storia di Ivy e Ren, e sono così felice di aver avuto la possibilità di leggere finalmente quella di Caden e Brighton.
The Summer King è un romantasy coinvolgente e ricco di tensione, con un trope enemies-to-lovers, che mi ha tenuta incollata alle pagine. La nuova edizione è semplicemente stupenda.
La storia segue Caden, un Principe potente e pericoloso, tormentato dal suo passato e guidato dal desiderio di vendetta, e Brighton, cresciuta per temerlo e non fidarsi di lui. Costretti a collaborare in un’alleanza tutt’altro che semplice, devono affrontare insieme una minaccia sempre più grande che potrebbe distruggere il mondo. Quando Brighton subisce una trasformazione sconvolgente e diventa qualcosa che non è più del tutto umano, la tensione tra loro si trasforma in qualcosa di irresistibile e pericoloso.
Caden meritava assolutamente una storia tutta sua ed è un MMC fantastico. Ho adorato quanto fosse protettivo nei confronti di Brighton. Sono stata felicissima di leggere più scene con Tink, è uno dei miei personaggi preferiti e spero davvero di poter leggere, un giorno, un libro con lui come protagonista.
Brighton è una FMC forte e determinata; è cresciuta molto dai tempi della storia di Ivy.
La tensione tra Brighton e Caden è tutto!!! E le scene spicy?! 🔥🔥
Un enorme grazie a Blue Box Press, Jennifer L. Armentrout e Tanaka Kangara per l’ARC e per avermi dato la possibilità di leggere questo libro in anteprima in cambio di una recensione onesta.
December 8, 2025
3.5/5
Quick overview:
-Spice: 1/5
-Romance was cute but frustrating at times
-Great side characters
-A little twist and turn here and there but nothing amazing
-Pacing was good except for when the FMC was in trouble, that dragged way too much
-He fell first
-Protective love interest
-Frustrating Romeo and Juliet-type situation (without the death) because the main characters couldn't just sit their butts down and actually talk things out
This was fun! I dont actually think I've read the Wicked series so I was obviously not aware of the storyline or characters but I was able to get by just fine. I love basically everything JLA has written, so I wasnt surprised I really liked it. Was it perfect? No. But was it a fun palette cleanser in-between thick and dense fantasy books that are a battle to get through *ahem ... looking at you, When the Moon Hatched!*
The MMC was probably my favourite part in the series, along with the male best friend of the FMC, who was just a total hoot, completely sassy and really funny. I wasnt a huge fan of the FMC, she was just stubborn to a fault and really annoying, to the point I was sick to death of her chapters and wanted to be in someone else's head. And her arrogance and inadequacies, when she thinks she is super capable and can be a fighter like the others but is really only ever on desk duty and totally incapable of fighting, was SO ANNOYING. She literally thought she was this amazing assassin and she couldn't protect herself for more than 2 seconds, yet still went around telling people she "had it handled" and was just as great a fighter as the other patrol members who fight every day. It was delusional and SO frustrating of her, even when a group of the characters pointed out she wasnt a great fighter (or even a mediocre one) and had to save her ass multiple times, she still believed she was this great trained soldier. I wanted to reach into the book and smack her upside the head.
In the 2nd book, when she was captured (because she isnt a fighter.. shocker) I found that part of the book WAY too drawn out and took up way too much of the book, considering they are only novellas and not full-length books. If they were full-length, it might have been okay, but it just wasted way too much time and it got very repetitive and boring. I ended up skim reading after the first few chapters as it was like a book version of the movie Groundhog Day. And with my ever decreasing attention span, Im actually impressed I didnt skip those chapters completely instead 🤣
Quick overview:
-Spice: 1/5
-Romance was cute but frustrating at times
-Great side characters
-A little twist and turn here and there but nothing amazing
-Pacing was good except for when the FMC was in trouble, that dragged way too much
-He fell first
-Protective love interest
-Frustrating Romeo and Juliet-type situation (without the death) because the main characters couldn't just sit their butts down and actually talk things out
This was fun! I dont actually think I've read the Wicked series so I was obviously not aware of the storyline or characters but I was able to get by just fine. I love basically everything JLA has written, so I wasnt surprised I really liked it. Was it perfect? No. But was it a fun palette cleanser in-between thick and dense fantasy books that are a battle to get through *ahem ... looking at you, When the Moon Hatched!*
The MMC was probably my favourite part in the series, along with the male best friend of the FMC, who was just a total hoot, completely sassy and really funny. I wasnt a huge fan of the FMC, she was just stubborn to a fault and really annoying, to the point I was sick to death of her chapters and wanted to be in someone else's head. And her arrogance and inadequacies, when she thinks she is super capable and can be a fighter like the others but is really only ever on desk duty and totally incapable of fighting, was SO ANNOYING. She literally thought she was this amazing assassin and she couldn't protect herself for more than 2 seconds, yet still went around telling people she "had it handled" and was just as great a fighter as the other patrol members who fight every day. It was delusional and SO frustrating of her, even when a group of the characters pointed out she wasnt a great fighter (or even a mediocre one) and had to save her ass multiple times, she still believed she was this great trained soldier. I wanted to reach into the book and smack her upside the head.
In the 2nd book, when she was captured (because she isnt a fighter.. shocker) I found that part of the book WAY too drawn out and took up way too much of the book, considering they are only novellas and not full-length books. If they were full-length, it might have been okay, but it just wasted way too much time and it got very repetitive and boring. I ended up skim reading after the first few chapters as it was like a book version of the movie Groundhog Day. And with my ever decreasing attention span, Im actually impressed I didnt skip those chapters completely instead 🤣
April 5, 2026
Hold on tight cus the pacing is fast, you’ll fly thru this one. With these being novellas, there’s a lot to pack into a short space. It might have been more beneficial for me to read The Wicked Trilogy first cus I found myself a little confused at the beginning. There were moments where the romance felt a bit unrealistic and the FMC tested my patience but the MMC definitely made up for that. The ending delivers an HEA while still leaving a bit open, so there’s definitely room for more. And this is one where the side characters shine just as bright as the MCs cus I need a Tink in my life.
But still, by the end it feels like you’ve experienced a whole world, not just a quick read.
3.5⭐️
Thank you Blue Box Press for the gifted copy!
But still, by the end it feels like you’ve experienced a whole world, not just a quick read.
3.5⭐️
Thank you Blue Box Press for the gifted copy!
August 26, 2020
Stunning addition to the Wicked Trilogy!
Wicked was the first book I ever read from JLA and I feel in love with her style and characters! Her world building is always on point, making me feel like I’m a part of the story. I was there with these amazing, badass characters!
I will have to say this was a great, fast read that tells a bit about what happened after Brave. I loved the quick pace, heart breaking backstory and reappearance of familiar faces! I highly recommend the Wicked trilogy and the Summer King Bundle!
Wicked was the first book I ever read from JLA and I feel in love with her style and characters! Her world building is always on point, making me feel like I’m a part of the story. I was there with these amazing, badass characters!
I will have to say this was a great, fast read that tells a bit about what happened after Brave. I loved the quick pace, heart breaking backstory and reappearance of familiar faces! I highly recommend the Wicked trilogy and the Summer King Bundle!
July 23, 2020
4.5
I'm so so glad I waited until The Novellas were completed to read them 🙌
The first two end in a Cliffhanger, and I just hate waiting 🤣
Caden deserved his story and I happy he got it. He was such a surprise in every possible good way. I love him 💝
You don't really get to know a lot about Brighton in The Wicked Series so I was intrigued. She's so kind and strong, it was nice seeing her grow through the stories.
I absolutely loved have more of Tink ❤❤❤
I'm so so glad I waited until The Novellas were completed to read them 🙌
The first two end in a Cliffhanger, and I just hate waiting 🤣
Caden deserved his story and I happy he got it. He was such a surprise in every possible good way. I love him 💝
You don't really get to know a lot about Brighton in The Wicked Series so I was intrigued. She's so kind and strong, it was nice seeing her grow through the stories.
I absolutely loved have more of Tink ❤❤❤
April 5, 2026
I originally read the Wicked series two years ago and I can’t believe I didn’t know about this trilogy of novellas that continued the story!
I absolutely loved the story of Caden and Brighton and of course I needed more Tink in my life!
Thank you to Blue Box Press for the gifted arc of this book!
I absolutely loved the story of Caden and Brighton and of course I needed more Tink in my life!
Thank you to Blue Box Press for the gifted arc of this book!
July 15, 2020
An excellent trilogy follow up to one of my all time favorite series. I love all of these books and really hope that the story continues. There was a lot of open ended story lines and I can't wait to see (hopefully) what happens next. I love every single one of these characters.
April 16, 2025
I think that I liked this side story more than the original trilogy. I enjoyed the main characters more in this one, and the storyline wasn't too drawn out. Probably since these were novellas instead of full novels. I always love Jen's books though, so not a shock that I loved this story.
July 24, 2022
This was really good! I honestly didn't see somethings coming and that made it even better!!! Thank ya Emma Joy for making me read it!!!!
April 5, 2025
4.25 stars
This was really good! I’m glad I returned back to this series and completed it. It’s crazy how I much loved this bundle of novellas more than the main storyline!
This was really good! I’m glad I returned back to this series and completed it. It’s crazy how I much loved this bundle of novellas more than the main storyline!
April 7, 2026
I was not able to get into this world unfortunately. I had to DNF. I may try again at another time.
October 12, 2022
These should not be called novellas because it is very clearly a trilogy with cliffhangers at the end of the first 2. They are not stand alone. There are some very intense torture parts that were hard and very long that were hard to get through. But I really liked the overall story and and had a hard time putting it down. There are some inconsistencies if you pay close attention but the love story was sweet and in some ways I liked these books better than the Wicked series that takes place in the same world and is a precursor to this trilogy with most of the same characters.
June 16, 2024
You don't have to read the Wicked series to read this.
I've read them all seperatly. But enjoyed it more together in this bundle.
POV:h
Brighton and Caden
Brighton was born into the Order that keeps other worldly creatures at bay within the human world. She was training to become a hunter, up until her Mother was taken and had she had to take care of her from a young age. Now she's the book nerd, you need a map or something looked up, you go to Brighton. Her best friend Ivy is a hunter, and she's half fae, half human, her boyfriend Ren, their other friend Tink, who's a brownie, he's comical & loving, who's in a relationship with Fabian, a prince of the summer fae court (good guys).
When Brighton and her Mother are attacked by faes.
Brighton goes on a hunting spree on her own to find the faes responsible.
Caden, the Prince of the Summer Fae Court, has been watching Brighton from a far, intrigued by her.
There's missing fae younglings, so now they're all working together to figue out who's harming these younglings.
Sparks fly between the two of them. She doesn't care that he's the Prince, she sticks up for herself, tells him as it is.
Prince Caden has to marry a fae for the wellbeing of the Court, so they can become stronger and to bare an heir.
Making her feel like the other woman, can she walk away from her feelings for Caden?
But when Brighton's kidnapped by one of the faes who attacked her and her mother, she's sure no one is coming for her. Cause the Order deems her not important enough due to her not being a hunter.
Feeling that she's losing her mind, hallucinating, but keeping her witty come backs.
Months later, Caden, Ivy & Ren find her, and to their surprise alive and that she managed to kill the fae who took her.
Feeling a bit stronger, she's been given information that can change her life, so she's got a lot of thinking to do.
Getting a lead to what's happening to the younglings.
Trying to get Caden to marry a suitable fae to be Queen, trying to bury her feelings for Caden. And trying to find out who's behind trying to get to Brighton. But why Brighton?
Such a great YA fantasy read.
I've read them all seperatly. But enjoyed it more together in this bundle.
POV:h
Brighton and Caden
Brighton was born into the Order that keeps other worldly creatures at bay within the human world. She was training to become a hunter, up until her Mother was taken and had she had to take care of her from a young age. Now she's the book nerd, you need a map or something looked up, you go to Brighton. Her best friend Ivy is a hunter, and she's half fae, half human, her boyfriend Ren, their other friend Tink, who's a brownie, he's comical & loving, who's in a relationship with Fabian, a prince of the summer fae court (good guys).
When Brighton and her Mother are attacked by faes.
Brighton goes on a hunting spree on her own to find the faes responsible.
Caden, the Prince of the Summer Fae Court, has been watching Brighton from a far, intrigued by her.
There's missing fae younglings, so now they're all working together to figue out who's harming these younglings.
Sparks fly between the two of them. She doesn't care that he's the Prince, she sticks up for herself, tells him as it is.
Prince Caden has to marry a fae for the wellbeing of the Court, so they can become stronger and to bare an heir.
Making her feel like the other woman, can she walk away from her feelings for Caden?
But when Brighton's kidnapped by one of the faes who attacked her and her mother, she's sure no one is coming for her. Cause the Order deems her not important enough due to her not being a hunter.
Feeling that she's losing her mind, hallucinating, but keeping her witty come backs.
Months later, Caden, Ivy & Ren find her, and to their surprise alive and that she managed to kill the fae who took her.
Feeling a bit stronger, she's been given information that can change her life, so she's got a lot of thinking to do.
Getting a lead to what's happening to the younglings.
Trying to get Caden to marry a suitable fae to be Queen, trying to bury her feelings for Caden. And trying to find out who's behind trying to get to Brighton. But why Brighton?
Such a great YA fantasy read.
April 6, 2026
The summer King takes place after the Wicked Trilogy. This Brighton and Caden’s story.
I love Brighton and Caden! They are wonderful together. They go through so many obstacles in order to be together.
We see a little of Ivy and Ren in this story but we do get a lot of Tink! It can’t be a Wicked book without him!
The story is fast paced. We have romance, angst, and evil Fae. I enjoyed every minute of this book!
I felt all the emotions while reading this especially Brightons emotions. Caden is so sweet and protective!
If you enjoyed the Wicked Series you need to pick up this book as it continues the story with a little nit more spice!
I love Brighton and Caden! They are wonderful together. They go through so many obstacles in order to be together.
We see a little of Ivy and Ren in this story but we do get a lot of Tink! It can’t be a Wicked book without him!
The story is fast paced. We have romance, angst, and evil Fae. I enjoyed every minute of this book!
I felt all the emotions while reading this especially Brightons emotions. Caden is so sweet and protective!
If you enjoyed the Wicked Series you need to pick up this book as it continues the story with a little nit more spice!
March 9, 2023
Buddy reading with aniryllis
April 8, 2026
Let me preface that this series is my absolute favorite. It’s my go to comfort whenever I need to get out of a slump or just want to come back and bask in the loveliness of Caden and Brighton. If my house was on fire, these books would be some of the lucky few I would grab to save that's how much I love them.
TW: Death, blood, compulsion, imprisonment (graphic), abuse & torture (graphic mental and phsycial), PTSD, attempted murder, poisoning
This review will contain spoilers
The Prince is the first in a spin off series of Jennifer L. Armentrout's Wicked trilogy. The Brighton we knew appeared quiet and meek and just there to take care of her mom. That Brighton no longer exists, not after what the fae took from her. Brighton and her mother are attacked by five fae and unfortunately Merle dies and Brighton is on the brink of death when something of a miracle happens to her and she survives. Two years later she has been training and secretly hunting the fae that attacked her picking them off one by one in a mission of revenge. Bri kills off her fourth fae just as The Prince shows up seeking out the very same fae she just killed. THINGS happen. Bri ends up teaming up with the Prince to help locate some Summer fae younglings that have disappeared.
Brighton and Caden's chemistry is off the charts so so so so SO good. Their attraction is immediate (this is a novella keep in mind) but Armentrout doesn't have to waste time building the world since it's already been done in Wicked. And I do recommend reading those three books just so you know what's going on in these novellas. The way Caden repeatedly tells Bri that he prefers her without her disguises, that he wants to see the real her and they way he constantly tells her she is as beautiful as the sun was sigh worthy. He understands her need for revenge (he's in the same boat) but doesn't like the danger it puts her in. Brighton also sees past who the Prince was, to her he's not a murdering psychopath, she understands that it's not his fault he was under an enchanment when he was doing all those awful things. I think Caden needs to hear that...he needs interaction and everyone right now just stays aways from him and leaves him to himself...even his own brother. We also get to see glimpses of Ivy and Ren and of course one of my all time favorites, Tink. Tink is actually living with Brighton now along with his cat Dixon.
Overall The Prince is a fantastic start to these novellas, things are gearing up with the mystery of the missing younglings and there are whispers of someone trying to resurrect The Queen. The Prince is entertaining, spicy, and full of emotions. It does end in a HUGE cliffhanger and lots of heartbreaking feelings.
Brighton is pissed and hurt by Caden's (now The King) harsh words and betrayal but she's not giving up her revenge mission. There is a lot of back and forth hot and cold between her and Caden. The situation comes to a head when Caden rats out Brighton to Ivy and Ren and shit hits the fan. No one seems to think she can handle hunting, no one thinks she is strong enough to handle herself on the streets. This made me so mad at everyone on Bri's behalf. Like Jesus Christ let her prove herself if you don't have the confidence, give her a chance! At this point I'm so sick of Caden and his back and forth feelings. I know deep down he cares so much for Brighton but him allowing the real world to influence him is so frustrating and the way Brighton's heart just keeps getting broken over and over was gut wrenching.
After Tink takes off to Florida with Fabian Brighton is actually kidnapped by Aric and one of the most disturbing and heartbreaking few chapters I've ever read occur. She's tortured mentally and physically by Aric, this whole section was so hard to read without cringing or sobbing… so please take care of yourself first if this is triggering to you.
You also realize exactly how strong Brighton is, she was so amazing and I really admired her determination and her ability to never give up on herself.
The Queen is the conclusion to the Summer King novellas and it was everything! The revelation at the end of The King was shocking but it only gets crazier in The Queen. There are so many SECRETS and things that could've been solved if only there was communication but alas we probably wouldn't have a story! I felt for Brighton so much this installment, but also wanted to scream at her too. She constantly has to give up her happiness and wants in order for the greater good... I mean FINALLY in the end she does get her HEA but jeez louise it was exhausting!
The Queen is definitely tamer compared to the first two books in terms of action and suspense but it is the conclusion so just really time to wrap up loose ends and what not. Don't get me wrong there is still a big revelation/twist and I definitely had thoughts about that person but still very shocking! I really can't say enough how much I loved this series and you definitely should read it if you like fantasy romance even a little bit.
TW: Death, blood, compulsion, imprisonment (graphic), abuse & torture (graphic mental and phsycial), PTSD, attempted murder, poisoning
This review will contain spoilers
The Prince is the first in a spin off series of Jennifer L. Armentrout's Wicked trilogy. The Brighton we knew appeared quiet and meek and just there to take care of her mom. That Brighton no longer exists, not after what the fae took from her. Brighton and her mother are attacked by five fae and unfortunately Merle dies and Brighton is on the brink of death when something of a miracle happens to her and she survives. Two years later she has been training and secretly hunting the fae that attacked her picking them off one by one in a mission of revenge. Bri kills off her fourth fae just as The Prince shows up seeking out the very same fae she just killed. THINGS happen. Bri ends up teaming up with the Prince to help locate some Summer fae younglings that have disappeared.
Brighton and Caden's chemistry is off the charts so so so so SO good. Their attraction is immediate (this is a novella keep in mind) but Armentrout doesn't have to waste time building the world since it's already been done in Wicked. And I do recommend reading those three books just so you know what's going on in these novellas. The way Caden repeatedly tells Bri that he prefers her without her disguises, that he wants to see the real her and they way he constantly tells her she is as beautiful as the sun was sigh worthy. He understands her need for revenge (he's in the same boat) but doesn't like the danger it puts her in. Brighton also sees past who the Prince was, to her he's not a murdering psychopath, she understands that it's not his fault he was under an enchanment when he was doing all those awful things. I think Caden needs to hear that...he needs interaction and everyone right now just stays aways from him and leaves him to himself...even his own brother. We also get to see glimpses of Ivy and Ren and of course one of my all time favorites, Tink. Tink is actually living with Brighton now along with his cat Dixon.
Overall The Prince is a fantastic start to these novellas, things are gearing up with the mystery of the missing younglings and there are whispers of someone trying to resurrect The Queen. The Prince is entertaining, spicy, and full of emotions. It does end in a HUGE cliffhanger and lots of heartbreaking feelings.
Brighton is pissed and hurt by Caden's (now The King) harsh words and betrayal but she's not giving up her revenge mission. There is a lot of back and forth hot and cold between her and Caden. The situation comes to a head when Caden rats out Brighton to Ivy and Ren and shit hits the fan. No one seems to think she can handle hunting, no one thinks she is strong enough to handle herself on the streets. This made me so mad at everyone on Bri's behalf. Like Jesus Christ let her prove herself if you don't have the confidence, give her a chance! At this point I'm so sick of Caden and his back and forth feelings. I know deep down he cares so much for Brighton but him allowing the real world to influence him is so frustrating and the way Brighton's heart just keeps getting broken over and over was gut wrenching.
After Tink takes off to Florida with Fabian Brighton is actually kidnapped by Aric and one of the most disturbing and heartbreaking few chapters I've ever read occur. She's tortured mentally and physically by Aric, this whole section was so hard to read without cringing or sobbing… so please take care of yourself first if this is triggering to you.
You also realize exactly how strong Brighton is, she was so amazing and I really admired her determination and her ability to never give up on herself.
The Queen is the conclusion to the Summer King novellas and it was everything! The revelation at the end of The King was shocking but it only gets crazier in The Queen. There are so many SECRETS and things that could've been solved if only there was communication but alas we probably wouldn't have a story! I felt for Brighton so much this installment, but also wanted to scream at her too. She constantly has to give up her happiness and wants in order for the greater good... I mean FINALLY in the end she does get her HEA but jeez louise it was exhausting!
The Queen is definitely tamer compared to the first two books in terms of action and suspense but it is the conclusion so just really time to wrap up loose ends and what not. Don't get me wrong there is still a big revelation/twist and I definitely had thoughts about that person but still very shocking! I really can't say enough how much I loved this series and you definitely should read it if you like fantasy romance even a little bit.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
The Summer King combines all three Blue Box novellas into one book, which is what I've been waiting for for so very long! I love matching series sets, so it's super exciting that this bindup is releasing right when the Wicked series is also getting a cover redesign. And with gorgeous sprayed edges! Heck yes! As for the actual book, I've been putting off reading these novellas for quite some time. For no particular reason other than once I finished them, I would officially be that much much closer to being caught up on all the JLA books. It'll be terrible to not have any more backlog JLA to keep me going. Her Wicked and Harbinger series got me out of a year-long reading slump in 2020.
The Summer King itself is such a fun time, and it brought me right back to my urban fantasy/paranormal reading days with the modern setting and overarching plot of hunting evil fairies. Brighton, the main POV character, is a strong fmc with a knack for disguises and a desire for revenge, and Caden is the perfect JLA-brand of swoonworthy mmc who tries to keep Brighton alive. Oh, and we can't forget Tink. He's back! I definitely missed Tink, the online-shopping-addict and shrinkable brownie. It was great to see Ivy and Ren too. And Dixon the cat is adorable, of course. But every character in this world is so entertaining. Either because they're badass, funny, or, like I said, swoonworthy.
I feel like Brighton was a relatable character in the story. She's much more chill than Ivy. Or at least, that's how it was at first. Brighton steps up big time, but I could definitely see more of my shy, introverted self in Brighton than Ivy. She's relatable. Between her character development and the crazy plot of the second novella, I was hooked. No spoilers, but things start happening in The King. The romantic tension in the first novella, The Prince, is A+ too, it just takes a few chapters to really set things up. JLA does know how to write romantic tension, though. And even for a novella series, I felt it was good pacing.
Although I loved most of this bindup, I will say there were a couple of things that I wasn't quite sure about. The first being that the ending didn't quite resolve the original issue that was introduced in the first novella. Also, it's mentioned that Caden can find Brighton because of spoilery reasons, but that ability doesn't seem to work in book two and I don't think it was explained why. Or I missed it, which could very well be the case. This just supports my crackpot theory that there'll be more books in this world one day soon. Right, JLA? ;)
Overall, though, it's a JLA book. I'm in it for a good, quick, fun time, and that's exactly what I got. All of JLA's books minus those in her Blood and Ash world are super bingeable. And the only reason her B&A series isn't quite as bingeable is because it's in a fantasy world with new rules and creatures and sometimes that takes more time to process. (I would totally binge the entire series if I could reread it again for the first time, though.)
Basically, if you're interested in evil versus good fairies, royal fae men, sassy brownies (the fae, not the dessert), and an fmc who steps up, you'll love The Summer King. It's 100% for fans of TV shows like Charmed, The Vampire Diaries, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and Supernatural. with appeal to romantasy readers searching for lighter versions of books like the Crescent City or The Mortal Instruments series.
4 stars
*Note: I received an eARC of this book to review from the publisher. This in no way affected my opinion/review.
The Summer King itself is such a fun time, and it brought me right back to my urban fantasy/paranormal reading days with the modern setting and overarching plot of hunting evil fairies. Brighton, the main POV character, is a strong fmc with a knack for disguises and a desire for revenge, and Caden is the perfect JLA-brand of swoonworthy mmc who tries to keep Brighton alive. Oh, and we can't forget Tink. He's back! I definitely missed Tink, the online-shopping-addict and shrinkable brownie. It was great to see Ivy and Ren too. And Dixon the cat is adorable, of course. But every character in this world is so entertaining. Either because they're badass, funny, or, like I said, swoonworthy.
I feel like Brighton was a relatable character in the story. She's much more chill than Ivy. Or at least, that's how it was at first. Brighton steps up big time, but I could definitely see more of my shy, introverted self in Brighton than Ivy. She's relatable. Between her character development and the crazy plot of the second novella, I was hooked. No spoilers, but things start happening in The King. The romantic tension in the first novella, The Prince, is A+ too, it just takes a few chapters to really set things up. JLA does know how to write romantic tension, though. And even for a novella series, I felt it was good pacing.
Although I loved most of this bindup, I will say there were a couple of things that I wasn't quite sure about. The first being that the ending didn't quite resolve the original issue that was introduced in the first novella. Also, it's mentioned that Caden can find Brighton because of spoilery reasons, but that ability doesn't seem to work in book two and I don't think it was explained why. Or I missed it, which could very well be the case. This just supports my crackpot theory that there'll be more books in this world one day soon. Right, JLA? ;)
Overall, though, it's a JLA book. I'm in it for a good, quick, fun time, and that's exactly what I got. All of JLA's books minus those in her Blood and Ash world are super bingeable. And the only reason her B&A series isn't quite as bingeable is because it's in a fantasy world with new rules and creatures and sometimes that takes more time to process. (I would totally binge the entire series if I could reread it again for the first time, though.)
Basically, if you're interested in evil versus good fairies, royal fae men, sassy brownies (the fae, not the dessert), and an fmc who steps up, you'll love The Summer King. It's 100% for fans of TV shows like Charmed, The Vampire Diaries, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and Supernatural. with appeal to romantasy readers searching for lighter versions of books like the Crescent City or The Mortal Instruments series.
4 stars
*Note: I received an eARC of this book to review from the publisher. This in no way affected my opinion/review.
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