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Reigning Kingdoms #2
Sword of Desire
Ackley has three goals—kill the traitorous king, put Owen on the throne, and reunite with Harley.
Ackley’s tasks should be simple since he’s trained his entire life for this. However, with so many Marsden soldiers depending on him to make it home alive, his obligations weigh him down. Now that the woman he loves is in the hands of his enemy, the temptation to drop everything and rescue her is pitted against trusting—and hoping—that Harley is exactly the woman he thinks she is.
Harley finds herself kidnapped and in the clutches of her abusive husband—a man she never thought she’d see again. Embedded with the enemy, she strives to make the most of this unique opportunity, but she has the growing suspicion her husband might already be two steps ahead of her. When survival clashes with what she desires most, sacrifices must be made.
In this stunning conclusion, lies are spun, hearts are guarded, and allies are found in the most unlikely places.
Ackley’s tasks should be simple since he’s trained his entire life for this. However, with so many Marsden soldiers depending on him to make it home alive, his obligations weigh him down. Now that the woman he loves is in the hands of his enemy, the temptation to drop everything and rescue her is pitted against trusting—and hoping—that Harley is exactly the woman he thinks she is.
Harley finds herself kidnapped and in the clutches of her abusive husband—a man she never thought she’d see again. Embedded with the enemy, she strives to make the most of this unique opportunity, but she has the growing suspicion her husband might already be two steps ahead of her. When survival clashes with what she desires most, sacrifices must be made.
In this stunning conclusion, lies are spun, hearts are guarded, and allies are found in the most unlikely places.
272 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 16, 2021
21 people are currently reading
196 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Anne Davis
27 books1,067 followersJennifer Anne Davis graduated from the University of San Diego with a degree in English and a teaching credential. She is currently a full-time writer. Jennifer is the recipient of the San Diego Book Awards Best Published Young Adult Novel (2013), winner of the Kindle Book Awards (2018), a finalist in the Next Generation Indie Book Awards (2014), and a finalist in the USA Best Book Awards (2014).
Visit Jennifer online at:
www.JenniferAnneDavis.com
Visit Jennifer online at:
www.JenniferAnneDavis.com
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
March 29, 2022
That was a great series. Would definitely recommend it.
November 16, 2021
From the first book, we know that Harley has survived a lot. Now, she has to survive even more. Locked in a battle of wits with the traitor who condemned her entire family, she struggles to secure Owen's throne while not being killed in the process.
The game is War. And she is determined to win.
In this book, Ackley is clearly the more emotional of the two (in a good way). Having never wanted to fall in love, he now learns the dangers that it brings. After being baited into traps by people he never expected, finding a way to free himself and Harley takes up most of his energy. Yet, all that time he spent working behind the scenes just might make up the difference.
This book definitely proves to Ackley that he found a woman who is more than his match.
The game is War. And she is determined to win.
In this book, Ackley is clearly the more emotional of the two (in a good way). Having never wanted to fall in love, he now learns the dangers that it brings. After being baited into traps by people he never expected, finding a way to free himself and Harley takes up most of his energy. Yet, all that time he spent working behind the scenes just might make up the difference.
This book definitely proves to Ackley that he found a woman who is more than his match.
June 21, 2022
Unfortunately this series was a real disappointment. I struggled to finish the first book and did not finish the second one. I have read other series written by this author so was expecting more. I did not connect with the main characters and found some of the dialogue silly.
November 16, 2021
This was a great conclusion to the series with lots of twists and turns. I especially loved the snippets of characters from previous series. Overall, I would definitely recommend this book!
November 17, 2021
Really disappointed in this one, since I loved the first book. The two main character we’re together for a total of 5 pages, and many of the events in the book seemed implausible.
March 19, 2022
Wow. My head is spinning, so many twists and revelations, holy moly, this book was incredible!!
The battle continues, and Harley is now at the castle with her husband, the fake king, the man behind the death of her family.
I loved how the villainous plot came together, he is truly a great bad guy. The villain who thinks they are doing everyone a favour, and creating a better life for them, all the while doing so through horrifying means; that villain is terrifying. He gave me chills.
Harley showed so much growth in this story. She was strong before, but when she is completely on her own with no one to depend on, that’s when her strengths really show. She finally gets to learn who she is without others telling her who to be and what she is capable of.
I really wasn’t sure what a happy ending for Ackley would look like. But I liked this one! Some of it gave me conflicting emotions- but you can decide for yourself- I will not spoil it!!
And after all that fun, we get to see a sneak of Gytha’s story. So perhaps she’s getting her own story?! That would be amazing!!! I really do want to see her end up with someone perfect for her. Maybe Broderick? Or someone entirely new!! But I loved the sneak peek!
And I hadn’t realized this, but the trilogy The Key, takes place in this world as well! If you’ve read this series, then you know Empress Rema- that trilogy is her story, taking place long before the events of this duology. And seeing as she will likely have some appearances in Gythas story, I will definitely be giving that series a read. And hoping for more of Ackley and Harley!
Content: mostly clean
Romance: kissing, closed door, one open-ish (it’s like two sentences)
Violence: a bit less than book 1; war, fighting, injury.
Language: none
The battle continues, and Harley is now at the castle with her husband, the fake king, the man behind the death of her family.
I loved how the villainous plot came together, he is truly a great bad guy. The villain who thinks they are doing everyone a favour, and creating a better life for them, all the while doing so through horrifying means; that villain is terrifying. He gave me chills.
Harley showed so much growth in this story. She was strong before, but when she is completely on her own with no one to depend on, that’s when her strengths really show. She finally gets to learn who she is without others telling her who to be and what she is capable of.
I really wasn’t sure what a happy ending for Ackley would look like. But I liked this one! Some of it gave me conflicting emotions- but you can decide for yourself- I will not spoil it!!
And after all that fun, we get to see a sneak of Gytha’s story. So perhaps she’s getting her own story?! That would be amazing!!! I really do want to see her end up with someone perfect for her. Maybe Broderick? Or someone entirely new!! But I loved the sneak peek!
And I hadn’t realized this, but the trilogy The Key, takes place in this world as well! If you’ve read this series, then you know Empress Rema- that trilogy is her story, taking place long before the events of this duology. And seeing as she will likely have some appearances in Gythas story, I will definitely be giving that series a read. And hoping for more of Ackley and Harley!
Content: mostly clean
Romance: kissing, closed door, one open-ish (it’s like two sentences)
Violence: a bit less than book 1; war, fighting, injury.
Language: none
February 27, 2024
no….
idk why this book made me so mad
Let’s break this down and figure out why shall we
Plot was meh
Ending was meh
Rating: meh/10
How Ackley can be in love with someone so quickly after Reid will forever stump me
Harley gets a little better in this book
Towards the end she really bosses up and I was like okay go off girl!
But I just can’t stand her and Ackley
I cannot…
I don’t feel their connection at all
It’s not love it’s lust and infatuation
I felt the connection with Reid and Dexter
I just didn’t like it yall
Because they’re both physically attracted to each other and began to like each other I think they decided “so this is love”
(Shoutout to Cinderella for that banger song)
But I’m like not it ain’t!
I just didn’t like this series as much as the first
Ackley is a ladies man too if you know what I mean
No commitment kinda guy who doesn’t want to get married but wants TJ benefits of it and I’m like naaah
I don’t like this behavior
Gytha deserves SO. MUCH. BETTER.
THEY PRACTICALLY ENDED THE STORY WITHOUT HEARING A WORD FROM HER
thankfully she had one chapter at the end and I was like FINALLY Gytha had her heart broken twice and has to act like it didn’t hurt
She has feelings! He’s she’s a warrior woman who can probably beat you into the ground with her eyes closed but she’s also a woman who has a heart and wants to be loved
And I’m sick of her heart getting broken
JUSTICE FOR GYTHA
idk why this book made me so mad
Let’s break this down and figure out why shall we
Plot was meh
Ending was meh
Rating: meh/10
How Ackley can be in love with someone so quickly after Reid will forever stump me
Harley gets a little better in this book
Towards the end she really bosses up and I was like okay go off girl!
But I just can’t stand her and Ackley
I cannot…
I don’t feel their connection at all
It’s not love it’s lust and infatuation
I felt the connection with Reid and Dexter
I just didn’t like it yall
Because they’re both physically attracted to each other and began to like each other I think they decided “so this is love”
(Shoutout to Cinderella for that banger song)
But I’m like not it ain’t!
I just didn’t like this series as much as the first
Ackley is a ladies man too if you know what I mean
No commitment kinda guy who doesn’t want to get married but wants TJ benefits of it and I’m like naaah
I don’t like this behavior
Gytha deserves SO. MUCH. BETTER.
THEY PRACTICALLY ENDED THE STORY WITHOUT HEARING A WORD FROM HER
thankfully she had one chapter at the end and I was like FINALLY Gytha had her heart broken twice and has to act like it didn’t hurt
She has feelings! He’s she’s a warrior woman who can probably beat you into the ground with her eyes closed but she’s also a woman who has a heart and wants to be loved
And I’m sick of her heart getting broken
JUSTICE FOR GYTHA
February 16, 2025
I can’t wait to read the part 2 of the book so, I did finished it.
I just felt sorry for Harley. Hse was betrayed by her parents, abused by her husband. All her life, she only wanted to please all the people he loves but gained nothing out of it. Only Ackley gaveher respects and importance as a person and as a woman.
At the end of the story, Lyle die and so her parents. I hope Harley’s happiness and it is in the arms of Ackley. I gave it 3 stars.
I just felt sorry for Harley. Hse was betrayed by her parents, abused by her husband. All her life, she only wanted to please all the people he loves but gained nothing out of it. Only Ackley gaveher respects and importance as a person and as a woman.
At the end of the story, Lyle die and so her parents. I hope Harley’s happiness and it is in the arms of Ackley. I gave it 3 stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 4, 2022
I really wish some of the details in the book were different, but it was a great story and wonderfully written.
August 3, 2024
Not as good as the first, a little disappointing
September 29, 2025
It was ok. Seemed rushed
October 8, 2025
Good character development for Harley. Compelling plot with enough twists and turns you don't see it all coming.
Read my full review here: https://amandanelsonbooks.wordpress.c...
Read my full review here: https://amandanelsonbooks.wordpress.c...
December 2, 2021
(Original rating: 4.5)
Jennifer Anne Davis never disappoint!
I, once again, am in love with another book Jennifer wrote.
Something about her writing man!
And though Illuminae got me into a big hangover. This book has helped as a cure and got me healed slowly but surely.
And Ackley is the main lead so. . . I can stop my review right here lol.
My only problem?
1. It was short.
2. It ended.
The story picked up in a good pace throughout the beginning, having not refreshed my thoughts by reading the first book again, i tried to remember all the facts. And i did.
And then halfway through its gotten real good. I was just trying to be smart, and think of how things might unravel. Also, while waiting for "HIM" to die!
And by the end i was like "wtf is happening" and something like "THIS is your plan? (Assuming I'm talking to the MCs lol)".
If you ask me about my favorite books that has politics as an important topic. My answer would be:
- The Winner's Trilogy.
- Every series Jennifer Anne Davis wrote.
Honestly, they're all unique, with amazing stories!
And they're all connected which is amazing!! Because seeing different characters from other series feels like greeting an old friend.
And sometimes, like Ackley, side characters becomes MLs and I live for that!!
I JUST. . . LOOOVE ACKLEY! AND HOWEVER I CAN GET HIM, I WILL HAVE HIM.
So i can't believe his story is finished 😕
I'm sad about that.
But hopefully someday in the future when i miss him enough, I'll have this quickly paced, amazingly written, very entertaining Duology to remind me of him
Jennifer Anne Davis never disappoint!
I, once again, am in love with another book Jennifer wrote.
Something about her writing man!
And though Illuminae got me into a big hangover. This book has helped as a cure and got me healed slowly but surely.
And Ackley is the main lead so. . . I can stop my review right here lol.
My only problem?
1. It was short.
2. It ended.
The story picked up in a good pace throughout the beginning, having not refreshed my thoughts by reading the first book again, i tried to remember all the facts. And i did.
And then halfway through its gotten real good. I was just trying to be smart, and think of how things might unravel. Also, while waiting for "HIM" to die!
And by the end i was like "wtf is happening" and something like "THIS is your plan? (Assuming I'm talking to the MCs lol)".
If you ask me about my favorite books that has politics as an important topic. My answer would be:
- The Winner's Trilogy.
- Every series Jennifer Anne Davis wrote.
Honestly, they're all unique, with amazing stories!
And they're all connected which is amazing!! Because seeing different characters from other series feels like greeting an old friend.
And sometimes, like Ackley, side characters becomes MLs and I live for that!!
I JUST. . . LOOOVE ACKLEY! AND HOWEVER I CAN GET HIM, I WILL HAVE HIM.
So i can't believe his story is finished 😕
I'm sad about that.
But hopefully someday in the future when i miss him enough, I'll have this quickly paced, amazingly written, very entertaining Duology to remind me of him
November 16, 2021
Treachery. Traitors. Heartbreak. Does Harley need any more? Will she ever find happiness? Will her brother ever claim his throne?
The second book in the Reigning Kingdoms series moves at a fast pace, you can’t put it down. A must read that comes to a surprising finish!
The second book in the Reigning Kingdoms series moves at a fast pace, you can’t put it down. A must read that comes to a surprising finish!
December 27, 2021
Fantastic!
I thoroughly enjoyed this storyline. I was beyond thrilled to see Rema our beloved Empress once again. The ending was exciting and unexpected. I highly recommend this book and the entire epic tale!!!
I thoroughly enjoyed this storyline. I was beyond thrilled to see Rema our beloved Empress once again. The ending was exciting and unexpected. I highly recommend this book and the entire epic tale!!!
December 4, 2021
Absolutely No!!
I am disappointed with this book
Where is the amazing Ackley ??
Let’s see the next character who will be
I am disappointed with this book
Where is the amazing Ackley ??
Let’s see the next character who will be
December 3, 2021
not my fav but Still good
I love this author! Her other series are some of my fav This one was good but not my favorite of hers.
I love this author! Her other series are some of my fav This one was good but not my favorite of hers.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews