Disguised Queen

by Laura Greenwood

 With their enemies pressing in from all sides, Keira has to keep herself hidden, even if that's the last thing she wants to do. 

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Disguised Queen is book two in the Beyond The Curse dark fantasy fairy tale series. It is inspired by fairy tale lore, including Sleeping Beauty and Hansel & Gretel. It includes an m/f romantic sub-plot.

Unknown Binding

Published March 24, 2022

About the author

Laura is a USA Today Bestselling Author of fantasy romance and urban fantasy. She lives in the UK, where most of her books are set, with her partner. When she's not writing, Laura can be found exploring worldwide cusine with her partner, drinking tea, and reading fantasy books. Laura specialises in quick reads, featuring healthy relationships and consent-positive moments, regardless of whether she's writing light-hearted romance, mythology-inspired modern fantasy, cozy fantasy or anything in between.

Discover one of Laura Greenwood's most popular series:
- The Apprentice of Anubis (mythology inspired modern/urban fantasy)
- Forgotten Gods (mythology inspired fantasy romance)
- Jinx Paranormal Dating Agency (mythology inspired paranormal rom-com)
- House of Blood and Roses (vampire romantasy)
- Amethyst's Wand Shop Mysteries (urban fantasy murder mystery)
- Scales of Justice (mythology inspired modern/urban fantasy)
- Purple Oak Oasis (cozy fantasy romance)
- Falhaven Castle (cozy fantasy romance)

You can find a full book list and more information on her website, or in her Facebook Reader Group.

Happy Reading!

Reviews

[Laura Greenwood]

Beyond The Curse:

1. Awakened Princess: books2read.com/awakenedprincess
2. Disguised Queen: books2read.com/disguisedqueen
3. Crowned Empress: books2read.com/crownedempress

Prequel: Cursed Crown : A Beyond The Curse Prequel: books2read.com/cursedcrown
Prequel: Betrayed Royals: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/orrjs94fdb

[Annette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yes! It was once again time for another Greenwood. This time I had a spare hour between finishing my previous book and the start of the Tour de France and that was exactly enough time to finish this second book. I was very excited about it, since I loved the prequels and the first book and I was therefore quite glad I got an arc via BookSprout.

Just like in the other books there are quite a few nods and winks towards famous fairytales. There are magical apples, there is a spindle and then there is the story of the sister who still hasn't found her brother yet. Although I personally would have loved the fairytale vibe to be a little more prominent, I like how natural Greenwood fitted these elements into the story.

Just like I like how clear it is that war is fought in countless different ways and that everything done in the past, when it comes to politics, will eventually come back to haunt and harm you. And the cliffhanger in this book is actually quite brutal, although I did see the reveal in the end coming. After all, important characters usually don't appear before they're named.

Although this book felt a little like a middle book, where the characters see their situation changed and they're getting in position to enter the last, and final, book of the series, I really enjoyed watching the different kinds of forging war and fighting. I'm very curious to find out what the last book in the series will bring and how things will end!

[Kristen Lewendon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh! That ending makes me want to break fragile things. Added to an opening that nearly saw my device learning how to fly, this story is an excellent example of how to spark an emotional response from this reader. As book two in the trilogy, I knew things wouldn’t stay sunshine and roses for Kiera, but this is beyond anything I was expecting. I’m also so very, very grateful that I can immediately start the final book after the cliffhanger that this finished on.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through Booksprout as part of the box set.

[Chey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book two in the Beyond the Curse series has multiple fairy tales mixed together, including Sleeping Beauty and Hansel and Gretel. We follow Kiera as she has her curse broken, but isn't exactly free. A war threatens to rage and she goes into hiding with Phillip and a few others. She doesn't want to be a queen, but when she comes out of hiding, that is exactly what she will have to be.

I loved the mix of fairy tales and the twist on Sleeping Beauty. Kiera struggles with the idea of becoming queen and while she doesn't want to, she knows she has to, and i loved that about her character. It's good to have a character with realistic emotions and internal struggles. There is a little romance, but it isn't a major point in the plot or in the story in general. It's almost like an after thought in this book.

There is a What Happened Before scene that gives a refresher in what happened in the previous book, which was a fantastic idea. I read Awakened Princess when it first came out, so the refresher was nice to have.

Overall rating:
4.5 ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
1 🌶

[Stace · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are looking for a fast pace series especially after reading a longer series and are in a book slump I highly recommend it! The first book is good but the cliffhanger ending in this one makes it a touch better in my opinion!

SPOILERS

this story follows Keira and her friends as she goes into hiding when a war upon her kingdom breaks out. Keira has to navigate the struggles she now faces as she becomes Queen of her kingdom at only age 19 dude to her parents deaths in this book - I wasn't surprised they died to by honest I saw it coming and I think it will help shape Keira into who she is going to be at the end of this series, you could tell it was going to happen just by the events leading up to everything, I was sad to see them both go so fast but also can't wait to see how it shapes Keira!

The one thing that took me by surprise was Lana, I knew she was not to be trusted I had the feeling in my gut the whole time, but for her to be Phillips mom give her truth tea and give her a whole new curse had me go "WHAT" at the end of the book!

ALSO LANA SAYING PHILLIP WAS SUPPOSED TO BRING HER TO HIS FATHER?!

The fact that HE DID AND THEN HELPED HER ESCAPE DROVE ME CRAZY

Part of me really deep down wants them to be endgame but since book one there has been a SLIGHT uneasy feeling about him. I really hope he wasn't a conniving little rat at the end of this

[Douglas Williamson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Caught in a war she didn't want, our heroine has no real choice but to hide. But events march on and when she reveals herself, new challenges will be waiting.

It is book two of the series. It does pretty well as a standalone, but you will be missing some of the background. Your call.

This is a fantasy story which builds off of a classic fairy tale. The story is well written and easy to read with a well developed setting and a solid plot. The characters are also nicely done and truly bring the story to life. I love reading new twists on the old stories and this one definitely fits in that mold. Overall, an excellent continuation to the series and I look forward to seeing where it goes next.

Highly recommended.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout for review purposes.

[LeMiliere · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in this interesting series and I would advise reading Awakened Princess first although the author does include a “What Happened Before” section in this book for those readers who don't wish to.

The curse is broken, but Kiera isn't free, to make matters worse Phillip's father is about to start a war that could cause the loss of so many beloved people.

Deception is brewing but thankfully friends are found in some unexpected places. It's an easy read, full of surprises which left me eager to read the third book to see if there's a HEA on the horizon for Keira and Phillip.


I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Alexandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book two of Beyond The Curse series is great, it has a what happened in the last book, which is helpful, but I do recommend that you read the first book. Kiera has broken her curse but she's not free. She and Phillip go into hiding with friends, as they try to stop Phillip's father from going into war. There are nods to different fairy tales in this book, which was exciting to read. I liked the dynamic of parent and adult children relationships getting explored, something that isn't always looked at. It was a quick and fun read, I'm excited to see what happens in the next book.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I felt in love when I read the first book. This second book take our breath with all events. It's fast and you don't have time to thing. I won't give spoilers, but I can say Keira and her friends isn't waiting for all they will need pass through.
Ah and our beloved princess doesn't have idea who is near her.
For a better understanding and fun read (Cursed Crown & Betrayed Royals). It will give a much better view of the entire series.
I'm looking forward to reading the sequel.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[DeeDeeWReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a hard one. Lose is everywhere, Kiera dealing with some of her own. At the same time, there is things found. How will it affect everyone, that is to be seen?

Kiera's curse is broken, but she isn't free, and Phillip's father is about to start a war. A war that could cause the loss of many beloved. Friends are found in places unexpected and deception is brewing.

Great book, faster read, and soon comes Book 3, the finale, to see if there is a HEA.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tahnia Ross · Rating 5 out of 5]

The King and Queen of Alventia, Keira's parents, are killed by King Xavier during the supposed war. Keira does not want to be coronated as Queen of Alventia but does her duty. While posing as a lady's maid, Keira meets an apple seller in the market, then pricks her finger on a spindle and falls asleep. Is Prince Philip the ally he seems? This story has action, intrigue, and romance, ending with a cliffhanger. Very highly recommended.

I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Emma Milli · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one didn't hit as hard, maybe it's the fact that the book wasn't able to be sent to my Kindle so I had to read on my laptop which felt odd and alien to me. Or maybe it's the fact that I was bold enough to start the next book right away and didn't give myself a breather.

Anyways, I still will be reading the last book in the the trilogy!

I enjoy Greenwood's retelling and sprinkling of classic fairytales within the story. This is how I imagined a re-telling and not whatever was in the Tainted Wonderland series 🥴

The middle and ending had me like 😮

[Claire Trickett · Rating 5 out of 5]

This second book still had the Sleeping Beauty vibe, but also a little Cinderella (shoe) and Snow White (apple) too.

My heart goes out to Keira who's forced into a war and hiding due to the decisions of her parents.

This is a quick read which I couldn't put down. I've read the first book and already downloaded the third. Recommend reading these in order.

I received a complimentary copy of the book and I'm leaving a voluntary and honest review.

[J · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book 2 in Greenwood's Beyond the Curse series - this series should be read in series order. Greenwood has the short, paranormal reads down pat and this is no exception. Continuing on from book 1 Keira and Phillip are back. This is a captivating read with a cliff hanger ending so be on the watch for book 3!

I received a free copy of this book via BookSprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kkhmonrai · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoy the way the author takes well-known fairytales and mashes and mixes them up to create something new. This continuation is engaging, humorous, and a lot of fun. It seems Keira can't get a break. Her curse is broken, but now she is in the middle of a war. Can she protect her friends and save her kingdom? This is a sweet, clean read suitable for all ages.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Marilyn Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a wonderful story of several fairytales being mashed together to make a great storyline! Kiera has broken her curse but finds herself in the middle of a war! She and Phillip have to go into hiding with friends. But what will they find when they come out! This story has humor and intriguing things that make it a fun read!.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Suez · Rating 4 out of 5]

War has erupted between the kingdoms as the story continues. For their own safety, Kiera and Phillip are forced into hiding. Kiera's curse has been broken, but death stalks the land, is the loss to great? An unexpected, exciting twist ends this book, leaving the reader eagerly anticipating the next instalment, but will there be a happy ending? I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Christinaraven · Rating 5 out of 5]

Keira and Phillip are back and things are heating up. Lots of surprises, funny scenes, and me laughing and groaning at these two. But I did enjoy catching up with these two and their crazy life as they try to survive all that is thrown at them. But with the help of friends along the way, they make it to the end of the story. Enjoyed the trouble they found and how they got out of it too.

[Anne Dwyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Keira's curse has been broken, and Philip is at her side - but war has broken out and she must do what needs to be done. Who can she really trust? When she goes to Lana for the help she has offered, will she be helped or betrayed? Cliff hanger ending - cant wait for the finale!.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Trina · Rating 4 out of 5]

The editing of my copy was atrocious, hopefully it will be fixed before publishing. There is lots happening with the death of a couple of main players, although our two main ones are safe. Their relationship continues to go. Other characters play a more significant part. The ending is a cliff hanger.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Debbie Benson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. Keira is now queen after her parents are murdered by King Xavier. The war is heating up when Keira encounters an apple seller who is more than she appears. After a village is slaughtered, Keira goes to the apple seller and is cursed again before Philip can save her. Who the apple seller is was a surprise.

[Erika · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the story. Laura Greenwood writes the story that moves quickly. It helps to keep the reader guessing what will come next for the characters. It has mentions of characters from childhood fairytales. It does end on a cliffhanger that will leave scratching your head.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Holly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantasy tale, very entertaining and enjoyable.
It’s part two. If you mix Sleeping beauty, Hansel and Gretel you find yourself in fantasy world.
It’s adult version of the childhood Princesses.
Very well done, the mix of unexpected will keep you turning pages.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Debbie Eyre · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great second read. Keira and Phillip Are back, the curse is broken and they are together but nothing ever lasts! War has broken out and Keira has to stay hidden. It’s exciting, it’s crazy, it’s fun and it’s got twists and turns you will not see coming. I look forward to the next book.

[Bookaddict · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Keira’s story, and on the other hand I hate her a little for how easy was tricked!
And the twist of the story was wonderful.
Can’t wait for the next part!.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kat M · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoy Ms. Laura Greenwood's writing, I always have a great time reading her books. This was a great sequel in the Beyond The Curse series, the characters were interesting and I enjoyed reading the plot.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ken Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Laura has really taken classic fairy tales and given them her unique twist. I found the story riveting and exciting. Can’t wait for the next edition.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jennifer Layne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 2 gets even further into the adventure and drama then book 3 closes out a great set of reads!

All that said, it was a great read. I enjoyed getting to know these characters and seeing an old fairytale ✨️ in a new light.

[Rowan Creech · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book that leaves you wanting more especially with the cliff hanger at the end of the book. It twists and turns the reader emotionally making it a very good read.

[Amber Christiansen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun read with some interesting twists and turns. I’m eager to see how the story ends with the next book!.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.