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Secrets destroy relationships, and both Loki and I have too many.

They aren’t the only barrier between us.

The Bride Trials has turned on me and the blood contract demands I murder my mate. Our mating bond isn’t playing nice either; it nags me to mate with the King of the Underworld every second, despite my life and sanity hanging by a thin thread.

As I race to find the hellfire crown to prove I’m meant to be the Queen of the Underworld, Loki turns to the darker side, at risk of losing himself and his wolf to keep me alive.

To win this treacherous game, we’ll have to throw all our cards on the table and bare our souls.

And even that might not be enough if we’re pawns instead of becoming the masters of our fates.

354 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 28, 2021

918 people are currently reading
1591 people want to read

About the author

Meg Xuemei X

119 books2,271 followers
Meg Xuemei X is a USA Today and Amazon Charts bestselling author of paranormal and fantasy romance. She loves writing badass heroines and hot psycho alphaholes.

Join Meg’s mailing list for new releases, giveaways, and fun stuff: https://landing.mailerlite.com/webfor...

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5 stars
1,360 (44%)
4 stars
930 (30%)
3 stars
559 (18%)
2 stars
146 (4%)
1 star
46 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 126 reviews
Profile Image for Megan Mary.
1,120 reviews15 followers
September 17, 2021
How are you going to end a book like that? Seriously, Meg Xuemei X is killing me with this series! Full of ALL the twists and turns, ALL the chemistry between these two and an ending that is sure to have you tossing your kindle clear across the room (No, just me? LOL 😝) SO GOOD! Loki and Tessa have finally accepted that they are mates and this book focuses on their new dynamic but so much happens (nothing is ever simple am I right?<?i>) that I don't want to say too much & give anything away. So all I will say is that I am obsessed with this series and need the next book like yesterday!
Profile Image for Nikki'J'.
896 reviews22 followers
October 10, 2021
This book picks up from book 2.

Each book in this series I enjoy more. We pick straight up in this one no gap between their reuniting at the battle for Loki's throne. The characters development continues and we start to see Loki and Tessa really build their bond. We also get introduced to a new threat I hadn't seen coming. All in all, keep up with the series as it is really quite good.

After their wild reunion is cut short by an attack of usurpers on the castle Tessa stands with Loki to end the takeover and reclaim his throne. His true heritage is brought to light and now Loki's strength grows. Despite beating the demons back and wining Loki's throne, the blood contract Tessa has can't be broken unless she or Loki dies. Friends will try to help and set off to track Lucifer to end the contract that way.

Meanwhile, Tessa tries to distance herself from Loki so the coercion of the contact can't force her hand. While the party prior to the 3rd trial is in swing Tessa senses a new presence but is unable to tell what it is, she follows after Loki when he mysteriously leaves. It seems Tessa may have walked into a trap though and now they have a new threat to deal with if they can figure out what it is.

The 3rd trial is to claim the Hellfire Crown. A brutal maze is set up for the contestants and even Loki doesn't know where this trial takes place. Their bond can't even reach through the game properly. Despite that, Tessa is able to complete the challenge. But her enemies will surround her and take it for themselves. The battle almost breaks her but what happens next could be what ends her.

This is a huge cliffhanger before book 4. And if you're reading this before 2022 you are going to have to wait. Honestly, I have 100 scenarios running through my head of how they will get back to each other. I hope it will be as good as my imagination.

Happy Reading
Profile Image for Jennifer.
1,156 reviews4 followers
August 24, 2024
Exciting!

Ok, so this is going to contain a few spoilers. First, I really enjoy the writing when Tessa is in the trials. I look forward to it and it’s always exciting, edge of your seat, page turning stuff. Most of the book is about Tessa and Loki being together and Tessa fighting the blood contract. I really like the ridiculous, somewhat goofiness of Loki’s affection towards Tessa. It’s cute and sweet coming from the Wolf God/King of the Underworld. I really like the humor in the book as well. Ok so, Tessa goes through the 3rd trial and a lot of cool things happen but then it turns bad. This is why I gave the book 4 stars instead of 5. I really do not like the angst associated with Hellen appearing as Tessa. It’s not really fun for me or my thing. I am truly hoping that Loki figures this out very quickly in the next book. If he does, I’ll come back and give this book 5 stars. I’m so hoping that Tessa isn’t apart from Loki very long even though we end this book with all the Gods and Goddesses capturing her. I do not do well with long separations either. So here’s to hoping things between Tessa and Loki are resolved quickly in book 4. This was definitely a good addition to this series.
Profile Image for Brianna.
83 reviews1 follower
July 22, 2022
I have never been so disappointed with a book. This read like poor fanfiction with no character development, to the point that I had whiplash. Characters were unoriginal and plot elements did not line up at all. I will NOT be finishing this series.
Profile Image for Mom2three.
2,029 reviews16 followers
October 1, 2021
OMG! The ending is intense! Luckily I have all the faith in the world in Loki and I know I'm not going to have to reach into the book and punch him at the beginning of the next one.

Now that I've gotten that out of my system I'll tell you about the many reasons I love this book. The descriptions! The way Ms. Xuemei X depicts her scenes are an artform all on their own. The pictures her words create are magical and I don't only see the scene, I can smell it and feel it too. Then there are the entertaining interactions between the characters. The banter is humorous and makes me giggle. I love the nicknames and the way she even makes the heat not just sexy but fun. It has a lightness that I really appreciate. Next are the characters themselves. They are complex and a wonderful blend of vulnerable and fierce. They can stand on their own two feet and save the world but they are so much better when they have their people around them. The relationships between not just the main characters but also the side characters always reminds me of how the world is a better place because we aren't alone.

As for this story itself, it's the perfect example of all those things. Loki and Tessa are sexy, mysterious, secretive, sexy, and hilarious. This installment of their story has all the excitement and laughter that I love and some twists and turns that kept me guessing. As others have said, this one has a killer cliffhanger at the end and the next book isn't going to be released for a while. However, I'm from a time when it was common for there to be a year or more between book releases in a series and I've always loved going back and re-reading the entire series when the next book comes out. That anticipation feels me with joy. I love knowing that my favorite authors are also living their lives and maybe writing other stories that I may love. This series, and really anything by Meg, is well worth the wait and I'll be anxiously anticipating all her books.
310 reviews7 followers
November 6, 2024
Not a good one

There was a lot of repetition and redundancy in this one. Tessa seemed to recap a lot of things that happened earlier IN THIS BOOK quite often.

Then there was the add-in details that went into plot building that were never mentioned before (again, like in the last book).

We suddenly got a group of adversaries and a conflict that had never been mentioned before, or if it had, very insignificantly. Since it was about gods, it may have been on of those that was poorly detail and confusing in the earlier books like, who begat whom and whatnot and not very clearly. At least this one didn’t say “the demigod this” and “the demigod that” when multiple demigods were present, not doing much to differentiate between them.

The cliffhanger ending was a horrible place to stop. I mean, it’s technically still a cliffhanger, just poorly place or written. Loki was made to be the biggest idiot. He contradictory himself in the closing chapter saying how Tessa didn’t act or behave like Tessa and making up lame excuses as to why she would behave that way after having a damn near panic attack prior to the trial ending. He has several signs up the whazoo that something isn’t right, including his wolf, but he pushes forward anyway as if compelled to believe something stupid. Speaking of his wolf, it is utterly unrealistic that his wolf said absolutely nothing about Tessa as she strode towards them. This is why the cliffhanger was ridiculous and poorly placed. It should have ended with Tessa still in the trial and how that closed out… not to spoil it. Going to the next chapter was a mistake.

Anyway, see notes, highlights and commentary on Goodreads. Happy Reading.
Profile Image for Donna.
1,750 reviews1 follower
May 3, 2022
5/1/22 - Although the Bride Trials are mentioned in the titles of this series, there really is very little written about them. It’s more about Lucifer and his cronies attempting to take back hell from Loki. Oh, and sex. Lots and lots of sex. Finally, a female MC who doesn’t want long, drawn-out foreplay. Tessa is anxious to get to the main event and has little patience for all the shenanigans leading up to it.

5/3/22 - I forgot to mention this in earlier reviews but the pet names that are given to the females are absurd. Bunny, Rosebud, Lamb - it goes on and on.

I have to take back my earlier observation about the lack of trial activity. It is featured predominately in this book. Tessa and her shape shifter friends have to fight various obstacles in order to be the first to retrieve the Queen’s crown (why is this offered in the third trial when there are supposed to be five?)

Anyway, Ragnarö’s mother has decided she wants Loki for herself and teams up with Lucifer and two other gods to thwart Tessa. Their combined powers defeat her and she’s whisked away by the Angel of Death.
Profile Image for ROMEOISNOTFUNNY.
813 reviews13 followers
March 13, 2025
A hit and miss on this book.

The ending was intense and made me wanna punch Loki for something that's not really his fault... but come on Loki, listen to your beast changes.

While I enjoyed the dynamic of the characters when they are playing their antics on each other. In-between, it was lacking...it just seemed like I had to wait for a big scene for character development. No real self reflection in their POVs, and there are still a lot of repetitive recaps.

The smex again was semi hot, like the book a hit and miss. It becomes frustrating with all the interruptions. Mainly the blood contract.
On the blood contract, I don't understand why there is no one, considering they know demigods, etc. There must be a way...then again I feel like their character traits are the reason something doesn't happen....something I missed from previous books in this universe.

In the end, I did read a lot of moments that made an impact on emotions and kept drew me into the world more. Those hits out do the misses....3.6 stars
Profile Image for Juli.
1,581 reviews24 followers
February 11, 2022
KU*

Things are getting crazy now!

Loki and Tessa have finally found their way to each with no lies between them and their mating bond has been activated. I loved seeing moments between Tessa, Loki and his Wolf especially the banter between them. However, there was a bit of an uprising that interrupted their mating time.

Now that everyone knows about the contract and that Loki has found his mate, they must focus on their enemies; unfortunately, the Bride Trials are also creating its own problems.

Snow White aka Hell Cat made such sweet sacrifice and I hope we see her again soon!

Tessa was a total warrior and did everything she could do to survive and save her wolf partners.

The third trial was a total setup since we have a new player in the game, Loki’s aunt, Hellen. I didn’t like Veronica but that really cold what happened to her.

That ending had me screaming! Loki really needs to listen to his intuition.
Profile Image for Debleena.
314 reviews138 followers
March 8, 2022
OMG 😱😱 Tessa Nooooo

That one was a mean and nasty cliffhanger, hell the whole last part of third trial was just plain cruel and heartbreaking.

Fell more in love with Tessa and Loki, loved the battle at the start of the book(made me wish I was a badass like Tessa and had no worries of getting my ass dumped in a jail for being bloodthirsty and vicious). I adored and respected what Snow White did, the cat needs all the hats, ice creams, romance stories etc for her decision.

The sex scenes progressed from hot to hotter to Sun level. Loved the banter between the two mates, and enjoyed reading about Mari and her harem's cheekiness.

The last part really made me cry, so close yet so far 💔. My hope is with her loyal allies , especially Raina.

This book ripped me apart. Hats off to the author for delivering another power-action packed book.
Profile Image for Pagan.
698 reviews23 followers
July 15, 2022
Rating: 2/10
Had Potential But Didn't Deliver


Warning: This review may contain spoilers.

The plot for the third installment, again had potential, but for the most part it felt boring, uneventual and lacked any real depth story wise, character wise and journey wise. Like Playboy King
Profile Image for McKenna.
11 reviews
November 11, 2022
This series was a struggle to get through I only made it this far out of sheer stubbornness. And even then I'm surprised I got through 3/4 of this series. Awful writing and way too chaotic of a plot. It felt like it was written by a horney 13 year old that just barely went through sex Ed with raging hormornes. I'm sorry but no one is that desperate for a singular man’s dick. Nothing flowed and there were way too many “and” after thoughts tacked on to all of the conversation responses. It’s rare I rate books lower than 2 stars, but this book just wasn’t it.
This plot could have had something going for it, but it required more layout ahead of time, slower progression, foreshadowing and a more mature outlook rather than just being horney 0/5
Profile Image for Briann.
164 reviews8 followers
September 16, 2021
So much happens!

I hate to use the term roller coaster, but in this case, it describes this book perfectly.

Hellfire Crown starts where Rejected Queen ends. Loki and Tessa have accepted that they are mates and have mated! Boy, did they mate! *wink, wink* Yay!! And the pureblood archdemons have attacked Loki’s castle. Without giving too much, the book focuses on Loki and Tessa's new dynamic of being mates and trying to find Lucifer. Of course, things aren’t that simple. Throw in the blood oath, battles and bloodshed, the third trial, lots of steamy sex, a few new threats, the loss of a few characters, and the cliffhanger… and you’ve got another must-read from Meg.

We learn more about the blood pact and get more character interaction. And if I didn't already love Loki, this book cements it.

What a ride! I can wait for the next book. I need it yesterday!
Profile Image for Shayna Turpin.
149 reviews16 followers
September 17, 2021
Meg really outdone herself with this one. This series has been one of my favorites so far! Her books always pull you in and don't let go. She has a way with words that is unmatched. This one isn't any different! It's a must read.

Hellfire Crown is sinfully delicious! Be ready to take a ride. This book picks up right from Rejected Queen. Tessa and Loki FINALLY accept that they are mates and there is so much chemistry between them, you can feel it coming off the pages. All of Megs book are oh so steamy and this one didn't disappoint either. Woah!!!

And that cliffhanger?!? WHAAAAT?!? I need answers...and the next book soon. I can't wait!!!
Profile Image for Darcy.
2,151 reviews22 followers
September 19, 2021
Just Wow!!!!!!

At times this will throw you for a loop as you cheer and get angry for Tessa. This was one roller coaster of a ride. It has a lot of action and drama throughout it. Yes, at times the characters act a little cheesy but it only adds to the charm of the story. It has us seeing a lot of characters that you don’t expect to see but, boy do they add to the story. The ending of this book in the series is fantastic and boy does it really draw you in. I can’t wait to see what happens next. This is a fantastic must read!
88 reviews
September 23, 2021
Disappointed

First 2 books of this series was realy good :enjoyable ,written with easy hand , hummer , Tessa and Loki loveable characters, I was looking forward to read book 3. Unfortunately nearly 70% of book was waisted with boring banter between characters and their relatives and there is only bit of actions of Underworld Trials and we had no end of story.!!!!!! Now we have to wait till next year August 2022 to know what happens to Tessa and how Loki will save her? By that time I wouldn't remember even what this series was about.That's way I am disappointed.😥


Profile Image for Ellie Scothern.
301 reviews
September 25, 2021
NO!!!!! Spoiler alert!!!

I flipping hate Cliff hangers especially when the next book hasn’t been written yet!!! This story line is so much better than the one with Marigold Celeste and her harem, the only complaint I have is the stupid nicknames that the girl always gets and the way the speech sounds childish, especially when used in the same descriptive sentences when he describes exactly what he’s going to do to her it kinda takes away the eroticism in the sentence, but I ignore that and enjoy the book’s! Definitely worth the read!!!
104 reviews
July 22, 2022
Hard to finish

I'm getting abit bored and annoyed it keeps changing in terms supernatural law ect tessa would not become alpha of a shifter park that was just odd I found the writing lacking in some parts too especially in the spice and when tessa was trying to annoy the villains its all very samey during the spice scenes and immature with the insults. I'll read the last one because I want to know what happens but I found this very hard to read and stick with almost gave up and 70%
Profile Image for Sweets Books.
687 reviews63 followers
January 3, 2024
Ehhh...😒

Well...the first half of this book is nothing but two very detailed and long sex scenes. To where I almost just stopped reading. There wasn't much story or progression or growth like at all. The story didn't really start until bout 70% in. Then it was actual story and started moving forward.

But I did keep thinking that with them being fated mates/bonded Loki would know something wasn't right...and he does but he isn't listening to it. But I do believe his wolf knew for certain that it wasn't Tessa in the end.
Profile Image for Jerrica Zeron.
Author 1 book5 followers
January 25, 2024
Swoon swoon, swoon, swoon! He is so obsessively in love with her. He is a golden retriever for sure, even though he is the god of the underworld and very vicious.
She is learning more about all of their histories. I think she is the smartest one in this entire entire book and she really puts it to the test and she is going to be the one that saves everyone that’s for damn sure. Their chemistry is 10 out of 10 the intimacy is 10 out of 10. The only thing I didn’t like and of course we’re not meant to like it but Hellen, yuck, you’re so gross, it was cringe reading your chapters!

Profile Image for Natasha  Jaquess.
18 reviews2 followers
April 20, 2024
Leaves me wanting more

This book series has just kept me going. As soon as I'm finished with a book I'm already downloading the next book. Tessa and Loki Are battling outside forces to remain to remain together. Loki has shown us a side that we didn't know he had before. Tessa is battling the blood contract so that she doesn't kill her own mate. The attraction in fire between the 2 main Characters is intoxicating I'm already fixing to download the last book of the series and I'm going to be disappointed that the series is going to be finished
Profile Image for Just Jese.
526 reviews
September 20, 2021
Boring

After the first two action packed and with plenty of substance to go along with it, this third installment wa utterly lacking. Even with the introduction of new foes, I still couldn’t summon the excitement that was generated while reading the first 2 books. Maybe it was how Tessa kept telling everyone Loki was her true mate and she was Queen when in the previous books it was all about maintaining secrecy and flying under the radar to make it to the end.
Profile Image for Safety Lady.
492 reviews6 followers
February 8, 2022
wow

Now this is how a book needs to be written in a series. It leaves you with just enough of a teaser but not a freaking cliffhanger from hell. Awesome writing and a wonderful paranormal story up to book 3. Romance, intrigue, with blood guts, and gore aside I had a hard time putting this book down. Cameo appearances from Icy dagger and her crew make this fun just to hear their banter. All around winner. Happy reading.
Profile Image for Emily Ines.
22 reviews
November 5, 2022
I have been loving this series since I first saw it on tiktok. It has the right amount of steam with over powering the story line. I don’t like how some of the grammar and sentences are structured tho, they don’t seem to flow as well. And it’s very repetitive when they reference something that happened earlier in the book or a previous book. Overall it’s pretty good, MC is a badass I would love to be and never mess with.
Profile Image for Jordanne.
42 reviews6 followers
February 12, 2024
DNF at 17%. I struggled through the first two books because I liked the idea but just couldn't do it anymore. The characters have no consistency in their personalities or thought processes and will change their minds 3 pages after being certain of a decision. It feels like the story is being made up as the author goes along without any consequences and without the author referring back to what they've already written. This just isn't for me, probably will avoid this author in the future.
31 reviews
September 10, 2025
all the pain!

This series has made me scream, cry, laugh, and lust a little but the cliffhanger on the end has me roaring! I’m hooked and cannot wait to see how Tess absolutely annihilates all the gods in the last book. I fear for the pain and trouble she’s about to endure and I hope Loki can see past Helen’s disguise. Ragnarö is about to meet a very messy and brutal end (I hope) in the next book and I am absolutely addicted to this author!
Profile Image for PHR.
59 reviews
September 17, 2021
Deliciously Naughty
Meg’s Writing is so vivid you can smell and taste the sulphur.
Lucifer’s blood contract with Tessa manifests itself boldly in this book but Tessa fights it off heroically. The Bride Trials continues with some surprising characters showing up.
The cliffhanger was epic, it leaves so many questions unanswered.
Profile Image for Mrs Clarereadstoomuch.
279 reviews3 followers
September 20, 2021
Wow

What a ride. I could not put this book down.

We enter the third trial and more characters appear to fight against Tessa and Loki.

Fabulous book with lots of twists and turns. Strong and likeable characters.

I can’t believe I have to wait until August 2022 for the next book after that cliff hanger!
855 reviews
October 18, 2021
The fight to survive

Extremely intense emotional romantic give and take with villains you love to hate and heroes you question as the good guys. Absolutely loved this book but need more can’t wait for the conclusion and how all the pieces are going to fall into place. Thank you for sharing this wonderful adventure and bringing in more of our favorite characters ♥️♥️♥️
Displaying 1 - 30 of 126 reviews

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