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The Lochlann Feuds #2

Tarnished Crown

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Rowan was finally going to do something right.

Marry for love and for her kingdom. Keep her people safe. Until an archaic law enslaved her to the most feared man in all of Socair, a man who treats her like a pawn and calls her his pet.

But when enemies emerge from unexpected places, she’s forced to realize that being Evander’s property might just be the only thing keeping her alive.

Can she fulfill her blood debt to Bear, even if it means losing Theo forever?

Even if it means sacrificing her heart?

398 pages, ebook

First published January 1, 2021

577 people are currently reading
10047 people want to read

About the author

Robin D. Mahle

39 books1,218 followers
Robin D. Mahle started out as a pen name I shared with my husband for The World Apart Series, but since then, I've absconded with it to delve into the wonderful world of fairy tale retellings and fantasy romances with my partner in crime, Elle Madison.

When I'm not writing, you can find me spending time with my seven hundred cats and drinking wine by the barrel.

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5 stars
3,987 (39%)
4 stars
4,524 (45%)
3 stars
1,400 (13%)
2 stars
117 (1%)
1 star
19 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 840 reviews
Profile Image for Silvy.
519 reviews159 followers
July 31, 2023
god, i love a slow burn.
i never in my life thought i was a slow burn girl, but damn it, I AM. and this book is forcing me to LIVE MY TRUTH. a slow burn can be a god tier romance trope when it's paired with all of my other favorites, too - like one horse, one bed, NICKNAMES IN A FOREIGN LANGUAGE, nightmare/comfort, and a love-triangle-that-is-obviously-leaning-one-way that helps supply an endless amount of angsty yearning and longing glances. tarnished crown FED me. and i loved every second of it.

this is book two of a series — if you’re looking for book one context, that review is right here!

there’s something so delicious about a delicate, tense, angsty romantic build-up between two people who despise one another. in this case, a new captor — even hotter than theodore — and our feisty, bold FMC, who goes toe-to-toe with him every chance she gets.

while this book is still heavily character-driven, there’s enough happening in the background to flesh out the story a bit more and make it a lot more exciting to read. (read: THE TENSION IS TENSION-ING. THE SLOW BURN IS SLOWLY BURNING. THE PHYSICAL AND EMOTIONAL DISTANCE BETWEEN THE ENEMIES IS LESSENING.) *swoon*. i am but a simple girl with simple needs.

note that there’s no spice in these books, nor do i think this is a series where we’re going to leave feeling satisfied on that front, but it’s still a kick-your-feet-and-blush kind of romance, which makes it more than worth it for me.

i love these characters and — predictably — i cannot put this series down. onto the next one.
Profile Image for Bailey Mcknight.
Author 2 books3,822 followers
August 12, 2023
The second in this series didn’t disappoint! Although the storyline in this was a tad predictable- the romance and love story were super fun to follow along with and read!
Profile Image for Lissa Hawley.
1,376 reviews29 followers
October 22, 2021
Better than book 1! I am firmly on a team here and so happy for the tension.

Desperate for the next book. Write faster fabulous authors!
Profile Image for Faith.
429 reviews55 followers
March 23, 2022
What an upgrade from the first book! The way this series is going to be my only personality trait for the next couple of weeks.💙
Profile Image for caleigh.
275 reviews845 followers
December 8, 2023
3.5! THE BANTER u guys dont even get me started. i loved the characters n bonds in this one sm. and who doesnt love fast paced books w short chapters?

however this one suffered from the same issues as the first one. it was definitely more entertaining but also so repetitive and it felt like nothing really happened? but overall a quick n easy read!
Profile Image for Jenna Schmidt.
117 reviews2 followers
August 21, 2023
ending was a tiny bit anticlimactic but I DO NOT CARE 😍😍😍😍 the BANTER???? this book had me awake until 2am reading. lowkey gave from blood and ash vibes
Profile Image for Christine Manzari.
Author 15 books1,272 followers
September 14, 2023
I’m addicted. This series has all my favorite tropes, so much chemistry, and excellent banter.

- enemies to lovers
- captor/captive
- only one bed
- fierce heroine
- forced proximity
- love triangle
- mend each other‘s wounds
- BFF female friend and male cousin
- political intrigue and secrets
Profile Image for Jessica.
1,154 reviews29 followers
October 31, 2021
O-M-G! When is the next book coming?! I need it NOW!! Not that Tarnished Crown ended in a terrible cliffhanger, but I already miss the banter between Rowan and Evander - I love their dialouges! Also the attraction that slowly grows between them, even though they don't want to admit it. I sometimes forget Rowan's name because Evander mostly calls her "Lemmikki", which means "pet". At first it's more of an insult, but as they get to know each other it almost becomes an endearment.

I still wish we could get more than Rowan's POV, although I can somewhat guess what Evander is thinking and feeling - but not all the time. A quote that perfectly describes Rowan, though:

“I didn’t think you knew how to follow rules,” he commented drily.
“I didn’t say I’d be following them.” I raised my glass at him. “This is the one time in life where you’re rewarded for shirking the rules.”
He chuckled. “No wonder it’s your favorite.”

I couldn't stop reading, but at the same time I didn't want the book to end! How am I going to survive while waiting for the next one?!

* I received an ARC from the authors and I'm giving my honest review. *
Profile Image for charlene ✿.
574 reviews135 followers
July 19, 2024
5 stars  

★★★★★



First read: February 2022
Second read: July 2024 dnf
I am a so disappointed. Coming from reading these two authors other collab project Of Thorns and Beauty and Of Beasts and Vengeance, I immediately wanted to reread the other series I had loved back in 2022. Riddle me shocked that I was getting so annoyed with the fmc naivety, immaturity and dumb decision making. I can think of the specific reasons why this book was a five star read back then, and they may be impacting my reasons for dnfing now.

One of my other main dislikes is the obvious ACOTAR comparisons, especially an equally olive-toned, broody, tortured Rhysand-like character in Evander. In a world were ACOTAR is the baseline inspiration or aspiration for many writers, it is unsuprsing another adaption of this best selling, booktok obsessing book has spawned another shadow copy. What I find interesting is that for me the worst aspect/character of the ACOTAR series is not Tamlin, but Feyre. It is simply a god send that Feyre's inner monologue helps her characterisation, rather than her actions. I would probably dislike her as much as I hate Nesta (#Nestah8r4eva).

SJM characters fall in the realm of being self-centred embarrassing characters that are unfortunately correct in believing that the world revolves around them because they are all very special and very powerful and everyone want to be them/want to be with them. In shadowing her work, you are also inserting these character flaws, and risk them not being as well received. I must have loved this enemies-to-lovers series back in 2022 but two years past, in the year of our lord 2024, I actively am so embarrassing for the fmc that I cannot go on reading them being dumb.

Anyways, as I am dnfing 23% in, I am just gonna keep my og rating and let bygones be bygones.


The The Lochlann Feuds series reviews: 
#1   Scarlet Princess: ★★★★☆
#2   Tarnished Crown: ★★★★★ 2nd read dnf lol
#3  Crimson Kingdom: ★★★★★
#4  Obsidian Throne: ★★★★★


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Profile Image for Megan J.
168 reviews14 followers
August 26, 2023
Omg. I need more. I loved this. LOVED.
Profile Image for Sayv Ilahsiav.
31 reviews20 followers
November 18, 2021
SPOILER-FREE ARC Review

First Impression
Summary
Final Impression

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In September, I read and reviewed Scarlet Princess by Robin D. Mahle and Elle Madison. Ever since I finished that book, I was so excited about reading the next instalment in the series. And here it is!!

Now the book was released on October 22nd and I finished reading on October 26th despite receiving an ARC from the lovely authors and their equally lovely PA. That is because I recently moved back to my college city. This time it was different as I got terribly sick. Let's just say, getting COVID does things to your body. I have usually no problem adjusting to new food and water but ever since I got COVID last April, I've been weaker. That turned out to create problems for me when I moved this time. For two weeks, I could hardly keep in anything I ate. Then for the next week, I wouldn't even feel hungry. After seeing a doctor and changing my diet, I finally started recovering and am now back in business, fine like the sunshine! Nevertheless, I'm so sorry for the delay.

As compensation for a quiet month, I'll be putting two reviews every week instead of one for the remainder of the year. While in bed, I made sure to read a good amount of new titles and I can't wait to share them with you all. Starting with one of my favourites of the year, Tarnished Crown by Robin D. Mahle and Elle Madison.

First Impression

Robin and Elle sure know to give a killer opening to their books. Scarlet Princess started with the epic line, "Death was a hefty price to pay for Vodka". It's unforgettable. I hear that anywhere and I know it's Scarlet Princess. Thinking about it, I would love to see this series made into a TV show. It'd totally be epic and entertaining as hell. But that's a faraway dream for now.

Tarnished Crown starts with "My father always said my big mouth would be the death of me someday." Now that's another epic line although still not as epic as the first one, to be honest, but it's close. When I read it, I was like "Uh-Oh!" and for the first few chapters, the story was pretty predictable. But it was after Theo was mentioned again that I started having the anxiety, worried that my dear Rowander are never happening. I mean Theo is really sweet and all, their relationship perfect aside from the fact that it happened all too fast. But boy, enemies-to-lovers has always been my guilty pleasure!

“The tension in my shoulders eased a little. “You aren’t worried about me running away?”

“Surrounded by ten trained men in an unfamiliar terrain with no food, water, or supplies?” His expression turned contemplative. “On second thought, it does sound like something you would do. Kirill, tether our horses.”

Well, that’s what I got for opening my big mouth. Again.”

Princess Rowan, Tarnished Crown


Summary

Throughout the book, we basically see what happens once Princess Rowan reaches the Bear Clan estate and starts living with them. There are both terrifying and feel-good moments while she's there. We get to know more about what is the reality of Clan Bear and our dear Lord Evander. It's full of absolute surprises, believe me.

However, I do find Evander's character and the whole Enemies-to-lovers thing pretty predictable. It is because it is still well written and gives off the feel-good and entertaining vibe, I don't care that it is cliché. Although despite the predictability for the most part of the book, for a while I do wonder if Rowander will ever happen. There are some scenes, decisions which make me just want to use the head key from Locke & Key and put the book in my mind to know quickly what happens next!

But it happens, Rowander happens but the how and when and why of it all, nope, I'm not telling! Go read the book. I'm not supposed to tell even that much but I'm just too excited!!!! ROWANDER HAPPENS! And It's sooooo good. Their relationship is total STEAM. Literal. *Wink-Wink* One of the things I adore a lot is how Evander calls Rowan, "Lemmikki". It starts out as an insult, given it means "Pet", but by the end of the book, it's more of an endearment. Now every time he calls her that, it feeeells!

Yes, yes, yes, there's more to the book than just Rowander but please, that's the highlight of it and my life! Tarnished Crown is not just about Rowan and Evander's love story but also about how Rowan's whole life gets a whole new outlook during her time at Bear estate. There's a major development in her character, something I really appreciate and admire. We see how Rowan is more brave than reckless and that's a beautiful and necessary change for what's to come next. Something dark and sinister is coming and we all should be prepared.

We also get to meet Mila again, an unexpected visit and an interesting encounter, that certainly helps... escalate things. We meet Theo and Davin but don't get to see a lot of them, especially Davin. I would have really liked to see more of him but I see how he'd be pretty much unnecessary in a scene.

There are also new characters, good and bad, we meet at the Bear estate. People kill and people die. There's laughter and heartbreak. Saying more would just spoil it, but when you read it, you'd be hooked. I know I was, enough that I almost decided to re-read it. I probably might when the third book comes out. (Read till end for surprise news!)

Final Impression

I was so hyped about Tarnished Crown, especially because of the possibility of Rowander (Rowan + Evander) 's possible enemies-to-lovers romance!! And OMG!!! Again, here it is! Like I'm legit so satisfied with the book and everything that has happened so far, so much that I've dangerously high expectations for the third book. It has to be absolute perfection. I'm sure, for a while, I'd be terrified to read it when it comes out, all because, I don't want it to end! I cannot imagine my Rowander ship finally reaching the dock, I just want them to keep sailing forever and ever and ever.

"Lemmiki, when I said you were an escape risk, I'll admit, I didn't actually think it was true." His voice was cold, but there was an undertone there. Hurt? Betrayal?

Lord Evander & Princess Rowan, Tarnished Crown


But everything that comes together falls apart. That's entropy, the second law of thermodynamics. This too shall end. BUT CAN IT NOT??? Let's break the law and keep this going on and on, yes, dear authors, can we, peeeaassee? 🥺

Crimson Kingdom, the third and NOT-LAST book in the series comes out in December of 2021, most hopefully. Yes, you heard it right! There's going to be a FOURTH BOOK!!!!! The conclusion to Rowan's story. I'm excited beyond words!

If I have to choose, I liked Tarnished Crown better than Scarlet Princess. The story is so good that with some tweaks, it can pretty much be standalone, yet the previous book's context somehow makes it better.

That was about it. Thank you for reading, have a good day and do share your thoughts and experiences!

If you like what I write, get the book for free for Kindle from the link here: https://amzn.to/3qLIcgb
Profile Image for Jane ☾.
280 reviews18 followers
October 27, 2023
Is it possible for this book to be even better than the first one? Of course, bc the instead of the strict rule abiding blond hair guy who thinks women are too precious to do anything major, we get the dark haired mysterious guy who gives Rowan a dagger bc he knows she can take care of herself.

Also, he and Rowan...



AND I LOVED EVERY SECOND OF IT. The slow burn is just delicious. Again, plotwise, not much happens, but isn't that an even bigger achievement then? These authors made me devour these books in 3 days with their witty writing, amazing characters and romance without any major plot twists. It's the perfect light, almost cozy fantasy series (I say almost because there is some violence and war talk going on so...) to binge and just read for fun.
Profile Image for hamda.
68 reviews4 followers
December 26, 2022
WHAT. this book was INSANE!! so many things happened,, like first of all (minor spoiler?): I NEED EVANDER AND ROWAN TO HAPPEN. second: i can’t remember the last book that stirred so many emotions within me,, there was as much pain as there was joy. AND IT WAS WRITTEN SO WELL. it has reminded me why i love reading so much,, i truly felt like i was in another world,, and for all that it has given me i physically cannot rate this book any lower than it deserves: 5 STARS!!! the only thing keeping me going rn is knowing that there are still two more books before the series ends 🫡
Profile Image for what.rachel.reads.
532 reviews39 followers
October 15, 2023
This is more romance than fantasy and I love that for me. I haven’t had these enemies to lovers feels since ACOMAF and this bundle of all the books was on sale on Audible. Win win.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for hopey⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧.
146 reviews14 followers
October 17, 2024
okay this is literally THE PERFECT SHORT AND SWEET SERIES its giving me the perfect remedy to a lil slump i was in. its fast paced and EXACTLY what i needed!! THE SLOWBURN😭😭😭😭😭😭😭
Profile Image for Liz Grandmaison.
119 reviews1 follower
February 25, 2024
Enemies to lovers NEVER GETS OLD. I'll say it louder for people in the back. Also the slow burn and the way this story ended has me picking up number #3 immediately
Profile Image for ~Jennifer~.
997 reviews8 followers
August 20, 2024
I can see why readers like this series.

I’m enjoying this story, though some things were obvious. I definitely reading the next book, I’m definitely invested. I went in blind and glad I did, which was a good decision.
Profile Image for Ella.
29 reviews
September 10, 2023
4.5 ⭐️
The interactions between the main characters made me giggle more than once. Now I can‘t wait to find out what happens next!
Profile Image for katie_katb.
690 reviews1 follower
August 20, 2023
This series is cute! It’s such an easy read. I’m reading this series because Tik Tok said it would be just as addicting as Fourth Wing. In my opinion so far there is no comparison.

Although, I do like the series, plan to finish it and definitely would recommend these books- just not to fantasy lovers.

I rated it 3 stars because some of the things I was expecting from book 2 I just didn’t get. I wanted more unique world building. Any type of fantasy vibe would be fun. More information on fae and others with powers. None of that was built on.

All in all it’s a good, easy, YA romance. Nothing more than that. No super cool and unique world. No super wowing powers and fae characters. No creatures. Go into this series just expecting a YA romance and you’ll be good. Would def recommend to YA romance lovers that enjoys a good love triangle.
Profile Image for Cait Marie.
Author 30 books361 followers
December 26, 2021
I’ll be honest, I have no idea how to write this review. I’m so in love with this series that I don’t know where to start.

If you’ve been around for a bit, you know I love these authors’ books. But this series… it’s just so perfect. It has all the elements I’ve come to love in their stories, yet somehow more. The characters are so well developed and interesting. The writing flows fantastically, making it easy to get sucked in from the very beginning. The pacing, the build up, all of it is wonderful.

This world they’ve created has intrigued me since I first devoured Winter’s Captive over two years ago. The way they have continued to expand it, with the different kingdoms’ histories, politics, and cultures, has made it an even more enriching experience while reading this series. Their descriptions truly pull the reader in.

But, as always, it is the characters that have consumed me. Rowan is such a perfect blend of her parents. She’s a fighter in every sense of the word. She’s smart, sassy, and not afraid to voice her opinions. Which definitely gets her in trouble in this new, harsh kingdom that does not allow for such behavior, especially from women. Theo is a sweet cinnamon roll, who seems almost too good to be real. Her cousin Davin, while not in the books a whole lot, is hilarious, and I’m hoping for more of him in the future. I adore strong friendships in books with family members. Even the side characters, like Mila, Kirill, and Taras are well written.

Then, there’s Evander. He’s the feared heir of Clan Bear, who’s taken Rowan prisoner to keep her from marrying Theo. He’s broody and mysterious, fiercely protective of those he cares about, and so snarky. Naturally, that means I loved him from the beginning. I might have a problem… Getting to know him more, seeing him and Rowan together, it’s just so, so good.

I cannot recommend this series enough. Tarnished Crown does end in a massive cliffhanger, BUT you don’t have to wait for more! The last two books are now available, and I have every intention of binge-reading them this week while off of school. I’m so ready for Mahle and Madison to destroy me, in the best way, like I know they will.
Profile Image for Mena.
266 reviews33 followers
January 6, 2022
I swear this served so good, it’s like every trope was in this and written SO WELL. You know how if you’ve ever read a fic and been like bitchhhh this is better than some published books I’ve read. Well this is like the fic that got published. It gave

✅ Enemies In Love
✅ Forced proximity
✅ There’s only one bed
✅ Boy obsessed
✅ Who did this to you?!?! (Twice)
✅ Can only fall asleep if you’re next to me
Displaying 1 - 30 of 840 reviews

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