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In the King's Hands #1
Ambience
What if the only safe place in the world for an escaped slave is in a king's harem?
Sira:
The last hope for escaping my vicious master crumbles to dust when the High Temple in Gretolia refuses me sanctuary. I know the warlord will stop at nothing to get me back, but I would rather die than endure more of his cruelty. There's no place on the continent I can escape his grasp...until a kind stranger suggests I audition for the king's harem.
It's the only place the warlord can’t reach me, but rumors of the king's strange bed habits have me wondering if I'll be trading one tyrant for another. I'll take the gamble – if the mage king will have a scarred woman like me – and then I'll fade into the background among a throng of women.
But his majesty, King Jasper, is looking for something different, and I've caught his eye. The secrets of the king's bedchamber will endanger not just my body, but my heart as well. Now, I'm not so sure I want to avoid his attention.
Ambience is book one of a two-book poly/reverse harem fantasy romance series.
Content Warning: Ambience features a king's harem carrying out sexual activities. High steam, MM/FF/MF, intended for mature audiences. Triggers include references to sexual assault, mild cursing and mild violence.
Sira:
The last hope for escaping my vicious master crumbles to dust when the High Temple in Gretolia refuses me sanctuary. I know the warlord will stop at nothing to get me back, but I would rather die than endure more of his cruelty. There's no place on the continent I can escape his grasp...until a kind stranger suggests I audition for the king's harem.
It's the only place the warlord can’t reach me, but rumors of the king's strange bed habits have me wondering if I'll be trading one tyrant for another. I'll take the gamble – if the mage king will have a scarred woman like me – and then I'll fade into the background among a throng of women.
But his majesty, King Jasper, is looking for something different, and I've caught his eye. The secrets of the king's bedchamber will endanger not just my body, but my heart as well. Now, I'm not so sure I want to avoid his attention.
Ambience is book one of a two-book poly/reverse harem fantasy romance series.
Content Warning: Ambience features a king's harem carrying out sexual activities. High steam, MM/FF/MF, intended for mature audiences. Triggers include references to sexual assault, mild cursing and mild violence.
290 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 30, 2022
310 people are currently reading
945 people want to read
About the author
Sierra Knoxly
17 books139 followershttps://www.amazon.com/author/sierrak...
Sierra Knoxly lives a double life. By day she is a reserved mom of young children where adventure means a walk to the park or trip to the pool. Once night falls and the cherubs are tucked into bed, Sierra dons armour (and amor) and rides a dragon into battle. She rains chaos down on her characters like an avenging angel of old and shoots their hearts with cupid's bow.
Sierra writes fantasy polyam romances with bi-sexual characters and plenty of MM. She started out thinking she was writing reverse harem, but couldn’t resist all the tasty possibilities between an intimate group of people.
Her love of mythical beasts and magic began at a young age. She once had an imaginary unicorn friend. Her gentle nature and fiery imagination leads to all around fictional steam. She lives with a mild fear that one day she'll get a knock at the door from the authorities come to ask about her questionable browser history.
When not writing or momming, Sierra loves bringing plants home to die and reading a reverse harem novel under a warm blanket.
Sierra Knoxly lives a double life. By day she is a reserved mom of young children where adventure means a walk to the park or trip to the pool. Once night falls and the cherubs are tucked into bed, Sierra dons armour (and amor) and rides a dragon into battle. She rains chaos down on her characters like an avenging angel of old and shoots their hearts with cupid's bow.
Sierra writes fantasy polyam romances with bi-sexual characters and plenty of MM. She started out thinking she was writing reverse harem, but couldn’t resist all the tasty possibilities between an intimate group of people.
Her love of mythical beasts and magic began at a young age. She once had an imaginary unicorn friend. Her gentle nature and fiery imagination leads to all around fictional steam. She lives with a mild fear that one day she'll get a knock at the door from the authorities come to ask about her questionable browser history.
When not writing or momming, Sierra loves bringing plants home to die and reading a reverse harem novel under a warm blanket.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews
April 28, 2022
I very much enjoyed this one. Based on this book, I'd say it isn't RH, it's more... MF and then the M invites other people to join in the 'festivities', so to speak.
That's because the king, Jasper, is calling all the shots in this one, and Sira is one of the concubines in his harem. So she only gets to see him when he calls upon her to attend to him, and often he has group sessions, so he'll call on other female or male concubines to be present also.
So it's not the RH aspect that made me like this book, because to me it's not RH; there are two particular male concubines who are often summoned together with her and are the king's favourites, and she forms a friendship of sorts with them (considering that the male & female harems are kept separate and the concubines of opposite genders are not allowed to contact each other or have any communication outside of the king's bedchamber). So the men don't revolve around Sira, but rather the king is the one who is the lynchpin of the relationships.
I liked it because of Sira and the king's personalities, and how they interact. The king allows himself to be vulnerable with her and trust her, and he is kind to her. Sira craves kindness, as she's actually on the run from a cruel warlord who had enslaved her and tortured her. Yet she's not broken and she's brave enough to try anything that could help keep her safe from her erstwhile master.
Sira proves to be what the king needs and had never imagined he could find. They sort of save each other. Even though he has other concubines, you can see that he's drawing closer to Sira. I think I wasn't repulsed by the idea of him and his harem because he has a very good reason for having them -- he needs them. I won't say more, but it's not really a sexual thing for him.
Told mostly in Sira's POV with an occasional chapter from the king, I liked the setting but I thought having people swear, "Shit!" didn't quite match the ambience. Going to read book #2 next and hope that Sira doesn't decide to sacrifice herself or leave the king in some misguided belief that she's doing what's best for him. The blurb seems to suggest it, but I cannot abide it when characters make unilateral decisions like that "for the good" of the other.
That's because the king, Jasper, is calling all the shots in this one, and Sira is one of the concubines in his harem. So she only gets to see him when he calls upon her to attend to him, and often he has group sessions, so he'll call on other female or male concubines to be present also.
So it's not the RH aspect that made me like this book, because to me it's not RH; there are two particular male concubines who are often summoned together with her and are the king's favourites, and she forms a friendship of sorts with them (considering that the male & female harems are kept separate and the concubines of opposite genders are not allowed to contact each other or have any communication outside of the king's bedchamber). So the men don't revolve around Sira, but rather the king is the one who is the lynchpin of the relationships.
I liked it because of Sira and the king's personalities, and how they interact. The king allows himself to be vulnerable with her and trust her, and he is kind to her. Sira craves kindness, as she's actually on the run from a cruel warlord who had enslaved her and tortured her. Yet she's not broken and she's brave enough to try anything that could help keep her safe from her erstwhile master.
Sira proves to be what the king needs and had never imagined he could find. They sort of save each other. Even though he has other concubines, you can see that he's drawing closer to Sira. I think I wasn't repulsed by the idea of him and his harem because he has a very good reason for having them -- he needs them. I won't say more, but it's not really a sexual thing for him.
Told mostly in Sira's POV with an occasional chapter from the king, I liked the setting but I thought having people swear, "Shit!" didn't quite match the ambience. Going to read book #2 next and hope that Sira doesn't decide to sacrifice herself or leave the king in some misguided belief that she's doing what's best for him. The blurb seems to suggest it, but I cannot abide it when characters make unilateral decisions like that "for the good" of the other.
did-not-finish
January 6, 2025DNF at 63%.
Two reasons - I still don't know what the plot is outside of the king's harem. And also, it is marketed as a reverse harem but it is truly the definition of harem - the king's harem. He calls the shots, everyone answers to him. Maybe this changes later on, but I'm not seeing any indications that it will.
Two reasons - I still don't know what the plot is outside of the king's harem. And also, it is marketed as a reverse harem but it is truly the definition of harem - the king's harem. He calls the shots, everyone answers to him. Maybe this changes later on, but I'm not seeing any indications that it will.
January 31, 2022
3.5 stars for me!
This was really good. Way steamier than I initially thought, but given Sira's circumstances, it made sense. This wasn't a long story about a competition like I first thought it would be; Sira gets into the harem within the first 30% of the book, just so future readers know.
This was really interesting and the harem scenes were certainly hot, but I did want more . . . idk, like, intimacy between the king and his chosen group. That sounds odd since there was so much steam in here, but I wanted more of a relationship starting to form between everyone and you didn't get that. I also didn't like what happened after they rescued the women from the water tank. I didn't think the king's response to that was appropriate given the situation. That's where I wanted some sweetness instead of steam.
And also, can Mallory be part of the group like officially? She seems to be turning into a "just a friend" and I don't like that. I know its a reverse harem, but Mallory and Sira really seem to click and I'd love it if they started developing feelings.
All this to say, I will read book 2. I am very curious about Li and how that's going to work out. I just hope we get some sugar with our spice in the next book.
This was really good. Way steamier than I initially thought, but given Sira's circumstances, it made sense. This wasn't a long story about a competition like I first thought it would be; Sira gets into the harem within the first 30% of the book, just so future readers know.
This was really interesting and the harem scenes were certainly hot, but I did want more . . . idk, like, intimacy between the king and his chosen group. That sounds odd since there was so much steam in here, but I wanted more of a relationship starting to form between everyone and you didn't get that. I also didn't like what happened after they rescued the women from the water tank. I didn't think the king's response to that was appropriate given the situation. That's where I wanted some sweetness instead of steam.
And also, can Mallory be part of the group like officially? She seems to be turning into a "just a friend" and I don't like that. I know its a reverse harem, but Mallory and Sira really seem to click and I'd love it if they started developing feelings.
All this to say, I will read book 2. I am very curious about Li and how that's going to work out. I just hope we get some sugar with our spice in the next book.
February 6, 2024
Phenomenal
Wow this book had me hooked from page one and it did not stop from there.
I could not put it down, the writing was amazing the world bewitching and the characters fascinating.
The world building was really interesting and I really enjoyed learning about the lore.
Can't wait to dive in to book 2!
Wow this book had me hooked from page one and it did not stop from there.
I could not put it down, the writing was amazing the world bewitching and the characters fascinating.
The world building was really interesting and I really enjoyed learning about the lore.
Can't wait to dive in to book 2!
October 21, 2023
3.5
There are some things I really liked about this book. I loved the group dynamics that developed between the character who are chosen to become consorts. It was one of the most unique dynamics I have ever come across in all the rh books I’ve read. It was also really well done. There are very few paranormal/fantasy rh book the are ff and the ones I’ve come across keep the ff part separate from the group. That was not the case with this book. All the concubines were expected to be with all the other concubines depending on what the king directed them to do.
The world building had some major flaws. Sira joins the harem to escape a horrible warlord where she was a slave and yet the women who wash, clean, support the concubines are slaves. The king develops a strong bond with Sira and wants to help her heal and hates that she was an abused slave but yet he keeps slaves himself. The fact that some (most? few?) staff are slaves was never really discussed. Sira thought of her favorite slave and wanted to show her empathy and compassion for her. 2 of the favored concubines were slaves and horribly mistreated but they both seem okay with the slaves. Well, okay enough to not try and change the system when they get in a position of enough power to do that.
The ending heavily suggest Sira is going to do a specific thing that makes no fucking sense. It is the most absurd, stupid, illogical, moronic action she could take and one of the tropes I hate the most. I almost didn’t read book 2 because of it. Luckily her stupid action is dealt with very quickly in book 2.
There are some things I really liked about this book. I loved the group dynamics that developed between the character who are chosen to become consorts. It was one of the most unique dynamics I have ever come across in all the rh books I’ve read. It was also really well done. There are very few paranormal/fantasy rh book the are ff and the ones I’ve come across keep the ff part separate from the group. That was not the case with this book. All the concubines were expected to be with all the other concubines depending on what the king directed them to do.
The world building had some major flaws. Sira joins the harem to escape a horrible warlord where she was a slave and yet the women who wash, clean, support the concubines are slaves. The king develops a strong bond with Sira and wants to help her heal and hates that she was an abused slave but yet he keeps slaves himself. The fact that some (most? few?) staff are slaves was never really discussed. Sira thought of her favorite slave and wanted to show her empathy and compassion for her. 2 of the favored concubines were slaves and horribly mistreated but they both seem okay with the slaves. Well, okay enough to not try and change the system when they get in a position of enough power to do that.
The ending heavily suggest Sira is going to do a specific thing that makes no fucking sense. It is the most absurd, stupid, illogical, moronic action she could take and one of the tropes I hate the most. I almost didn’t read book 2 because of it. Luckily her stupid action is dealt with very quickly in book 2.
December 19, 2023
3.5 stars.
I wouldn’t necessarily describe this as a reverse harem since the harem revolves around the king and includes multiple pairings and there are other women and men other than the “main” ones.
The story is good but not that good that I would continue into the next in the series since it wasn’t enough that it captured my attention but it was okay and I did like it. I would’ve preferred taking time to develop other males outside of the king more though and the females in the harem weren’t anything other than side cameos for me.
I wouldn’t necessarily describe this as a reverse harem since the harem revolves around the king and includes multiple pairings and there are other women and men other than the “main” ones.
The story is good but not that good that I would continue into the next in the series since it wasn’t enough that it captured my attention but it was okay and I did like it. I would’ve preferred taking time to develop other males outside of the king more though and the females in the harem weren’t anything other than side cameos for me.
June 11, 2023
Note: This is not a true reverse harem because even though there is one main fmc with multiple partners, the relationship centers around her and one mmc, the King, branching out into mutual relationships, so it's polyam, which btw, I LOVE. It's hard to find a true polyam story, and even though I enjoy RH, I love seeing polyam relationships in books too.
Now, on to the story! I could NOT put this down. I put it down to sleep. That's it. lol Fantasy is a big hit or miss for me, and this duet is a big hit in my books. My connection to Sira was strong right off the bat, and the suspense of her getting away from her cruel master had me on the edge of my seat. Then, I was riveted to see how she would fit in with the King's harem. I was so excited that it included both men and women!
I usually enjoy plenty of steam in reading, but my absolute faves are when they intertwine the fun times with the plot in an intricate way. That is definitely what we have here! It's done so well, too, that it doesn't read like an erotica. The plot advances with the character development which is tied into the physical relationships.
It's entertaining to see which members join with Sira and the King to form the favorites. I liked discovering the personalities of each one. Sira is humble but brave. Stubborn yet giving. And totally committed to getting in her own way due to the harsh way of life she's had to endure for years under Bane's mastering. She's broken and vulnerable but doesn't put any stock in her own self-worth, and that ending made me want to shake her because I know exactly what she's going to do.
My favorites in the harem are Mallory and Uri, but I love how they all work together to help their king. The love that he has for each of them is endless, and his concern for their care is endearing. Elivah is a mystery, but I know we'll get more from him in the next book, so I'm off to find out.
Now, on to the story! I could NOT put this down. I put it down to sleep. That's it. lol Fantasy is a big hit or miss for me, and this duet is a big hit in my books. My connection to Sira was strong right off the bat, and the suspense of her getting away from her cruel master had me on the edge of my seat. Then, I was riveted to see how she would fit in with the King's harem. I was so excited that it included both men and women!
I usually enjoy plenty of steam in reading, but my absolute faves are when they intertwine the fun times with the plot in an intricate way. That is definitely what we have here! It's done so well, too, that it doesn't read like an erotica. The plot advances with the character development which is tied into the physical relationships.
It's entertaining to see which members join with Sira and the King to form the favorites. I liked discovering the personalities of each one. Sira is humble but brave. Stubborn yet giving. And totally committed to getting in her own way due to the harsh way of life she's had to endure for years under Bane's mastering. She's broken and vulnerable but doesn't put any stock in her own self-worth, and that ending made me want to shake her because I know exactly what she's going to do.
My favorites in the harem are Mallory and Uri, but I love how they all work together to help their king. The love that he has for each of them is endless, and his concern for their care is endearing. Elivah is a mystery, but I know we'll get more from him in the next book, so I'm off to find out.
June 20, 2023
2023:
Since it’s still enjoyable on a reread I decided to up it to 5 stars. I forgot this ends on a cliffhanger? I know I must’ve read the second book but I guess I forgot to rate it.
This book makes me wonder why not more reverse harem books don’t have an actuall harem, in the traditional sense involved. This is definitely unique among all I’ve read so far! Even if it wasn’t a reverse harem I’d still like to read harem books as long as a heroine is the main character..
____ ______________
2022:
The heroine has a lot of flaws but the original relationship dynamics kept me interested through both books. I skimmed a little in the second book because the tstl antics increased but I think the duology is still worth a read! I’ve inflated my rating because I think the originality of the magic system and the harem deserved it!
Since it’s still enjoyable on a reread I decided to up it to 5 stars. I forgot this ends on a cliffhanger? I know I must’ve read the second book but I guess I forgot to rate it.
This book makes me wonder why not more reverse harem books don’t have an actuall harem, in the traditional sense involved. This is definitely unique among all I’ve read so far! Even if it wasn’t a reverse harem I’d still like to read harem books as long as a heroine is the main character..
____ ______________
2022:
The heroine has a lot of flaws but the original relationship dynamics kept me interested through both books. I skimmed a little in the second book because the tstl antics increased but I think the duology is still worth a read! I’ve inflated my rating because I think the originality of the magic system and the harem deserved it!
Want to read
February 7, 2023🎁 FREE on Amazon today (4/27/2022)! 🎁
August 19, 2025
I can’t remember how or where I heard about this book but I would have either got it for free on my Kindle or for 99p in a sale. I had no real expectations before starting this, so I went in with an open mind.
The main character is Sira and we meet her as she is on the run from a horrible warlord where she was a slave and had been held captive for years. She enters the harem of King Jasper, essentially trading one slaveship for another, and we follow the relationship between the King and Sira as they adjust together alongside all the other men and women in the King’s harem.
I don’t know what I was expecting here but I was not expecting no world building, a super vague back story, a random battle scene that fizzles into nothing, bland personalities and an immediate connection and devotion to some that you have just met. This book is really just a book of sex scenes - scenes with aggression, scenes with multiple people, scenes with fun, scenes with love and scenes with mixed sexes…either way, this can be cool but where is the plot, the characters and the point?
A couple of weird situations I saw were that Sira joins the harem to escape a horrible warlord where she was a slave and yet the women who wash, clean and support the concubines are slaves. Also, King Jasper develops a strong bond with Sira and wants to help her heal and hates that she was an abused slave but yet he keeps her as a slave for himself.
This book is only small and a really easy read so I finished it in no time but nothing really happens other than sex. I actually found that the sex scenes were actually very well written and they felt real, with good descriptions and no stupid metaphors but other than that, this is where the good parts of the book ended for me. I have no idea what the plot is or why we’re supposed to care about it and there was also a scene after the water tank that didn’t really feel appropriately placed. Where there is a storyline, it feels really predictable, not only the longer term story of King Jasper and Sira but also the battles and a brother as an enemy; it’s all been done before.
This is probably a 1.5 stars from me because the sex scenes were actually very well written, I just needed a bit more story, plot and character development. Clearly, I’m not invested in this series so I won’t be continuing with the next book.
The main character is Sira and we meet her as she is on the run from a horrible warlord where she was a slave and had been held captive for years. She enters the harem of King Jasper, essentially trading one slaveship for another, and we follow the relationship between the King and Sira as they adjust together alongside all the other men and women in the King’s harem.
I don’t know what I was expecting here but I was not expecting no world building, a super vague back story, a random battle scene that fizzles into nothing, bland personalities and an immediate connection and devotion to some that you have just met. This book is really just a book of sex scenes - scenes with aggression, scenes with multiple people, scenes with fun, scenes with love and scenes with mixed sexes…either way, this can be cool but where is the plot, the characters and the point?
A couple of weird situations I saw were that Sira joins the harem to escape a horrible warlord where she was a slave and yet the women who wash, clean and support the concubines are slaves. Also, King Jasper develops a strong bond with Sira and wants to help her heal and hates that she was an abused slave but yet he keeps her as a slave for himself.
This book is only small and a really easy read so I finished it in no time but nothing really happens other than sex. I actually found that the sex scenes were actually very well written and they felt real, with good descriptions and no stupid metaphors but other than that, this is where the good parts of the book ended for me. I have no idea what the plot is or why we’re supposed to care about it and there was also a scene after the water tank that didn’t really feel appropriately placed. Where there is a storyline, it feels really predictable, not only the longer term story of King Jasper and Sira but also the battles and a brother as an enemy; it’s all been done before.
This is probably a 1.5 stars from me because the sex scenes were actually very well written, I just needed a bit more story, plot and character development. Clearly, I’m not invested in this series so I won’t be continuing with the next book.
January 1, 2025
This was a quick, fun, steamy read. Sira is an intelligent and witty character, and I liked being in her head. There were several quips that had me rolling with laughter. Her traumas inform motivations that make sense, without ever being dwelled on in a torture-porn way.
The harem is sold to the reader as a gilded cage, but a safe one where concubines are respected and treated well, and where the sexy times feel enthusiastically consensual. I want to flat up acknowledge it's a fantasy (in the sexual sense), not a nuanced portrayal - but if you're into it, it's a fantasy done well.
The magic system is simple but interesting and well integrated with the romantic plot. The backdrop of war/politics is distant window dressing that adds flavor to the world building and justifies the plot, but doesn't add any narrative tension - which I think is OK, because that's part of what makes this a fun, quick read.
I only have a few mild criticisms -
King Jasper's POV scenes feel a bit like cardboard. They do what they're supposed to from a narrative standpoint, but he honestly feels like a more fleshed out and multifaceted character when we're NOT in his head than when we are.
The secondary characters can also fall a little flat. By the end of the book I loved Mallory, and I'm interested in seeing how Li is developed in the next book, but most of the rest of them I would have trouble describing to you because they seem interchangeable.
And last criticism, the harem feels almost weirdly lacking in diversity. The king is expressly described as having "exotic interests" as an excuse for why he would be interested in our commoner immigrant main character - only for his harem to then be described as being exotic because it includes a couple girls with red or black hair, while avoiding describing skin tones at pretty much any point in the book. I get the feeling that the author was trying to avoid describing characters in ways that would be offensive or pull readers out of the story, but the end result is that the kingdom is (potentially accidentally) portrayed as deeply racially insular.
I did like that Mallory is plus-sized and extremely sexy for it, so I do see the book as having tried to show that the harem has more than one supermodel-like definition of sexy/attractive.
All said, still a fun, sexy, read with enough interesting dynamics in play that I've already downloaded the second book in the duology.
The harem is sold to the reader as a gilded cage, but a safe one where concubines are respected and treated well, and where the sexy times feel enthusiastically consensual. I want to flat up acknowledge it's a fantasy (in the sexual sense), not a nuanced portrayal - but if you're into it, it's a fantasy done well.
The magic system is simple but interesting and well integrated with the romantic plot. The backdrop of war/politics is distant window dressing that adds flavor to the world building and justifies the plot, but doesn't add any narrative tension - which I think is OK, because that's part of what makes this a fun, quick read.
I only have a few mild criticisms -
King Jasper's POV scenes feel a bit like cardboard. They do what they're supposed to from a narrative standpoint, but he honestly feels like a more fleshed out and multifaceted character when we're NOT in his head than when we are.
The secondary characters can also fall a little flat. By the end of the book I loved Mallory, and I'm interested in seeing how Li is developed in the next book, but most of the rest of them I would have trouble describing to you because they seem interchangeable.
And last criticism, the harem feels almost weirdly lacking in diversity. The king is expressly described as having "exotic interests" as an excuse for why he would be interested in our commoner immigrant main character - only for his harem to then be described as being exotic because it includes a couple girls with red or black hair, while avoiding describing skin tones at pretty much any point in the book. I get the feeling that the author was trying to avoid describing characters in ways that would be offensive or pull readers out of the story, but the end result is that the kingdom is (potentially accidentally) portrayed as deeply racially insular.
I did like that Mallory is plus-sized and extremely sexy for it, so I do see the book as having tried to show that the harem has more than one supermodel-like definition of sexy/attractive.
All said, still a fun, sexy, read with enough interesting dynamics in play that I've already downloaded the second book in the duology.
May 15, 2022
Surprising Find
Let me start by saying I’ve been scraping the bottom of the barrel of KU books lately waiting for the next books in a few series to be released. After going through mountains of books I’d read, didn’t finish, or weren’t interested in I began lowering my expectations. Then a book I hadn’t seen before popped up and I did my pre-read screening: read the blurb, looked at the worst review, and scanned the author’s previous works.
I gave it a shot.
For a debut novel it ended up being more unique than some of the more established KU authors I’ve given a chance.
That’s not to say it is a singular story that is a unicorn, but I was able to finish it and get sucked into the universe for a while. What a book should do that I haven’t experienced since the last big name author releases I’d purchased.
The themes and tropes are familiar with the heroine from a traumatic backstory fleeing their circumstances. The unique aspects are the high fantasy world building which influences the conflict resolution.
She joins a foreign king’s harem. Which considering all the RH books on KU shouldn’t be unique except it’s going old school on what a harem is. We’re talking a man being the central focus, though in this situation it’s mixed gender.
So don’t go expecting any fated mates or organic relationships here. There are background stories to characters that make it not as objectifying as you’d expect from a traditional harem however, that is what it is.
Also, expect spicy-ness, it is a royal harem after all.
The alternative character dynamics kept this story fresh even if other elements are familiar for high fantasy readers. We’re talking war and magic etc etc.
It’s not perfect and there were world building questions I wanted answered, but for just over 200 pages it was a nice little book escape in the sea of KU books.
Four stars for freshness.
4.0/80%/B+
Let me start by saying I’ve been scraping the bottom of the barrel of KU books lately waiting for the next books in a few series to be released. After going through mountains of books I’d read, didn’t finish, or weren’t interested in I began lowering my expectations. Then a book I hadn’t seen before popped up and I did my pre-read screening: read the blurb, looked at the worst review, and scanned the author’s previous works.
I gave it a shot.
For a debut novel it ended up being more unique than some of the more established KU authors I’ve given a chance.
That’s not to say it is a singular story that is a unicorn, but I was able to finish it and get sucked into the universe for a while. What a book should do that I haven’t experienced since the last big name author releases I’d purchased.
The themes and tropes are familiar with the heroine from a traumatic backstory fleeing their circumstances. The unique aspects are the high fantasy world building which influences the conflict resolution.
She joins a foreign king’s harem. Which considering all the RH books on KU shouldn’t be unique except it’s going old school on what a harem is. We’re talking a man being the central focus, though in this situation it’s mixed gender.
So don’t go expecting any fated mates or organic relationships here. There are background stories to characters that make it not as objectifying as you’d expect from a traditional harem however, that is what it is.
Also, expect spicy-ness, it is a royal harem after all.
The alternative character dynamics kept this story fresh even if other elements are familiar for high fantasy readers. We’re talking war and magic etc etc.
It’s not perfect and there were world building questions I wanted answered, but for just over 200 pages it was a nice little book escape in the sea of KU books.
Four stars for freshness.
4.0/80%/B+
April 2, 2024
This was an intense and deeply emotional book. I made the rookie mistake of starting it before bed and despite my intention to sleep I couldn't leave it be and finished it. I love Sira so much and I appreciate that the author actually had her trauma shown throughout the books instead of just used as sad backstory. I find something deeply comforting in characters that aren't okay after going through something horrible and the care and comfort shown to them is a favorite to read. With that said you will still experience all the emotions, the steam is off the charts, but there was also funny banter, silly moments, things that made you angry, and for me multiple parts where I found tears dripping down my face. Sometimes due to tragedies, and other times just because I was able to feel so intensley the same things our FMC was due the the authors writing skills. Communication between sweet Sira and the King wasnt always the greatest, which is usually one of my biggest pet peeves, i hate the misunderstanding trope with a passion lol. However, considering the story's setting, the King's status, and everything we know of Sira's upbringing and past it wouldn't have made sense for her to be instantly trusting or know how to navigate their complicated dynamic smoothly. To me her reactions and thought process all felt logical so even though I'm not great at handling any kind of angst I enjoyed it as it was true to the narrative and to do otherwise would have felt shallow and unrealistic. I'm sure future me is going to be mad at my lack of sleep but I'm so glad I picked up this book and l that the 2nd part of this duet is already out. I can't wait for more of Sira, her King, and their harem.
February 13, 2023
Rating : 3.25/5⭐
There are vague spoilers, so don't read if you don't want any informations on the story.
First of all I want to say I was quite excited about this book because I thought there was gonna be F/F F/M and M/M. In a sense, this book did deliver the spicy part of it, however I thought this book was going to go toward a polyamorous relationship where everyone is with everyone. Unfortunately, we can quickly see that it's 1 main romantic relationship between the two main characters and multiple sexual/friendly relationship.
That was disappointing to me because I really expecting an equal relationship with everyone and it just wasn't.
I also want to point out, the first chapter from the MMC was a bit weird, because the tone didn't change from Sira's ( FMC) point of view, so I felt like I was reading a female point of view ? It did get a lot better with time though.
I also was a bit sad that the book was only happening in 2 rooms during almost the entire book, but it also felt normal for this book in particular.
As for what I liked, I did liked a few characters a lot, like Uri, and Mallory. I liked how their relationships were developing; I like how the plot turned out at the end. There was quite a bit of angst, but it felt right to the story. I did enjoy reading this book. I just felt like it was different from my expectations.
I am excited about what other books the author could publish in the future !
There are vague spoilers, so don't read if you don't want any informations on the story.
First of all I want to say I was quite excited about this book because I thought there was gonna be F/F F/M and M/M. In a sense, this book did deliver the spicy part of it, however I thought this book was going to go toward a polyamorous relationship where everyone is with everyone. Unfortunately, we can quickly see that it's 1 main romantic relationship between the two main characters and multiple sexual/friendly relationship.
That was disappointing to me because I really expecting an equal relationship with everyone and it just wasn't.
I also want to point out, the first chapter from the MMC was a bit weird, because the tone didn't change from Sira's ( FMC) point of view, so I felt like I was reading a female point of view ? It did get a lot better with time though.
I also was a bit sad that the book was only happening in 2 rooms during almost the entire book, but it also felt normal for this book in particular.
As for what I liked, I did liked a few characters a lot, like Uri, and Mallory. I liked how their relationships were developing; I like how the plot turned out at the end. There was quite a bit of angst, but it felt right to the story. I did enjoy reading this book. I just felt like it was different from my expectations.
I am excited about what other books the author could publish in the future !
May 7, 2023
I looooved this. The characters are lovely and the concept is interesting. I was invested in the outcome and the book ends on a point where you could stop reading and can put the pieces together yourself or you can keep reading for more information to fill in the gaps.
However, I do think there needed to be more. It felt like this wasn’t a reverse harem. None of the relationships are evenly remotely close as the relationship she has with the queen. (And the guys never spend time alone with the girls???) It felt like a regular harem and the king was the main character. There’s no romancing that happens and there’s a big power imbalance. At the end, you kind of come to the conclusion that the king can’t survive without our FMC but it doesn’t *feel* like it. The king doesn’t really put in any effort in learning who any of these women are even though they’re in the pool to become his consort/s. The king doesn’t even bother to ask where our FMC is from, which seems like something super basic that should have been asked. But it wasn’t because how else would the plot progress if that’s revealed.
You get introduced to a male concubine but like, he never shows up again. Why waste the words writing that in? (I searched in the next book, and he’s never even mentioned then either.) There’s a couple things like that that happened.
However, I do think there needed to be more. It felt like this wasn’t a reverse harem. None of the relationships are evenly remotely close as the relationship she has with the queen. (And the guys never spend time alone with the girls???) It felt like a regular harem and the king was the main character. There’s no romancing that happens and there’s a big power imbalance. At the end, you kind of come to the conclusion that the king can’t survive without our FMC but it doesn’t *feel* like it. The king doesn’t really put in any effort in learning who any of these women are even though they’re in the pool to become his consort/s. The king doesn’t even bother to ask where our FMC is from, which seems like something super basic that should have been asked. But it wasn’t because how else would the plot progress if that’s revealed.
You get introduced to a male concubine but like, he never shows up again. Why waste the words writing that in? (I searched in the next book, and he’s never even mentioned then either.) There’s a couple things like that that happened.
January 31, 2022
One of the things I like most about reading, is discovering new authors, especially when they manage to surprise a seasoned reverse harem reader like me. "Ambience" revolves around two main characters: Sira, a young woman on the run and left without options, and king Jasper, a king with secrets and surrounded by a harem of men and women. I would probably describe this book more as poly instead of reverse harem because it seems to revolve in equal measure around both these characters. It makes it into an interesting read with MM, FF and all possible combinations you can create with a bunch of men and women. While spicy, there is also plenty of plot development and room to get a good feel of the two main characters. This first book is a dual POV, and I'm hoping to see more from the other character's POV in the next book(s).
This first book in a new series, by a new author, was very well written. With plenty of action, spice, plot, character building and a bit of high fantasy background I flew through it in less than a day. I immediately preorded the next book and I'm allready looking forward to it.
This first book in a new series, by a new author, was very well written. With plenty of action, spice, plot, character building and a bit of high fantasy background I flew through it in less than a day. I immediately preorded the next book and I'm allready looking forward to it.
September 29, 2023
I want to start off by saying this book is nowhere near what I thought it would be. I went into this thinking it would be the FMC fighting in a competition to join the kings harem when in fact it was not that at all, and honestly i’m glad.
The magic system, though not much has been revealed, is quite different from other fantasy books i’ve read. The toll magic takes on the king and the reasoning for his harem is an interesting take. I would, however, liked to of seen more warmth from the characters and their interactions with one another. We are expected to believe there is some great bond between the concubines and the king yet there is a very large lack of intimacy outside of physicality. I can kind of understand why Sira fell so head over heels for the man due to her circumstances but the others just felt forced and very surface level. The water tank scene is testament enough to that. I mean come on…
Overall I would recommend this book to someone who wants to read smut with a side of plot. Not sure if I will read the second book as it isn’t my typical taste.
The magic system, though not much has been revealed, is quite different from other fantasy books i’ve read. The toll magic takes on the king and the reasoning for his harem is an interesting take. I would, however, liked to of seen more warmth from the characters and their interactions with one another. We are expected to believe there is some great bond between the concubines and the king yet there is a very large lack of intimacy outside of physicality. I can kind of understand why Sira fell so head over heels for the man due to her circumstances but the others just felt forced and very surface level. The water tank scene is testament enough to that. I mean come on…
Overall I would recommend this book to someone who wants to read smut with a side of plot. Not sure if I will read the second book as it isn’t my typical taste.
August 2, 2022
I thought this was going to be a 5 star read....But something about the main character bothered me. It's not that she wasn't formidable enough or outspoken enough. Maybe it was how quickly she came to give affection and love to the king but even that progressed in a way that could be expected. Since she is one of a harem most of the book takes place in just 2 locations or so in the palace and event that makes sense. But somehow it feels quite stifling. Something felt restricted and I wanted something more somewhere.
Warning:
This book deals with a woman who has escaped a warlord and ends up in a kings harem in another country for protection [no one can get in or out of the harem and here she thinks she will be safe from the warlord.] As such she must do acts expected in the harem. There are sex scenes including MM, MF, FF etc, but also mentions of some things she had to do whilst a slave of the warlord that allude to sexual assault or violence.
Warning:
This book deals with a woman who has escaped a warlord and ends up in a kings harem in another country for protection [no one can get in or out of the harem and here she thinks she will be safe from the warlord.] As such she must do acts expected in the harem. There are sex scenes including MM, MF, FF etc, but also mentions of some things she had to do whilst a slave of the warlord that allude to sexual assault or violence.
February 2, 2022
Magnificent and Sooooo Intriguing
I truly can’t say enough wonderful things about Ambience. The author created such wonderfully detailed characters that I think I learned more about them then I’ve known about my own family!! The scenes are abundantly descriptive and I felt like I was there, within the pages of the book, watching it all happen right in front of me.
Sira pulled at heart strings that I wasn’t even aware that I had and King Jasper got my heart racing like no other has. I’m so incredibly invested in them both! This book has EVERYTHING I could ever want; intoxicating chemistry, danger, fiery passion, sweetness, laughter and nail-biting suspense (because we all know we really do love that!!). Ambience has captivated me in the most painfully beautiful way possible and I absolutely can’t wait for more!!!
I truly can’t say enough wonderful things about Ambience. The author created such wonderfully detailed characters that I think I learned more about them then I’ve known about my own family!! The scenes are abundantly descriptive and I felt like I was there, within the pages of the book, watching it all happen right in front of me.
Sira pulled at heart strings that I wasn’t even aware that I had and King Jasper got my heart racing like no other has. I’m so incredibly invested in them both! This book has EVERYTHING I could ever want; intoxicating chemistry, danger, fiery passion, sweetness, laughter and nail-biting suspense (because we all know we really do love that!!). Ambience has captivated me in the most painfully beautiful way possible and I absolutely can’t wait for more!!!
May 2, 2024
Amazing Polyamorous Dark Fantasy Romance
I am so in love with this author! She writes amazing and detailed stories with so much steam. This book is about a young woman with a horrible past who learns she is worthy of love. In this book, there is FF, MM, FM, and huge orgies with many partners. The MMC is a king who has a harem of men and women. He is an honorable and good man who needs multiple partners for a really good reason (no spoilers). The FMC is desperate for a safe place to hide from her past and winds up part of the harem. I can’t recommend this book enough for readers who believe that love comes in all genders. In the end, every member of the harem is in love with each other (of course the number of members reduces from the start of the book). Warning, this is a dark romance, so be prepared for the FMC’s dark past.
I am so in love with this author! She writes amazing and detailed stories with so much steam. This book is about a young woman with a horrible past who learns she is worthy of love. In this book, there is FF, MM, FM, and huge orgies with many partners. The MMC is a king who has a harem of men and women. He is an honorable and good man who needs multiple partners for a really good reason (no spoilers). The FMC is desperate for a safe place to hide from her past and winds up part of the harem. I can’t recommend this book enough for readers who believe that love comes in all genders. In the end, every member of the harem is in love with each other (of course the number of members reduces from the start of the book). Warning, this is a dark romance, so be prepared for the FMC’s dark past.
May 29, 2024
A lot of things I really liked and a lot of things I didn’t
I wasn’t sure how I would feel with a harem book but it was done very well and that was what I enjoyed most. I was hopeful there would be more romantic ties in the inner group that was forming but perhaps that will be explored more in the next instalment? This one focused more on Sira and the King
What really brought this book down was the world building. It just really falls short, especially concerning the issue of slavery. Sira is a runaway slave who was treated horribly, and one of the other King’s concubines was also a slave and the King hates how they were treated and yet still has slaves? And collectively punishes them because a slave conspired with an assassin before this book began? I just… I hate this detail. I don’t understand why it’s in the book at all
I wasn’t sure how I would feel with a harem book but it was done very well and that was what I enjoyed most. I was hopeful there would be more romantic ties in the inner group that was forming but perhaps that will be explored more in the next instalment? This one focused more on Sira and the King
What really brought this book down was the world building. It just really falls short, especially concerning the issue of slavery. Sira is a runaway slave who was treated horribly, and one of the other King’s concubines was also a slave and the King hates how they were treated and yet still has slaves? And collectively punishes them because a slave conspired with an assassin before this book began? I just… I hate this detail. I don’t understand why it’s in the book at all
December 16, 2024
Loved this!
For some reason, I am currently drawn and absolutely adore FMCconcubine/MMCemperor plot lines and this ticks all the boxes!
The FMC (Sira) was great in my opinion - the right amount of character competence mixed with a submissive and vulnerable side. She is a strong character in a more subtle way which I love. So many strong female characters at the moment have to be super badass assassins or something similar, whereas Sira shows strength in the fact that she survived 3 years as a slave to a warlord, ran 600 miles to escape him, jumped into an unknown situation as a concubine to survive and
The MMC I also found compelling - I like his gentle nature mixed with the strength he portrays.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and will be moving swiftly onto the next in the series!
For some reason, I am currently drawn and absolutely adore FMCconcubine/MMCemperor plot lines and this ticks all the boxes!
The FMC (Sira) was great in my opinion - the right amount of character competence mixed with a submissive and vulnerable side. She is a strong character in a more subtle way which I love. So many strong female characters at the moment have to be super badass assassins or something similar, whereas Sira shows strength in the fact that she survived 3 years as a slave to a warlord, ran 600 miles to escape him, jumped into an unknown situation as a concubine to survive and
The MMC I also found compelling - I like his gentle nature mixed with the strength he portrays.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and will be moving swiftly onto the next in the series!
January 11, 2023
THE most under read but fantastic Poly Harem book i've ever read.
Seriously, if you're going to take a chance on a new steamy read, make it this one.
The only difficulty is trying to classify it. Kinda a RH, but literally set in a Harem. Lots of lust which develops into love. lots of consentual, steamy scenes
King jasper is a gorgeous and powerful mage king who enjoys a large variety of concubines (male and female, all body shapes and sizes)
Sira is a great introduction into this world.
The fantasy setting stands up really well on its own, and has a unique take on some familiar tropes
If you love Reverse Harem but want a little bit more man love in your story, take a chance on this one!
Seriously, if you're going to take a chance on a new steamy read, make it this one.
The only difficulty is trying to classify it. Kinda a RH, but literally set in a Harem. Lots of lust which develops into love. lots of consentual, steamy scenes
King jasper is a gorgeous and powerful mage king who enjoys a large variety of concubines (male and female, all body shapes and sizes)
Sira is a great introduction into this world.
The fantasy setting stands up really well on its own, and has a unique take on some familiar tropes
If you love Reverse Harem but want a little bit more man love in your story, take a chance on this one!
April 10, 2023
Fun and fascinating!
What an interesting world, and a fun premise. I love a harem story, and this one kept my attention the whole way through.
I wouldn't say it's super spicy, although the intimate scenes are mostly open door. I didn't care for some of the flowery prose; when describing a lady's equipment - ugh "cave" - just use the words, you won't offend me, especially since much of the internal dialogue was informal and used modern slang.
A lovely romance, some magic, polyamory beginning to develop, and a solid ending with a lead-in to the next book. Give this one a try!
PS - only a couple formatting and editing errors. Overall, the editing on this book was fantastic.
What an interesting world, and a fun premise. I love a harem story, and this one kept my attention the whole way through.
I wouldn't say it's super spicy, although the intimate scenes are mostly open door. I didn't care for some of the flowery prose; when describing a lady's equipment - ugh "cave" - just use the words, you won't offend me, especially since much of the internal dialogue was informal and used modern slang.
A lovely romance, some magic, polyamory beginning to develop, and a solid ending with a lead-in to the next book. Give this one a try!
PS - only a couple formatting and editing errors. Overall, the editing on this book was fantastic.
September 2, 2024
This was very fun to read. I really liked the use of the concept of concubines and how it was written differently. To be honest, it’s hard to call this a reverse harem given that the main focus is between Sira and King Jasper. Whilst Sira does have good relationships with Uri and Tyrone, they feel more platonic than anything. Maybe it’ll pick up in the second book? I did feel at times that Sira and Jasper’s relationship felt a bit too based on sex, even though that was a core part of the plot, but other times I did feel the yearning and romance. I would have enjoyed more domesticity or just bonding between them. More casual conversations and such would probably have been more meaningful for me. But still a great read with great writing.
January 6, 2025
5 stars because finally a true poly book with men and women and gasp a storyline too!
Could it have been better ? Yes but this style of book is sooo hard to find.
The only criticism I have is how frustrating the FMC could be at times but the author did a great job of portraying why she was that way.
I don't know where else to say this but i am so grateful for this book. I am soo tired of all the RH books out there - not that I don't enjoy them but it makes me mad when the FMC has multiple men and gets jealous of any other women flirting with her men. I love the dynamic that they have in this book - I really wish society was different because the unit they created was amazing and what my dreams are made of.
Could it have been better ? Yes but this style of book is sooo hard to find.
The only criticism I have is how frustrating the FMC could be at times but the author did a great job of portraying why she was that way.
I don't know where else to say this but i am so grateful for this book. I am soo tired of all the RH books out there - not that I don't enjoy them but it makes me mad when the FMC has multiple men and gets jealous of any other women flirting with her men. I love the dynamic that they have in this book - I really wish society was different because the unit they created was amazing and what my dreams are made of.
June 2, 2023
I wasn't sure what to expect from this book, but I was pleasantly surprised to find a rich story set in a harem. This is typically not my thing, but the story wouldn't let go once it had its claws in me. I don't typically enjoy the types of sexual situations I found in this book, but they were not obligatory or written just to add some spice. They were an integral part of the story. I won't say the book changed my mind about certain things, but I liked that it wasn't used in an offhanded way. I do recommend the book, but only if you've read the trigger warnings and description of this book carefully. Authors put those there for a reason ;-) I'm looking forward to the second book!
November 6, 2023
H0t, p0ly harem
As always, check the trigger warnings before you begin. This is a super, spicy poly parnormal romance story with plenty of angst to keep you on your toes.
I loved this read. This was one of those stories that grabbed me by the gotcha and never let go! There are MF, MM and group scenes aplenty! I was immediately attracted to Elivah and I'm impatient for more of this character. I couldn't wait to jump in to book two which picks up right where this one ends.
Jasper, Sira, Elivah, Mallory, June, Tyrone, Uriah and Varessa are destined to stick in your mind.
As always, check the trigger warnings before you begin. This is a super, spicy poly parnormal romance story with plenty of angst to keep you on your toes.
I loved this read. This was one of those stories that grabbed me by the gotcha and never let go! There are MF, MM and group scenes aplenty! I was immediately attracted to Elivah and I'm impatient for more of this character. I couldn't wait to jump in to book two which picks up right where this one ends.
Jasper, Sira, Elivah, Mallory, June, Tyrone, Uriah and Varessa are destined to stick in your mind.
November 1, 2022
Ambience, the first book of the In the King's Hands series, is an ebook I borrowed through Kindle Unlimited (KU). This is more of a polyamory group than a reverse harem story, as the group revolves around the King, but I enjoyed the story line immensely and I was okay with the mm and ff scenes as they weren't the focus--the emotional attachments between the characters were the centerpieces of the relationship. Great story, unique world building, lots of tension, plot complexity, surprising twists, and a great cast. Just downloaded the second book.
March 29, 2024
2 things:
1) love this FMC - she is a fighter, so selfless and sweet one of the best well rounded people and so real with her emotions.
2) the FF is not for me in this book and I won’t be continuing in the series only because I didn’t buy it. She was clearly uncomfortable but the MC kept pushing it and yes okay she finally enjoys it but under the guise of just pleasure but I know what she was in her head not liking his attentions on all these other women. I like a why choose but not a his harem LOL.
1) love this FMC - she is a fighter, so selfless and sweet one of the best well rounded people and so real with her emotions.
2) the FF is not for me in this book and I won’t be continuing in the series only because I didn’t buy it. She was clearly uncomfortable but the MC kept pushing it and yes okay she finally enjoys it but under the guise of just pleasure but I know what she was in her head not liking his attentions on all these other women. I like a why choose but not a his harem LOL.
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