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Wolves of the Night #1
Wolf King
I must do everything in my power to resist the savage Wolf King…
I cannot win. I’m surrounded by vicious female wolves desperate to gain the favor of the ruthless Wolf King.
But I want nothing to do with Elias, who is brutal, untamed, and demanding, or his equally savage wolf court.
Only I must take part in the Wolf King ceremony, or my father’s kingdom will be lost.
I make it clear that I’m not like those other she wolves. I already have Griffin waiting for me, and he will raise an army to fight for me if I don’t come home.
It doesn’t stop Elias playing a game of temptation. Our attraction scares me, and I know that he would eat me alive in the name of passion.
Then he announces who his chosen one will be, and I’m afraid it’s me…
I cannot win. I’m surrounded by vicious female wolves desperate to gain the favor of the ruthless Wolf King.
But I want nothing to do with Elias, who is brutal, untamed, and demanding, or his equally savage wolf court.
Only I must take part in the Wolf King ceremony, or my father’s kingdom will be lost.
I make it clear that I’m not like those other she wolves. I already have Griffin waiting for me, and he will raise an army to fight for me if I don’t come home.
It doesn’t stop Elias playing a game of temptation. Our attraction scares me, and I know that he would eat me alive in the name of passion.
Then he announces who his chosen one will be, and I’m afraid it’s me…
386 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 18, 2022
3004 people are currently reading
1656 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 218 reviews
April 23, 2022
I started off really engrossed and loving this book. It checked all my boxes - unwanted marriage? Check. Shifters? Check. Court and intrigue? Check and Check—ish.
I found myself really disliking Reyna and not understanding her motivation towards the end of the book. In the beginning, it was tolerable, but towards the end it made no sense to me. The author would have us to believe that she’s a regal and diplomatic, smart powerhouse but she refuses to use any of those skills with Elias.
I dislike how she harps on her freedom, her choices, how she was slighted but refuses to meet Elias and understand his experiences and how his circumstances aren’t all that different. His choice in a major plot point wasn’t one he could easily maneuver and she basically disregarded him.
Nor did she use any of the skills at her disposal outside of rudeness and snark! Oh and fighting. Can’t forget that. As one of the other reviewers said, she does act like a 5 year old.
All that to say, I was disappointed.
I found myself really disliking Reyna and not understanding her motivation towards the end of the book. In the beginning, it was tolerable, but towards the end it made no sense to me. The author would have us to believe that she’s a regal and diplomatic, smart powerhouse but she refuses to use any of those skills with Elias.
I dislike how she harps on her freedom, her choices, how she was slighted but refuses to meet Elias and understand his experiences and how his circumstances aren’t all that different. His choice in a major plot point wasn’t one he could easily maneuver and she basically disregarded him.
Nor did she use any of the skills at her disposal outside of rudeness and snark! Oh and fighting. Can’t forget that. As one of the other reviewers said, she does act like a 5 year old.
All that to say, I was disappointed.
July 1, 2022
3.5 - I enjoyed the story and love the Bloody King, King Elias of Nightfall, but Reyna is very annoying. I empathize with her, but blame the guilty and grow up. I am hoping she removes her head from parts unmentionable and stops being so irritating.
April 22, 2022
I cant believe the hero is 25 she behaves like she's 5 years old with her hissy fits and secrets. Elias was amazing but dear God Reyna is the most dumbest, selfish, airhead I've read in a while.
June 22, 2023
This book started out strong. Thought we were going into kind of a slow burn. In my mind, there was about to be a big pay off in the end. However, I did find the heroine to be a bit childish. Which took away a lot of the sexuality.
I have downloaded book two in hopes of a turnaround.
Happy reading,
DD 🥂
I have downloaded book two in hopes of a turnaround.
Happy reading,
DD 🥂
September 29, 2022
🌶🌶/5 - Regency Romance meets Shifter Romance!
If you like regency romance and shifter romances - this is the combo you’ve been waiting for!
Not to mention it’s not an easy HEA but there’s a ton of chemistry! I also like that the King has to work for Reynas love and affections?
- enemies to lovers
- Slow burn
**First one in a while I actually immediately downloaded the next book!
If you like regency romance and shifter romances - this is the combo you’ve been waiting for!
Not to mention it’s not an easy HEA but there’s a ton of chemistry! I also like that the King has to work for Reynas love and affections?
- enemies to lovers
- Slow burn
**First one in a while I actually immediately downloaded the next book!
August 13, 2022
Reyna is a stupid self centered person
Only read this book if you are not frustrated easily when someone is being blatantly obtuse.
Oh I wanted to reach through the pages and smack her. She is so worried about not being controlled, she can't see past the end of her nose. Yes, she deserves to grieve the loss of her friend and her desired future but she refuses to do a key part of marriage, compromise so in return the king will make compromises for her. She needs to suck it up and take that first step in to trusting, that is what a real heroine would do and for pitties sake, trust her wolves instincts, stupid girl. The king, on the other hand needs to woo her and stop yelling at her, she ignores her wolf and he may not understand it but he certainly needs to see her perspective if he loves her.
All in all, left me frustrated and annoyed. May read the next one but not for a while.
Only read this book if you are not frustrated easily when someone is being blatantly obtuse.
Oh I wanted to reach through the pages and smack her. She is so worried about not being controlled, she can't see past the end of her nose. Yes, she deserves to grieve the loss of her friend and her desired future but she refuses to do a key part of marriage, compromise so in return the king will make compromises for her. She needs to suck it up and take that first step in to trusting, that is what a real heroine would do and for pitties sake, trust her wolves instincts, stupid girl. The king, on the other hand needs to woo her and stop yelling at her, she ignores her wolf and he may not understand it but he certainly needs to see her perspective if he loves her.
All in all, left me frustrated and annoyed. May read the next one but not for a while.
September 22, 2024
As always the Instagram book ads got to me once again and I ended up reading this book. Honestly I need to start skipping over those ads but I honestly can't help it. They are so tempting. I will say though, this book had more depth than the cover suggests. I really enjoyed the premise and it reminded me a lot of The Selection but with wolf shifters. I was able to call the twists in this book pretty easily and I actually loved how the MMC was portrayed in this book. Overall a good book.
March 10, 2023
I loved this idea of this and wanted to love the execution. But towards the end of the book, I found the female lead to be very annoying and petulant. And it got worse with each chapter that I almost didn’t finish this. I’m not sure what happened with the story there but I don’t think I can stomach more of this so as much as I love the idea of this, I will not continue with the series. Such a shame, really. It ticked so many boxes for me.
June 26, 2022
This is one of those reviews of mine written after months from finishing the book.
With that being said, I remember naught from this book.
I have some excerpts and notes that I made on them. I can guide myself on those. However, they seem overly critical of the book, whereas I remember having had a mild-positive response towards it.
I am trying to perform a resurrection on my memories and try to remember what I liked in this book.
What I say for certain is that the contest to gain the king`s hand, a.k.a wolfy bachelor did not do it for me.
Quote: “King Elias is holding a King’s Choice Tournament to choose a new bride.”
--this sounds so insane. Even as a pretext for the plot, c`mon. Weren`t we past that? There have been so many the Bachelor-renditions…and there will be plenty more
I remember, now, that I liked that the protagonist made friends with the women she was competing. I liked that. Finally, we have learned that it is better for girls to stick together, even in this deeply misogynistic-trope
Overall, a mid-book, with some potential to be improved.
April 22, 2022
Reyna of Daybreak is chosen to represent her pack and compete to be the Wolf King’s choice for a consort. She has no interest in competing in the Choice challenges but has to attend or her father will lose his kingdom. She is determined to visit the kingdom of the Wolf King, lose all of the challenges, not be chosen and return home to her beloved Griffin. Of course she captures the interest of the Wolf King right away… so going back home won’t be so easy for her.
There are several twists, turns, and hidden agendas discovered along the way. Reyna is a strong and independent heroine, but extremely naive. Her father never gave her love and affection, but she blindly trusted that he had her best interest at heart. Her beloved Griffin was just too perfect that she missed the signs something more was going on. She knew the Wolf King (Elias) was ruthless and cruel, but yet was always surprised by his actions.
This book has a great storyline and is paced well. It kept me engaged and I read the entire book in one sitting. There is a little bit of everything in this book - independent heroine, enemy-to-lovers trope, innocent heroine trope, paranormal royalty, tension and spice, etc. I look forward to the second book!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
There are several twists, turns, and hidden agendas discovered along the way. Reyna is a strong and independent heroine, but extremely naive. Her father never gave her love and affection, but she blindly trusted that he had her best interest at heart. Her beloved Griffin was just too perfect that she missed the signs something more was going on. She knew the Wolf King (Elias) was ruthless and cruel, but yet was always surprised by his actions.
This book has a great storyline and is paced well. It kept me engaged and I read the entire book in one sitting. There is a little bit of everything in this book - independent heroine, enemy-to-lovers trope, innocent heroine trope, paranormal royalty, tension and spice, etc. I look forward to the second book!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 14, 2023
4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Great story, well written. I became fully immersed in the storyline, the prose very descriptive and action packed. Reyna has found herself at the Court of the Bloody King, and everything she thought she knew of her life is slowly being revealed as having been all lies. As she finds herself becoming crowned as the King’s new Queen, she loses faith that he has chosen her for anything other than political power. Warning, this is a 3 book series
Great story, well written. I became fully immersed in the storyline, the prose very descriptive and action packed. Reyna has found herself at the Court of the Bloody King, and everything she thought she knew of her life is slowly being revealed as having been all lies. As she finds herself becoming crowned as the King’s new Queen, she loses faith that he has chosen her for anything other than political power. Warning, this is a 3 book series
November 7, 2023
Love it! It was captivating and though that was quite obvious who will be chosen I held my breath till the end.
December 14, 2023
Reyna is frustratingly stupid. I am having a hard time finding any sympathy for her.
October 21, 2024
The idea of the book is decent. But the chemistry between fmc and Mmc is lacking. The plot is weak and doesn’t really suck you in.
Three stars because the book wasn’t written poorly. Lots of descriptions and info… just not gripping.
Also sad it wasn’t a stand alone. Not I have to decide if I want to continue the series in the hope it improves… or move on. Leaning towards the latter.
Three stars because the book wasn’t written poorly. Lots of descriptions and info… just not gripping.
Also sad it wasn’t a stand alone. Not I have to decide if I want to continue the series in the hope it improves… or move on. Leaning towards the latter.
April 23, 2023
just irritating
I really wanted to enjoy this story. It’s long winded and very PG 13. I did not like the female close to the end. She came off as a spoiled teenage brat who didn’t deserve the King. I don’t even want to read the other parts. Yes cliffhanger. Just bad.
I really wanted to enjoy this story. It’s long winded and very PG 13. I did not like the female close to the end. She came off as a spoiled teenage brat who didn’t deserve the King. I don’t even want to read the other parts. Yes cliffhanger. Just bad.
December 21, 2023
Sad female character
This story was very reminiscent of a book I had previously read a few years ago, in its premise. Too bad it wasn’t able to deliver on being well written, it was oftentimes boring and extra for no reason.
Reyna travels to be part of some mate competition for the king. She does not want to be chosen, intends to represent her pack appropriately so as not to offend the king, while doing what she can to ensure not being chosen. She leaves behind a secret boyfriend, guy she’s been seeing for years that she believes her father would not ever allow. She plans running off with him soon after being rejected from the competition.
She does not want to offend the king, yet when she was speaking with someone she thinks is a guard, she tells the guard that she would not be there very long and that she has someone at home waiting for her? That made zero sense for her to tell that, she’s trying to make sure that no information gets back to the king that may seen as an insult (And at this point, we all know who she’s actually talking to). Why would she think that one of the kings guards would not relay such things being said?
Prior to this, upon them arriving at the castle, it was said that there would be a breakfast the next morning, yet her servants bring her a full breakfast to her chambers that next morning? Detail written that was later forgotten? Later in the book She also thinks to herself how she’s only ever ran with Griffin as a wolf later, however, in the beginning, she states they never shifted together!
Rona’s attitude towards Reyna had no bases, it didn’t make sense, it was frivolous. Why would she have just an issue with her, when there were three others that were in the competition as well? Why was Rona the only commoner? And as such, why would she be having the audacity to speak in the manner as she did towards Reyna, but it wasn’t towards the other three? Why? Rona saw the king’s attraction to Reyna? He had zero interest in Rona and showed it.
Griffin showing up, it serves to bust Reyna. The king gets mad about her not telling him about having a boyfriend at home, but she did tell him she had someone waiting for her at home, when she didn’t realize he was the king, occurring towards the beginning of the book. At any rate, she has the nerve to get mad at the king for accepting a challenge to his throne that was made by her so-called boyfriend, who she was not exactly being faithful to anyway. Griffin is the one who opened his mouth to challenge, what was the king supposed to do? Forfeit? Sure couldn’t send him away as she suggested, a challenge was made. Reyna less likable at this too. She grew up in court, she knows darn well if someone challenged her father he’d have to meet it, but because it’s Griffin, who wholly proved to not be who he portrayed to her to be, she gets to change the rule? Then she finds she was championing the wrong one. Revelations abound! And after revelations, Reyna fails to appropriately act on it. I get she grew up believing one thing, but things blatantly in your face, told straight to you, and she didn’t cut ties? Her ostrich impersonation (head in the sand) was extremely annoying.
And all through the book I was waiting for a reason for why she does not shift? Her talking about losing control, so bland she was less likable, because she kept her wolf locked up as much as possible, yet whined about how her father keeps her on a short leash? What a hypocrite, and she’s worse than her father knowing how it is to be restrained and having no freedom.
She’s whiney, immature, accusatory without basis and a hypocrite. She accuses Elias of dishonesty, which he wasn’t, when she’s the one who has been, who’s failed to disclose extremely important information and was deceptive the entire Choice. She marries, custom she is well aware of and acts the immature brat when gets to her HUSBAND’S room. Calls herself still grieving over the ex-boyfriend who was doing nothing but USING her, tells her straight to her face this, yet she’s grieving what she once thought she had? The life she planned on having? Had she handled it maturely she would have been likeable.
At the end of chapter 28 her last thought was I married a monster. What?! The author was just ridiculous with her, disgustingly so. The further into that chapter it got, the more this book was brought down. Lost the rest of the third star, the book is only 3 stars tops as it is, then lost the second. Series not worth continuing, Reyna is completely unlikable at the end, continuously spewing nonsense that’s inaccurate, childish, and extremely hypocritical
This story was very reminiscent of a book I had previously read a few years ago, in its premise. Too bad it wasn’t able to deliver on being well written, it was oftentimes boring and extra for no reason.
Reyna travels to be part of some mate competition for the king. She does not want to be chosen, intends to represent her pack appropriately so as not to offend the king, while doing what she can to ensure not being chosen. She leaves behind a secret boyfriend, guy she’s been seeing for years that she believes her father would not ever allow. She plans running off with him soon after being rejected from the competition.
She does not want to offend the king, yet when she was speaking with someone she thinks is a guard, she tells the guard that she would not be there very long and that she has someone at home waiting for her? That made zero sense for her to tell that, she’s trying to make sure that no information gets back to the king that may seen as an insult (And at this point, we all know who she’s actually talking to). Why would she think that one of the kings guards would not relay such things being said?
Prior to this, upon them arriving at the castle, it was said that there would be a breakfast the next morning, yet her servants bring her a full breakfast to her chambers that next morning? Detail written that was later forgotten? Later in the book She also thinks to herself how she’s only ever ran with Griffin as a wolf later, however, in the beginning, she states they never shifted together!
Rona’s attitude towards Reyna had no bases, it didn’t make sense, it was frivolous. Why would she have just an issue with her, when there were three others that were in the competition as well? Why was Rona the only commoner? And as such, why would she be having the audacity to speak in the manner as she did towards Reyna, but it wasn’t towards the other three? Why? Rona saw the king’s attraction to Reyna? He had zero interest in Rona and showed it.
Griffin showing up, it serves to bust Reyna. The king gets mad about her not telling him about having a boyfriend at home, but she did tell him she had someone waiting for her at home, when she didn’t realize he was the king, occurring towards the beginning of the book. At any rate, she has the nerve to get mad at the king for accepting a challenge to his throne that was made by her so-called boyfriend, who she was not exactly being faithful to anyway. Griffin is the one who opened his mouth to challenge, what was the king supposed to do? Forfeit? Sure couldn’t send him away as she suggested, a challenge was made. Reyna less likable at this too. She grew up in court, she knows darn well if someone challenged her father he’d have to meet it, but because it’s Griffin, who wholly proved to not be who he portrayed to her to be, she gets to change the rule? Then she finds she was championing the wrong one. Revelations abound! And after revelations, Reyna fails to appropriately act on it. I get she grew up believing one thing, but things blatantly in your face, told straight to you, and she didn’t cut ties? Her ostrich impersonation (head in the sand) was extremely annoying.
And all through the book I was waiting for a reason for why she does not shift? Her talking about losing control, so bland she was less likable, because she kept her wolf locked up as much as possible, yet whined about how her father keeps her on a short leash? What a hypocrite, and she’s worse than her father knowing how it is to be restrained and having no freedom.
She’s whiney, immature, accusatory without basis and a hypocrite. She accuses Elias of dishonesty, which he wasn’t, when she’s the one who has been, who’s failed to disclose extremely important information and was deceptive the entire Choice. She marries, custom she is well aware of and acts the immature brat when gets to her HUSBAND’S room. Calls herself still grieving over the ex-boyfriend who was doing nothing but USING her, tells her straight to her face this, yet she’s grieving what she once thought she had? The life she planned on having? Had she handled it maturely she would have been likeable.
At the end of chapter 28 her last thought was I married a monster. What?! The author was just ridiculous with her, disgustingly so. The further into that chapter it got, the more this book was brought down. Lost the rest of the third star, the book is only 3 stars tops as it is, then lost the second. Series not worth continuing, Reyna is completely unlikable at the end, continuously spewing nonsense that’s inaccurate, childish, and extremely hypocritical
January 29, 2025
This book started off strong, I was intrigued and didn’t want to put it down. Then the fmc just got so annoying. She was very childish. Also I’m pretty sure the word fine is written about 70000 times in this book; fine wine, fine cloak, fine. Fine. Fine. Everything was fine!
June 20, 2023
3⭐️
Great story I just can't stand the FMC, she really is a Ice princess.
Great story I just can't stand the FMC, she really is a Ice princess.
July 15, 2024
New series new author
February 23, 2025
Some mild spoilers ahead, but I don't really care...
Reyna is one of the worst characters I have ever encountered EVER. She is such a whiny brat, like madam use your fucking common sense and brain, don't be stupid.
Like she is a super passionate carthographer, but does nothing with it...
And she is supposedly smart, where was that shown?
She just complains about EVERYTHING, when I finished the book I wanted to throw my phone out the window, she is sooooooooooo STUPID, i just can't, I don't even make sense now.
She also abuses her wolf... And we aren't shown anywhere her reason for that, just that she doesn't want to lose control. When she sees other shifters be free with their wolf she thinks it's barbaric and just judges them, she doesn't use any ounce of introspection or logic, but she is smart...
She is soooo mean and cruel to Elias, he wants to know her and makes an effort, but she only dismisses him. On their wedding day he tells he he loves her, and she just thinks that is stupid and that he fakes everything. He is sooo respectful towards her, and gentle and kind and she just insults him without a care, like ooo she is offended because he cares... WTF 😒 Even her wolf is like 'yo, stupid lady, WTF you doing hurting our MATE'. She also disregards that... She doesn't support him at all with anything, or help him with her not father's plot.
And when she finds out her boyfriend is a peace of 💩 and has been using her for years, she blames Elias for that somehow. She is more upset when this turd is killed in a fair fight then when she kills someone, she gets over that in one second, puf, forgot...
She is an insufferable 5 year old. I just wish Elias would kill her and get himself a person that respects and appreciates the love he gives.
And the book ends with her being a peace of 💩 towards Elias on their wedding night, when he was so sweet and thoughtful with her all day. I thought she would be a bit happier, but no, she just has to emotionally abuse her new husband.
This is my most hated character in all fiction...
Suffice it to say I won't be continuing with this series.
I want my 5 h back 😭😭😭😭
Reyna is one of the worst characters I have ever encountered EVER. She is such a whiny brat, like madam use your fucking common sense and brain, don't be stupid.
Like she is a super passionate carthographer, but does nothing with it...
And she is supposedly smart, where was that shown?
She just complains about EVERYTHING, when I finished the book I wanted to throw my phone out the window, she is sooooooooooo STUPID, i just can't, I don't even make sense now.
She also abuses her wolf... And we aren't shown anywhere her reason for that, just that she doesn't want to lose control. When she sees other shifters be free with their wolf she thinks it's barbaric and just judges them, she doesn't use any ounce of introspection or logic, but she is smart...
She is soooo mean and cruel to Elias, he wants to know her and makes an effort, but she only dismisses him. On their wedding day he tells he he loves her, and she just thinks that is stupid and that he fakes everything. He is sooo respectful towards her, and gentle and kind and she just insults him without a care, like ooo she is offended because he cares... WTF 😒 Even her wolf is like 'yo, stupid lady, WTF you doing hurting our MATE'. She also disregards that... She doesn't support him at all with anything, or help him with her not father's plot.
And when she finds out her boyfriend is a peace of 💩 and has been using her for years, she blames Elias for that somehow. She is more upset when this turd is killed in a fair fight then when she kills someone, she gets over that in one second, puf, forgot...
She is an insufferable 5 year old. I just wish Elias would kill her and get himself a person that respects and appreciates the love he gives.
And the book ends with her being a peace of 💩 towards Elias on their wedding night, when he was so sweet and thoughtful with her all day. I thought she would be a bit happier, but no, she just has to emotionally abuse her new husband.
This is my most hated character in all fiction...
Suffice it to say I won't be continuing with this series.
I want my 5 h back 😭😭😭😭
July 30, 2022
Never Again.
Ok. It’s official. I will NEVER read anything by this “author(s)” again. Where to begin? Horrible FMC, annoying and superfluous writing, inconsistent dialogue - just everything. This book is utter garbage. Never again will I be duped into reading something by Lindsey Devin.
Ok. It’s official. I will NEVER read anything by this “author(s)” again. Where to begin? Horrible FMC, annoying and superfluous writing, inconsistent dialogue - just everything. This book is utter garbage. Never again will I be duped into reading something by Lindsey Devin.
August 15, 2022
nope…will not continue
The lead female was emotionally exhausting and selfish. I was really hoping by the end she would have some since about her but that was big fat NO! You also don’t get a lot of the story with both main characters together. You get more of her with her new friends.
The lead female was emotionally exhausting and selfish. I was really hoping by the end she would have some since about her but that was big fat NO! You also don’t get a lot of the story with both main characters together. You get more of her with her new friends.
June 22, 2023
Not much happening here. I love shifter stories but theirs was just plain.
Honestly, I skipped 40% of the book as I hate not to know.
Now that I know, I won't be reading the rest of the series.
Honestly, I skipped 40% of the book as I hate not to know.
Now that I know, I won't be reading the rest of the series.
September 3, 2023
Fair warning: this is probably going to devolve from a review to more of a discourse about the novel.
I really enjoyed this book in the beginning. I was very interested in Reyna’s character and her interest with cartography and history. But by the middle of the book the narrative felt repetitive- how much better the Daybreak wolves were because they were ‘in control,’ her freedom, being a pawn- it was always the same few concepts being complained about. Though I do adore how Reyna’s competitors became such good friends.
In the beginning I was very confused about the layout of the land and the aspects of the territories, and it was never quite cleared up. I think Frasia is divided into 5 territories/packs with Efra being the capitol of the kingdom. But I’m also confused of how Efra works bc it’s referred to as that being a kingdom in and of itself, and that the other packs are their own kingdoms led by dukes with the Bloody King ruling over them as well. I was disappointed to see there wasn’t a map of the lands, especially with Reyna being so obsessed with cartography.
By the end I really did not like Reyna. She’s quite childish and naive despite being praised as smart, intensely trained in both combat and court, and regal. Her decision to keep her fathers treason a secret from Elias is quite appalling and shows her immaturity. Despite what she’s feeling about him, he deserves to know if somebody is planning a coup because it’s a matter of not only his safety, but also hers and the entire kingdom. It’s clear she has feeling for him but until she works herself out she won’t allow them to become anything.
It really bothers me how she wholeheartedly believed her father would have her best interests and wishes in mind despite the fact that he never once showed her an ounce of compassion in her life. And if he really did have her trained so thoroughly in court, why did she not comprehend that the kingdom will always have to come first for Elias? When she got upset about him being concerned about politics, she tried to make him out to be the bad guy whenever politics is literally both of their jobs.
Elias is not the monster he is thought to be, and she never once listens to him even though she’s adamant about him listening to her. It’s clear all he wanted was somebody to be his love and mate, it’s made clear by the collection of jewels given to her, how he handled the the Challenge initiated by Daybreak, and how he openly admired her in front of everyone.
There’s many plots going on at once, which I do appreciate because I feel like life, especially when mixed with politics and secrets, works with many difficulties functioning at once. But there is a lot going on (the prophecy, the mystery of Efra and the fae, the coup, the duchess is clearly up to no good, relationships) but at the end, they all feel as if they are on the back burner because of Reyna’s fits and self-pity.
I really hope for some major character development in the next book.
I really enjoyed this book in the beginning. I was very interested in Reyna’s character and her interest with cartography and history. But by the middle of the book the narrative felt repetitive- how much better the Daybreak wolves were because they were ‘in control,’ her freedom, being a pawn- it was always the same few concepts being complained about. Though I do adore how Reyna’s competitors became such good friends.
In the beginning I was very confused about the layout of the land and the aspects of the territories, and it was never quite cleared up. I think Frasia is divided into 5 territories/packs with Efra being the capitol of the kingdom. But I’m also confused of how Efra works bc it’s referred to as that being a kingdom in and of itself, and that the other packs are their own kingdoms led by dukes with the Bloody King ruling over them as well. I was disappointed to see there wasn’t a map of the lands, especially with Reyna being so obsessed with cartography.
By the end I really did not like Reyna. She’s quite childish and naive despite being praised as smart, intensely trained in both combat and court, and regal. Her decision to keep her fathers treason a secret from Elias is quite appalling and shows her immaturity. Despite what she’s feeling about him, he deserves to know if somebody is planning a coup because it’s a matter of not only his safety, but also hers and the entire kingdom. It’s clear she has feeling for him but until she works herself out she won’t allow them to become anything.
It really bothers me how she wholeheartedly believed her father would have her best interests and wishes in mind despite the fact that he never once showed her an ounce of compassion in her life. And if he really did have her trained so thoroughly in court, why did she not comprehend that the kingdom will always have to come first for Elias? When she got upset about him being concerned about politics, she tried to make him out to be the bad guy whenever politics is literally both of their jobs.
Elias is not the monster he is thought to be, and she never once listens to him even though she’s adamant about him listening to her. It’s clear all he wanted was somebody to be his love and mate, it’s made clear by the collection of jewels given to her, how he handled the the Challenge initiated by Daybreak, and how he openly admired her in front of everyone.
There’s many plots going on at once, which I do appreciate because I feel like life, especially when mixed with politics and secrets, works with many difficulties functioning at once. But there is a lot going on (the prophecy, the mystery of Efra and the fae, the coup, the duchess is clearly up to no good, relationships) but at the end, they all feel as if they are on the back burner because of Reyna’s fits and self-pity.
I really hope for some major character development in the next book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 17, 2024
I am so glad it was recommended by Redditors.
Reyna--Duke’s daughter of the Day Court. Loves cartography and wants to travel. But her duties at court make her an ideal candidate for the Selection, King’s Choice. Her father avoids her anyway, probably because she reminds him of her deceased mother. I want to like her, because she adores cartography and imagines herself travelling the world. But in her lack of exposure, she is arrogant, opinionated, and rude. It shows when she joins the King’s Choice competition. While she attempts to ingratiate herself with the other women, her snobbish dismissal of the easy shifting her maids of honor just makes her difficult to like. Her concept of civility is controlling her lnner wolf and shifting as little as possible.
While she thinks she wants to fail the competition, Reyna does the opposite: she dresses modern, visits the wrong areas of the castle, and arranges for meet-and-greets with the ladies, putting herself in the King’s way. And since she controls her wolf, she cannot smell the attraction (I am sure everyone else is laughing about it)!
“I hope you don’t mind having a savage join you for breakfast,” he said with a grin as he fixed himself a plate of eggs and sausage. “I promise to use my utensils.”
“I knew everyone was thinking about last night. About the king’s wolf. About how he’d sniffed me like we were packmates.”
I think this would be more of a competition if the king also showed some interest in the alternative women. I like some uncertainty in a story. But this is not about the competition, really; it’s about her need for control over her nature vs. nature. It’s also lovely to watch her character grow as she realizes the lover she left at home is, perhaps, not the idealized man she had created in her mind.
I think my favorite part is the plot twist after Griffin, her former love, and her father arrive at court. To be continued! This is not a standalone, unless you want love unrequited.
Keywords:
Pomp and circumstance (Court Politics)
Dress Up Barbie Scenes
Queen trials
M/F
Single POV, first person
Open Door scenes (Spicy). Note: the scene can be skipped and really didn’t feel right to me as a detailed scene here.
Overall, I liked the novel and will check out this new-to-me author.
Reyna--Duke’s daughter of the Day Court. Loves cartography and wants to travel. But her duties at court make her an ideal candidate for the Selection, King’s Choice. Her father avoids her anyway, probably because she reminds him of her deceased mother. I want to like her, because she adores cartography and imagines herself travelling the world. But in her lack of exposure, she is arrogant, opinionated, and rude. It shows when she joins the King’s Choice competition. While she attempts to ingratiate herself with the other women, her snobbish dismissal of the easy shifting her maids of honor just makes her difficult to like. Her concept of civility is controlling her lnner wolf and shifting as little as possible.
While she thinks she wants to fail the competition, Reyna does the opposite: she dresses modern, visits the wrong areas of the castle, and arranges for meet-and-greets with the ladies, putting herself in the King’s way. And since she controls her wolf, she cannot smell the attraction (I am sure everyone else is laughing about it)!
“I hope you don’t mind having a savage join you for breakfast,” he said with a grin as he fixed himself a plate of eggs and sausage. “I promise to use my utensils.”
“I knew everyone was thinking about last night. About the king’s wolf. About how he’d sniffed me like we were packmates.”
I think this would be more of a competition if the king also showed some interest in the alternative women. I like some uncertainty in a story. But this is not about the competition, really; it’s about her need for control over her nature vs. nature. It’s also lovely to watch her character grow as she realizes the lover she left at home is, perhaps, not the idealized man she had created in her mind.
I think my favorite part is the plot twist after Griffin, her former love, and her father arrive at court. To be continued! This is not a standalone, unless you want love unrequited.
Keywords:
Pomp and circumstance (Court Politics)
Dress Up Barbie Scenes
Queen trials
M/F
Single POV, first person
Open Door scenes (Spicy). Note: the scene can be skipped and really didn’t feel right to me as a detailed scene here.
Overall, I liked the novel and will check out this new-to-me author.
June 19, 2025
Oops, author made a mistake in Chapter 17, page 239. Tongue should have been finger. I had to read it three times making sure I didn’t miss something. Chapter 18 page 251. The King accused Reyna of not telling him she had a betrothed but she did in Chapter 4, page 66. No she didn’t know he was the king when she told him, but she did tell him. I don’t know if both parties forgot or if the author forgot. I was enjoying the book and the FMC. I like how mine works and how she tries to work things out. However, she becomes an irrational, emotional mess in chapter 28 and I don’t understand why the author has went there. She wants an apology because he hurt her by killing her former love, even though her former love challenge the king for his throne and gave the boy two chances to submit and quit the challenge instead of kill him. And at the time she even understood that Griffin would rather die than go home disgraced. But calls him a monster for it?!? He made a rendering of the map for her, dismissed her rude behavior, checked on her when he thought she was sick, he followed her after she turned to make sure she was alright, gave Griffin two chances to submit and live, he made the first move to see her after the challenge. He is quick to apologize to her. I hope we don’t go into some major miscommunication troops, which I absolutely hate. She keeps repeating herself, but she’s not giving him any detail or explaining or leaning on him with what her grief of the future is about, essentially keeping him in the dark and then getting upset that he’s upset. And because he’s upset, he’s starting to lash out. She’s even upset that she didn’t even get to pick her own room because she doesn’t want to upset anybody. She’s eating the misery and then taking it out on her husband. I’ve enjoyed this book for 28 chapters and then the author just went off the rails with the FMC, acting immature and emotional, which has not been her MO this whole time. I’ve read four other books from this author and really enjoyed the work so this just surprises me. I loved outside the pack, I loved escaping rejection. I’m at a loss. It was five stars up until chapter 28, the last two chapters brought it to a 4. Don’t give me a personality for 28 chapters and then change the personality dynamic for the last two.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 29, 2023
Hope all this stays in this book and the second is them working on the marriage without all the whining about the past
4 Stars because I got tired of her whining about Griffin, her freedom to do things and loneliness. When she got to that Kingdom she started to find herself, made real friends not the fake one Griffin cause he only wanted to be on top and she felt a connection and pull with Elias also she felt safe with him and also she felt she could trust him and she could feel that Elias had strong feelings for her. Her wolf whines or try’s to tell her something and all she does is ignore the wolf. When she said..I was used to ignoring her complaints. She keeps talking about needing time to grieve. But after the wedding she said leaving the past in the past and moving forward and see what happens but as soon as it’s time to consummate the marriage she’s back in that pass and telling Elias he needs to apologize. (Like WTH) Then she gets mad cause he didn’t sleep in bed with her after she told him she didn’t want to be there. Then tells him he’s keeping secrets. I mean really!?! Girl you got a shit load of secrets. She’s such a hypocrite. When she called Elias a hypocrite. I think she needs to take a big look in the mirror cause it ain’t Elias. And she always complaining about being tired too. Girl you only tired from whining. At the end when she broke the king’s heart by saying the marriage was gonna be in name only. It’s made her so cold and heartless. (Ice Princess) She hated being called that but she was being one only towards Elias to someone who only cared and loved her. He knew the moment he saw her she was his mate. And she knew it to cause her wolf said it to but she ignored it just like everything else her wolf told her. I don’t know how old she is but sometimes she acts like a young teen and NOT the lady she claims to be.
4 Stars because I got tired of her whining about Griffin, her freedom to do things and loneliness. When she got to that Kingdom she started to find herself, made real friends not the fake one Griffin cause he only wanted to be on top and she felt a connection and pull with Elias also she felt safe with him and also she felt she could trust him and she could feel that Elias had strong feelings for her. Her wolf whines or try’s to tell her something and all she does is ignore the wolf. When she said..I was used to ignoring her complaints. She keeps talking about needing time to grieve. But after the wedding she said leaving the past in the past and moving forward and see what happens but as soon as it’s time to consummate the marriage she’s back in that pass and telling Elias he needs to apologize. (Like WTH) Then she gets mad cause he didn’t sleep in bed with her after she told him she didn’t want to be there. Then tells him he’s keeping secrets. I mean really!?! Girl you got a shit load of secrets. She’s such a hypocrite. When she called Elias a hypocrite. I think she needs to take a big look in the mirror cause it ain’t Elias. And she always complaining about being tired too. Girl you only tired from whining. At the end when she broke the king’s heart by saying the marriage was gonna be in name only. It’s made her so cold and heartless. (Ice Princess) She hated being called that but she was being one only towards Elias to someone who only cared and loved her. He knew the moment he saw her she was his mate. And she knew it to cause her wolf said it to but she ignored it just like everything else her wolf told her. I don’t know how old she is but sometimes she acts like a young teen and NOT the lady she claims to be.
July 2, 2023
So good
When I picked up this book I did not expect it to be a pack that was surrounded by court etiquette and it kind of gave me the feeling of the Selected series, but with a beautiful twist of paranormal romance.
First, I must say that the main female character Reyna, captured my attention from the start of the book. She's strong but has this loneliness about her that you don't start to uncover until you start reading the story.
She sent off to compete for a crown to become the next queen, and on her journey she meets five other girls who all come from different packs. The bond that she connects with some of these girls is just so heartfelt and beautiful to see because you finally understand that she has kind of been an outcast in her own court.
When it comes to the bloody king, He was everything I expected an alpha wolf to be, and I love how Reyna has no idea or understanding of how he feels about her because she is taught at a young age to have such control of her wolf because it's unlady like to be out of control. Which I'm not going to lie. I totally relate to and so many aspects in my life. With Elias He is just the same alpahole I love about wolf shifter books with the possessiveness but an eagerness to please his mate, which I thoroughly enjoyed.
The book overall I'm obsessed. I'm about to read the next one because I have to know whats gonna happen between these two mates because that's what I live for stories like this! ☺️
I rarely give books five stars but this really was a five-star book. I will be reading it again. It's vastly become one of my favorite shifter romances. The slow burn in it really kept me enticed with the story and the secrets that kind of came out throughout the book where magnificently placed and kept me wanting more. Highly recommend this book. Check it out lovies ❤️
When I picked up this book I did not expect it to be a pack that was surrounded by court etiquette and it kind of gave me the feeling of the Selected series, but with a beautiful twist of paranormal romance.
First, I must say that the main female character Reyna, captured my attention from the start of the book. She's strong but has this loneliness about her that you don't start to uncover until you start reading the story.
She sent off to compete for a crown to become the next queen, and on her journey she meets five other girls who all come from different packs. The bond that she connects with some of these girls is just so heartfelt and beautiful to see because you finally understand that she has kind of been an outcast in her own court.
When it comes to the bloody king, He was everything I expected an alpha wolf to be, and I love how Reyna has no idea or understanding of how he feels about her because she is taught at a young age to have such control of her wolf because it's unlady like to be out of control. Which I'm not going to lie. I totally relate to and so many aspects in my life. With Elias He is just the same alpahole I love about wolf shifter books with the possessiveness but an eagerness to please his mate, which I thoroughly enjoyed.
The book overall I'm obsessed. I'm about to read the next one because I have to know whats gonna happen between these two mates because that's what I live for stories like this! ☺️
I rarely give books five stars but this really was a five-star book. I will be reading it again. It's vastly become one of my favorite shifter romances. The slow burn in it really kept me enticed with the story and the secrets that kind of came out throughout the book where magnificently placed and kept me wanting more. Highly recommend this book. Check it out lovies ❤️
April 4, 2023
Review in English and Portuguese: 2,0/5.0
I just want to say that i never met a character like this, and no, not in a good sense. She is so stubborn and stuck in the past and don’t SEE. She act like “oh my, i’m so alone” and don’t fucking see the friendship and the love RIGHT IN FRONT OF HER FUCKING HELL!!!!!!;!(&(&(&&(@(@(&(&(‘fk
Puta que me pariu meu irmão, nunca vi uma BURRA chegar tão longe igual essa querida, não é possível que uma pessoa que é apaixonada em estudar e com 25 anos, continua AGINDO como uma CRIANÇA MIMADA. Sinceramente, se a intenção da escritora foi trazer uma personagem “i’m not like the others girls” conseguiu, parabéns. Ela realmente não é como as outras 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼🥳🥳🥳🥳 ela é pior!!!!!!!!
Congrats
Insuportável, nada na personalidade dela é atrativo, simplesmente a única coisa que é a marca registrada dela é ser CHATA e encher o saco do Elias se chamando de lady (?? Foda-se?). A Reyna não tem NADA, ABSOLUTAMENTE NADA que te prenda a personagem, nem a parte de ser uma cabeça dura, nada disso é bom. Ela não é engraçada, ela não sabe ser nada além de chata, ela não acrescenta em absolutamente nada ali. Nada. Qualquer meia boca é mais interessante que ela, porém só em um livro pra fazer uma pomba que nem ela, se sobressair. Enfim, péssimo, dolorido ficar lendo os devaneios dela o livro todo. Não se posiciona e quando faz age como uma criança, merecia ficar sozinha mesmo, insuportável. Elias, tadinho, apagado na narrativa, deveria ter um lado dele pra sair da TORTURA que é o sofrimento da querida Reyna porque a coitada não pode fazer nada 😔😔😔😔 vai a merda que caralho de menina chata pra poha
February 5, 2026
2.5 ☆, I didn't have any expectations going into this partly after DNFing two disappointing books already but that worked in this books favour as I am only slightly disappointed. The story is written well enough for it to be finished and the MMC is probably the most dimensional character. The MFC is boring, judgemental and lowkey kinda snobbish. Reyna isn't developed enough that the trope of 'didn't recognise he was the king so was truthful and insulted him' felt unrealistic- he's the king, she a lady of her court surely she must have seen portraits/heard descriptions of him before? And as a lady of her court would she not be trained better? This book falls into the stereotype found in Romantsy of the male (50/50 being described with POC features such as dark hair/eyes, tanned skin) being viewed as barbaric/animalistic/savage by the prudish and, 90% of the time, Caucasian woman.
Reyna's grief and betrayal should have been more fleshed out for her sudden hatred for Elias to make sense, him suddenly not seeming to understand her after the marriage vs before seemingly being understanding felt off? Maybe having his POV would have helped the misunderstanding each has of the other - Elias needed to kill Griffin as he challenged him the King to his throne. Also Reyna completely forgets him after she leaves until she spends the night with Elias so her love for him appears dubious and unfounded. The book's last few pages seems to veer into a sudden rift/problem between the two who have known each other for like 4 weeks?? Which comes out of nowhere and seems to work as a cliffhanger/opportunity for a sequel that I'm not sure I'll be bothered to read
Reyna's grief and betrayal should have been more fleshed out for her sudden hatred for Elias to make sense, him suddenly not seeming to understand her after the marriage vs before seemingly being understanding felt off? Maybe having his POV would have helped the misunderstanding each has of the other - Elias needed to kill Griffin as he challenged him the King to his throne. Also Reyna completely forgets him after she leaves until she spends the night with Elias so her love for him appears dubious and unfounded. The book's last few pages seems to veer into a sudden rift/problem between the two who have known each other for like 4 weeks?? Which comes out of nowhere and seems to work as a cliffhanger/opportunity for a sequel that I'm not sure I'll be bothered to read
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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