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Spicy enemies to lovers fantasy romance with an HEA.
NEVER CATCH THE COURT JESTER’S ATTENTION. AND NEVER BE ALONE WITH HIM.
Those were the rules. And I’d broken them.
The jester had been a dark temptation. Forbidden. Magnetic. Seductive. His wicked tongue was impossible to resist.
Captive to my enemy’s heated embrace, I became his obsession. And this devious, sensuous trickster became my destiny.
Now our fates are linked. In a kingdom where passion and power clash, I’m the ruined princess he’d walk through fire to protect.
But deadly threats are closing in. A dangerous game has begun against the Crown. And if I don't make a cruel deal, my heart will be forced to choose.
My claim to the throne. Or my desire for the jester.
WARNING: This is the second book in a scorching hot romantasy series with explicit sexual content and language. For readers 18+ who want heavy steam, epic forbidden love, a morally grey book boyfriend, and 'touch her and he'll unalive you' vibes.
FOR CWs: Please check the author's website.
NEVER CATCH THE COURT JESTER’S ATTENTION. AND NEVER BE ALONE WITH HIM.
Those were the rules. And I’d broken them.
The jester had been a dark temptation. Forbidden. Magnetic. Seductive. His wicked tongue was impossible to resist.
Captive to my enemy’s heated embrace, I became his obsession. And this devious, sensuous trickster became my destiny.
Now our fates are linked. In a kingdom where passion and power clash, I’m the ruined princess he’d walk through fire to protect.
But deadly threats are closing in. A dangerous game has begun against the Crown. And if I don't make a cruel deal, my heart will be forced to choose.
My claim to the throne. Or my desire for the jester.
WARNING: This is the second book in a scorching hot romantasy series with explicit sexual content and language. For readers 18+ who want heavy steam, epic forbidden love, a morally grey book boyfriend, and 'touch her and he'll unalive you' vibes.
FOR CWs: Please check the author's website.
452 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 28, 2023
366 people are currently reading
2887 people want to read
About the author
Natalia Jaster
22 books1,545 followersNatalia Jaster is a romantasy author who routinely swoons for the villain.
She lives in a dark forest, where she writes spicy fantasy romance tales about rakish jesters, immortal deities, and vicious faeries. Wicked heroes are her weakness, and rebellious heroines are her best friends.
AMAZON: https://www.amazon.com/Natalia-Jaster...
NEWSLETTER: www.nataliajaster.com/newsletter
TIKTOK: www.tiktok.com/@nataliajasterauthor
INSTAGRAM: www.instagram.com/nataliajaster
She lives in a dark forest, where she writes spicy fantasy romance tales about rakish jesters, immortal deities, and vicious faeries. Wicked heroes are her weakness, and rebellious heroines are her best friends.
AMAZON: https://www.amazon.com/Natalia-Jaster...
NEWSLETTER: www.nataliajaster.com/newsletter
TIKTOK: www.tiktok.com/@nataliajasterauthor
INSTAGRAM: www.instagram.com/nataliajaster
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 136 reviews
February 14, 2024
Update: I tried to read the next book and DNFed it about 30% of the way through. The once beautiful and mysterious prose of Trick was completely gone, replaced with a horribly awkward mixture of modern day slang, blunt and shoehorned tropes, and the "old timey" speech. Not to mention the plot came to a complete stand still to focus on the smut. I got bored, and am ultimately disappointed where this series expansion led. There was so much potential.
I am proud to have discovered the Foolish Kingdoms series when it was very unknown, so of course, when I found out Natalia Jester was extending the first (and best) book of the series into a trilogy I was ecstatic. The first book ends in a way that allows room for more. That being said, as happy as I was to pick up this book and re-explore this world, at the end of the day, this is the middle book in a fantasy trilogy. The setting and characters are, like in the first book, great, however there was a ton of filler. And a lot of that filler was just smut. This will be a selling point for some people, but for me it felt forced. When the author decided to continue this series, she also altered her writing style. While this book was still good, there were a lot more moments than the first one where I could tell she was making decisions because they would sell. For explain popular cliche’s were used like the “touch here and die” trope, characters were using words like “slay” in a medieval setting, and there was tons of smut to appeal to booktok. These aspects don’t make the book bad, just a little less authentic. So overall, I enjoyed this addition to the series and the mere fact that it was written, I just wish books could be written without the stress of profit, so that they could remain true to the author’s original vision.
I am proud to have discovered the Foolish Kingdoms series when it was very unknown, so of course, when I found out Natalia Jester was extending the first (and best) book of the series into a trilogy I was ecstatic. The first book ends in a way that allows room for more. That being said, as happy as I was to pick up this book and re-explore this world, at the end of the day, this is the middle book in a fantasy trilogy. The setting and characters are, like in the first book, great, however there was a ton of filler. And a lot of that filler was just smut. This will be a selling point for some people, but for me it felt forced. When the author decided to continue this series, she also altered her writing style. While this book was still good, there were a lot more moments than the first one where I could tell she was making decisions because they would sell. For explain popular cliche’s were used like the “touch here and die” trope, characters were using words like “slay” in a medieval setting, and there was tons of smut to appeal to booktok. These aspects don’t make the book bad, just a little less authentic. So overall, I enjoyed this addition to the series and the mere fact that it was written, I just wish books could be written without the stress of profit, so that they could remain true to the author’s original vision.
April 13, 2025
The first was a rough read being honest- this one wow!!! Made up for it! It was steamy AF, and the heartbreaks! It was a wild ride and now cannot wait to continue!
March 29, 2023
Rating: 5✨
Spice: 3.75-4🌶
I would like to thank the author for the eARC opportunity. Like always, this review will be voluntary & honest.
Let me just start with saying Natalia's writing will never cease to amaze me. Her writing is poetic and beautiful and will pull all emotions from you while reading her books. Like Trick, this book hooked me in from the very beginning and had me sobbing by the end of it. The emotional rollercoaster she puts you through is worth every moment. I will never stop recommending this series to everyone I know.
Briar, the love and admiration I have for her is just.. I can't even put it into words. Her resilience & fight for a better world, where there is equality & fairness for all, regardless of how it could change the perception others have of her. If you've read Trick, then you know how Briar's "reputation" was tarnished with the other kingdoms after the events that took place in book 1. Did that make her shy away from the fight her and Poet began? Of course not. And the growth we see in Briar in this book, who she is besides the Princess & heir to the Autumn throne, was incredible to watch develop. She deserves all the love & happiness in the world.
Poet, he has also corrupted me with his sinful & impactful tongue as well as his cunning personality. I mean, a male who knows how to bring a single person as well as a whole kingdom to their knees with just his words & quick wit. Add to that him being skilled with multiple weapons, including a staff he wields EXTREMELY well. There are so many parts to this jester that I love seeing for the first time. His love & devotion to Briar and hers to Poet is heartwarming & makes you think "this is what true love is." As you go on this journey with them, you truly believe nothing else can compare to them.
Nicu, this little bundle of joy & sunshine still holds my heart forever. The way I would protect him from everyone, in any situation, no matter what should show how precious & lovable he is. I cannot wait to see more of him.
Aire, it's been nice to meet & fall in love with you in this book! He had me smiling every time he came up & I cannot wait to see more of this fiercely loyal knight of the Autumn Kingdom. Also, that one training scene he was involved in with a certain other character we adore? You know the one. My brain turned into mush in that scene.
Other characters in book 1 returned in this one & it made me the happiest reader in the world. This world Natalia has created & its characters have woven themselves into my heart so deeply, I truly cannot recommend this book and series enough! Give it a shot if you haven't already.
Spice: 3.75-4🌶
I would like to thank the author for the eARC opportunity. Like always, this review will be voluntary & honest.
Let me just start with saying Natalia's writing will never cease to amaze me. Her writing is poetic and beautiful and will pull all emotions from you while reading her books. Like Trick, this book hooked me in from the very beginning and had me sobbing by the end of it. The emotional rollercoaster she puts you through is worth every moment. I will never stop recommending this series to everyone I know.
Briar, the love and admiration I have for her is just.. I can't even put it into words. Her resilience & fight for a better world, where there is equality & fairness for all, regardless of how it could change the perception others have of her. If you've read Trick, then you know how Briar's "reputation" was tarnished with the other kingdoms after the events that took place in book 1. Did that make her shy away from the fight her and Poet began? Of course not. And the growth we see in Briar in this book, who she is besides the Princess & heir to the Autumn throne, was incredible to watch develop. She deserves all the love & happiness in the world.
Poet, he has also corrupted me with his sinful & impactful tongue as well as his cunning personality. I mean, a male who knows how to bring a single person as well as a whole kingdom to their knees with just his words & quick wit. Add to that him being skilled with multiple weapons, including a staff he wields EXTREMELY well. There are so many parts to this jester that I love seeing for the first time. His love & devotion to Briar and hers to Poet is heartwarming & makes you think "this is what true love is." As you go on this journey with them, you truly believe nothing else can compare to them.
Nicu, this little bundle of joy & sunshine still holds my heart forever. The way I would protect him from everyone, in any situation, no matter what should show how precious & lovable he is. I cannot wait to see more of him.
Aire, it's been nice to meet & fall in love with you in this book! He had me smiling every time he came up & I cannot wait to see more of this fiercely loyal knight of the Autumn Kingdom. Also, that one training scene he was involved in with a certain other character we adore? You know the one. My brain turned into mush in that scene.
Other characters in book 1 returned in this one & it made me the happiest reader in the world. This world Natalia has created & its characters have woven themselves into my heart so deeply, I truly cannot recommend this book and series enough! Give it a shot if you haven't already.
March 24, 2023
“Poet,” I whispered. “I’m scared.”
“I’m here,” he husked, his warm breath gusting across my mouth. “I will always be here.” He ghosted his lips over mine. “I’ll be here to bicker, banter, and beguile you for eternity.”
What an honor it was to beta read this for one of my all time favorite indie authors!!
All I can say is, those who were invested in the original series will appreciate this one. 🌝 There are quite a few cameos of characters from the original series as it was. Keep your eyes peeled!!
Secondly, this broke me in ways I knew it would and I can’t even complain because Natalia is just so damn good at writing ANGST. I knew Briar and Poet’s journey wasn’t going to be easy peasy but that doesn’t make their circumstances hurt any less. The spice is TOP NOTCH as always.
I needed book three yesterday. That is all, that is everything.
“I’m here,” he husked, his warm breath gusting across my mouth. “I will always be here.” He ghosted his lips over mine. “I’ll be here to bicker, banter, and beguile you for eternity.”
What an honor it was to beta read this for one of my all time favorite indie authors!!
All I can say is, those who were invested in the original series will appreciate this one. 🌝 There are quite a few cameos of characters from the original series as it was. Keep your eyes peeled!!
Secondly, this broke me in ways I knew it would and I can’t even complain because Natalia is just so damn good at writing ANGST. I knew Briar and Poet’s journey wasn’t going to be easy peasy but that doesn’t make their circumstances hurt any less. The spice is TOP NOTCH as always.
I needed book three yesterday. That is all, that is everything.
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April 7, 2023
3.5 ⭐️ Cliffhangers give me grief! This is torture!
This is the second book in the Foolish Kingdom Series. There’s supposed to be three books within the storyline for these two MCs, and then there’ll be other books within the universe, but with other MCs (at least to my knowledge).
It all starts great here, with Briar, Poet and Nicu travelling to Autumn while they plot all the ways they’ll show the Autumn court that the changes they want to bring forth are good and beneficial to all. Then they get pissed at each other for a good while (and piss me off in the process). Then things kind of go down hill for the MCs from that point on. They literally can't seem to catch a break.
But needs must and I know the author is trying her best to stretch the living sh*t out of these books. So, I get it. But I also don’t. I understand making the most out of your story, but just like in the first book, this one needed editing and further revisions to cut the overwritten paragraphs, because most scenes end up feeling repetitive – especially the spicy scenes! Which was so disappointing, tbh. I know the author is re-publishing these books because she’s included spicy content to them. Except now these scenes are incredibly overwritten and dragged out -in order to make the book longer, I suppose-, even though it would be so much better if things just progressed more naturally. Instead, the MCs are constantly in their heads, jumping for one thing to the other, while tanking forever to describe the actual specifics of the scene.
Now, this book’s ending. I was speechless. I couldn’t breathe. I couldn’t think. This ending should be illegal. I literally dreamed of this last night, I’m so messed up over this. And now we’ve got to wait for over six months for the next one!? I’m going to slowly lose my mind until I get the next instalment of this.
So, is it the greatest quality, best written, most interesting book ever? Hell no.
Am I going to read the next one? Absolutely, I will. (read that in John Krasinski’s voice pls thx)
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/ 5
🌶️🌶️ / 5
If you want to read this book, please check TWs first – the world building is inherently extremely ableist and there’s plenty of violence, blood and death in the book.
This is the second book in the Foolish Kingdom Series. There’s supposed to be three books within the storyline for these two MCs, and then there’ll be other books within the universe, but with other MCs (at least to my knowledge).
It all starts great here, with Briar, Poet and Nicu travelling to Autumn while they plot all the ways they’ll show the Autumn court that the changes they want to bring forth are good and beneficial to all. Then they get pissed at each other for a good while (and piss me off in the process). Then things kind of go down hill for the MCs from that point on. They literally can't seem to catch a break.
But needs must and I know the author is trying her best to stretch the living sh*t out of these books. So, I get it. But I also don’t. I understand making the most out of your story, but just like in the first book, this one needed editing and further revisions to cut the overwritten paragraphs, because most scenes end up feeling repetitive – especially the spicy scenes! Which was so disappointing, tbh. I know the author is re-publishing these books because she’s included spicy content to them. Except now these scenes are incredibly overwritten and dragged out -in order to make the book longer, I suppose-, even though it would be so much better if things just progressed more naturally. Instead, the MCs are constantly in their heads, jumping for one thing to the other, while tanking forever to describe the actual specifics of the scene.
Now, this book’s ending. I was speechless. I couldn’t breathe. I couldn’t think. This ending should be illegal. I literally dreamed of this last night, I’m so messed up over this. And now we’ve got to wait for over six months for the next one!? I’m going to slowly lose my mind until I get the next instalment of this.
So, is it the greatest quality, best written, most interesting book ever? Hell no.
Am I going to read the next one? Absolutely, I will. (read that in John Krasinski’s voice pls thx)
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/ 5
🌶️🌶️ / 5
If you want to read this book, please check TWs first – the world building is inherently extremely ableist and there’s plenty of violence, blood and death in the book.
May 14, 2025
5 ⭐️ Another amazing book! I was absolutely blown away by Trick and now Ruin?!?! Wow! This book was a spicy emotional roller coaster that had me in a chokehold! That ending?! I am most definitely RUINED! I loved the storyline. We had a lot more plot and action in this book, which I really enjoyed. The character development was fantastic! I really loved getting to see different sides of the main characters, which really had me connecting with them on different levels. The spice was SPICY! Natalia can write spice like no other! The details, the angst, the passion... *chefs kiss* ... I am absolutely blown away by Natalia's beautifully poetic writing style and she is now an auto-buy author for me. I will absolutely recommend this book/series to anyone who is looking for a romantasy series that is unlike anything they've read before. Well done, Natalia! What an amazing book and I can't wait to read book three.
March 28, 2023
I had the amazing opportunity of being sensitivity reader for this amazing book! I can finally talk about it so let me just say…. You will feel all of the emotions. It’s a damn good book. Natalia absolutely killed it again.
Little Nicu reminds me of my son. So innocent, so incredibly smart, always listening, always loving no matter what. While Nicu has mental health conditions you never see his spirit waver. I think that this book shows no matter what ails you, no matter what makes you different, it will always be better to show someone the real you even in the face of harsh criticism. The way this story was told spoke to my heart and soul on such a deep level. The treatment of the born souls shattered my heart all over again. The treatment of Briar and Poet after they advocated for the born souls made me want to end the bigots myself. The bonds formed between Briar, Poet, and Nicu made my heart so very happy. The tension between Briar and Poet was incredible. The spice made me actually sweat. The ladies in waiting made my day when they come back. Eliot will always be my favorite minstrel and I hope that he gets his happy ending one day. The ending full on made me sob. I have never felt that strongly about the end of a book before. This book is going to be a hit. It was truly incredible.
If you haven’t read Trick go read it before Ruin comes out! Run don’t walk. You won’t want to miss this epic story.
Thank you so much Natalia for giving me the opportunity to be a sensitivity reader, it was the coolest thing I have done to date.
Little Nicu reminds me of my son. So innocent, so incredibly smart, always listening, always loving no matter what. While Nicu has mental health conditions you never see his spirit waver. I think that this book shows no matter what ails you, no matter what makes you different, it will always be better to show someone the real you even in the face of harsh criticism. The way this story was told spoke to my heart and soul on such a deep level. The treatment of the born souls shattered my heart all over again. The treatment of Briar and Poet after they advocated for the born souls made me want to end the bigots myself. The bonds formed between Briar, Poet, and Nicu made my heart so very happy. The tension between Briar and Poet was incredible. The spice made me actually sweat. The ladies in waiting made my day when they come back. Eliot will always be my favorite minstrel and I hope that he gets his happy ending one day. The ending full on made me sob. I have never felt that strongly about the end of a book before. This book is going to be a hit. It was truly incredible.
If you haven’t read Trick go read it before Ruin comes out! Run don’t walk. You won’t want to miss this epic story.
Thank you so much Natalia for giving me the opportunity to be a sensitivity reader, it was the coolest thing I have done to date.
February 11, 2024
I did not enjoy this book as much as the first one. About 50% of the way through I was contemplating DNFing this book. Though after finishing it I am happy to say I'm glad I did not DNF it. I will eventually be reaching for the last book in the series.
October 30, 2023
Briar and Poet’s story continues and the only way to truly enjoy and appreciate this story is to read it. Natalia’s writing is like poetry. She has a very distinct way of creating her stories and characters. At times it felt overly wordy but the angst and passion in this second installment kept me hooked.
This ends on quite the cliffhanger 😱. I’m looking forward to their HEA!
This ends on quite the cliffhanger 😱. I’m looking forward to their HEA!
August 8, 2023
I cannot give unbiased opinions about these books. Because Poet.
Second book of the trilogy means everything has gone to shit and there's a cliffhanger. I knew this, tried to stretch my reading out so I wouldn't have too long to wait, and here we are. Waiting.
Second book of the trilogy means everything has gone to shit and there's a cliffhanger. I knew this, tried to stretch my reading out so I wouldn't have too long to wait, and here we are. Waiting.
June 25, 2025
3.75 stars
These two just have to look at each other, and they're ready to jump ea h others bones. It's actually kind of amazing that they get anything done. Even so,they are finding time to revolutionize a kingdom.
These two just have to look at each other, and they're ready to jump ea h others bones. It's actually kind of amazing that they get anything done. Even so,they are finding time to revolutionize a kingdom.
June 27, 2024
4.5 stars
I loved this, but it is so long, like kind of unnecessarily long at this point.
I loved this, but it is so long, like kind of unnecessarily long at this point.
October 19, 2023
My bad habit is loving these books so much I buy them on kindle instead of kindle unlimited because I'm worried if I cancel my subscription then I won't have my annotations, then I love the book doubly as much and buy it in paperback once I finish because I cannot live without its physical presence on my shelf.
The banter between these two is so fun and addictive, I could read chapters of them just talking, they're so charismatic. I love the way their brains work, I love the way they solve problems and work together, as well as apart. They are a fantastic pair, and the writer has done an incredible job creating such well fleshed out characters, they feel so real in my head.
The bond between Briar and Poet has grown so beautifully, as well as Nicu too, my heart feels so full thinking about them. They are such a sweet found family. My favourite quote from this that sums them up is "We'll rule and love like warriors."
I'm also in love with the politics and inner workings of the court etc, it's one of my favourite things to read about in fantasy books!
This book has me kicking my feet and giggling and thinking about it hours after. It's such an enjoyable experience to read and it plays just like a movie in my head.
And the ending! It was so intense and heart wrenching, my eyes were about to pop out of my head from shock and the painnnn.
I can't wait for the next book! And to read everything else Natalia Jaster has written and releases!
The banter between these two is so fun and addictive, I could read chapters of them just talking, they're so charismatic. I love the way their brains work, I love the way they solve problems and work together, as well as apart. They are a fantastic pair, and the writer has done an incredible job creating such well fleshed out characters, they feel so real in my head.
The bond between Briar and Poet has grown so beautifully, as well as Nicu too, my heart feels so full thinking about them. They are such a sweet found family. My favourite quote from this that sums them up is "We'll rule and love like warriors."
I'm also in love with the politics and inner workings of the court etc, it's one of my favourite things to read about in fantasy books!
This book has me kicking my feet and giggling and thinking about it hours after. It's such an enjoyable experience to read and it plays just like a movie in my head.
And the ending! It was so intense and heart wrenching, my eyes were about to pop out of my head from shock and the painnnn.
I can't wait for the next book! And to read everything else Natalia Jaster has written and releases!
April 21, 2023
great second book in the series!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Where to even begin.
We are taken back to Poet and Briar’s story except now they are in the Autumn Court trying to win over the Masters, nobles, counsels and citizens. Autumn is notorious for being prude rule followers and not ones for change and Poet and Briar are a whirlwind of change.
The cliffhanger at the end of the book still has my heart aching.
Not only is this an amazing story which string characters but it is also perfect try spicy.
The passion, lust, love, deception, betrayal and scheming made this book superb.
Fav quotes
“Nothing will happen to you. I’ll shred this world in half first. That is—” he grinned, “—if you haven’t already beaten me to it.”
“I could haul you onto my horse and disarm you further. That’s a trope in certain smutty novels, you know.”
Mine. All fucking mine. My addiction. My fantasy. My obsession. My equal. My sweet and savory thorn.
.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Where to even begin.
We are taken back to Poet and Briar’s story except now they are in the Autumn Court trying to win over the Masters, nobles, counsels and citizens. Autumn is notorious for being prude rule followers and not ones for change and Poet and Briar are a whirlwind of change.
The cliffhanger at the end of the book still has my heart aching.
Not only is this an amazing story which string characters but it is also perfect try spicy.
The passion, lust, love, deception, betrayal and scheming made this book superb.
Fav quotes
“Nothing will happen to you. I’ll shred this world in half first. That is—” he grinned, “—if you haven’t already beaten me to it.”
“I could haul you onto my horse and disarm you further. That’s a trope in certain smutty novels, you know.”
Mine. All fucking mine. My addiction. My fantasy. My obsession. My equal. My sweet and savory thorn.
.
April 1, 2023
For others, I wore a crown. For him, I wore a scarlet band.
This story was a roller coaster. Especially those last 100 pages. Briar and Poet are one of my favourite power couples. I loved them in Trick but they are even more fantastic in this book. Poet is one of my favourite male characters ever. He is just perfection!
I knew that Poet and Briar would be facing opposition but they have to fight with everything in them to do what is right and for them to be together. I'm bursting at the seams to read the next book.
As usual, Natalia's writing is so poetic and lyrical and I can't help but tangibly see and feel the world. Poet and Briar have the most amazing banter and chemistry with the most explosive scenes. I just need to read more about them. I look forward to book 3!
This story was a roller coaster. Especially those last 100 pages. Briar and Poet are one of my favourite power couples. I loved them in Trick but they are even more fantastic in this book. Poet is one of my favourite male characters ever. He is just perfection!
I knew that Poet and Briar would be facing opposition but they have to fight with everything in them to do what is right and for them to be together. I'm bursting at the seams to read the next book.
As usual, Natalia's writing is so poetic and lyrical and I can't help but tangibly see and feel the world. Poet and Briar have the most amazing banter and chemistry with the most explosive scenes. I just need to read more about them. I look forward to book 3!
March 27, 2023
If you’re already a fan, you will NOT be disappointed!
The intrigue really ramps up in this book, and I would say this is Natalia’s most mature work to date. Lots of action as well as spice, but the relationships and storyline are still well rounded. I love seeing the growth of the characters and their relationships, and the progression towards their goals, but this book is still very real to me. AND that cliffhanger!!
PLEASE TAKE CAREFUL NOTE OF TRIGGER WARNINGS!
They are there to protect you, I am a parent of a neurodivergent child and I had no issues, but I am phased by very little so please bear them in mind.
The intrigue really ramps up in this book, and I would say this is Natalia’s most mature work to date. Lots of action as well as spice, but the relationships and storyline are still well rounded. I love seeing the growth of the characters and their relationships, and the progression towards their goals, but this book is still very real to me. AND that cliffhanger!!
PLEASE TAKE CAREFUL NOTE OF TRIGGER WARNINGS!
They are there to protect you, I am a parent of a neurodivergent child and I had no issues, but I am phased by very little so please bear them in mind.
June 2, 2024
This book. THIS. BOOK. I am unwell. I loved Trick, but I binged this story so much more quickly. I devoured Poet & Briar, exactly as Natalia intended because that ending? It has ruined me. RU-INED.
The twists and turns and heartbreak. The spice and love and tender sweet moments. Ugh it was perfection and true example of how a second book can be even better than the first.
🌶🌶🌶🌶/5
The twists and turns and heartbreak. The spice and love and tender sweet moments. Ugh it was perfection and true example of how a second book can be even better than the first.
🌶🌶🌶🌶/5
September 26, 2023
I don’t know why, but this one felt more wordy than the first book. By that, I mean that so little actually happened after pages and pages of story. It felt like a decent amount of this could have been condensed. While I still got the amazing writing that was in TRICK, I just felt like things were told in excess. That includes, and I hate to say it, the spice. One spicy scene alone was 20 minutes long (per my reading speed). While I’m so glad that this series was reworked into a NA fantasy romance, I just felt like the spice was a bit over the top at times.
The plot wasn’t boring, it just felt like so little happened for a book of this length.
I’m giving it 3.5⭐️ because it gave me the quality of writing that I always seek.
The plot wasn’t boring, it just felt like so little happened for a book of this length.
I’m giving it 3.5⭐️ because it gave me the quality of writing that I always seek.
November 12, 2023
Ruin
Oh my wow!! Utterly captivating! This book certainly lived up to its title and ruined me in more than one way.
What an emotional rollercoaster filled with so much romance, suspense, mystery, action, and so much more all packed into one delicious heart-stopping novel.
Poet and Briar are so daring and fierce, ugh, I love them! They are perfect the way they complete and challenge each other I can’t wait to devour the conclusion.
Oh my wow!! Utterly captivating! This book certainly lived up to its title and ruined me in more than one way.
What an emotional rollercoaster filled with so much romance, suspense, mystery, action, and so much more all packed into one delicious heart-stopping novel.
Poet and Briar are so daring and fierce, ugh, I love them! They are perfect the way they complete and challenge each other I can’t wait to devour the conclusion.
July 22, 2024
I enjoyed the first book and found myself wanting to dive back in with Trick. I’d listen to the reviews on this one cause this book was not great. The first book stands on its own pretty well and I should have kept it like that and not continued on.
October 25, 2024
Beautifully written
December 30, 2024
4.5 🌟! Holy hell, I need to start the next book now!
December 2, 2025
Unnecessarily long. Every other chapter was another sex scene where the author would use whatever word they fancied in place of clit. Bud. Peg. Kernel.
May 2, 2023
This book had me stressed. So many emotions, my heart aches. Again - I devoured this book in a day and a half as I did with the first. All of the best tropes wrapped into a neat little red ribbon. ;) Also -
September 25, 2023
Pulled at my heart strings!
I did not expect this book to emotionally tear me apart.... Y'all need to read this book. I have no words other than beautiful, 10 out of 10!❤
I did not expect this book to emotionally tear me apart.... Y'all need to read this book. I have no words other than beautiful, 10 out of 10!❤
November 25, 2025
listen, the plot was as good as it needed to be for the spice to really hit
August 21, 2025
An excellent follow up to book one 👏🏼
Poet is one of my favorite characters of all time (yes ever). I couldn’t love him more honestly so I’ll read anything with his character in it.
I loved the change in setting from the Spring Court to the Fall court. The political intrigue kept me guessing, the romance and the spice were steamy, and I just adore Poet and Briar.
This book was a damn good time and I highly recommend it!
Poet is one of my favorite characters of all time (yes ever). I couldn’t love him more honestly so I’ll read anything with his character in it.
I loved the change in setting from the Spring Court to the Fall court. The political intrigue kept me guessing, the romance and the spice were steamy, and I just adore Poet and Briar.
This book was a damn good time and I highly recommend it!
March 29, 2023
Once I started reading this book, I don’t think I drew breath! Most of the chapters ended in a cliffhanger, and keep you turning to the next page! Of course, the actual cliffhanger of this book will destroy you, and your heart so perfectly, and so neatly into pieces. It’s the feeling booktok looks for! Of course, the spice is a top level! You still get the amazing plot, and the spice fits in perfectly! And let me tell you, it is spicy, and so enthralling! The balcony scene, the throne scene, and the the in betweens… 🥵 make sure you have a fan on because it’s gonna make you sweat! The banter between Briar and Poet (MCs) will have you chuckling threw the story! Their love for one another is the gripping force of this tale. So strong, never wavering and just beautiful and powerful! You want an epic, tragic love story this is it! The love story of the year!! “A story told around the fire.”
And of course the great lengths and self sacrifices Briar and Poet go threw to protect the family they love, and the taboo love for one another is awe inspiring to say the least! Amidst and despite the court’s politics, Poet and Briar continue to fight to stop social injustice against people that cannot defend themselves. Making enemies and allies as they go. Will true love be enough to give them and others hope, keep them strong, and give them the power to win the hearts, and acceptance of her people so that they can rule justly over the realm?
Lies, betrayal, revenge. Will Briar be able to save herself, love, and her crown? Or will it all destroy her?
This book, Ruin, is exceptionally written! Natalia Jaster has done it yet again! I didn’t think she could top her first book in the series, Trick, but this was an emotional roller coaster masterpiece! You feel right along with the characters. You live the story! You love with the characters, you hate with the characters, you cry with the characters, you break with the characters, you hope with the characters! You live this amazing adventure, right along with them! The world building is also exceptional! She paints such a vivid picture that just flares your imagination! Imaginative new world, set an a medieval setting as you follow the dark seasons through their splendor!
This book will have you clutching your pearls, break your heart, and give you hope all at the same time!
I received this book as an ACR, but this review, and my thoughts are my own. Enjoy, and happy reading!
And of course the great lengths and self sacrifices Briar and Poet go threw to protect the family they love, and the taboo love for one another is awe inspiring to say the least! Amidst and despite the court’s politics, Poet and Briar continue to fight to stop social injustice against people that cannot defend themselves. Making enemies and allies as they go. Will true love be enough to give them and others hope, keep them strong, and give them the power to win the hearts, and acceptance of her people so that they can rule justly over the realm?
Lies, betrayal, revenge. Will Briar be able to save herself, love, and her crown? Or will it all destroy her?
This book, Ruin, is exceptionally written! Natalia Jaster has done it yet again! I didn’t think she could top her first book in the series, Trick, but this was an emotional roller coaster masterpiece! You feel right along with the characters. You live the story! You love with the characters, you hate with the characters, you cry with the characters, you break with the characters, you hope with the characters! You live this amazing adventure, right along with them! The world building is also exceptional! She paints such a vivid picture that just flares your imagination! Imaginative new world, set an a medieval setting as you follow the dark seasons through their splendor!
This book will have you clutching your pearls, break your heart, and give you hope all at the same time!
I received this book as an ACR, but this review, and my thoughts are my own. Enjoy, and happy reading!
August 31, 2024
Oh. My. Wicked. Hell.
Natalia (insert middle name) Jaster! How could you?! My heart is absolutely broken.
I know I have more to come and I know I’m allowed to expect a happily ever after but my heart is hurting. The end of this book has truly swallowed a piece of me.
Without giving anything away, as this is a second book, I want to say I am absolutely enthralled by this series. Jaster uses such mesmerizing and whimsical language, while still capturing the reader with an even yet fast paced plot. This book picks up right where book one left off, and immediately throws the reader into the repercussions of Poet and Briar’s choices and consequences from book one. I love when sequels don’t mess around.
As with the last book I am in love with Poet and Briar’s chemistry - even when they argue, they know there is no one else but them… and Nicu who is just as delightful as before. I love that they fight for themselves and for him, and I adored all the unspoken words they shared over their love and support for the boy. I also loved the addition of Aire, and his genuinely unwavering support of Nicu, Poet, and Briar. I can’t wait to see how his part of the story unfolds.
The fight is never ending in this sequel, and I can’t wait to see how book three remedies the actions of certain deplorable villains in this book. Whilst I am left heartbroken, I am happy to see Elliot again, and I’m looking forward to the found family that is sure to come in book three.
If you’re a fan of deliciously romantic, swoon worthy spice, with amazing writing, cohesive plot that never fails to grip your attention, and a delightfully diverse cast of characters, I highly recommend reading this series.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
Natalia (insert middle name) Jaster! How could you?! My heart is absolutely broken.
I know I have more to come and I know I’m allowed to expect a happily ever after but my heart is hurting. The end of this book has truly swallowed a piece of me.
Without giving anything away, as this is a second book, I want to say I am absolutely enthralled by this series. Jaster uses such mesmerizing and whimsical language, while still capturing the reader with an even yet fast paced plot. This book picks up right where book one left off, and immediately throws the reader into the repercussions of Poet and Briar’s choices and consequences from book one. I love when sequels don’t mess around.
As with the last book I am in love with Poet and Briar’s chemistry - even when they argue, they know there is no one else but them… and Nicu who is just as delightful as before. I love that they fight for themselves and for him, and I adored all the unspoken words they shared over their love and support for the boy. I also loved the addition of Aire, and his genuinely unwavering support of Nicu, Poet, and Briar. I can’t wait to see how his part of the story unfolds.
The fight is never ending in this sequel, and I can’t wait to see how book three remedies the actions of certain deplorable villains in this book. Whilst I am left heartbroken, I am happy to see Elliot again, and I’m looking forward to the found family that is sure to come in book three.
If you’re a fan of deliciously romantic, swoon worthy spice, with amazing writing, cohesive plot that never fails to grip your attention, and a delightfully diverse cast of characters, I highly recommend reading this series.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
August 7, 2024
Ruin by Natalia Jaster was an absolutely phenomenal continuation of Poet and Briar's story. I absolutely adored Trick so I dived straight into this sequel and was absolutely blown away by how much I adored it! Just like the previous book, Ruin is extremely steamy, seductive and deeply romantic. This book had me both swooning and screaming!
As always, Natalia Jaster's writing style is beautiful, poetic and paints such a gorgeous picture of the characters, emotions and the world they're in. Lovers of dark romantic fantasy will adore this spicy and immersive series.
The ending was insane and I can't wait to read Burn, the conclusion to Poet and Briars story!
Thank you so much to Natalia Jaster for the free copy in exchange for an honest review.
As always, Natalia Jaster's writing style is beautiful, poetic and paints such a gorgeous picture of the characters, emotions and the world they're in. Lovers of dark romantic fantasy will adore this spicy and immersive series.
The ending was insane and I can't wait to read Burn, the conclusion to Poet and Briars story!
Thank you so much to Natalia Jaster for the free copy in exchange for an honest review.
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