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Black Blood Fae #0
Prince of Then
A wounded fae prince. A human healer whose kisses restore his waning power. The beginning of an ancient curse.
Holly O’Bannon wants nothing more than to heal her ailing mother and to live a simple village life. But fate has other plans—such as sending her through a portal to die at the hands of the broody fae prince who thinks she’s a sorceress from another realm.
Gadriel Fionbharr, the Prince of Five, fears he’ll never find his fated mate, the girl who’ll subdue the curse burning through his blood and restore his kingdom to its former glory.
Wounded far from home, he captures a human girl, and instead of acting on his first violent impulse, he forces her to help him.
Little does he know, he now holds his mate at his mercy—inside a one-bed cottage, deep in the woods of Faery.
Prince of Then tells the tale of the first Black Blood Prince. The events happen nine hundred fae years prior to book 1, Prince of Never.
This full-length prequel can be read first, last, or anywhere in between!
Each book in this enemies-to-lovers series has its own HEA and stars a different fae prince and his human fated mate. They are connected by the overarching story of the curse.
Holly O’Bannon wants nothing more than to heal her ailing mother and to live a simple village life. But fate has other plans—such as sending her through a portal to die at the hands of the broody fae prince who thinks she’s a sorceress from another realm.
Gadriel Fionbharr, the Prince of Five, fears he’ll never find his fated mate, the girl who’ll subdue the curse burning through his blood and restore his kingdom to its former glory.
Wounded far from home, he captures a human girl, and instead of acting on his first violent impulse, he forces her to help him.
Little does he know, he now holds his mate at his mercy—inside a one-bed cottage, deep in the woods of Faery.
Prince of Then tells the tale of the first Black Blood Prince. The events happen nine hundred fae years prior to book 1, Prince of Never.
This full-length prequel can be read first, last, or anywhere in between!
Each book in this enemies-to-lovers series has its own HEA and stars a different fae prince and his human fated mate. They are connected by the overarching story of the curse.
367 pages, ebook
First published October 4, 2022
247 people are currently reading
1883 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
October 7, 2022
So, this is a prequel to the Black Blood Fae series; however, it was written last. If you haven't started the series, I would start here, even if it says it's book 4. You will get valuable backstory of the curse and things in the past (900 years past). However, if you have already read the first three books (as I had), I still recommend this book. It filled in some details and added nuance to the series. The characters are well-developed and engaging, and I really enjoyed their story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 28, 2024
Die Stimmungsschwankungen der Charaktere geben mir ein Schleudertrauma. In einem Kapitel verstehen sie sich gut, im nächsten streiten die sich ohne wirklichen Grund. Das hat mich schon in den anderen 3 Büchern gestört aber in dem hier ist es echt zu viel. Ansonsten war der Band hier nur ok. Die anderen hatten mehr Witz und Spannung das hat mir hier echt gefehlt.
February 23, 2024
I knew this series isn't very explicit with the spice - sort of that gray area between upper YA and Adult - and normally the few times I find myself reading that sort of book the romance is enough to keep me entertained. Sadly the romance in this one didn't feel very genuine and didn't make sense to me. There was no reason to me for the FMC to fall in love with the MMC. He was just a jerk the entire book. It felt more like the fated mates thing was mostly the reason behind her feelings than actual romance. It made me feel so icky every time he forced her to kiss him even though she made her feelings perfectly clear that she did not want to. Consent is important. Even if the characters are young and make really dumb choices.
Also the situation at the beginning of the book with the Goddess and the MMC....that's just grooming. And it made me very uncomfortable for the rest of the book every time she showed up trying to convince him to marry her.
Other than the few somewhat problematic issues I had I think I've just grown beyond this type of romance. The characters were too young for me and I didn't vibe with their "romance".
Also the situation at the beginning of the book with the Goddess and the MMC....that's just grooming. And it made me very uncomfortable for the rest of the book every time she showed up trying to convince him to marry her.
Other than the few somewhat problematic issues I had I think I've just grown beyond this type of romance. The characters were too young for me and I didn't vibe with their "romance".
May 3, 2023
i understand that this is a prequel, but i am a big lover of seeing / reading a prequel second. this was an astounding prequel to the first book. i gave it four stars as i wasn't blown away like the first book but that might just be because the world building didn't need to happen and wars weren't written about. - with those being my favourite parts of a book, it deems this book only 4 stars.
March 2, 2023
dnf at 20% 🙃
So so boring, yet it's trying so hard NOT to be... The writing is hollow and stilted, and the characters are even worse for the wear. Big modern talk vibes too...
Also, another example of trope after trope being done via uninteresting cardboard characters bleh 🤦🏻♀️
So so boring, yet it's trying so hard NOT to be... The writing is hollow and stilted, and the characters are even worse for the wear. Big modern talk vibes too...
Also, another example of trope after trope being done via uninteresting cardboard characters bleh 🤦🏻♀️
October 8, 2022
The fourth installment in this series, and it is every bit as good as it's predecessors. Filled with interesting characters, curses and many scheming twists in the plot. It will keep you entertained from start to finish, I thoroughly enjoyed the storyline. I even have several favourite characters in this book, because so many of them have unique and really fun personalities. With it's fairytale setting, and a beautifully intricate world it's definitely on the top of my favourite reads. I have the first 3 in paperback, and will definitely be buying this one too. The covers are gorgeous.
October 19, 2023
Too fast-paced. Didn't get a feel for the characters and how they think and just felt like trope after trope with no real feeling behind...
March 27, 2024
When the best part about a book is it's shitty name, you should be concerned
January 19, 2024
Good prequel to an already good series. While it was a little repetitive it maintained the similarities of the other books in series and such a nice/easy read
October 14, 2022
This is my favourite book in this series of the kings and princes who are destined to carry the Black Blood curse unless they can find that one woman they are ordained to be with.
Why is it my favourite? Because I love the clever dialogue, the teasing, and the witty back-and-forth chitchat between Holly and Gade. That is a selling feature for me and the sign of a good writer--being able to grow their characters through their conversations as well as through the telling of the story. Sharp, crafty, and sometimes naughty chit-chat sells it for me.
I liked how we saw Gade grow into his character—from cool and haughty to warm and funny, although still a bit arrogant, and how he slowly realizes his love for Holly even though the lustful attraction appears first.
I loved Holly. Although not worldly in the romance department, she unknowingly kept Gade interested enough for him to continue to pursue her, how he is always watching out for her, how he is always her shadow. I love their bantering at one another; he can never get the best of her. In romance, I want the woman to make the man work for it and not fall into his arms at his first lustful glance at her, and Holly played that role well.
I always start a book, any book, asking myself, Am I going to easily 'get into this book?' And when that happens, I find it difficult to put down. This book grabbed me from the first page.
Covers also play an important role. This particular series of covers are the same, but different, as are the titles--King of/Prince of. Sort of a play on words. Very clever and memorable.
The description of characters and scenes is very graphic and picturesque. The author has to be the camera so that the reader can see what is happening. I feel like I am part of the book, like the fly on the wall, sometimes wanting to give the character a kick or a pat on the head.
I love these characters and will be thinking of Gade and Holly for a long time. This is a story that I will also reread. It was smoothly written, like walking one step in front of the other but not really knowing what was coming next.
The language is magical and arousing. The bedroom scene is written with language that is provocative yet poetic and expressive.
The descriptions of the fae creatures are vivid and rich, and the scenes of flora are so real that I can almost smell the herbs and the earth.
If you like magical creatures and some humour in your romance, I urge you to read this book! Another winner for this author! Kudos to you, Juno Heart!
Why is it my favourite? Because I love the clever dialogue, the teasing, and the witty back-and-forth chitchat between Holly and Gade. That is a selling feature for me and the sign of a good writer--being able to grow their characters through their conversations as well as through the telling of the story. Sharp, crafty, and sometimes naughty chit-chat sells it for me.
I liked how we saw Gade grow into his character—from cool and haughty to warm and funny, although still a bit arrogant, and how he slowly realizes his love for Holly even though the lustful attraction appears first.
I loved Holly. Although not worldly in the romance department, she unknowingly kept Gade interested enough for him to continue to pursue her, how he is always watching out for her, how he is always her shadow. I love their bantering at one another; he can never get the best of her. In romance, I want the woman to make the man work for it and not fall into his arms at his first lustful glance at her, and Holly played that role well.
I always start a book, any book, asking myself, Am I going to easily 'get into this book?' And when that happens, I find it difficult to put down. This book grabbed me from the first page.
Covers also play an important role. This particular series of covers are the same, but different, as are the titles--King of/Prince of. Sort of a play on words. Very clever and memorable.
The description of characters and scenes is very graphic and picturesque. The author has to be the camera so that the reader can see what is happening. I feel like I am part of the book, like the fly on the wall, sometimes wanting to give the character a kick or a pat on the head.
I love these characters and will be thinking of Gade and Holly for a long time. This is a story that I will also reread. It was smoothly written, like walking one step in front of the other but not really knowing what was coming next.
The language is magical and arousing. The bedroom scene is written with language that is provocative yet poetic and expressive.
The descriptions of the fae creatures are vivid and rich, and the scenes of flora are so real that I can almost smell the herbs and the earth.
If you like magical creatures and some humour in your romance, I urge you to read this book! Another winner for this author! Kudos to you, Juno Heart!
May 8, 2023
A scorned air mage curses a Prince when he denies marrying her and giving her the power of queen the day he turns 18. He and all the first born males after him will have a human for a true mate and will be seen as a monster by their mate in the beginning. The curse will slowly break their mind and drain their powers, until it eventually kills them if they don’t find their mate.
This book tells the story of Gadriel, the first male in the black blood line to be cursed. He meets a beautiful, feisty human woman named Holly who he originally believed to be a sorceress due to her knowledge of herbs and healing. Will Holly and Gadriel be able to make it around the curse and find a way to be together, making it lie dormant until Gadriel dies and it goes on to the next first born son? You won’t know unless you read it, and I highly recommend you do.
This is 100% a slow burn romance with minimal spice. The storyline was wonderfully thought out and I highly recommend reading this before you read the rest in the series as it’s a prequel and can provide insight into what’s going on in the coming novels. I wasn’t sure how I’d feel about this book at first, but I ended up falling in love with it and am glad I chose to read it.
This book tells the story of Gadriel, the first male in the black blood line to be cursed. He meets a beautiful, feisty human woman named Holly who he originally believed to be a sorceress due to her knowledge of herbs and healing. Will Holly and Gadriel be able to make it around the curse and find a way to be together, making it lie dormant until Gadriel dies and it goes on to the next first born son? You won’t know unless you read it, and I highly recommend you do.
This is 100% a slow burn romance with minimal spice. The storyline was wonderfully thought out and I highly recommend reading this before you read the rest in the series as it’s a prequel and can provide insight into what’s going on in the coming novels. I wasn’t sure how I’d feel about this book at first, but I ended up falling in love with it and am glad I chose to read it.
October 7, 2022
Prince of Then is a wonderful prequel to the Black Blood Fae series that brings intriguing new backstory to the curse that befell Fae Prince Gadriel and his bloodline.
This was a very engaging fantasy of fated mates, enemies-to-lovers, adventure and magic.
Well written and bursting with imaginative world building I was highly immersed in the story of leads Holly and Gadriel finding their characters engaging and compelling.
A very satisfying read!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This was a very engaging fantasy of fated mates, enemies-to-lovers, adventure and magic.
Well written and bursting with imaginative world building I was highly immersed in the story of leads Holly and Gadriel finding their characters engaging and compelling.
A very satisfying read!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 9, 2023
2.25 stars
DNF @ 70%
Not much happened. It started off promising, but then fell extremely flat.
The MMC became very aggravating, we get it. You hate humans. Every thought and everything that came out of his mouth was whiny and made him seem like a spoiled brat. Very unattractive.
This went on for over 200 pages. Him, hating on the FMC simply because she’s human, but reluctantly being attracted to her. That’s pretty much all that was happening.
Love the fmc and side characters. But I can’t enjoy a romance if the male love interest is a spoiled whiny brat.
DNF @ 70%
Not much happened. It started off promising, but then fell extremely flat.
The MMC became very aggravating, we get it. You hate humans. Every thought and everything that came out of his mouth was whiny and made him seem like a spoiled brat. Very unattractive.
This went on for over 200 pages. Him, hating on the FMC simply because she’s human, but reluctantly being attracted to her. That’s pretty much all that was happening.
Love the fmc and side characters. But I can’t enjoy a romance if the male love interest is a spoiled whiny brat.
March 5, 2024
This was a good, easy read. It was fun getting Gade’s internal monologue as he struggled with his feelings for her, rationalizing them in different ways. I also liked how many different faeries it talked about a described. I find myself wondering why the author chose Aer as the villain of the story out of curiosity. I liked Holly too. She had a backbone to her that wasn’t aggressive but she certainly wasn’t passive. I loved Lleu. He might have been my favourite with all his sass and personality.
June 3, 2024
I haven't read the Black Blood Fae series, so I didn't have an emotional connection to the world presented in Prince of Then when I started reading it - and I still don't.
What Prince of Then lacked in chemistry between the main characters, it made up for in poorly executed tropes. The world-building was mediocre at best.
I barely got through this book and it doesn't make me want to read the sequels.
What Prince of Then lacked in chemistry between the main characters, it made up for in poorly executed tropes. The world-building was mediocre at best.
I barely got through this book and it doesn't make me want to read the sequels.
October 6, 2022
This is a wonderful read the characters and the world building are magical. Holly is a no nonsence healer and Galreil has all the swager and confidence you who expect a prince to have. The banter between the two is livley and well written.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 30, 2022
Prince of Then does a great job explaining how the curse came to be and how the original cursed prince Gadriel has to stop the curse from taking him over. Mixing a human fated mate in was not what he expected and Holly ends up on an adventure she never expected. The characters introduced and the story line all worked well.
September 21, 2024
Enchanting read
Love this series! Great characters and escape reading. In each, a strong willed human and a cursed prince who is devastating handsome, yet good at his core. Holly sets the tone, her human qualities and perspective just what is needed to balance her prince. Strong female characters all around.
Love this series! Great characters and escape reading. In each, a strong willed human and a cursed prince who is devastating handsome, yet good at his core. Holly sets the tone, her human qualities and perspective just what is needed to balance her prince. Strong female characters all around.
October 1, 2022
This is a wonderful romantic fantasy! I liked it very much.. It is fresh and magical, with cool characters and a fun-to-read story..
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 7, 2022
The beginning
It was nice to see where and how it all started, although there were clues but it's nice to not keep guessing or wondering what or how it was like in the beginning. Gage and Holly was amazing and dare I say spunky! Enjoyed it!
It was nice to see where and how it all started, although there were clues but it's nice to not keep guessing or wondering what or how it was like in the beginning. Gage and Holly was amazing and dare I say spunky! Enjoyed it!
April 29, 2023
1st reading: Interesting prequel to see how and why Aer cursed the royal line of Five. Also interesting to learn why Castle Black was an abandoned ruin, seeing as it had been built near a sacred site.
I look forward to further installments for Wyn and Aodhan.
I look forward to further installments for Wyn and Aodhan.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 3, 2023
3.5 stars
I think the best way to describe this one would be goofy cute but a little too gooey at the end.
Nevertheless, I am intrigued by the rest of the series which this prequel apparently sets up. Look forward to checking it out one day.
I think the best way to describe this one would be goofy cute but a little too gooey at the end.
Nevertheless, I am intrigued by the rest of the series which this prequel apparently sets up. Look forward to checking it out one day.
June 6, 2024
This was the first book in this series I’ve read, because it’s what was recommended. Gabe is a great MMC he’s dark and broody but also sweet and funny. Holly was cute and innocent. I’m definitely intrigued and want to see what happens in book 1!
March 5, 2025
If you loved the other 3 books in this series, I promise you’ll also love this. This is when the blood curse just started, and I have to say~ Gade is just as arrogant (in a good way mostly) as all the other fae males in his blood line. Thankfully he has Holly to make him chill.
December 6, 2022
I loved this - I laughed, I cried and I was so happy for them at the end.
May 27, 2023
I love this book. I can't wait to start the full series. A very cozy read but it's just lacking some real 🌶 sauce lol. Well done Juno Heart ❤️
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September 22, 2023Stuff your Kindle day haul
October 3, 2023
dnf @ 13%
sorry but this writing is just not my vibe
sorry but this writing is just not my vibe
December 3, 2023
Not bad
Interesting... Although the interaction was a bit annoying most of the time there was some charm and a bit of humour. I did enjoy it.
Interesting... Although the interaction was a bit annoying most of the time there was some charm and a bit of humour. I did enjoy it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews