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Perilous Courts #3
Prince and Pawn
One night of bliss could unravel a kingdom.
Be obedient. Be grateful. As the neglected illegitimate son of a powerful family, Corin is expected to follow his magic-gifted brother to the palace as a servant. He’s unwilling but resigned—and allows himself one night of distraction in a stranger’s arms.
Corin never knew pleasure and pain could be so exhilarating. So comforting. Corin only regrets he’ll never again see the anonymous man who ruined him for anyone else.
Until the next morning, when Corin meets his brother’s new arranged fiancé.
Prince Audric doesn’t want a loveless political betrothal, but he’ll do anything for his kingdom. His last night of freedom is a rare indulgence—and a terrible mistake. Corin is sweet, beautiful, and sees Audric like nobody else does.
He’s also Audric’s fiancé’s younger brother. Audric’s arranged betrothal might be a relationship in name only, but he can’t touch Corin again.
Constant proximity hurts when they can’t be together. But avoidance is impossible when Corin might be the key to unraveling the conspiracy behind Audric’s betrothal—
And when Corin keeps fainting into Audric’s arms.
Prince and Pawn is a high fantasy gay romance with hurt/comfort, forbidden pining, inappropriate use of vines, and more magic tigers. The Perilous Courts series is best read in order, but each book follows a different prince and his Happily Ever After.
Be obedient. Be grateful. As the neglected illegitimate son of a powerful family, Corin is expected to follow his magic-gifted brother to the palace as a servant. He’s unwilling but resigned—and allows himself one night of distraction in a stranger’s arms.
Corin never knew pleasure and pain could be so exhilarating. So comforting. Corin only regrets he’ll never again see the anonymous man who ruined him for anyone else.
Until the next morning, when Corin meets his brother’s new arranged fiancé.
Prince Audric doesn’t want a loveless political betrothal, but he’ll do anything for his kingdom. His last night of freedom is a rare indulgence—and a terrible mistake. Corin is sweet, beautiful, and sees Audric like nobody else does.
He’s also Audric’s fiancé’s younger brother. Audric’s arranged betrothal might be a relationship in name only, but he can’t touch Corin again.
Constant proximity hurts when they can’t be together. But avoidance is impossible when Corin might be the key to unraveling the conspiracy behind Audric’s betrothal—
And when Corin keeps fainting into Audric’s arms.
Prince and Pawn is a high fantasy gay romance with hurt/comfort, forbidden pining, inappropriate use of vines, and more magic tigers. The Perilous Courts series is best read in order, but each book follows a different prince and his Happily Ever After.
291 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 27, 2023
220 people are currently reading
1319 people want to read
About the author
Tavia Lark
29 books783 followersTavia Lark writes m/m fantasy romance and erotica. Her favorite romance tropes include hurt/comfort, sharing a bed, and enemies to lovers. She writes from a sunny little apartment with the constant "help" of her fluffy cat. He just really likes typing, okay.
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Join Tavia's mailing list for announcements about new books (plus a free story!):
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 349 reviews
September 3, 2024
Very delicious.
Another perfect lightly told fantasy story that is amusing and beautiful. I love the narrative style so much. The magic is enchanting. The relationship between Corin and Audric is intense. A bit tragic, but so yummy.
Someone should have told me that Corin is a little pain whore, then I might have read this sooner.
He had expected to tolerate the pain. Hoped it wouldn’t be too bad. He never expected the sharp pleasure thrilling through his veins. It hurts. Corin doesn’t dislike it. He might even love it. 😳🖤😳
Notwithstanding, of course, filled with plot and amusing dialogue.
“You were a virgin,” Audric repeats. “And I fucked you until you cried.”
“Mm, you did.” Corin bites his lip on what looks like a smile, embarrassment giving way to mirth. He starts down the stairs, taking each step carefully. “I’m too hungry for this. I’m going to eat while you have your crisis.” 💞😂💞
Another perfect lightly told fantasy story that is amusing and beautiful. I love the narrative style so much. The magic is enchanting. The relationship between Corin and Audric is intense. A bit tragic, but so yummy.
Someone should have told me that Corin is a little pain whore, then I might have read this sooner.
He had expected to tolerate the pain. Hoped it wouldn’t be too bad. He never expected the sharp pleasure thrilling through his veins. It hurts. Corin doesn’t dislike it. He might even love it. 😳🖤😳
Notwithstanding, of course, filled with plot and amusing dialogue.
“You were a virgin,” Audric repeats. “And I fucked you until you cried.”
“Mm, you did.” Corin bites his lip on what looks like a smile, embarrassment giving way to mirth. He starts down the stairs, taking each step carefully. “I’m too hungry for this. I’m going to eat while you have your crisis.” 💞😂💞
dnf
January 28, 2023Dnf at 35%
The power imbalance and the way Corin was repeatedly treated made me want to smash walls with my fist.
The power imbalance and the way Corin was repeatedly treated made me want to smash walls with my fist.
April 23, 2025
I’m not sure if this is a 3 or 4 ⭐️, I liked the ending and how the books sort of tied together all the political intrigue that started in book 1. I just didn’t care about Corin and Audric, I don’t think there was much opportunity for their relationship to develop with all that intensity they supposedly feel for each other, plus Audric was kind of a dick.
Julian and Whisper will be the #1 couple forever.
Julian and Whisper will be the #1 couple forever.
January 31, 2023
"Prince and Pawn" was an absolutely wonderful book, and once again, I'm in awe of Tavia Lark's skills at writing a book that seems to have been precisely tailored to all my tastes, my favourite tropes and my preferences.
Audric and Corin's romance stole my heart: although Bellamy and Rakos will probably remain my absolute favourites, these two had me in a chokehold from start to finish. This book was both an emotional rollercoaster, full of angst and bitterness and sweet, sweet pining, and a wonderfully romantic, gloriously kinky one. The chemistry between the two protagonists was truly palpable, from their very first, very explosive meeting. I loved them together, so damn much, but also individually they're unforgettable protagonists.
Audric was a huge surprise, and I LIVED for his more base and possessive side; he's also unexpectedly, and quietly, funny and so damn swoony. Seriously, where does one find an Audric? *cries*
Corin was equally surprising, and equally lovable: I loved being in his thoughts and I loved how, slowly but surely, he gained more and more confidence.
I also found him so relatable: his struggles with his health were so realistic and I really felt close to him. Once again, I really have to applaud Tavia Lark for this: I really appreciated seeing a character who, like Bellamy before him, struggles with a chronic illness, and constantly feels like his body has betrayed him in some way. Because yeah, same. I felt really close with both of them.
Audric and Corin's romance was truly one of a kind, and I adored their dynamic so damn much. Audric was SO devoted to Corin, and I seriously thought I would die of cuteness: I loved how helplessly whipped he was for his tiny lover, and I LOVED how he'd be quite happy to set the world on fire for him.
And their dynamic in bed? Absolutely priceless (and so damn hot). The kink portrayal was fantastic and I feel like I need a dozen more kinky fantasy books to make up for my book hangover now.
I'm so so so curious about the next arc in this series! We've met the next book's protagonists (and I'm already crazy about them), but I'm sooooo hoping Lucien and Emile will have their own shot at being protagonists and finding love with a Draskoran (since we're moving there for the next arc). Lucien's so hilarious, and Emile's iconic: I'd sell some of my vital organs for them.
Anyway, regardless, I'm sure I'll devour whatever Tavia Lark will write next.
Audric and Corin's romance stole my heart: although Bellamy and Rakos will probably remain my absolute favourites, these two had me in a chokehold from start to finish. This book was both an emotional rollercoaster, full of angst and bitterness and sweet, sweet pining, and a wonderfully romantic, gloriously kinky one. The chemistry between the two protagonists was truly palpable, from their very first, very explosive meeting. I loved them together, so damn much, but also individually they're unforgettable protagonists.
Audric was a huge surprise, and I LIVED for his more base and possessive side; he's also unexpectedly, and quietly, funny and so damn swoony. Seriously, where does one find an Audric? *cries*
Corin was equally surprising, and equally lovable: I loved being in his thoughts and I loved how, slowly but surely, he gained more and more confidence.
I also found him so relatable: his struggles with his health were so realistic and I really felt close to him. Once again, I really have to applaud Tavia Lark for this: I really appreciated seeing a character who, like Bellamy before him, struggles with a chronic illness, and constantly feels like his body has betrayed him in some way. Because yeah, same. I felt really close with both of them.
Audric and Corin's romance was truly one of a kind, and I adored their dynamic so damn much. Audric was SO devoted to Corin, and I seriously thought I would die of cuteness: I loved how helplessly whipped he was for his tiny lover, and I LOVED how he'd be quite happy to set the world on fire for him.
And their dynamic in bed? Absolutely priceless (and so damn hot). The kink portrayal was fantastic and I feel like I need a dozen more kinky fantasy books to make up for my book hangover now.
I'm so so so curious about the next arc in this series! We've met the next book's protagonists (and I'm already crazy about them), but I'm sooooo hoping Lucien and Emile will have their own shot at being protagonists and finding love with a Draskoran (since we're moving there for the next arc). Lucien's so hilarious, and Emile's iconic: I'd sell some of my vital organs for them.
Anyway, regardless, I'm sure I'll devour whatever Tavia Lark will write next.
October 28, 2025
First of all... these books are great and I really have a hard time putting them down. I love how protective and jealous all of the Sandry princes are and I'm kinda sad that we are out of Sandry boys. I also love how the plot builds throughout the series and how the characters from the other books are still involved. And I love ALL the animals!
My main issue is that I just want a little more from this author, and I think all of these books are falling shy of their incredible potential. In this one specifically, it bothered me how whiny and self-deprecating Corin was in the beginning- mostly because it just made no sense with his background. I mean, he was raised in a brothel ffs. I could see him being a little insecure, standoffish, etc., but not whiny. It was a shame too because I LOVE the idea of a delicate flower who was raised in a brothel and gets to marry a prince, but the whining almost ruined it (luckily it does improve as he goes through his arc). I also LOVE the idea of the reserved prince who secretly has a , but again, I feel like Tavia could have taken that idea way further than she did.
Beyond that, I think Tavia Lark has a LOT of amazing ideas, and while she does a decent job of executing them, I feel like she's just not taking all the way- like she's holding back 😏
For example... that scene where Holy fuck that was hot! Tavia is a genius for thinking of that, but I feel like that scene should have DESTROYED me instead of just being very good. That's just one example though, and I'm not just talking about the sex scenes. Overall, I just want a little more from these books but they're still really good and I'm going to finish the series (I mean it this time).
My main issue is that I just want a little more from this author, and I think all of these books are falling shy of their incredible potential. In this one specifically, it bothered me how whiny and self-deprecating Corin was in the beginning- mostly because it just made no sense with his background. I mean, he was raised in a brothel ffs. I could see him being a little insecure, standoffish, etc., but not whiny. It was a shame too because I LOVE the idea of a delicate flower who was raised in a brothel and gets to marry a prince, but the whining almost ruined it (luckily it does improve as he goes through his arc). I also LOVE the idea of the reserved prince who secretly has a , but again, I feel like Tavia could have taken that idea way further than she did.
Beyond that, I think Tavia Lark has a LOT of amazing ideas, and while she does a decent job of executing them, I feel like she's just not taking all the way- like she's holding back 😏
For example... that scene where Holy fuck that was hot! Tavia is a genius for thinking of that, but I feel like that scene should have DESTROYED me instead of just being very good. That's just one example though, and I'm not just talking about the sex scenes. Overall, I just want a little more from these books but they're still really good and I'm going to finish the series (I mean it this time).
April 29, 2023
I would give this book a negative star rating if I could as it literally infuriated me.
So imagine you are invested in a multibook series where there are 3 brothers who are also princes, and each book features a different brother and how they find their HEA despite all kinds of romance-standard obstacles.
The overall setting is fantasy, and there are fun touches like telepathic great cats, teleporting ferrets, and ferocious and loyal dragons.
Each book features an unlikely/star-crossed lovers kind of path. In book #1, we had the middle brother, who is a bit of a manwhore but ends up settling down with his love interest. In book #2, the youngest (and virgin) prince is involved in an "on the run with another man and neither knows the true identities" storyline. They end up with a HEA despite being from opposing sides of an ongoing power struggle.
In these two books, the sex, while certainly explicit, does not involve any kind of kink, extraneous apparatus, or BDSM.
Then we get to book #3, this book. This. Book. The thumbnail for the book on Goodreads is this:
Prince and Pawn is a high fantasy gay romance with hurt/comfort, forbidden pining, inappropriate use of vines, and more magic tigers. The Perilous Courts series is best read in order, but each book follows a different prince and his Happily Ever After.
I don't know about others, but I don't routinely think of outright S & M when I read "hurt/comfort". Not BDSM, mind you, but pure S & M. As in this description of S & M:
sadomasochism, also called S&M, SM, or S/M, deriving pleasure, often of a sexual nature, from the infliction of physical or psychological pain on another person or on oneself or both. The term is a portmanteau of sadism—deriving pleasure from inflicting pain—and masochism—deriving pleasure in receiving pain.
(per the Encyclopedia Brittanica website https://www.britannica.com/topic/sado...)
To paraphrase, I didn't expect the Spanish Inquistion of sex, but that's what I got. We had stuff like this in the first part of the book, regarding when the MC's first meet/interact:
Corin is gorgeous, with nearly feminine, ethereal beauty.
Audric imagines holding his narrow bones far too tightly.
“You are remarkable,” Adrien (sic) says. Corin suspects mockery despite the wonder in Adrien’s (sic) eyes. “Nobody ever reads me that well. Right now, I want two things more than anything else. I want to make you feel good.” His eyes darken. “And I want to hurt you.” (Adrien is an aka for Audric at this point in the story, so Audric and Adrien are actually the same person)
Corin doesn’t want much. He presses his forehead against the table, shamelessly hiding as he whispers, “Don’t stop if I cry.” Adrien (again, actually Audric) full-body shivers against him. “I can promise that.”
And it gets worse from there. These consensual encounters routinely include damaging the subordinate partner's body to the point of inflicting visible and at least temporarily debilitating damage. This includes penetration without adequate preparation or lubrication. The subordinate partner has to hide the damage when in public.
So now add in that the subordinate character is a virgin and is also in a constant state of mental distress to the degree that the concept of thinking he is capable of giving rational consent is a complete joke. The dominant partner is large, physically fit, socially important, wealthy, etc. The subordinate is small, fragile, prone to feeling ill, constantly wading in a morass of self-loathing, socially powerless, and, best of all, has been emotionally and (in a manner of speaking) abused by a vicious family.
I know there are people who are OK with S & M and I honestly didn't want to have to write a treatise on how much I personally abhor the very concept of S & M and inflict my personal opinion on others, but guess what? I didn't have any idea that was hiding behind the cover of this book, a book that is #3 in a series that has previously had not a hint of any kind of role play/domination-subjugation/kink/BDSM whatsoever. The author took a complete left turn in this book and I am astonished (I'm surprised the publisher didn't insist on better disclosure in the marketing.) Quick tip: this could all have been avoided had there been some sort of series overview/disclosure tacked onto book #1 and all books following that stated that at some point characters would be practicing S & M. If I had seen that, I could simply bypass the whole series by choice. Instead, I invested in the first two (enjoyable) books and then got hit by a wolf in sheep's clothing.
I would implore this author, and all authors, to realize that not everyone classifies S & M under "hurt/comfort" in a mm romance, and not every reader is OK with the (clearly) subordinate partner "willingly" undergoing all kinds of terrible pain in the pursuit of happiness (which seems to be an ugly trend in the fantasy I've read recently). I've had way too much formal training on consent and abuse, and how some people can and do contort the meaning behind "consent" to justify harmful behavior, to ever be OK with this kind of thing, and quite frankly, I wish I had been forewarned so I could simply take a pass.
I like this series. I really like book #1 and #2. The rest of the series sounds intriguing. I simply can't figure out why book #3 went in a completely different direction towards sexual scenarios I would prefer to never have read about. It truly felt like some kind of hideous ambush.
Cannot recommend this book unless the reader is totally OK with explicit S & M. Cannot recommend the series either without stating the same conditions.
So imagine you are invested in a multibook series where there are 3 brothers who are also princes, and each book features a different brother and how they find their HEA despite all kinds of romance-standard obstacles.
The overall setting is fantasy, and there are fun touches like telepathic great cats, teleporting ferrets, and ferocious and loyal dragons.
Each book features an unlikely/star-crossed lovers kind of path. In book #1, we had the middle brother, who is a bit of a manwhore but ends up settling down with his love interest. In book #2, the youngest (and virgin) prince is involved in an "on the run with another man and neither knows the true identities" storyline. They end up with a HEA despite being from opposing sides of an ongoing power struggle.
In these two books, the sex, while certainly explicit, does not involve any kind of kink, extraneous apparatus, or BDSM.
Then we get to book #3, this book. This. Book. The thumbnail for the book on Goodreads is this:
Prince and Pawn is a high fantasy gay romance with hurt/comfort, forbidden pining, inappropriate use of vines, and more magic tigers. The Perilous Courts series is best read in order, but each book follows a different prince and his Happily Ever After.
I don't know about others, but I don't routinely think of outright S & M when I read "hurt/comfort". Not BDSM, mind you, but pure S & M. As in this description of S & M:
sadomasochism, also called S&M, SM, or S/M, deriving pleasure, often of a sexual nature, from the infliction of physical or psychological pain on another person or on oneself or both. The term is a portmanteau of sadism—deriving pleasure from inflicting pain—and masochism—deriving pleasure in receiving pain.
(per the Encyclopedia Brittanica website https://www.britannica.com/topic/sado...)
To paraphrase, I didn't expect the Spanish Inquistion of sex, but that's what I got. We had stuff like this in the first part of the book, regarding when the MC's first meet/interact:
Corin is gorgeous, with nearly feminine, ethereal beauty.
Audric imagines holding his narrow bones far too tightly.
“You are remarkable,” Adrien (sic) says. Corin suspects mockery despite the wonder in Adrien’s (sic) eyes. “Nobody ever reads me that well. Right now, I want two things more than anything else. I want to make you feel good.” His eyes darken. “And I want to hurt you.” (Adrien is an aka for Audric at this point in the story, so Audric and Adrien are actually the same person)
Corin doesn’t want much. He presses his forehead against the table, shamelessly hiding as he whispers, “Don’t stop if I cry.” Adrien (again, actually Audric) full-body shivers against him. “I can promise that.”
And it gets worse from there. These consensual encounters routinely include damaging the subordinate partner's body to the point of inflicting visible and at least temporarily debilitating damage. This includes penetration without adequate preparation or lubrication. The subordinate partner has to hide the damage when in public.
So now add in that the subordinate character is a virgin and is also in a constant state of mental distress to the degree that the concept of thinking he is capable of giving rational consent is a complete joke. The dominant partner is large, physically fit, socially important, wealthy, etc. The subordinate is small, fragile, prone to feeling ill, constantly wading in a morass of self-loathing, socially powerless, and, best of all, has been emotionally and (in a manner of speaking) abused by a vicious family.
I know there are people who are OK with S & M and I honestly didn't want to have to write a treatise on how much I personally abhor the very concept of S & M and inflict my personal opinion on others, but guess what? I didn't have any idea that was hiding behind the cover of this book, a book that is #3 in a series that has previously had not a hint of any kind of role play/domination-subjugation/kink/BDSM whatsoever. The author took a complete left turn in this book and I am astonished (I'm surprised the publisher didn't insist on better disclosure in the marketing.) Quick tip: this could all have been avoided had there been some sort of series overview/disclosure tacked onto book #1 and all books following that stated that at some point characters would be practicing S & M. If I had seen that, I could simply bypass the whole series by choice. Instead, I invested in the first two (enjoyable) books and then got hit by a wolf in sheep's clothing.
I would implore this author, and all authors, to realize that not everyone classifies S & M under "hurt/comfort" in a mm romance, and not every reader is OK with the (clearly) subordinate partner "willingly" undergoing all kinds of terrible pain in the pursuit of happiness (which seems to be an ugly trend in the fantasy I've read recently). I've had way too much formal training on consent and abuse, and how some people can and do contort the meaning behind "consent" to justify harmful behavior, to ever be OK with this kind of thing, and quite frankly, I wish I had been forewarned so I could simply take a pass.
I like this series. I really like book #1 and #2. The rest of the series sounds intriguing. I simply can't figure out why book #3 went in a completely different direction towards sexual scenarios I would prefer to never have read about. It truly felt like some kind of hideous ambush.
Cannot recommend this book unless the reader is totally OK with explicit S & M. Cannot recommend the series either without stating the same conditions.
February 2, 2023
3.5 stars
Unfortunately, unlike Tavia Lark's Radiance series, where the third book is *chef's kiss* , the third installment of Perilous Courts, doesn't end with a high note for me. My favorite is still Julien and Whisper's story (book #1). I even prefer Bellamy's story (book #2) than this one.
I feel that Corin is a bit of "prince in distress" kind of situation. I am also a bit confused about his power (). And I don't really buy the pain kink in this one, somehow.
So yes, Julien and Whisper are still the best. BUT I have high hopes for the next books, especially if Lark decides to FINALLY write a story about Emile or Lucien. Those two look like fun characters.
Unfortunately, unlike Tavia Lark's Radiance series, where the third book is *chef's kiss* , the third installment of Perilous Courts, doesn't end with a high note for me. My favorite is still Julien and Whisper's story (book #1). I even prefer Bellamy's story (book #2) than this one.
I feel that Corin is a bit of "prince in distress" kind of situation. I am also a bit confused about his power (). And I don't really buy the pain kink in this one, somehow.
So yes, Julien and Whisper are still the best. BUT I have high hopes for the next books, especially if Lark decides to FINALLY write a story about Emile or Lucien. Those two look like fun characters.
May 13, 2024
You would think one was intrigued with Court life. But no! It's the magic wielding cats.
January 23, 2023
The good
+ Their first meeting
+ Sneaky fellcat kittens
+ Audric letting Corin know he wants him, but leaving the choice up to Corin
+ Audric always listening to what Corin says, and following every verbal cue
+ Corin making friends
+ The absolutely brutal annihilation of the bad guy
+ The moment where Audric managed to completely stun Julien
+ A lot of brotherly love between Audric, Julien and Bellamy
+
+ Their mutual trust, and the way Corin's unwavering trust manifested
+
+ Caretaking! Aftercare!
The neutral
o I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. My review remains honest and unbiased
o And here I thought Audric was the boring brother. Turns out I was just as fooled as Julien was
o The number of characters is ever increasing, and I'm losing track of who we're supposed to like, dislike, trust and distrust
o I was sometimes missing a reason why Audric likes Corin so much. He's a caretaker and loves Corin unconditionally, but do they have similar hobbies? Can they spend extended amounts of time together without getting bored? It sometimes felt like their connection consists solely of sexual chemistry and mutual trust
The bad
- Corin hardly
-
Quotes
x "There's no need to court me, Audric. I'm already yours."
I loved seeing Audric relaxing around Corin, and Corin's confidence blooming under Audric's care. I also loved the mischievous fellcat kittens, and the brotherly love. Apparently, we already met one main character for a future book, but I have two characters whose story I want to read! But well, with the next three books probably containing more dragon content, I think we can guess who it's going to be... I'm excited! Also, I would totally recommend this book and the series as a whole.
+ Their first meeting
+ Sneaky fellcat kittens
+ Audric letting Corin know he wants him, but leaving the choice up to Corin
+ Audric always listening to what Corin says, and following every verbal cue
+ Corin making friends
+ The absolutely brutal annihilation of the bad guy
+ The moment where Audric managed to completely stun Julien
+ A lot of brotherly love between Audric, Julien and Bellamy
+
+ Their mutual trust, and the way Corin's unwavering trust manifested
+
+ Caretaking! Aftercare!
The neutral
o I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. My review remains honest and unbiased
o And here I thought Audric was the boring brother. Turns out I was just as fooled as Julien was
o The number of characters is ever increasing, and I'm losing track of who we're supposed to like, dislike, trust and distrust
o I was sometimes missing a reason why Audric likes Corin so much. He's a caretaker and loves Corin unconditionally, but do they have similar hobbies? Can they spend extended amounts of time together without getting bored? It sometimes felt like their connection consists solely of sexual chemistry and mutual trust
The bad
- Corin hardly
-
Quotes
x "There's no need to court me, Audric. I'm already yours."
I loved seeing Audric relaxing around Corin, and Corin's confidence blooming under Audric's care. I also loved the mischievous fellcat kittens, and the brotherly love. Apparently, we already met one main character for a future book, but I have two characters whose story I want to read! But well, with the next three books probably containing more dragon content, I think we can guess who it's going to be... I'm excited! Also, I would totally recommend this book and the series as a whole.
August 19, 2023
“Can you stand at a king’s side through calm and chaos ? Peace and war? With his life at stake, or yours?”
Tercera parte y última del primer arco de la saga “Perilous courts”.
Sinceramente he de comentar que sí me ha gustado, pero al mismo tiempo de las obras leídas esta la que menos me ha gustado. Me explico: el argumento está bien, está interesante. Sin embargo, lo que menos me ha gustado es la química de los personajes: funcionan como pareja, pero al mismo tiempo, siento que me faltaba algo y no me sentía del todo cómoda. A pesar de ello, me lo estoy pasando bien con esta saga y seguiré leyendo a la autora.
“I don’t need to be useful to be worthy as a person. To belong somewhere.”
Tercera parte y última del primer arco de la saga “Perilous courts”.
Sinceramente he de comentar que sí me ha gustado, pero al mismo tiempo de las obras leídas esta la que menos me ha gustado. Me explico: el argumento está bien, está interesante. Sin embargo, lo que menos me ha gustado es la química de los personajes: funcionan como pareja, pero al mismo tiempo, siento que me faltaba algo y no me sentía del todo cómoda. A pesar de ello, me lo estoy pasando bien con esta saga y seguiré leyendo a la autora.
“I don’t need to be useful to be worthy as a person. To belong somewhere.”
February 15, 2023
4.25 stars
I loooooove this series. I love how there is no real relationship angst. And that there are bad guys getting in the way, but it is never too nerve wracking or frustrating.
There is posessiveness, magic, sweetness. Lots of things to like.
I loooooove this series. I love how there is no real relationship angst. And that there are bad guys getting in the way, but it is never too nerve wracking or frustrating.
There is posessiveness, magic, sweetness. Lots of things to like.
August 24, 2023
Sadly this one was my least favourite so far from the series. Couldn't connect to the characters and hard skipped on the smut.
February 13, 2023
I loved previous books from this author but not a fan of this one at all. Not bad per se, but supremely bland.
The plot was extremely predictable and the characters were boring as well.Meaningful character flaws? What are those??
As a result of the boring characters, the romance was disappointing as well.
I was not a fan of the kink aspect either, and I feel like that particular aspect served only to (imo unsuccessfully) spice up an otherwise completely bland story and similarly bland characters.
Very disappointed, since I usually enjoy this author's books a lot, but I'm hoping this was just a dud, and that the next one will be better!
The plot was extremely predictable and the characters were boring as well.
As a result of the boring characters, the romance was disappointing as well.
I was not a fan of the kink aspect either, and I feel like that particular aspect served only to (imo unsuccessfully) spice up an otherwise completely bland story and similarly bland characters.
Very disappointed, since I usually enjoy this author's books a lot, but I'm hoping this was just a dud, and that the next one will be better!
Read
January 28, 2023DNF @ 9%. No rating given.
“I want to make you feel good. And I want to hurt you.”
“How do you know I wouldn’t like that too? The part where you hurt me?”
I absolutely loathe a pain kink in books. I cannot get through it. I also do not do well with BDSM. Pretty clear from the get go this is not gonna be the book for me.
“I want to make you feel good. And I want to hurt you.”
“How do you know I wouldn’t like that too? The part where you hurt me?”
I absolutely loathe a pain kink in books. I cannot get through it. I also do not do well with BDSM. Pretty clear from the get go this is not gonna be the book for me.
May 14, 2024
Started strong but quickly became quite the bore
Generous 3 stars for the pain kink
Generous 3 stars for the pain kink
January 27, 2023
I was super excited for this book based on the premise, but it was even better than I’d imagined. I loved how much Audric had hidden behind his “boring,” duty-bound exterior—so much that even his brothers didn’t know about him. His initial meeting with Corin allowed them both to see each other as individuals, not the roles they’d both been saddled with since birth, and the honesty of that first connection made me believe in the immediate strength of their attachment.
Julien and Bellamy had great roles to play in the story, and I love how this book further developed the brothers’ relationships. I also liked seeing more of their mothers, and how Audric’s role as the eldest brother gave him a different perspective. I’m glad Audric’s book came third, because so much of his story arc was about how much he needed someone to see him for who he really is, and after seeing him through his brothers’ eyes in the previous books, even the reader “met” him here with preconceived notions. This helped to emphasize just how different, and rare, it would be for Audric to meet someone the way he met Corin. His strong feelings for Corin after such a short time made a lot of sense to me because of this. Likewise, Audric’s unwavering trust and respect for Corin really stood out, and I could see why Corin would have a hard time moving on.
As much as I loved Audric and Corin, the fellcubs might have stolen the book for me. They were just such perfect cats—so many of Hiro’s lines were things I’ve imagined my own cats wish they could say to me. I loved seeing which characters fell for their con artistry, especially characters who were otherwise clever or cynical. No one can resist a kitten in need of rescue!
My only quibble is that a lot of background characters have been introduced since the start of the series, and I had trouble remembering who was aligned with whom at some points. I wish there had been a few more contextual reminders in this book for some of the political players. But that’s a minor complaint, and there was never a point where I didn’t know what was going on in the story.
I really loved this book and it might be my favorite so far in the series.
I received an ARC in exchange for my review.
Julien and Bellamy had great roles to play in the story, and I love how this book further developed the brothers’ relationships. I also liked seeing more of their mothers, and how Audric’s role as the eldest brother gave him a different perspective. I’m glad Audric’s book came third, because so much of his story arc was about how much he needed someone to see him for who he really is, and after seeing him through his brothers’ eyes in the previous books, even the reader “met” him here with preconceived notions. This helped to emphasize just how different, and rare, it would be for Audric to meet someone the way he met Corin. His strong feelings for Corin after such a short time made a lot of sense to me because of this. Likewise, Audric’s unwavering trust and respect for Corin really stood out, and I could see why Corin would have a hard time moving on.
As much as I loved Audric and Corin, the fellcubs might have stolen the book for me. They were just such perfect cats—so many of Hiro’s lines were things I’ve imagined my own cats wish they could say to me. I loved seeing which characters fell for their con artistry, especially characters who were otherwise clever or cynical. No one can resist a kitten in need of rescue!
My only quibble is that a lot of background characters have been introduced since the start of the series, and I had trouble remembering who was aligned with whom at some points. I wish there had been a few more contextual reminders in this book for some of the political players. But that’s a minor complaint, and there was never a point where I didn’t know what was going on in the story.
I really loved this book and it might be my favorite so far in the series.
I received an ARC in exchange for my review.
March 4, 2024
Reread March 2024:
Corin you sweet baby 😭❤️
Original Review, February 2023:
I feel like this series was written for me, I’m so obsessed with it.
I don’t even know what to say. My pure enjoyment is through the roof. I loved how we went into this book with only Julian and Bellamy’s impressions of Audric because who he truly is is such a delightful surprise. I loved how Audric and Corin met, I loved how their story progressed from there. I loved how obsessed Audric was with Corin, and how much Corin fed off it. Their chemistry was wonderful and the whole plot was a blast.
There was the perfect amount of humour, and Julian and Bellamy appeared just the right amount too. I love how supportive the brothers all are of each other. I love the teasing over their choices of spouses. I loved when Julian discovered Audric and Corin’s kink because it was just such a real life reaction that it was lovely.
I really love how the romance wasn’t overpowered by the plot, and honestly all of Corin was wonderful. I found the power differential between Audric and Corin handled wonderfully, almost as well as it was between Julian and Whisper. What perfect matches!
I can not wait for the rest of this series!!
Corin you sweet baby 😭❤️
Original Review, February 2023:
I feel like this series was written for me, I’m so obsessed with it.
I don’t even know what to say. My pure enjoyment is through the roof. I loved how we went into this book with only Julian and Bellamy’s impressions of Audric because who he truly is is such a delightful surprise. I loved how Audric and Corin met, I loved how their story progressed from there. I loved how obsessed Audric was with Corin, and how much Corin fed off it. Their chemistry was wonderful and the whole plot was a blast.
There was the perfect amount of humour, and Julian and Bellamy appeared just the right amount too. I love how supportive the brothers all are of each other. I love the teasing over their choices of spouses. I loved when Julian discovered Audric and Corin’s kink because it was just such a real life reaction that it was lovely.
I really love how the romance wasn’t overpowered by the plot, and honestly all of Corin was wonderful. I found the power differential between Audric and Corin handled wonderfully, almost as well as it was between Julian and Whisper. What perfect matches!
I can not wait for the rest of this series!!
April 26, 2024
Ok, so I really enjoyed this one. I thought it was a lot of fun. The romance is super sweet and adorable. The spice is super intense. I'm not kink-shaming anyone, to each their own and everyone was consensual and all that so it's good. However, there was just this one time in the book that Audric was thinking about how the more he loves Corin the more he wants to hurt him. Ok, that was a little, 'what now?' I mean, pain isn't a personal kink of mine so maybe that's why I'm having a hard time with this, but it feels like that sort of thinking might be a bit toxic.
Other than that, I found Corin to be adorable. He reminds me a lot of Bellamy, who I also thought was adorable. I loved the new fellcat cubs. So adorable. I will never not love the talking animals found in this series. I hope they have at least an equivalent in the next 3 books as well.
Other than that, I found Corin to be adorable. He reminds me a lot of Bellamy, who I also thought was adorable. I loved the new fellcat cubs. So adorable. I will never not love the talking animals found in this series. I hope they have at least an equivalent in the next 3 books as well.
October 12, 2024
3.5⭐️
This was a lot of fun and super sweet, though I didn‘t really care that much for the power imbalance and smut (SM without a safeword? Because it‘s fantasy?).
Still, this is such a bingeable series and just nice little palate cleansers.
This was a lot of fun and super sweet, though I didn‘t really care that much for the power imbalance and smut (SM without a safeword? Because it‘s fantasy?).
Still, this is such a bingeable series and just nice little palate cleansers.
March 9, 2025
This is on no level original, but for as long as I read it, it was enjoyable. DNF @ 61% since I feel like I’ve more or less gotten through the plot, and I know exactly how it’s going to play out from this point on.
I read this on KU, of course.
I read this on KU, of course.
September 10, 2024
This one was the best! I seem to think that about every audio I listen to in this series....but seriously. The best!!
🌿💚🌳🍃🌈⚡☀️💙💛
🌿💚🌳🍃🌈⚡☀️💙💛
February 2, 2023
Prince and Pawn was a delightful surprise. I wasn't really expecting that aspect in the relationship between Corin and Audric, but somehow Tavia Lark made it work. I loved the relationship between the two leads and how it developed. I enjoyed their first meeting and how Audric always listed to Corin. It was wonderful to see the brotherly love between Audric, Julien and Bellamy as they interacted. The fellcat kittens were adorable and was probably one of the highlights in this story.
It's a bit sad that Corin wasn't given much time to use his magic but hopefully in the coming books we get to see a glimpse of it.
Despite some of the heavier topics that this story tackled, overall it felt sweet and romantic.
This would be 4.25 stars out of 5 stars for me.
I received an ARC of this book and I have chosen to publish my fair and honest review.
It's a bit sad that Corin wasn't given much time to use his magic but hopefully in the coming books we get to see a glimpse of it.
Despite some of the heavier topics that this story tackled, overall it felt sweet and romantic.
This would be 4.25 stars out of 5 stars for me.
I received an ARC of this book and I have chosen to publish my fair and honest review.
November 22, 2024
With 3 books out, I can confidently say that this is now one of my favorite romance fantasy series. Each book brings something different to the table, and each one of the six MCs we met was unique. Prince and Pawn have us coming back to the court setting of the first book, but this time, the dynamics between the two MCs is different. There is no slow-burn, as the book literally opens with a one-night stand, so this one plays more on the forbidden aspect of their relationship. I normally prefer slow-burn, reluctant attraction, and unrequited pining myself, so I was a little bit wary, and even ready to enjoy this book less than the previous ones. That would have been OK with me, as long as it meant that every installment is different and unique. And even though book 1 and Whisper are still my favorites, Prince and Pawn was still delightful and worthy of a 5 stars rating to me.
Even though it’s established early on that they are both attracted to each other (duh), Tavia Lark is able to keep a good amount of tension alive around the pairing. Audric embodied one of my favorite archetypes: the dutiful and boring son who’s secretly a little wild in the bedroom. Corin was just lovely and I loved seeing him blooming under Audric’s devotion and care. They were surprisingly the kinkier pair so far, and I lived for it. They found some creative ways to use magic.
I loved how the previous characters came to play in the plot and how their appearances never felt forced or… fanservice-y, I guess? I love the brothers together. I love the magical pets.
The only negative thing I will say is that I just wished they spent more time together to build a bit more around their chemistry!
I received a free copy of this book and am providing my honest review voluntarily.
Even though it’s established early on that they are both attracted to each other (duh), Tavia Lark is able to keep a good amount of tension alive around the pairing. Audric embodied one of my favorite archetypes: the dutiful and boring son who’s secretly a little wild in the bedroom. Corin was just lovely and I loved seeing him blooming under Audric’s devotion and care. They were surprisingly the kinkier pair so far, and I lived for it. They found some creative ways to use magic.
I loved how the previous characters came to play in the plot and how their appearances never felt forced or… fanservice-y, I guess? I love the brothers together. I love the magical pets.
The only negative thing I will say is that I just wished they spent more time together to build a bit more around their chemistry!
I received a free copy of this book and am providing my honest review voluntarily.
May 29, 2023
This book didn't sit right with me, while I do enjoy BDSM in books, here it just felt wrong.
One part of the couple is described as very feminine, frail and as having "bird like bones", he's also 19 and a virgin at the beginning of the book. This character is submissive.
The other part is 25, big, masculine and strong. He's a sadist and dominant and also has a lot of social power over his submissive partner.
The whole deal with the feminine frail submissive vs the strong manly dominat just doesn't sit right with me, also the age gap and power imbalance really isn't it.
While all sex scenes are consensual, the whole setup just really reminds me of all those yaoi mangas that fetishize gay men and were written by straight women for straight women.
It's not as bad as those, but the whole relationship dynamic and especially the "feminine" and "frail" descriptors just made me very uncomfortable.
One part of the couple is described as very feminine, frail and as having "bird like bones", he's also 19 and a virgin at the beginning of the book. This character is submissive.
The other part is 25, big, masculine and strong. He's a sadist and dominant and also has a lot of social power over his submissive partner.
The whole deal with the feminine frail submissive vs the strong manly dominat just doesn't sit right with me, also the age gap and power imbalance really isn't it.
While all sex scenes are consensual, the whole setup just really reminds me of all those yaoi mangas that fetishize gay men and were written by straight women for straight women.
It's not as bad as those, but the whole relationship dynamic and especially the "feminine" and "frail" descriptors just made me very uncomfortable.
January 29, 2023
I enjoyed this one! I've been enjoying this series overall, and though I think this is my least favorite so far, I did still quite enjoy it. I appreciate the sort of complicated relationship the princes have with their mother the Queen, which is allowed to have some nuance, and I enjoyed getting to know Audric a bit better, though he did feel a little bland. I think the BDSM stuff was maybe supposed to spice it up a bit, and while I do enjoy kink, it felt a little out of place here, and I wasn't totally sold on it as a dynamic. I liked the characters and the plot etc. well enough, but everything felt just a little off from what I think I'd have preferred.
Read
July 11, 2023DNF @ 9%
Pain play isn't my thing. In the one steamy scene I read, one of the characters admitted he was very much holding back "for now" so I figured I'd just dnf.
I really enjoyed the first two books though. They're kind of silly but fun, so dnf'ing this one was purely because the kinks weren't for me but YMMV
Pain play isn't my thing. In the one steamy scene I read, one of the characters admitted he was very much holding back "for now" so I figured I'd just dnf.
I really enjoyed the first two books though. They're kind of silly but fun, so dnf'ing this one was purely because the kinks weren't for me but YMMV
February 10, 2023
I unfortunately couldn't get through this one. The BDSM dynamics wouldn't have bothered me if there wasn't such an age gap. Given that one protagonist is a teenager (19) and looked upon as innocent, sweet, and delicate, It felt too much like grooming. I was too uncomfortable to read this one.
May 28, 2023
Out of all the characters in this series, my heart went out to Corin the most. For him to feel like no one accepts or wants him around, on top of what his "family" was doing to him, just made my heart hurt. I am so happy he found his place with Audric. I also didn't see Audric's predilections coming. It is always the quiet ones! Out of all the couples, I would say these two had the best chemistry.
Also two words: vine play.
The thing I really loved about this series is that the angst wasn't between the couples. It was all outside forces they needed to fight together.
I can't wait to read the next part of this series with the Draskoran princes. I don't know if it will happen but I would LOVE to see Lucien & Emile be the love interests in the next books.
Tonight, a complete stranger looked at Corin like there was nobody else in the room. Corin wants more of that.
Corin is gorgeous, with nearly feminine, ethereal beauty. Like he was painted with clouds. Alabaster and strawberry gold.
“I don’t need to be useful to be worthy as a person. To belong somewhere.” Corin bites his lip. “To belong to someone, if he’s foolish enough to keep me.” Audric’s eyes flash. He takes Corin’s face in both hands. “There is nothing foolish about the way I love you, Corin. I love you recklessly and completely, and you’re worth more than I can ever give you.”
Over the past few months, Corin has become a new version of himself too. He has power. He has choices. He has a man who loves him better and deeper than Corin ever thought possible. A man who displays him proudly in front of the entire nation, while keeping corners of their lives treasured and protected, for them alone. For the first time in his life, Corin truly and fully belongs somewhere. His rightful place is in Audric’s arms, as claim and claimant.
“Fuck.” Julien looks like his entire worldview has shattered. “You’re supposed to be the boring one.”
Also two words: vine play.
The thing I really loved about this series is that the angst wasn't between the couples. It was all outside forces they needed to fight together.
I can't wait to read the next part of this series with the Draskoran princes. I don't know if it will happen but I would LOVE to see Lucien & Emile be the love interests in the next books.
Tonight, a complete stranger looked at Corin like there was nobody else in the room. Corin wants more of that.
Corin is gorgeous, with nearly feminine, ethereal beauty. Like he was painted with clouds. Alabaster and strawberry gold.
“I don’t need to be useful to be worthy as a person. To belong somewhere.” Corin bites his lip. “To belong to someone, if he’s foolish enough to keep me.” Audric’s eyes flash. He takes Corin’s face in both hands. “There is nothing foolish about the way I love you, Corin. I love you recklessly and completely, and you’re worth more than I can ever give you.”
Over the past few months, Corin has become a new version of himself too. He has power. He has choices. He has a man who loves him better and deeper than Corin ever thought possible. A man who displays him proudly in front of the entire nation, while keeping corners of their lives treasured and protected, for them alone. For the first time in his life, Corin truly and fully belongs somewhere. His rightful place is in Audric’s arms, as claim and claimant.
“Fuck.” Julien looks like his entire worldview has shattered. “You’re supposed to be the boring one.”
February 6, 2023
Gahhh sooo disappointing. I really liked the plot and romance in first two books but this one was a complete dud. The insta love and the sadistic sex was painful to read. I actually skipped the sex scene. Their we no character build or reason why they fell in love. 😭 i was cringing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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