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The Kingdoms of Gyldren #3

Of Wulf and Wynd, Part 2: The Bracelets of Ælfwynn

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Until the end of her days.

Prince Tharon's attempt to spy on her enemy kingdom might cost her the only person who once held her heart. But she is unwilling to accept Roswynd's greatest sacrifice, even if it means ending her life too. Tharon will battle death to save her wife so they can live out their days together.

Princess Roswynd's final attempt to reach her childhood best friend may forever change the course of their future. Their forced marriage is unbearable and heartbreaking, but Roswynd will make any payment to save Tharon from the rage consuming her.

Together, Roswynd and Tharon face their damaged relationship and try to find ways to mend their hearts. They decide that the best way to heal themselves and their kingdoms is to face the past and right old wrongs. Now they must untangle the dark past created by their parents. But can they handle what they uncover, or will it send their kingdoms into an uglier war?
* * *
Part 2, The Bracelets of Ælfwynn, is the second of three parts to the Of Wulf and Wynd novel from The Kingdoms of Gyldren series. It includes F/F Omegaverse*, Fantasy Romance, Royalty & Nobility, Murder Mystery, Enemies-to-Lovers, G!P*, and an unresolved ending.
Words: 130,000

*See the author's blog for more details about Omegaverse and related terms.

489 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 14, 2022

63 people are currently reading
180 people want to read

About the author

Lexa Luthor

30 books477 followers
Lexa Luthor is an avid writer and reader of the Omegaverse trope especially including F/F pairing. In her books, each main character(s) is a strong-willed female, who navigates difficult situations but always ends up finding love with their mate. Every tale has a twist and is gripping, sexy, and even a bit adventurous.

When not writing, Lexa enjoys binge watching television shows like Game of Thrones, Gentleman Jack, or The L Word. Her other favorite hobbies are playing cornhole, rooting for the Kansas City Chiefs, and laying around the pool in the summer. At times, Lexa finds time to read romances (both dark and fluffy) and great sci-fi books but nothing else can beat a steamy, downright erotic F/F romance with biting, knotting, and slightly possessive love.

To learn more about Lexa, please visit her website and be sure to join her newsletter!

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5 stars
288 (66%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
Profile Image for Netgyrl (Laura).
625 reviews208 followers
December 20, 2023
5 Stars - loving this story. Tharon and Roswynd are so great together.

I think this series is surpassing The Alpha God for me. I just really like Tharon and Roswynd. The fact that they were childhood best friends adds so much depth to their relationship. There was a lot of heartbreak in the last book, because you could see the breakdown of their friendship on the horizon so the whole book was bittersweet. This book is just wholesome relationship building once you get past the conclusion of the chiff-hanger from the last book. The story here is great and the set up for the last book is really good and... no cliffy in this one!? It's true! There is a lot of smoking hot smexy times here as well. I can't wait for the next book!!! Looking forward a Saxon/Tharon/Roswynd showdown.
Profile Image for MZ.
432 reviews134 followers
September 29, 2022
3.75 stars. By now I’ll read anything Luthor publishes. I enjoy these omegaverse stories whether they are sci-fi like ‘The Alpha God’ series or fantasy like ‘The Kingdoms of Gyldren’ series. I feel a bit like a broken record pointing it out every time I write a review, but omegaverse is not for everybody so please check out the author’s blog here if you want to know more about it.

In the first book Tharon and Roswynd meet again after many years of separation and war between their kingdoms. When they were little they were best friends (and more), now they are pitted against each other and forced into marriage. However, both still harbor feelings for the other, but can they trust each other? And what’s to become of their kingdoms now their marriage has brought a fragile truce.

This second installment in the series was once again a good read, although it’s not my favorite by Luthor. It centers fully around their romance which is full of tension in book one and I thought this book would slowly build toward them trusting each other again. And yes, we’re told this is happening, but I felt something completely different. To me their relationship felt rock solid and full of trust after the first chapter, so basically that was a bit too fast for me, which is why the rest that happened in their romance felt somewhat repetitive and sappy even.
I like the political background in this series and while this book has a middle book feel, meaning it is working up to a big clash in the third book, it still had enough action parts and some good surprises to keep me fully entertained and I can’t wait to read the third book in the series.

This is not a book that can be read as a standalone. If you’re a fan of the series you do not want to miss this book.
Profile Image for Cherie.
693 reviews1 follower
July 24, 2022
I think either you are a Lexa Luthor fan or your not and I’m a fan. Theron and Ros are both well developed characters and I like them both equally. This continues the storyline of book one in the series with Theron and Ros reuniting their childhood friendship and love for each other. It’s very sweet and hot, hot, hot. And there is a huge plot twist and well as a mystery to solve. I’m excited for book 3.
Profile Image for T.J. Dallas.
Author 16 books338 followers
July 16, 2022
Another brilliantly written story by Lexa Luthor! I would literally read anything by this author, even if it was a small print manual for the inner workings of a washing machine.

Tharon is one of my favourite characters ever, and her growth, depth, and love in this sequel was beautiful. Roswynd is such an independent Omega, and absolutely perfectly suited to her wife's Alpha. The sex scenes between them are some of the sexiest I have EVER read, and I know that I'll be thinking about them for days. The mystery of the circumstances around Edeva's death is exciting and thrilling, and I know the suspense is going to continue building until Part 3 and Tharon and Roswynd's visit to Wulfbite and King Saxon. I am already chomping at the bit, and I cannot wait for the next book!!

If you haven't read any of Lexa's books yet, I highly recommend THEM ALL!! All of them. Right now.
Profile Image for XR.
1,976 reviews105 followers
February 2, 2023
I'm still very much team Tharon and Roswynd, but... and I can't believe I'm saying this; I think the sex scenes was overly done. I kept waiting for more of the story, more about finding out who poisoned Queen Edeva (I'm going with Saxon plotting with Queen Melanie's family). Don't get me wrong, the sex scenes were hot AF I just wanted more of the plot and what was coming for Roswynd and Tharon.

I'm hoping there's more action in the next book... considering who the two are riding towards.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Dani.
402 reviews14 followers
May 23, 2023
Best Birthday Read I’ve had so far. I’m beyond grateful that the author gifted me to with an early copy to enjoy on my birthday. I just finished the book and already am ready to read it again.

I absolutely love Tharwynd!! In part two we get to see the walls between Ros and Tharon crumble. They are finally able to open up to one another and start to heal the wounds inflected over the past ten years. Their deep conversations and connection often had me with tears in my eyes. Watching them repair their friendship and deepen their connection as wives is beautiful and made my heart really happy.
Tharon is also able to begin the repairs between her and the rest of the Arrington family. Tharon comes to a beautiful realization, at the end, that the Arrington’s are not just the family of her wife, but that they are her family as well. It was a heart squeezing moment.
I also really enjoyed Tharwynd’s investigation into the murder of Edeva. I can’t wait to see what else they uncover and hopefully finally find out who was behind her murder and the start of a war.
I’m extremely excited for part 3. I can’t wait to find out what happens when they arrive in Wulfbite. I have a feeling Saxon is going to be his asshole self and that Ros and Tharon will have to rely on one another to navigate the minefield awaiting them.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Victoria.
523 reviews79 followers
July 18, 2022
I LOVE IT!

Part 2 makes this series even more impressive. It's everything I wish for when finishing Part 1(the cliffhanger is killing me!) I love the relationship development between Tharon and Roswynd; all those communications and the healing process are what I needed. I thought Lexa Luthor balanced the main plot, the romantic part, and the steamy scene(lol) pretty well. The book is 489 pages long, but I never got bored because everything was well written. You will only want more.

I just can't wait to find out more in Part 3. (Is it too soon to ask when Of Wulf and Wynd Part 3 will be released? )


Profile Image for Lesbereading.
184 reviews487 followers
July 16, 2022
This book was truly everything I wanted and so much more. The fully reconnecting, the caring, the communication, the love, the trust… I’m swooning just thinking about it. Tharon and Roswynd are beyond perfect together and I cannot wait for more of their story in the future.

Definitely read Lexa Luthor’s info about Omegaverse before diving into her books if you’re unaware, but all I can say is I can’t get enough of them.
Profile Image for Tory.
392 reviews10 followers
July 15, 2022
Absolutely fantastic

I enjoyed this book immensely. I really like how things are coming to a head. I have some theories and can’t wait to read the next one to see if I am correct. I am sure there will be twists and turns. I highly recommend this book and this author.
Profile Image for Patricia.
550 reviews12 followers
July 24, 2022
I knew it!!! ~Chandler Bing's voice~

Actually I had my suspicions, but wasn't so sure if they'd pan out. They did. Poor Tharon learning all that stuff after going through so much bs in life.

Okay, so I started this reading with me crying again over the tales of people dying, why always the most caring person has to die?

Then we get whiplash with the follow up of last book and eeeeeeeeee, what a start! Got me gasping. I so love Ros, not exactly for what she did, but because she has the will power of many, wow. The intrigue is captivating and I like how we move on with things, but still are clueless about who and why Edeva was killed.

And about the investigation, I'm always amazed by characters that confront people, I mean I like to think I'm quite upfront but that thing Tharon and Ros went to talk with the king, I would just pretend I didn't learn it and dig more on the low. Yet they had the ovaries and balls to confront it and it did answered a lot of things I wasn't expecting to know now. Thank you both hahah.

I also loved how they started to rebuild their friendship, trust in each other and the new relationship, their marriage, it was sweet, respectful, sensual and fun. They are really a delight. Love their explorations and banter.

But let me confess something, I was still sort of mad at Tharon in the first few chapters, even though I understand where her feelings comes from. But it didn't take long before she won me out.

I'm excited for what comes next. Imma bet things will get even more exciting now.
67 reviews4 followers
July 19, 2022
Every time I finish reading a book by Lexa Luthor I am left wanting more and more. I am drawn in by the characters, the world and everything in between. Roswynd and Tharon are one hell of a couple. The heat that these two put out almost melted my iPad!! The sex scenes are amazing but its the story that keeps you enthralled.
I'm not going to go into detail because I don't want to give anything away. You need to read Part 1 and for those who haven't, why not?
I can't wait for Part 3, there are a few characters that need their comeuppance! Just saying'!!!
All in all another wonderful story.

3 reviews
July 15, 2022
Another Amazing Story!

An excellent 3rd book in the Kingdoms of Gyldren series and a perfect sequel in the complex lives of Roswynd and Tharon. Intrigue, romance and deception are some of the main themes in this story, alongside some very hot love scenes. I can't wait for the next instalment!

Profile Image for Patricia Foort.
339 reviews33 followers
August 2, 2022
I was disappointed at first because I had different expectations. I thought it was the last book in the series and was waiting for conclusions. But once I noticed that this book is about reconciliation, I understood it more and it was good. Not the greatest book of Lexa in my eyes, but still 5 stars. It got me crying, it was angsty and there were 🔥🔥🔥 🥵 scenes so I’m happy.
133 reviews
July 18, 2022
Thrilling!

I could write about how well written your stories always are but that wouldn’t be enough. After reading much of your books, I think I now understand who they are meant for and thank you for including all of us.
Profile Image for Alexi.
16 reviews
July 18, 2022
love LOVED THIS

i bought this a day after it got released and i swore to myself that i'd read it after finishing my errands and tasks that i needed to do BUT NO I COULDNT HELP IT DSJKFFAKJDFH I CANT WAIT FOR THE PART 3 GIVE IT TO ME ALREADY ALKSDHFAJSKF
61 reviews
July 31, 2022
It’s hard to stop once you start this series. I just enjoy the omegaverse this author creates. I’ll get the third one when it finally comes out too. I’ve read several of this authors books and it can become a bit gratuitous after a while, but this one is a bit more story and a little less rompy, if you know what I mean. And by a ‘little less’ I only mean a little.
Profile Image for rie.
293 reviews104 followers
February 24, 2023
i have pretty much the same notes as i said for the first book but the reason that this book is rated lower is because unfortunately, parts of it felt utterly drawn out and repetitive. the plot twist with the days had me gagged though omg…can’t wait for the final book 🤞
7 reviews
July 16, 2022
Wonderfull

The best book! I loved!!!
Não tenho palavras mais que essas! Ansiosa pelo próximo.
Lexa escreve divinamente,amo suas estórias!!!!
Estou muito feliz e satisfeita!!
142 reviews
July 17, 2022
excellent

Luthor does an excellent job of combining present and past to tell the twisting story of the two families through Ros and Tharon’s past and present relationship.
Profile Image for Christin.
19 reviews
March 18, 2023
I’m not sure which I loved more the characters, the story, the writing, or the the topics Luthor writes about hidden in fantasy fiction. This book is truly brilliant.
Profile Image for Amelia.
29 reviews
July 25, 2022
This was not for me. The sudden change in the relationship was too abrupt for me, and the book was mostly sex, which also caused whiplash after the long slow burn of the first book. It also felt overwritten like it needed an editor to hack off about a quarter of it. I am tempted to grab the sequel when it comes out to see if it redeems this storyline for me because the underlying plot is very engaging.
Profile Image for Alex Lfr.
249 reviews5 followers
July 13, 2022
Where to begin?
The book starts with a blast, with one of the best scenes I can remember (think of me while reading chapter 1, you are welcome), and then, as it proceeds, you rediscover #Tharwynd and you see them like never before (ohhhh those hot scenes!), being the team they used to be, and that's the moment you fully understand the heartbreak they went through when they lost each other. And you get to understand some of the reasonds behind some behaviors (I know, criptic enough but #NoSpoilers).

If you couldn't picture how their relationship was even with the flashbacks, in part 2 you will and their path becomes even more painful. Because TharonPart1 and TharonPart2 are like day and night, the yin and the yang, so you can see perfectly what Roswynd lost when she lost Tharon and you are able to because you see them together in part 2 and how sweet and deep it is between them. We get to "live" the shier Tharon, the unadventurous alpha who tries to control herself, to suppress her nature and how devastating it was for her to lose both her mother and her omega. Kudos to the amazing characters' development.

And they get to talk.
About everything, no limits, one hundred percent honesty, exposing themselves completely and it was so very beautiful to see! Lexa Luthor is excellent at making her characters talk and it adds so many layers to the story and so many great moments you just swoon, and yell and want more and are afraid because the book is finishing and you crave more.
But then the end of Part2 comes and you feel full of emotions, sweet ones, and scary ones for what's to come. Don't fret, though, there is no cliffhanger but the promise of what we know is coming. Which is scary, did I say that?
In conclusion, Part1 was the very tip of the iceberg; in Part2 you immerse yourself completely in what #Tharwynd is and you fall in love again with them and Part3 feels full of difficult moments but you know they are going to be together and that makes you feel a little bit better (although not less scared because of Saxon and his creepiness and bad juju).

The best way to sum up my thoughts is that I wasn't done reading the book and I already wanted to re-read some parts and if that's not proof enough of how good and enthralling it is, I don't know what else I could say.

*I was given an ARC for an honest review*
Profile Image for Andi.
545 reviews26 followers
July 13, 2022
Exceptional! A tremendous, high fantasy, F/F omegaverse romance. A worthy sequel and a great set-up for the final installment (for which I cannot wait!!!) - you do want to read Part 1 first (and you will want to read Part 3 afterwards).

So MANY feelings; this book felt so soft compared to Book 1 (in a great way). Tharon and Roswynd are trying to heal from all the high intensity and animosity of the last decade of war, lies and betrayals. Healing is painful and uncovered secrets perhaps even more so. But it is possible if willing - and the make-up sex *chef's kiss*. As the couple heals their relationship they begin to wonder, however, can they heal their kingdoms too or will the upcoming trip to Wulfbite result in nothing but loss and pain?

** I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. (And then I bought it anyways because it is SO AWESOME!)
Profile Image for K Cao Xai.
79 reviews3 followers
August 9, 2025
Tharon, you beautiful broken bastard.

CHARACTER IMPRESSIONS:
Tharon Blakesley
It was so wonderful to see Tharon finally becoming more of herself in this story. After that intense opening and what Roswynd did as a last ditch effort to help Tharon become herself again, it was wonderful to see Tharon open up. When she and Roswynd make amends and agree to start over, it was amazing to see how well they work together.

Tharon teasing, joking, and flirting with Roswynd is a nice contrast to when she’s being protective or sexually dominant towards her wife. And by sexually dominant, I don't mean she gets possessive in bed without Roswynd's consent. Roswynd consents and encourages Tharon to be rough, which is different from simply letting a partner have their way. I love her banter with Roswynd and how much they differ in personality or methods, but always find a way to work with each other to solve an issue. She has so much conflicting emotions within herself but it’s sweet when Roswynd is there for her.

Roswynd Arrington
Still the best girl. Still deserves everything.

Roswynd can finally take action and find the truth about Edeva’s murder with Tharon working with her. She may be a princess but she’s not shy about bending the rules to get to the truth. I love how she and Tharon still reaffirm their feelings for one another when one person is in doubt or unsure of things. The constant support is always nice to see.

Usually when it comes to explicit sex scenes, I just enjoy seeing the characters be physically and emotionally connected, but here, there’s another layer because Roswynd is still learning about sex and becoming confident in it. I love how Tharon guides her or encourages her during their lovemaking, because it adds an extra layer to Roswynd’s character; how she’s getting comfortable with herself, how she’s learning about Tharon’s body, and how it connects her to Tharon on a new level. Sex is hot, but damn, it’s also romantic here.

MINOR CHARACTERS:
There’s a handful of minor characters but I was never confused about who was who, nor did I forget who someone was when they came back after a while.

Tharon’s mother, Queen Edeva. She was too good for this world.

Roswynd’s mother, Queen Layla. Sweetheart. I would love to see more of her. I love how she always knew Tharon and Roswynd were meant to be together.

Roswynd’s father, King Garret. Father of the year. I love how supportive he is of Tharon and Roswynd’s relationship, both before and after their marriage.

Tharon’s father, King Eustace. He was doing his best but he had his flaws.

Tharon's brother, Saxon Blakesley. Hate him. Hate him. Hate him.

STORY IMPRESSIONS:
I love the family elements in this story. Roswynd’s family is close and so loving compared to Tharon’s family after Tharon’s mother died. To see Tharon realize that the people she once wanted to kill are the very people who accept her for who she is made my heart soar.

I love how even though Tharon and Roswynd grew up together and are now married, they still are learning more things about each other. In between investigating Edeva’s death, they share the most heartwarming moments. The sex between them is fire, but it’s also romantic when they simply lay down to read a book together.

Thank fucking Gyldr for Tharon apologizing about that “prank” in Book 1.

The ending for this story didn’t tear out my heart as much as the first one, which I’m grateful for, but it still made me buy the next book immediately to see what happens next.

HIGHLIGHTS:
     * Highlight 1: Tharon refused to say Roswynd’s name for the entirety of Book 1, but the first time she said it in this story, oh my frickin heart!
     * Highlight 2: Those sex scenes gave me a heart attack in the best way.
     * Highlight 3: These two cuddle so much it makes my heart melt.
     * Highlight 4: Roswynd taking charge in bed.
     * Highlight 5: Tharon doing her best to make amends and work with Roswynd instead of against her.
     * Highlight 6: Wives reaffirming their love for one another.
     * Highlight 7: Tharon and Roswynd’s height difference.
     * Highlight 8: “Beg me.”
     * Highlight 9: Wives supporting each other emotionally.
     * Highlight 10: The amount of skinship these two have with one another.
     * Highlight 11: King Garrett yelling at his daughter by calling her full name.
     * Highlight 12: Heroines are together for 95% of the story.
     * Highlight 13: Beautiful book cover.

PERSONAL TAGS:
     * 3rd person, dual POV
     * Competent protagonists
     * Emotional turmoil
     * F/f omegaverse
     * G!P
     * Mid-high angst
     * Political strife
     * Rip my heart out but promise me a happy ending
     * Royalty romance
     * She-alpha / omega
     * Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ (left me drenched)
     * Wives
Profile Image for terry.
289 reviews6 followers
August 16, 2022
I thought this was an excellent addition to part 1. Tharon and Roswynd get so much closer and they are able to move into trusting each other again and begin being the best friends that they were before. Even further how Tharon is realizing what the past has done to her and how she grows to realize the truth. I also love how Tharon doesn’t do what typical Alpha’s do and allows Roswynd her freedom and supports her desire to learn things. I’m definitely looking forward to part 3. Loved this continuation of part 1 and highly recommend reading part 1 first.
Profile Image for Nia.
402 reviews15 followers
July 17, 2022
So Much More Than Expected!
I was hoping for a quick and satisfying end to all the bickering and hostilities between the two former best friends…
After all, the first part was more of an ordeal, than a fulfilling post-marriage love story.

It's hard to write a review without spoilers, but that would be so unfair to anyone who still wants/needs to read it.
Because it's a must!
I'm just saying, that it exceeded everything I expected and I can't wait to get my hands on the third part!
Profile Image for Lauren .
115 reviews
August 1, 2022
Blown away!

Absolutely amazing. I wish I had the next book already! So enticing. I just couldn't get enough. The ups and downs between Tharon and Roswynd. The hot and spicy stuff as well! Phew! So well written. Even the side characters have depth to them. I want Tharon and Roswynd to succeed. Wulfbite makes me nervous, what will Saxon do? I need to know!
Profile Image for Lily Bee.
122 reviews
September 5, 2022
Better than the first novel, no one does fantasy romance omegaverse like Luthor (but of course, that is a given). Tharon and Roswynd's development is peak here, and Luthor also continues to flesh out both her world and her novel beyond just the romance (I'm hyped to see the mystery at the center of the sequel unravel in the conclusion of this novel). Another banger from Luthor.
Profile Image for Tina.
33 reviews
December 25, 2022
Love Wins in the End!!!

I love these two families. The ups and downs they go through. R and T's love wins over all other drama. Can't wait to see what's next for these two amazing characters. Thank You Lexa Luther for all your hard work writing this and all your book's. You are 1 of my all time favorite authors.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews

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