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New Protectorate #2
Courtship's Conquest
In the wake of her mother’s death, Camille Solbourne is determined to follow through with her deathbed promise to arrange a union with a suitable partner and get out of the Solbourne family. A union is cold, more business than love, and negotiating them is a dangerous political dance. It’s not what she wants, but sometimes happiness is found in compromise – and keeping one’s promises.
Nearly twenty years ago, Viktor Hamilton, alpha of San Francisco's lone coyote shifter pack, let his mate go. Becoming someone his pack could rely on for safety and guidance is the only thing that kept him sane in the long, lonely years that followed. When the opportunity to make a life-altering choice for the betterment of his people arises, he makes a promise to see it through.
What he doesn’t expect is for the world to change around him in the blink of an eye. After a volatile run-in with Camille reignites the flame between them, he knows he can’t leave the past alone. The only thing standing between them is their fraught past and Camille’s furious determination to tie herself to another man. Pursuing Camille means gambling with the future of his pack, but Viktor won’t let his mate go a second time – even if it means he has to put his life on the line to keep her.
Book two in The New Protectorate Series is a standalone novel following the events of Consort's Glory. It can be read on its own, but does contain spoilers for the other books in the series.
Nearly twenty years ago, Viktor Hamilton, alpha of San Francisco's lone coyote shifter pack, let his mate go. Becoming someone his pack could rely on for safety and guidance is the only thing that kept him sane in the long, lonely years that followed. When the opportunity to make a life-altering choice for the betterment of his people arises, he makes a promise to see it through.
What he doesn’t expect is for the world to change around him in the blink of an eye. After a volatile run-in with Camille reignites the flame between them, he knows he can’t leave the past alone. The only thing standing between them is their fraught past and Camille’s furious determination to tie herself to another man. Pursuing Camille means gambling with the future of his pack, but Viktor won’t let his mate go a second time – even if it means he has to put his life on the line to keep her.
Book two in The New Protectorate Series is a standalone novel following the events of Consort's Glory. It can be read on its own, but does contain spoilers for the other books in the series.
440 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 28, 2023
77 people are currently reading
251 people want to read
About the author
Abigail Kelly
11 books242 followersAbigail Kelly is a writer of alternate histories, love stories, and women with drive. Her work is heavily influenced by both her modest family roots and her passion for history. A former illustrator, she is now a bookseller at an independent bookshop where she gets to badly influence impressionable young minds and put her favorite books in eager hands. She is also the host of the Kingdom of Thirst podcast, a show all about romance novels and why they matter.
Her favorite authors are Shirley Jackson, V. E. Schwab, Ursula K. Le Guin, Kresley Cole, Nalini Singh, and just about anyone who writes about the weird and wonderful. She lives in San Francisco with her dog, Babs, who remains stubbornly illiterate.
Her favorite authors are Shirley Jackson, V. E. Schwab, Ursula K. Le Guin, Kresley Cole, Nalini Singh, and just about anyone who writes about the weird and wonderful. She lives in San Francisco with her dog, Babs, who remains stubbornly illiterate.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
November 1, 2023
DNF at 41%. Short review: For those who don't enjoy 2nd chance romance where the male partner sleeps with others but tells the woman that "he's always loved her", don't read this. This isn't for us.
Long review is FULL of spoilers... you were warned.
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Twenty years ago, Viktor was a coward and thought he knew what was best for her and for their relationship. To "protect" her, he rejected her. He thought that she would be in danger from her relatives and from his if he accepted her as his mate back then.
It's been 20 years and they've seen each other for the first time. Immediately, her body betrays her and she gets sexy with him all the while feeling unsafe and vulnerable. That wasn't my favorite, but I was hoping I would learn more about him and it might be okay.
I felt for Camille. The worldbuilding has people suffer a LOT if they meet their true mate/consort and then don't end up with that person. By rejecting her, Viktor caused Camille real physical, mental, emotional, and psychic pain. We're supposed to feel sorry for him because he's been longing after her and feeling a lot of pain, too. But, I don't. He can rot for all I care.
He supposedly gave her up (in a way to cause her maximum pain... but he supposedly doesn't understand that) and NOT ONCE IN 20 YEARS HAS HE TRIED TO APOLOGIZE/WIN HER BACK!!!!
Are you kidding me!?
They BY CHANCE meet up... and then he decides that he MUST have her and she MUST allow him to have her. He's relentless in pursuing her. Romantic, right?
Except he doesn't tell her why he rejected her all those years ago or apologize until she opens up to him and tells him all. She makes herself vulnerable to tell him that he's her consort and she is suffering. And only then does he tell her she's his mate and he broke up with her to "protect her". Of course, it wasn't protection... it was the opposite and she rightly tells him so.
And yet... even though he hasn't really shown himself to be worthy of her... she ONCE AGAIN makes the first move to call him after that convo... and gets all sexy with him.
And that's where I was DONE. He has done NOTHING to deserve her trust and vulnerability. He has protected HIMSELF.
Over the last 20 years, he could have reached out and told her, especially when his dad died and the danger passed. But no... he didn't. He's a coward. Even in this "new age" when this relationship wouldn't be so forbidden, he doesn't even tell his family and friends that he has a mate. He just nobly (gag me) suffers in silence while he makes his den to suit her (imagined, cause he sure doesn't know her real) desires.
Here are some quotes to help you understand how much I detest Viktor and this worldbuilding and this story:
"He said he didn’t want me, and then it was nothing but silence for twenty years. He could have found ways to contact me. He could have seen me. He never tried." (proof that he hasn't tried to contact Camille or win her back)
"No, I mean that I’m harmless,” he explained, waving away Benny’s doubtful look. “I am. Women can feel it when someone is really trying to get something from them — sex, companionship, whatever.” He shrugged. “I’m safe because I don’t actually want anything they could give me. Even when I do want sex, they know I’m not going to ask them for more.”
"He took brief, nearly anonymous lovers when he needed to."
(are you f-ing kidding me!? He's having SEX WITH OTHER WOMEN WHEN HE KNOWS HE HAS A MATE!? And what the F do you mean "when he needed to"!? You don't NEED sex... especially when you KNOW who your mate is and supposedly already fell in love with her)
Oh... and when he finds out that Camille wants to get married, this is what he THINKS (the asshole): "Mates didn’t sleep around. Mates were sacred; the bedrock of the pack. They were loyal to one another above all things. To think that his mate might find comfort and pleasure in the arms of another was the keenest kind of agony Viktor could imagine."
All the while, he's supposedly making his home all nice for her "Camille had no way of knowing that he had spent the last twenty years building his life around her. Even when he didn’t think he would ever have her in his life again, she went into every decision he made."
The only saving grace is that she was trying to move on (but it was a total fail because the world building and body betrayal wouldn't let her). She has sex with a friend because "They had, after all, mutually agreed on an exchange of virginity five years prior."
I hate the idea of sex as a rite of passage. WTF is "an exchange of virginity"!? Bad author, bad!
When he finds out that he hurt her, he DEMANDS she tell him what he didn't ALLOW her to tell him 20 years ago... what a douche-nozzle:
“Tell me now,” he demanded, ragged. “You shut me out after I said no. You didn’t give me a chance to ask again. So tell me now.”"
And then has the gall to claim:
"Let me make one thing very clear, sweetheart,” he rasped, halting at the line where the sidewalk and the grass met, “I am not torturing you. I’m courting you. There is no one else. There will never be anyone else. This isn’t a game and I’m not fucking playing. Got it?”
I just can't even. Blech.
Long review is FULL of spoilers... you were warned.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Twenty years ago, Viktor was a coward and thought he knew what was best for her and for their relationship. To "protect" her, he rejected her. He thought that she would be in danger from her relatives and from his if he accepted her as his mate back then.
It's been 20 years and they've seen each other for the first time. Immediately, her body betrays her and she gets sexy with him all the while feeling unsafe and vulnerable. That wasn't my favorite, but I was hoping I would learn more about him and it might be okay.
I felt for Camille. The worldbuilding has people suffer a LOT if they meet their true mate/consort and then don't end up with that person. By rejecting her, Viktor caused Camille real physical, mental, emotional, and psychic pain. We're supposed to feel sorry for him because he's been longing after her and feeling a lot of pain, too. But, I don't. He can rot for all I care.
He supposedly gave her up (in a way to cause her maximum pain... but he supposedly doesn't understand that) and NOT ONCE IN 20 YEARS HAS HE TRIED TO APOLOGIZE/WIN HER BACK!!!!
Are you kidding me!?
They BY CHANCE meet up... and then he decides that he MUST have her and she MUST allow him to have her. He's relentless in pursuing her. Romantic, right?
Except he doesn't tell her why he rejected her all those years ago or apologize until she opens up to him and tells him all. She makes herself vulnerable to tell him that he's her consort and she is suffering. And only then does he tell her she's his mate and he broke up with her to "protect her". Of course, it wasn't protection... it was the opposite and she rightly tells him so.
And yet... even though he hasn't really shown himself to be worthy of her... she ONCE AGAIN makes the first move to call him after that convo... and gets all sexy with him.
And that's where I was DONE. He has done NOTHING to deserve her trust and vulnerability. He has protected HIMSELF.
Over the last 20 years, he could have reached out and told her, especially when his dad died and the danger passed. But no... he didn't. He's a coward. Even in this "new age" when this relationship wouldn't be so forbidden, he doesn't even tell his family and friends that he has a mate. He just nobly (gag me) suffers in silence while he makes his den to suit her (imagined, cause he sure doesn't know her real) desires.
Here are some quotes to help you understand how much I detest Viktor and this worldbuilding and this story:
"He said he didn’t want me, and then it was nothing but silence for twenty years. He could have found ways to contact me. He could have seen me. He never tried." (proof that he hasn't tried to contact Camille or win her back)
"No, I mean that I’m harmless,” he explained, waving away Benny’s doubtful look. “I am. Women can feel it when someone is really trying to get something from them — sex, companionship, whatever.” He shrugged. “I’m safe because I don’t actually want anything they could give me. Even when I do want sex, they know I’m not going to ask them for more.”
"He took brief, nearly anonymous lovers when he needed to."
(are you f-ing kidding me!? He's having SEX WITH OTHER WOMEN WHEN HE KNOWS HE HAS A MATE!? And what the F do you mean "when he needed to"!? You don't NEED sex... especially when you KNOW who your mate is and supposedly already fell in love with her)
Oh... and when he finds out that Camille wants to get married, this is what he THINKS (the asshole): "Mates didn’t sleep around. Mates were sacred; the bedrock of the pack. They were loyal to one another above all things. To think that his mate might find comfort and pleasure in the arms of another was the keenest kind of agony Viktor could imagine."
All the while, he's supposedly making his home all nice for her "Camille had no way of knowing that he had spent the last twenty years building his life around her. Even when he didn’t think he would ever have her in his life again, she went into every decision he made."
The only saving grace is that she was trying to move on (but it was a total fail because the world building and body betrayal wouldn't let her). She has sex with a friend because "They had, after all, mutually agreed on an exchange of virginity five years prior."
I hate the idea of sex as a rite of passage. WTF is "an exchange of virginity"!? Bad author, bad!
When he finds out that he hurt her, he DEMANDS she tell him what he didn't ALLOW her to tell him 20 years ago... what a douche-nozzle:
“Tell me now,” he demanded, ragged. “You shut me out after I said no. You didn’t give me a chance to ask again. So tell me now.”"
And then has the gall to claim:
"Let me make one thing very clear, sweetheart,” he rasped, halting at the line where the sidewalk and the grass met, “I am not torturing you. I’m courting you. There is no one else. There will never be anyone else. This isn’t a game and I’m not fucking playing. Got it?”
I just can't even. Blech.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 8, 2023
This was such a wonderful read! Once I started I couldn’t stop reading, aside from needing to, you know, go to work and do life.
Once again Abigail manages to make mates being drawn to each other feel beautiful and new. Her characters are so wonderfully brought to life and they add to the fabric of the world she’s built, ensuring it feels richer with each new story.
Viktor and his coyote heritage make him delicious company and SUCH a good time, plus he comes with the wonderful baggage of being head of his pack (Who doesn’t love an selfless Alpha?).
Meanwhile, Camille’s been a devoted daughter and carer to her ailing mother who has left quite a lot of baggage for her to unpack. I absolutely loved the journey of seeing Cam opening herself up to new people and experiences. Her life struck me as one of devotion and loneliness and it just makes it all the more satisfying to see her work for all that she deserves in life. It’s hard to navigate hurt when you’re an extremely strong women whose been carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders for so dang long and from so young! She really resonated with me due to the fact that she was both so INCREDIBLY FIERCE but simultaneously so DARN SOFT. (Caps for excitement because she really excited me as a female character!)
I don’t want to say anything else (I already fear I’ve said too much!) other than Teddy cameo’s are very much appreciated (times a million) and I will NEVER tire of him and his delicious witch consort. EVER.
Come and join me by reading and loving this absolutely fabulous new world full of sexy people falling in love and being super interesting and sexy about it.
Once again Abigail manages to make mates being drawn to each other feel beautiful and new. Her characters are so wonderfully brought to life and they add to the fabric of the world she’s built, ensuring it feels richer with each new story.
Viktor and his coyote heritage make him delicious company and SUCH a good time, plus he comes with the wonderful baggage of being head of his pack (Who doesn’t love an selfless Alpha?).
Meanwhile, Camille’s been a devoted daughter and carer to her ailing mother who has left quite a lot of baggage for her to unpack. I absolutely loved the journey of seeing Cam opening herself up to new people and experiences. Her life struck me as one of devotion and loneliness and it just makes it all the more satisfying to see her work for all that she deserves in life. It’s hard to navigate hurt when you’re an extremely strong women whose been carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders for so dang long and from so young! She really resonated with me due to the fact that she was both so INCREDIBLY FIERCE but simultaneously so DARN SOFT. (Caps for excitement because she really excited me as a female character!)
I don’t want to say anything else (I already fear I’ve said too much!) other than Teddy cameo’s are very much appreciated (times a million) and I will NEVER tire of him and his delicious witch consort. EVER.
Come and join me by reading and loving this absolutely fabulous new world full of sexy people falling in love and being super interesting and sexy about it.
April 4, 2023
... “I’m here. Are you just going to keep looking at me like that, or are you actually going to participate in this farce you’ve strong-armed me into?”
“Can’t I just admire you for a minute?”
“No, you may not.”
hmmm, this is definitely a case of it's me not the book … i sorta jumped around a bit with this one and low-key wasn't feeling the angst. that said, i am excited for book three.
March 16, 2023
"You love it when we play."
I swear each book Abigail writes gets even better than the last. How is it even possible?? There's just something about this world she created, the angst and tender love between our lovable dummies and having the characters we adore from previous books appear in this one. This book was so immersive that I felt a loss every time I had to pull away from this book to focus in the real world. I seriously cannot wait (I'm literally vibrating with impatience as I write this) for the next book!
I swear each book Abigail writes gets even better than the last. How is it even possible?? There's just something about this world she created, the angst and tender love between our lovable dummies and having the characters we adore from previous books appear in this one. This book was so immersive that I felt a loss every time I had to pull away from this book to focus in the real world. I seriously cannot wait (I'm literally vibrating with impatience as I write this) for the next book!
December 23, 2024
Spoilers ahead
Book 1 was overly long and dragged out.....I had to fight to finish it but I liked the H and his dogged fight to get his woman. I met Vik in that book and got curious to his story......
A SHIFTER who rejects his mate "for her own good" and then continues to sleep with other women for 20 years!!!!!!!!!!!! An accidental meeting is what makes him pursue her again!!!!!! A SHIFTER????? This feels blasphemous!
Vik flirted with the h of book 1 but I convinced myself he was just flirty😭
And then he basically bulldozed his h into accepting his pursuit.....when he finally got around to it😒🙄
A SHIFTER did this!? I'm flabbergasted
Mates are sacred .... that's #1 in PNR so fuck you Vik and not in any way you'd like
Oh of course the h has BBS🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄 girl please
Book 1 was overly long and dragged out.....I had to fight to finish it but I liked the H and his dogged fight to get his woman. I met Vik in that book and got curious to his story......
A SHIFTER who rejects his mate "for her own good" and then continues to sleep with other women for 20 years!!!!!!!!!!!! An accidental meeting is what makes him pursue her again!!!!!! A SHIFTER????? This feels blasphemous!
Vik flirted with the h of book 1 but I convinced myself he was just flirty😭
And then he basically bulldozed his h into accepting his pursuit.....when he finally got around to it😒🙄
A SHIFTER did this!? I'm flabbergasted
Mates are sacred .... that's #1 in PNR so fuck you Vik and not in any way you'd like
Oh of course the h has BBS🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄 girl please
March 15, 2025
Trigger warning? Yes, there is a content warning at the end of the book.
Safety?
FMC and MMC have a 20 year separation(they were 16). Both are with other people during the separation.
There are no past OW that were mentioned by name for the MMC. MMC had made it clear to past hook-ups that it was only sex he was interested in. He also has never brought any OW into his den.
“He wasn’t always so high strung. Twenty years was a long time to miss the other half of your soul, after all. He’d learned to cope, to find happiness in the day-to-day, to move on as best he could. With her almost never in the city, he’d managed to live a mostly normal life for an alpha in his prime.
He’d built strong bonds with his pack. He enjoyed his life. He took brief, nearly anonymous lovers when he needed to. He managed.
All that was shot to the underworld now, though.
If he thought the mating instinct, the fever, was rough when he was sixteen, it was nothing compared to the torture he experienced at thirty-six. Now that he’d seen her, held her in his arms, breathed in her wild, floral scent, watched her come and tasted her skin, it was like she’d torn him open and pulled a monster out of him.”
There is one OM that the FMC lost her virginity to. Cyrus is her “favourite” out of the potential partners for an arranged marriage. She isn’t in love with him, but does feel incredibly fond of him.
The FMC and MMC hook up in February of 2045, and then there is a time-jump to July 2045. When the MMC is aware of a receptionist being open to his advances he thinks to himself “that he could only offer her a smile and a friendly wave. The rest was kept for Camille.” There are no suggested physical partners of the FMC, but she is trying to arrange a marriage to have a family.
My thoughts?
I quite literally had to let myself cool-down over this book for a couple days. I was so consumed with my grief for Camille, and my frustration with Viktor. I experienced more emotions then those specific two but looking back on the book those two were the strongest. I’m already not the biggest fan of second-chance romances but I had never read a romance with fated-mates before that included them sleeping with other people after meeting. (There’s always room to try something once! Lol)
I’ve loved every book from Abigail Kelly that I’ve read- and to not love everything about this felt odd.
The rejection logically did make sense with the fact that they were only 16 and her mother was unpredictable while his father was abusive.
See, my grief for Camille was for the rejection she faced at 16. It was for the fact that she was experiencing the pull, and the fear that consumed her while she had help from her mother to overcome her instincts so she wouldn’t die. It was the fact that she did not live any easy life after that- with the constant way she was always in the middle of her twin and their Mother to keep the peace. It was for how she watched her Mother wither away from being separated from her mate for years. She was her caretaker. So when it came to her having sex with Cyrus- I found myself a lot more understanding. She had been rejected at 16 and was just trying to find someone nice, and Cyrus was perfect for that role. I was glad she had found someone who could pamper her with pleasantries and would treat her well. Then it was the way that she had suffered twice at the hands of the pull- and was trying to hard to hold onto her sanity. It made my heart ache when she had to take such long ice baths. To react so strongly when Margot tried to help her and draw her a bath just spoke of how deep her past was with trying to resist the pull. How she rejected him in February as an act of self preservation even when he body craved her mate so strongly. I just found myself so much more sympathetic of her.
With Viktor, my frustration was largely for his lack of knowledge. It was for his ignorance. Why did he not clue on how serious Elves take mates after Theodore almost killed him(and he almost killed Theodore) after telling him about rejecting Cammie when they were 16? Did he not clue in with Theodore and Margot? He would have had to been blind to not see what a mate *means* to elves. I could understand his perspective as a 16 year old kid being asked to run away but what I couldn’t wrap my head around is…20 whole years? That goes past when he killed his father. That goes past when he would have been settled into being the alpha of the pack? He literally told Cammie that he didn’t want a mate after a very long silence on his end. Why was it her responsibility to reach out? I could understand being wary of Theodore, but wouldn’t the fever urge him to court her? Shifters are suppose to be relentless with their courting, so how did he ignore his urges for so long? How many is “lovers” and how quickly did you move on? Realistically the pack is all connected mentally- so Viktor’s aggression becomes their aggression. Was the fever not as strong for him the first time that the pack couldn’t tell what was going on? Was it because of the stress of taking over as alpha that over threw it? The death of his mother? The only thing that truly saved him was the final moment of understanding. When Camille finally explains to him what a mate is to Elves. The pain when he realized what she had went throughout in the past (even as close as in the past months) when he assumed wrong. It was how he tried to fight his wrong while also protecting Cammie from the pull’s insanity. His lack of patience when Benny was hesitant to blindly accept Camille in the pack- to the point that Camille was more understanding of the suspicion then Viktor was.
Also what largely made me enjoy the story was the second characters (the magic of Abigail Kelly truly) and details. Benny talking about doing a rehaul of his den. The way that the pack’s dens are eco centred and can be transported. Theodore strong-arming Camille to be social with Margot. Margot revealing to Camille that she struggles to make friends too. Camille being endeared by how natural Margot was with taking charge at the hospital to review the members of the shady-board she was hired at as a healer. Camille’s worry about Margot being so tiny. Olivier crashing Margot and Camille’s lunch. His absolute adoration of his sister to the point of buying a house in town so that he could see her more often. The fact that just because she wasn’t answering him he tracked Margot down. Margot helping Camille later on in the story(Theodore’s mission for them to be friends being a success). Camille taking being introduced to the entire pack like a pro even though she’s not a hugger. Benny calling Camille “Grape” and her assuming it’s because of her growing up in a vineyard instead of her skin being purple. Viktor’s inner coyote reunited with Camille, and how he had been confused and heartbroken for 20 years because they had kept apart. The bond of that. One of the pups thoughtfully telling Camille and Viktor that “chickens aren’t purple” after Viktor called Camille a chicken. Viktor making the point to introduce Kaz and some of the Elves to the pack, and him immediately shoving a pup into Kaz’s arms. The fact that Kaz is a huge man who was terrified by a tiny pup, and he kept on trying to hand them back but didn’t put the pup down even when the pup started gnawing on his hand.
They definitely end up happily together at the end, peacefully living with each other (and the pack obviously). Much like the couple themselves I had to let go of the details of the past to be able to enjoy their HEA.
Safety?
FMC and MMC have a 20 year separation(they were 16). Both are with other people during the separation.
There are no past OW that were mentioned by name for the MMC. MMC had made it clear to past hook-ups that it was only sex he was interested in. He also has never brought any OW into his den.
“He wasn’t always so high strung. Twenty years was a long time to miss the other half of your soul, after all. He’d learned to cope, to find happiness in the day-to-day, to move on as best he could. With her almost never in the city, he’d managed to live a mostly normal life for an alpha in his prime.
He’d built strong bonds with his pack. He enjoyed his life. He took brief, nearly anonymous lovers when he needed to. He managed.
All that was shot to the underworld now, though.
If he thought the mating instinct, the fever, was rough when he was sixteen, it was nothing compared to the torture he experienced at thirty-six. Now that he’d seen her, held her in his arms, breathed in her wild, floral scent, watched her come and tasted her skin, it was like she’d torn him open and pulled a monster out of him.”
There is one OM that the FMC lost her virginity to. Cyrus is her “favourite” out of the potential partners for an arranged marriage. She isn’t in love with him, but does feel incredibly fond of him.
The FMC and MMC hook up in February of 2045, and then there is a time-jump to July 2045. When the MMC is aware of a receptionist being open to his advances he thinks to himself “that he could only offer her a smile and a friendly wave. The rest was kept for Camille.” There are no suggested physical partners of the FMC, but she is trying to arrange a marriage to have a family.
My thoughts?
I quite literally had to let myself cool-down over this book for a couple days. I was so consumed with my grief for Camille, and my frustration with Viktor. I experienced more emotions then those specific two but looking back on the book those two were the strongest. I’m already not the biggest fan of second-chance romances but I had never read a romance with fated-mates before that included them sleeping with other people after meeting. (There’s always room to try something once! Lol)
I’ve loved every book from Abigail Kelly that I’ve read- and to not love everything about this felt odd.
The rejection logically did make sense with the fact that they were only 16 and her mother was unpredictable while his father was abusive.
See, my grief for Camille was for the rejection she faced at 16. It was for the fact that she was experiencing the pull, and the fear that consumed her while she had help from her mother to overcome her instincts so she wouldn’t die. It was the fact that she did not live any easy life after that- with the constant way she was always in the middle of her twin and their Mother to keep the peace. It was for how she watched her Mother wither away from being separated from her mate for years. She was her caretaker. So when it came to her having sex with Cyrus- I found myself a lot more understanding. She had been rejected at 16 and was just trying to find someone nice, and Cyrus was perfect for that role. I was glad she had found someone who could pamper her with pleasantries and would treat her well. Then it was the way that she had suffered twice at the hands of the pull- and was trying to hard to hold onto her sanity. It made my heart ache when she had to take such long ice baths. To react so strongly when Margot tried to help her and draw her a bath just spoke of how deep her past was with trying to resist the pull. How she rejected him in February as an act of self preservation even when he body craved her mate so strongly. I just found myself so much more sympathetic of her.
With Viktor, my frustration was largely for his lack of knowledge. It was for his ignorance. Why did he not clue on how serious Elves take mates after Theodore almost killed him(and he almost killed Theodore) after telling him about rejecting Cammie when they were 16? Did he not clue in with Theodore and Margot? He would have had to been blind to not see what a mate *means* to elves. I could understand his perspective as a 16 year old kid being asked to run away but what I couldn’t wrap my head around is…20 whole years? That goes past when he killed his father. That goes past when he would have been settled into being the alpha of the pack? He literally told Cammie that he didn’t want a mate after a very long silence on his end. Why was it her responsibility to reach out? I could understand being wary of Theodore, but wouldn’t the fever urge him to court her? Shifters are suppose to be relentless with their courting, so how did he ignore his urges for so long? How many is “lovers” and how quickly did you move on? Realistically the pack is all connected mentally- so Viktor’s aggression becomes their aggression. Was the fever not as strong for him the first time that the pack couldn’t tell what was going on? Was it because of the stress of taking over as alpha that over threw it? The death of his mother? The only thing that truly saved him was the final moment of understanding. When Camille finally explains to him what a mate is to Elves. The pain when he realized what she had went throughout in the past (even as close as in the past months) when he assumed wrong. It was how he tried to fight his wrong while also protecting Cammie from the pull’s insanity. His lack of patience when Benny was hesitant to blindly accept Camille in the pack- to the point that Camille was more understanding of the suspicion then Viktor was.
Also what largely made me enjoy the story was the second characters (the magic of Abigail Kelly truly) and details. Benny talking about doing a rehaul of his den. The way that the pack’s dens are eco centred and can be transported. Theodore strong-arming Camille to be social with Margot. Margot revealing to Camille that she struggles to make friends too. Camille being endeared by how natural Margot was with taking charge at the hospital to review the members of the shady-board she was hired at as a healer. Camille’s worry about Margot being so tiny. Olivier crashing Margot and Camille’s lunch. His absolute adoration of his sister to the point of buying a house in town so that he could see her more often. The fact that just because she wasn’t answering him he tracked Margot down. Margot helping Camille later on in the story(Theodore’s mission for them to be friends being a success). Camille taking being introduced to the entire pack like a pro even though she’s not a hugger. Benny calling Camille “Grape” and her assuming it’s because of her growing up in a vineyard instead of her skin being purple. Viktor’s inner coyote reunited with Camille, and how he had been confused and heartbroken for 20 years because they had kept apart. The bond of that. One of the pups thoughtfully telling Camille and Viktor that “chickens aren’t purple” after Viktor called Camille a chicken. Viktor making the point to introduce Kaz and some of the Elves to the pack, and him immediately shoving a pup into Kaz’s arms. The fact that Kaz is a huge man who was terrified by a tiny pup, and he kept on trying to hand them back but didn’t put the pup down even when the pup started gnawing on his hand.
They definitely end up happily together at the end, peacefully living with each other (and the pack obviously). Much like the couple themselves I had to let go of the details of the past to be able to enjoy their HEA.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 19, 2023
✨ARC REVIEW✨
DAMN IT ABIGAIL HOW DO YOU DO IT?! Every freaking book has me in a chokehold, and this one was no different.🥵
Gods I loved these two. Cammie and Vik both have serious trauma, and that trauma pulled them apart at 16. Twenty years later, Cammie doesn’t want anything to do with Vik, and would never trust him with her heart again. Vik knows he should leave Cammie alone, but he just can’t seem to stay away. Cammie decides to do something drastic to make sure Vik won’t ever have a pull on her again. But here’s the thing- now that Vik has seen her, caught her scent, touched her again, he wont be letting her go.
Omg you guys, THE ANGST!?!? 🫠🥵😍 SO GOOD. Cammie is a bad bitch with brat energy and “make me” vibes, not to mention she’s a fucking badass. Vik is the daddy dom coyote shifter of my dreams😍. Said shifter also pissed me off as much as he did Cammie up until chapter 10, and then I wanted to desperately ask for his forgiveness, because I was so so wrong about him. He must be protected at all costs.😭😫 Abigail describes Vik perfectly- if you read Consorts Glory (Book 1), she says he is “Teddy but Daddy-er”, and that is the perfect description of him. 🥵The spice was just HNNNGGGG 🫠🥵. Perfection. The majority of it happens in the second half of the book with a lot of build up and tension in the first half, which was just perfection for me. There is a spicy scene early on, and just no words, fucking HOTTTTTTT AF.🔥
Both of the MC’s have serious trauma (not super detailed on page but please check TW), and gods did I relate to Cammie’s descriptions and flashbacks with her toxic mother, because everything was like word for word my own experiences growing up. But I LOVED it because it was just so cathartic to read and relate to Cammie’s struggles and trauma processing.
This story was just a beautiful exploration of two traumatized people, terrified of getting hurt again, but realizing that though there may be pain and grief by being together, that would never compare to the loss of living without each other. I’m not usually a second chance lovers fan, but Abigail’s story telling and writing gets me every fucking time. I ate this book up, in record time, as I do with everything she writes. Gahhhhhh I have a book hangover again, I didn’t want it to end but I couldn’t put it down. 😫
I WILL BE FERAL UNTIL I GET MY FIENDISH LITTLE PAWS ON BOOK 3 🥵🤤
Alien-ness: 🔘🔘🔘🔘🔘 (humanoid peen)
MC’s Together: 🫂🫂🔘🔘🔘(kinda separate until about 40-50%ish, but they have interactions between them often)
Burn: 🔥🔥🔘🔘🔘 (slow burn with steam)
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🔘🔘(spicy scenes were AMAZING)
Sweetness: 🧁🧁🧁🔘🔘
Angst: 😈😈😈😈🔘
Action: 💥💥💥🔘🔘
DAMN IT ABIGAIL HOW DO YOU DO IT?! Every freaking book has me in a chokehold, and this one was no different.🥵
Gods I loved these two. Cammie and Vik both have serious trauma, and that trauma pulled them apart at 16. Twenty years later, Cammie doesn’t want anything to do with Vik, and would never trust him with her heart again. Vik knows he should leave Cammie alone, but he just can’t seem to stay away. Cammie decides to do something drastic to make sure Vik won’t ever have a pull on her again. But here’s the thing- now that Vik has seen her, caught her scent, touched her again, he wont be letting her go.
Omg you guys, THE ANGST!?!? 🫠🥵😍 SO GOOD. Cammie is a bad bitch with brat energy and “make me” vibes, not to mention she’s a fucking badass. Vik is the daddy dom coyote shifter of my dreams😍. Said shifter also pissed me off as much as he did Cammie up until chapter 10, and then I wanted to desperately ask for his forgiveness, because I was so so wrong about him. He must be protected at all costs.😭😫 Abigail describes Vik perfectly- if you read Consorts Glory (Book 1), she says he is “Teddy but Daddy-er”, and that is the perfect description of him. 🥵The spice was just HNNNGGGG 🫠🥵. Perfection. The majority of it happens in the second half of the book with a lot of build up and tension in the first half, which was just perfection for me. There is a spicy scene early on, and just no words, fucking HOTTTTTTT AF.🔥
Both of the MC’s have serious trauma (not super detailed on page but please check TW), and gods did I relate to Cammie’s descriptions and flashbacks with her toxic mother, because everything was like word for word my own experiences growing up. But I LOVED it because it was just so cathartic to read and relate to Cammie’s struggles and trauma processing.
This story was just a beautiful exploration of two traumatized people, terrified of getting hurt again, but realizing that though there may be pain and grief by being together, that would never compare to the loss of living without each other. I’m not usually a second chance lovers fan, but Abigail’s story telling and writing gets me every fucking time. I ate this book up, in record time, as I do with everything she writes. Gahhhhhh I have a book hangover again, I didn’t want it to end but I couldn’t put it down. 😫
I WILL BE FERAL UNTIL I GET MY FIENDISH LITTLE PAWS ON BOOK 3 🥵🤤
Alien-ness: 🔘🔘🔘🔘🔘 (humanoid peen)
MC’s Together: 🫂🫂🔘🔘🔘(kinda separate until about 40-50%ish, but they have interactions between them often)
Burn: 🔥🔥🔘🔘🔘 (slow burn with steam)
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🔘🔘(spicy scenes were AMAZING)
Sweetness: 🧁🧁🧁🔘🔘
Angst: 😈😈😈😈🔘
Action: 💥💥💥🔘🔘
September 23, 2022
This second chance, enemies to lovers pnr romance between the ABSOLUTELY UNSTOPPABLE elf, Camille, and the too-charming impossible to restrain coyote shifter and pack alpha, Viktor, is a fantastic follow-up to Consort's Glory, continuing to expand the world we're getting to know and giving us glimpses of both the characters we already love and deeper connections to those we're only just getting to know in Courtship's Conquest!
Cammie is a freaking QUEEN, proud and stubborn and literally bloodthirsty in her drive to protect and defend what's hers--and while old heartbreak and the considerable trauma that followed it prevents her from giving in, even to the biological imperative of The Pull, it was an absolute delight to watch Vik work his shifter-tail off to win back the elf his teenaged-self foolishly rejected, twenty years prior. And this time around, it is literally life or death for both of them.
Courtship's Conquest is a complicated dance between two EXTREMELY complicated personalities, both carrying a lot of baggage and neither living wholly free lives inside the tangled political factions of both the Elvish Protectorate and the larger UTA. I thoroughly enjoyed digging a little deeper into all of it, and I'll for sure be coming back for more--wherever in the UTA Abigail Kelly takes us next!
(Also I am now absolutely in love with Olivier, even though he's a high-handed monster. And I cannot wait until a book takes us into the Orclind, or at least until we get a peek inside Kaz's head!!! I *loved* seeing Margot and Teddy through both Cammie and Viktor's eyes in this book, too. Getting that peek into their continued HEA was PERFECTION.)
**I received an advance copy of this book for review.
Cammie is a freaking QUEEN, proud and stubborn and literally bloodthirsty in her drive to protect and defend what's hers--and while old heartbreak and the considerable trauma that followed it prevents her from giving in, even to the biological imperative of The Pull, it was an absolute delight to watch Vik work his shifter-tail off to win back the elf his teenaged-self foolishly rejected, twenty years prior. And this time around, it is literally life or death for both of them.
Courtship's Conquest is a complicated dance between two EXTREMELY complicated personalities, both carrying a lot of baggage and neither living wholly free lives inside the tangled political factions of both the Elvish Protectorate and the larger UTA. I thoroughly enjoyed digging a little deeper into all of it, and I'll for sure be coming back for more--wherever in the UTA Abigail Kelly takes us next!
(Also I am now absolutely in love with Olivier, even though he's a high-handed monster. And I cannot wait until a book takes us into the Orclind, or at least until we get a peek inside Kaz's head!!! I *loved* seeing Margot and Teddy through both Cammie and Viktor's eyes in this book, too. Getting that peek into their continued HEA was PERFECTION.)
**I received an advance copy of this book for review.
March 23, 2023
okay to start off, I normally hate second chance romance with a capital h HOWEVER Abigail Kelly made me love this trope in this book! probably the only book I will like for this trope lmao. Courtship's Conquest picks up at the ending chapters of Consort's Glory with Cammie, our favorite elf, running away from Vikter, our daddy coyote shifter, and denying her full scale attraction towards him. Vik and Cam have history, sooooo much history... 20 years of history to be exact and they both have trauma (check TWs), you'd think they'd trauma bond... nah... it actually tore them apart. When they see each other again its too much and Cammie runs... as she should and Vik chases... AS HE SHOULD... its in his nature, why wouldn't he? Wanna know more? pick up the book!!!! Vik & Cam's journey was phenomenal to read and Abigail knocked it out of the park!
🔥ANGST
🔥slowburn
✨CHILDHOOD SWEETHEARTS TO ENEMIES TO LOVERS
✨deny, deny, deny their feelings for each other
✨second chance romance
Abigail wrote phenomenally, as usual, and the dive back into the NPU was effortless. I recommend reading the other books in the series, even the interconnected one, Empire, so you can grasp all the world building and information, but if you don't Abigail is nice enough to put a glossary in the back of the book!!
I received this ARC for an honest review all thoughts are completely my own.
🔥ANGST
🔥slowburn
✨CHILDHOOD SWEETHEARTS TO ENEMIES TO LOVERS
✨deny, deny, deny their feelings for each other
✨second chance romance
Abigail wrote phenomenally, as usual, and the dive back into the NPU was effortless. I recommend reading the other books in the series, even the interconnected one, Empire, so you can grasp all the world building and information, but if you don't Abigail is nice enough to put a glossary in the back of the book!!
I received this ARC for an honest review all thoughts are completely my own.
March 16, 2023
Courtship's Conquest picks up concurrently with the closing chapters of Consort's Glory (highly highly recommend reading that one first because obviously--spoilers) at the Elvish Summit. Camille and Viktor's relationship is steeped in "right place, wrong time" and a plethora of what if's of a teenage romance gone sour with miscommunication that is a hallmark of teenage love.
Both Vik and Cam grew a lot in their 20 years apart. Vik becoming a competent and reliable alpha for his pack; Cam as a determined and independent woman taking her destiny into her own hands. But their love, loyalty, and need for each other never really changed--just whether or not they were able to properly express it or not.
Abigail loves a good fated mate moment, and elves and shifters both have STRONG mating instincts/imperatives. Add in a healthy dollop of second chance romance, an assassination plot, and a dash of political machinations to an already wonderful story of strong familial bonds, and you've got the recipe for an excellent story! Watching Cam thaw to Viktor's pursuit, elegantly slipping himself through every loophole she tried to catch him with was just so sweet. When they finally threw open their proverbial curtains with each other and laid it all out and finally had a "...wait you too? All this time?? No way!" they slotted into each others lives almost seamlessly. Almost.
While every new (or new again) relationship has some growing pains, in this new matehood, Cam and Vik grow together with pretty decent communication and trust. Cam's biggest issue being an adjustment to pack life from the relative isolation/small family units of elvish community. Seeing Cam reel a bit and grow in her new role as alpha with Vik was wonderful and I look forward to seeing glimpses of them and visits from the pack as they continue to settle in.
Both Vik and Cam grew a lot in their 20 years apart. Vik becoming a competent and reliable alpha for his pack; Cam as a determined and independent woman taking her destiny into her own hands. But their love, loyalty, and need for each other never really changed--just whether or not they were able to properly express it or not.
Abigail loves a good fated mate moment, and elves and shifters both have STRONG mating instincts/imperatives. Add in a healthy dollop of second chance romance, an assassination plot, and a dash of political machinations to an already wonderful story of strong familial bonds, and you've got the recipe for an excellent story! Watching Cam thaw to Viktor's pursuit, elegantly slipping himself through every loophole she tried to catch him with was just so sweet. When they finally threw open their proverbial curtains with each other and laid it all out and finally had a "...wait you too? All this time?? No way!" they slotted into each others lives almost seamlessly. Almost.
While every new (or new again) relationship has some growing pains, in this new matehood, Cam and Vik grow together with pretty decent communication and trust. Cam's biggest issue being an adjustment to pack life from the relative isolation/small family units of elvish community. Seeing Cam reel a bit and grow in her new role as alpha with Vik was wonderful and I look forward to seeing glimpses of them and visits from the pack as they continue to settle in.
November 27, 2025
3.5 stars
This one has a nice ratio of plot to romance and I really like how the world is expanding with this book. The main characters were more interesting to me, and the characters from book one I think made for better side characters. Sure there are still little things, but improved and looking forward to the rest of the series
This one has a nice ratio of plot to romance and I really like how the world is expanding with this book. The main characters were more interesting to me, and the characters from book one I think made for better side characters. Sure there are still little things, but improved and looking forward to the rest of the series
April 3, 2023
I LOVED this book! I swear, everything I've read by Abigail Kelly has been so so good! She's quickly become one of my fav authors. This book was no exception. I'm often wary of second-chance romances (because angst makes me cry) but this book was so fricken sweet. I loveddd Vik and Cammie. They were perfect for each other. Their past was ROUGH but Vik was steadfast in winning Cammie back. I liked how it didn't take until like 80% for them to get together, and instead, we got to read a good portion of the book where they were in a relationship.
All in all, I recommend.
All in all, I recommend.
March 14, 2023
『Certainly, when she needed him most, he hadn’t thought to follow her. Nothing had changed. 』
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
OMG! OMG!
This was such an emotional ride. I had questions, complains, thoughts and ideas about everything in this story.
But what about plot?
We are following two stubborn characters who desperately want to be with each other, but…past issues, grudges and fears of the future and possible pain stop them. The ANGST in this book almost destroyed me and my sanity.
Oh, and it was amazing.
Camille (elf) is a tender, lovely sweetheart who looks like she will kill you (and she will do it if necessary). Her past and family left bruises and wounds, so there is a need to overcome this and heal herself. But Cam is still a strong and clever woman who knows her responsibilities and heart desires.
Viktor (shifter) is man with ‘boy next door’ vibes. Strong, handsome, muscular, with great hair and smile. 10/10. He is the Alpha of local pack and his dreams are to bring his mate to the den which he prepared for decades and to improve life of his people. What a man… Viktor’s past hides painful memories, decisions and regrets.
What will happen when their paths crossed once again after twenty years of eventful but kinda miserable lives? Can one night change their future? How politics and promises to loved ones can affect their decisions and thoughts?
So good.
Can not emphasize how amazing it was. I think everyone should and even must to read this book. (Preferably after reading previous books in this books).
Many thanks to Abigail Kelly for this amazing ARC. (author provided ARC in exchange for an honest review)
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
OMG! OMG!
This was such an emotional ride. I had questions, complains, thoughts and ideas about everything in this story.
But what about plot?
We are following two stubborn characters who desperately want to be with each other, but…past issues, grudges and fears of the future and possible pain stop them. The ANGST in this book almost destroyed me and my sanity.
Oh, and it was amazing.
Camille (elf) is a tender, lovely sweetheart who looks like she will kill you (and she will do it if necessary). Her past and family left bruises and wounds, so there is a need to overcome this and heal herself. But Cam is still a strong and clever woman who knows her responsibilities and heart desires.
Viktor (shifter) is man with ‘boy next door’ vibes. Strong, handsome, muscular, with great hair and smile. 10/10. He is the Alpha of local pack and his dreams are to bring his mate to the den which he prepared for decades and to improve life of his people. What a man… Viktor’s past hides painful memories, decisions and regrets.
What will happen when their paths crossed once again after twenty years of eventful but kinda miserable lives? Can one night change their future? How politics and promises to loved ones can affect their decisions and thoughts?
So good.
Can not emphasize how amazing it was. I think everyone should and even must to read this book. (Preferably after reading previous books in this books).
Many thanks to Abigail Kelly for this amazing ARC. (author provided ARC in exchange for an honest review)
December 31, 2025
The world is interesting. The characters? Not as much. Probably a me thing as I'm not a fan of second-chance romance.
December 21, 2025
3.5 stars! I was skeptical entering this book but it surprised me. Even though is full of angst I did enjoy it! It’s not my favorite book from this saga but I liked it better than Morgan and Teddy’s.
It’s a second chance romance and I always tend to skip those in general but I was curious about our FMC, Camille, who was introduced in the first book of this saga(I always struggle with putting numbers on the books because this is technically second in the saga but it’s the fourth one I’ve read since there are novellas in between). She appeared fierce and I was intrigued if she was going to make him suffer or not. In my opinion I didn’t like how she was definitely at disadvantage when it comes to their relationship. Due to her nature she was always set to suffer their separation and always needed him in her life. Her “solution” of marriage without love was ass because she was always going to suffer which it sucked in my opinion. Viktor, our MMC, needed more groveling in my opinion.
Safety
No official ow drama. —> something I hated is how he slept around on their time of separation (20 years) because he knew she was his mate!! And after rejecting her I hoped he didn’t sleep around. They were never serious just sex but still. It made me pretty mad.
Om drama —> she tries to have a union(arranged marriage) but it’s never dramatic because they never go on dates just video calls all professional about the benefits of their union. I wish we had more om drama if I’m being honest because viktor deserved it.
No one is virgin. He slept with some people but it’s not mentioned who ni how long ago, it was never serious. She loses her virginity with another elf in a pact of virginity (?). This man was sweet and i wished we got more interactions with him. It seems he has falling a little for her and is one of the two she interviewed for this union thing.
HEA
Dual pov
It’s a second chance romance and I always tend to skip those in general but I was curious about our FMC, Camille, who was introduced in the first book of this saga(I always struggle with putting numbers on the books because this is technically second in the saga but it’s the fourth one I’ve read since there are novellas in between). She appeared fierce and I was intrigued if she was going to make him suffer or not. In my opinion I didn’t like how she was definitely at disadvantage when it comes to their relationship. Due to her nature she was always set to suffer their separation and always needed him in her life. Her “solution” of marriage without love was ass because she was always going to suffer which it sucked in my opinion. Viktor, our MMC, needed more groveling in my opinion.
Safety
No official ow drama. —> something I hated is how he slept around on their time of separation (20 years) because he knew she was his mate!! And after rejecting her I hoped he didn’t sleep around. They were never serious just sex but still. It made me pretty mad.
Om drama —> she tries to have a union(arranged marriage) but it’s never dramatic because they never go on dates just video calls all professional about the benefits of their union. I wish we had more om drama if I’m being honest because viktor deserved it.
No one is virgin. He slept with some people but it’s not mentioned who ni how long ago, it was never serious. She loses her virginity with another elf in a pact of virginity (?). This man was sweet and i wished we got more interactions with him. It seems he has falling a little for her and is one of the two she interviewed for this union thing.
HEA
Dual pov
December 12, 2025
3.5 - enjoyed it overall but still felt like it may been a touch long
April 7, 2023
⚡️ I was provided an ARC by the author in exchange for an honest review
🌟: 5 / 5
📚: Following the death of her mother, Camille Solbourne feels like she has no choice but to arrange a marriage for herself that will be nothing more than a business arrangement to protect herself politically— especially following an unplanned reunion with Viktor Hamilton, her teenage love, that confirms that they’re meant to be.
This book does grumpy x sunshine in such a perfect way— the trope absolutely reinforces so much of the characterization that we see ever since the characters are introduced, but also reinforces the complicated rules and hierarchies that the characters find themselves subject to.
The TL;DR of this review really comes down to how much I deeply love the universe that Kelly has built in The New Protectorate: the lore, the politics, the magic systems, and the navigations that relationships make within that world are so meticulous and wonderful to experience. It’s not only a phenomenal romance novel, but it’s truly an incredible take on urban fantasy worldbuilding that you can absolutely lose yourself in.
This one is just so cute with its “it’s always been you” romance, I was squealing with delight at the sweetness and holding my breath at the will-they-won’t-they, more often than most books I’ve read in this genre. It’s so easy to fall in love with Camille and Viktor and all of their prickly edges and baggage as they grow together, despite their mutual stubbornness. And while their romance is certainly a slower burn at times, they do burn very hot (like, VERY HOT, spicy even).
I absolutely love this series, I am so eager for more, I cannot recommend it enough.
🌟: 5 / 5
📚: Following the death of her mother, Camille Solbourne feels like she has no choice but to arrange a marriage for herself that will be nothing more than a business arrangement to protect herself politically— especially following an unplanned reunion with Viktor Hamilton, her teenage love, that confirms that they’re meant to be.
This book does grumpy x sunshine in such a perfect way— the trope absolutely reinforces so much of the characterization that we see ever since the characters are introduced, but also reinforces the complicated rules and hierarchies that the characters find themselves subject to.
The TL;DR of this review really comes down to how much I deeply love the universe that Kelly has built in The New Protectorate: the lore, the politics, the magic systems, and the navigations that relationships make within that world are so meticulous and wonderful to experience. It’s not only a phenomenal romance novel, but it’s truly an incredible take on urban fantasy worldbuilding that you can absolutely lose yourself in.
This one is just so cute with its “it’s always been you” romance, I was squealing with delight at the sweetness and holding my breath at the will-they-won’t-they, more often than most books I’ve read in this genre. It’s so easy to fall in love with Camille and Viktor and all of their prickly edges and baggage as they grow together, despite their mutual stubbornness. And while their romance is certainly a slower burn at times, they do burn very hot (like, VERY HOT, spicy even).
I absolutely love this series, I am so eager for more, I cannot recommend it enough.
March 28, 2023
This is the 2nd book I have read from this author and I believe this is the first book of a new series. Camila is trying to fight her attraction toward Viktor an alpha wolf shifter. But, she couldn’t deny her strong affection for him. But she didn’t want to accept that her mate is him. This story was a bit long in depth about how there is an outside force trying to stop Viktor. And since he’s interest is in Cammie then she became under the spot light. I read this pretty fast and I should have read it slowly. There are multiple characters involved to make their story more character in-depth ( does that make sense?) anyways this was definitely interesting and I love the cover image. Great job.
May 20, 2023
2.5/5*
Eh it was ok. Definitely disappointing compared to the first book though
Eh it was ok. Definitely disappointing compared to the first book though
May 30, 2023
Courtship’s Conquest by Abigail Kelly brings us back to the alternate US called the United Territories and Allies (UTA) in the near future where humans coexist with fey, demons, elves, witches, and more. If you’ve read Consort’s Glory, then you’ll recognize most of the characters.
Camille Solbourne is an elf who found her consort (similar to a mate) when she was sixteen, but was rejected by him. As long as she has no contact with him, she will won’t suffer the consequences of being separated from her consort. Viktor Hamilton is a coyote shifter who found his mate in Camille, but rejected her. When they meet again twenty years later, he realizes that he can’t stay away from her any longer. At the same time Camille is focused on finding someone to marry and has settled for a union, which is similar to an arranged marriage.
I really enjoyed this book! Even though I’m not a fan of second chance romances, Abigail Kelly managed to write one that I liked. I loved reading about how hard Viktor tried to win Camille’s affections again. I also loved how Camille didn’t make it easy for him 😂 In usual Abigail Kelly fashion, there was also plenty of 🌶️spice🌶️
I loved seeing how Camille and Viktor got their HEA even though there was a lot of painful history between them. I also loved seeing Margot and Theodore from Consort’s Glory again! I do recommend reading Consort’s Glory before reading Courtship’s Conquest to get a better understanding of the world and characters even though it is not necessary.
If you love paranormal or fantasy romances, fated mates, second chance romance, a shifter hero, and a powerful heroine, then this is the book for you!
A huge thanks to Abigail Kelly for the ARC!
Camille Solbourne is an elf who found her consort (similar to a mate) when she was sixteen, but was rejected by him. As long as she has no contact with him, she will won’t suffer the consequences of being separated from her consort. Viktor Hamilton is a coyote shifter who found his mate in Camille, but rejected her. When they meet again twenty years later, he realizes that he can’t stay away from her any longer. At the same time Camille is focused on finding someone to marry and has settled for a union, which is similar to an arranged marriage.
I really enjoyed this book! Even though I’m not a fan of second chance romances, Abigail Kelly managed to write one that I liked. I loved reading about how hard Viktor tried to win Camille’s affections again. I also loved how Camille didn’t make it easy for him 😂 In usual Abigail Kelly fashion, there was also plenty of 🌶️spice🌶️
I loved seeing how Camille and Viktor got their HEA even though there was a lot of painful history between them. I also loved seeing Margot and Theodore from Consort’s Glory again! I do recommend reading Consort’s Glory before reading Courtship’s Conquest to get a better understanding of the world and characters even though it is not necessary.
If you love paranormal or fantasy romances, fated mates, second chance romance, a shifter hero, and a powerful heroine, then this is the book for you!
A huge thanks to Abigail Kelly for the ARC!
July 15, 2025
I'm usually a sucker for second chance romances where the characters never really got together in th first place. So, I was so excited to read this, but I feel like the execution fell a bit flat. The fact that H claims to be in love with h but still slept with other women while they were apart did kinda bother me. Also, most of their tension was resolved by 60%, and since this wasn't as beautiful and sweet a romance as the first novel, I started to really lose interest after they bonded.
Plot:
- H is a coyote shifter who's mate is h, an elf. We learn throughout the book that they knew and fell in love when they were young. However, when h asked if H would run away with her, he said no, and that rejection made her avoid him at all costs. H is devastated that he won't get another chance, and tries his very best to move on.
- After two decades apart, they run into each other at the summit and H fingers her in a secluded office.
- h suffers more each time she is close to him and not with him, and is determined to finally try to get over him by entering into a union with another elf
- when H learns of this, he convinces h's cousin to put him on the list of potential suitors, so that he can try to win her back
- In their first meeting, h finally reveals to H that he's her consort, and that she has been suffering this whole time from withdrawal like symptoms. H is horrified, not knowing that he was her consort and that she even cared or missed him. H reveals how he wasn't able to express himself clearly, and did want to be mates. He just didn't think they would survive if they ran away at 16. He convinces her to go on a date with him at the beach.
- Meanwhile, H has been busy bc he's been trying to negotiate for the shifter Alliance to accept him and let them move to a new land.
- h starts to let down her walls and calls H when she misses him
- At the beach, their date is going well when all of a sudden H is shot. h is furious and goes to attack him. When support finally arrives, h's cousin stops her by making her see how injured H is. His heart stops and he is on the brink of death.
- They wake up the next morning and alive, and H decides to cancel all of her other suitors bc last night's events made her realize that she wanted to be with H.
- They learn its this other Alpha who put out a bounty on H bc he's opposed to him joining the Alliance. However, the Alliance agrees to let H get his justice in their old fashioned ways - via a duel
- At the duel, h has a horrible feeling and is so anxious bc this is how her father died. However, the daughter of the other alpha asks if she can take his place, and she wins.
Plot:
- H is a coyote shifter who's mate is h, an elf. We learn throughout the book that they knew and fell in love when they were young. However, when h asked if H would run away with her, he said no, and that rejection made her avoid him at all costs. H is devastated that he won't get another chance, and tries his very best to move on.
- After two decades apart, they run into each other at the summit and H fingers her in a secluded office.
- h suffers more each time she is close to him and not with him, and is determined to finally try to get over him by entering into a union with another elf
- when H learns of this, he convinces h's cousin to put him on the list of potential suitors, so that he can try to win her back
- In their first meeting, h finally reveals to H that he's her consort, and that she has been suffering this whole time from withdrawal like symptoms. H is horrified, not knowing that he was her consort and that she even cared or missed him. H reveals how he wasn't able to express himself clearly, and did want to be mates. He just didn't think they would survive if they ran away at 16. He convinces her to go on a date with him at the beach.
- Meanwhile, H has been busy bc he's been trying to negotiate for the shifter Alliance to accept him and let them move to a new land.
- h starts to let down her walls and calls H when she misses him
- At the beach, their date is going well when all of a sudden H is shot. h is furious and goes to attack him. When support finally arrives, h's cousin stops her by making her see how injured H is. His heart stops and he is on the brink of death.
- They wake up the next morning and alive, and H decides to cancel all of her other suitors bc last night's events made her realize that she wanted to be with H.
- They learn its this other Alpha who put out a bounty on H bc he's opposed to him joining the Alliance. However, the Alliance agrees to let H get his justice in their old fashioned ways - via a duel
- At the duel, h has a horrible feeling and is so anxious bc this is how her father died. However, the daughter of the other alpha asks if she can take his place, and she wins.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 14, 2024
This book gave me more whiplash than a slingshot ride at an amusement park. The speed of which they were getting down to business was astonishing. Literally like two chapters in and they were already having sex.
I loved this book. I have to say way more than the first.
However I do kinda feel like Viktors character was slightly different from the first book. I dunno if that’s just me but he seemed so flirty and much more funny in the first book than he did in the second. I really wish we could’ve gotten more cocky, flirty Viktor.
I will say though this book had much better pacing and a lot less words. In the last book I complained about how sometimes there was so much said but not really done and while that is the same in this book. It was done in a way that didn’t feel too lengthy.
I’m sure than in the next book the writing will be even better and I’m excited to start on Kaz’s romance.
Now. My favorite moment in this book was for sure the phone call scene!
Where Camille calls Viktor in the middle of the night just because she missed him and wanted to hear his voice. There was something so soft about her finally letting her guard down that made me really scream while reading.
My least favorite thing about this book was the guy who stormed into her house. I forgot his name it was long and started with like an E and I thought that maybe he’d have more relevance to the story ? But no he kinda just was there to give way for 2 things. 1 being to make Viktor protective over Camille. And 2 to give him MORE reason to stake his claim on her.
I know regardless of the guy he was gonna do it. But it kinda made the moment feel more like “I have to do this so other men know you’re mine” then a “I’m doing this because you’re mine” yknow ?
Anyways. LOVED the book can’t wait for book 3!!!
I loved this book. I have to say way more than the first.
However I do kinda feel like Viktors character was slightly different from the first book. I dunno if that’s just me but he seemed so flirty and much more funny in the first book than he did in the second. I really wish we could’ve gotten more cocky, flirty Viktor.
I will say though this book had much better pacing and a lot less words. In the last book I complained about how sometimes there was so much said but not really done and while that is the same in this book. It was done in a way that didn’t feel too lengthy.
I’m sure than in the next book the writing will be even better and I’m excited to start on Kaz’s romance.
Now. My favorite moment in this book was for sure the phone call scene!
Where Camille calls Viktor in the middle of the night just because she missed him and wanted to hear his voice. There was something so soft about her finally letting her guard down that made me really scream while reading.
My least favorite thing about this book was the guy who stormed into her house. I forgot his name it was long and started with like an E and I thought that maybe he’d have more relevance to the story ? But no he kinda just was there to give way for 2 things. 1 being to make Viktor protective over Camille. And 2 to give him MORE reason to stake his claim on her.
I know regardless of the guy he was gonna do it. But it kinda made the moment feel more like “I have to do this so other men know you’re mine” then a “I’m doing this because you’re mine” yknow ?
Anyways. LOVED the book can’t wait for book 3!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 4, 2026
2.5⭐
Não gostei desse. O livro não é ruim, mas a falta de poder de escolha da Cammie me irritou e me deixou triste. Ela não consegue controlar absolutamente nada na vida dela, todas as escolhas são tiradas. Até mesmo seus gostos e preferências não são respeitados ou levados em conta: ela diz que não quer ter filhos, ele diz "veremos"; ela diz que não quer ir acampar, ele diz que ela vai sim; ela não gosta de muito contato físico sem ser com o parceiro dela, ele diz que ela vai aprender a gostar; ela diz que não quer segurar bebês de estranhos, ele joga um bebê nos braços dela. Enfim... Esse tipo de coisa me irritou profundamente.
Eu fiquei triste, inclusive, que ele demorou 20 anos ignorando ela enquanto os dois sofriam com o laço incompleto de parceria (ela principalmente), e só foi atrás dela de verdade verdadeira porque Theodore deu com a língua nos dentes e contou que ela estava escolhendo um marido. Justo quando ela tinha o Cyrus, que a ama de verdade, mesmo sem um laço de parceria 🥺
Até aquela cena no quartinho do Summit me deu raiva também.
Espero que o próximo seja melhor.
Não gostei desse. O livro não é ruim, mas a falta de poder de escolha da Cammie me irritou e me deixou triste. Ela não consegue controlar absolutamente nada na vida dela, todas as escolhas são tiradas. Até mesmo seus gostos e preferências não são respeitados ou levados em conta: ela diz que não quer ter filhos, ele diz "veremos"; ela diz que não quer ir acampar, ele diz que ela vai sim; ela não gosta de muito contato físico sem ser com o parceiro dela, ele diz que ela vai aprender a gostar; ela diz que não quer segurar bebês de estranhos, ele joga um bebê nos braços dela. Enfim... Esse tipo de coisa me irritou profundamente.
Eu fiquei triste, inclusive, que ele demorou 20 anos ignorando ela enquanto os dois sofriam com o laço incompleto de parceria (ela principalmente), e só foi atrás dela de verdade verdadeira porque Theodore deu com a língua nos dentes e contou que ela estava escolhendo um marido. Justo quando ela tinha o Cyrus, que a ama de verdade, mesmo sem um laço de parceria 🥺
Até aquela cena no quartinho do Summit me deu raiva também.
Espero que o próximo seja melhor.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 28, 2023
Everything about the books in this series just work for me, they are alternate history of the US where a multitude of beings are the norm and we get to experience different elements of their lives and learn about shifters, Elves, Witches and more!
Courtships Conquest is book 2 in the New Protectorate series and is full of fierce friendships, strong messages of family, grief, second chances, mutual pining, and lavender haze.
We follow Camille and Viktor who grew into a young love but were pulled apart as teens due to family issues and misunderstandings-20 years later a chance encounter ignites the fire between them and no matter how hard they fight the pull the need to be together is insatiable. Their journey is filled with ups and down, family obligations, alpha challenges, and cozy den moments.
There is action and danger as well as truly sweet moments between the two MCs as they reconnect and give their romance a second chance.
I was given an advanced copy of this to read but all opinions are my own.
Courtships Conquest is book 2 in the New Protectorate series and is full of fierce friendships, strong messages of family, grief, second chances, mutual pining, and lavender haze.
We follow Camille and Viktor who grew into a young love but were pulled apart as teens due to family issues and misunderstandings-20 years later a chance encounter ignites the fire between them and no matter how hard they fight the pull the need to be together is insatiable. Their journey is filled with ups and down, family obligations, alpha challenges, and cozy den moments.
There is action and danger as well as truly sweet moments between the two MCs as they reconnect and give their romance a second chance.
I was given an advanced copy of this to read but all opinions are my own.
December 4, 2023
Who doesn't love angsty second chance romance? This book has one of the best love letters ever written.
This is the second full length novel in the New Protectorate Universe and you can see the author getting her feet under her after a great debut novel in Consort's Glory that briefly introduces the protagonists of this novel. You do not need to have read Consort's Glory to enjoy this Courtship's Conquest but the second book will have more depth if you read the first.
One of the nice things about this book is that neither of the protagonists is human. Too many paranormal romance's have supernatural male main character hooking up with a "regular jane" human woman. Kelly's books generally don't do that and this one is particularly good at depicting two contrasting non-human cultures and the tensions and gaps between the protagonists that result.
Camille the elvish aristocrat is a nice rendering of the trope "bratty rich girl with difficult emotional backstory" and Viktor the charming coyote shifter is perfect "warm fuzzy dude who bites but loves babies".
This is the second full length novel in the New Protectorate Universe and you can see the author getting her feet under her after a great debut novel in Consort's Glory that briefly introduces the protagonists of this novel. You do not need to have read Consort's Glory to enjoy this Courtship's Conquest but the second book will have more depth if you read the first.
One of the nice things about this book is that neither of the protagonists is human. Too many paranormal romance's have supernatural male main character hooking up with a "regular jane" human woman. Kelly's books generally don't do that and this one is particularly good at depicting two contrasting non-human cultures and the tensions and gaps between the protagonists that result.
Camille the elvish aristocrat is a nice rendering of the trope "bratty rich girl with difficult emotional backstory" and Viktor the charming coyote shifter is perfect "warm fuzzy dude who bites but loves babies".
April 2, 2023
I liked book 1 and the earlier books in this series.
I was not a fan of the "second chance" romance. At 16, the hero rejected the heroine. They haven't seen each other in 20 years, even though they are mates. This seems ridiculous to me. If you are truly mates, you wouldn't be able to stay away from each other that long.
Then they run into each other at a government function, so they fool around in a little room where anybody could have walked in on them. After 20 years of no contact.
Heroine's mother dies and she decides she wants babies and a husband so she starts talking to other elf families about an alliance. The hero finds out and tries to stop her.
At this point, I stopped reading the book. I didn't feel any connection between them except being angry with each other.
I highly recommend the earlier books in this series which have the heroes finding their mates, and living happily ever after.
I was not a fan of the "second chance" romance. At 16, the hero rejected the heroine. They haven't seen each other in 20 years, even though they are mates. This seems ridiculous to me. If you are truly mates, you wouldn't be able to stay away from each other that long.
Then they run into each other at a government function, so they fool around in a little room where anybody could have walked in on them. After 20 years of no contact.
Heroine's mother dies and she decides she wants babies and a husband so she starts talking to other elf families about an alliance. The hero finds out and tries to stop her.
At this point, I stopped reading the book. I didn't feel any connection between them except being angry with each other.
I highly recommend the earlier books in this series which have the heroes finding their mates, and living happily ever after.
August 21, 2023
I went back and forth between three and four stars for this. I liked it a lot better than the first book in the series, which got bogged down with massive quantities of plot and worldbuilding, but at the same time, the lack of worldbuilding here was kind of a problem. The world here is complicated and intricate and I think I would have been very confused about some fundamental aspects of the story if I hadn't read the first book, and read it carefully enough to remember all of the details of elves and shifters and their mating practices and their family histories. It's a shame because as a self-contained romance this is really fun: it's a second-chance romance between a tough-as-nails elf princess and a devoted coyote shifter alpha, with lots of angst and courtship and then a nice long in-a-relationship-getting-settled section while they deal with actual plot stuff. But I don't think it's really readable as a self-contained romance.
April 22, 2023
5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
So you finish book 1 thinking you’ve seen the best. And then Abigail Kelly drops this massive gift.
Frankly, the chemistry between Vik and Camille is probably one of the best and hottest I’ve read these last months. The second chance trope was perfectly written, with all its lows and ups. You just grow with the characters, which is made easier with the dual POV.
The writing is excellent. So okay there’s a lot of inner dialogue and sometimes a bit too much of information, but all in all the books wouldn’t have that kind of quality they have. As I said for book 2, the world building is fucking incredible. I’m French so explaining in English why this serie is probably better than most of the books I’ve read is quite complicated.
I definitely recommend it. Now waiting for book 3 is gonna be pretty long. Fortunately there are the short stories set in the same universe!
So you finish book 1 thinking you’ve seen the best. And then Abigail Kelly drops this massive gift.
Frankly, the chemistry between Vik and Camille is probably one of the best and hottest I’ve read these last months. The second chance trope was perfectly written, with all its lows and ups. You just grow with the characters, which is made easier with the dual POV.
The writing is excellent. So okay there’s a lot of inner dialogue and sometimes a bit too much of information, but all in all the books wouldn’t have that kind of quality they have. As I said for book 2, the world building is fucking incredible. I’m French so explaining in English why this serie is probably better than most of the books I’ve read is quite complicated.
I definitely recommend it. Now waiting for book 3 is gonna be pretty long. Fortunately there are the short stories set in the same universe!
March 17, 2024
Turn around
I can't enjoy a book if the HEA is implausible. You know the kind, the MC is a jerk, if not outright abusive, for 80% and then says the right thing, or realises the right thing, or just, out of the blue, tells the FC that actually, he's loved her all along (yuck) and they live happily ever after. Somehow.
I hate those books. It feels like reading a how to manual for gaslighters.
This book seemed like one of those. For nearly half the book, I really hated Viktor, and wanted her to choose the other guy. But. But, Ms Kelly did the impossible and redeemed a male lead that I thought was a lost cause. I mean, I'd still like to smack him, but the HEA was plausible and Viktor's redemption was believable.
I can't enjoy a book if the HEA is implausible. You know the kind, the MC is a jerk, if not outright abusive, for 80% and then says the right thing, or realises the right thing, or just, out of the blue, tells the FC that actually, he's loved her all along (yuck) and they live happily ever after. Somehow.
I hate those books. It feels like reading a how to manual for gaslighters.
This book seemed like one of those. For nearly half the book, I really hated Viktor, and wanted her to choose the other guy. But. But, Ms Kelly did the impossible and redeemed a male lead that I thought was a lost cause. I mean, I'd still like to smack him, but the HEA was plausible and Viktor's redemption was believable.
January 13, 2025
This book was really good! At least as good as the first, if not better. I really enjoyed the romance, although truthfully, I was a little bit muddy about their past and why she asked him to run away/why he responded the way he did? It seemed more like a miscommunication than anything, which is kind of a crazy reason to completely avoid your fated mate for twenty years! Also, it was not totally clear to me if the shifters have like actual fated mates or chosen mates… But besides that, I thought they were a really cute couple. There was a LITTLE more going on plot-wise in this book, but not a ton. I am enjoying the clear community of elves/elf-adjacent characters that is being created, and I look forward to the next book.
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