What do you think?
Rate this book
Monstrous Mates #1
Taken by the Dark Elf King
Princess Elveena has never seen a dark elf in her life. As princess of the light of elves, their two kinds have been separated since before her birth. When a royal messenger arrives inviting them to a ball hosted by the king of the dark elves, Elvie knows she cannot pass up on this once in a lifetime opportunity. Even after the warnings from her father, Elvie knows this will be a night she’ll never forget. She expected to end the night with sore feet from the endless hours of dancing… not to be engaged to the king himself! Trapped in this new kingdom, Elvie knows she must make the most of her new situation. With each passing day she learns that King Arkain is not what she thought a dark elf would be like. Sure he is mean and beastly compared to the males she is used to but, Elvie quickly finds that to be the reason he excites her so much. As the threat of war looms, will this budding passion between Elvie and the king continue to blossom? Or will she lose herself and all that she loves in the process?
For a full list of tropes and other information, please check my website.
For a full list of tropes and other information, please check my website.
196 pages, Paperback
First published October 25, 2022
502 people are currently reading
5986 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 513 reviews
November 4, 2023
4 ⭐️ Such a quick, fun, enjoyable read!!!
“If you asked me for the sun, I would find a way to give it to you. I can deny you nothing, my love.”
WHAT TO EXPECT:
✨ light and dark elves
✨ bold, kind, non-virgin FMC
✨ wary, self-loathing, possessive MMC
✨ forced-marriage
✨ enemies to lovers
✨ political intrigue
✨ smut
✨ HEA
This was great, especially for a debut novel! I will legit read anything Charlotte writes.
I love Elvie and Arkain! Their romance was everything I wanted and so much more. They’re sweet, spicy, and deep. Absolute perfection. 💕
The story is fascinating and refreshing. I read a lot of fantasy/paranormal/monster romance, but I've actually never read anything featuring elves, so this was a nice change.
I also enjoyed that this story gave me Beauty and the Beast vibes. Elvie has heard nothing but wicked things about the Dark Elf King and how he turned into a beast to defeat his enemies. However, instead of being frightened, Elvie is intrigued. There's also the fact she essentially gets tricked into staying at his castle/on his lands, and after spending time together, Elvie realizes there is more to Arkain than the stories portraying him as a monster.
Overall, I loved this story and 100% recommend it! My rating is mostly based on vibes and my feelings while reading, and I don’t even care. Taken By The Dark Elf King is what I needed at the time. I cannot wait for the next book in the Monstrous Mates series!
“If you asked me for the sun, I would find a way to give it to you. I can deny you nothing, my love.”
WHAT TO EXPECT:
✨ light and dark elves
✨ bold, kind, non-virgin FMC
✨ wary, self-loathing, possessive MMC
✨ forced-marriage
✨ enemies to lovers
✨ political intrigue
✨ smut
✨ HEA
This was great, especially for a debut novel! I will legit read anything Charlotte writes.
I love Elvie and Arkain! Their romance was everything I wanted and so much more. They’re sweet, spicy, and deep. Absolute perfection. 💕
The story is fascinating and refreshing. I read a lot of fantasy/paranormal/monster romance, but I've actually never read anything featuring elves, so this was a nice change.
I also enjoyed that this story gave me Beauty and the Beast vibes. Elvie has heard nothing but wicked things about the Dark Elf King and how he turned into a beast to defeat his enemies. However, instead of being frightened, Elvie is intrigued. There's also the fact she essentially gets tricked into staying at his castle/on his lands, and after spending time together, Elvie realizes there is more to Arkain than the stories portraying him as a monster.
Overall, I loved this story and 100% recommend it! My rating is mostly based on vibes and my feelings while reading, and I don’t even care. Taken By The Dark Elf King is what I needed at the time. I cannot wait for the next book in the Monstrous Mates series!
October 31, 2022
(2.5 stars)
I don’t know if this makes sense but I hate when a book just like happens, you know? Like in this book, there are itty bitty conflicts that happen every chapter, and are then resolved by the end of the same chapter. It’s like a sitcom.
But our two main characters fight, and then the next sentence, when they walk away angrily, they immediately regret their words and actions. Like let’s take a pause in the progression of the “plot” and stew in our emotions please.
I don’t know if this makes sense but I hate when a book just like happens, you know? Like in this book, there are itty bitty conflicts that happen every chapter, and are then resolved by the end of the same chapter. It’s like a sitcom.
But our two main characters fight, and then the next sentence, when they walk away angrily, they immediately regret their words and actions. Like let’s take a pause in the progression of the “plot” and stew in our emotions please.
November 5, 2022
3.5 stars
I always enjoy finding debut books and especially when it's a solidly good read. Taken by the Dark Elf King had a lot of strengths and I think this author will likely only strengthen her writing. In this world, light elves and dark elves are separated and have been for many years following a war with orcs in which the light elves didn't provide the dark elves with the fighting support they needed. However, King Arkain (H) of the dark elves has decided to hold a ball and invited light elves to join. Elvie (h) is the only princess of the light elves and is intrigued by the dark elves and the ball, but has no idea it's actually part of a plan to get her to the kingdom to be chosen as the bride for Arkain. Written in first person, dual POV. No ow drama, tiny om drama from a former suitor of the h's, neither are virgins (very little info on his history and some history for her, but no scenes with others - it might have aimed for a sex positivity spin but I prefer less sexual history for all main characters), some breeding kink.
I liked Elvie with her open-mindedness and desire to embrace her new life and kingdom, no matter how she was brought there. She was a sweetheart. Arkain was more complex with past traumas and insecurities knotted up inside and with a beastly edge, but still a caring person. These two connect when they first meet, under the guise of deception, and have some starts and stops in building their relationship as truths are shared. Some distrust lingers and occasionally simmers over because of situations. However, their courting was sweet and I thought their romance was paced well. There was a good effort to build emotional intimacy and esp vulnerability with Arkain. It is a slow burn for steamy times (after the halfway mark), but several scenes are fitted in once they start since they can't get enough of each other. Arkain is very jealous/possessive of Elvie and she's on board with it.
A threat of another war with the orcs looms over the dark elves and not everyone is accepting of Elvie being the new dark elf queen. She does have a great friendship with the castle's alchemist though (who's going to be the heroine of the next book). There are some betrayals in the book, along with some violence. Pacing-wise, I felt like the first part of the story flowed well and then the second part was somewhat rushed, possibly focused more on the sexiness happening at the cost of the action/drama. The final conflict and resolution could have esp been more fleshed out. I wanted more in parts and that's why this wasn't a four star read for me.
I did like that there was an epilogue and that it included changes that were brought about because of Elvie, esp with the relationship with light elves. I also felt like their HEA was assured, always a positive feeling. Overall this was a fun read. I'll definitely try more books by this author. This one is a standalone, but the epilogue does hint at a lead-in for the heroine of book 2.
I always enjoy finding debut books and especially when it's a solidly good read. Taken by the Dark Elf King had a lot of strengths and I think this author will likely only strengthen her writing. In this world, light elves and dark elves are separated and have been for many years following a war with orcs in which the light elves didn't provide the dark elves with the fighting support they needed. However, King Arkain (H) of the dark elves has decided to hold a ball and invited light elves to join. Elvie (h) is the only princess of the light elves and is intrigued by the dark elves and the ball, but has no idea it's actually part of a plan to get her to the kingdom to be chosen as the bride for Arkain. Written in first person, dual POV. No ow drama, tiny om drama from a former suitor of the h's, neither are virgins (very little info on his history and some history for her, but no scenes with others - it might have aimed for a sex positivity spin but I prefer less sexual history for all main characters), some breeding kink.
I liked Elvie with her open-mindedness and desire to embrace her new life and kingdom, no matter how she was brought there. She was a sweetheart. Arkain was more complex with past traumas and insecurities knotted up inside and with a beastly edge, but still a caring person. These two connect when they first meet, under the guise of deception, and have some starts and stops in building their relationship as truths are shared. Some distrust lingers and occasionally simmers over because of situations. However, their courting was sweet and I thought their romance was paced well. There was a good effort to build emotional intimacy and esp vulnerability with Arkain. It is a slow burn for steamy times (after the halfway mark), but several scenes are fitted in once they start since they can't get enough of each other. Arkain is very jealous/possessive of Elvie and she's on board with it.
A threat of another war with the orcs looms over the dark elves and not everyone is accepting of Elvie being the new dark elf queen. She does have a great friendship with the castle's alchemist though (who's going to be the heroine of the next book). There are some betrayals in the book, along with some violence. Pacing-wise, I felt like the first part of the story flowed well and then the second part was somewhat rushed, possibly focused more on the sexiness happening at the cost of the action/drama. The final conflict and resolution could have esp been more fleshed out. I wanted more in parts and that's why this wasn't a four star read for me.
I did like that there was an epilogue and that it included changes that were brought about because of Elvie, esp with the relationship with light elves. I also felt like their HEA was assured, always a positive feeling. Overall this was a fun read. I'll definitely try more books by this author. This one is a standalone, but the epilogue does hint at a lead-in for the heroine of book 2.
April 10, 2023
No pensé que me iba a gustar tanto.... los protagonistas me cayeron bien y la trama fue lo suficientemente entretenida como para mantenerme enganchada, es relativamente corto para un libro de fantasía y creo que es una de las razones por las cual me gusto mucho más, no hubo explicaciones super largas del mundo o poderes o historia del lore etc.
Amo que el protagonista principal sea este elfo oscuro super temido que todo el mundo llama "La bestia" pero es un TIPAZO. Imagínense la vara está por el mismísimo suelo porque me puse re feliz que el chabon entienda el concepto de CONCENTIMIENTO... dios odio al romance oscuro moderno you bitches don't deserve rights.
I may have the soul of a monster but mistreating a female is not something I would ever do.
lo quiero❤️ (de vuelta... la vara por el suelo)
su relación fue super cute, me gustó como se conocieron y sus personalidades fueron bastante refrescantes, después de leer 25 libros con un protagonista masculino estoico que no puede expresar sus sentimientos y es una basura de persona junto con una protagonista medio boluda que nunca dice nada y esta ahí nada más. ¿Pueden creer que se COMUNICAN en este libro? increíble.
Amo que ella sea la elfa de la luz pero sea la mas "promiscua" (no se si esa es la palabra ideal para describirla igual, es la que más onda le pone al principio al aspecto sexual) y él el elfo oscuro como re tieso respetuoso "como que me dejaste entrar cuando te estabas bañando!!! me voy a dar vuelta y mirar a la pared" cuando en realidad por dentro le quiere dar masa.
Hubieron un par de cosas que me sacaron de quicio (yo a la primera que ese pajero de mierda le hablo mal a mi esposa lo decapitaba... era obvio que el lo iba a traicionar pero bueno que se yo) las partes de sexo fueron medio meh, tipo algunas me daban cringe, pero tuvieron tantos momentos super asquerosamente cute que me clave las escenas con el breeding kink sin decir ni a.
En fin, me gustó y leere el segundo libro ✌🏻
Amo que el protagonista principal sea este elfo oscuro super temido que todo el mundo llama "La bestia" pero es un TIPAZO. Imagínense la vara está por el mismísimo suelo porque me puse re feliz que el chabon entienda el concepto de CONCENTIMIENTO... dios odio al romance oscuro moderno you bitches don't deserve rights.
I may have the soul of a monster but mistreating a female is not something I would ever do.
lo quiero❤️ (de vuelta... la vara por el suelo)
su relación fue super cute, me gustó como se conocieron y sus personalidades fueron bastante refrescantes, después de leer 25 libros con un protagonista masculino estoico que no puede expresar sus sentimientos y es una basura de persona junto con una protagonista medio boluda que nunca dice nada y esta ahí nada más. ¿Pueden creer que se COMUNICAN en este libro? increíble.
Amo que ella sea la elfa de la luz pero sea la mas "promiscua" (no se si esa es la palabra ideal para describirla igual, es la que más onda le pone al principio al aspecto sexual) y él el elfo oscuro como re tieso respetuoso "como que me dejaste entrar cuando te estabas bañando!!! me voy a dar vuelta y mirar a la pared" cuando en realidad por dentro le quiere dar masa.
Hubieron un par de cosas que me sacaron de quicio (yo a la primera que ese pajero de mierda le hablo mal a mi esposa lo decapitaba... era obvio que el lo iba a traicionar pero bueno que se yo) las partes de sexo fueron medio meh, tipo algunas me daban cringe, pero tuvieron tantos momentos super asquerosamente cute que me clave las escenas con el breeding kink sin decir ni a.
En fin, me gustó y leere el segundo libro ✌🏻
November 18, 2022
“Taken by the Dark Elf King” by Charlotte Swan
2⭐️/5⭐️
3🌶/5🌶
“Before I can move, though, something stops me. No not something, someone. The most beautiful creature I have ever seen.”
-I’ll begin by saying this: I really wanted to like this story. The cover is gorgeous and absolutely captivating, and the summary sounded promising. The bones of the story are solid, my problems are with its execution. As the story progressed it felt more and more like a detailed outline for a longer story. The pacing felt very rushed, there were many times I had to pause and re-read in order to understand that “yes, the story moved from point A to point Z within two paragraphs”.
-I found the instalove to be really dull, I craved more tension and pushback from Elvie. At first I thought the story would follow in the same vein as “Luxuria”, which is about a woman who has a monster fetish becoming married to a monster (this book is excellent, and really appeals to those who love reading monster romances). However, there’s no tension between Elvie and Arkain. Mutual attraction is realized really quickly, and then they become intimate.
-The spice is ok. It started promising, but felt quite dull by the end of the story.
-I think this story had a lot of potential, but it fell short. If this book had some serious developmental editing it would make for an incredible story. Add tension between the MCs, make Elvie less agreeable to being in Myrkovin, flesh out the villain and make it less predictable, add some kind of conflict between Elvie and her parents (it seemed like everything she had been taught about the dark elves were a lie, and yet she’s cool with it? If it were me I’d be mad at my parents), and add depth to the magic system.
2⭐️/5⭐️
3🌶/5🌶
“Before I can move, though, something stops me. No not something, someone. The most beautiful creature I have ever seen.”
-I’ll begin by saying this: I really wanted to like this story. The cover is gorgeous and absolutely captivating, and the summary sounded promising. The bones of the story are solid, my problems are with its execution. As the story progressed it felt more and more like a detailed outline for a longer story. The pacing felt very rushed, there were many times I had to pause and re-read in order to understand that “yes, the story moved from point A to point Z within two paragraphs”.
-I found the instalove to be really dull, I craved more tension and pushback from Elvie. At first I thought the story would follow in the same vein as “Luxuria”, which is about a woman who has a monster fetish becoming married to a monster (this book is excellent, and really appeals to those who love reading monster romances). However, there’s no tension between Elvie and Arkain. Mutual attraction is realized really quickly, and then they become intimate.
-The spice is ok. It started promising, but felt quite dull by the end of the story.
-I think this story had a lot of potential, but it fell short. If this book had some serious developmental editing it would make for an incredible story. Add tension between the MCs, make Elvie less agreeable to being in Myrkovin, flesh out the villain and make it less predictable, add some kind of conflict between Elvie and her parents (it seemed like everything she had been taught about the dark elves were a lie, and yet she’s cool with it? If it were me I’d be mad at my parents), and add depth to the magic system.
November 17, 2022
3 - ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Mine. The word clangs through me and settles the being that lives inside me. Elveena will be mine.
Taken by the Dark Elf King is a quick and sweet spicy fantasy romance standalone and I highly recommend it for fans of A Deal with the Elf King.
What to expect:
— Arranged/Forced Marriage
— Scarred Hero
— Fated Mates
— Court Drama
— Close Proximity
— Sex positive
— Praise Kink
— Breeding Kink
— "Touch Her and I’ll Kill You"
I struggled with the writing style sometimes but I did not have high expectations of the plot as this was a fast-paced fantasy book.
Maybe I was overwhelmed by the time skips a bit but I liked the main couple and they had some soft and sexy moments between them.
Trigger Warnings: Death of a Parent(s), Misogyny, Violence/Gore, Kidnapping, Dub-Con, FMC Threatened to be SA’d (not by MMC).
Mine. The word clangs through me and settles the being that lives inside me. Elveena will be mine.
Taken by the Dark Elf King is a quick and sweet spicy fantasy romance standalone and I highly recommend it for fans of A Deal with the Elf King.
What to expect:
— Arranged/Forced Marriage
— Scarred Hero
— Fated Mates
— Court Drama
— Close Proximity
— Sex positive
— Praise Kink
— Breeding Kink
— "Touch Her and I’ll Kill You"
I struggled with the writing style sometimes but I did not have high expectations of the plot as this was a fast-paced fantasy book.
Maybe I was overwhelmed by the time skips a bit but I liked the main couple and they had some soft and sexy moments between them.
Trigger Warnings: Death of a Parent(s), Misogyny, Violence/Gore, Kidnapping, Dub-Con, FMC Threatened to be SA’d (not by MMC).
November 2, 2022
This is actually just plagiarism I'm sorry
Captured Sunlight < for reference
The plot similarities at first glance; shadow/dark king with sunlight princess, oh she's so quirky and likes plants, douche advisor, quirky female lead who is alchemist/healer AND MORE???
I have been following the creation of this book for awhile on TikTok and I was actually really excited to read this because the advertisements and teasers have gotten me genuinely hooked but maybe it wasn't intentional.
Maybe she just subconsciously wrote a similar plot line, characters, spicy scenes, and other aspects to Captured Sunlight but I just can't let this go without notice.
Do Better.
Captured Sunlight < for reference
The plot similarities at first glance; shadow/dark king with sunlight princess, oh she's so quirky and likes plants, douche advisor, quirky female lead who is alchemist/healer AND MORE???
I have been following the creation of this book for awhile on TikTok and I was actually really excited to read this because the advertisements and teasers have gotten me genuinely hooked but maybe it wasn't intentional.
Maybe she just subconsciously wrote a similar plot line, characters, spicy scenes, and other aspects to Captured Sunlight but I just can't let this go without notice.
Do Better.
![Profile Image for Andrea ☾ [is inconsistently consistant].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1642113904i%2F116166019._UY200_CR2%2C0%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
May 1, 2023
3.5 ⭐️ I think I just got into it with high expectations.
Maybe even too high. I was really craving a spicy fantasy romance novella and I dived into this book so eagerly that when it wasn't amazing, it felt like a flop. Which it isn't!
It's truly not a bad book. I love the premise. A magic masquerade ball? Please and thank you! Star crossed fated mates? Fae mates!? And he's immediately obsessed with her!! I mean, it had all the tropes to make this unbelievable (at least for me).
Unfortunately the writing was not my favourite and the constant switch between old/medieval sounding phases and new expressions and curse words didn't work. Also, I was expecting more and better spicy content, tbh. There's no smut until around the 50% mark, and although things do take off after that, the dialogue during those scenes was kind of cringe.
I don't know. I'm kind of meh about this one.
I am, however, definitely reading the second book in the series...
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 / 5
🌶️🌶️🌶️ / 5
Maybe even too high. I was really craving a spicy fantasy romance novella and I dived into this book so eagerly that when it wasn't amazing, it felt like a flop. Which it isn't!
It's truly not a bad book. I love the premise. A magic masquerade ball? Please and thank you! Star crossed fated mates? Fae mates!? And he's immediately obsessed with her!! I mean, it had all the tropes to make this unbelievable (at least for me).
Unfortunately the writing was not my favourite and the constant switch between old/medieval sounding phases and new expressions and curse words didn't work. Also, I was expecting more and better spicy content, tbh. There's no smut until around the 50% mark, and although things do take off after that, the dialogue during those scenes was kind of cringe.
I don't know. I'm kind of meh about this one.
I am, however, definitely reading the second book in the series...
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 / 5
🌶️🌶️🌶️ / 5
October 31, 2022
3.95⭐️ 4🌶
I picked this up because it’s a fellow Booktokers debut and phew! What a great debut! Not a perfect novel mind you, but SO enjoyable! I cannot wait to see more from this author!
I picked this up because it’s a fellow Booktokers debut and phew! What a great debut! Not a perfect novel mind you, but SO enjoyable! I cannot wait to see more from this author!
February 26, 2023
1.5 stars rounded down, reminder that 2 stars on GR is described as "I liked it" (or it was recently changed to "It was okay"?). Thusly, "I almost liked it, but holy god even for pulp niche erotica romance, this book has ISSUES" (not the sexy kind of issues)
I have an extremely disappointed, scathing several pages of notes in my reading diary with quotes to illustrate specific complaints, but I don't feel like the story deserves the energy it would require of me to type up & post a long "constructive critique" style review. Please, honestly, this is not an intentional hate-review, there is just so much about this book that isn't right, that it completely ruins all the rare (yet actually) short and good parts of it.
I feel genuinely bad posting bad reviews when I don't want to discourage the writer from keeping writing... and although most of my longform critique I potentially have about this story is exactly that -- meant to be constructive-- I need to let my thoughts on this book, um, sit. And possibly stay there.
In the meantime, recommended for: horny 13-16 year old fangirls who secretly read this stuff, I see you (*I've been you*)
If you are a horny person over age or so...Eh. I would advise you do not read this book. Yes, even if it is your fetish; half the tags applying to this story contain many of my absolute *favorite* erotica/romance tropes:
Elf/monster marriage, forced marriage, beauty&beast dynamic trope/retelling, strong protector with a murderous cinnamonroll heart, size difference, cute book/library nerd fetishism, ETC...I'm sold, it's why I picked this book up in the first place. Unfortunately, I was sold and disappointed.
This being a quick read, I spent 2 hours struggling between feeling frustrated and feeling disappointed and feeling annoyed. I wasn't lied to about the premise, but it's what an author DOES with a premise and how they transform (or don't) and treat their trope choices that matters.
The MC is a MarySue, a term I don't throw at heroines lightly, since author self-inserts are common in this genre, but for comparison: the last author self-insert character I read in a book of this genre had relatable, human flaws and did not actively detach the reader with obnoxious and juvenile behavior, and therefore I would not throw that term at them. The h of this book has no such relatability, she is vacant and "perfect" and this is driven home many times with no subtlety.
Both the h and H remain shallow, immature, unbelievable, and unlikable despite some tender moments. Their behavior is often contradictory and erratic, but also boring. I have no problem with telegraphable tropes, that's why I'm reading in the first place. But the author's use of them both bored me and alienated me.
I have read a lot of fanfiction that is far better quality in everything from style to tone, pacing, construction, etc. This book was...underwhelming, cliche, inconsistent and weirdly put together. How do you ruin that kind of stuff when we clearly like the same things? Bleh.
I got the feeling that the author of this book is really young and needs more writing experience, and, finally, for the love of god to PLEASE PLEASE pick up a thesaurus and spend some time with it. If there is one thing I would beg the author to do, it would be that.
This is not meant to be an ageist comment, I read plenty of fiction by other young people that is engaging, fun, and far better than their older writing peers. This book's not one of them... but I'm sure I would have enjoyed the heck out of it when I was a hormonal and lonely 12-yr-old who read adult fanfic without discernment.
I have an extremely disappointed, scathing several pages of notes in my reading diary with quotes to illustrate specific complaints, but I don't feel like the story deserves the energy it would require of me to type up & post a long "constructive critique" style review. Please, honestly, this is not an intentional hate-review, there is just so much about this book that isn't right, that it completely ruins all the rare (yet actually) short and good parts of it.
I feel genuinely bad posting bad reviews when I don't want to discourage the writer from keeping writing... and although most of my longform critique I potentially have about this story is exactly that -- meant to be constructive-- I need to let my thoughts on this book, um, sit. And possibly stay there.
In the meantime, recommended for: horny 13-16 year old fangirls who secretly read this stuff, I see you (*I've been you*)
If you are a horny person over age or so...Eh. I would advise you do not read this book. Yes, even if it is your fetish; half the tags applying to this story contain many of my absolute *favorite* erotica/romance tropes:
Elf/monster marriage, forced marriage, beauty&beast dynamic trope/retelling, strong protector with a murderous cinnamonroll heart, size difference, cute book/library nerd fetishism, ETC...I'm sold, it's why I picked this book up in the first place. Unfortunately, I was sold and disappointed.
This being a quick read, I spent 2 hours struggling between feeling frustrated and feeling disappointed and feeling annoyed. I wasn't lied to about the premise, but it's what an author DOES with a premise and how they transform (or don't) and treat their trope choices that matters.
The MC is a MarySue, a term I don't throw at heroines lightly, since author self-inserts are common in this genre, but for comparison: the last author self-insert character I read in a book of this genre had relatable, human flaws and did not actively detach the reader with obnoxious and juvenile behavior, and therefore I would not throw that term at them. The h of this book has no such relatability, she is vacant and "perfect" and this is driven home many times with no subtlety.
Both the h and H remain shallow, immature, unbelievable, and unlikable despite some tender moments. Their behavior is often contradictory and erratic, but also boring. I have no problem with telegraphable tropes, that's why I'm reading in the first place. But the author's use of them both bored me and alienated me.
I have read a lot of fanfiction that is far better quality in everything from style to tone, pacing, construction, etc. This book was...underwhelming, cliche, inconsistent and weirdly put together. How do you ruin that kind of stuff when we clearly like the same things? Bleh.
I got the feeling that the author of this book is really young and needs more writing experience, and, finally, for the love of god to PLEASE PLEASE pick up a thesaurus and spend some time with it. If there is one thing I would beg the author to do, it would be that.
This is not meant to be an ageist comment, I read plenty of fiction by other young people that is engaging, fun, and far better than their older writing peers. This book's not one of them... but I'm sure I would have enjoyed the heck out of it when I was a hormonal and lonely 12-yr-old who read adult fanfic without discernment.
October 29, 2022
4.5 stars
Short read, enjoyable.
Steam-3/5
Short read, enjoyable.
Steam-3/5
November 7, 2022
this book plays fast and loose with comma rules. the guy gave me the ick. respectfully
November 22, 2022
This is incredibly similar to Captured Sunlight by Raven Flanagan. It has much of the same characters, down to magic, abilities, and personalities, and also similar story beats. This is, however, a lot shorter and a lot shallower in execution. There are only a few characters that are fully fleshed out, and the world building is incredibly minimal, making it feel very one-dimensional. This could be any fantasy world, there was nothing setting it apart. This is also a ‘Beauty and the Beast’ retelling, again with story beats ripped straight from the Disney film that kept pulling me out of the story.
There’s also a reliance on racist fantasy tropes, namely the dark skinned elves are described as animalistic and primitive, whereas the light skinned elves (their former oppressors) are refined and civilised. The pigment of the dark elves’ skin is even described as a ‘corruption’ at one point, so needless to say very problematic. When this was first mentioned by the light elves I was hoping this would be challenged and corrected when meeting the dark elves but no, that’s how it is in this world.
The highlight of the book was definitely the ball at the beginning, with ‘El’ and ‘Ari’ getting to know each other. I thought the two main characters had good chemistry, but again I couldn’t help but compare them to Captured Sunlight and how much better that book was in comparison.
There’s also a reliance on racist fantasy tropes, namely the dark skinned elves are described as animalistic and primitive, whereas the light skinned elves (their former oppressors) are refined and civilised. The pigment of the dark elves’ skin is even described as a ‘corruption’ at one point, so needless to say very problematic. When this was first mentioned by the light elves I was hoping this would be challenged and corrected when meeting the dark elves but no, that’s how it is in this world.
The highlight of the book was definitely the ball at the beginning, with ‘El’ and ‘Ari’ getting to know each other. I thought the two main characters had good chemistry, but again I couldn’t help but compare them to Captured Sunlight and how much better that book was in comparison.
November 10, 2022
*3.5 stars
This is a "trick you into marriage" fantasy romance between Elvie and Arkain. They are from different kingdoms, but also come from different elf peoples. Elvie is a light elf, while Arkain is a dark elf. Things go a little bit off the rails for Elvie when she realizes the ball she has been invited to was actually a ruse of sorts to bind her to Arkain. He has his reasons for marrying Elvie. But those reasons might shift when he gets to know the gorgeous and kind light elf princess.
I really love the vibes of this book and the world! I honestly feel like this would be a great starter book for those wanting to get into fantasy romance.
I personally felt like some aspects of the book were a little rushed. But that's just a me thing!
I cannot wait to read this author's next book :)
This is a "trick you into marriage" fantasy romance between Elvie and Arkain. They are from different kingdoms, but also come from different elf peoples. Elvie is a light elf, while Arkain is a dark elf. Things go a little bit off the rails for Elvie when she realizes the ball she has been invited to was actually a ruse of sorts to bind her to Arkain. He has his reasons for marrying Elvie. But those reasons might shift when he gets to know the gorgeous and kind light elf princess.
I really love the vibes of this book and the world! I honestly feel like this would be a great starter book for those wanting to get into fantasy romance.
I personally felt like some aspects of the book were a little rushed. But that's just a me thing!
I cannot wait to read this author's next book :)
November 4, 2022
"I'll kill anyone that thinks of touching you, Elvie."
This was such a fun debut!! It was a short and sweet, spicy read. Elvie, a light elf, enters into an engagement with Arkain, the dark elf king. I loved the tension and the banter between these two, with lots of fun spice! The world-building was solid and the plot kept me hooked. I will definitely be reading more from this author.
This was such a fun debut!! It was a short and sweet, spicy read. Elvie, a light elf, enters into an engagement with Arkain, the dark elf king. I loved the tension and the banter between these two, with lots of fun spice! The world-building was solid and the plot kept me hooked. I will definitely be reading more from this author.
April 19, 2023
This is a solid spicy fantasy romance! It’s quick and lighthearted- And definitely heavy on the spice.
July 2, 2023
Rating: 4.4 / 5
This is about as typical as any paranormal romance / Beauty and the Beast retelling can be; but, for what the author tried to do, I think she did a fair enough job of it. There's nothing about it that stands out too much, but rather that this is just a nice little read and a shorter story that doesn't necessarily NEED to have more conflict...
...until the last 20% when the author decides to just cram in all she could, of course, via some plot devices that I've seen used before dozens of times in other books of this genre. I'll admit, I just skimmed over those and raced ahead to get to the happy ending because...
...yeah, don't expect a conflict, including forced misunderstandings and betrayals that you introduce at 82% of the way through to be engaging. For anyone.
But, ultimately, this just downgraded the story a bit rather than a lot, so that I'm down to 4 stars rather than the 5 stars that I was otherwise prepared to give it. All in all, I knew what I was getting into and what I was expecting, and in that sense, the author certainly didn't disappoint.
A fair try, in all honesty. A very fair try indeed, and ultimately NOT enough of a turnoff to disinterest me from wanting to read the sequels. I wouldn't say that I'm a fan of this author, not by a longshot, but since I'm interested enough in what happens next, well...
What can be fairer than that?
This is about as typical as any paranormal romance / Beauty and the Beast retelling can be; but, for what the author tried to do, I think she did a fair enough job of it. There's nothing about it that stands out too much, but rather that this is just a nice little read and a shorter story that doesn't necessarily NEED to have more conflict...
...until the last 20% when the author decides to just cram in all she could, of course, via some plot devices that I've seen used before dozens of times in other books of this genre. I'll admit, I just skimmed over those and raced ahead to get to the happy ending because...
...yeah, don't expect a conflict, including forced misunderstandings and betrayals that you introduce at 82% of the way through to be engaging. For anyone.
But, ultimately, this just downgraded the story a bit rather than a lot, so that I'm down to 4 stars rather than the 5 stars that I was otherwise prepared to give it. All in all, I knew what I was getting into and what I was expecting, and in that sense, the author certainly didn't disappoint.
A fair try, in all honesty. A very fair try indeed, and ultimately NOT enough of a turnoff to disinterest me from wanting to read the sequels. I wouldn't say that I'm a fan of this author, not by a longshot, but since I'm interested enough in what happens next, well...
What can be fairer than that?
November 4, 2022
THIS is how you write a broody male x strong female romance. i’ve never fallen so in love with two characters before. the plot, the descriptions, the SPICE?! absolutely immaculate. hats off to the chef🫶 can’t wait for book 2 :)))
November 18, 2022
Koskoca kralların bir anda simp’e dönüşmesini okumaya bayılıyorum ya dkdjjdjd
February 8, 2025
»But I am a monster, Elvie. You don't belong here, but I am too selfish to let you go. I'll kill anyone who tries to take you from me.«
★ ★ ★ ★
❥ 𝑬𝒍𝒗𝒆𝒆𝒏𝒂 𝜗𝜚˚⋆
What an admirable woman. She is intelligent, has a positive mindset and a good portion of sass.
❥ 𝑨𝒓𝒌𝒂𝒊𝒏 ࣪⋆✮
I loved him. He is dangerous but tries to be the best version of himself for Elvie.
✥ 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒃𝒐𝒐𝒌
This was so good! To be honest I didn‘t expect it but I loved it. This book is short but has the right amount of love story and plot. The writing style is fluent and easy to read. I love the world the author has created and I had no problems to dive in the story.
Elvie and Arkain are great together. You could feel their tension and I liked their vibe. It was refreshing that both characters communicated truthfully with each other and they talked like adults.
In general this was a very enjoyable short fantasy romance and I had fun diving into the world of elves.
PS: The cover is beautiful!!
𝐰𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐈 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤?
Yes, this is for all people who like a short standalone fantasy romance they can read in an afternoon.
𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝟓 ׂㅤ𐙚 ࣪ ⭒
plot: 3/5
spice: 2/5
humor: 4/5
couple/tension: 5/5
world building: 4/5
happy end?: yes
𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬 ᡣ𐭩ྀི₊ ⊹
possessive and protective hero, instant attraction, fantasy romance, touch her and die, romeo and juliet coded, light elf princess x dark elf king, forced marriage (kinda), forced proximity, morally grey hero, high fantasy, political intrigue, mates
𝐬𝐚𝐟𝐞𝐭𝐲
ages: Elveena (23) and Arkain (400+)
cheating: no
sharing: no
kinks: no
𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬
#1 Taken by the Dark Elf King ★ ★ ★ ★
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
#2 Captured by the Orc General ★ ★ ★ ★
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
★ ★ ★ ★
❥ 𝑬𝒍𝒗𝒆𝒆𝒏𝒂 𝜗𝜚˚⋆
What an admirable woman. She is intelligent, has a positive mindset and a good portion of sass.
❥ 𝑨𝒓𝒌𝒂𝒊𝒏 ࣪⋆✮
I loved him. He is dangerous but tries to be the best version of himself for Elvie.
✥ 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒃𝒐𝒐𝒌
This was so good! To be honest I didn‘t expect it but I loved it. This book is short but has the right amount of love story and plot. The writing style is fluent and easy to read. I love the world the author has created and I had no problems to dive in the story.
Elvie and Arkain are great together. You could feel their tension and I liked their vibe. It was refreshing that both characters communicated truthfully with each other and they talked like adults.
In general this was a very enjoyable short fantasy romance and I had fun diving into the world of elves.
PS: The cover is beautiful!!
𝐰𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐈 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤?
Yes, this is for all people who like a short standalone fantasy romance they can read in an afternoon.
𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝟓 ׂㅤ𐙚 ࣪ ⭒
plot: 3/5
spice: 2/5
humor: 4/5
couple/tension: 5/5
world building: 4/5
happy end?: yes
𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬 ᡣ𐭩ྀི₊ ⊹
possessive and protective hero, instant attraction, fantasy romance, touch her and die, romeo and juliet coded, light elf princess x dark elf king, forced marriage (kinda), forced proximity, morally grey hero, high fantasy, political intrigue, mates
𝐬𝐚𝐟𝐞𝐭𝐲
ages: Elveena (23) and Arkain (400+)
cheating: no
sharing: no
kinks: no
𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬
#1 Taken by the Dark Elf King ★ ★ ★ ★
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
#2 Captured by the Orc General ★ ★ ★ ★
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
May 4, 2023
3.5 ✨
This monster smut is too good
This monster smut is too good
May 5, 2024
4 stars
Wow wow. I seriously loved this book. It was really good.
Wow wow. I seriously loved this book. It was really good.
May 19, 2023
Totally fine. Not bad but not great.
This is the kind of the book that has a lot of things I like, and some things that I didn’t. But the amount of good out weighed the bad.
I think I would definitely read more from the author. There is so much potential.
I will say my biggest gripe has to be the spicy scene after the life-threatening injury…authors it’s ok to just have them cuddle after someone healing from a major wound. The spicy times can wait ‘til the next chapter
This is the kind of the book that has a lot of things I like, and some things that I didn’t. But the amount of good out weighed the bad.
I think I would definitely read more from the author. There is so much potential.
I will say my biggest gripe has to be the spicy scene after the life-threatening injury…authors it’s ok to just have them cuddle after someone healing from a major wound. The spicy times can wait ‘til the next chapter
November 14, 2022
Unfortunately, the only good thing about this book is its cover.
You see, in this story the almighty god is ✨the plot✨ Whatever characters may feel or are trying to work through emotionally does not matter because, again, ✨the plot.✨ The characters themselves feel shallow... a hollow shell of a stereotype we all know (and love!) with nothing in particular to make it stand out in the sea of dull "dark beast kings falls for a light flowery girl"🤷🏻♀️
Oh and... the dual pov did not help the matter either. I avoid dual pov as a rule and this story reminded me exactly why I had implemented that rule to begin with 🙈
All in all, very meh and then some more.
I'll forget about it till tomorrow 😅✌
You see, in this story the almighty god is ✨the plot✨ Whatever characters may feel or are trying to work through emotionally does not matter because, again, ✨the plot.✨ The characters themselves feel shallow... a hollow shell of a stereotype we all know (and love!) with nothing in particular to make it stand out in the sea of dull "dark beast kings falls for a light flowery girl"🤷🏻♀️
Oh and... the dual pov did not help the matter either. I avoid dual pov as a rule and this story reminded me exactly why I had implemented that rule to begin with 🙈
All in all, very meh and then some more.
I'll forget about it till tomorrow 😅✌
January 3, 2025
Hot DAMN! Will Thorne’s voice has to be an all time favorite narrator in fantasy romance 🥵😍. I think I would listen to just about any book he narrates!
I LOVED this book. I wouldn’t say it was a laidback, fluffy book, but it had the PERFECT amount of tension and action for someone with readers anxiety 😅😆.
I was so happy with Elveena’s character and that she didn’t hate Arkain right off the bat. I loved that she was a strong, reasonable, and perceptive heroine who didn’t automatically expect the worst of Arkain, but was willing to compromise, understand him, and make the best of her situation. Really, I need a genre or trope for these kinds of heroines so that I can go to a recommended reading list and start binging 😂. Arkain was such a sweetie once he started to relax too! ❤️ I was also pleasantly surprised by the amount of spice in this book! 😈🙏
This is going in my favorites!
I LOVED this book. I wouldn’t say it was a laidback, fluffy book, but it had the PERFECT amount of tension and action for someone with readers anxiety 😅😆.
I was so happy with Elveena’s character and that she didn’t hate Arkain right off the bat. I loved that she was a strong, reasonable, and perceptive heroine who didn’t automatically expect the worst of Arkain, but was willing to compromise, understand him, and make the best of her situation. Really, I need a genre or trope for these kinds of heroines so that I can go to a recommended reading list and start binging 😂. Arkain was such a sweetie once he started to relax too! ❤️ I was also pleasantly surprised by the amount of spice in this book! 😈🙏
This is going in my favorites!
October 22, 2023
3.5 stars. Better than what I was expecting tbh… hero and heroine were both likable and the storyline was mostly straightforward with a few slight twists.
Safe
No virgins
No details of hero’s past mentioned, heroine’s past is discussed with some detail
No scenes with OM/OW
No major OM/OW drama
No cheating
Safe
No virgins
No details of hero’s past mentioned, heroine’s past is discussed with some detail
No scenes with OM/OW
No major OM/OW drama
No cheating
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 18, 2023
“To love something and to let it go was to lose it forever.”
September 20, 2023
3.5 ⭐️
Super fast read! I enjoyed it but nothing really made it stand out from all the other dark vs light fantasy novels.
That being said, I will be reading the next book 🤷🏽♀️ lol
Super fast read! I enjoyed it but nothing really made it stand out from all the other dark vs light fantasy novels.
That being said, I will be reading the next book 🤷🏽♀️ lol
October 2, 2025
reading slump avoided with success
Displaying 1 - 30 of 513 reviews