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kaitie_reads's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
"๐๐ฒ๐ญ ๐๐ธ๐พ ๐ณ๐พ๐ผ๐ฝ ๐ฌ๐ช๐ต๐ต ๐ถ๐ฎ ๐ฑ๐ช๐ท๐ญ๐ผ๐ธ๐ถ๐ฎ?โ [...] ๐๐ฎ ๐ต๐ฒ๐ฌ๐ด๐ฎ๐ญ ๐ฑ๐ฒ๐ผ ๐ต๐ฒ๐น๐ผ ๐ช๐ฐ๐ช๐ฒ๐ท, ๐ช๐ท๐ญ ๐ช๐ต๐ฝ๐ฑ๐ธ๐พ๐ฐ๐ฑ ๐ฑ๐ฎ ๐ผ๐ฎ๐ฎ๐ถ๐ฎ๐ญ ๐ฝ๐ธ ๐ซ๐ฎ ๐ช๐ซ๐ผ๐ฎ๐ท๐ฝ๐ต๐ ๐ญ๐ธ๐ฒ๐ท๐ฐ ๐ฝ๐ฑ๐ฎ ๐ถ๐ธ๐ฟ๐ฎ, ๐ฒ๐ฝ ๐๐ช๐ผ ๐พ๐ฝ๐ฝ๐ฎ๐ป๐ต๐ ๐ฒ๐ท๐ฏ๐พ๐ป๐ฒ๐ช๐ฝ๐ฒ๐ท๐ฐ. โ๐๐ฝโ๐ผ ๐ธ๐ด๐ช๐ ๐ฒ๐ฏ ๐๐ธ๐พ ๐ฝ๐ฑ๐ฒ๐ท๐ด ๐โ๐ถ ๐ฑ๐ช๐ท๐ญ๐ผ๐ธ๐ถ๐ฎ."
I would call this a dark, spicy romantasy with a little bit of dubcon.
Nyra is the "lost princess." She's escaped her palace home and the grasp of her cruel father, the King of Marmoris. While trying to plan her escape from the kingdom, she falls into the arms of the rebellion. She soon finds herself torn between two worlds and harbouring her secret identity when all she wants is her freedom. Dacre, the future leader of the rebellion, doesn't trust her; but he also can't resist the desire he feels for her.
This book won't be for everyone. There are questionable circumstances. I feel like if you don't love Dacre... you'll hate him, and the book is centred around lust rather than love (but I can't wait to see how this develops). I personally really enjoyed it.
Sometimes, I do find that the end of one chapter takes quite a big jump to the next scene, but there are honestly no dull moments.
Is this book complex with intricate magic systems, detailed world-building, and strong plot lines? No.
Is this book extremely fast-paced and easy to read with short chapters and steamy tension? Yes.
I flew through this book, and I'm looking forward to how this series develops! I would categorize this as a "guilty pleasure" type book.
Also: I'm not ready to talk about that ending.
I would call this a dark, spicy romantasy with a little bit of dubcon.
Nyra is the "lost princess." She's escaped her palace home and the grasp of her cruel father, the King of Marmoris. While trying to plan her escape from the kingdom, she falls into the arms of the rebellion. She soon finds herself torn between two worlds and harbouring her secret identity when all she wants is her freedom. Dacre, the future leader of the rebellion, doesn't trust her; but he also can't resist the desire he feels for her.
This book won't be for everyone. There are questionable circumstances. I feel like if you don't love Dacre... you'll hate him, and the book is centred around lust rather than love (but I can't wait to see how this develops). I personally really enjoyed it.
Sometimes, I do find that the end of one chapter takes quite a big jump to the next scene, but there are honestly no dull moments.
Is this book complex with intricate magic systems, detailed world-building, and strong plot lines? No.
Is this book extremely fast-paced and easy to read with short chapters and steamy tension? Yes.
I flew through this book, and I'm looking forward to how this series develops! I would categorize this as a "guilty pleasure" type book.
Also: I'm not ready to talk about that ending.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Death of parent
dingobingbongo's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Enjoyed this fast paced fantasy read โ I read it in one sitting.
There are a lot of secrets and heated moments, longing, pining, bullying; I'm not sure if it could be considered romance, but it's definitely lust-filled.
The smut was really well done, and was easily the best thing about this whole book. Which I guess is fortunate considering there wasn't really any plot otherwise. I kept wishing there was more plot, but there wasn't. Seemed like such an interesting concept and then it was likeโฆ nothing? Just whispers.
The ending was a mood killer, but also left me wanting more, so I guess it did it's job. It felt like it undid a bunch of stuff that happened in the rest of the book, and it broke my heart. Iโm hoping we get answers to that in the next book, but it was such a shock that I briefly considered never reading this author again.
Looking forward to the next in the series, hoping for a bit more plot but will likely devour it anyway, especially if the spice is as good. Overall, it had good vibes. 4/5
There are a lot of secrets and heated moments, longing, pining, bullying; I'm not sure if it could be considered romance, but it's definitely lust-filled.
The smut was really well done, and was easily the best thing about this whole book. Which I guess is fortunate considering there wasn't really any plot otherwise. I kept wishing there was more plot, but there wasn't. Seemed like such an interesting concept and then it was likeโฆ nothing? Just whispers.
The ending was a mood killer, but also left me wanting more, so I guess it did it's job. It felt like it undid a bunch of stuff that happened in the rest of the book, and it broke my heart. Iโm hoping we get answers to that in the next book, but it was such a shock that I briefly considered never reading this author again.
Looking forward to the next in the series, hoping for a bit more plot but will likely devour it anyway, especially if the spice is as good. Overall, it had good vibes. 4/5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Violence
The basics: โฅ lots of spice, not a lot of plot, but the smut was written well and was hot, hot, hot โฅ Dual POV: FMC & MMC โฅ Enemies to lovers I guess, bit of a bully romance โฅ Magic and kingdomsmariahlynnpeck's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
lighthearted
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
The story line is pretty good and I canโt wait to see how it continues into the second book especially the way it leaves you hanging. Some of the spicy scenes were not my fav but other than that I really enjoyed this book. Itโs a super fast and easy read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Violence, Death of parent, Alcohol, War, and Toxic relationship
sabrina_library's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Holly Renee what have you done to me? When I tell you my jaw DROPPED at that ending and itโs still down there somewhere ๐ญ๐ณ
Holly Renee absolutely slayed with this book and I can just imagine what the second one will do to me๐ญ๐ญ. All you need to know is she is a hidden princess in a rebellion that wants her dead and he is basically the leader of said rebellion ๐
Tropes:
โ๏ธEnemies to lovers
โ๏ธOne bed
โ๏ธForbidden romance
โ๏ธโWho did this to youโ
โ๏ธ2.5๐ถ๏ธ
The chemistry was SIZZLING and the mouth on Dacre was dirty to say the least ๐ฅต๐ฅต. He was possessive and jealous but I LOVE HIM YOUR HONOR๐คญIt was a fast paced book that had me ๐ณ๐คฏ๐ญ๐ฅต from start to finish. The banter and the tension was all there, and Nyraโs situation had me on the edge of my seat the entire book.
The last 10 pages?!? The CLIFFHANGER?!? I am unwell and need 10 business days to recover at the minimum. The ending is literally playing like a loop in my head.
Also can we talk about the cover?? โจSTUNNINGโจ. How am I supposed to wait until the end of July for the second book!?!
Holly Renee absolutely slayed with this book and I can just imagine what the second one will do to me๐ญ๐ญ. All you need to know is she is a hidden princess in a rebellion that wants her dead and he is basically the leader of said rebellion ๐
Tropes:
โ๏ธEnemies to lovers
โ๏ธOne bed
โ๏ธForbidden romance
โ๏ธโWho did this to youโ
โ๏ธ2.5๐ถ๏ธ
The chemistry was SIZZLING and the mouth on Dacre was dirty to say the least ๐ฅต๐ฅต. He was possessive and jealous but I LOVE HIM YOUR HONOR๐คญIt was a fast paced book that had me ๐ณ๐คฏ๐ญ๐ฅต from start to finish. The banter and the tension was all there, and Nyraโs situation had me on the edge of my seat the entire book.
The last 10 pages?!? The CLIFFHANGER?!? I am unwell and need 10 business days to recover at the minimum. The ending is literally playing like a loop in my head.
Also can we talk about the cover?? โจSTUNNINGโจ. How am I supposed to wait until the end of July for the second book!?!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content
jillian_b5674's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
3.0
I did not like Dacre at all. I found him very disrespectful to Nyra and not in a fun way.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
pineapplerain's review against another edition
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
This kind of sucked slightly. The writing was a bit jumpy and kept skipping around.
The scenes ended when I felt like some could've gone on for a wee bit longer since we barely got much interaction between the FMC & MMC before everything went all touchy. I feel like the chemistry between them is too rushed and they never actually have many meaningful conversations.
Dacre is a jerk. He is a jealous little thing and it's quite sad at times. Its cute that he's jealous of the fmc's friend but come on man. He's very pushy and it feels like a lot of the consent given by her was unsure
The scenes ended when I felt like some could've gone on for a wee bit longer since we barely got much interaction between the FMC & MMC before everything went all touchy. I feel like the chemistry between them is too rushed and they never actually have many meaningful conversations.
Dacre is a jerk. He is a jealous little thing and it's quite sad at times. Its cute that he's jealous of the fmc's friend but come on man. He's very pushy and it feels like a lot of the consent given by her was unsure
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
jessmjduncan's review against another edition
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.0
I'll give this a one-star rating because I think the concept of a hidden city is interesting and with more development, this book could have been good. The sex scenes honestly felt like there was a lot of dubious consent and then the final scene includes revenge sex that the FMC isn't aware is revenge sex which is tbh super rape-y and IMO would read this as sexual assault, personally and I felt like it needed a trigger warning. I didn't like the MMC or the FMC or their relationship and was just generally disappointed considering how 3 separate booktokers raved about it. Also there was like zero reason for them to be fae like they could have just been humans with powers and it honestly would have been the same book. Also for a fantasy book, she's wearing a literal crop top at one point and it threw me out of the entire book entirely.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic relationship, Sexual content, and Violence
Moderate: Sexual assault and Sexual violence
mzquirk's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic relationship, Sexual content, and Death of parent
Moderate: Child abuse, Violence, Death, Child death, Domestic abuse, Physical abuse, and Blood
Minor: Miscarriage, Pregnancy, Toxic relationship, War, Torture, and Sexual harassment
ashboutiette's review
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Alcohol, Blood, Murder, Death of parent, Physical abuse, Torture, Violence, and Toxic relationship
paperbacksandsnacks's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I finished this book, immediately tried to download and start reading the second and got my heartbroken when I realised itโs not out until July. Excuse me, miss Holly Renee but I cannot simply wait. That cliffhanger?! I am screamingggg.
Dacre and his dirty talk deserve an award. I was blushing. I need to look up some fanart of this man when Iโm done writing this review (no, I wonโt take questions as to why at this time) and frankly I hope itโs everything Iโm dreaming of. The jealousy, the possession? Run and read it right now.
The world building was subtle, and therefore not overwhelming which is kind of refreshing for a fantasy read. I am intrigued to see where the story itself goes especially with how it ended. But the characters were sublime. Pacing was fast. I read this book in one sitting it was so addictive! The hype for this didnโt let me down.
I have a lot of questions and canโt wait to see how theyโre answered. Iโm already buzzing to see where the next book goes and be reunited with all these characters.
Dacre and his dirty talk deserve an award. I was blushing. I need to look up some fanart of this man when Iโm done writing this review (no, I wonโt take questions as to why at this time) and frankly I hope itโs everything Iโm dreaming of. The jealousy, the possession? Run and read it right now.
The world building was subtle, and therefore not overwhelming which is kind of refreshing for a fantasy read. I am intrigued to see where the story itself goes especially with how it ended. But the characters were sublime. Pacing was fast. I read this book in one sitting it was so addictive! The hype for this didnโt let me down.
I have a lot of questions and canโt wait to see how theyโre answered. Iโm already buzzing to see where the next book goes and be reunited with all these characters.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Violence, Confinement, and Death of parent
Moderate: Alcohol and War