A review by nicolehitchcock
A Thorn in Every Heart by Kate King

adventurous challenging dark emotional hopeful mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Kate King delivers an absolute masterpiece with A Thorn in Every Heart, a dark(ish) and intoxicating fantasy romance that had me hooked from the very first page. This Beauty and the Beast-inspired retelling is packed with everything I crave in the genre—spice, drama, high-stakes, jealousy, and a romance that burns through the pages.

Alix is a phenomenal heroine—strong, determined, and unwilling to be a pawn in anyone’s game. I loved watching her navigate the dangerous, high-stakes world that King creates, full of courtly deception and power struggles. And Daemon? He is the perfect love interest—brooding, possessive, and utterly captivating. Their chemistry crackles with tension, and the slow-burn romance is everything.

The storytelling is immersive, the world-building is lush, and the plot is layered with twists and emotional depth. Fans of A Court of Thorns and Roses will feel right at home with this book—it’s easily my favorite fantasy romance since ACOTAR. If you love a story where passion collides with danger and love is as deadly as it is beautiful, then A Thorn in Every Heart is a must-read. I devoured this book, and I already can’t wait for more from Kate King!

🌶️🌶️🌶️