Book Review: "The Hunted Heir" by Holly Renee

“The Hunted Heir” by Holly Renee is the second book in the The Veiled Kingdom series. It continues the story right where the first book left off, with Verena, heir to the kingdom, on the run. Not only is she being hunted by her cruel, manipulative father (the king), she is now a person of interest to the rebellion who have since found out her true identity and are looking to use her as leverage against the king. Between the political machinations of two power-hungry men, Verena struggles to keep one step ahead of both enemies. 

Dacre, fresh off the heels of betraying Verena, is now desperately searching for her. Haunted by his feelings for her and the secrets she's hiding, he's racing against time (and his own father) to find her.

The story is filled with thrilling action, intense romance, and shocking revelations. As Verena and Dacre navigate a dangerous world, they must confront their complicated feelings for each other and decide who they can trust.

I had originally rated this book 5-stars, but after letting it sit and percolate a bit, I am bumping that down to 4. The predictability of both the storyline and dialogue were slightly off-putting. I mean, I saw that ending coming so it wasn’t this huge cliffhanger or reveal. Despite Dacre’s minimal character development, I was really disappointed to see that Verena was still making frustratingly stupid decisions. I mean, the whole trusting Eiran thing - really, girl?! This book was also super short in my opinion - and while it was a fast read (I read it in literally one sitting), I wished Renee would have spent some more time teasing out Dacre’s journey to repentance. Like, make him work for that forgiveness!

Despite these minor flaws, I did really enjoy the book. I appreciated the dual-POV and the push and pull of Dacre and Verena’s tension-filled relationship. I do think that Renee has the potential of making book three really incredible if she buffs up the character development (I would love to see Verena really come into her own with her powers).  Overall, a fun, romantasy read that I will likely re-read in the near future!

Book Review: “The Prince of Never” by Lorelei Johnson and Hailey Jade

“The Prince of Never” by Lorelei Johnson and Hailey Jade [not to be confused with the book of the same title by Juno Heart and also happens to be a Fae romance] is a slow-burn, enemies to lovers, fated mates fantasy romance read. The novel follows Imogen, a university librarian, who’s attacked by a vampire as a teen. After suffering at the hands of psychiatrists and doctors who don’t believe her story, she goes through much of her young adult life seeing things that no one else sees. A second attack years later and subsequent kidnapping finds Imogen in the Fae realm and at the mercy of the dark Prince Tarian, heir to the Unseelie Court.

Imogen’s quick wit, sassiness and general fire paired nicely with the equally strong, morally gray Tarian, who’s drawn to the human newcomer since their first touch. The banter between the two and the fact that Imogen just can’t stay out of trouble leads to some precarious situations between the two of them. I also loved that despite being a bookish librarian (which I also loved), Imogen didn’t take shit from anyone - including the Unseelie Queen or her son; she consistently spoke her mind and didn’t back down from anything or anyone. 

The secondary characters just made me love the story more. Ethan - the best friend who coincidentally is also a halfling - swoops into the Fae realm to rescue his bestie. Sarah is the quintessential friend that softens Imogen’s imprisonment at Dreadhold. And Vesryn, the courtly cousin of Tarian and general troublemaker and antagonizer is a perfect mirror to Tarian and everything he’s trying to deny.

I appreciated that the world building was uncomplicated and allowed the reader to easily visualize what this Fae realm looked like, along with all of its magical inhabitants, from the flesh-hungry pixies to the prophecy-wielding comedic satyr. The pacing of the novel was also spot-on; it had me hooked early on in the reading and led me right off that cliff-hanger at the end. (Like, when is book two supposed to be out!?)

I know that there are so many Fae “romantasy” books out there and it's a challenge to stand out among the masses, but this book surprised me in all the right ways. If you’re a fan of ACOTAR or The Cruel Prince, this book - filled with cursed prophesies, political intrigue and rival Fae courts - will be right up your alley. Seriously…when does the second book come out?!

Book Review: "A Fragile Enchantment" by Allison Saft

Allison Saft crafts a Regency England-inspired fantasy world, reminiscent of Bridgerton, with her new book, “A Fragile Enchantment.” With a love story as devastatingly romantic as Kate and Anthony’s, readers will be enchanted with protagonist Niamh and her spell-binding creations in this YA fantasy romance. 

Niamh, a popular seamstress/dressmaker who imbues enchantments in all of her wares, is hired by the Prince Regent and commissioned to complete wedding wear for his younger brother, the groom, Prince Kit Carmine, and his betrothed, Infanta Rosa. Niamh quickly finds herself getting acquainted with court politics, as tensions are brought to a head between Machlish staff and the Prince Regent, who is desperately hiding something from his brother and the rest of the court. Niamh is propositioned by Lovelace, an anonymous gossip rag writer (again, reminiscent of Lady Whistledown) to help uncover the intentions of the Prince Regent and groom. Amidst the broiling pressures of an impending conflict between Machlish workers and the Crown, Niamh finds herself drawn to Prince Kit, despite her efforts to stay away. 

Saft crafts a bewitching novel that delivers on tropes romance readers crave: enemies to lovers, grumpy/sunshine, and forbidden love. Saft’s lyrical writing adds an additional layer of whimsy to this tale, that it’s difficult not to get swept away in this story of longing and intrigue. (Niamh’s final creation - the groom’s wedding cloak - and all of her intentions that were weaved into it had me misty-eyed!) The author also expertly intertwines themes of mental health, addiction, systemic oppression, and familial trauma, while never losing focus of the love story between Niamh and her prince.

“A Fragile Enchantment” is a must-read for Bridgerton fans and romance readers alike who are looking for a heart-felt, magical tale about love overruling duty.