Fantasy Archives - Romance Confidential

Seamus by Katrina Vincent – A Fated to the Fae Romance!

Thoughts on the book: Say it with me: FATED MATES! Squeals with glee! Yes, I’m an absolute sucker for a fated mates storyline! I will debate this trope forever, and no, you’ll never change my mind—it’s the best, with some of the most fun storylines out there. When I discovered Katrina Vincent’s Fated to the Fae series, I devoured each book with the speed of a cheetah and the excitement of a five-year-old on Christmas morning. Since Seamus is the third book, you may want to read the first two before diving in, but it’s not strictly necessary. If you’re feeling rebellious or short on time, never fear—you can still enjoy this book as a standalone. Here’s a quick recap to set the scene! The Fae realm has a shortage of females due to the magical portals between worlds being closed. These closures weren’t accidental but deliberate, and over time, this led to a dangerously low number of females. In Book 1, a human woman accidentally stumbles into the Fae realm, followed by another in Book 2. Each discovers her fated mate through a process called the “Questioning” (think The Bachelorette but fae-style!). These women, it turns out, are half-fae, descended from ancient fae bloodlines. While many in the Fae realm see this as hope for a brighter future, some aren’t thrilled, and lingering tensions add a layer of intrigue from Book 2 into Book 3. Alright, let’s talk about the characters in Seamus! Seamus is our lovable cinnamon roll of a hero, and if you’ve read the earlier books, you’ll recognize him. He’s been in every story so far, and his sweet, thoughtful personality shines through each time. I was always disappointed when he didn’t make it further in the Questioning processes, which is why I adored this book! Seamus’s personality comes through in the best ways here—he’s even more thoughtful and surprisingly bold. And let’s just say, when the spice kicks in, he’s full of surprises! Then there’s Taylor, the sister of Sarah (the main character from Book 2). Taylor is such a fun character—independent, fierce, and with a wicked sense of humor. I wasn’t sure what to expect from her at first, but I quickly came to love her, especially as her depth and thoughtfulness emerged. By the end, she had secured her place as my favorite female character in the series! From chapter one, sparks fly between Seamus and Taylor, and the chemistry is unmistakable. Their fated connection is palpable, adding a bit of forbidden allure since dating isn’t the norm in the Fae realm. Given the scarcity of females, every pairing goes through the intense “Questioning.” There’s one scene where Seamus tackles a puzzle during the Questioning—I was on the edge of my seat, hands sweaty, praying he’d pass! Even with fated mates, the suspense of who will be chosen keeps you hooked. If you’re a fan of fantasy with fated mates, fae magic, and a dash of intrigue, I highly recommend grabbing Seamus and the first two books in the Fated to the Fae series. It’s a delightful mix of romance, adventure, and heartwarming moments, perfect as a lighter read between heavier books. I’m eagerly awaiting the next installment in this series and can’t wait to see which fae and human pairing Katrina Vincent has in store for us next! Recommended if You Enjoy: Book One in Fated to the Fae! Jane wakes up in a strange place surrounded by four sexy men that all have wings. Fairy wings. They tell her she isn’t in the human realm any she’s in Fairie. Oh, and none of them know how to help her get home to New York City, so Jane is stuck following the laws of the fae realm. This means starring in her own Questioning, a matchmaking event hosted for each single female as they come of mating age that gives the abundance of eligible males in the realm a chance at love while ensuring all females have total control of their destiny. But on her first evening in the fae realm, she meets Kiernan, Prince of the Summer Court. She can’t stop thinking about him, even if he’s standoffish and cold. Especially because every moment together has him warming up more and more. All too quickly, Jane’s watching a hundred men compete in The Questioning for the chance to be with her. She has every finger crossed that Kiernan might be the last man standing for her, but if he is, will she want to stay? Or will she keep trying to find the portal home? Book Two in Fated to the Fae! When Sarah is magically transported from New York City to Fairie, she’s shocked to discover the stories her great-grandmother told her are true. There’s another world and it’s filled with fairies. Oh, yeah, and she’s a descendant which makes her half-fae. When she learns about The Questioning, a fae dating game that’s a mix between The Bachelorette and Tinder on crack, she can’t wait to sign up for true love and her very own fate bond. She’s thrilled when The Questioning begins and there are 79 men vying for the chance to win her heart. But then Sarah overhears whispers about problems with The Questioning. Did someone mess with her Questioning? Because the last man standing is the last man she would choose to be hers.

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Sins of the Wasteland: Fates Flames – Review of a Gripping Debut Novel

ARC, First Impressions, Reviews / Leslie

Thoughts on the book: Fates Flames introduces readers to Selene and Rylan, whose first encounter is brief but sets the tone for the layered, intricate plot that follows. The story then shifts to Rylan, an assassin on a mission that slowly unveils the deep political intrigue running through the book. Rylan’s task is far from simple—he must infiltrate and understand the growing threat the Dara family poses. As he navigates the dangerous terrain of espionage, the weight of his mission becomes increasingly clear. The kingdom, on the brink of a bold and bloody uprising, is a direct result of the Queen’s ruthless ambition. Her greed and hunger for power have left the kingdom in turmoil, and Rylan’s role is to gauge just how deep this revolution runs. Rylan, with his assassin’s precision and sense of duty, approaches his mission with full awareness of the stakes. His role is critical to the kingdom’s future, and the story deftly portrays the tension of a realm on the cusp of chaos. Political intrigue is at the heart of the plot, and the complexity of the Queen’s manipulations becomes more apparent as Rylan uncovers secrets and plots that stretch beyond simple rebellion. Then we meet Selene, a poised and determined character who carries the weight of her family’s reputation on her shoulders. At first glance, Selene appears aloof, almost too distant to form a connection with Rylan. However, as the story progresses, layers of her personality are peeled back, revealing her intuition, confidence, and hidden vulnerability. Her initial detachment adds to the tension in her relationship with Rylan, as their interactions are charged with unspoken emotions and an underlying sense of danger. This is where the real magic of the story lies—the evolving relationship between Rylan and Selene. Initially, it felt like something was missing in their early interactions, as if a chapter of dialogue or context was skipped. However, once the tension between them begins to build, it becomes almost unbearable. The forbidden romance aspect is at the heart of their dynamic, and each encounter between them brims with tension, as if they’re constantly teetering on the edge of being discovered. The stakes are incredibly high, and every scene between them had me holding my breath. The political intrigue only amplifies this tension. As Rylan and Selene’s relationship deepens, they’re both trapped in the larger conflict between revolutionaries and the crown. Rylan’s mission puts him in direct opposition to Selene’s world, creating a deliciously tense push and pull between duty and desire. This intertwining of romance and revolution makes the book even more compelling, as every personal moment is shadowed by the larger political stakes at play. As the story rushes toward its conclusion, the pacing ramps up, leading to a heart-pounding ending that left me reeling. The final twist is a true mind-bender, shattering expectations and stunned. The conclusion feels both complete and a setup for what’s to come, with soft but intriguing hints at the next phase of this gripping saga. In Fates Flames, the writing shines, particularly in the vivid imagery that draws readers into the world of political intrigue and forbidden romance. The stakes are high, the tension is palpable, and the emotional rollercoaster will keep you glued to the page. This is not a book you can start and stop—it demands to be devoured in one sitting. If you’re looking for a story that combines intense romance with political stakes and a world teetering on the edge of revolution, Fates Flames is a must-read. Recommended Reading if you’re looking for:

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First Impressions: Cookies for My Orc Neighbor by Michelle Mills

First Impressions, Reviews / Leslie

Thoughts on the book: I picked up this book as part of a Stuff Your Kindle Day event, so I went into it with relatively low expectations, especially since I wasn’t actively searching for a romance in this particular genre. That being said, I ended up enjoying the overall story. It’s lighthearted and has a quick pace, making it an easy read. The story centers around Grace, our main female character (MFC), and Alden, the main male character (MMC). Grace has been living next door to Alden for a while and has developed an attraction to him from afar. Alden, on the other hand, has barely noticed Grace’s existence—until one snowy winter day when she quite literally lands at his feet. From that moment, things escalate quickly, with instant lust turning into instant love, and Alden doing a bit of brooding over it all. Grace’s character was well-written, which I appreciated, especially since I love a strong female lead. She had her own voice and agency, which made her relatable. Alden, however, felt a little more one-dimensional. He had a few gaps in his character development, and I found myself wanting more from his backstory. The story itself was fun, but I felt it was lacking in certain areas. For example, there was little to no explanation about the Orcs (yep, Alden is an Orc!). How did they come to be mingling in human society? What are the triggers for this whole “mate” situation? There was so much potential to build a fascinating world here, but it wasn’t fully explored. While the story didn’t necessarily need these elements to work, having them would’ve definitely elevated the plot and made the book more immersive. The romance, while fast-paced, leaned heavily on traditional gender roles, which may or may not appeal to all readers. The dynamic between Grace and Alden was fun, but it felt like there was more focus on Alden’s brooding and possessiveness than on developing their relationship. It would’ve been nice to see a little more balance or growth in their connection. And as much as I love a good insta-love trope, I usually prefer when there’s a bit more build-up or tension leading to the big romantic moments. This book is definitely on the lighter side, and it’s not one you’d pick up if you’re looking for something with a lot of depth or complexity. There’s minimal world-building and backstory, so don’t expect to get swept away by a richly developed setting. However, if you’re in the mood for something quick and easy to read, this book will do the trick. It’s perfect for a cozy afternoon when you just want to relax with a fun, light romance. In summary, if you’re looking for a quick, no-frills romance, this book could be a great pick—especially if you can grab it for free, like I did. But if you’re in the mood for something with a little more substance or emotional complexity, you might want to pass on this one. Recommended Reading if you’re looking for:

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