Court of Vines and Vipers is the third book in the Secrets of the Faerie Crown series by Emberly Ash - after the heartbreaking ending of book 2, our main characters press on with their quest to save the kingdom from an evil force that threatens all of Anwynn.

Friends, this book is EMOTIONAL. I would definitely recommend this series - it starts out fun and spicy, but then you get attached to the characters and feel all the things. I enjoyed reading this book and was surprised by the twist in the FMC’s personal growth journey because usually book 3 is when the couple is apart, and the FMC is finding her own strength, but CoVaV has Veyka experiencing this in the most torturous way.

I would recommend being in a good headspace for this book. Veyka’s trauma haunts her and she is struggling. She’s angry, depressed, and guilty, but most of all, she feels like she won’t be enough to save her kingdom. The anguish and grief in this book is heavy, but the path towards healing is never an easy one. Fear not, there are still steamy scenes!

We learn more about the prophecy surrounding Veyka and Arran, and the stakes seem to get higher. I am soooo looking forward to book 4 and rooting for this couple to have their happy ending. Will my heart continue to be broken along the way? Probably.

Emberly Ash does another great entry in the Secrets of the Faerie Crown series, it had everything that I enjoyed from the previous two books. The plot was everything that I was hoping for and enjoyed about the world and story, it continues the story perfectly and had that element in a way that I was hoping for. The characters had that element going on and enjoyed that they worked with this story and world that was set.

I've enjoyed this series so far, but by book 3 I had been hoping it would be all thriller no filler & this was really repetitive & dragged for me, to the point that I've had to DNF. I've been reading this for over a week & only got about 20% in because I didn't want to pick it up.

I've seen from other reviews that it's a very slow start & then gets going, but I've also seen that two of my least favourite tropes are incoming so I think it's time to walk away from this series.

I know I'm in the minority on this one & I may go back to it at some point in the future (especially if I hear amazing things about book 4, which I really hope is a brilliant end to the series).

Okay, so overall I liked this book a lot. That said, I did have somewhat mixed feelings about it.

On the one hand, it took me a while to get into. The pacing in this book was slower than the first two. The first 20% dragged for me to the point that it wasn’t holding my attention and I was losing motivation to read. The main couple was separated for about 35% of the book which I didn’t love and then only to be met with an amnesia trope that they deal with for the majority of the book…which, again, I didn’t love. It was definitely a more emotional book and they are dealing with some heavy stuff, but Veyka’s inner monologue got a bit tiresome for me because it became so repetitive. I didn’t find Cyara’s POV to be very necessary to the storytelling, but I didn’t mind having it in included.

On the other hand, I think this one may have been the strongest book in the series so far. It was a more emotionally impactful book (which is something I appreciate because I love a book that makes you feel). I definitely teared up a few times. I felt myself more invested in the story and the relationship once things picked up around the halfway mark. The world-building and plot continued to expand and develop and we learned more about the prophecy. While Veyka’s inner monologue got a bit tedious at times, her character didn’t annoy me as much in this one! I liked that the main couple wasn’t as hyper-sexualized in this book because it allowed me to focus more on the actual story rather than having the spice be distracting from the plot as it had been in the first two books. It felt like there was a better balance in this book between plot, romance, and spice. While I don’t love the amnesia trope, I did appreciate that it kept the romance from getting stale (as many fictional couples tend to do after being mated/married, etc.).

Similarly to the last book(s), I still rolled my eyes with some of the lustful comments/thinking, but it wasn’t as frequent or distracting in this book. I still cringed with the use of “p*ssy” and “c*nt” which generally just aren’t my preferred word choices for those types of scenes. That’s not really a critique of the writing, more just a misalignment between the writing style and my personal preferences.

Again, there were numerous typos and grammatical errors throughout the book which didn’t bother me too much, but I know that’s the type of thing that would bother some readers so hopefully those got ironed out by the final released copy.

Despite my critiques, I will point out again that this book was probably my favorite in the series so far! I’m interested to see how the story will conclude when the next book releases in the Fall!

Thank you to Emberly Ash, NetGalley, and Victory Editing to providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

supper happy I'm late to the party on these so I don't have to wait for the nest one! this was just as good as the first!!!!

You're telling me I have to wait until November to get more of this delicious world and these stunning characters and this colosal heartache I volunteered for??? That is simply unfair.
Where do I even begin? The writing is gorgeous and evocative. I felt what Veyka was feeling the whole way. So much so that I was taking anger and despair that were not my own out on my innocent loved ones (who thankfully know me well enough to understand). And Arran's constant inner turmoil broke me, especially towards the end. I'm so glad that part ended the way it did because my heart could not take any more. Each book gets better and better. The world that Ash has built feels tangible, and I feel like I know these characters personally. I laughed with them, cried with them (and for Veyka, often for them), and was desperate and holding my breath for the Big Thing to be resolved. And I adored getting some Cyara POVs in there. This group and their dedication to one another, they have my whole heart. I don't know what else to say. I love this series, I love this author, I'm dreading the months I have to wait for the finale, but I so know it will be worth it.

This was my favourite book in the series so far. It was a bit darker as Veyka tries to deal with everything that happened at the end of book two (no spoilers). It was really sad to experience her heartbreak and loneliness through not only her eyes, but of those around her too.

As always it left me wanting more of this world and to know what happens next.

Thanks to #NetGallery and publisher for a copy of this book.

Genre: Romance/Fantasy MF
Format: Digital
POV: Multiple
Tropes: fated mates, “zombie” hoards, embracing the void, lost love, badass female knights of the round table, Arthur retelling.
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️ /5
Age suggestion: 18+

Book 3.
I understand why this book has been given the title that it has.

🐍 Lost love
🐍 Heartbreak
🐍 Acceptance
🐍 Found family
🐍 Hidden truths

There are so many moving parts in it and it is hard to differentiate the vipers from the vines. Veyka uncovers one truth just for more secrets to surface. She also discovers who she is deep down. She fought for so long against her destiny but eventually takes ownership of who she was meant to be.

There is one quote from the book that I understand wholeheartedly:
“But I did lose him. I inhaled slowly through the tender membranes of my nostrils. Past my throat, sore from sobbing, into my lungs, somehow still functioning alongside my broken heart.“
I know what heartbreak feels like. I know what it means to go through something that rips you apart, all while having to live life like my world hasn’t come crashing down.
The author put into words what I’ve felt and, in turn, could feel what Veyka was feeling.
I wanted to reach into those pages, hug Veyka and let her know that she wasn’t alone.

I don’t know if I can wait until November for the fourth book in this story. I need to know what happens.

Special thanks to #NetGalley, #CaraMaxwellRomance, and Emberly Ash for the #ARC to review.

Okay but seriously Emberly Ash, are any of my emotions safe in this series? I cannot get enough and I wish I already had the 4th book so I could just keep reading.

I'm so obsessed with Veyka and her character development throughout the series so far, she's literally such a badass FMC. And the romance 🥵🥵🥵🥵, so spicy. It's not just the spice that makes this series an amazing read though, it's the plot, the characters, and the expert story telling. I cannot wait for more.

The 3rd books in a series of 4 is always a tough one due to the setup up of the finale. I didn’t feel that as much with this book because there’s so much going on. Arrans injury forces Veyka to further overcome self doubt and fulfill her role as Queen, I have really enjoyed her character growth from the bitter grief stricken girl to the woman she is becoming.

It was also fun to get another POV from Cyara. She is one of my favorite side characters. The found family and the love between Veyka and Arran are the best part of returning to this world and I can’t wait until the final installment to see all of them finally get a HEA!

As this is the third book in the series I was keen to see what happened next for Veyka and Arran. Unfortunately I was left somewhat disappointed. Some of my least favourite tropes, miscommunication, "it's all my fault" and memory loss played big roles in the book which left me feeling a little underwhelmed. I'm not sure that I'll continue with the series.

I have seen some great reviews for this one so don't left me put you off, I just wanted more from this series.

This is the third book in the Secrets of the Faerie Crown, a dark romantasy series that is a loose reimagining of the Arthurian legend. Tropes include a stabby FMC, touch her and die, mental health rep, fated mates, found family, healing & comfort and a plus size FMC. This is a dark fantasy romance so please see content warnings for dark themes and explicit content.

So there’s a pretty major part of this book focused on something I can’t say because it would spoil. We’re just going to call it “Arran’s issue” in this review.

The Lovely: As with the prior books, I love love the characters and their relationships. We did get to see a lot more of Cyara in this book, and we meet a new character I adore. But, back to the MMC and FMC. The author makes you care about them on a deep level and you become invested in their lives, their relationships and their happiness. The MCs’ relationship in this bit is tumultuous at best due to Arran’s issue, to the point I was worried for them. But their relationship feels more realistic this way - messy and complex.

Rating: 5/5 Stars 3/5 Flames

Recommendation: I received an advance review copy, and am leaving this review voluntarily. The last book hurt me several times over and left me sitting on my bed crying. This book was more like death by a thousand cuts - slow and gradual - due to how Arran’s issue impacted his and Veyka’s relationship. Oh, and while the ending was a nail biting cliffhanger, exactly, it still wrenched the knife in my heart. The fourth and final book of Veyka and Arran’s story will release late this fall, with a couple spin offs planned for side characters. If you like dark romantic fantasy with strong character and relationship development, and that hits you in the feels, you would like this book.

This book continues where the previous book left off with Veyka struggling with what she did to Arran accidentally when they faced off with Gorlois. There were a lot of revelations that came out at the end of the previous book, and it did not disappoint at all. It just goes to shows how far and the lengths Ingraine would to for power. I can't wait for Ingraine to get what she deserves as it's way overdue and I'm so ready for Veyka and Ingraine to have their battle. However, Veyka must prepare to face the threats that she knows is coming for her people. Her and Arran still have a lot of hardships, turmoil and heartache to go through, but I love them just as much as I did in the previous books. I have always enjoyed Veyka and Cyara's friendship, but I love Cyara even more in this story as she plays a major part in this story as well as adds depth to it. There were parts in the story that were the pace was slower than I hoped but the suspense within the story was just as intense as it was in the previous books. I also enjoyed some of the newer characters introduced in this book and I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series as this one ends with another major cliffhanger.

Dang it’s always hard to review books in a series without spoiling anything in any of the other books! 3rd installment of a four book series. Picked up right where the cliffhanger in book 2 leaves off. Some twists and turns I did not see coming 👀

This book felt a little more emotional to me and was definitely a wild ride. There is a lot to unpack in this book! It felt a little slower paced than the first two, which was not necessarily a bad thing. We got to see some character development and deeper connections with some of the characters.
Crown of Earth and Sky was the very first ARC I ever read so this series has a special place in my little bookish heart.

💚Found Family
💚Touch Her and Die
💚Faeries
💚Shifters
💚Elemental magic
💚Spice
💚Enemies/hate to Love
💚Arranged Marriage
💚Fated Mates
💚Political Intrigue
💚Stabby, plus size FMC

Another great instalment in a great series. The plot, tropes, writing, everything is just great. I really recommend reading this. Looking forward to the next book!

NOW THAT IS WHAT I CALL A WELL-DONE ROMANTIC FANTASY!!! This was my first time ever reading Donna Grant and it will certainly not be my last!!

In Rising Sun, we meet Yasmin, the strong, selfless and brave human with a sassy attitude. After being caught stealing, she is forced to help Ravi, a broody sun elf find passage into the fortress of Shaldorn, a place from her worst nightmares. Tropes include:

- one tent
- forced proximity
- enemies to lovers
- elves vs humans
- found family
- trauma rep

I was immediately hooked when I started listening to my advanced listener copy. The banter between Ravi and Yasmin was so well done, and I loved the gradual development of their relationship moving from enemies to friends to lovers. Though their love story is a highlight, it is second to the plot line in the book. Yasmin’s background story and the secrets within the fortress had my heart aching. Watching Ravi finally overcome his prejudice and open his eyes was such beautiful character growth (which is always an important factor in my 5 star picks). This was just such a well done story with fantastic narration by Shane East - I could listen to his voice all day long (and admittedly, I did since I was so obsessed with the storyline).

Thank you so much to the author, NetGalley and Tantor Audio for providing me with an advanced listener copy in exchange for an honest review. All ratings and opinions are entirely my own, and trust me when I say you want to check this new fantasy romance out!

With this being the third book in the series, I feel like things are coming together. At the same time though, it feels like the resolution is also more and more further. In book two, we see Veyka finally coming into herself with her accepting her powers and her bond with Arran. However, instead of furthering this relationship both romantic and political, we are thrown right back to point zero.
While I can see why Arran’s storyline happened, all magic has a cost after all, I fail to see how it benefitted the story. Pushing Veyka’s own character arc forward? Probably. That’s how it’s sold to us, however I’m not so sure.
The struggle he has to face, and as a consequence them as a couple have to face, are the same of book one. And while this could have been a great opportunity for us to really get to know Arran, I feel like we stayed on the surface. The things that made him Arran, his traumas and experiences that forced the male in 300 years, we’ve yet to know them. Truly.
The resolution of his storyline was also very anticlimactic.
The best thing about this book was the found family. Truly all of these characters shone through the pages. I’m so attached to all of them and I love how they’re all either coming into themselves as well or they’re taking a more central role.
Things are getting more and more complicated so I can’t wait to see what happens next!

Delving into the captivating world of *Court of Vines and Vipers*, the third book in the series, was an absolute delight. As the intricate threads of the prophecy finally weave together, it feels like we're hurtling toward the culmination of an epic journey.

One of the most rewarding aspects of this installment is witnessing the remarkable growth of Veyks. Her power is undeniably awe-inspiring, but what truly sets her apart is her evolution as a person. From the hesitant, uncertain figure we met in book 1, she has blossomed into the kind of queen that commands respect and admiration from all. The contrast between her past self and her current stature is nothing short of breathtaking.

The narrative is expertly crafted, seamlessly blending elements of romance and fantasy into a rich tapestry of storytelling. Each twist and turn keeps readers on the edge of their seats, eager to uncover what lies ahead for our beloved characters.

I found myself thoroughly engrossed in every page, completely immersed in the vividly imagined world and deeply invested in the fates of its inhabitants. It's a testament to the author's skill that even as the series progresses, the stakes continue to feel higher than ever.

As I closed the final chapter, I couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation for what's to come in book 4. This is exactly what a Romantasy epic high fantasy should be—sweeping, thrilling, and utterly captivating. I absolutely loved it and eagerly await the next installment.

Court of Vines and Vipers. Secrets of the Faerie Crown series. Book #3 By Emberly Ash.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️

A Dark romantasy built around the reimagining of the Arthurian legend with dark themes and explicit content.

Tropes:
• Spicy Scenes
• Found Family
• Fated Mates
• Touch her & ☠️
• Stabby FMC
• Plus size FMC
• Epic Love
And much more…

As we follow on from book 2’s cliffhanger we continue with Arran and Veyka and the wonderful and inspiring dynamic between these main characters and their evolving personalities. We meet new characters along the way. Which I loved. All the supporting characters were superb, inspired and beautifully written into this fantastical world.

The author has proceeded to create a masterpiece of magical storytelling with the outstanding world building and the storyline is flawless and continues on perfectly.

Our main FMC & MMC, Arran and Veyka, have coaxed us into there world and have created a bond with us throughout the previous books that has us greatly invested in their wellbeing and the outcome of their story. Their character development through this series is intricate and beautifully crafted…

As Arran is dealing with an ‘issue’ so to speak, which I can only say is utterly heartbreaking. The whole prophecies and curses palaver is still very much at play and we are yet to determine the outcome. We can only and keep our fingers crossed for a favorable outcome for our main protagonists and the HEA we all hope for.


A brilliant addition to the series I eagerly await for the fourth book.

A must read for all romance and fantasy lovers…

Thanks to NetGalley and Emberly Ash for the advanced copy.

This is the third book in the Secrets of the Faerie Crown series, one of my favorite indie series right now, and the inaugural book in what I call my “King Arthur Era.” The end of this book blew my mind completely, indicating the series would be going in a direction I absolutely did not expect or predict. And while I am still not okay that my favorite character lost their memory, I can accept it because of the slow burn we got to go through for a second time. There wasn’t as much spice in this book as in books 1 and 2, but the scenes we did get were great. The found family that Veyka is building around herself makes my heart so happy, and I loved seeing her stand in her power on her own in this book. We learn more about the prophecies in this book, setting the stage for an epic next installment in this series. I have no idea how it’s all going to end and I am thrilled by that. If you love fae, spice, and King Arthur, you definitely need to check out this series!