I really wanted to love this book — the premise is promising, and I’m always intrigued forbidden love. However, I struggled with the pacing and the development of the central relationships.

Spoilers ahead!

For the first half of the book, the story moves quite slowly, focusing on what seems to be a slowburn between the prince and his loyal male bodyguard. Their connection is subtle but emotionally charged, and by the midpoint, they confess their love and share a night together. So far, so good. Or at least intriguing.

But then things take a sharp turn. The very next day, the prince marries a duchess who, only days before, had betrayed him and believed he was responsible for his brother’s murder. Their previous interactions are few and bland, and yet we’re told that they suddenly love each other deeply. The shift felt abrupt and unearned, as though the emotional groundwork for such a connection was missing.

What made it even harder to believe was how quickly the duchess goes from hating the prince, to loving him, to suggesting they all form some sort of relationship together, within a matter of days. While I appreciate stories that challenge traditional relationship norms, it still needs to feel emotionally authentic. In this case, the romance arcs didn’t quite land for me. It feels like she's only there because it was decided from the beginning that this story would be a why choose and the author needed someone to throw into the thrupple. In my opinion it would've been a better store if we just had the guys.

That said, I do think readers who enjoy court intrigue, unusual magic and unexpected relationship dynamics may find something compelling here. Unfortunately, I found the pacing too slow, the motivations unclear, and the romance underdeveloped.

Thanks to NetGalley for an ARC of this book. All thoughts are my own.

edit to add: i want to note that because i love the characters, premise and representation so much i have been super nitpicky with feedback. as a queer autistic books like this are so important to me and i end up holding them to a high standards. if i didn't love it, i wouldn't have so much to say!

I was thrilled to find this, right up my alley in so many ways…

Things I loved:

- highly lovable characters
- soulful autistic representation integrated really well into a fantasy setting without diagnostic labels (which can be difficult but is done very well here!)
- thoroughly developed setting in terms of geopolitical fantasy
- super compelling payoff on the magic/supernatural element

Things I struggled with:

- a lot of this could have been spread over 2 books, it would have been great to show how problems are worked out instead of introducing major conflicts and resolving them within the same few lines
- rushed resolution of all interpersonal conflict not because it made sense but because it facilitated the M/F relationship, so we lose a lot of potential character development
- the supernatural / magical element felt a bit predictable, right up until a scene at the very end that made me wish the author had sprinkled more of that reward throughout the book

The first half or so of the book is really fantastic, great character building, atmospheric, well-paced… unfortunately it falls apart a little bit. I love the premise so much, and it was executed really well in the first act, unfortunately the second and third act read to me as though they needed more editing; it quickly became "and then this happened then this happened then this happened then this happened". It is clear in the writing and pacing this is a debut novel.

It was really strange and kind of off-putting to me that we spend maybe the first half of the book focused entirely on Elias and Beau’s relationship, and almost sort of approach a payoff there, only for Beau to kind of… decide one afternoon he is actually completely in love with Penny, despite only vaguely having mentioned her as a somewhat acceptable betrothal before, and that’s that. This is especially obvious in the way sex scenes are written, it reads like the author was a bit overzealous in their excitement about getting to the good ol P in V heterosexual lovemaking that they forgot readers hadn’t actually been given any time to get invested in that relationship, and it leaves the queer scene feeling a bit flat. I'm not spoiler-ing this section because I feel like potential readers should know, I wouldn't call this book a gay romance and it is very straight-centric once the crux of the plot kicks off. It also doesn't read as enemies to lovers, as they were never quite enemies; its very short-lived and the quick resolution gave me whiplash, there isn't much transition or tension to relish in there

That being said, I will definitely read future instalments! And I wouldn't have so much to say if I hadn't been super invested in the book.

Firstly, I want to thank NetGalley and S. E. McPherson for access to a copy of this book. Be warned, this book has some scenes of intimacy between some of the characters in this book, some scenes of violence, as well as discussion of self harm and substance abuse in parts of this book. Avoid reading this book if you are sensitive to any of those topics.

What a journey! There were many moments that left me either giggling madly or holding back tears as the characters and their relationships developed throughout this story. My poor coworkers had to put up with me talking about every unhinged moment throughout this book, and I kept finding myself feeling excited yet nervous for what else could possibly happen to top everything that had come before.

I found the concept of the book and the characters themselves compelling enough to keep me reading late into the night, and I am impressed at the overall world building and story telling as this is the authors first novel. The pacing did feel a bit jarring at times, and I found myself struggling to keep up with some of the aspects of the magical lore that is being established in this book for the series, I am invested in the outcome of this series to keep reading and am anxiously waiting to find out what ramifications there are for the events at the end of this first book.

Overall, this book made me feel a roller-coaster of emotions and didn't hold back when many other authors tend to. I have so many questions left unanswered that I'm hoping will be answered in the next book, which cannot come soon enough! 4 out of 5 starts!

I could not put this book down for the life of me. Reading this book, there was not a second where I was bored. I was giggling , I was shouting at the characters like they were real people, and I was gasping constantly like this book was such a FUN TIME.

I liked practically everything about this book, particularly the characters. Each one of the main characters was so well fleshed out that I fell in love with every single one of them in different ways. I'm a little confused about the setting of the world of and the politics and wish the author did a little more world-building.

The chemistry , the tension, the angst, and the banter between Beauregard and Elias were so well done. However, the relation between the duchess and the prince was rushed a little, and I hope they continue to build their relationship in the trilogy. On that same note, the ending also felt a little rushed.

Overall, I did enjoy this book, and I can't wait to see how this story progresses in the next book.

S.E. McPherson’s A King’s Trust follows Prince Beauregard (Beau), the reluctant second son thrust into the role of Crown Prince after the sudden and tragic death of his brother. Beau never wanted this life, but duty calls him back to the palace with responsibilities he never expected or wanted. By his side is Elias: his loyal guard, best friend, and undeniably attractive source of constant sexual tension. Their sexual tension is present in nearly every scene.

One of Beau’s first obligations is to choose a lady of the court to marry and one day become queen. The problem? Beau detests almost everyone at court, and the feeling is mutual. Complicating matters further is Lady Victoire Penamour, a sharp, formidable presence who believes Beau murdered his brother and seems determined to prove it.

From the start, the novel brims with mystery: Who was managing Beau’s duties during his years away? Who stole the magical artifacts he was supposed to protect? And why are they so important? These questions gripped me early on and kept me turning pages. The intrigue is tightly woven, and McPherson does an excellent job pacing the reveals to keep readers invested.

One of the most compelling developments comes when Lady Penamour (later known as Penny) confronts Beau with her theory of fratricide — all the while he had believed Char to have fallen from his horse and died instantly. From there, the plot deepens as Beau begins to uncover not only the truth behind his brother’s death but also secrets about those closest to him, including Elias.

While I was entranced by the mystery, I struggled with parts of the romance. Elias, in particular, never fully clicked for me. His backstory felt convoluted and underdeveloped, and even after his secrets were revealed, I found it difficult to connect with him emotionally.

The book's romance includes a polyamorous relationship (MMF) between Beau, Elias, and eventually Penny. While I appreciated the healthy and affirming depiction of polyamory, particularly Penny’s understanding and acceptance of the existing relationship, I found the transition into the triad jarring. For most of the book, we follow Beau’s emotional and physical entanglement with Elias, while simultaneously watching him try to win over a very guarded and suspicious Penny. Once she accepts his proposal and they marry, the shift to a full-blown throuple feels abrupt. Penny and Beau barely have time alone before she brings Elias into the fold, and for me, the romance lost much of its tension and emotional impact.

That said, I’m glad I kept reading. The novel’s emotional depth, especially regarding Beau’s feelings of unworthiness, neglect, and trauma, was powerful and sensitively portrayed. His journey toward healing, bolstered by the unconditional love of Penny and Elias, gave the story emotional weight that balanced the intrigue and political drama. I also appreciated how the novel explored difficult topics, like self-harm and emotional neglect, with nuance, even in a fantastical setting.

A King’s Trust is a surprising and enjoyable fantasy filled with palace intrigue, mystery, and emotional resonance. Although the romantic arc didn’t fully align with my preferences, I found the story compelling and well worth reading.

Thank you to NetGalley and Metaltail Press | Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA) for providing this e-book ARC. All opinions are my own.

This fantasy follows Prince Beau, the spare who suddenly finds himself heir to the throne, navigating royal politics, secret societies, and not one but TWO complicated loves. 💔👑

What I loved:

Beau is super relatable and flawed in the best way.
Lady Penamour is a powerhouse with a complex arc.
The political intrigue and magical elements kept me hooked.
What was tricky:

The pacing felt a bit slow at times.
The poly romance felt rushed and a little awkward — I wanted more chemistry between the trio!
Overall, it’s a captivating start to a trilogy with tons of potential. Can’t wait for the sequels to see where this story goes! 🌟📖

Beauregard is not his parents favorite child. His brother was, but he died and now Beau is to become king. Beau just wanted to live the isles with his hottie guard Elias. Now he has to step up and find a wife.

Beau had a couple of choices for a wife but not many. Along the way, he discovers things about his deceased brother that he didn’t except, like that he was using money in Beau’s name and all of the magical artifacts of the family’s are now missing.
Beau is faced with many challenges and hard decisions, and finds himself in a love triangle. Will love conquer all? Will he become king or be overthrown? Will he finally when his parents love? All of this with a handful of magic thrown in the mix.

I found this to be an incredibly interesting story, I was staying up late to read this book, and dying to know what happened to Beau on his quest to become king. I loved the magic, and the friendships he formed along the way. I can’t wait for the next book. Though I will say, this one could have been a standalone read.

Thank you to NetGalley & Mettail Press for the EARC digital copy to review.

Real rating is 3.5 The guy gets both the guy and the girl!

It took me a bit to get into this, but it was a really fun read! Prince Beauregard reluctantly has to take up the role of crown prince as his older brother dies during an accident. His parents forces him to choose a spouse and he agrees to do so until the season ends. He doesn't find any of the nobles agreeable except for lady Penamour, who despises him. It also seems that his most trusted guard Elias keeps secrets of him own, some Beauregard never thought to question.

The court drama was pretty entertaining actually. I liked reading Beau's interactions with the nobles and to see how he handles situations. He is characterized as a good person and his actions shows that by constantly advocating for the welfare of his people. The slow-burn between him and Penamour was funand his constant pining with Elias was frustrating in a good way. Around half way the overall story picks up the pace really quick, with a lot of heavy moments and revelations. I feel like from this point on a lot of it feels really rushed as you are bombarded back to back with pretty tense moments.

I did like the overall story though and as i said it was enjoyable. I think however it lacked just a bit depth in everything? I liked Beau's development with Elias but I feel the enemies-to-lovers switch between him and Penamour just switched a little too quickly, like really quickly. I understand that there was a time constraint during that moment but I wish they had more time to transition. The world building is interesting in concept, but not dived in further than relevant to the story. It is not always a bad thing, there are just some aspects were explored more (especially regarding Beau).

Either way, thank you Netgalley and Metaltail press for providing me a digital ARC to read and review :)

Title: A King's Trust
Author: S.E. McPherson
Genre: fantasy, romance
Quick Summary:

Beau is the second in line for the throne—the spare, the black sheep, the estranged Prince surrounded by rumours of misdeeds and misbehaviour. Following the death of his brother, he struggles with his grief while being forced to take on the mantle of crowned Prince. This means new responsibilities and finding a bride, one he hopes he can trust and love. His only constant is his best friend and First Guard, Elias, who is a comfort amidst the discoveries of deception, false allegations and hidden agendas. But even that seems to be cracking.

Quick Review:
Hmmmmm, what to say?

This book took me on a journey. I mean, all books do, but this swept me along with it. I found myself very invested, very quickly. The pacing was quite good and I didn't feel like things were lagging or too fast paced.There was one section where I think things felt too quick, but as I read it through there were aspects of magic at play that resolved that for me. It was a well done transition, subtle at first.

McPherson kept me on my toes while I was reading. The book managed to hook me in the beginning, then doled out bits of information, events and revelations that not only kept my interest but tugged at my emotions. She made me wonder who the antagonist was in this all. Where was the main threat coming from? Outside of the usual royalty would face during succession of course. There's quite a bit of information that will need to be answered in the rest of the series that I'm definitely going to reading the next installment.

Some Character Profiles
As it regards characters, I really enjoyed Beau as a protagonist and narrator. He was quirky, clueless and more capable than he gave himself credit for. His family may not have treated him particularly well, but he still loved them. He was a very emotional character, in that he not only felt things deeply, but was empathetic to the citizens in his charge. It was this aspect of his personality that I think made him such a fun read.

I can't speak about characters without speaking about Elias. In the initial stages of the book, there were things that made me wonder about him. He was a devoted mystery. I felt that he might have ulterior motives and had a bit of fun trying to figure him and the wider plot out as I read. I will say that he did not disappoint me.

Victoire Penamour was the main love interest. Betrothed to Beau's late brother Charmont. She was frustrating initially, but absolutely brilliant. I don't fault her for actions and attitude considering the terrible reputation Beau had. What I admired about her was her conviction, her foresight and her ability to pivot and acknowledge her mistakes. To her surprise she and Beau share a lot of opinions.

Before I end off, I have to mention the relationships. Beau and Elias are so cute together. They both have a palpable devotion to the other, even as I navigated suspicions about Elias. Penamour is who was the wildcard. She had a palpable disdain for Beau and, while Elias favoured as an option for the future queen I can't say they initially got along. The three did have to navigate some true trials together and quick and intense as it all was they were discerning enough to band together and do what was needed to come through in the end.

Having read this book, I'm excited seeing this through and watching how the main relationships continue to play out and blossom. I look forward to what McPherson writes for us in the rest of the series.

I got this book from NetGalley as an eARC for honest review. 🤞🏼

(LGBTQ+, poly romance, neurodivergent MC, friends-to-lovers, enemies-to-lovers, magic, found family, fighting, some gore, open door/spice)

I read through this whole book in one sitting. From start to finish, it is plot and action packed. There is always something happening and each scene means something (even minorly relevant). In my opinion, that's a good book. I loved Beau, Penny, and Elias. Excellently done characters with a lot of dimension, All of the side characters were well done too. I enjoyed how equally plot and character driven the whole book was. I would say it does lean more character driven, but only by a bit.
There were a couple of things for me that could've been done differently. I felt at times that there wasn't really enough world building and I wasn't always sure of what exactly was going on or why something was significant. I did check out the trigger warnings before diving into the book and they were well done, but I think a couple were missed. (I am unsure if sharing those goes against NetGalley's spoiler policy, so I will add them to my linked spoiler reviews.) I also felt like occasionally it was going a bit too fast,
All in all, I really enjoyed the book. I think it brings a new and interesting breath of fresh air in the fantasy world and I'm excited to read the next books. I'll definitely continue with the trilogy.

Thank you NetGalley for this ARC.

Speechless. Just speechless. I loved every single page of this.
Everything in this book felt so refreshingly different from any other romantasy I have read lately. No over-used phrases or tropes for the sake of tropes. Genuine, believable and relatable. I could not put the book down. Complex politics, unique worldbuilding, plot driven and a heartwarming romance. My heart ached to be in the world with the characters, to experience their story in person.
The only small issue that I had with the book, is that apparently it is going to have a sequel, but the way the book ended did not leave any questions open, any storylines unsolved or any cliffhanger for the next book. I honestly though this was a standalone and was surprised to find out it will be a series.

A King's Trust by S.E. McPherson delivers a compelling mix of court intrigue, ancient magic, and emotional tension. The story weaves a layered narrative where nothing is quite as it seems—loyalties shift, trust is hard-earned, and every choice carries weight.

The protagonist stands out with a strong voice and genuine emotional depth. Watching their journey unfold—from guarded vulnerability to reluctant power—was one of the novel’s strongest aspects. McPherson’s writing is fluid and immersive, painting a vivid world of kingdoms at war and hearts on the line.

While the pacing lagged in a few places (especially during some of the more introspective or political moments), the stakes and character dynamics always pulled me back in. The slow-burn romance was particularly well done—not rushed, not clichéd, but something that felt earned.

This is a story for readers who enjoy fantasy with heart, moral complexity, and just enough magic to keep the pages turning. I’m definitely interested in where the series goes next.

I really enjoyed this book. There's so much to enjoy - political intrigue, strained family relationships, an MM bodyguard romance and a MF romance.

I enjoyed following the characters on this journey. The Prince was a spare and never expected to become heir. He struggles with leaving behind his carefree life that he enjoyed whilst he wasn't in the spotlight.

The dynamic between Beau, Elias and Penny was well written and the tension between Beau and Elias - sizzling! You could feel Beau's attraction and draw to Elias much more than his attraction to Penny and I was totally here for it!! I can't blame him either - Elias is lush.

The AuDHD representation and other tough themes are so well written.

The magic in the book is really intriguing especially as we learn a lot more about Beau towards the end of the book. I have so many questions about it and also about who/what Elias is.

If you are looking for a Romantasy with a poly MMF twist then this book is definitely one to read! I really hope there's more. I can't wait to see what's in store for these three! I'd love Penny and Elias to build a more romantic relationship but I guess we'd need another POV to truly see that unfold. Perhaps an Elias POV. Ok, ok, I might be fangirling him a bit.

Thank you to the author, and NetGalley for the ARC. This is my honest review of the book.

This was such a GREAT read; I knew the second I started that I was going to like everything about it; the premise, the characters, the writing -- everything was 10/10!! I'm looking forward to recommending this book to everyone asking for a queer/poly fantasy romance! I knew from the cover that this would be a title I was going to like, and I'm glad as I read on, that I was proven right!! Thank you for approving my request to read this amazing book!! <3

Thank you to NetGalley and Metaltail Press for giving me an ARC of this book to review. All opinions are my own.

4.5/5 stars

A King's Trust is a fantastic book! It follows Beau, the second in line to the throne, as he navigates the complicated situation of his brother's wedding turning into a funeral when he dies in a freak accident. He hates being royal and wants nothing more than to run away, so becoming heir is a tricky situation for him as he's left to unpick the mess that his brother left behind.

S.E. McPherson sent my emotions through the wringer throughout the journey that was this book--I experienced joy, anguish, hope, yearning and amusement and I thoroughly enjoyed every moment of it. The story was a little bit slow to pick up, but by the 10-15% mark I was hooked. In fact, I found myself constantly thinking about the book when I wasn't reading it, which I consider a top sign that a book is engaging!

The balance between plot and romance felt right, which I find is sometimes tricky to find in a romantasy. This book features an MMF romance and I thought each individual character was well-written and compelling. All three characters are dimensional, with flaws and strengths that made me invested in them and their relationship. Other than the main plotline, my favourite part was the relationship between Beau and the male love interest. The yearning and angst between the two was delicious and I loved when the finally came together.

There were two main things that stopped this from being a 5-star read for me. Firstly, while I loved Beau and the female love interest's chemistry and I was absolutely rooting for them, their relationship went from 0 to 60 very quickly. It felt unrealistic and I wish that the pacing for their relationship had been better.

The second was that I wish a bit more time had been spent exploring the magic system. I think S.E. McPherson created something unique and I desperately wanted to know more about it (especially considering how integral to the plot it is!). I found it a bit jarring that a major revelation is made about magic that should have been abundantly obvious through the previous portions of the book, but up until that point there had been no indication of it.

Beyond these two issues, I absolutely adored these books and I am anxiously awaiting the next installment! If you're looking for a romantasy featuring court politics, an interesting magic system, and romance with plenty of yearning, I highly recommend checking out A King's Trust by S.E. McPherson.

This was really fun! It was a good fantasy with some good romance. The characters were interesting and not cliche and the plot was intriguing. The writing flowed well, there weren't any plot holes and the writing was engaging. The way the author described things really helped me imagine things.

This book opens up and dives straight into Beauregard's reluctance and insecurities about becoming the heir after his brother passes away.

It's a poly MMF book which I ATE up omg, we need a thousand times more books with this kind of rep!! The found family, the banter, the chemistry between the three. Yes. Yes. Yes.

It's everything I wanted tbh.

a king's trust was an incredibly fun and heartwarming read. with a mix of magic, politics, action and emotion, it really hit all the bases for a good book.

the characters were very well-written. beau is by far one of the best 'prince' characters in any book i've read in a hot minute. i absolutely loved both the love interests in this book - elias you have my heart - and i loved that the book had the 'why choose one' trope.

the world building and plot were intricate, the twists and turns in the plot had me on edge.

all in all, this was a great read.

This is a captivating royal fantasy-romance that drew me in with its emotionally charged characters, intriguing political stakes, and unexpected plot twists—but not without a few bumps along the way.

The story follows Beau, the second-born prince who was never meant to rule. His life takes a sharp turn when his older brother unexpectedly dies, leaving him next in line for the throne. Suddenly burdened with the weight of a crown he never prepared for, Beau is thrust into the limelight—not just as a grieving brother, but as a soon-to-be king in desperate need of a queen.

Watching Beau navigate the dual struggle of personal loss and public expectation was genuinely heartbreaking. McPherson does a great job of humanizing him—he’s tender, confused, and vulnerable, yet still trying to do right by his people. Paradoxically, some of the most emotional moments are laced with humor, especially during his awkward, high-society "wife-hunting" escapades. These scenes brought a much-needed lightness to the heavy grief arc and showed McPherson's strength in balancing tone.

The world-building is a slow burn, which actually worked in the book’s favor. Rather than info-dumping, the story gently eases you into the customs, politics, and dynamics of the kingdom. It felt digestible and immersive, which I really appreciated.

That said, the pacing and direction did leave something to be desired. While the vibes were absolutely there: angst, romance, royal drama—the plot sometimes felt like it lacked a clear path. There were so many narrative threads introduced that it occasionally felt like too much was being crammed into a single story, causing a bit of thematic whiplash. The depth was sacrificed for breadth at times.

BUT… just when I thought I had it all figured out, the last quarter exploded. The twists at the end? 😱😱😱 I gasped more than once and almost threw my Kindle across the room. So, while the story meandered a bit in the middle, McPherson knows how to stick a dramatic landing.

Spice-wise, the book walks a thin and somewhat awkward line. It’s not fully closed-door, but it’s not explicit either. It teases more than it delivers, and the ambiguity left me wanting more clarity—either go all in or keep it fully subtle. This in-between made the romantic tension feel slightly unfulfilled.

Speaking of romance though "chef’s kiss". The romantic plotline is the real gem here. It's layered, unique, and emotionally rich. There’s something deeply exciting and different about the dynamic, one I don’t often find in other books, and I’m genuinely thrilled to see how it unfolds in future installments.

Overall, " A King’s Trust" isn't perfect, but it’s a highly enjoyable, emotional, and often surprising read. If you love royal intrigue, complex romance, and don’t mind a few plot stumbles in favor of character depth and big payoffs—this one’s for you.

The found family in this story is so sweet and the awkwardly bumbling prince trying for romance was so sweetly written. I only wish we had more perspective from El and Penny about their interactions with Char.
Thanks NetGalley for allowing me to arc read this.