Emotionally rich, character-driven fantasy that stays with you.
Fated is the kind of book that sneaks up on you. What starts as a slow-burning fantasy romance quickly unfolds into something deeper—more human, more haunting, and more emotionally layered than I expected. I picked it up for the magic and the tension between Ash and Areya... and stayed because the characters felt real.
Areya is one of the most relatable protagonists I’ve read in a long time. She’s not a chosen-one stereotype—she’s thoughtful, uncertain, emotionally complex, and trying to make the best of an impossible situation. Her growth throughout the book is quiet but powerful, and the relationship between her and Ash is achingly good. The chemistry, the guilt, the restraint—it all builds so organically, and the payoff is worth every page.
What truly sets this book apart is the emotional depth. It doesn’t just skim the surface of grief, trauma, or love—it sits with them. The writing is immersive and breath-based, and the pacing mirrors the emotional journey of the characters. It’s beautifully done.
And the best part? The world only expands from here. I’ve already gone on to read the next books in the series, and each one adds new layers to the magic, the lore, and the cast. The scope gets bigger, but the emotional core stays personal.
Highly recommend to anyone who loves fantasy that puts character first—especially readers looking for slow-burn romance, found family, and protagonists who feel like people you could know.

This is a spoiler-free review! :)

As an avid Romantasy reader, I knew the second I saw this book on Instagram that I HAD to read it.

Areya is a young woman who woke up one night to find her entire world changed overnight- and that she is being framed for it.

Sitting in jail for a crime she knows she could never commit, she is taken from jail and swept away into an entirely new world by Ash and Calyx- two men forged into weapons. Though she fears them, she can't help but feel drawn to Ash, the brooding, handsome man she encountered while out with friends a mere few days before the events of this book.

As Areya is taken deeper into this world, the dichotomy between the pull and the fear she feels towards Ash continues to develop. What follows is a story full of surprise, magic, healing, and restoration.

One thing this story reminds us is that first impressions are not always accurate- and this shows in the development of these dynamic characters. I found myself unable to put this book down, as there were constantly moments as the story progressed where a character's true nature and potential were revealed, and it was not as I expected (in the best possible way!).

Cosette Verga's world-building is truly phenomenal- amount of detail and planning that must have gone into creating this series makes this world truly come alive.

So many surprises around every corner- and the details all weave together seamlessly. Cossete Verga is a fantastic author, and I'm so excited to see where she continues to take this series, and any of her future work!

I am now beginning the fourth book in this Fated series, and I can tell you- every single page is worth the read! You will NOT regret reading this series.

As an avid Romantasy reader, this series has everything!! Fated bonds, romance and passion in spades, enemies to lovers, found family, a strong FMC(Female Main Character), adventure, magic, and a reminder that in ALL of us, there is great potential to make a positive impact in the lives of those around us, each in our own special way.

I highly recommend this series! Romantasy lovers everywhere will be flocking to this series, and I can't wait to see it!

An awesome read for romantasy readers. Perfect for new readers as well as romantasy experts. Highly recommend for lovers of ACOTAR, Thorne of Glass, Fae Isles.

From the first page, Fated didn’t just pull me in. It transported me. I wasn’t just reading about this world, I was in it. Walking the broken kingdoms, breathing in the magic, carrying the same hope and fear as the characters. Every chapter made me feel everything: love, grief, rage, awe. Their battles felt like my own.
What stood out most is how this story takes the tropes we all love in romantasy and makes them feel new again. The fated love, the chosen one, the found family are all here, but they feel more raw, more layered, and more human. It is not just about destiny. It is about choice. About forgiveness. About the way love can heal and destroy at the same time.
The romance gave me everything I crave in this genre. It is slow-burning, charged, and emotional. But it was the depth that floored me. The characters feel like people I know, people I ache for. I laughed with them, broke with them, and more than once had to set the book down just to breathe.
I went in thinking ACOTAR was the top of the genre for me, and I came out realizing I was wrong. Fated does not just match it. It surpasses it. Each book only gets better, stronger, more gripping, more devastating and more healing.
This is not just a book you read. It is one you live through. And when you are done, you are not the same.

Wish I could do half stars because this book deserves 4.5 stars!
That was one heck of an introduction!! The style of writing and the setting was absolutely intriguing!
The spark between Ash and Areya were instant and the sexual tension was always there from the beginning. It’s definitely a slow burn but so worth the wait!
This book had me blushing and giggling so much but the ending 😭… I’m really starting to hate these Cliffhangers… but luckily I can move on immediately to book 2!

FATED BY COSETTE VERGA
Book 1
5 ✨ ✨ ✨ ✨ ✨s.
Stunning cover.
Now that's how you write a prologue 👏.
I was dragged in from that alone and I just wanted to sit in my chair and read and be taken Into this world of magic (mama of 4 kids so these kids of mine had other ideas).
It's been a very long time since I've read any fantasy books and let me tell you this book has made me fall in love with the genre all over again.
I'm in love with this world and so excited to see where cosette will take me next ♥
Bring on book 2 AWAKENED
Cosette Verga

This book was fun, fast paced, and kept me on the edge of my seat! I loved how descriptive it was and how while reading it I felt as though I was inside the book, not just along for the journey but a part of it almost. As though watching a film rather than reading words on pages. I loved how much depth the characters have and how much care was given to creating the world and the story.

I saw this book making the rounds in a big romantasy Facebook group and decided to check it out. I read a lot since my sister runs an indie bookstore, and I like to know what might do well for her shelves. This one really stood out.
From the first chapter it grabbed my attention and didn’t let go. The story is fast to get into, the world feels big without being confusing, and the characters have real depth. There were moments that made me laugh and others that hit a lot harder than I expected.
I’m already into book 2 now and it’s even better. Definitely a series I’ll be recommending to my sister.

I saw this book pop up on my Facebook for recommended ARC's. I haven't finished a book this quickly in a very long time. I am now reading book #4 and so excited to read #5. If you like fated bonds, magic, and everything in between. You need these books. Watching Ash and Areya's story unfold along with the rest of Gardonia has kept me pulling the "one more chapter" more than I can count. Cosette has done a wonderful job keeping the story going while also giving great descriptions of the world around you. These books were a definite 5 star read for me.

You know when a series starts with a bang? Well that is certainly what Fated did. What a brilliant introduction this is! To the characters, to the world and to the story as a whole.
The way in which this book is written is very well thought out and clever. The author uses changes to the pace of the writing to show scenes of high emotion and stressful situations, creating suspense in a way I dont think I've seen many times before. It means the reading experience is so immersive and emotive that you almost feel what the characters feel. Another way that this is done, is through the world building. Having such descriptive writing really allows the feeling of almost being present with them - at times its like you have crawled right into the pages.
I adored the relationship between Ash and Areya, as well as her personal growth throughout. From the prologue to the absolute corker of a cliffhanger, you are on the edge of your seat, with enough breadcrumbs scattered throughout to know you can expect action throughout the entire series. I can't wait to dive into the next one.
A very well written and executed first book, which will keep you hanging on whilst delivering some shocking discoveries along the way. It is well worth the read!

FATED is a phenomenal read and hooked me from page one. This author’s storytelling is masterful in the way she lays the foundation for the story to build into a world of fantasy filled with kingdoms and gods, good and evil, and twists you never see coming.. The chemistry between the main characters Areya and Ash is heartfelt. The way their story unfolds left me breathless wanting more. I absolutely loved this book and have already started the second book in the series AWAKENED. I highly recommend FATED to anyone who loves fantasy, romance and the unexpected!

This action in this book was immediate. I was instantly pulled in and hooked. I love this genre and I haven’t found a book that made me feel this way in a really long time. I laughed and cried. The characters, plot, and romance were top notch. Can’t wait to continue the series!

I loved this book! Ill be posting on my tik tok about it! I cant wait to read book 2! The enemies to lovers, the world building, the characters, love love love! Thank you so much for allowing me to read this book its so good!! 4.6 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.6!!!

I absolutely loved this book. I was hooked right off the bat and it just kept getting better and better, twisting and turning! What an incredible new talent, Can’t wait for the next book, truly impressive!!

One thing this story reminds us is that first impressions are not always accurate- and this shows in the development of these dynamic characters. I found myself unable to put this book down, as there were constantly moments as the story progressed where a character's true nature and potential were revealed, and it was not as I expected (in the best possible way!).

Cosette Verga's world-building is truly phenomenal- amount of detail and planning that must have gone into creating this series makes this world truly come alive.
I highly recommend this series! Romantasy lovers everywhere will be flocking to this series, and I can't wait to see it!

I really enjoyed this book a lot.

The worldbuilding ist done perfectly, instantly pulling me into the story with descriptions done so beautifully I could really picture every single scene. Especially the secret world was done to perfection, I really did not want them to leave and keep exploring.

The characters are well rounded and have distinct personalities. I would have liked the pacing to be more natural, especially while building the MMC and FMCs relationship. To me it felt a bit rushed, which I would have been fine with as their fated for each other, however, making a point of "always" this or that while they have known each other a couple of days just didn't sit right with me. Also, the emotional progression felt a bit rushed to me. From hating him (for very good reason) to suddenly loving him just seemed a bit of a stretch, I would have loved to read more about the FMCs thoughts and maybe skip one or two cozy dating scenes (which I still enjoyed immensely).

The side characters were amazing and really helped the main characters shine!

The setup and plot seemed to really pick up after the FMC 'settled', which I loved.

All in all a perfect cozy read for romantasy fans, will definitely be reading the other books!

Fated is a strong opener to a series that promises plenty of twists, tension, and swoon-worthy moments. From the very start, the premise pulls you in, and Cosette does a great job balancing worldbuilding with character development. The story feels fast-paced without losing the emotional depth that makes the characters relatable. What I enjoyed most was the chemistry between the leads, it felt natural and kept me invested in their journey. The stakes are high, but the romance brings warmth that balances out the intensity. The writing itself flows well, with just enough detail to paint the world without bogging the story down.

I did find a couple of sections a little predictable, but it didn’t take away from my overall enjoyment. By the end, I was hooked and already curious to see where the rest of the series will go.

Really enjoyed this. It started off a little slow for me but I find that usually happens with me so it could be related to my dyslexia! The story was great with a decent number of twists/turns in it to keep it moving. Great read!

This was a strong start to the Fated series, it had that element that I was looking for and was engaged with what was happening. I enjoyed this as a opening chapter and am excited to read more in this universe. The characters had that overall feel that I was wanting and enjoyed the genre. Cosette Verga wrote this well and was engaged from the first page and was excited to read the next book in the series.

I cannot stop thinking about this book, or about Ash. From the moment he walked on the page I was hooked. He’s dark, dangerous, and completely magnetic, and watching his walls slowly crack for Areya had me screaming, crying, and rereading entire chapters. The chemistry between them is unreal. Every glance, every touch had me on edge. I went in expecting a good romantasy and came out obsessed. Ash is easily one of my favorite book boyfriends of all time. If you love tortured, broody heroes who secretly have the softest hearts, you need this series.

All I knew going into "Fated" was that it was an enemy-to-lovers, fantasy read. I didn't know it would soon become my new obsession! This book is amazing!

The MMF heartbreak for the death of her mother is deep. The details of the grief bring you in and you grieve with her.

The details put into the world building are incredible. I felt like I was there.

The Slow-Burn Romance made me want to throw my Kindle at the wall.

Excuse me now while I go download Book #2.

Thank you Netgalley and Cosette Verga for ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Fated is a captivating debut that hooked me immediately with its dark, dramatic opening and the sense of mystery woven throughout. Areya’s journey through grief and self-discovery feels authentic and emotional, while Ash’s conflicted nature brings great tension and chemistry to their dynamic. The worldbuilding is vivid and layered with magic, prophecy, betrayal, and hints of found family that make the story feel both immersive and fast-paced. The romance is a delicious slow burn that balances hope and pain, and the twists kept me fully engaged from start to finish. At times the revelations and conflicts come quickly, but overall they heighten the drama rather than detract from it, and the ending leaves me eager for the next installment.

*ੈ✩‧₊˚Rating*ੈ✩‧₊˚
5/5 Stars

˗ˏˋ ꒰ Tropes ꒱ ˎˊ˗
❀ Enemies To Lovers
🩹 Slow Burn
❀ High Stakes
🩹 Last Of There Kind

𓂃🖊Notes and Highlights

-ˋˏ ༻”When I’m with you, Areya…I feel alive”༺ ˎˊ-

✦•┈๑⋅⋯”You make me want to be good, Areya. You make me believe I can be.”⋯⋅๑┈•✦

｡ ₊°༺”He was mine. I was his.”༻°₊ ｡

💭 Thoughts-

-ˋˏ✄┈┈Ohhh my gosh, this book. This book was honestly just amazing!! I loved it and was obsessed and could not stop reading it!!!

-ˋˏ✄┈┈The world building, and characters were just incredible and so immersive I felt like I felt what they were feeling, and did what they were doing.

-ˋˏ✄┈┈The character's growth was also just perfection and I need to immediately read the next one as soon as possible.

Just the intro will have you gripping your fingers, eyes glued to the page, sweating in anticipation!!
It was extremely intense!!!!
I think this ending on a cliffhanger question was perfect. This entices the reader to carry on.
I think the time difference could have been noted.

Areya gets hit into a nightmare, being wrongfully accused of a crime which leads herself to the mercy of Ash. Their connection is hot and cold, like a push, pull effect.

Whatever either wants, the heart knows what it wants! The pairs lives cross and they become entangled. The suspense and tension keeps the book flowing and the reader gripped! Would 100% recommend to read

I absolutely devoured this book! I stayed up way too late finishing it, because I couldn’t put it down. The plot was refreshingly original and kept me drawn in. I can’t wait to keep reading where Ash and Areya’s story goes next!

Fated absolutely blew me away. This book made me feel everything. The writing is so immersive I felt like I was living inside the story rather than reading it. Every scene carried weight, every character felt real, and the twists kept me on edge until the last page. I laughed, I cried, I got chills.. It’s rare for a book to pull me in this deep, but Fated did. I Highly recommend if you want a story that makes you feel.

I loved this book so much! In fact I loved it so much that I went on and read the second in the series before I remembered to leave my review! The characters are amazing. The story was fast paced. It isn’t the same old story story that is told over and over. It’s fresh and let me tell you book two is even better!

Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to leave a honest review and here I am!!

I really enjoyed this book!
The story was really really addictive could not stop reading it and the world building was good to read and get immersed in!
📚dark fantasy
📚 slow burn
📚high stakes
📚 last of their kind

Will look forward to the next book☺️

Overall, I enjoyed this first installment to the Fated series. It is a romantasy with enemies-to-lovers and delicious slow-burn tension. The story revolves around Areya and Ash. One the eve of Areya’s 21st birthday, Areya’s world is turned upside down as she wakes up in a jail cell with her mother having been murdered (she is being targeted as the killer). A stranger appears and breaks her free from the jail. Turns out he’s been directed to deliver her to his king. Ash is a shadowy dangerous character, and she finds out that he is the reason her world was upended. During the course of the novel, we find out that things aren’t always as they seem, and Ash, too, is a victim of a power-hungry king. Areya and Ash shared an electric connection which is strengthened by Areya (who has come into her powers at her 21st birthday) helping him recover his lost memories. They work together to plan on saving others who, like Ash, have had their memories repressed. The book ends on a cliffhanger and I’m looking forward to reading the next installment.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Fated had me HOOKED from page 1. I never grew attached to two characters so quickly, ash and areya have my heart! This book was everything from slow burn to intense chemistry, plot twists that blew my mind and a world and magic described in such a brilliant way. Cosette Verga the author that you are! I can’t wait to finish this series I am obsessed!! 🤩
Thank you to NetGalley and Cosette Verga for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review! :)

Absolutely LOVED this book! I am so excited to continue on with the series! Why are more people not talking about this?!?! I am going to make sure they do!

Magical, emotional, and completely immersive. The worldbuilding was vivid and unique, and I loved the way this story swept me away.

Cosette Verga’s Fated immediately draws you in with a prologue so gripping it’s impossible to put the book down. Her ability to hook the reader from the very first page is an astounding talent. The story keeps you perched on the edge of your seat—or in my case, the couch—throughout its twists and turns.

The main characters are richly developed, with genuine depth and complexity that make them feel real. Verga’s writing takes you on an emotional rollercoaster, pulling you up and down with each new revelation. Her vivid descriptions immerse you so completely in the world of Fated that you feel as though you’re living inside the story.

Cosette Verga possesses a rare gift for storytelling, and Fated is a shining example of her talent. This is a book I would most definitely recommend to anyone.

Fated was so, *so* entertaining. Twisty, compelling, a constant page turner. The plot was entertaining and gritty, the characters were amazingly written and this is overall a great read.

OMG. I AM IN LOVE WITH THIS BOOK. I READ THE WHOLE THING IN LESS THAN ONE DAY. Ash and Areya have delicious chemistry and the story was so emotional. This is by far my favorite read this year.

Wow, wow, wow. I was not expecting this. This is my first time reading an Indie author so I wasn’t sure what to expect but omg this book is now probably in my top 5, no maybe top 3 of all time. The pacing was excellent. Areya was so real and likable. Ash was everything🔥 the love story swept me away. I finished it and now I can not wait to get off work so I can start the second book. I am going to share this book with everyone I know because why is this not a huge book? Thank you netgally and kudos to the Author!

Enemies to lovers
Slow burn
High stakes adventure
Last of kind
Betrayal
Forbidden magic
Dark fantasy

“When I’m with you , Areya… I feel alive. “

“He was mine, I was his.”

“You make me want to be good, Areya. You make me believe I can be.”

Areyas journey is of self discovery and I love her growth! She’s accused of a crime she didn’t commit. She’s accused of her mother’s ☠️. She is shattered and wrecked with guilt with the loss of her mother, but when she learns the truth, of ashes involvement, her anger grows. Ash is to deliver her to the king. He has lost his memories but while with Areya he starts to get them back. And the undeniable tension between the two grow. Things start to get messy and he realizes what he must do.
Their chemistry is scorching and hot 🥵 all the characters growth was perfection. The world building was absolutely perfect. I was pulled into this world and didn’t want to escape! I can’t wait I’m diving into the next book awakened!!

“He was my best—my only—shot at surviving.”
|
“You risked your life for mine, Ash. That’s not what monsters do.”
|
“When I’m with you, Areya… I feel alive.”
“And suddenly, I wanted to know that version. All of him.”
|
“I don’t care what you did.……. I care who you are now—who you’ve always been underneath. And that person is worth fighting for.”

I would like to start by saying this book had me in its grasp with how I could not stop reading it and didn’t want the story to end… little did I know this author had a major plot twist at the end so yes.. now I am heading to book 2 ASAP because Areya and Ash are literally perfect 🥹😍🖤

The characters… the plot… the backstory’s… and the unknowns we find out in between..!!! I cannot recommend this book enough!!!

~ Fated Mates 💫
~ Enemies to lovers 🙂‍↕️
~ Delicious slow burn 🥵
~ FMC that I adored & loved throughout the entire book BUT especially towards the end ✨🔥
~ MMC that literally is my new book boyfriend, okay okay? (Did that convince you yet? 🙂‍↕️)
~ Magic/special abilities/beings, etc…. 🙂‍↔️😏 (iykyk)

READ the book to find out, it’s soo worth it 👑

Thank You Netgalley and Cosette Verge for an ARC of this book!


This was a remarkable start to the Fated series. I wouldn't say this is super similar to ACOTAR but it lives in the same zip code and I think it will share a similar fan base.

Let me tell you, I am tapped out with fantasy. You know when you read too much of any genre and they all start to bleed together? I'm about 5 books past that and I'm in desperate need of a palate cleanser. However, this gorgeous girl has an archive date coming up on Netgalley and my anxiety doesn't let me wait until past the archive date 🙃.. This book had no problems standing out! I absolutely loved it here! The connection between the FMC & MMC!? oh my God, it's disgusting how much they made me feel things. Like these two really REALLY should want to kill each other and the way they fall together instead is just absolutely beautiful.. The storyline itself is nothing short of gripping and addictive.. The world building is great and will leave you wanting to live there. And honestly after reading the sneak peak of the second book that somehow sounds even better.

This is definitely a series I will personally be continuing and definitely recommend

This is my review which can be found on the following platforms,
Goodreads
Tiktok
Fable
StoryGraph
Bookmory
BookBub
Kobo
Barnes & Noble

I’ve started getting back into fantasy books and was so excited to read this one!
It grabbed me from the prologue. Didn’t want to put it down.
Definitely add this to your TBR!

Thank you to NetGalley and the author
For this ARC!!

I enjoyed this so much I basically read it in a day! This was written so well, it really slowly bloomed into something incredible! Fans of The Bargainer series by Laura Thalassa will absolutely love this.
Our FMC Areya has her life abruptly turned upside down and this was such a carefully crafted character watching her grow throughout the novel was truly something. The author really made her relatable for what she went through and helped her by the end become something fierce. The romance hooked me immediately; it was low level spice but honestly that didn’t even matter because the connection they had was so unique. You really felt it through the pages.
Our MMC Ash was also the other half and a perfect parallel to this blossoming tale ( the bonus chapters from his POV were so touching). He too is so broken in the beginning and watching him soften and become his true self had me captivated.
Overall I highly recommend this book and I’m IMMEDIATELY diving into book two!!

Areya is plunged into darkness and ripped from everything and everyone she knows and loves. However, everything is not as it seems. Forces of evil are at play and it’s up to our heroine and her surprising ally to persevere over them. This is a fantastic introduction to the world of Gardonia, the powers at play and the people fighting against evil. I can’t wait to plunge into the next book. I was given this book as a free ARC and was asked only to leave an honest review.

I did not realize when I signed up for this eARC that the series had been published for a little while but I'm so happy it has been! Now I don't have to wait for more of the series! This is an underhyped series!!! Why is more people not talking about it?!??!
The world building and development of characters and the FMC and MMC oh my goodness! Everyone needs to read this series! I read this book so fast and ignored all responsibilities! 5⭐️
Thank you NetGalley for this eARC in exchange for honest review.

***Thank you so much NetGalley for sending me this arc!!!***

Love love love!!!! I just finished this and I will be immediately devouring book 2 in the series! From the very first page I was hooked and I can’t wait to delve deeper into this world!

Sometimes all I need is just a heartwarming romance relationship story. And this book has exceeded my expectation. It’s full of yearning and the angst just fit perfectly into my current mood. Areya and Ash are not like any other couple, I’m glad that the love interest only orbits around them. Despite Ash’s past and occasionally, Areya is doubting herself, their bond is strong. The tension is thrilling, the slow-burn is like a temptation. It’s so easy to rooting for them.

Fated has a layered world-building in which lay upon there dark secrets that urgently need to be lashed out by Areya and Ash—as the main characters—in order to assure its people survival. Gardonia is like two-sided personality; a world where fairyland and darkness are standing side to side. Industrial of machinery and beauty of nature blends into a futuristic city which really gives me the vibe of my childhood favorite fantasy but make it more complex. The magic and its lore is like everything a romance-fantasy book need to have. It’s easy to delve in, yet the stakes are high enough to create a great adventure.

The plot moves quickly with kind of “tell” method to unpack each secret. Which some readers might think it’s boring. Rather, I really enjoy it. Miss Verga tries to push out all the history in a single moment so the rest of this series will point out the dynamics between Areya and Ash. Their romance is as intoxicating as it is heart wrenching. Full of hope that absolutely makes the readers instantly hooked but it gives a painful undertone knowing what obstacles they must face.

I have no doubt and super excited to see the continuation of this book. Knowing there will be Ash’s viewpoint as well. 🤗🩷

This review is honestly written in exchange for the opportunity to read the ARC of Fated. Provided by NetGalley and Cosette Verga herself. A very high praise for her!

highly enjoyable

I really enjoyed this book greatly. If you enjoy reading about magic and different worlds then this book will definitely fill that void and have you wanting more. I really liked Areya and Ash, it’s sort of enemy to lovers type energy and learning their pasts is very interesting and will draw you in. I know I really want to read more about these great characters and worlds the author has created and it’s a must have more world for me

"Fated" Cosette Verga

The main character, Areya, wakes up with blood on her hands and notices bloody footprints leading into her room, but not back. And then we also feel the horror when she realizes the blood on her hands is her mother's.

A truly terrifying beginning... Areya and her mother had been planning her 21st birthday for a long time. They worked and saved for a trip to the coast, to see the ocean for the first time. But life takes a different turn when she meets a dark-haired, gray-eyed guy. He's very handsome, but he acts strangely. My favorite scene is when he stands across from her at the bar, seemingly having a normal conversation, and then says, "Take off your bracelets and give them to me?" To which she blinks and says, "Excuse me?"

I'd say that after that moment, her life goes awry. This guy is supposed to lead Areya to his king. Areya's understanding of the world she knew is simply shattered, and she must discover what's really going on around her.

There's so much more I want to say, but that would be a spoiler. I'll add that the handsome guy's name is Ash.

Oh, I really enjoyed it. I started October with a non-reader. I started one book after vacation and gave up after 100 pages. When I started reading Fated, I immediately knew I needed this fantasy novel with a Slow-burn. I still don't really know what to call the new race, the book mentions both a vampire and a ripper. Damn, that's kind of a spoiler, but it's not.
I really liked how the character reacts, how the panic attacks are described, and that they even exist, because after what happened to her, you can't just live peacefully anymore. By the way, this is the beginning of a series. So I'll be looking for the sequel, most likely on Amazon.

The book was published on February 6th, 2025
Thanks @netgalley and @cosette_verga for giving me opportunity to read this book🎉

This book hit every single one of my favorite tropes - fated mates, hidden royalty, touch her and die, shadow daddy, dark backstory, powerful MCs, heavy banter, and so many more. The characters have depth. The world building was easy to follow. The TENSION unmatched.

From 30% on, I. Could. Not. Put. It. Down. I am almost literally frothing at the mouth right now about to read book two. I sat after reading it (and the bonus content) for a solid 5 minutes just processing what i just read.

This was such a fun read.

This is my favorite read this year and I have read 156 Romantasy books!

Fated gripped me from the prologue and it was nearly impossible to put down. (I read it in 2 sittings)

The book is so full of depth and emotion. The emotional scenes hit me like a wrecking ball and I found myself crying throughout the book. The themes of this book are forgiveness, redemption, choice vs fate. The chemistry between the two main characters was so good. Mark my words, This book is one of the next books to take off.

I am starting the second book in the series tonight.

Thank you Netgally and thank you Cosette Verga for such a creative, addicting world and cast of characters. I loved it!

There are books that entertain you, and then there are books that change you. Fated did the latter.
From the first page, I was completely swept away. The writing is cinematic and poetic all at once—you feel every heartbeat, every breath, every wound these characters carry. Areya isn’t just a heroine; she’s a mirror. Watching her navigate loss, guilt, love, and destiny broke me open in ways I didn’t expect. And Ash… my god, Ash. He’s not the typical brooding love interest—he’s the embodiment of gentle strength. The way he looks at Areya, the patience in every word, the ache in every silence—I’ve never rooted for a couple this hard in my life.
But what really makes this book special is how it feels. Every scene glows with emotional truth— the found family, the forgiveness, the quiet moments that say more than grand speeches ever could. I laughed out loud, I cried, I gasped, and I sat in silence after the final page just feeling.
The worldbuilding is lush and immersive without ever overwhelming the heart of the story. You can tell Cosette Verga poured her soul into this—it’s not just fantasy; it’s hope disguised as magic.
If you love A Court of Thorns and Roses, Throne of Glass, or Fourth Wing, but wish those stories carried a deeper emotional core—the kind that lingers—Fated is the book you’ve been searching for.
I will be thinking about Areya and Ash for a long, long time.

This novel delivered exactly what I’d been craving, a gripping, fast-paced adventure packed with heart-pounding action and unexpected turns at every corner. Areya stands out as one of the most authentic and relatable romantasy heroines I’ve encountered in ages. From the first chapter to the last, I was completely hooked and couldn’t tear myself away.

4.5 ⭐️

"But now that I know what it feels like to have you... I can't go back. I won't. I'd rather die than live one day without you."

Disclaimer: this book contains some spice towards the end, if you don’t like spice, I would advise not reading this book!

Review:

If you know me, you know how much I hate reading ebooks. It usually takes me months to get through one (I started one in June that has been sitting at 70% for months). Ebooks just seriously demotivate me so much.

With that being said, this was an ebook (thank you to NetGalley for proving me with this copy) and I flew through it. Finished it in 3 days. So that says a lot towards how good it was, considering how much I struggle with ebooks.

Like, I genuinely could not stop reading, and I need the rest of the series now.

The only thing about this book that somewhat bothered me is I feel like they kind of admitted their love out of nowhere, and there wasn’t enough build up of their feelings. Other than that, I absolutely loved this book.

That ending wrecked me and I need the second book right now 😭. Like you cannot leave me on that cliffhanger (good thing the whole series is out!)

"If you asked me to walk away from it all-to leave the crown, the title, the power-I would. I'd give it all up and follow you. Into obscurity. Into nothing. I'd follow you anywhere."

Wow 😍 — I was hooked after just a few chapters and seriously couldn’t put this one down!

Areya is a young woman who wakes up one night to find her whole world flipped upside down — and to make things worse, she’s being framed for it 😱 The story that follows is full of twists, tension, and just the right amount of emotion.

I loved how Cosette Verga balanced everything — the backstory, the world-building, the suspense, and even those little moments of happiness 🫶 It all came together so naturally and kept me turning the pages way past bedtime 😅

Huge thanks to NetGalley and Cosette Verga for the eARC — I’m so glad I got to read this one early! 💕

The story opens with visceral intensity by introducing us to Areya, a twenty-year-old who wakes up in a jail cell with no memory and her mother’s blood staining her hands The mystery surrounding her memory loss and the murder provides the essential anchor for the plot, but the true emotional engine arrives in the form of Ash.
Ash is the perfect anti-hero: a shadow made flesh, a silent weapon bound by a curse that stripped him of his past. Initially, he operates purely as a force of nature, driven by the single, unwavering directive to deliver Areya to his king. Verga excels at building the menace and controlled power of Ash, establishing him as an almost impossibly formidable presence. The forced proximity and inevitable journey that follows create a cauldron of tension. While Ash is emotionally unavailable and deadly, Areya’s vulnerability starts to crack through his carefully maintained silence. There is an immediate, primal pull—an electrical current—that defies their roles as captor and captive.
Overall, if you enjoy morally grey protagonists, narratives driven by intense psychological conflict, and a romance dynamic where the main characters must fight their destiny (and each other) to survive, then I highly recommend this book.

Thank you Netgalley and Cosette Verga for a chance to read this book.

This book is everything I could have ever wanted. Cosette does such a beautiful job at bringing to life these characters, the world she has created, every piece of lore that belongs to it has been perfectly and carefully created.

From page one I was hooked and have grown completely attached and obsessed with the characters. The chemistry is intense and palpable, the plot twists have me screaming, crying. I am in love and I honestly can not wait to read the rest of these books and support her.

This is my first title by Cosette Verga and I had the pleasure to read the kindle on Netgalley. Thank you to the author for allowing me this opportunity.

The prologue started off by blowing me away with the content. I was hooked! I really enjoyed this book and I had a hard time putting it down when I first started. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series!

I loved the universe, the people and all the ups and downs. The author had me on the edge of my seat the entire book. Heart pounding and sweaty hands, I just had to know the ending.

This was a really great romantasy read that was slow burn with betrayal forbidden magic and enemies to lovers! I loved Areyas journey of self discovery and the burning hot chemistry you could almost feel through the pages! I couldn’t put this down! The world building was perfection! I loved the character growth throughout the book. I can’t wait to read even more of this! I loved the plot it kept me so invested! This book gave me all the feels and I'm here for them all!

Thankyou to NetGalley for this arc! And to Cosette Verga to introducing me to a new series I know I’ll love! I’m going to be recommending this to everyone!!

This is such a well paced story introducing you to so many parts of the fantasy world without confusing you! It introduces characters, romance and world building amazingly! It’s just the right amount of pages to get you hooked and leave you wanting more. I will definitely be reading the rest of the fated series!

The only reason I’ve rated 4.5 instead of 5 stars is because it’s not as memorable to me as previous 5 stars but as I continue the series I’m sure it will be!

FATED by Cosette Verga
Fated Series Book 1 | Seven-Book Romantasy Saga

✨ A gripping, emotional romantasy rooted in fated mates, trauma recovery, enemies-to-lovers tension, and a connection that feels inevitable and devastating all at once.

Areya awakens in a jail cell covered in her mother’s blood with no memory of what happened. Ash arrives soon after: a cursed weapon whose erased past ties him to a king who demands obedience. His mission is simple, deliver the girl. But nothing about Areya or their force-pull connection is simple.

As grief hollowing Areya and the fragments of Ash’s stolen memories collide, loyalty fractures, truth cuts deep, and the line between enemy and reluctant ally dissolves. The man who ruined her life might be the only one capable of saving it… and she may be the key to breaking the curse that controls him.

What I Loved:
🖤 A beautifully emotional enemies-to-lovers arc with real stakes
⚡ Instant pull + slow unraveling tension that feels earned
🌑 Trauma, grief, shame, and identity explored with care
🗝️ Memory loss + curses giving the story strong mystery threads
🐺 “Last of their kind” energy that adds weight to every choice
🌿 Worldbuilding that feels immersive without slowing the pacing
💘 A fated mates bond built on pain, conflict, and eventual trust—not convenience

Tropes & Elements:
🖤 Enemies to Lovers
🔥 Fated Mates
🩹 Emotional Slow Burn
🌑 Cursed Hero
🔍 Fragmented Memory / Hidden Truths
🐾 Last of Their Kind
🛡️ Found Family Seeds
⚔️ High Stakes, High Emotion

Vibe: angsty, intimate, high-emotion romantasy
Spice: mild-to-moderate; more emotional than physical in book one
For fans of: ACOTAR-adjacent trauma arcs, doomed-but-drawn-together connections, magical curses, and romantasy with deep emotional payoff

💜 A captivating start to a seven-book saga with heart, pain, tension, and worldbuilding big enough to grow into something massive. I’ll absolutely be continuing this series.

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