“Haunted by thoughts of what I should have done, of the way I should have worshipped you.”

You will all be very happy with Dacre in this book because that man knows how to *apologize*

“Like salt in the sea, you have become ingrained in every part of me, and I have been drowning in my regrets.”

I am unwell

“I am devoted to you.” His intense gaze locked with mine. “Please let me fall to my knees before you and prove my devotion with my tongue against your skin.”

4.75 stars

They may not have thought she was mine to protect anymore, but they were fucking wrong. She was mine. Even if she was running, she was still mine.

Dacre earned his redemption lmao *cries* That poor man. I was crying for him the entire time. He was killing and exhausting himself to save Verena and it was so sad reading it from his perspective and from hers. The shaky hands. His hands were always shaking 😭 I dunno why that’s my kryptonite in men, I have issues, okay!?

“What’s the plan?” I asked, trying to sound as if I wasn’t ready to burn this entire damn kingdom to the ground before I’d let him touch her.

Hearing his struggle, guilt, and remorse was so heartbreaking. He owned up to his mistake but also didn’t let Verena off the hook, because they both betrayed each other.

“Your entire existence has been dedicated to preparing for your place as ruler of our kingdom, yet you have never been revered. It is a privilege I am unworthy of, but I would surrender every breath to worship you if only you would grant me the honor.”

Verena. That poor woman can’t catch a break. Escapes her psychotic father. Gets kidnapped/dragged into the rebellion against said father, makes some friends, gets betrayed by said friends (and by a more than friend, and

fucking Eiran

)! Goes on the run from everyone in the kingdom, betrayed more, injured more, chased, more. No luck and no break.

I was a powerless girl in a game crafted by powerful men. They moved their pieces with calculated precision, and I couldn’t outmaneuver them. All I could do was run.

Despite her awful life, she’s still a great person and I like her a lot as a MC. Again, just like Dacre, she takes responsibility for her role in their issues.

“I don’t want you to find her.” [Wren] moved closer to me, and I felt Kai shift at my side. “I don’t want you or our father anywhere near her.”

I hope Wren and Kai are in the next one *please*

Some spoilies

MATES KNEW IT

Also knew that waterfalll tunnel info would be useful for book 3 because she’s now being tortured by her father once again.

Dacre, at the end, struggling to get up, to crawl to her, YYDVJIYEDCVM.

NO WORDS for how upsetting that was. Captain, you better either save his life or just kill yourself now because Dacre is coming for you, you bitch.

This was much longer than I wanted to write but once I start I never know when to shut up oops

I couldn’t fathom sparing those in the rebellion who would dare lay a finger on her either. The rebellion was my home, they were my people, but my rage knew no bounds when it came to her.

Thank you Holly for this eARC! And obviously, the PR box once it arrives lmao

“Verena.” He said my name so softly and I looked up at him desperate for anything he would tell me. “I’ll never forgive you if you get caught.”
_________



shut the front door the author is sending me a PR box

I AM DEAD

I need there to be lots of grovelling and begging in this book.

On your knees, Darce