“I do.”Two words that signed over my soul to a monster, all to save a kingdom I knew little about. This isn’t a fairy tale. No knights in shining armor, only kings fighting for power. And my heart is the key.A game designed to shatter even the harshest of resolves.My husband wants to debase me. To break me. To destroy my spirit. To possess every inch of my soul through acts so heinous, I can … through acts so heinous, I can hardly breathe. And he’s using six men to do it. Including him. Adrik, Prince of Noxia.
Desire.
Such a wicked twist of fate. Happily-Ever-After may not exist here, but amorous energy rises after a night of unbridled passion. A night I should hate, but don’t.. A night I long to repeat.
“I love you.”
A statement I will never say. Not even to him–my dark prince who plays in the shadows, engaging me in a forbidden dance of hope and adoration. He promises me a new crown, in exchange for my heart.
Vengeance
I will not be owned.
I will rise above them all.
And the only crown I will wear is the one drenched in their blood.
Author’s Note: This is a dark paranormal romance. Please read the author’s note at the beginning (available in the “look inside” feature) if you have any concerns about dark content.
***
“No permanent damage,” Necros finally said. “She might be barren, but I want her alive.”
Of course you do, I thought. He wanted her power, same as I did. “So only leave wounds that will heal under immortality?” Again the question was for the benefit of our audience. It would be such a shame to harm someone so gorgeous.
Necros nodded. “Blood is fine. You can even break bone. But only if she can recover without a scar. If I can’t breed her, I might as well use her body for other means.”
Another benefit of having her trained, I supposed.
Not that I agreed with any of this.
But I had to play along to get what I needed–her heart.
“Understood,” I murmured, tracing the tip of my dagger down her corseted top. Her breathing remained steady as she floated in some faraway place, her imagination overtaking her reality. Alas, I couldn’t allow her to stay there. I needed her focus and compliance to achieve my goal. “I want to teach you something, Valora,” I said, my weapon nearing her belly button. “An important lesson on participation.”
more
I’ve been a fan of Lexi for months, but it’s my first book by Anna and I can say it won’t be the last. I fell in love with the characters and can’t wait to read more is this new world. If you are a fan of fantasy, alpha heroes and a hot read, this book is for you.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Wow! My first by this duo, and absolutely not the last! I have been pulled into this world. Valora was given to Necros to save her kingdom! When she isn’t everything he desires, he creates a contest to break her; yes, break her. Are we thankful Adrik is a contestant? He has his reasons for competing. He’s after revenge. Can he accomplish it through Valora? What happens while he works on his plot of revenge? Dark, twisted, so well written! I’m not really sure why I enjoy this genre. Perhaps because it really evokes such strong feelings, and this story definitely does just that!
I’m very familiar with Ms. Edwards’ writing.
But Ms. Foss is a new to me author.
I thought these ladies did phenomenal work.
The flow of the book was so smooth,no choppiness at all.
Absolutely no way to tell that two authors wrote it.
The storyline and plot were unique and very original for me.
These authors brought a new kind of world to life.
The Underworld was made vivid and alive.
Valora is one tough young lady.
Her whole life has been about what others demand of her.
Her sense of rightness had Valora doing exactly what was expected of her.
Even though she wanted something else.
Valora has seen and gone through horror and darkness.
But she never let anyone break her.
She never let anyone destroy her inner strength.
Her will to overcome saw her through unfathomable degradation,depraved men and vile acts.
Adrik has lived a life of privilege and ease.
Yet within him is the need for revenge.
A need so great he’s willing to leave collateral damage.
He does have a sense of right and wrong.
But his need for vengeance over shadows all.
The thin thread that bonds Valora and Adrik together is the evil Necros.
This is a riveting story of good and evil.
Filled with darkness and rays of light.
Dark and twisted but with a beautifully crafted romance rising from the ashes of utter depravity.
I love both of these authors and together they have created a brutally dangerous, violent version of the underworld with a host of utterly despicable characters (as you would expect of hell), but balanced by the light of goodness and justice.
Valora is forced into a marriage by a demon who only cares for his own power and pleasure, to protect a kingdom she doesn’t know. Necros is determined to break her will completely, but Valora possesses an amazingly strong spirit, even though it seems she is destined for pain and unhappiness.
Adrik has his own reasons for destroying Necros and knows getting close to Valora will be the key to his success.
This story takes us on a dark, twisted journey full of emotions, secrets, lies, surprises, wtf moments (yes I’m talking about you Lavios), action and some hot, steamy chemistry between some wonderfully unique characters. The writing flowed and I was gripped all the way through. It doesn’t end on a cliffhanger, but certainly paves the way for more and I cant wait!!
I loved this book, 5 big shiny stars
Be aware that this is a dark romance. This title does contain content that could be triggers for some readers (such as dubcon/noncon) and simply be too dark for other readers, so please be informed before purchasing and reading this book. The story is quite intense and offers lots of drama, strong emotions and gripping twists. Valora I felt for. The position she is in is really unimaginable. Necros and Adrik both have their own plans, goals and agendas they are working. Necros was a true monster in every single sense of the word. Adrik is on a quest for vengence and he is fully committed to doing whatever he must to see things through. As unexpected feelings bloom and chemistry flares, you are left to wonder how it will all end and what cost is too high. A gritty and raw read that will keep you on edge.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author to review for Stephanie’s Book Reports.
“I do” Two words that signed over my soul to a monster, all to save a kingdom that I knew little about. This isn’t a fairy tale. No knights in shining armor, only kings fighting for power. And my heart is the key. A game designed to shatter even the harshest of resolves. My husband wants to debase me. To break me. To destroy my spirit. To possess every inch of my soul through acts so heinous, I can hardly breath. And he’s using six men to do it. Including him. Adrik, Prince of Noxia. Desire. Such a wicked twist of fate. Happily-Ever-After may not exist here, but amorous energy rises after a night of unbridled passion. A night I should hate, but don’t A night I long to repeat. “I love you” A statement I will never say. Not even to him-my dark prince who play in the shadows, engaging me in a forbidden dance of hope and adoration. He promises me a new crown, in exchange for my heart. Vengeance. I will not be owned. I will rise above them all. And the only crown I will wear is the one drenched in their blood.
This is a dark Paranormal romance. Really dark so you need to heed the author’s warnings. I read a lot of dark books and this one is dark. I loved every single second of it and at times had to lay it down for a few minutes to gather my wits and then continue. I loved and I am not giving away anything about this book. you just need to pick it up and read it. Fans of dark paranormal books will love this book.
All I can say is OMG I loved it hard what a dark depraved powerful story in the Underworld that had me on the edge of my seat the whole time and characters that you will love and hate.
Valora I really felt for her marrying the king of Death Necros he was horrible and Aldrik on a mission with a plan until it changes. Non stop action and really really cool amazing scenes that I found amazing. I loved every word.
Happily Ever Crowned is one of those books that you didn’t realise you needed in your life until you had read it and realised something had been missing.
I absolutely adored it. Bring on the demons and vampires of the Foss and Edwards universe because they are just hot and amazing.
Amazing characters, amazing plot line, amazing world building, amazing authors.
Happily Ever Crowned is sickening and depraved but it’s also an adventure. It definitely takes you away from the mundane and makes a very wet and windy day, that much better.
What the characters go through in terms of emotions is immense and because they’re supernaturals we safely assume that they’re unable to cope with these feelings and situations that the authors themselves put their characters through. I mean, obviously it isn’t a true to life story but why can’t it be believable? And dammit, i will tell you i believed very damn thing that I was reading.
I need more. Like yesterday!
Loved Adrik and Valora
Very dark intense emotional broken beautiful
grabbed me heart
I wanted to kick Necrus
Ready for Zaya and Grigory
A dark romance with a strong MFC – Valora and a shady Prince – Adrik both brought together by a sadistic King – Necros (who is also her husband) but they dont know if they can trust each other? Its a great story and the main characters are good too. Yes some parts were a bit difficult to read but i think it goes to explain Valora’s story and how she become a stronger character. A good read
Happily Ever Crowned is sooo worth the read. This is the first time I have read these authors and I will say it won’t be my last. This story has dark themes like rape and abuse that may be disturbing for some but it still has a HEA ending. I don’t want to spoil the story so if you’re a DARK romance fans this one is a must read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am volontarily leaving a review.
This was much darker than the usual Lexi Foss novel and just about what I was expecting From Anna Edwards.
Together these two authors worked well and each complimented the other’s style.
I have read a lot of dark reads and this is probably about a 5 maybe a 6 on the dark scale.
It is dark but it will all depend on where your own personal comfort level is.
This contains both noncon and dubcon but wasn’t as bad as I was expecting it to be.
I myself was quite thankful for that as my mood at this present moment is leaning more towards shades of grey rather than pitch black.
But you do need to be aware that this story does contain some serious triggers.
So Happily Ever Crowned is a fantasy story set in a fictional underworld and It truly is an imaginative undertaking.
Valora is a political pawn in marriage between two kingdoms.
She knows and accepts her duty even if at the same time she resents and also fears it.
Her future spouse in this arrangement Necros King of the Dead, well let’s just say he is a complete an utter ass.
A callously cruel tyrant with a god complex is actually a nice description for him, words can’t describe how truly despicable this demon king is and how he treats his new wife is truly shocking to behold.
So in one of his many crimes against his wife King Necros stages a contest where his wife is the boon on offer to the winners.
A ploy to break and humiliate her and also steal away any hidden power she may possess.
A contender in this trial by combat is Adrik of Noxia or the prince of shadows here to reclaim his stolen throne by any means possible.
Valora though an innocent in past events has something he needs and he is prepared to do whatever needs done to sate his need for recompense and reclaim his birthright even at the expense of her life.
This was such a unique story and I read it in one sitting.
I liked both Valora and Adrik equally.
I think Adrik managed to temper the callous cruelty portrayed here for me as he just seemed so invested in Valora straight from the start despite his hidden agenda.
Whatever his original gameplan it was quite apparent from on early-onset that he was team Valora and he adjusted his strategies accordingly.
I also appreciated where this eventually went and was super glad a certain someone got his just deserts it gave me such sweet satisfaction witnessing his complete reversals of fortune.
This was an intriguing start to this series and I am interested in seeing where this goes next.
I voluntary reviewed a copy of Happily Ever Crowned: An Underworld Royal Tale (Underworld Royals Book 1).
Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm
https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/9460945-bex-beckie-bookworm
https://www.facebook.com/beckiebookworm/
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Happily Ever Crowned was so much more than I was hoping! It’s dark, depraved, yet somehow still filled with hope. Valora has been groomed her entire life to marry the King of Death. Something he uses to humiliate her. Yet Valora hopes to one day care for him. Until he shows his true colors. Until he shows the evil she knew always lurked in him. Then she learns she must fight. Fight for her freedom and fight for her power. It’s a long road though.
Valora has been basically brainwashed to be subservient to her husband, always. Yet from the beginning she shows a spark of defiance. I loved watching that spark grow bigger and bigger everyday. It’s a lot to change from the only way you’ve been raised. It took time, but when she emerged into the true queen she was destined to be? It. Was. Glorious. Now Adrick had me kinda iffy at first. You know his plan from the get go. But he falls so hard for Valora you can’t help but be swept up in the emotions he exudes.
Now, be reminded. Happily Ever Crowned is dark and twisted, but it is also beautiful. Not only do you see an amazing love grow between the pages, you also see a woman come fully into herself. One who thought she was nothing. Watching her grow overshadowed the romance for me. (Even though the romance is swoonworthy) Valora is one of the characters that you can’t help but want to become. She faces many horrific trials but still comes out on top.
Bravo Lexi C. Foss and Anna Edwards. You created a world I’ll revisit over and over again and one I can’t wait to see what happens next in.
I always enjoy the worlds that Lexi builds for her reads. The characters are well developed and even when I love them I sometimes hate them. Happily Ever Crowned was an interesting read because ( to me) it felt and read darker than her usual storyline and while I can follow her train of thought and why exactly the story needed to be told the way it was … it was a little much for me. I wasn’t expecting it. Still Adrik and Valora’s story, despite the dark tones, was well played and for a while, I was truly wondering what the heck was going on and why Valora was actually so freaking special. A few twists and turns and bam! We’ve got almost all the who’s and whys, until the very end where one last twist is tossed in and … I didn’t expect it at all.
So while I didn’t particularly care for the dark undertones, even though they gave strength to the story I still enjoyed Adrik and Valora.
This is the first book I’ve read from either author, but if this is an indication of their writing then I’ll be reading more from them. This story is not for the faint of heart. While it is a paranormal – romance, it doesn’t contain elements of rape, abuse, violence, and other dark themes. Don’t let that dissuade you, though.
This book is filled with longing, compassion, love. I was reminded that sometimes we must go through hardships and endure in order to become stronger and more compassionate. This book reminded me of that.
Here’s a run down : It’s set in the Underworld or Hell is ruled by Lucie and is divided into kingdoms. Valora was given as a baby to be a bride to the cruel King Necros in exchange for him not destroying her patent kingdom. Now adult and married, Valora will learn the true depth of evil her husband will subject her to when he tells her she will be given to 6 other demons to be broken, beaten, used, and abused. She realizes they’re is nothing she can do. Prince Adrik’s entire family and kingdom were wiped out by the King. When he becomes one of the men chosen to break the Queen, he knows this is his chance to destroy the King. He never planned on caring for Valora, but when she starts to mean more to him than his revenge he has to make choices. Will he choose to hurt Valor to seek his vengeance or will he set aside it all for the woman he loves?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A Dark & Twisty Fairytale…
That’s right I said it, a fairytale. I know the book’s description says this is no fairytale, but the origins of true fairytales, like the ones told by authors such as the Grimm Brothers, were actually dark and disturbing. With Happily Ever Crowned the authors have succeeded in crafting a modern version of a fairytale story that stays true to the origins of the genre spectacularly.
Seriously though, be warned this book is DARK. It may even have triggers for some people (make sure to check out the authors note in the beginning). There will be pain and torture. There will be moments of sick/twisted depravity and debasing acts, and there will be death…
Valora and Adrik’s story might test your limits but rest assured this book is worth reading every single word.
I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review and I can say without question that I LOVED this book!! I can’t wait to see how this spins into a series.
Dark. Real Dark and haunting. This is not for the modest. Set in a viscous world that only recognizes power, our heroine must navigate an survive being a pawn in someone else’s game. To be broken and humiliated. To be subdued. But pride and strength and desire won’t let that happen. Revenges is a dish best served cold, and drenched in blood.
A quick, steady read, ‘Happily Ever Crowned’ is an entertaining and hauntingly dark read.
Holy darkness Batman!
When they said this book was dark they were not lying.
Its dark, depraved, hot as hell and you *will* devour it in one sitting.
Lexi and Anna bring the Underworld to life in a new and terrifying way. Their world building is rich and complex and leaves you wanting more.
With complex characters and twists and turns interspersed with erotic and debauched love scenes, you wont want to leave the Underworld.
OMG, OMG, OMG *Jumps up and down*
I’ve just finished this masterpiece and let me tell you even though it has dark notes throughout, this story is not to be missedSet in the Underworld, Valora has known since infancy what her future will hold and after months of preparation, she is about to marry a man she doesn’t desire, to become Queen of a Kingdom, to protect the home where she was born…..even though she only spent a few years of her life there
Adrik is on a quest for vengeance and has to earn Valora’s trust and heart to achieve his goals….but as time moves on, his objectives change
A stunning story that I absolutely loved, even though there were moments I wanted to pull my hair out…in frustration with some of the darker characters I also liked that we will be getting another story by these two authors next year featuring Grigory and someone close to Valora Thank you Lexi for my advanced copy for which I voluntarily leave my honest review
This is perhaps the darkest story I’ve read by Lexi. Pairing with Anna has brought out a side of darkness and depravity in several of the characters that chills and draws you in.
Valora is perhaps the most broken character I’ve read in quite a while. Married to the demon she was promised to and raised by since childhood. Not one of love, but one to protect a kingdom she doesn’t even know or remember. To a man hell-bent on possessing her and everything she is. When she isn’t the perfect, doting wife he desired, Necros sets out to truly break and mould her.
Adrik has his own reasons for hating Necros and rises to the challenge to break the queen. He plans to use her for his own purposes. Raised in one kingdom after his was destroyed, prophecy says Valora will be the one to help him gain his revenge. He just needs to stay dispassionate and cultivate her trust to do it.
Their attraction takes them both by surprise. Bringing out sides of each character they never thought would exist. Where duty starts as the driving factor, love and attraction may yet take over. If they can give up control and just follow where the heavens lead.
Filled with twists and turns that you don’t see coming, this story had me on the edge of my seat from start to finish. This dark and twisted fairy tale is one you definitely don’t want to miss!