Betrayal is a heavy price to pay for a kingdom, especially when you lose the crown. But no loss is greater than love.
Alok
Life as an exiled prince in Frostweather is as bleak as the frozen landscape surrounding my prison. There’s a price on my head in Faerie. My only escape is portaling to the elven realm to attend the parties of high elves. They welcome my twin sister and me as their esteemed … They welcome my twin sister and me as their esteemed guests.
When my ex, the love of my life and the female I betrayed, turns up at the same house party at Amberhill, I know I need to leave. Our star burned out years ago. Yet seeing her, I feel it flare immediately back to life.
It’s pointless. She hates me. She’s moved on. Or has she?
Fraya
My glory days are over. No more tournaments. No more floral championship crowns. My life ended the day of the tragedy.
A year later, I’ve agreed to marry Helio Moongold. I can’t live with my parents forever, watching the sad glances they cast my way. At least Helio makes me laugh. But after I arrive for a house party at Amberhill, his true colors start to show, and they aren’t so golden.
Then Alok Elmray shows up. I want to hate him for what he did to me and my family. I’ve tried so hard to forget him, but I can’t. Not even a little.
Even if I can find it in my heart to forgive Alok, my family never will. If King Liri ever catches him, he’s as good as dead. And if I allow myself to love Alok again, I might lose my heart forever.
The Dark Pretender is an enemies to lovers, slow burn, new adult, fantasy romance filled with humor, adventure, steam, and second chances. Don’t miss the bloopers at the end of the book!
Best read after Holiday Crown (Royal Conquest, book 4).
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I have been waiting for Alok and Fraya’s story and Nikki did not disappoint me as she brought her A game with this one! She has weaved such a brilliant world that these characters embed themselves in your soul.
I loved Fraya, she is strong, independent and gorgeous. She has gown so much since Holiday Crown. Nikki did an great job with portraying her emotions, you really felt her pain and betrayal. Alok really had to work for another chance. The twists in this were honestly brilliant and Alok’s journey to redemption was great to watch play out
I don’t want to say too much as it will ruin this story and you honestly need to enjoy its beauty. I have honestly loved every book in this series. Nikki has outdone herself with this series and the brilliant world she has weaved.
Fraya, the daughter of my favorite Royal Conquest couple, Aerith and Jhaeros, story is told in this fabulous addition of the Royal Conquest series. Fraya and Alok, once in love during their teens until Alok betrays her and her family, runs into each other at a house party. Much occurs at this house party as it lasts all week. I absolutely love this story. What Fraya has been through and how she overcomes her hardships and Alok trying to be the worthy friend and gain forgiveness for his young foolish ways is written so well by author Nikki Jefford. Read this book. And it really helps to read “Holiday Crown” first, so you truly understand the background of Fraya and Alok. I’m looking forward to the next Royal Conquest book.
Another great book! I love this series! Each one has a uniqueness to it and a new adventure for each of the main characters. I love watching how Fraya has blossomed into the woman she is now. She is strong like her mom but yet endures a lot in her story. I love Alok!! Their story is fascinating. There are lots of different emotions and new characters throughout the book. Lots of sacrifices are made but it all pans out. I’m anxiously waiting for book seven to see what new adventure this author takes us on.
Alok and Fraya’s story was one that I became invested in 8 years ago (in the RC Universe anyway). I felt her hurt and betrayal. I didn’t see how Alok would ever deserve another chance, but then The Dark Pretender started with a bit of a twist and Alok redeemed himself throughout and proved that he deserved another chance and then some. Thank you to the author, Nikki Jefford for helping to bring his redemption story to light.
Ever since Holiday Crown I’ve be dying to read Alok and Fraya’s story, and I was so not disappointed. Fraya is definitely her mother’s daughter; strong, independent, beautiful, and smart. I loved her just as much as her mother and aunt. Alok has definitely grown and matured since Holiday Crown, and it’s for his betterment. I thought they were the perfect couple in HC but in this book I found myself hoping that they could overcome any odds to be together.
Once again Nikki Jefford has created such imagery as to make you feel like you’re in the character’s world. These are characters that stay with you long after the book has ended. I can’t wait to read the next book in this series; Reed and Ronin are two characters I already love to pieces. This book is a five star must read.
You had me at hello
This book gave me all the feels man! I knew from the start that Alok and Fraya were meant to be… i had hoped…but it started with a beautiful disaster. It seemed hopeless. Their love seemed doom from the start as they became enemies due to “royalty gone bad” and part ways. But fate has a funny way sometimes. Decades later they meet again. An unexpected twist of events bring these two together, and this time Alok is determined to keep his promise he made years ago.
LOVEd it!! Alok has my heart and soul!
Absolutely unputdownable!!! These fae and elves are just so intriguing and entertaining!! This was one read that I enthusiastically grabbed onto and read quite quickly!! I loved Fraya and Alok! They were just meant to be! I thought after all these years that Alok would be a bit darker, maybe a bit more bitter or cruel. But nope! He embodied the very best qualities any hero should possess. I loved loathing the bad guys! They so deserved a mighty whipping! I loved the snippets of the first generation! They totally have my heart! I was a bit worried as to what Alok’s fate would be towards the end. The epilogue had me all melty! There is nothing like a dude taking care of his littles. You must read the Blooper section!! Hilarious and beautiful insightful into the creative process! I love, love, love, Nikki Jefford!! Her words are always a delight!!
Sky above, I LOVE IT!! The Dark Pretender has a Romeo & Juliet vibe. Both Fraya’s and Alok’s families hate each other. (If you’ve read Holiday Crown you know why. If you haven’t, I suggest reading Holiday Crown.) Hence the Romeo/Juliet vibe. After all when your families hate each other, and there is distrust and betrayal how could you love the other person.
Alok is swoon worthy with his dark presence, cocky attitude, and that damn smirk of his. He has become my favorite male character in this series.
Fraya is every bit as fierce as her mother, Aerith. Deadly with a bow, head strong/stubborn, and loves with all her heart.
The Dark Pretender is an amazing read. One of the best novellas written by Nikki Jefford. Her fae and elvin worlds just keep getting better the more she writes. I highly recommended reading this one.