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Bound to the Fae #4
Royal Mate
Love bound us together... but fate has other plans.
Just when a happily ever after with my Seelie men was within reach, the Heart of the Mists tied me to one of the foreboding winter arch-lords. I can't escape the connection between us. The enemy can speak from right within my soul.
I'm not willing to give up on my happiness that easily, but I can't let the realms descend into all-out war. I'll brave the uncertainties of the winter lands if that's what it takes to protect the men I love.
My chilly Unseelie arch-lord isn't quite what I expected, though. As the lines between ally and enemy start to blur, can I stop the clash of winter and summer before even more blood is shed?
Just when a happily ever after with my Seelie men was within reach, the Heart of the Mists tied me to one of the foreboding winter arch-lords. I can't escape the connection between us. The enemy can speak from right within my soul.
I'm not willing to give up on my happiness that easily, but I can't let the realms descend into all-out war. I'll brave the uncertainties of the winter lands if that's what it takes to protect the men I love.
My chilly Unseelie arch-lord isn't quite what I expected, though. As the lines between ally and enemy start to blur, can I stop the clash of winter and summer before even more blood is shed?
325 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 20, 2021
About the author
Eva Chase
123 books3,280 followersEva Chase lives in Canada with her family. She loves stories both swoony and supernatural, and strong women and the men who appreciate them. You can visit her online at www.evachase.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 114 reviews
June 11, 2021
3.5 stars
Being in a reading slump, I feel like the RH genre might be a solution for me. And it was in a way because I found this book easy to read especially since I already knew I liked this series and its characters. Now I don't feel like the writing is the best but I'm compelled by the story and especially by the twist that happened at the end of book three. I loved when she got close to that new love interest and I'm curious to see what will happen in the next book.
Being in a reading slump, I feel like the RH genre might be a solution for me. And it was in a way because I found this book easy to read especially since I already knew I liked this series and its characters. Now I don't feel like the writing is the best but I'm compelled by the story and especially by the twist that happened at the end of book three. I loved when she got close to that new love interest and I'm curious to see what will happen in the next book.
March 30, 2021
Warning, make sure you have enough time to read this, because it's one of those books you don't want to put down. It's part of a series, so make sure you have read the previous books, to get the best experience, and all the background. Everything seemed to be coming together for Talia and her Seelie men, when disaster struck and the enemy seems to have a greater claim to her. Can Talia overcome the latest challenge to her life? Will she have to give up her Seelie men? Or will it end up in all out war? I loved this heart pounding installment, and some answers come out, but don't expect them all, you can wait with me for the next book for those answers. I hope I don't have a long wait.
I am voluntarily reviewing a copy I received, and giving my thoughts and opinions on it.
I am voluntarily reviewing a copy I received, and giving my thoughts and opinions on it.
June 29, 2021
I can't believe I didn't know that the fourth and fifth book were already out?!?! Man, I suck.
It's safe to say that I'm disappointed in myself for not diving into Royal Mate back in March but at least I did that now? Eh. Still disappointed in myself. Since I read the last book about 3 months ago, I'll admit that something was off while reading this one. I just wasn't that invested in the characters or anything. Which, yes, is completely weird since I was pretty obsessed with the first three books.
I just think the whole waiting 3 months thing killed my vibe. It was still interesting and the romance was there.. but the drama was annoying. Sometimes it works with RH books and other times I just want to strangle people randomly. I'm also sure I didn't know how I felt about a new potential mate being introduced this late in the series and after reading this I'm still not sure how I feel.
Maybe things will click once again with me and everything else in the next book but I'm not going to have high expectations. I just don't want to end up disappointed in anything but I hope things work out in the end nonetheless.
Maybe I'll take a shot before diving into the next one. Maybe.
It's safe to say that I'm disappointed in myself for not diving into Royal Mate back in March but at least I did that now? Eh. Still disappointed in myself. Since I read the last book about 3 months ago, I'll admit that something was off while reading this one. I just wasn't that invested in the characters or anything. Which, yes, is completely weird since I was pretty obsessed with the first three books.
I just think the whole waiting 3 months thing killed my vibe. It was still interesting and the romance was there.. but the drama was annoying. Sometimes it works with RH books and other times I just want to strangle people randomly. I'm also sure I didn't know how I felt about a new potential mate being introduced this late in the series and after reading this I'm still not sure how I feel.
Maybe things will click once again with me and everything else in the next book but I'm not going to have high expectations. I just don't want to end up disappointed in anything but I hope things work out in the end nonetheless.
Maybe I'll take a shot before diving into the next one. Maybe.
June 22, 2023
I feel like the middle of these books just drag on, and I find myself saying I’m done with the series after I finish the book and then the ending happens. And let me tell you that Eva Chase knows how to write an amazing cliff hanger that makes you want to dive right into the next book. The beginning of the books are usually so action packed and the end of the books are amazing, to me it’s just the middle of the books that I’m not the biggest fan of. Like there are multiple plot developments throughout the book it just feels like nothing is really going on and it just repeats a lot of the everyday activities. After all that the ending has me too much invested so I will be finishing the series.
November 19, 2021
Talia has a new mate and is off to the Unseelie lands.
I really loved the imagery in this one; the frozen lands were quite beautiful, and the descriptions made me see it all, which is always amazing. There's lots of juggling and trying to sort out where's she's going to live. The first three are figuring out how to *ahem* share her, and now Corwin is thrown into the mix. His heart's in the right place, but he still does some super jerk wad moves here. Another big explosive secret is revealed at the end (less cliff hanger-y than the last one) so you know I'm going straight to book five.
I really loved the imagery in this one; the frozen lands were quite beautiful, and the descriptions made me see it all, which is always amazing. There's lots of juggling and trying to sort out where's she's going to live. The first three are figuring out how to *ahem* share her, and now Corwin is thrown into the mix. His heart's in the right place, but he still does some super jerk wad moves here. Another big explosive secret is revealed at the end (less cliff hanger-y than the last one) so you know I'm going straight to book five.
March 29, 2021
What a great book!. After the cliffhanger in the previous story, I was on tenterhooks waiting for this one to come out and it was well worth the wait. So much intrigue, drama, betrayal, secrets and passion in this book, that I just couldn’t put it down. Talia has to walk a fine line with her men so as not to start a war. This is a great series that needs to be read in order to get the most benefit. Don’t miss it. I received an ARC copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
March 22, 2021
Unputdownable. Yep, might be a new word (probably not, lol). If you have been reading along with the series (and if not, you should be, duh) you remember what happened to Talia at the end of the last book. Yep, soul-twined mate. Oops. He is an Unseelie arch-lord to boot. Neither Talia nor her men can figure out how a human could possibly have any kind of soul-twined mate, much less one with an Unseelie lord. It takes all of Talia's energy to keep him out of her head. Her men work tirelessly to find some way the bond can be broken. But then word comes from the Unseelie that they will invade the domains of the Seelie around the Heart if their lord is kept from his mate. Talia has no choice - she must go and meet Corwin in person, stay with him for 10 days, to show that it is her decision to remain with the Seelie. But will the Unseelie Lord and the bond let it be her decision? Or is it an inevitability that she stay in the Winter realm with her mate?
Lots to unwrap here. Why did the Heart twine together a human and an Unseelie? Is there more at work here than any of them can imagine? Is Talia the bridge that will bring peace to the Fae worlds? We don't get those answers yet. Stay tuned.
I was given an advanced copy of this book by the author. My review is voluntary.
Lots to unwrap here. Why did the Heart twine together a human and an Unseelie? Is there more at work here than any of them can imagine? Is Talia the bridge that will bring peace to the Fae worlds? We don't get those answers yet. Stay tuned.
I was given an advanced copy of this book by the author. My review is voluntary.
April 11, 2021
This is a fantastic continuation of this series! I continue to be highly engaged in this incredible world that the author has built and the fast paced storyline is so so addictive with its action, drama, suspense and twists and turns. I love the characters, love the storyline and I can’t wait to read more!
December 23, 2021
This isn’t a bad series, but my interest has definitely waned. I wish her guys didn’t need her to win all the battles for them. And we’ve gone a whole book without mention of her magic… that’s a mystery I’m curious about. Unfortunately, not curious enough to keep reading.
April 7, 2021
This is probably my favorite book out of this series, and I know it’s going to get better from here. The first few books focused on the Summer realm, Seelie, and the relationship between Talia, Sylas, August, and Whitt. To be fully honest, the past few books have relied heavily on drama, fighting between arch-lords, and murderous plots to overthrow each other. In short, I really needed a breather and was desperate for a few chapters of slice-of-life type reading. The world building is done very nicely and I had an easy time visualizing where I was and who was speaking when. However, with all of the events in the past few books I began to grow exhausted and almost gave up reading halfway through the previous book, but I am SO GLAD I kept reading! This book focuses on the newest (can I say unofficial?) addition to the harem and takes place over the course of 10 days. This is exactly the book I needed from this series and it felt so nice to read a slower book that focused on developing the characters rather than the world around them. To that point, the only relationship extensively developed in this book is that of Corwin and Talia. Corwin is one of the Unseelie arch-lords, so while there is a lot of uncertainty and unknowns within this relationship I am so excited to see it unfold. I also appreciated that we got so much time, as readers, with Corwin, as I’ve seen it too often where authors introduce new members into the harem and the old, or new, members often fall to the wayside. Even though this new character was introduced in the fourth book, I can already tell that this author is going to spend time on each man equally, which I am so thankful for!
If I were to reread any of the books in this series I would honestly reread this one, it’s just that good. I’m half tempted to preorder the next book, but for now I’ll settle for joining the Facebook group and hoping for a few teasers here and there. A great read and equally as strong addition to this series.
If I were to reread any of the books in this series I would honestly reread this one, it’s just that good. I’m half tempted to preorder the next book, but for now I’ll settle for joining the Facebook group and hoping for a few teasers here and there. A great read and equally as strong addition to this series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 17, 2023
There’s something about adding too many POV’s that really grinds my gears in books, but Eva Chase does a really well job of not adding too many, or switching to different characters too often.
I truly like Corwin, I think he’s doing the best he can given the extreme circumstances in his realm.
In the winter flocks, since they’re birds, they fly, they have spells to keep them warm, and they pride themselves on controlling their emotions. “Self-control” is what they call it, it’s truly a lack of compassion when they speak, more matter of factly. Since they can’t lie they already sound like a stick is up their butt, but the way they talk just comes off as cruel.
I really don’t like the other arch-lords i’m the winter realm, and I really don’t like how they also have a curse that affects them and Talia might be able to cure them?
Future prediction: I have noticed that the last 3 books are for another realm and I hope Talia has no more romantic investments and NO MORE CURING CURSES… but if it happens, I totally called it.
I truly like Corwin, I think he’s doing the best he can given the extreme circumstances in his realm.
In the winter flocks, since they’re birds, they fly, they have spells to keep them warm, and they pride themselves on controlling their emotions. “Self-control” is what they call it, it’s truly a lack of compassion when they speak, more matter of factly. Since they can’t lie they already sound like a stick is up their butt, but the way they talk just comes off as cruel.
I really don’t like the other arch-lords i’m the winter realm, and I really don’t like how they also have a curse that affects them and Talia might be able to cure them?
Future prediction: I have noticed that the last 3 books are for another realm and I hope Talia has no more romantic investments and NO MORE CURING CURSES… but if it happens, I totally called it.
September 1, 2024
I couldn’t finish this one. It instilled my dislike for reverse harems.
July 4, 2021
Book 4 was probably my favorite audiobook of the series so far! I thought the added nuance to Talia's journey with the Winter Realm mate was a fabulous twist and I enjoyed getting to know Corwin. He seems so innocent in terms of partners, like he is walking on eggshells and is so inexperienced it was rather adorable at moments. He royally messes up with Talia early on in her 10 days with him and I was about to chuck my phone when that started. Totally was going to write him off, but he has earned his way back into my good graces, for now haha. I thought he was endearing with some of his gestures and I loved how he and Talia finally found their footing. I was shocked by how things turned out when she returned but wasn't 100% surprised because of their situation. I am intrigued to know more about he winter fae, since we didnt get to learn more about their hierarchy, politics, and their other leaders. I also think the Murk have something to do with the big overall plot, but going to wait to listen to the audiobooks because I love getting the first impression while listening haha. Makes it hard with my self control since I know a couple more books are already out on ebook 🤣. Glad everything ended ok in this book but loved the little bomb dropped at the end regarding the winter fae. I do have a feeling Talia might unite all the groups so probably more will be added to her harem by the end haha. I will say I missed her summer fae in this book but I understand why that had to happen and loved their happy reunion until the thing happened. Cannot wait for more, becoming one of my favorites of Eva's stories❤��
In terms of narration, I think this one was the best yet from the series, with both narrators doing a great job immersing me into world of the winter fae. I thought the ache between the and the rising tension was palpable, the growing love between them adorable and warm. I was gut punched when Corwin did the thing to Talia that he never should have, made me almost cry, not gonna lie haha. That was the tipping point for me. 5/5 stars easily, keep it up Savannah and Ryan!!
In terms of narration, I think this one was the best yet from the series, with both narrators doing a great job immersing me into world of the winter fae. I thought the ache between the and the rising tension was palpable, the growing love between them adorable and warm. I was gut punched when Corwin did the thing to Talia that he never should have, made me almost cry, not gonna lie haha. That was the tipping point for me. 5/5 stars easily, keep it up Savannah and Ryan!!
August 6, 2021
Okay, my track record with this Bound to the Fae series isn't a good one I will admit that all the previous books were ok for me. But Royal Mate constructed something that I CAN'T forgive and forget even more because of the way it was developed or better not developed.
This series is a guilty pleasure read for me in which I'm curious about the main mysteries and most of the time I like the three Seelie lovers - mainly Whitt since I will always have a crush for the sarcastic one.
I was kind of skeptical about another potential lover being inserted this long in the series yet when I found out at the end of the third book that he was an Arch Lord of the Unseelie my hopes turned to the bright side and I thought that maybe this book could be more than ok and I might even like Royal Mate.
And at the beginning of the book, it was just like I assumed, I was more intrigued, the dynamics between Talia and Corwin were engaging, it was quite awesome to see Talia in a role in what she was more fierce and demanding and stood up to herself without back up.
From now on it will get more or less spoilery although I added a formatting tip for the biggest spoiler in my mind.
Unfortunately, my joy was short-lived. On the second day that Talia was in the Winter realm...I think and was feeling homesick (understandable), Corwin did something - trying to "spare" her - that I can't get past. In his own words he wanted Talia to see as earnest practicality, he was trying to fix a broken thing and he didn't think it would hurt her. The Heart let that happen because of his "good intentions" after all - it's the main message - to what I say: hell is full of good intentions.
So what was the sick thing he did?
Although he offered to swear an oath - that doesn't equal any real trust, made some show of apologizing (kneeling before her door until she wanted to speak to him - quite demanding - which took only a few minutes) and recognized he handled things badly and was unthinking and that he regrets it and bla bla bla....the whole scene of forgiveness felt like something being forced on Talia and at the reader.
How can we not forgive him? He acknowledges what he did, he said he was sorry many times, he was remorseful...I sure needed a lot more than that. It didn't happen organically and gradually with advances and setbacks, the pace was odd...it felt rushed.
I mean dude fucks up big time, you call him out and say you don't want to see him for the rest of the trip, he says he is sorry and puts you in an awkward position in his groveling - after waiting two days!!! And all is well after you two talk about how important to your life the Seelie men are? It was SO convenient how this issue was "dealt" with at the beginning of the trip.
For me, all this arc of redemption felt like a downplay of a really serious matter. I don't even know if I can call it an arc of redemption since it was resolved in a day in a too simplistic way for the magnitude of the offense.
It seemed both Talia and Corwin didn't know how horrible it was, I mean Talia knew when she confronted him but after he begged for forgiveness it was as if it wasn't all that bad anymore and as for Corwin I don't think he gets the real measure of his massive abusive betrayal, it wasn't just wrongdoing. The least he could have done was offer to get her back home sooner and try another approach in apologizing along another timeline, an extensive one.
Also, Talia's concern of him trying to do it again disappeared completely rather soon just because he asked, listened, and spend a few days discussing her relationship and experiences with her other lovers. Really girl? That is a fine line between naivete and idiocy.
And I won't even discuss this "evolution" of the mate bond, I like my mated stories with people getting to know each other first and falling in love with no mating bond compelling and sometimes forcing things that weren't originally there, do it organically authors...at least with your main characters!
You can showcase other types of mate bonds as a warning with other secondary characters. And not sell it as romantic with your main couple when it feels like a magic imposition that you portray as a gift because it's so rare *cof cof* a grand part of the time.
This series is a guilty pleasure read for me in which I'm curious about the main mysteries and most of the time I like the three Seelie lovers - mainly Whitt since I will always have a crush for the sarcastic one.
I was kind of skeptical about another potential lover being inserted this long in the series yet when I found out at the end of the third book that he was an Arch Lord of the Unseelie my hopes turned to the bright side and I thought that maybe this book could be more than ok and I might even like Royal Mate.
And at the beginning of the book, it was just like I assumed, I was more intrigued, the dynamics between Talia and Corwin were engaging, it was quite awesome to see Talia in a role in what she was more fierce and demanding and stood up to herself without back up.
From now on it will get more or less spoilery although I added a formatting tip for the biggest spoiler in my mind.
Unfortunately, my joy was short-lived. On the second day that Talia was in the Winter realm...I think and was feeling homesick (understandable), Corwin did something - trying to "spare" her - that I can't get past. In his own words he wanted Talia to see as earnest practicality, he was trying to fix a broken thing and he didn't think it would hurt her. The Heart let that happen because of his "good intentions" after all - it's the main message - to what I say: hell is full of good intentions.
So what was the sick thing he did?
Although he offered to swear an oath - that doesn't equal any real trust, made some show of apologizing (kneeling before her door until she wanted to speak to him - quite demanding - which took only a few minutes) and recognized he handled things badly and was unthinking and that he regrets it and bla bla bla....the whole scene of forgiveness felt like something being forced on Talia and at the reader.
How can we not forgive him? He acknowledges what he did, he said he was sorry many times, he was remorseful...I sure needed a lot more than that. It didn't happen organically and gradually with advances and setbacks, the pace was odd...it felt rushed.
I mean dude fucks up big time, you call him out and say you don't want to see him for the rest of the trip, he says he is sorry and puts you in an awkward position in his groveling - after waiting two days!!! And all is well after you two talk about how important to your life the Seelie men are? It was SO convenient how this issue was "dealt" with at the beginning of the trip.
For me, all this arc of redemption felt like a downplay of a really serious matter. I don't even know if I can call it an arc of redemption since it was resolved in a day in a too simplistic way for the magnitude of the offense.
It seemed both Talia and Corwin didn't know how horrible it was, I mean Talia knew when she confronted him but after he begged for forgiveness it was as if it wasn't all that bad anymore and as for Corwin I don't think he gets the real measure of his massive abusive betrayal, it wasn't just wrongdoing. The least he could have done was offer to get her back home sooner and try another approach in apologizing along another timeline, an extensive one.
Also, Talia's concern of him trying to do it again disappeared completely rather soon just because he asked, listened, and spend a few days discussing her relationship and experiences with her other lovers. Really girl? That is a fine line between naivete and idiocy.
And I won't even discuss this "evolution" of the mate bond, I like my mated stories with people getting to know each other first and falling in love with no mating bond compelling and sometimes forcing things that weren't originally there, do it organically authors...at least with your main characters!
You can showcase other types of mate bonds as a warning with other secondary characters. And not sell it as romantic with your main couple when it feels like a magic imposition that you portray as a gift because it's so rare *cof cof* a grand part of the time.
June 2, 2021
Eva Chase's Bound to the Fae series is getting really good. Royal Mate is the fourth book in the series and it was filled with raw emotion, unexpected twists, shocking surprises, and crazy complications. To say that it was a good read would be an understatement, Royal Mate took the Bound to the Fae series to a whole new level. It was fantastic.
Talia has grown a lot over the series, she's physically stronger, more confident, and asserts herself more than ever before. While she might not totally fight in with the fae is certainly is finding her way. Taila stands up for herself and stands up for those she loves, she doesn't let things just happen around her she pitches in to help and with ideas. Just because she isn't fae doesn't mean she is worthless and let's face it at this point it's kinda obvious that something is going on with Talia, I mean she a twined soul-mate when only true-blooded fae get those, not to mention she can use magic and she is the cure for the wolves madness every full moon. I wonder where Eva is gonna take this plot, I have so many questions and I have few guesses as to what might be going on.
Through it, all Talia has had the support of her three fae lovers (soon-to-be mates, hopefully), August with his kindness, Whitt with his wit, and Sylas with his protectiveness. All of the guys have supported Talia and grew because of her, they have a bond that is seems Heart fated even if it's not. Then at the end of the third book, Kings of Moonlight, we discovered that Talia has a fated mate, and worse yet he is Unseelie, a raven shifter, the enemy to those who have taken her in, her pack-kin. I will admit I was a little nervous about Corwin but I was even more excited to get more information about the raven shifters. While the Unseelie are nothing like the Seelie fae, they aren't all bad. I liked Corwin, he is a bit closed off due to circumstances it's just easier for him to be and he did make one very bad mistake in the beginning but by the end of the story I like Corwin a whole lot, loved seeing things from his point-of-view and I can't wait to get more from him in the next book. Seeing the bond form and grow between him and Talia was interesting, to compare a fated bond to the bonds that she has with Sylas, August, and Whitt was interesting. Most surprising the fated mate bond wasn't instantaneous, they had to work on getting to know each other, on letting the other in, they had the attraction but it was the emotional part they had to work on.
Things with Talia have always been complicated, things between the Seelie and Unseelie have always been complicated but now things are reaching a peak. Apparently, things are going awry everywhere and Talia seems to be smack in the center of it. In the Kings of Moonlight, the guys took Talia to a mystic, and in this book, they took Talia somewhere else mystical to try and understand her connections to the fae better, and while neither was clear it is becoming obvious that something is going on. I wonder if there is somewhere in the Unseelie realm that they can try? I loved seeing the Unseelie's winter lands and how they differ from the Seelie, I really loved when Talia went on a little trip with Corwin. I also wonder what other oddities will come about concerning Talia because I have no doubt that something else will.
No surprise here, Royal Mate was an excellent read that was filled with drama, have a few steamy scenes, and a mystery surround Talia and her future with the fae. The next book is Secrets of Winter and it seems like I'm gonna get to know more about the mysterious winter fae, I can't wait to jump in.
Talia has grown a lot over the series, she's physically stronger, more confident, and asserts herself more than ever before. While she might not totally fight in with the fae is certainly is finding her way. Taila stands up for herself and stands up for those she loves, she doesn't let things just happen around her she pitches in to help and with ideas. Just because she isn't fae doesn't mean she is worthless and let's face it at this point it's kinda obvious that something is going on with Talia, I mean she a twined soul-mate when only true-blooded fae get those, not to mention she can use magic and she is the cure for the wolves madness every full moon. I wonder where Eva is gonna take this plot, I have so many questions and I have few guesses as to what might be going on.
Through it, all Talia has had the support of her three fae lovers (soon-to-be mates, hopefully), August with his kindness, Whitt with his wit, and Sylas with his protectiveness. All of the guys have supported Talia and grew because of her, they have a bond that is seems Heart fated even if it's not. Then at the end of the third book, Kings of Moonlight, we discovered that Talia has a fated mate, and worse yet he is Unseelie, a raven shifter, the enemy to those who have taken her in, her pack-kin. I will admit I was a little nervous about Corwin but I was even more excited to get more information about the raven shifters. While the Unseelie are nothing like the Seelie fae, they aren't all bad. I liked Corwin, he is a bit closed off due to circumstances it's just easier for him to be and he did make one very bad mistake in the beginning but by the end of the story I like Corwin a whole lot, loved seeing things from his point-of-view and I can't wait to get more from him in the next book. Seeing the bond form and grow between him and Talia was interesting, to compare a fated bond to the bonds that she has with Sylas, August, and Whitt was interesting. Most surprising the fated mate bond wasn't instantaneous, they had to work on getting to know each other, on letting the other in, they had the attraction but it was the emotional part they had to work on.
Things with Talia have always been complicated, things between the Seelie and Unseelie have always been complicated but now things are reaching a peak. Apparently, things are going awry everywhere and Talia seems to be smack in the center of it. In the Kings of Moonlight, the guys took Talia to a mystic, and in this book, they took Talia somewhere else mystical to try and understand her connections to the fae better, and while neither was clear it is becoming obvious that something is going on. I wonder if there is somewhere in the Unseelie realm that they can try? I loved seeing the Unseelie's winter lands and how they differ from the Seelie, I really loved when Talia went on a little trip with Corwin. I also wonder what other oddities will come about concerning Talia because I have no doubt that something else will.
No surprise here, Royal Mate was an excellent read that was filled with drama, have a few steamy scenes, and a mystery surround Talia and her future with the fae. The next book is Secrets of Winter and it seems like I'm gonna get to know more about the mysterious winter fae, I can't wait to jump in.
May 11, 2021
I received an ebook ARC from the author in exchange for my honest review.
It’s Book 4 so there’s no way to do this without some spoilers, so here’s the warning for spoilers ahead!
In Book 3 we were left with an incredible cliffhanger that was going to shake everything up. The Fae world is shifting, power dynamics are moving, and Talia and her Cadre of men are gaining more and more ground. It seems as though Talia has only just started to settle into her new normal when she feels a soul twinned bond at the arrival of an Unseelie Lord - a raven shifter. Reeling from the cliffhanger, Talia realises this bond comes with a connection to Corwin the Unseelie Lord, and that the connection that allows them to share senses and thoughts. This clearly comes with a lot of pros and cons that are quickly explored.
We’re given a slight pause from the politics of Sylas and his Cadre, since Talia agrees to visit Corwin on a temporary basis. Corwin is not as dark and broody as he seems - more misunderstood, which gives this book the vibes of a Beauty & The Beast or Hades & Persephone re-telling - love it! There is also a level of agency in this story that Talia hasn’t had before, since this is the first time she’s been away from her men and mostly on her own. It was exciting to see her come into her own even more.
Having spent so much time in Seelie, we’re now exploring Chase’s Unseelie world, where Packs are Flocks, and Cadre’s are Coterie, and the fey are still handsome as ever. Those who loved Talia’s original Cadre shouldn’t fear as her bond with them is still extremely strong, but I’m certainly not mad at the addition of Corwin either ;) I’m excited to see how Chase continues Talia’s story!
Happy Reading!
It’s Book 4 so there’s no way to do this without some spoilers, so here’s the warning for spoilers ahead!
In Book 3 we were left with an incredible cliffhanger that was going to shake everything up. The Fae world is shifting, power dynamics are moving, and Talia and her Cadre of men are gaining more and more ground. It seems as though Talia has only just started to settle into her new normal when she feels a soul twinned bond at the arrival of an Unseelie Lord - a raven shifter. Reeling from the cliffhanger, Talia realises this bond comes with a connection to Corwin the Unseelie Lord, and that the connection that allows them to share senses and thoughts. This clearly comes with a lot of pros and cons that are quickly explored.
We’re given a slight pause from the politics of Sylas and his Cadre, since Talia agrees to visit Corwin on a temporary basis. Corwin is not as dark and broody as he seems - more misunderstood, which gives this book the vibes of a Beauty & The Beast or Hades & Persephone re-telling - love it! There is also a level of agency in this story that Talia hasn’t had before, since this is the first time she’s been away from her men and mostly on her own. It was exciting to see her come into her own even more.
Having spent so much time in Seelie, we’re now exploring Chase’s Unseelie world, where Packs are Flocks, and Cadre’s are Coterie, and the fey are still handsome as ever. Those who loved Talia’s original Cadre shouldn’t fear as her bond with them is still extremely strong, but I’m certainly not mad at the addition of Corwin either ;) I’m excited to see how Chase continues Talia’s story!
Happy Reading!
October 14, 2021
7%: one thing i miss in the romance aspect of the series is more DRAMA. the author doesn't really make it very dramatic or over-the-top.
take the scene where the heroine's gaze meets the unseelie arch-lord's gaze and they discover they're soul-twined mates. that ends with the heroine just shuffling on outta there, confused and having to explain what happened to the other heroes. that was it. we weren't shown anything about whether the unseelie was trying to get to her and had to he held back by his colleagues, or that he looked anguished or anything. we hear him trying to talk to the heroine in her mind but not anything OTT really.
for such a dramatic reveal, it was surprisingly undramatic, and disappointing when it's a moment ive been waiting for since i learned about soul-twined mates.
12%: for fae who know how special and blessed a soul-twined bond is, they sure are quick to suggest to break it 😳
29%: im very excited about the h going to unseelie domain. i hope some time away from the three other Hs will let her develop some more independence and inner strength, instead of relying so much on them.
45%: can't help wishing this were more like a court of mist and fury by sarah j maas but i might've set my expectations a bit too high there 😅 anyway, i wish there were more of an undercurrent of sexual tension and less outright non-sexy, frustrating arguing.
final thoughts: might take a break from this series to read something else. the plot's pacing is very slow, like even though they try to find out more about why the heroine is special and about the curse... they don't? and the heroine frustrates me. she did have one great moment in this book though - when she argues with donovan about corwin.
take the scene where the heroine's gaze meets the unseelie arch-lord's gaze and they discover they're soul-twined mates. that ends with the heroine just shuffling on outta there, confused and having to explain what happened to the other heroes. that was it. we weren't shown anything about whether the unseelie was trying to get to her and had to he held back by his colleagues, or that he looked anguished or anything. we hear him trying to talk to the heroine in her mind but not anything OTT really.
for such a dramatic reveal, it was surprisingly undramatic, and disappointing when it's a moment ive been waiting for since i learned about soul-twined mates.
12%: for fae who know how special and blessed a soul-twined bond is, they sure are quick to suggest to break it 😳
29%: im very excited about the h going to unseelie domain. i hope some time away from the three other Hs will let her develop some more independence and inner strength, instead of relying so much on them.
45%: can't help wishing this were more like a court of mist and fury by sarah j maas but i might've set my expectations a bit too high there 😅 anyway, i wish there were more of an undercurrent of sexual tension and less outright non-sexy, frustrating arguing.
final thoughts: might take a break from this series to read something else. the plot's pacing is very slow, like even though they try to find out more about why the heroine is special and about the curse... they don't? and the heroine frustrates me. she did have one great moment in this book though - when she argues with donovan about corwin.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 25, 2022
Starts with talia living in cage being held captive by 4 men who take her blood but don’t tell her why. She learns that she can escape but not before 4 other men come to raid the place, not intending for her to be there. They end up taking her with them and realize that she is the cure for their curse of the full moon. Every full moon they go full savage and have no control but with her blood they can fight the curse and stay in control. So she moves in with them but their kind look down on humans so no one is nice to her outside of the men because they don’t know what she is to them. They decide to keep her a secret until they can’t anymore. The men who originally were holding her captive continue to try to come after her until they make them swear to stop by fighting them and making them yield. Anyways they eventually have to come clean about what she is or actually she makes them tell everyone because she wants to help. The leaders try to take her from the men but eventually there is a change of authority and one of her men take over which in turns sways the vote in their corner for everything because the other guys leader is on their side. She is constantly facing problems though because she is human but the people don’t know she can manage some magic with their true words. The people she is staying with are fighting with the other people they border with so when her man takes leadership they get a surprise meeting from the other sides leaders. While they are over on their side she realizes one of the other sides leaders is her fated mate but she refuses to acknowledge him right away. They threaten a war so she agrees to go over there but also agrees to not tell them anything.
While over on the other side she learns things about her new man that she isn’t sure how to manage. She doesn’t open up right away and stays pretty guarded at first, also because she is afraid to hurt her already 3 men she has back home. Well of course since he is her fated mate it doesn’t take long for them to form a bond and her men of course don’t want to lose her so they agree to try to make it work. They end come up with the plan of having a house built of the boarder for them.
I haven’t finished the series yet this is just where I’ve left off.
While over on the other side she learns things about her new man that she isn’t sure how to manage. She doesn’t open up right away and stays pretty guarded at first, also because she is afraid to hurt her already 3 men she has back home. Well of course since he is her fated mate it doesn’t take long for them to form a bond and her men of course don’t want to lose her so they agree to try to make it work. They end come up with the plan of having a house built of the boarder for them.
I haven’t finished the series yet this is just where I’ve left off.
May 25, 2024
★ 2 stars
I'm curious as to why this series didn't end after book 3. Miss gurl really could not handle a hot man being single and not part of her little harem.
Now that she's soul-twined with an Unseelie Arch-lord in the previous book, tensions between the Seelie and Unseelie have taken a slight turn. To prevent an all-out war between the two faes, Talia agrees to spend time in the winter realm with her new raven mate Corwin and determine whether there is a connection worthy enough to build off of. There's very little page time with Sylas, August, and Whitt and the plot also drags a good amount since this was mostly about Talia getting to know Corwin.
From the beginning of this series I haven't been the biggest fan of the relationship with Talia and these men, but with this new man actually having a soul-twined bond with her... it just wasn't quite sitting right with me. I've read a fair amount of soulmate/shifter books and it's always been a standard that soul ties are this sacred and destined thing that pairs someone up with their perfect match. The relationship between Talia and all the men in this book just felt disrespectful in a way to Corwin and their bond.
Just seems weird that she has a mated match and somehow he's still not good enough for her. Really, that none of them are. I don't get it. She just wants every hot man she sees I guess??
Not for me, but I was in a slump and this series is doing it's thing.
I'm curious as to why this series didn't end after book 3. Miss gurl really could not handle a hot man being single and not part of her little harem.
Now that she's soul-twined with an Unseelie Arch-lord in the previous book, tensions between the Seelie and Unseelie have taken a slight turn. To prevent an all-out war between the two faes, Talia agrees to spend time in the winter realm with her new raven mate Corwin and determine whether there is a connection worthy enough to build off of. There's very little page time with Sylas, August, and Whitt and the plot also drags a good amount since this was mostly about Talia getting to know Corwin.
From the beginning of this series I haven't been the biggest fan of the relationship with Talia and these men, but with this new man actually having a soul-twined bond with her... it just wasn't quite sitting right with me. I've read a fair amount of soulmate/shifter books and it's always been a standard that soul ties are this sacred and destined thing that pairs someone up with their perfect match. The relationship between Talia and all the men in this book just felt disrespectful in a way to Corwin and their bond.
Just seems weird that she has a mated match and somehow he's still not good enough for her. Really, that none of them are. I don't get it. She just wants every hot man she sees I guess??
Not for me, but I was in a slump and this series is doing it's thing.
March 22, 2021
Just when everything looked settled for Talia and her three Seelie men the Heart of the Mists decides to play a cruel move on her and ties her to one of the winter arch-lords as their soulmate. However, she is not willing to just give up the three men who she loves even if war is threatened between the two sides, so she steels herself to go into the winter lands in order to try and work out a compromise where everyone is happy. When she gets there the arch-lord is not quite what she expected and so the lines between ally and enemy are starting to blur - can she stop the clash between the two sides before even more blood is shed?
After the previous book ended on a cliffhanger, I was mighty relieved to read the next book in this series. The author has not disappointed with lots of drama, danger, doublecrossing and situations that caused everyone in the book to have to think on their feet as they tried to find ways to compromise so that they could work together for the common good. I liked this new character in the Unseelie arch-lord and look forward to learning more about him in future books. Well written and easy to understand, this was easy to feel the complex emotions that the characters were experiencing so that I could empathise with them. Contains some explicit sexual content.
After the previous book ended on a cliffhanger, I was mighty relieved to read the next book in this series. The author has not disappointed with lots of drama, danger, doublecrossing and situations that caused everyone in the book to have to think on their feet as they tried to find ways to compromise so that they could work together for the common good. I liked this new character in the Unseelie arch-lord and look forward to learning more about him in future books. Well written and easy to understand, this was easy to feel the complex emotions that the characters were experiencing so that I could empathise with them. Contains some explicit sexual content.
July 7, 2021
My review is written after listening to the audio version of this book.
This book picks up where the third one finished with Talia coming to realise that the life she thought she had found for herself will have to change. She's the soul bound mate to an Arch Lord of the Winter Fae, Corwin.
Talia's grown a lot so much in this series, more confident and assertive safe in the knowledge that she is loved by three different but all strong males. She may not be fae but she accepted as a member of their pack she stands up for herself and for those she loves. Talia, is more than human though, she's the cure to their curse, can perform magic and now she's somehow soul-bound to a fae mate something only true-blooded fae can only hope for.
Corwin is so different to her three wolves but over time she is beginning to realise that she has feelings for him - what and how their story progresses is something I'm eagerly waiting to discover. Can the war between the two realms be stopped? Why are the winter fae attacking the summer realm? How will Tallia split her time between four males?
The narration of this one is by the usual team of Savannah Peachwood and Ryan West who as always does an excellent job with all the characters.
This book picks up where the third one finished with Talia coming to realise that the life she thought she had found for herself will have to change. She's the soul bound mate to an Arch Lord of the Winter Fae, Corwin.
Talia's grown a lot so much in this series, more confident and assertive safe in the knowledge that she is loved by three different but all strong males. She may not be fae but she accepted as a member of their pack she stands up for herself and for those she loves. Talia, is more than human though, she's the cure to their curse, can perform magic and now she's somehow soul-bound to a fae mate something only true-blooded fae can only hope for.
Corwin is so different to her three wolves but over time she is beginning to realise that she has feelings for him - what and how their story progresses is something I'm eagerly waiting to discover. Can the war between the two realms be stopped? Why are the winter fae attacking the summer realm? How will Tallia split her time between four males?
The narration of this one is by the usual team of Savannah Peachwood and Ryan West who as always does an excellent job with all the characters.
September 18, 2023
4⭐️ - really liking where this is going, super curious to keep reading. Poor Talia just keeps getting put through the ringer.
After the revelation that one of the Unseelie lords is her soul-twined mate, Talia and the cadre must determine what their plan of action is to ensure her safety. When the threat of attack if an arch-lords mate is not brought to him, Talia agrees to enter the winter realm for the safety of the Seelie.
While there, she attempts to get to know her mate, Corwin. Although they get off to a rocky start, they come to an understanding and begin to spend more time together. Taos can’t help but notice that things aren’t what they seem in the winter realm, and Corwin is keeping things from her. She is unable to fathom leaving her loves in the cadre for her mate, and wants to find a way to have all of them.
Back on the summer realm side, tension run high. While there is no current threat from the winter realm, there is still a war raging. The cadre are still navigating their recent rise in rank and working on the new dynamic with the other arch-lords.
So good so far. I’m excited to keep going.
After the revelation that one of the Unseelie lords is her soul-twined mate, Talia and the cadre must determine what their plan of action is to ensure her safety. When the threat of attack if an arch-lords mate is not brought to him, Talia agrees to enter the winter realm for the safety of the Seelie.
While there, she attempts to get to know her mate, Corwin. Although they get off to a rocky start, they come to an understanding and begin to spend more time together. Taos can’t help but notice that things aren’t what they seem in the winter realm, and Corwin is keeping things from her. She is unable to fathom leaving her loves in the cadre for her mate, and wants to find a way to have all of them.
Back on the summer realm side, tension run high. While there is no current threat from the winter realm, there is still a war raging. The cadre are still navigating their recent rise in rank and working on the new dynamic with the other arch-lords.
So good so far. I’m excited to keep going.
March 13, 2023
i’m conflicted. i both loved and slightly disliked this book.
it’s still getting 4 stars because i still enjoyed this one. it was on par with the first book in that there wasn’t a whole lot of plot because it was about Talia getting to know Corwin.
and i do really like Corwin. i’m still confused as to how Eva is gonna navigate another person in the harem, especially when he’s completely different and doesn’t live in the same world. nevertheless, i’m glad he only had one minor dip in judgement and it was resolved quickly because he’s actually so sweet and he’s a nice addition that will definitely add another dynamic to the group.
my conflict lies with the fact that we basically just got crumbs of the trio in this book. like i understand we need to get to know Corwin, which is a-ok with me, but i missed our OG devoted wolf men so i hope we can get back to the regularly scheduled programming in the next book.
it’s still getting 4 stars because i still enjoyed this one. it was on par with the first book in that there wasn’t a whole lot of plot because it was about Talia getting to know Corwin.
and i do really like Corwin. i’m still confused as to how Eva is gonna navigate another person in the harem, especially when he’s completely different and doesn’t live in the same world. nevertheless, i’m glad he only had one minor dip in judgement and it was resolved quickly because he’s actually so sweet and he’s a nice addition that will definitely add another dynamic to the group.
my conflict lies with the fact that we basically just got crumbs of the trio in this book. like i understand we need to get to know Corwin, which is a-ok with me, but i missed our OG devoted wolf men so i hope we can get back to the regularly scheduled programming in the next book.
September 6, 2024
So I enjoyed this book more than the first 3 I’m still finding the books slow going but at least I’m now getting kinda invested in the characters.
I’m still shocked that no fae in either realm can heal her foot with all the magic they possess.
And I wasn’t shocked by the omission that the winter fae have also been affected by a curse. It seems obvious as to why it affects their people in the way they do.
The winter fae being cold with their emotions then slowly freezing to death & then the summer fae being quick to anger and let their “wild” emotions get the best of them when they wolf out on a full moon. Maybe it’s truly a curse the heart (the Center of where there power comes from) put on them because the two side refuses to come together.
We don’t know yet.
I do enjoy the fact that our female protagonist has been taking her time with her soul bonded mate, and with all her men coming to an understanding
I’m still shocked that no fae in either realm can heal her foot with all the magic they possess.
And I wasn’t shocked by the omission that the winter fae have also been affected by a curse. It seems obvious as to why it affects their people in the way they do.
The winter fae being cold with their emotions then slowly freezing to death & then the summer fae being quick to anger and let their “wild” emotions get the best of them when they wolf out on a full moon. Maybe it’s truly a curse the heart (the Center of where there power comes from) put on them because the two side refuses to come together.
We don’t know yet.
I do enjoy the fact that our female protagonist has been taking her time with her soul bonded mate, and with all her men coming to an understanding
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 31, 2021
Blown away!
I am a fan of Eva's and that appreciation is becoming even more solid as I continue through this series. I am invested in their struggles. I worry about how they will find a solution. I cannot believe how strong Talia is. She is my hero. Her strength of character can crumble the strongest Fae.
For the first time, we get to step into the realm of the winter fae - the unseelie. Who are supposed to be enemies, but seem to be much more like the seelie than they want to admit.
A new revelation at the end has me trying to be patient for book 5. Not really a cliffhanger, but a promise of more to come.
This is a series I will be buying the box set of once complete. I know I will be enjoying this again for years to come.
I received an advanced copy of this story and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
I am a fan of Eva's and that appreciation is becoming even more solid as I continue through this series. I am invested in their struggles. I worry about how they will find a solution. I cannot believe how strong Talia is. She is my hero. Her strength of character can crumble the strongest Fae.
For the first time, we get to step into the realm of the winter fae - the unseelie. Who are supposed to be enemies, but seem to be much more like the seelie than they want to admit.
A new revelation at the end has me trying to be patient for book 5. Not really a cliffhanger, but a promise of more to come.
This is a series I will be buying the box set of once complete. I know I will be enjoying this again for years to come.
I received an advanced copy of this story and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
June 19, 2022
Book 4 of 9.
Bought on Kindle and Audible. Decent length on Audible. Contination of series, with a HEA, though some serious suspense and threat along the way!
As with all books by Eva Chase (or Eva Chance) it is exemplary! Hot, yet developed realtionshisp and all characters totally unique. Huge respect to male narrator on Audible for managing this across five men, plus of course the additional characters. All easily idenitifable as soon as he speaks as them.
This series did seem to last forever, and I have to say has had me in tears several times - to the extent I was unsure whether I could go on at several points through the prior books... I don't like it! I like a bit of stress, occasionally, not this heart ache and terror and bad guys so bad you want to run away (or throw your Kindle or ear buds away!).
Less trauma next time please Eva...
Bought on Kindle and Audible. Decent length on Audible. Contination of series, with a HEA, though some serious suspense and threat along the way!
As with all books by Eva Chase (or Eva Chance) it is exemplary! Hot, yet developed realtionshisp and all characters totally unique. Huge respect to male narrator on Audible for managing this across five men, plus of course the additional characters. All easily idenitifable as soon as he speaks as them.
This series did seem to last forever, and I have to say has had me in tears several times - to the extent I was unsure whether I could go on at several points through the prior books... I don't like it! I like a bit of stress, occasionally, not this heart ache and terror and bad guys so bad you want to run away (or throw your Kindle or ear buds away!).
Less trauma next time please Eva...
March 28, 2021
I’m not going to lie to you, a whole lot of emotions going on in this story! When the last book ended with a cliffhanger, hello soul twinned mate, and an unseelie no less, I couldn’t wait for this one! As conflicting as that sounds, Talia has no choice but to go with him to his winter castle or there would be an all out war. As usual, nothing in Ms Eva‘s tales are as simple as they seem and further adventures await our feisty heroine and her cache of hotties. I found myself captivated by everything in this tale, and yes, there are some steamy sessions included. But I also was drawn to our newest fellow and this soul twinned bond. Can’t wait to see where she takes this next and how Talia will manage to combine her two very different worlds.
April 1, 2021
A Seelie and Unseelie Archlord both in love with a human.
Sylas, August and Whitt have each expressed the feelings for Talia. Now that Unseelie Archlord Corwin is the soul-twined mate to Talia, both Courts are in a dither. She is forced to spend time with Corwin but she is resentful of the bond and doesn't even try for several days. It's ironic that both Courts are so similar in their animosity but they just don't know it. Expect some major conflicts from both Courts, questionable decisions, trust and love unequaled. Each of these factions will come to realize our Talia is more than just a mere mortal. This series is engaging and will grasp emotions that will go deep. I can't wait to see what happens in the last book of the series.
Sylas, August and Whitt have each expressed the feelings for Talia. Now that Unseelie Archlord Corwin is the soul-twined mate to Talia, both Courts are in a dither. She is forced to spend time with Corwin but she is resentful of the bond and doesn't even try for several days. It's ironic that both Courts are so similar in their animosity but they just don't know it. Expect some major conflicts from both Courts, questionable decisions, trust and love unequaled. Each of these factions will come to realize our Talia is more than just a mere mortal. This series is engaging and will grasp emotions that will go deep. I can't wait to see what happens in the last book of the series.
September 7, 2022
Who could have thought we would have a new character halfway through the series? A suitor from the winter fae realm brings a pleasant surprise, and the drama that follows suit gives us something to ponder. How to solve the issue, and is Talia have to give up the others from the Summer realm?
I'm thrilled that Talia has rekindled her relationship with Harper. One must have a friend, besides lover(s), to navigate the unknown world! This book has some new tidbits on the winter fae realm - the building structures, scenes, and a little about politics. The last chapter reveals some valuable information on the issue happening in the winter realm and one that will be the main point for the next book!
I'm thrilled that Talia has rekindled her relationship with Harper. One must have a friend, besides lover(s), to navigate the unknown world! This book has some new tidbits on the winter fae realm - the building structures, scenes, and a little about politics. The last chapter reveals some valuable information on the issue happening in the winter realm and one that will be the main point for the next book!
February 17, 2023
Royal Mate, the fourth book of the Bound to the Fae series, is an ebook I borrowed through Kindle Unlimited (KU). Sucked in by a cliffhanger *hangs my head,* I couldn't believe the plot twist at the end of book three, so I had to continue on to see how the story-line would develop.
The writer maintained good momentum as she shifted her focus from the Wolves of Summer, to the Ravens of Winter. I loved how she gave each species characteristics to not only their animal form, but their season, too.
And, who knew curse-breaking could be such an interesting occupation?
Very nice world-building and kudos for keeping the characters individual even as their lives start blending. Some interesting challenges and reveals.
The writer maintained good momentum as she shifted her focus from the Wolves of Summer, to the Ravens of Winter. I loved how she gave each species characteristics to not only their animal form, but their season, too.
And, who knew curse-breaking could be such an interesting occupation?
Very nice world-building and kudos for keeping the characters individual even as their lives start blending. Some interesting challenges and reveals.
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