The Lost Deer Queen

by H.J. Nichols

Five princes. One choice. Will she make the right one?

When the High Family of the Woodland Kingdom is found murdered, Mae Bailey, a small bookstore owner and deer-Fae hybrid, finds herself crowned the new High Queen. But Mae can’t rule alone.

She must choose one of the five eligible High Princes to rule beside her, while also trying to solve the mystery of who killed the High Family. As Mae forms stronger relationships with each High Prince, she also learns that dark magic has begun to seep into the kingdom.

Who will Mae choose to rule beside her?

And will it end up being the person trying to ruin her kingdom?

The Lost Deer Queen is a tale of witty banter, yearning romance, and deadly secrets. TLDQ is a new-adult fantasy romance with mature elements that may be triggering to some readers. Please check the full list of content warnings.

Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Romantasy, Fantasy Romance, Paranormal

432 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 25, 2025

Reviews

[Tom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okaaaay this was EPIC!!!

The magic was cool AF, the characters were so deep, the world building/setting was gorgeous!!

For this to be a debut novel and book one in a series is sooooo exciting! I can’t wait to read more from her!

This book had me fully invested by 2/3 chapters in!!

The serpent brothers 👀👀👀 DAYYYUM

Mae is a smoke show of a main FMC (she has antlers- not sure that was a thing for me but boooooy it is now haha)
I loved everything about this book it’s AMAZING

JUST READ IT NOW IMMEDIATELY PLS AND THANK YOU!

[Jasmine Sperring · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok, wow? Like... this was absolutely amazing. I loved it! The magic, the different houses, the men (August & Koa... I need more from them please) the story was fantastic and I really enjoyed the twists and turns. The portrayal of self harm and anxiety was done really well and I thank you for this. I can't wait to read the next book!

[Librosentrelazos · Rating 5 out of 5]

How is this book a debut? I wanted to scream; it was so good! I feel privileged to have read this amazing novel by this incredible author.

This fantasy romance is so uniquely its own. The world and magic are easy to follow. The story's pace is relatively fast, but without feeling like you're getting a ton of information dumped on you. It has a great rhythm, so it doesn't feel rushed. The characters are amazing, especially Mae.

The FMC, Mae, has her whole life turned upside down. I immediately thought she would become hesitant to accept the information, but she was so strong. Mae understood the assignment! She took over beautifully, besides having to deal with all of her personal struggles. The mental health issues represented in this book resonated hard with me. I appreciate the depiction of Mae's struggles so much.

I loved that this story evoked "The Bachelorette" vibes. It gave the plot a fun and intriguing tone. Also, the mystery aspect of the plot was so well done that I was not expecting the twist towards the end.

Let me talk about the princes; they were amazing and entertaining. However, if I'm not worshipped like Asmo worshipped Mae, I don't want it. Every prince had something that I loved, but I don't trust anyone!

The ending was mindblowing, to say the least! I will be waiting (im)patiently for book 2. Thank you, Grey's Promotions and H.J. Nichols, for the advanced copy!

[Brittni · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely LOVED this book.

There wasn't a lot of complicated world building, which I appreciate so much, and I has so much fun learning about the humans, fae and different hybrids!

I automatically connected with the fmc because she's a bookworm like me and owns her own bookstore which is such a dream 🤣 I love her friendship with Cally and how Cally supports her when a situation upends the fmc's entire life.

There are multiple delicious mmcs in this book but she must choose one!! (I know who I'd choose 😏)

The story line is honestly amazing and the added romance is so perfect. I was genuinely distraught when I discovered the true villain here and I can't wait to continue the fight in book two!

[Grace · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wow...

I went into this with no expectations. I have not read this author before and I was given a free copy to read before the ARC for book two comes out.

But it blew my expectations out of the water!

The magic system is unique, one that I've never quite read before. There are little drips of mainstream fantasy in it but it's entirely something of its own. H.J. Nichols describes it so in detail, when Mae is discovering her powers you can almost envision it yourself. Sometimes it was a bit much but I could see it being helpful for readers who need to visualize the context.

The main male characters were not the typical "good guy, bad guy who do I choose??" Think of the bachelor but fantasy edition. I love that we got a little bit of everything with each of them. Barrett, you have my heart🐻.

The romantic conflict felt a bit off. It's very obvious that Mae had Marik at #1 since he helped her when she had an SH episode . It gave him an, in my opinion, unfair 'advantage' of sorts. She was always going to see him as some kind of hero.

Asmo, the self deprecating man you are. "I don't deserve you" blah blah blah. He was the obvious choice she should've made. Either him or Koa (ignoring his little misogynistic outburst). But Mae was so stubborn when it came to him. It was frustrating that it took until the last second for her to realize their 'chemistry' was more than that.

THE ENDING!! Let me tell you this first, I saw the more obvious betrayal right away. Too much coincidence throughout the book for a certain someone to not be connected. But the second one??? I kind of figured it after Willa and Marik interacted so well together besides Willa being against the whole royal thing but I thought it would play out different.

Now why the 3-stars and not 4?
- I couldn't tell always what time period I was supposed to be envisioning. We had modern-day lingo and clothes but not tech or anything?
- Mae accepting her lineage with little to no pushback? I understand she had no choice really, but if we were supposed to believe that she was strong and independent...that wasn't it.
- I wish we would've gotten more of a connection between her and the males during the courting process. It felt like she was just horny the entire time and not trying to make a connection with anyone but Marik.

I'm ready to dive into book two The False Serpent King!

[Kelsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5/4 stars.

I found I lost my momentum around 60%.

There were some things I didn’t understand, like her friend being attacked by monsters, but still saying how excited she was to see the main character get married. It just didn’t hit the right depth of the situation for me to take it seriously or feel attached to any of the side characters.

The bachelor aspect was good at first but I felt like it could have been better executed with more interesting date ideas and more tension on having to pick VS going on a date once and thinking he’s nice, and then no other development on that relationship. It seemed very rushed towards the end.

I felt like at times I couldn’t take the main character seriously because she would tell people to shut up whenever they made completely valid points. You have people that killed your family but you’re not taking your precautions seriously about keeping the last heir to the throne safe?

This book was good overall, still a fun read and cool magic systems!

[nooked_ina_book · Rating 5 out of 5]

This darker, princess diaries vibes fantasy is the story I didn't even know I was looking for until I found it. I immediately clicked with this story, with the FMC, and was hooked by the introduction to this royalty whirlwind.

The underlying mystery element blended beautifully with the 5 suitors romantic plot, building the tension, suspense, and investment in the journey for me. I loved the hints, twists, and turns I kept annotating up the final reveal. Needless to say it was flawless pacing through the story.

I still love a shocking reveal, especially when I thought I had everything figured out! I especially loved this one, my jaw was on the floor. 10/10, No Notes.

[Devika · Rating 4 out of 5]

A romantasy about a lost princess, shifters and a dark mystery. Sign me up already! All these aspects come together in The Lost Deer Queen by H.J. Nichols. This book is her debut and the start of The Woodland Kingdom series. I expected this book to be like a fantasy retelling of The Selection, but this book was all but that. It has tension, dark twists and slow burn romance.This book is a really strong debut and I cannot wait for more in The Woodland Kingdom series.

Check out my full review on my blog Boekensteeg

[Randi Nissan · Rating 5 out of 5]

First of all this is a 5/5 ⭐️ read for me. I went into The Lost Deer Queen not knowing what to expect and I was instantly hooked. This fantasy world is so fun, so different, and honestly such a fresh take on the genre, this goes for the writing as well. Think The Bachelorette… but make it fantasy 👑🦌—romance, competition, tension, magic, and just enough chaos to keep you flipping pages at an unholy speed.
The world-building feels playful and immersive without being overwhelming, and the premise had me fully invested from the start. Every twist made me want just one more chapter (which turned into ten). It’s dramatic, clever, and completely addictive in the best way.
If you love fantasy that doesn’t take itself too seriously or rather an FMC queen that doesn’t take things to seriously, this has a unique spin, and keeps you entertained from page one this one is absolutely worth the hype & deserves more attention. I had so much fun reading this, and I already want more from this world, which lucky me I have an early ARC for the second book which I am so honored to have the opportunity to read it ahead of release (Feb 25th), so stay tuned. ✨👑 Give this author some love and read her book because it deserves it 🫶🏼

[Jess Reading Love · Rating 4 out of 5]

I went into this book blind, I didn’t read what it was about just bits and snippets. It truly felt like a fantasy, murder mystery which I really enjoyed. Although I was pretty sure who was involved during the story, I kept second guessing myself. Until it finally came to fruition, I was as mad as the FMC. This book definitely had me in a trance. I enjoyed the ride, except the self harm parts. The story could have been equally as great without it or even if she was tortured instead of torturing herself. That was rough on my body to read, very cringey. 😬 I do realize the world isn’t butterflies and daisies and these things exist and we have to cope or help others cope, but I don’t often enjoy books with those type of aspects. I also wish the FMC was more sure of herself, but still enjoyed her character development. Asmo made me equally mad and excited with his character. Although the characters are in their mid twenties, it felt very much like a YA teen like story. However, I believe the author did a great job at world building and understanding how some of the magic systems worked.

I felt like I was reading the bachelor fantasy murder mystery edition. I do look forward to reading the next book. I’m equally excited to be part of the crew who gets to read it first!!! 🤌🏼🤌🏼 Overall I feel like this was a great story! Better than a lot of the currently super popular reads that’s for sure.

[Aislinn · Rating 3 out of 5]

While a debut novel, “The Lost Deer Queen” leaves a lot to be desired.

While reading TLDQ, I had to consciously remind myself that this is a debut novel, and to not give too much weight to the plot holes. The story has potential but at a point, the inconsistencies between characters and plot became too noticeable to disregard.

In TLDQ, Mae, a bookshop owner, is revealed to be the secret heir to the Deer kingdom after the Royal Family is killed. Coincidentally, the Deer Kingdom also rule over all of the shifters, which makes this reveal even more important. To secure stability in her court, Mae must quickly become married and form an alliance with one of the other Houses. Thus begins the bachelorette romance between her and five princes.

My frustration with this story wasn’t the writing, nor was it how predictable it was. My frustration stems from how the plot felt pieced together with no real cohesion. Much of the story felt half-baked, or as if the author chose popular tropes and built a book around said tropes.

For example, Mae places so much emphasis on her life before finding out that she was a member of the royal family. She owns a bookstore with her best friend, and is in a situationship with a man she doesn’t like. After becoming officially queen, her initial love interest disappears and her job is magically gone. There’s no transition from human to royal, which left me confused why aspects of her life were included to begin with, as they contributed nothing to the story.

Further, I felt that much of Mae’s “royalty” wasn’t fully developed. For example, Mae is only living member of the crown. Knowing that someone just murdered her whole family would lead one to believe that Mae would be heavily guarded, but instead, Mae is given free-reign of the grounds, even going so far as to walk around without guards. Because of this freedom, she’s able to meet a witch, and be put in positions of danger that could have been avoided.

When introduced to the princes that she must date, Mae complained incessantly that she didn’t want to date any of the men and that she “needs time”. She was constantly applying human standards to shifter ones, causing a rift between her, her staff, and me, the reader (side note: can we please not write FMCs who “aren’t like other girls”?). At one point, Mae herself admits to her staff that she isn’t interested in dating two of the men because “I haven’t given them any time”. But I have to ask: Is it Mae that isn’t giving them enough time, or an author who opted to write a book with five love interests, but really only had enough heart for two?

Even more, one of the princes turns out to be secretly gay, which reads very much like the author didn’t want to spend the time actually writing a fifth male love interest.

Speaking of love interests, the second we were introduced to the first male lead (read: Rhysand dupe) we know who the winner is going to be. No matter who comes next, you can’t introduce a male lead as “The most beautiful man I’ve ever seen” and expect your audience to do anything but champion him. This same male character had a weird, unfounded “hatered” towards Mae, which was further made weird by their flirting which merely come across as indifference. This character, a “shadow daddy” truly felt like a trope that the author wanted to write a book around, as they were never enemies.

I still stand by this being a good *first* novel. However, the potential versus the execution fell flat for me.

[Julia Lathem · Rating 4 out of 5]

OOOOOOHHH MY GOSHHH

I was a beta reader for the novel and I had such an amazing time reading it. It has a special place in my heart because it was my first book that I’ve had THE PLEASURE of reading before it released and it was so good!! I’m so excited to read the final copy when it’s received so I can review it literally again I am so excited for more from these characters!

[Lucy · Rating 4 out of 5]

“The Bachelor” in the Fae realm, but add political intrigue and danger lurking just out of sight…

Mae Bailey is a brilliant, beautiful, compassionate, and wildly relatable FMC. She is thrust into a situation that she’s WILDLY unprepared for, yet she manages to keep her head held high even when she’d rather be curled up on the shower floor. She treats everyone she meets with kindness and respect (if they deserve it) and is unapologetically herself even if it would be easier and safer to pretend to be someone else. She made me feel seen and understood in a way that I’ve never experienced with a character before.

The way the main storylines in this book blend and intersect is extremely well managed. There’s a high-priority murder investigation going on, with danger lurking in unexpected places; and yet it never felt wrong or out-of-place for Mae to be drooling over the five new princely boyfriends she’s suddenly contending with.

Even though I knew in my heart who I wanted Mae to pick—what can I say? I’m a sucker for chemistry—Nichols manages to make all the princes seem like viable candidates in their own way. It’s truly a difficult choice for Mae to make, and it was equally intriguing to read. Every spark of connection felt like a hint, every kiss and touch felt loaded with meaning. I knew who I was rooting for but I still adored each and every date she went on.

The mystery of the murders is slowly revealed in a really fascinating way: because the people investigating it are basically at a loss, and are bouncing from theory to theory. Meanwhile, Mae’s exploits with her princes reveal hints and teases that the READER can connect, but the characters can’t because they don’t see the whole picture. It’s dramatic irony done really well, and by the time the reveal came I knew (basically) what was going to happen, and I was dreading it.

The only thing pulling this down from a 5-star read for me was a not-infrequent tendency to lose continuity. It was rare enough that it didn’t frustrate me, but there were multiple instances of Mae “concluding” the same thing twice in one chapter, characters referencing things that hadn’t happened yet, or descriptions repeated verbatim on the next page. None of these things were major slip-ups that impacted the story or caused any lasting confusion, and normally I’d be able to read past them; but they occurred frequently enough that it pulled me out of the story and made me flip back to verify what I had already read.

That said: this book, its world, and its characters are rich, full, and engaging. I highly recommend this series!

[Sisters Reviewing Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

Crystal recommends The Lost Deer Queen by H. J. Nichols

My Expectations

I picked up this book to support a local author. I began it with trepidation because my brain kept confusing “bachelorette-style romance” with “reverse harem” and I am not a reverse harem girl-y and do not see this changing. I liked the cover and I enjoy romantasy so I thought I’d read a few pages and see what happened.

What I Loved

In general, this book reads fast. It isn’t necessarily fast-paced, but the pages turn. There is a lot of dialogue and a lot of characters to keep things moving.

I found the world intriguing despite still having a lot of questions by the end. I liked the idea of the different kingdoms united under one High King and High Queen and am curious if we will get to see some of these kingdoms in future books.

I enjoyed Mae. She was young and she had the rug pulled out from under her, resulting in a lot of overlooking of shadiness and making less-than-intelligent decisions, but she had a backbone and she held her own.

The dates and bachelorette moments were fun. We get a picture early on that Mae is not a big believer in “the one” so it was completely reasonable that she would not fight the concept of picking a suitable partner and marrying within mere months. The methodical way she approached the process had its entertaining moments.

My Final Thoughts

Overally, I enjoyed the book. I look forward to where the author takes the story from here. I enjoyed the mystery and enjoyed the way it was drawn out throughout the story. I did think some of the choices made surrounding Mae’s safety were questionable and think she was more than a little lucky to not have ended up the same way as the royal family she was taking the place of.

The bachelorette-style approach was fun, but I was kind of relieved that it didn’t get too drawn out! I got the vibes being laid down by one of the moody ones, but I need to understand what that one is up to more fully before I can like him for her!

I will read more for sure. I look forward to learning more about the world and seeing how the author mitigates some of the damage from book one.

Favorite Quote

I’m ready for my wedding to be over. - Mae
(IYKYK)

[Joyffree · Rating 5 out of 5]

No Spoilers!!!
I am so serious here - be careful of the reviews you read you do not want the surprises and the twists spoiled - half the fun is figuring everything out
This was such a great read!
It has mystery, suspense, diabolical twists, wooing (yes wooing), court politics, more wooing, unhinged characters, sexy and brooding characters, and (take a breath here) so much more!
The author did a spot-on job of crafting the world and dragging me in
And the characters! I felt like I knew them personally.
This does end on a "WHOLLY SHIITAKE I did not see that coming" event

Our story revolves around Mae. A content deer/fae hybrid who lives a quiet content life as book shop keeper until ... (dramatic music here)
The royal family is slaughtered
Guess who is an unknown to the thrown? (if I say it that would be a spoiler)
Not only does she have to learn to be a queen, learn her magic, and dance around court politics, but she also has to pick a husband from one of the other court's princes to stand by her side as king.
Let us not forget though how she got here
While all the above is happening she also has to accept the possibility that her family's killer is still out there and she may be the next target

"I'm supposed to be your hero, not the other way around."
I could rant for days on how much I enjoyed this read
Mae is such a strong female lead. She doesn't mince her words.
I was glad the author redirected her emotional coping mechanism - you'll see when you get there.
The supporting characters!! All the characters play such upfront and personal roles in this read.
Again, the world-building here was so well done the multiple kingdoms, the history, the side-by-side universes.
Then we have the princes who are vying for her hand - the dark ominous one, the smooth talker, the cuddly, the perfect fit, the protector

I am ranting again - I am still a bit amped up about it this morning
I am just going to close with I highly recommend this one
Have fun and enjoy the ride
BUT TRUST NO ONE

[Alice · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
7 out of 10

𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘖𝘯𝘦 𝘞𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘍𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘗𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘤𝘦𝘴 𝘝𝘪𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘉𝘦 𝘏𝘦𝘳 𝘒𝘪𝘯𝘨

👑 Hybrid Princes x High Deer Queen
🏰 Court Intrigue
💍 Marriage Competition
🌹 The Bachelorette Vibes
🌳 Magical Woodland Realm
👸 Long Lost Princess
🔮 Prophecy
🗡️ Morally Grey MMC(s)
🔺 Brothers Love Triangle (+3 Other Men)
🩸 Slight Murder Mystery
😠 Who Did This To You?
📔 The Princess Diaries Energy

Let me start by saying I really don’t like love triangles so I surprised myself by picking up a book with not one, not two, but FIVE MMCs - with two being brothers?! I think I just couldn’t bypass the beautiful cover though and can you blame me? She’s stunning! I’m glad I gave this book a chance as it was pretty fast paced and a quick read and the men were… well, hot. There is one very clear frontrunner that I think most people will be rooting for but I won’t spoil who it is, just know their chemistry is fireeee. Overall I did feel the writing and pacing could’ve been a bit better as some things were repetitive or over-explained. The world is also such an interesting concept I just wish we got a better glimpse into it - we were often told things but not quite shown them. However if you’re just looking for a fun time with a lost princess and her new flock of men this would be for you!

"When the High Family of the Woodland Kingdom is found murdered, Mae Bailey, a small bookstore owner and deer-Fae hybrid, finds herself crowned the new High Queen. But Mae can’t rule alone.

She must choose one of the five eligible High Princes to rule beside her, while also trying to solve the mystery of who killed the High Family.

Five princes. One choice. Will she make the right one?”

“The Lost Deer Queen” is Book One in The Woodland Kingdom Series and is out NOW! Book Two “The False Serpent King” will be released on February 25th and I can’t wait to read it 🐍

Thank you to H.J. Nichols for the ARC opportunity 🫶✨

Rated MA for Spice and Some Violence 🌶️🌶️

[Amber Murphy · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you loved this blend of fae romance, reality-show drama, and looming political danger, you’re almost certainly talking about Trial of the Sun Queen by Nisha J. Tuli.

It’s basically “The Bachelor” in the Fae realm—but with imprisonment, deadly trials, political maneuvering, and a high-stakes mystery simmering under every flirtatious glance.

Mae fits that “wildly unprepared but refuses to break” energy so well:

Thrust into a glittering, dangerous court she never asked to be part of

Surrounded by powerful, morally gray princes

Forced to compete while a larger conspiracy unfolds

Holding onto her compassion and stubborn sense of self even when it would be safer to perform

And you’re absolutely right about the structure:

The romantic tension and the murder/conspiracy plot don’t compete—they interlock. The reader starts spotting connections long before the characters do, which creates that delicious dramatic irony. Every kiss feels strategic. Every date feels like a clue. Every prince feels viable in a different way.

Also… yes. The chemistry is weaponized. You pick a favorite, but somehow they all remain compelling.

Your note about continuity hiccups is fair. In a plot this layered—with political intrigue, romantic beats, and mystery threads—tight editing matters. Minor repetition or timeline slips can break immersion, especially when you’re already scanning for clues.

But overall?

It’s lush, tense, romantic, and dangerous in all the right ways.

If you’re recommending it, readers who love:

Fae courts with sharp political edges

Reality-show style romantic competition

Slow-burn mystery woven into romance

A strong, emotionally intelligent FMC

Multiple compelling love interests

…are going to devour it.

If you’d like, I can also recommend similar “Fae Bachelor with murder and politics” vibes—there are a few that hit that same intoxicating mix.

[R.G. Wesley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the pleasure of receiving an advanced reader copy of The Lost Deer Queen.

After the murder of the High King of the Woodland Kingdom and his family, Mae Bailey, a seemingly ordinary citizen, discovers she is the king’s long-lost daughter and sole heir to the throne. Thrust into a world of magic and court intrigue, Mae has to navigate the responsibilities of her new position all while choosing the next High King to rule beside her. However, this is no normal courtship—she must select between five princes from the other high courts in the kingdom. With dark magic beginning to rise from the shadows and threaten the world of the Woodland Kingdom, Mae must hurry to unravel the secrets that risk not only her rule, but her life.

This book is magical. TLDQ is a lush, dark fairytale that brings unique ideas and fresh takes on tropes to the romantasy genre. The Deer Court and the Woodland Kingdom are just beautiful, and H.J. Nichols does an amazing job of creating a world you never want to leave. That being said, it’s not just the vibes that drew me in. The main and side characters are detailed and believable, each with their own arc and journeys—some of which will absolutely shock you at the end. The twist is immaculate, and had my jaw dropping.

Although the romance, spice, and plot were absolutely on point, my favorite part of the book was hands down the FMC, Mae. She’s vulnerable and empathetic, while also maintaining a sense of strength and confidence that’s refreshing in this genre. She just seems so real relatable, and I appreciated the nuanced way the author handled Mae’s mental health struggles.

In summary, I highly recommend picking up a copy of TLDQ. It’s perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas and Holly Black!

[Madeline McKinney · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was instantly set apart from the other romantasies in its incredibly unique world building, fantastical elements, and magic system. The fae and hybrids of the different houses are so incredibly interesting on their own even outside of the context of this story. The levels of whimsy in the magic and settings of this book are sky-high.

It is also was unique in its storytelling... I truly could not tell where this story was going to go. There were many predictable directions it could have leaned, but the way that the ending came together was very different from other fantasy plot lines. For me, in a Bachelor-style, "Who will she choose?" story like this, I tend to attach to one character immediately and it feels predetermined who the FMC ends up with. Also unique about this book, there were aspects of every suitor that I loved, and I really felt as torn as Mae did up until the end.

The cast of characters was very well-rounded and the book was heavily driven by the way they all ebbed and flowed as a group. Elle, Holly, and Ivan, were characters I attached to almost immediately, and I enjoyed seeing their characters flourish. I do hope we see more growth in Mae in the second installment of this series, I would love to see her bloom into the confident leader she absolutely can be.

The only thing that set this book back for me was the writing, which could sometimes feel choppy. A few well placed metaphors or some good old-fashioned prosy dialogue could have done wonders for such a unique story like this one. Some of the dialogue and setting description just felt a little lackluster for a fantasy book with so much whimsy and potential.

[kym ✨ the midnight review · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Lost Deer Queen by HJ Nichols has a premise that drew me in instantly -- think The Princess Bride meets The Bachelorette, but add in magic & murder! ✨

Mae is your ordinary Fae Hybrid -- or so she thinks. When she receives a mysterious letter at her homey bookstore the same day the Royal family is brutally murdered, everything she knows is about to change.

This book is all about the vibes, and they're immaculate. The fairytale setting featuring lush forest, enchanting castle and small town draws you right in and maintains a feeling of calm despite the horrors that show up throughout the book.

Mae's internal conflict at adopting a whole new lifestyle and trying to choose between multiple suitors is real and frustrating.

The suitors -- wow. HJ Nichols serves up the most beautiful characters with the most intense dating drama. The meltdowns, the petty male competition, and the tension (sexual and otherwise) are written so well I felt like I was there.

I honestly would have loved the opportunity to explore the suitors' motivations more.. Koa, Barret and August remained surface level relationships; and Asmo and Marik kept so much back (on purpose, of course.)

I'd also love to delve further into the lore, and the now-dead Royal family. While I fully understand that Mae's choice of suitor seems to be the most pressing issue, I think in her shoes I would be lore diving nonstop in the library.

But the book is already 400 pages so I think that's best saved for the next one.

Altogether this was a really fun, semi steamy novel that delivered a great twist, a prophecy, dark magic, and more.

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Thank you to the author for the gifted ebook copy ✨

[Vonn Jess · Rating 4 out of 5]

This feels like the Bachelorette…with antlers and it ends in a cliffhanger.

Rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️

I don’t really know if we’re in modern times or in a Fae land that comes across as 1300 England…(coffee cups, rosé wine and burgers, anyone??).

Mae is a descendant to the High King of the Woodland Kingdom. After the Royal family is murdered, she finds this out by being summoned to the castle.

She’s to be crowned in a week and then needs to find a prince to marry within three months. Hence the Bachelorette part. It’s a murder mystery with romance and a little bit of spice and the 5 Prince contestants from different houses all bring something to the table. Here’s the lineup:

🫅🏻🫅🏻🫅🏼🫅🏻🫅🏾

2 princes from the powerful House 🐍Serpent: Prince Asmo and Prince Marik. Twins. 🥵
Asmo is a douche. Sometimes 🤔. Like when he’s suddenly aware that Mae is in trouble and tries to rescue her, he’s not one. He’s trying to get under Mae’s skin…is it working?😇
Marik seems nice….buuuuut also could be the prince of Hell 😈, and doesn’t really want to change things.

Then we have House 🐺Canis with the blond Thor look-a-like Prince August🧔🏼‍♀️!
August is sweet, the kisses are nice and he’s a bit of show-off💪🏼

Next we have the House of Vain, oops sorry, I mean House 🐈‍⬛ Panthera and the seemingly easygoing Prince Koa.
Natural born charmer✨Koa is friendly with an annoying sister and a love for the theater🎭.

Last, but not least, we have House 🐻Ursidae with Prince Barrett.
Barrett is a big sweetheart and can count on the High Queens support.

Feelings are (a bit too) quickly caught, Mae doesn’t like any of this, but the kissing is nice…plus there is a plot twist that reminds me of a big book series that has a following. (NOT ACOTAR!)

I had a few issues regarding the story. The modern times stuff/food felt a bit wrong to me, it didn’t fit as well into a Fae land setting. Some things happen and aren’t discussed with Ivan. Mae (who is totally new to this!!) is left to her own devices and doesn’t know how to act. Town folk or world building isn’t really a thing.

All in all, I will be looking forward to the next book.

Thank you to the Greys Promo and the author, for the opportunity to receive an advanced readers copy of this book and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Rachael Gillespie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was excited to receive this one as an ARC, I don’t typically review a lot of romantasy but I have wanted to since I do read a lot in the genre in my free time. The Lost Deer Queen is a debut fantasy romance that delivers an intriguing blend of magic, romance, and self-discovery. It’s packed full of enchanting moments and mysterious characters.

The world-building is one of the book’s strongest aspects. The author weaves magic seamlessly into a forest kingdom setting, creating an atmosphere that feels both familiar and mystical. Our protagonist, deer-fae hybrid Mae, is endearing and quick witted and the love interests (yes that is a plural but think more why choose a la the bachelorette, not everyone gets a rose!) bring a good mix of charm, humor, and dark & brooding complexity. The chemistry throughout all the pairings is strong, filled with well-written romantic tension and a few swoon-worthy moments.

The pacing is engaging and pulls the reader in with a good balance of character development and plot progression. The magical system, while not overly intricate, adds an extra layer of excitement to the romance.

Overall, The Lost Deer Queen is an enjoyable contemporary fantasy romance with a captivating premise and engaging romance. If you’re looking for a fun, light read with a touch of enchantment, this book is worth picking up!

Would I read another book by this author? Definitely! And I will be patiently (albeit anxiously) awaiting book two!

📖 Final Rating: 4/5 Stars ✨

[Ashley Hool · Rating 5 out of 5]

🦌The Lost Deer Queen🫅
by H.J. Nichols
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

O.M.G. I am completely OBSESSED and utterly DESTROYED by this amazingly wonderful book!!! I cannot even begin to thank H.J. Nichols for giving me the chance to ARC this book in preparation to read the second ARC ASAP!! 🫶

The Lost Deer Queen is the first book in The Woodland Kingdom Series. I was completely engrossed with this book on page 1. The backstory and the created fae world had me instantly hooked and the character development and plot had me sprinting through the whole rest of the book!

Picture this…a lost princess to the court of the ruling fae family is found after the death of her unknown family. Mae is thrust into a world of magic, court life, becoming queen, and finding a husband within her first month. Who are her suitors you may ask? All of the utterly gorgeous 😍 prince’s from the other courts. This book is the bachelorette of the fae realm and I COULD NOT GET ENOUGH OF IT 🤩 Each prince is attractive and interesting in their own quirky way and I would marry alllllll of them 😆

So excited to start the book 2 TODAY!! The False Serpent King is out at the end of February so get your copy of The Lost Deer Queen now! You will not regret this read!

Content Warning
TLDQ contains the following: 
* Mental illness
* Explicit language
* Sexual content
* Anxiety
* Violence
* Murder
* Self-harm
* Drug use
* Blood
* Grief
* Self-harm

[Stories of Alana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I finished this book and immediately stared into the middle distance like I’d just returned from war. I am unwell. My brain is feral. My soul is chewing on the plot twists like a bone it refuses to give back.

This book is elemental magic chaos wrapped in fae and shifter hybrids, served with five love interests, morally grey men, found family that sneaks up and punches you in the heart, and a “who did this to you?” energy so potent it should come with a warning label. It has everything. No crumbs. Literally everything delicious.

If The Selection, The Red Queen, ACOTAR, The Bachelorette, and Lysandra’s abilities from Throne of Glass got locked in a room and decided to emotionally ruin you on purpose? This would be the result. If those words mean anything to you, cancel your plans. Call in sick. Read this book immediately.

The worldbuilding is rich without being overwhelming, the characters feel painfully real, and watching them grow hurts in the best way. The relationships, romantic and otherwise; are layered, messy, and earned. And the plot twists? Oh, they don’t just shock you. They move in, rearrange your furniture, and carve themselves into your soul.

I sat down “just to start it” and four hours later realized I had not moved, eaten, or blinked. This book didn’t ask for my attention, it took it by force and I thanked it. Five stars, emotional damage, and my deepest respect.

[Furan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Before I get started I need to make to things clear. Thank you so much for the ARC,i loved experiencing this book. I NEED BOOK 2. And give our man Barrett more time!

~|Overview|~Spoilers
The Last deer Queen is told by the POV of Mae. She was a civilian that owned a bookshop with her best frien one day then the next she had become one of the most important people in the court.
~ Review|~Spoilers
This is one of few this year that has gotten a x5.
This book was fast, paced, entertaining, and busy. This book had me captivated by all the detail that went into all the characters, all the bonds and the suspense. I was not seeing that plot twist. I thought about other things, but I was not expecting that. I loved the action packed in the last 20 pages.I think the powers we saw from Mae it's just like 10% of what she can actually do and I hope we see much more of it in the second book.

~ What I loved ~ spoilers
I really loved seeing the bonds form between Mae and all the princes and seeing the bonds between the princes, like the friendships and how they interact. honestly Asmo being so protective of mae was amazing and him holding everyone accountable. All of the personalized dates, just seeing the weaknesses and strengths of all the princes, and reading about what they can transform into and seeing them fight, especially in the last 20 pages was awesome!

[Meels Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨️ Spoiler-free review ✨️

Romantasy girlies, you need this in your life immediately!

Think the Bachelorette, if it was hosted in a fae kingdom, and the contestants are five fae princes, all vying for the heart of the (you guessed it) lost soon-to-be Queen.

Mae didn't know she was royal, let alone the next in line for the throne, but when suspicious tragedy strikes the royal house, she is thrust into a world of princes and traditions that ensure her crown comes with a price. Marriage.

Will she choose the right prince for her High King to stand beside her? Will her choice potentially put her life at risk? Buckle up for a fast paced, fairytale-esque dating game that comes with deathly intrigue and kingdoms on a knife's edge as they seduce, lie and fight (yes there is a hot boys fighting) for her hand. Or is it the throne they want?

READ IT IMMEDIATELY IM BARKING FOR ALL THE MALES AND I NEED PEOPLE TO YAP TO YESTERDAY.

Romantasy with the sweet spot of spice, a murder mystery with twists and turns, and males that make your toes curl and mythical monsters that make your skin crawl.

Fmc is 25+ and without giving too much away, my fave MMCs are:
1 x Tom Riddle (fanfic, iykyk) meets Noah Sebastian coded
1x Emmett Cullen coded

You'll have to read it to find out which heheh

H.J.Nichols is for fans of Acotar, Princess Diaries, Princess Bride, Quicksilver and The Selection 👏

[Sara Books & Tips · Rating 4 out of 5]

In a world inhabited by the Fae and ruled by magic, we are used to clashes and disputes. At the same time, if the throne is vacant, we are usually used to seeing scenes where the prince must look for a wife among many.

But not here! Here we have Mae, a seemingly normal girl who suddenly finds herself crowned in the kingdom of Woodland and must also solve the mystery of the murd€r of the ruling family!

Finding yourself a queen from one moment to the next, without preparation and without knowing that you have such a possibility is never easy. But how do you manage something like that while having to look for a partner for life just as quickly?
The princes who compete for the throne do their part, making the choice difficult from many points of view... including those of attraction and feelings! Each of them has something that makes them special and intriguing, difficult to ignore!

The story may seem a bit of a cliché in reverse, but in reality you have to admire Mae's willpower, her ability to keep her head up without letting adversity and those who row against her get the better of her. As you also appreciate all the characters that revolve around her: each of them plays a fundamental role in the story.

A promising start to the saga, with a breathtaking cliffhanger and characters of substance. I can only recommend it to you!

[Lilia Melisse · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Lost Deer Queen completely pulled me in and did not let go.

From the opening chapters, the worldbuilding felt lush and immersive, filled with layered magic, court politics, and a mystery that kept me questioning every character. Mae is a standout FMC who is thrust into power overnight, yet written with a balance of vulnerability and strength that makes her feel real and deeply relatable. I especially appreciated the careful and respectful portrayal of mental health and anxiety woven throughout her journey.

The princes each brought something unique to the story. The tension, banter, yearning, and constant uncertainty over who could be trusted gave strong Bachelorette style energy with a dangerous twist. The serpent twins in particular were unforgettable and added an edge that kept me fully invested. The romance, intrigue, and looming threat were tightly connected, making every interaction feel important.

The pacing kept me hooked, the twists genuinely surprised me, and the ending completely floored me. I finished this book still thinking about it and immediately needing the next installment.

For a debut novel, this was impressive, addictive, and emotionally engaging. If you enjoy romantasy filled with mystery, dark magic, witty banter, and morally gray princes, this deserves a spot at the top of your TBR.

[Harlie Bostelman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amazing! That’s the first word that comes to mind when I think of this book. I enjoyed this read so much, I did not even take a second to mark it as ‘read’ before I started on the second book which I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of.

The Lost Deer Queen is a spicy romantasy with ‘The Bachelorette’ vibes from debut author H.J. Nichols. We meet Mae, a deer/fae hybrid who is pulled from her quiet simple life, and is not only told she is the lost daughter to the deer King and after his death is now the High Queen of their kingdom, but she also needs to marry one of the 5 high princes of the realm and only has 3 months to choose which one. That right there told me all I needed to know and I was immediately hooked.

This story was such an adventure. Between the world building, the interesting magic system, the beautiful character depth, and the mystery of everything going on, this book was addictive. I did not want to put it down.

There were so many layers to this story, and I truly was at the edge of my seat guessing what was going to happen next the entire time. The mental health representation was raw and beautifully written. The relationship developments felt very natural. And none of the characters felt service level.

Overall, this was a fantastic read and any fans of romantasy need to check this one out asap!

[Anna || The bookblondie · Rating 5 out of 5]

👑 🦌 The Lost Deer Queen 🦌 👑
I had the opportunity to read the ARC of the TLDQ and I want to thank Nicole and Greys promo for this chance

I really don’t know were to start!
This was an amazing journey. I love Mea and all the princes, the world building, the amazing stag, I DEVOURED THIS BOOK!
It’s a magical captivating story and I can’t wait to start in the second story!!!!

⭐ ⭐ ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Read this if you love:

🦌 Magical forest vibes
👑 Dark romantasy
🦌Mental health rep
👑Touch her and die
🦌Who did this to you?
👑High fantasy
🦌A spin on the Fae
👑Shadow daddy
🦌Multiple love interests
👑The chosen one

Five princes. One choice. Will she make the right one?

When the High Family of the Woodland Kingdom is found murdered, Mae Bailey, a small bookstore owner and deer-Fae hybrid, finds herself crowned the new High Queen. But Mae can’t rule alone. She must choose one of the five eligible High Princes to rule beside her, while also trying to solve the mystery of who killed the High Family. As Mae forms stronger relationships with each High Prince, she also learns that dark magic has begun to seep into the kingdom. Who will Mae choose to rule beside her? And will it end up being the person trying to ruin her kingdom?