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The Curse of the Frost King
He’s the dusk-crowned villain... and the fate I can’t outrun.
I’m Hannah, a girl who thought she was mortal and should’ve known better than to listen to whispers beneath rowan roots.
One prick from a cursed dagger. One touch against a bewitched mirror. And I fall into Dusk, a realm at war that doesn’t see a woman.
It sees a bargaining chip.
Because Kairos doesn’t look at me like a mortal mistake. He looks at me like a key.
All I want is to go home.
But the moment I crash into the Dusk King’s frozen castle, everything goes wrong. King Kairos—the bastard who took his crown in blood—goes still when his gaze catches on my hair and my eyes. Like he’s seen a ghost.
Something in him locks into place.
And a pull in my chest answers.
Then his expression turns to ice. He calls me trespasser and locks me in his dungeon, cutting off my only chance to find a way back to Earth.
He doesn’t have to touch me to make my skin prickle.
He doesn’t have to threaten me to steal my breath.
He haunts me like a nightmare… like he already knows what I am, and what I’m worth.
And if I want out, I’ll have to survive him first.
Now I must decide: run from the monster wearing Dusk’s crown… …or stay long enough to learn the truth—and pay the price with my freedom.
Either way, I won’t be the girl who bows.
No matter the cost.
One-click this dark royal fae romantasy packed with fated mates, villain-gets-the-girl energy, forced proximity, found family, political intrigue, touch-her-and-die devotion, “who did this to you?” rage, burn-the-world-down love, and a brutal war between two courts.
I’m Hannah, a girl who thought she was mortal and should’ve known better than to listen to whispers beneath rowan roots.
One prick from a cursed dagger. One touch against a bewitched mirror. And I fall into Dusk, a realm at war that doesn’t see a woman.
It sees a bargaining chip.
Because Kairos doesn’t look at me like a mortal mistake. He looks at me like a key.
All I want is to go home.
But the moment I crash into the Dusk King’s frozen castle, everything goes wrong. King Kairos—the bastard who took his crown in blood—goes still when his gaze catches on my hair and my eyes. Like he’s seen a ghost.
Something in him locks into place.
And a pull in my chest answers.
Then his expression turns to ice. He calls me trespasser and locks me in his dungeon, cutting off my only chance to find a way back to Earth.
He doesn’t have to touch me to make my skin prickle.
He doesn’t have to threaten me to steal my breath.
He haunts me like a nightmare… like he already knows what I am, and what I’m worth.
And if I want out, I’ll have to survive him first.
Now I must decide: run from the monster wearing Dusk’s crown… …or stay long enough to learn the truth—and pay the price with my freedom.
Either way, I won’t be the girl who bows.
No matter the cost.
One-click this dark royal fae romantasy packed with fated mates, villain-gets-the-girl energy, forced proximity, found family, political intrigue, touch-her-and-die devotion, “who did this to you?” rage, burn-the-world-down love, and a brutal war between two courts.
253 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 8, 2026
333 people are currently reading
447 people want to read
About the author
Jen L. Grey
136 books3,824 followersUSA Today Bestselling Author
Reading has always been one of my favorite hobbies, even as a little girl. When I was a toddler, my parents would read stories to me over and over. I would hear them so often that I had the books memorized and could recite the story word by word.
My favorite genres are fantasy, paranormal, and contemporary romance. So of course that's what I'm inclined to write.
I have a husband, two young daughters, and a mini Australian Shepherd. I've lived in Tennessee the majority of my life and love the state.
I'm extremely addicted to caffeine and enjoy drinking coffee and lattes.
I am so pleased that you stopped by my page! Please feel free to follow or contact me at the following pages -
email - authorjenlgrey@gmail.com
website and newsletter - www.jenlgrey.com
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twitter - https://www.twitter.com/authorjenlgrey
Reading has always been one of my favorite hobbies, even as a little girl. When I was a toddler, my parents would read stories to me over and over. I would hear them so often that I had the books memorized and could recite the story word by word.
My favorite genres are fantasy, paranormal, and contemporary romance. So of course that's what I'm inclined to write.
I have a husband, two young daughters, and a mini Australian Shepherd. I've lived in Tennessee the majority of my life and love the state.
I'm extremely addicted to caffeine and enjoy drinking coffee and lattes.
I am so pleased that you stopped by my page! Please feel free to follow or contact me at the following pages -
email - authorjenlgrey@gmail.com
website and newsletter - www.jenlgrey.com
bookbub - https://www.bookbub.com/profile/jen-l...
amazon - amazon.com/author/jenlgrey
facebook - https://www.facebook.com/authorjenlgrey
facebook group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/13863...
instagram - https://www.instagram.com/authorjenlgrey
twitter - https://www.twitter.com/authorjenlgrey
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
January 13, 2026
If you've been reading some intense, dark Romantasies, you really need this book! It's a hilarious take on these themes but the fun and banter between the cheeky FMC and the scowling MMC with have you laughing out loud! What a pleasure. I was giggling and wondering what her next quip was going to be. Hannah drops out of the sky from our world to King Kai's world and as she struggles to figure out what is happening, she is her own snarky self and not taking "dungeon" for an answer! I can't wait for the next book! Great job, Jen Grey!!
January 11, 2026
Enchanting
Stepping into Kai’s world, Hannah is plunged into a fairytale world she would never dream of. This world is the dark side of all the fairytales, and Kai, with his Hot and Cold appearance, doesn’t help the feelings she has for him. Will they be able to truly be what Fate has thrust upon them, will she be the one to help bring the four courts back in balance, and will Fate show them what true love means?
Stepping into Kai’s world, Hannah is plunged into a fairytale world she would never dream of. This world is the dark side of all the fairytales, and Kai, with his Hot and Cold appearance, doesn’t help the feelings she has for him. Will they be able to truly be what Fate has thrust upon them, will she be the one to help bring the four courts back in balance, and will Fate show them what true love means?
January 8, 2026
So good!!
This one was such a treat!!!! It was so refreshing and relatable i laughed my ass off!!
Hanna the main character gets sucked into a portal into a new world and shes from Tennessee - that girl is hilarious!! 😂. Shes sassy and got jokes for days! She flirts, shes sarcastic and just wants to go home except shes gets locked in prison.
Its a brutal kingdom with the worst weather, wayverns, mean guards and a handsome king. Hanna just wants to go home but gets more in trouble when she makes a run for it! A must read for some giggles, slow burn romance, he falls first, an unexpected kiss, and shocking cliffhanger! ❤️ I NEED BOOK TWO LIKE NOW!!!!
This one was such a treat!!!! It was so refreshing and relatable i laughed my ass off!!
Hanna the main character gets sucked into a portal into a new world and shes from Tennessee - that girl is hilarious!! 😂. Shes sassy and got jokes for days! She flirts, shes sarcastic and just wants to go home except shes gets locked in prison.
Its a brutal kingdom with the worst weather, wayverns, mean guards and a handsome king. Hanna just wants to go home but gets more in trouble when she makes a run for it! A must read for some giggles, slow burn romance, he falls first, an unexpected kiss, and shocking cliffhanger! ❤️ I NEED BOOK TWO LIKE NOW!!!!
January 15, 2026
wow
Ok I’m hooked and can’t wait for the next book…when the king is your mate and they just keep denying that pull.
Ok I’m hooked and can’t wait for the next book…when the king is your mate and they just keep denying that pull.
February 6, 2026
I don’t write too many reviews, but I wanted to make sure that I remember how good this book is for future reference. Also, I don’t hand out five-star ratings unless the book was terrific. I usually feel there is room for improvement, even with books I like a lot, but I have no notes for Ms. Grey on this one. I was smiling throughout their entire story. She was funny, and he was obnoxious. The story was mostly lighthearted, even though it did have some serious issues happening. I haven’t enjoyed a book quite at this level in a while, and I consume a lot of literature. Now, I’m not saying this is some great American novel. What I am saying is that it was a funny and witty book that made me laugh and gasp. It also surprised me and ticked me off, but that’s what makes it a fun read! I love a strong heroine who can hold her own and save herself, and she did just that. Hannah of Tennessee is a feisty, little firecracker.
The hero so far has yet to make a good impression on me. One of his men backhands her during her capture. He then sends her to the dungeon where his warriors put her in the coldest section, which could cause her to freeze to death. He does not want a mate and even mentioned killing her as a possibility but quickly dismisses that thought. In his inner monologue, the hero vows to protect her. However, his actions toward her don’t always align with that. Although she does not know what their connection is, he does, and he is not honoring who she is by the way he is treating her publicly. Ordering his warriors not to kill her isn’t exactly proclaiming that she should be respected and valued because, as his mate, she will likely become their queen. He definitely has communication challenges since he wants to order Hannah around, even though she is not his subject, and dare I say his equal as his mate. King Kairos is quite irksome.
I do agree with some reviewers saying that their characters didn’t develop as much as we would normally expect in a book, BUT this is a trilogy. Most of this book occurs in the span of two days. TWO! How much character development can you expect in that timeframe? The two of them don’t get a lot of time together in this book because it is packed with a ton of action. I imagine we’ll get to see them connect more in the next book. At least I hope so.
So, I love Hannah and am quite irritated with Kai, but I love it all! The only disappointing part about this book is that it is a trilogy, and I did not realize that until the big cliffhanger at the end of this book. That would have been fine, but it is early February. The next book won’t be released until mid-March!
The hero so far has yet to make a good impression on me. One of his men backhands her during her capture. He then sends her to the dungeon where his warriors put her in the coldest section, which could cause her to freeze to death. He does not want a mate and even mentioned killing her as a possibility but quickly dismisses that thought. In his inner monologue, the hero vows to protect her. However, his actions toward her don’t always align with that. Although she does not know what their connection is, he does, and he is not honoring who she is by the way he is treating her publicly. Ordering his warriors not to kill her isn’t exactly proclaiming that she should be respected and valued because, as his mate, she will likely become their queen. He definitely has communication challenges since he wants to order Hannah around, even though she is not his subject, and dare I say his equal as his mate. King Kairos is quite irksome.
I do agree with some reviewers saying that their characters didn’t develop as much as we would normally expect in a book, BUT this is a trilogy. Most of this book occurs in the span of two days. TWO! How much character development can you expect in that timeframe? The two of them don’t get a lot of time together in this book because it is packed with a ton of action. I imagine we’ll get to see them connect more in the next book. At least I hope so.
So, I love Hannah and am quite irritated with Kai, but I love it all! The only disappointing part about this book is that it is a trilogy, and I did not realize that until the big cliffhanger at the end of this book. That would have been fine, but it is early February. The next book won’t be released until mid-March!
January 15, 2026
When this book ended I was just like "you've got to be kidding me?!" I think that was such a smart move, and I am itching for the next installment of the Frost King already. Hannah and Kai are excellently written and relatable. I also really want to talk about Olen?! IYKYK. That's all I have to say there. I would highly recommend picking this book up, it's a quick, fun read and I love and hate the cliffhangers all at the same time!
January 27, 2026
DNF at 53%. I really don't understand these high ratings. There is zero backstory, no character development, and the banter is ridiculous. The FMC seemed to have all the depth of a teaspoon. I'm glad most people love this but it was just not for me at all.
January 19, 2026
Great read. Waiting patiently for the next book.
Read
January 12, 2026DNF @ 17% The authors writing style just isn’t for me
January 17, 2026
Intreging
This book was really good and seems to take no time at all to read. I didn't see the end coming though I wasn't completely surprised.
This book was really good and seems to take no time at all to read. I didn't see the end coming though I wasn't completely surprised.
January 14, 2026
This is so good.
While curiosity may have killed the cat, Hannah’s curiosity about the box her aunt buried decades ago landed her in a magical feudal fae realm. And while King Kairos is irascible, Hannah is irreverent and pushes all the right buttons. The things I love best about Jen L Grey’s stories are they hit the ground running from the first page, while building stories with CHARACTERS, adventure, mystery all laced with magic and more.
Kai may have stopped his guards from killing Hannah the minute she lands in his castle grounds but true to his grumpy nature and her smartarse attitude, he has her thrown in the dungeons. Hannah is more than when she first appears. Escaping the dungeon is only the beginning of her adventure in this realm of the Dusk Court.
“Okay Hannah, you’re fine. You’ve handled worse.” I couldn’t think of anything but didn’t want to ruin the illusion.”
Four realms, four rulers with war at their doorstep. Kai and his half-brother’s life meant they had to fight for most of their lives just to survive. And now he will face even more danger as the King of the Night Court attacks. Kai refuses to allow Hannah to find her place in his heart as his mate. He has survived for centuries without love and there is no time for softer feelings now.
Hannah wants nothing to do with this other magical world. She only wants to return to the human world. But is she human?
I so enjoy the stories Jen L Grey weaves, and this once has curses at its core, romance that has taken root but will have to push hard to reach the surface. If you enjoy characters that have you running beside them through the pages to see what they will do next, find yourself facing a raging dragon during a battle and wondering how two such different people will ever admit they need each other, step into Jen’s world and start reading "The Curse of the Frost King" today. There is a cliffhanger. But bless Jen L. Grey! The second book is expected to appear in March.
While curiosity may have killed the cat, Hannah’s curiosity about the box her aunt buried decades ago landed her in a magical feudal fae realm. And while King Kairos is irascible, Hannah is irreverent and pushes all the right buttons. The things I love best about Jen L Grey’s stories are they hit the ground running from the first page, while building stories with CHARACTERS, adventure, mystery all laced with magic and more.
Kai may have stopped his guards from killing Hannah the minute she lands in his castle grounds but true to his grumpy nature and her smartarse attitude, he has her thrown in the dungeons. Hannah is more than when she first appears. Escaping the dungeon is only the beginning of her adventure in this realm of the Dusk Court.
“Okay Hannah, you’re fine. You’ve handled worse.” I couldn’t think of anything but didn’t want to ruin the illusion.”
Four realms, four rulers with war at their doorstep. Kai and his half-brother’s life meant they had to fight for most of their lives just to survive. And now he will face even more danger as the King of the Night Court attacks. Kai refuses to allow Hannah to find her place in his heart as his mate. He has survived for centuries without love and there is no time for softer feelings now.
Hannah wants nothing to do with this other magical world. She only wants to return to the human world. But is she human?
I so enjoy the stories Jen L Grey weaves, and this once has curses at its core, romance that has taken root but will have to push hard to reach the surface. If you enjoy characters that have you running beside them through the pages to see what they will do next, find yourself facing a raging dragon during a battle and wondering how two such different people will ever admit they need each other, step into Jen’s world and start reading "The Curse of the Frost King" today. There is a cliffhanger. But bless Jen L. Grey! The second book is expected to appear in March.
January 21, 2026
The writing is really choppy and sporadic. It sounded like she hated her aunt but then turns around and says she'd be okay having her stuff, like her car, stolen again if she could have her only family back which felt weird to me. The stealing thing becomes a common theme for day fae and that's not well explained so it ends up just being weird. The book was also descriptively lacking. I had to look up a few things because her descriptions just weren't hitting home and giving me the visualization that I needed.
I did like that fact that Hannah was a bit reckless, sassy and fun but where did these skills come from? Mountain climbing, Scaling castle walls, picking locks, wyvern bull riding, knowing intricate knots? Seems a lot for one random human girl from Tennessee to know. If there was an explanation to it I'd get it but at one point she's just like "ah man I really don't want to have to kill someone today". Like what? Have you done that before?
Also the relationship could be really good but his reactions to everything feel like he's emotionally constipated and not in a general male broody way. He's also taking a drug to help calm him and that's just glossed over like it's totally normal. I wish there was more depth and insight to some of these quirks and reasonings. Or at least a look into the past, for example when he's taking the drugs pausing for a moment to state that the drug didn't dull his senses like they used to or commenting that he's been taking them since his uncle's death or his brother asking if he's still relying on them to help. Literally anything to give the characters depth but we just don't get that.
The story is interesting enough but the only reason I'd consider reading book 2 is because of how short a read this is.
I did like that fact that Hannah was a bit reckless, sassy and fun but where did these skills come from? Mountain climbing, Scaling castle walls, picking locks, wyvern bull riding, knowing intricate knots? Seems a lot for one random human girl from Tennessee to know. If there was an explanation to it I'd get it but at one point she's just like "ah man I really don't want to have to kill someone today". Like what? Have you done that before?
Also the relationship could be really good but his reactions to everything feel like he's emotionally constipated and not in a general male broody way. He's also taking a drug to help calm him and that's just glossed over like it's totally normal. I wish there was more depth and insight to some of these quirks and reasonings. Or at least a look into the past, for example when he's taking the drugs pausing for a moment to state that the drug didn't dull his senses like they used to or commenting that he's been taking them since his uncle's death or his brother asking if he's still relying on them to help. Literally anything to give the characters depth but we just don't get that.
The story is interesting enough but the only reason I'd consider reading book 2 is because of how short a read this is.
January 15, 2026
Jen Grey's The Curse of the Frost King had a fairytale-esque feel. Only in this one, the villain is supposed to get the girl.
MFC Hannah does pretty well for a girl who falls into a fantasy world filled with supernatural creatures. I was impressed by her resourcefulness, smarts, and bravery. Plus, Hannah had snark for days, which only made me like her more. There were some hints about her background that had me wondering what the heck she's been up to, but it's very obvious that Hannah knows how to handle herself.
My immediate impression of the MMC was that he was a jerk. Kai is arrogant and a little controlling, but it was his reaction to Hannah that put my dislike of him over the edge. Over the course of the book, it becomes obvious that Kai is more complex than I initially thought. Only time will tell if I will grow to like him.
I love a good fae fantasy. There are courts, complex politics, and magic; what's not to like? This one had plenty of action, but I do wish there was a little more magic. The mystery element was intriguing, and I can't wait to get those answers. As for the twist, it was a good one. Jen totally got me with a fake-out. I'm looking forward to seeing where Jen takes the story next.
MFC Hannah does pretty well for a girl who falls into a fantasy world filled with supernatural creatures. I was impressed by her resourcefulness, smarts, and bravery. Plus, Hannah had snark for days, which only made me like her more. There were some hints about her background that had me wondering what the heck she's been up to, but it's very obvious that Hannah knows how to handle herself.
My immediate impression of the MMC was that he was a jerk. Kai is arrogant and a little controlling, but it was his reaction to Hannah that put my dislike of him over the edge. Over the course of the book, it becomes obvious that Kai is more complex than I initially thought. Only time will tell if I will grow to like him.
I love a good fae fantasy. There are courts, complex politics, and magic; what's not to like? This one had plenty of action, but I do wish there was a little more magic. The mystery element was intriguing, and I can't wait to get those answers. As for the twist, it was a good one. Jen totally got me with a fake-out. I'm looking forward to seeing where Jen takes the story next.
January 7, 2026
Arc Review
Jen always brings it, but this one consider it BROUGHT! I wish I could give it more than 5 stars ⭐️
I devoured this one and have decided I’m a glutton for punishment. Every time I get one of Jen’s books early and that cliffhanger hits, I get the worst book hangover. This one may have been one of the best ones yet. I’m still reeling and I finished it at 2am.
Hannah is thrown into a world she knows nothing about. Hannah is strong, resilient, and bold! I love Hannah. She isn’t afraid to speak her mind, she also doesn’t shy away from a challenge.
Kai,he’s dark and mysterious, and has seriously meet his match with Hannah. He doesn’t have time for feelings and Hannah complicates everything. Kai maybe stubborn, but he would still burn the world for Hannah, so red flags good! (Bc it’s a book 😘) plus hey it’s the first book. I know there’s more to his story.
Kai’s and Hannah’s story is intense from page one. This world is so intriguing. I loved every twist and new enemy they encountered. I always feel like I step into a different world unlike any other when reading one of Jen’s books. I will try to wait patiently for book two. ♥️♥️
Jen always brings it, but this one consider it BROUGHT! I wish I could give it more than 5 stars ⭐️
I devoured this one and have decided I’m a glutton for punishment. Every time I get one of Jen’s books early and that cliffhanger hits, I get the worst book hangover. This one may have been one of the best ones yet. I’m still reeling and I finished it at 2am.
Hannah is thrown into a world she knows nothing about. Hannah is strong, resilient, and bold! I love Hannah. She isn’t afraid to speak her mind, she also doesn’t shy away from a challenge.
Kai,he’s dark and mysterious, and has seriously meet his match with Hannah. He doesn’t have time for feelings and Hannah complicates everything. Kai maybe stubborn, but he would still burn the world for Hannah, so red flags good! (Bc it’s a book 😘) plus hey it’s the first book. I know there’s more to his story.
Kai’s and Hannah’s story is intense from page one. This world is so intriguing. I loved every twist and new enemy they encountered. I always feel like I step into a different world unlike any other when reading one of Jen’s books. I will try to wait patiently for book two. ♥️♥️
January 11, 2026
After losing her aunt, Hannah can’t help but wonder about the secret Aunt Maureen had kept from her. Unable to resist the call in her head, she digs out what her aunt buried years ago. Never expecting a mirror and a knife to open a portal to a new world. All Hannah wants to do is return home but looks like King Kai of the Dusk Court is determined to keep her there. Well, not if Hannah can help it. She makes a plan to escape but with any escape plan, chaos follows. And when the Night Court comes to attack the Dusk Court, things go from bad to worse. And what is this pull she feels toward Kai? Kai is doing his best to protect his people. But when his mate appears, he knows he is in trouble. But he can’t let Fate intervene now. Not when things are so dire. But resisting his mate is harder than he expected. This was a great start to this new series! I’m looking forward to seeing what comes next for Hannah and Kai. Hannah is a sassy kick-ass heroine. I loved her wit! And Kai is definitely are broody king who will burn down the world for those he cares for. Can’t wait to see what comes next.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
January 16, 2026
When Hannah digs up a box her aunt buried years ago she never thought it would take her world all together. Where she lands is in King Kia's court and he is not happy to see her. Each page you read gives another clue at who she might be, but Kia knows what she is too him and he ain't happy about it. He tries to put her in the dungeon but she doesn't stay. From there she runs and hides but an attack on the town leads her to make a choice to help save the people or flee. When she makes her choice she gets taken and her and Kia share a moment and when they are found he becomes cold again. As he has to leave to help others and leaves to help another kingdom but he don't know what will happen while he is away. This book has everything you would want with an ending that will leave you guessing and wanting more. It's got action, emotions, suspense, intense moments and some laugh out loud moments and so much more. Vast wait to read the next to see what happens
January 20, 2026
Jen is one of my favorite authors! Especially when I need a pallet cleanser. But I felt like this particular book kept dragging on with Hannah’s attempt to escape. Then all of a sudden the book ended! Although I have to say that it ended with a plot twist I never saw coming! And now I can’t wait for book two. I have read so many great books by Jen! And while this one may not be my favorite that I’ve read, I still can’t wait for book two. Way to leave us wanting Miss Grey!
January 21, 2026
This had a great storyline. I really enjoyed discovering this new world alongside our feisty FMC Hannah as she accidentally falls into the fae realm. There’s heart thumping danger and creatures, maddening betrayal, delicious forced proximity with one hell of a cliffhanger. I’ll definitely be reading book 2, I need to know what happens next!
January 20, 2026
Enjoyed this book. It was light enough that i couldn't put it down while having twist and turns. It was good to see the characters being true to themselves. The only disappointment is having to wait for the second book.
February 2, 2026
It was lusty more than love and was too insta-lust. No real depth to the characters and the writing was juvenile and not refined. The plot was okay but did not really go anywhere and was one dimensional.
February 9, 2026
This book is hilarious, I had a blast reading this. Hannah cracked me up, she is very mouthy and not scared of nothing, and she is so strong. Kai knew she was his mate, and he didn't like it, Plus her being stubborn didn't help.
Can't wait for the second book.
Can't wait for the second book.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews