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Held in Moonlight's Favor

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I am the Offering, and the Offering isn't allowed anything kind or beautiful in this world, or her people will burn.

Twice a year, the Lumière—a traveling troupe of fae performers—appear from across the bridge to entertain us mere mortals with their talents.

For most, they’re a rare glimpse of magic outside the city walls.

For me, they’re an escape from the pain of my oath. Seven nights among strangers, where I can pretend I'm just another villager, instead of the living legacy of the first Bargain with the fae. Fated to die alone and unwanted.

But when two rival performers start paying attention to me, each promising me a whisper of my most secret desires, I begin to question what I really want.

Sebastian, with his soulful eyes and kind promises, who wants to save himself and me from a fae Bargain.

Or Fynn, marked by danger and secrets, who’s promised me the ticket to my dreams… at the cost of trapping me in one.

If I seize something beautiful for myself, my village will burn, and I don't know what scares me more... that I'll never take what I want.

Or that I will.



Held in Moonlight's Favor is a slow burn, why choose romantasy perfect for readers who love Elizabeth Helen, Laura Thalassa, and Sarah J. Maas. It features fae trickery, thrilling secrets, and unyielding devotion, woven through a twist on the classic chosen one tale that instead asks the question... what if you weren't the chosen one? What if you were chosen to be unwanted and forgotten, so that everyone else might flourish?

How long would you last before you tore down the walls and seized the life you deserved, no matter the cost?



Held in Moonlight’s Favor is the first in a why choose romantasy duet and is intended for mature readers, 18+. It contains past infidelity (not between the romance pairings), infidelity accusations, social ostracization, cruel fae bargains, and background themes of coercion/enthralling (not between romance pairings).
It also contains multiple love interests, graphic intimacy, and explicit MM romance within the trio, and ends on a cliffhanger. Read responsibly.

516 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 29, 2025

9 people are currently reading
34 people want to read

About the author

Jade Bones

22 books36 followers
Jade Bones is a paranormal romance and reverse harem author who loves writing about tempting, swoon-worthy supernatural men and the (equally swoon-worthy) women who steal their hearts. More than just the romance, Jade especially loves to create worlds that mix together gritty urban aesthetics with surreal, dream-like magic.

When she isn't writing, you can find her drinking tea, cuddling her dog, or taking tarot far too seriously.

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
Profile Image for Maycee.
673 reviews9 followers
September 1, 2025
The Threads of Broken Silver duet by Jade Bones begins with Held in Moonlight’s Favor, and I had the privilege of beta reading and ARC reviewing this story. I will admit I am biased, but I am also honest in my review. Obviously I loved the book that I had a hand in helping shape, but I would not even be in that position if I did not already love Jade’s writing style and her work.

This story is a slow burn, full of angst, and layered with incredible character depth and world building that drew me in from the very first chapter.

Bailey’s journey as The Offering is one of the most impactful parts of this book. At first she only sees herself the way her “friends” and villagers did, as someone meant to be sacrificed, unwanted, and unworthy. Watching her slowly begin to see herself differently through the eyes of Sebastian and Fynn was both heartbreaking and beautiful. Her growth feels raw and real, and it made me deeply invested in her story.

I also have to mention how much I loved Merelda and Stefan. They are the kind of characters that feel essential, not only for Bailey’s growth but for the story as a whole. Their presence added so much, and I can’t imagine the book without them.

The twists stand out the most. No one is who they first seem to be, especially one character in particular. It had me wanting to flip back and catch all the breadcrumbs I missed, and it left me desperate for the next book.

This is a romantasy that balances magic, mystery, and emotion in a compelling way, and I cannot recommend it enough.
Profile Image for Adrianna Heaney-velu.
1,101 reviews15 followers
September 2, 2025
“So, if we aren’t allowed to keep anything, then there’s nothing to stop us from simply enjoying the moment. Every. Last. Second.”

“Held in Moonlight’s Favor,” by Jade Bones

Literally one of my favorite books of all time. It’s everything I needed and wanted. I seriously love it when a book is so coded for me and then you make friends by finding other people who loved it as much as you <3. Every single thing about the book was perfect, the characters, plot, twist and turns, circus and fae theme, etc. The FMC is so relatable to me with the feeling of being too much and not enough at the same time. The romance was spectacular and there was a great balance of romance and plot, both were so important for each other. I’m waiting patiently (or not) for a physical copy to be released so I can buy a read it another million times. Can’t wait for more of the series, 5 out of 5 stars, one of the best books of the year 100%. I don’t want to say too much about the plot because it’s better to experience this one organically.

-Why Choose/ MMF
-Fae
-Slowburn
-Circus
-Magic

Thank you so much for the ARC, Booksprout!

“There was so much anger, so much hurt, and I didn’t know how to hold it.”

“For the smile to become an ill-fitting mask, no matter how real it was.”

“A kiss can be just a kiss. It is neither greedy nor selfish to want something— especially if it is being offered.”
Profile Image for Lorna Hadley.
104 reviews14 followers
September 4, 2025
Held in moonlight’s favour is book 1 in the new series threads of broken silver!
What a great read! It did take me a minute to get into, but once I did, wow!
The twists and turns and who to trust, it just kept me on my toes.

Fae
Magic (fae and human)
Slow burn
Travelling circus
Why choose MMF sort of
Bargains

We follow our FMC Bailey who is the towns “offering”, who spends her life in the shadows, never being allowed to want anything, and do the town folk like to remind her.
Till the fae circus comes to town and Bailey meets our two MMC’s, Sebastian and Fynn, both part of the circus.
There are bargains to make and break.
I cannot wait for book 2!
Profile Image for Ines.
1,362 reviews48 followers
June 17, 2025
This was a truly fascinating start to a new fae romance story, with a romance ultimately developing into a polycule (so why choose with MM), but with characters still having a long way to go before they’ll get there. And these first steps in book one are already quite juicy…

I have to admit, whenever I read a fantasy storyline that includes the fae, I love them to be mysterious and a little (or a lot) dangerous. And this story absolutely provides… From the very start this book feels like waiting for the other shoe to drop, for people showing their true intentions, knowing it might leave you devastated, but longing for it anyway. And while some twists in the storyline were expected, others left me flabbergasted.

The characters are still a bit of a mysterie to me. I honestly feel like we only scratched the surface, both with our fmc and her love interests. Even some of the side characters feel like they are still hiding interesting things from us and I’m really looking forward to discovering more. As a result it’s hard to pick a favorite character, but no matter what, they all fascinate me. There is a lot to look forward to in book two; I already can’t wait!
Profile Image for Lilith's_Library_.
600 reviews33 followers
July 24, 2025
✨Arc Review✨

Thank you to the author Jade Bones And Booksprout for sending me a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.

-All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Held in Moonlight’s Favor is the kind of story that feels like slipping into something familiar and comforting, yet just intriguing enough to keep you on your toes. From the first few chapters, it was clear this was going to be a fast-paced, atmospheric read, and it didn’t disappoint. Jade Bones has a writing style that’s fluid and accessible, which made it incredibly easy to get pulled into the story and keep flipping pages without noticing the time.

The world building is subtle but effective. Instead of overwhelming the reader with long exposition or complicated lore, Bones lets the setting unfold naturally through character interactions and quiet details. This approach really worked for me—I felt grounded in the world without needing to pause and untangle everything. The touches of magic, myth, and mystery were just enough to give the book a unique flavor while still leaving room for the characters to breathe.

The fantasy elements are present but never overpowering. The world is just magical enough to be immersive, with a quiet elegance to the setting and lore. It doesn’t overwhelm you with details, instead letting the characters and their emotional arcs lead the story. That balance made the book incredibly easy to fall into—comforting, even, in the way it builds its world around personal stakes rather than high fantasy battles or sprawling kingdoms.

Speaking of characters, I found them to be emotionally engaging and believable. The protagonist’s voice felt authentic, and the relationships—especially the romantic threads—were handled with a light, deft touch that didn’t rely too heavily on tropes. There’s a softness to the emotional beats that added warmth, even when the plot grew tense or uncertain.

In short, Held in Moonlight’s Favor is a beautifully written, swift-moving fantasy with heart, atmosphere, and just the right amount of magic. Perfect for readers who want a lighter yet emotionally satisfying escape. I’ll definitely be picking up more from Jade Bones in the future.
Profile Image for Jade Bones.
Author 22 books36 followers
Read
August 3, 2025
Dear Readers,

I wrote this book for two reasons; one, for a very particular audience, and two, for a very particular character.

First and above all else, it's a book for those who feel lost, unwanted, and overlooked. Those who, if given the chance, would run into that fairy circle in a heartbeat. It's a book about being driven low and then rising--but (and this is crucial) not in the way others told you to. It's about rising in your own way, with your own spirit, and your own kind of fire. Sometimes people find these characters weak; I don't. I find them powerful, and I love the moment they realize it too.

It's also a book that values slowness. This may sound contradictory, since, as the story unfolds, it also brings tension, angst, drama, shocking twists, and a cliffhanger. But the flavor of this tension holds a quality of stillness. It spotlights quiet reflections, poignant moments, and heartfelt revelations that can only be spoken to the dark. This was important to me, because sometimes I feel this world moves too fast.

And finally, I'd be leaving out what's dear to my heart if I didn't mention the characters. Without spoiling anything (in this book or in others), I read a book as a teenager, and it is the only book I've ever thrown across the room. Because there was a character in it who we thought was the love interest, but it turned out he wasn't. Instead, he was left in the dark, in a torturous place, for years and years while she moved on and left him behind. And all the while, he waited for her.

So I also wrote this book for him, because I didn't want him to be left in the dark. Here's my promise to you: this is a triad why choose, and no one is left behind.

I wrote it for you, who feels alone and values the stillness of a moonlit night. I wrote it for me, so I could change the ending of a book that haunts me. And I wrote it for Bailey, Sebastian, and Fynn--who will lift each other out of the dark and find a new way home.

After a great deal of angst, of course.

I hope you enjoy.

x Jade
Profile Image for Gale MR.
337 reviews22 followers
August 1, 2025
Give me some fae and I'll happily sink into my reading, especially when the story is a why choose. The blurb was what caught my attention, but the extremely slow pace was what spoiled the mood afterwards, at least for me. I don't mind the slow burn and the low level of spice, because it helps the character's development and getting to know who they are, as the plot expands . It also helps me discover what I like most about the world I'm reading about. But a slow burn combined with a slow pacing is very hard to adjust to. The author gave away the details of why something was happening step by painful step and in such a complex, unusual world the beginning was quite confusing. What kept me going were the descriptions of the places, the characters, the details - so intricate and rich that I felt I was living in and exploring the magical lands right along with Bailey. I wish she had a bit more of a backbone from the start, because that would have given the story a different, sharper, emotional flavour, but it didn't happen. The repetitive "I am an offering in exchange for the happiness and prosperity of the others" felt like an excuse for her to keep her head low and just take the punches Life was constantly delivering, instead of motivation to fight back and carve her own place, defying the odds and rising above the greed and selfishness of the people who constantly tormented her.
It was a good read, but not something I'd like to continue further with.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Charlotte Battersby.
218 reviews11 followers
July 30, 2025
I adored everything about this book! The world building of the fae circus kept me wanting to know more, to experience the magic myself! We get to live it through the eyes of our fmc, Bailey, whose had a very rough life as the offering in her village. She is swamped with self doubt, believing she isn't worthy of any affection or want of anything due to the consequences that would happen to the village. Her character development throughout was great, especially when you see the influence that Sebastian and Fynn had on her growing. The pacing could drag sometimes but I didn't notice it overall as I really enjoyed this story overall. The whole bargain system also I really enjoyed.

The dynamic between Sebastian and Fynn and their history has me wanting to know more. Sebastian is trapped in a bargain where if he breaks the rules, his father will be lost to him forever. I loved seeing Bailey's relationship develop slowly through small interactions with Sebastian, he grows to show his soft side more to her, letting himself feel love once again. Fynn is definitely a mysterious character and the ending to this has left me wanting to know more about him. He is the villianous one of the three, always the ones whose revealing plots to the leader of the circus and broke Sebastian's heart in the past.

I can't wait for book two in this duet and can't recommend book one enough if you fancy a complicated relationship, fae, an fmc trying to break free of her world and magic!
Profile Image for Ruth.
7 reviews
August 4, 2025
The slow-burn and the angst was promised and delivered on, as was the cliffhanger at the end (next book, when please and thank you?)

I enjoyed the contrast of the MMC (Fynn and Sebastian) both their parallels and differences. I did find our FMC Bailey frustrating at times, but her character growth as the novel progressed was appreciated. I like how the world building developed with the story and wasn't all just dumped on you in the first chapters.

For me it was a fresh take on the Fae bargins and how they could function, I look forward to seeing more of the lore develop in Book 2. Plus, obviously, more of our delicious Fae
175 reviews1 follower
August 2, 2025
Intrigues! This book is slow-paced and full of twists and turns. The main character seeks change and tries to deny the danger she's putting herself in. What should she do?
This reflects a societal dilemma. Who doesn't sometimes look for something different? Exciting, full of anticipation.
This book is for anyone who wants to briefly escape from reality into a magical fantasy world.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
176 reviews1 follower
August 5, 2025
This was a really good slow burn with beautiful descriptions of the fae circus. It made you feel for the main character Bailey. She jumped from one bad situation to another. Lumieri circus has taught her about bargaining and sometimes trying give away some unwanted baggage can be worse than keeping it. Can't wait for book two. 🫣.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
530 reviews3 followers
August 15, 2025
I absolutely love this way I choose romance. I don’t think I could choose between them either absolutely love this book, and the characters are terrific, and I love the twist and turns and the adventure and the steam.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Dawn Milligan.
2,694 reviews16 followers
August 18, 2025
Oh my lanta, this is absolutely amazing! Jade is one of my favorite authors—she always delivers fantastic world-building and incredible characters. I got completely immersed in the story and can't wait for more from these amazing characters! I have to say, I love the ebook cover, and this is definitely going on my must-buy list for my physical library once my book-buying ban is over, lol.
Profile Image for Martina.
105 reviews8 followers
July 4, 2025
From the blurb the story was interesting that's why I decided to ready. But after 10% of the book, I couldn't get into the story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
496 reviews2 followers
August 3, 2025
This was an interesting start to the duet. I found the characters intriguing and the storyline pulls you into their orbit. I really enjoyed it. Great job.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
639 reviews4 followers
August 5, 2025
This is an interesting read that has potenial to be a great read but for me it was just not all the way there. It is a good read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,281 reviews7 followers
August 14, 2025
The storyline was interesting and I did like the main characters, but I felt that the pacing was rather slow. Nevertheless I'm looking forward to book 2.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
154 reviews
May 15, 2025
A super interesting setting. I definitely recommend reading this. I love reading fae novels especially when there’s mm. Seeing rivals come together is perfect.

Why choose
Mm
Fantasy
Fae
Profile Image for Lisa.
81 reviews
July 28, 2025
Bailey is a character that I instantly connected with - the feeling of loneliness and being forgotten about. The anxiety and excitement of wanting to escape but also afraid of leaving the known.

As usual Jade has excelled at creating a unique world that draws you in from the very start and has you unable to escape until you've finished the last page.

The rollercoaster of emotions is high with this book especially the rage I raged at her so called friends and her sister - basically everyone in her human life except for Meralda and Stefan. I couldn't wait for Bailey to say fuck it and being so nice and rage with me 😂

I love a good enemies to lovers and while we didn't quite make the lovers yet Held in Moonlights Favor definitely delivered with the tension between Flynn and Sebastian.

I had a lot of theories along the way and the grin I grinned with I was correct about one of them was something the Cheshire Cat would be envious of. I have a few that I'm hoping will play out in book two.

I have this feeling that Flynn is just as trapped as Sebastian and I'm looking forward to diving deeper into his back story in the next book! And hopefully for a new "on your knees" addition to the group... But I'll leave you to read it to figure out who I mean...
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews

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