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Dark and Defiant: A Fast-Paced Fated Mates Romantasy
A Darkness beckons…
A yearning intensifies…
Ageless prophecies. An ancient evil that looms. A love put to the test.
Captured and hurt, Aironell is stuck underground in a magical prison where she wants nothing more than to escape, but does she want Drefan to find her? A war rages within, as she struggles with her desire and disappointment over Drefan, the secrets she learns, and a mysterious voice that calls to her with promises of safety. But can the dark voice be trusted?
Drefan wants to maintain order in the DarkFlower Jungle, but his growing concern for Aironell intrudes on his mind and heart more than he thought possible. He journeys to the Fates to find a magical object that could keep his people assured and even save Aironell from the scheming plot of those who wish to throw the jungle into chaos.
Will Drefan and Aironell survive the secrets and dangers set before them? Will success keep the ancient Darkness at bay?
Dark and Defiant is the deliciously dark second novella in The DarkFlower Jungle Saga for 18+. If you love danger, fated mates, headstrong characters, magical quests, riddles that could kill, lovers who find each other, and spice; then you’ll be hooked on Alyssa Rose’s newest release that will leave you begging for more.
A yearning intensifies…
Ageless prophecies. An ancient evil that looms. A love put to the test.
Captured and hurt, Aironell is stuck underground in a magical prison where she wants nothing more than to escape, but does she want Drefan to find her? A war rages within, as she struggles with her desire and disappointment over Drefan, the secrets she learns, and a mysterious voice that calls to her with promises of safety. But can the dark voice be trusted?
Drefan wants to maintain order in the DarkFlower Jungle, but his growing concern for Aironell intrudes on his mind and heart more than he thought possible. He journeys to the Fates to find a magical object that could keep his people assured and even save Aironell from the scheming plot of those who wish to throw the jungle into chaos.
Will Drefan and Aironell survive the secrets and dangers set before them? Will success keep the ancient Darkness at bay?
Dark and Defiant is the deliciously dark second novella in The DarkFlower Jungle Saga for 18+. If you love danger, fated mates, headstrong characters, magical quests, riddles that could kill, lovers who find each other, and spice; then you’ll be hooked on Alyssa Rose’s newest release that will leave you begging for more.
126 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 2, 2025
3 people are currently reading
15 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
June 20, 2025
In this second installment of the DarkFlower Jungle series, the story picks up where Princess Aironell has been taken by mysterious forces who tell her of her beloved Drefan’s true identity. Her kidnapping is a ploy to lure Dref in, but Aironell begins to doubt he cares for her at all. Still, she uses her increasingly powerful magic to find out what these sinister forces (and others who are even darker) want with Dref. But she finds out that her own identity is more crucial to this process and to the DarkFlower Jungle itself than she realized.
Author Alyssa Rose firmly established herself as a short-form author with this novella. I did find some of the exclamatory language, particularly that of Kyus and Travago, overly modern for high fantasy. However, the magic system and the backstory were complex and interesting, and Aironell’s relationship made the enemies-to-lovers transition. Aironell’s mother, Queen Evalyn of Bachusa, is one of my favorite characters from Rose’s longform Fates Align duology, so I was excited to see fascinating tidbits about her ancestors in connection with the DarkFlower jungle bringing the story full circle. I recommend this novella and eagerly await the arrival of Found and Fated this fall.
Author Alyssa Rose firmly established herself as a short-form author with this novella. I did find some of the exclamatory language, particularly that of Kyus and Travago, overly modern for high fantasy. However, the magic system and the backstory were complex and interesting, and Aironell’s relationship made the enemies-to-lovers transition. Aironell’s mother, Queen Evalyn of Bachusa, is one of my favorite characters from Rose’s longform Fates Align duology, so I was excited to see fascinating tidbits about her ancestors in connection with the DarkFlower jungle bringing the story full circle. I recommend this novella and eagerly await the arrival of Found and Fated this fall.
June 7, 2025
Title: Dark and Defiant: The DarkFlower Jungle Saga (Book 2)
Author: Alyssa Rose
Genre: YA/NA Romantasy
Pages: 122
Rating: 4⭐️/5
“They dont see the bigger picture—your fate, destiny, whatever you wish to call it, is far greater than they have realized, and I would rather keep you as an ally.”
Aironell’s stuck, hurt, and questioning everything—including Drefan. Their relationship is complicated in all the best ways, and the stakes just keep rising. Meanwhile, Drefan’s torn between leading his people and trying to save the girl he can’t stop thinking about. As secrets unravel and danger creeps closer, both of them have to decide who to trust and what they’re really fighting for.
Dark and Defiant is the second book in the Darkflower Jungle Saga and picks up right where things left off. It’s full of adventure, spice, and just the right amount of chaos. There’s an ancient evil creeping in, cryptic prophecies, riddles to solve, and full-on quest energy—plus the iconic “who did this to you?” moment that always gets me. The magic system gets even deeper, and new alliances shake things up. We also get a visit from the Fates, adding a whole new layer of mystery. If you’re into fantasy with complicated feelings, high-stakes danger, and all the juicy tropes—this one’s for you! I’m so ready for book 3!
A big thanks to Alyssa Rose for providing me with a digital ARC of this book!
Released 06/01/25 on Amazon, KU, and paperback.
—
#AdvancedReaderCopy
Author: Alyssa Rose
Genre: YA/NA Romantasy
Pages: 122
Rating: 4⭐️/5
“They dont see the bigger picture—your fate, destiny, whatever you wish to call it, is far greater than they have realized, and I would rather keep you as an ally.”
Aironell’s stuck, hurt, and questioning everything—including Drefan. Their relationship is complicated in all the best ways, and the stakes just keep rising. Meanwhile, Drefan’s torn between leading his people and trying to save the girl he can’t stop thinking about. As secrets unravel and danger creeps closer, both of them have to decide who to trust and what they’re really fighting for.
Dark and Defiant is the second book in the Darkflower Jungle Saga and picks up right where things left off. It’s full of adventure, spice, and just the right amount of chaos. There’s an ancient evil creeping in, cryptic prophecies, riddles to solve, and full-on quest energy—plus the iconic “who did this to you?” moment that always gets me. The magic system gets even deeper, and new alliances shake things up. We also get a visit from the Fates, adding a whole new layer of mystery. If you’re into fantasy with complicated feelings, high-stakes danger, and all the juicy tropes—this one’s for you! I’m so ready for book 3!
A big thanks to Alyssa Rose for providing me with a digital ARC of this book!
Released 06/01/25 on Amazon, KU, and paperback.
—
#AdvancedReaderCopy
June 4, 2025
Thank souch Alyssa Rose for supplying me with an ARC of this gorgeous romantasy.
Dark and defiant is the second installment in the Dark flower Jungle Saga, and continues the story from where the Preservers had imprisoned Aironell.
The sequel is filled with much more adventure, surprising alliances and more secrets that await to be revealed.
I loved how the action has developed over the course of the chapters, and how even though she has been held captive, she still found the strength to trust new characters.
Within the story, you'll find that there are two types of Preservers.
There are spicy scenes, so don't get discouraged by rumors.
Will Aironell find the power in her to trust Drefan again ? Will their closeness evolve or will it be the end for them ?
You will find the answers to these questions and many more just by reading the book.
Dark and defiant is the second installment in the Dark flower Jungle Saga, and continues the story from where the Preservers had imprisoned Aironell.
The sequel is filled with much more adventure, surprising alliances and more secrets that await to be revealed.
I loved how the action has developed over the course of the chapters, and how even though she has been held captive, she still found the strength to trust new characters.
Within the story, you'll find that there are two types of Preservers.
There are spicy scenes, so don't get discouraged by rumors.
Will Aironell find the power in her to trust Drefan again ? Will their closeness evolve or will it be the end for them ?
You will find the answers to these questions and many more just by reading the book.
June 5, 2025
Another chunk of details complementing the first book, and again this fast pace book did not disappoint. More secrets unravel before the FMC and MMC in order for them to fulfill thier respective challenges and quests. With the information unfolds, they have to decide how to use it well. More characters are introduced, and i love how the story flows and doesnt feel overwhelming. Oh, the ending, had me like......finally! Can hardly wait for the next book!
Thank you for the ARC opportunity ♥️
Thank you for the ARC opportunity ♥️
October 10, 2025
The chemistry between the characters is fierce, and the stakes feel real and dangerous. For readers who love bite-sized romantasy with conflict, passion, and characters who fight for what they believe in.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews