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Cavernous
A prince lamenting a lost love. A mysterious mineral hidden in the mountains of the Caucasus. A team of scientists, each in their own way ready to turn a new page.
An ambitious geologist and an eclectic team of her close colleagues find themselves in over their heads when their overseas caving expedition becomes a life-or-death struggle to escape a cave-in. None of them expect to end up trapped miles beneath the ground… much less discover a lost world.
The kingdom of Inim, glittering and strange and untouched since antiquity, is home to a cruel ruler and his twin sons on the brink of coming of age, the two of them as different as brothers can be. But only one of the princes of Inim can ascend to the throne, and it’s possible neither is well-suited to be king.
Despite having little interest in the affairs of this subterranean world, the geologists realize they’ll never chart their path home without the aid of an ancient map of legend. Problem is, it lies hidden in the king's possession. Entering a ritual contest of seduction to win one of the princes’ hands in marriage might just be the only way to get close enough to the royals to find it.
With the help of unexpected allies, and the fate of the remaining team up on the surface always in the backs of their minds, the three women have no choice but to assume false identities, scheme, charm, and lie their way through the sensually charged upper crust of Inimari society. If they’re lucky, they’ll do so without getting romantically entangled....
But these three? Luck has never been on their side.
An ambitious geologist and an eclectic team of her close colleagues find themselves in over their heads when their overseas caving expedition becomes a life-or-death struggle to escape a cave-in. None of them expect to end up trapped miles beneath the ground… much less discover a lost world.
The kingdom of Inim, glittering and strange and untouched since antiquity, is home to a cruel ruler and his twin sons on the brink of coming of age, the two of them as different as brothers can be. But only one of the princes of Inim can ascend to the throne, and it’s possible neither is well-suited to be king.
Despite having little interest in the affairs of this subterranean world, the geologists realize they’ll never chart their path home without the aid of an ancient map of legend. Problem is, it lies hidden in the king's possession. Entering a ritual contest of seduction to win one of the princes’ hands in marriage might just be the only way to get close enough to the royals to find it.
With the help of unexpected allies, and the fate of the remaining team up on the surface always in the backs of their minds, the three women have no choice but to assume false identities, scheme, charm, and lie their way through the sensually charged upper crust of Inimari society. If they’re lucky, they’ll do so without getting romantically entangled....
But these three? Luck has never been on their side.
441 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 7, 2025
3 people are currently reading
17 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
January 6, 2026
Usually not a reader of romance but this book captured my interest very early and I really enjoyed it! The fantasy world building is written in a very captivating style and keeps me intrigued in what’s coming next. The variety of relationships and intimacy is great and I’m sure fans of romance will enjoy this story. Can’t wait for the next book!
November 27, 2025
KJ Scott is an excellent author, seamlessly blending sensuality, intimacy, and discovery of the self into a beautiful tale of whimsy and adventure.
Cavernous brought me not only on a tale deep beneath the earth, but deep beneath layers of myself I had forgot existed, and has completely reignited my whimsy in reading and writing fantastical adventures alike.
Full of grace, political intruige, espionage, love, and curiosity, this book has a bit of something for all different types of readers.
It also holds an excellent blend of different genders, races, sexualities, and cultures, giving such a loving respect to all of them so seamlessly, that descriptions of different characters, locations, and details had me rereading at them and marvelling at the images they conjoured to mind.
This book is an absolute masterclass in writing, and I cannot recommend it enough to anyone who is lucky enough to come across it.
Cavernous brought me not only on a tale deep beneath the earth, but deep beneath layers of myself I had forgot existed, and has completely reignited my whimsy in reading and writing fantastical adventures alike.
Full of grace, political intruige, espionage, love, and curiosity, this book has a bit of something for all different types of readers.
It also holds an excellent blend of different genders, races, sexualities, and cultures, giving such a loving respect to all of them so seamlessly, that descriptions of different characters, locations, and details had me rereading at them and marvelling at the images they conjoured to mind.
This book is an absolute masterclass in writing, and I cannot recommend it enough to anyone who is lucky enough to come across it.
November 6, 2025
Characters? Hot. Story? Exciting. Book of the year!
The plot hooked me immediately, and the story was so exciting I almost forgot I was reading a romance novel at the beginning. I love KJ Scott's attention to detail in the world building, and these characters really come to life through the care and thought put into them.
Also, its always a plus when a romance book doesn't say borderline humorous or nasty things to reference sexual terms. As an asexual, I would rate the spicy scenes in Cavernous a 1000/10.
The plot hooked me immediately, and the story was so exciting I almost forgot I was reading a romance novel at the beginning. I love KJ Scott's attention to detail in the world building, and these characters really come to life through the care and thought put into them.
Also, its always a plus when a romance book doesn't say borderline humorous or nasty things to reference sexual terms. As an asexual, I would rate the spicy scenes in Cavernous a 1000/10.
November 6, 2025
An amazingly fun read, that hooks you and does not let go. The story is superbly paced, and each chapter leaves you wanting to know what is going to happen next.
That is all on top of the large cast of characters that keep finding new and inventive ways to get into each others pants. Can't wait for the next one, I need to know what happens next.
That is all on top of the large cast of characters that keep finding new and inventive ways to get into each others pants. Can't wait for the next one, I need to know what happens next.
December 29, 2025
Cavernous is exactly what I am looking for in a romance novel - well written, exciting and lighthearted with moments of depth, romance scenes that don't feel cringe, character dynamics that feel real, and some hottt sex scenes.
I appreciated how this book strayed away from the typical cliches of the romantasy genre. The world building is complex without being overwhelming, the plot is engaging, and although there is a large cast of characters, they were all unique and I found myself endeared to each of them.
The last few chapters were so exciting...I can't wait to see what happens next!!
I appreciated how this book strayed away from the typical cliches of the romantasy genre. The world building is complex without being overwhelming, the plot is engaging, and although there is a large cast of characters, they were all unique and I found myself endeared to each of them.
The last few chapters were so exciting...I can't wait to see what happens next!!
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews