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The Peacequeen #1
Crown of Desire
She’s only ever known one thing. Men.
Men like power. They like their egos stroked.
So, what happens when a lowly prostitute is given all the power in the world?
Catryn is trying to survive in a crumbling city the only way she knows how. Until she’s ripped away from everything she's known.
Fate brings her into the path of three dangerously handsome men. One bearing a crown that marks her as the new Peacequeen; keeper of peace, the bridge between kings, and protector of innocents. The first in over three-hundred years.
The men submit themselves to her, swearing complete devotion and prove it by allowing her to brand them (quite literally) as her “Guardians.” The branding magically connects them, and as they teach her what her new role means, she begins to feel an overpowering desire for each.
But how could someone like her be a Peacequeen? She’s never been in the presence of royalty no less spoken to them as equals. The rigorous training she undergoes is nothing compared to the weight of her new responsibilities. It soon rests upon her shoulders to pacify a brutal King, protect an exotic Witchdoctor, and stop war from destroying thousands of innocents.
Still, she begins to realize that the war and rebel royals are the least of her problems, and that her very existence is an omen of hell-sent darkness that is coming to consume them all.
CROWN OF DESIRE is a complete (medium-burn) Reverse-Harem fantasy book. This book has a trigger warning. Readers should also be aware that there are M/M and F/F pairings as well as a budding polyamorous storyline. If you like strong female characters, fantasy, twisty plotlines, and hot scenes this story is for you. Intended for an 18+ audience only.
Men like power. They like their egos stroked.
So, what happens when a lowly prostitute is given all the power in the world?
Catryn is trying to survive in a crumbling city the only way she knows how. Until she’s ripped away from everything she's known.
Fate brings her into the path of three dangerously handsome men. One bearing a crown that marks her as the new Peacequeen; keeper of peace, the bridge between kings, and protector of innocents. The first in over three-hundred years.
The men submit themselves to her, swearing complete devotion and prove it by allowing her to brand them (quite literally) as her “Guardians.” The branding magically connects them, and as they teach her what her new role means, she begins to feel an overpowering desire for each.
But how could someone like her be a Peacequeen? She’s never been in the presence of royalty no less spoken to them as equals. The rigorous training she undergoes is nothing compared to the weight of her new responsibilities. It soon rests upon her shoulders to pacify a brutal King, protect an exotic Witchdoctor, and stop war from destroying thousands of innocents.
Still, she begins to realize that the war and rebel royals are the least of her problems, and that her very existence is an omen of hell-sent darkness that is coming to consume them all.
CROWN OF DESIRE is a complete (medium-burn) Reverse-Harem fantasy book. This book has a trigger warning. Readers should also be aware that there are M/M and F/F pairings as well as a budding polyamorous storyline. If you like strong female characters, fantasy, twisty plotlines, and hot scenes this story is for you. Intended for an 18+ audience only.
324 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 13, 2019
112 people are currently reading
107 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
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May 5, 2022DNF
I’m so confused like I have no idea what’s happening. To many people, to many perspectives, not enough backstory
I’m so confused like I have no idea what’s happening. To many people, to many perspectives, not enough backstory
April 2, 2019
Good premise, but weak writing
Sadly, the story just didn't live up to its potential. I think the writing is just too weak. I wish the author and had some good editing done for her, because I think if somebody had given her appropriate feedback, she would have given us a great story.
Sadly, the story just didn't live up to its potential. I think the writing is just too weak. I wish the author and had some good editing done for her, because I think if somebody had given her appropriate feedback, she would have given us a great story.
October 28, 2019
Crown of Desire: A Reverse Harem Epic Fantasy (The Peacequeen Series Book 1) Kindle Edition
by Eve Bradley (Author)
I received a complimentary review copy from the author and am voluntarily leaving an honest and fair review.
This is an amazing debut novel. COD sits directly on the line of grimdark fantasy and erotic fun.
Cat is a whore and she makes no bones about what she does or why. That is until she receives the Crown of the Peaceking from Valryn. The first Peacequeen or Peaceking in nearly 300 years.
One o the best things about this book is that the heroine is not some sweet young innocent thing... I see that too often. She is also not a batter, bruised shell of a girl who will ind redemption by fixing the broken boys. She is a strong woman who has seen darkness and done many things she didn't want to do but needed to do to survive.
Her harem? They aren't all in from the beginning. There is friction and sexual tension running through them from the start. I really liked the sweet but saucy Glend. He appears to be the trickster o the group, but there is definitely more to him. Think Legolas with a secret and sensual past. This does lead to some uncomfortable sex scenes, that I hope Ms. Bradley will outgrow as she matures in her writing.
Think of this as Game of Thrones with a growing Reverse Harem. The plot is that intricate and the cast is that big. I never knew who I would meet or what they meant to the story.
4 stars out of 5
https://www.amazon.com/Crown-Desire-F...
by Eve Bradley (Author)
I received a complimentary review copy from the author and am voluntarily leaving an honest and fair review.
This is an amazing debut novel. COD sits directly on the line of grimdark fantasy and erotic fun.
Cat is a whore and she makes no bones about what she does or why. That is until she receives the Crown of the Peaceking from Valryn. The first Peacequeen or Peaceking in nearly 300 years.
One o the best things about this book is that the heroine is not some sweet young innocent thing... I see that too often. She is also not a batter, bruised shell of a girl who will ind redemption by fixing the broken boys. She is a strong woman who has seen darkness and done many things she didn't want to do but needed to do to survive.
Her harem? They aren't all in from the beginning. There is friction and sexual tension running through them from the start. I really liked the sweet but saucy Glend. He appears to be the trickster o the group, but there is definitely more to him. Think Legolas with a secret and sensual past. This does lead to some uncomfortable sex scenes, that I hope Ms. Bradley will outgrow as she matures in her writing.
Think of this as Game of Thrones with a growing Reverse Harem. The plot is that intricate and the cast is that big. I never knew who I would meet or what they meant to the story.
4 stars out of 5
https://www.amazon.com/Crown-Desire-F...
October 26, 2019
A lot of potential!
So, I'm torn about this book. I liked it, but there were a few aspects that were not entirely my cup of tea. So, to make things easier, I'll put my pro's and cons below, so other readers can decide whether they would like it or not.
PRO
- the general idea of the plot is intriguing. The idea of a peacequeen and her guardians to bring peace to the kingdoms. The background of Catryn and her guardians.
- the author really nails the multiple POV. I never had to look back to verify the current POV I was reading.
- The multiple POV also made it easier to connect to the characters.
- I read this book in one sitting, which means it's quite compelling to read. And it was, I really wanted to get on with it.
CON
- There were parts in the story where I was overwhelmed with the amount of players in the story. All the different kingdoms, kings, armies,... I felt like it made the story unnecessarily complicated.
- This is really comparable with the previous con. I am not a big fan of books that revolve around warfare and politics. I felt like the romance part really took a back seat in this book. This is however a very personal opinion. I did not dislike the book for this.
- The situation with Athos and Lucarian ended abruptly, which left me quite confused and left me somewhat baffled with the ending of this book, but on the other hand it really makes me want to read the next book to get the closure I need. (To be honest, I believe that part of the plot isn't finished yet)
Did I like this book? Yes! Was I blown away by it? Not (yet). It does show a lot of potential, so I'm definitely looking forward to more character development and how the relationships will evolve.
So, I'm torn about this book. I liked it, but there were a few aspects that were not entirely my cup of tea. So, to make things easier, I'll put my pro's and cons below, so other readers can decide whether they would like it or not.
PRO
- the general idea of the plot is intriguing. The idea of a peacequeen and her guardians to bring peace to the kingdoms. The background of Catryn and her guardians.
- the author really nails the multiple POV. I never had to look back to verify the current POV I was reading.
- The multiple POV also made it easier to connect to the characters.
- I read this book in one sitting, which means it's quite compelling to read. And it was, I really wanted to get on with it.
CON
- There were parts in the story where I was overwhelmed with the amount of players in the story. All the different kingdoms, kings, armies,... I felt like it made the story unnecessarily complicated.
- This is really comparable with the previous con. I am not a big fan of books that revolve around warfare and politics. I felt like the romance part really took a back seat in this book. This is however a very personal opinion. I did not dislike the book for this.
- The situation with Athos and Lucarian ended abruptly, which left me quite confused and left me somewhat baffled with the ending of this book, but on the other hand it really makes me want to read the next book to get the closure I need. (To be honest, I believe that part of the plot isn't finished yet)
Did I like this book? Yes! Was I blown away by it? Not (yet). It does show a lot of potential, so I'm definitely looking forward to more character development and how the relationships will evolve.
March 16, 2021
My bookstagram: emm_enchanted
This book was intense! I loved it.
Catryn is a prostitute whose only aim has been survival. But when strange men claim she is the next Peacequeen and swear fealty to her, she doesn't know what to make of it. Navigating her new life with the help of her guardians, her mission is to fight the power hungry people and save the innocents, while deciphering her complicated romantic feelings.
Firstly a warning: this book contains scenes of violence, rape, sexually explicit scenes and strong language, so if you're uncomfortable with those, do not read it.
The book started with violence and rape and gave me Game of Thrones vibes. This is one of those books where you tell yourself to stop reading, but it is so addictive that you just can't do it.
The storyline is great and well executed with detailed descriptions.
Initially, I was confused with the world building and couldn't keep up with the names of places, but as the story progressed, I began to understand it.
The characters are well written and elicit the intended response. I hated Lucarian and had a strong urge to strangle him. Those of you who have watched GOT, he was the equivalent of Joffrey.
While Catryn is the protagonist, I liked Maru and Glend more. The characters are morally grey and realistic. I cannot say I absolutely loved a particular person, but it was still great.
The sex scenes are hot! It explores polyamorous relationships which are well done. In terms of romance, it's more lust than love, but still enjoyable.
Overall, I found this book quite intriguing, even though I had to take breaks because I felt overwhelmed.
I'm eager to see how things move further after that interesting end.
This book was intense! I loved it.
Catryn is a prostitute whose only aim has been survival. But when strange men claim she is the next Peacequeen and swear fealty to her, she doesn't know what to make of it. Navigating her new life with the help of her guardians, her mission is to fight the power hungry people and save the innocents, while deciphering her complicated romantic feelings.
Firstly a warning: this book contains scenes of violence, rape, sexually explicit scenes and strong language, so if you're uncomfortable with those, do not read it.
The book started with violence and rape and gave me Game of Thrones vibes. This is one of those books where you tell yourself to stop reading, but it is so addictive that you just can't do it.
The storyline is great and well executed with detailed descriptions.
Initially, I was confused with the world building and couldn't keep up with the names of places, but as the story progressed, I began to understand it.
The characters are well written and elicit the intended response. I hated Lucarian and had a strong urge to strangle him. Those of you who have watched GOT, he was the equivalent of Joffrey.
While Catryn is the protagonist, I liked Maru and Glend more. The characters are morally grey and realistic. I cannot say I absolutely loved a particular person, but it was still great.
The sex scenes are hot! It explores polyamorous relationships which are well done. In terms of romance, it's more lust than love, but still enjoyable.
Overall, I found this book quite intriguing, even though I had to take breaks because I felt overwhelmed.
I'm eager to see how things move further after that interesting end.
February 14, 2019
Eve has created such a believable, strong female main character in Catryn. I loved Catryn’s sass and the way Eve wasn’t afraid to give her insecurities regarding her position as Peacequeen. This is a character, that although she is in a fantasy world, is completely relatable [aside from the whole former profession thing ;)]. And those Guardians!! It was interesting to watch their characters develop having to deal with this powerful woman, in a society that doesn’t always view women as something more than chattel. And OMG once they gave in to their attraction to one another! *fans face*
Overall, this book had it all for me; strong characters, a well developed world in which they lived, and intrigue left and right. I want to learn more of Glend’s backstory, given what Catryn guessed of him, and how or if Catryn will bring to heel that complete pig of a Prince.
I can’t wait to read the next book in this series!
Overall, this book had it all for me; strong characters, a well developed world in which they lived, and intrigue left and right. I want to learn more of Glend’s backstory, given what Catryn guessed of him, and how or if Catryn will bring to heel that complete pig of a Prince.
I can’t wait to read the next book in this series!
May 6, 2019
Excellent story line
In Crown of Desire, Catryn, a common prostitute, has been chosen by the gods to become Peacequeen. There has not been a Peaceking or queen for centuries, so when Valryn discovers her, everyone is surprised. Catryn requires training and guardians that will protect and serve her. She is found just as the countries are falling to turmoil. It is now up to her to save as many as she can.
This is written as an alternating multi-POV with great character development and complex backgrounds. I was grabbed from the first page with the story and that momentum continued through the world and character building although there are not many big adventurous events. That's not to say that it was boring or that I didn't enjoy it. This is book 1 and I think book 2 will be more about the danger the world is in and how to circumvent it.
In Crown of Desire, Catryn, a common prostitute, has been chosen by the gods to become Peacequeen. There has not been a Peaceking or queen for centuries, so when Valryn discovers her, everyone is surprised. Catryn requires training and guardians that will protect and serve her. She is found just as the countries are falling to turmoil. It is now up to her to save as many as she can.
This is written as an alternating multi-POV with great character development and complex backgrounds. I was grabbed from the first page with the story and that momentum continued through the world and character building although there are not many big adventurous events. That's not to say that it was boring or that I didn't enjoy it. This is book 1 and I think book 2 will be more about the danger the world is in and how to circumvent it.
June 16, 2020
Our heroine was a prostitute chosen by the gods for a much higher calling, one for which she is ill prepared. Enter three men to support her, but will they be more hindrance than help?
This is book one of the series, so no issues there.
This is a reverse harem fantasy story. I found the story to be well written and easy to read, with an interesting setting with some rather unique aspects and a nice amount of detail. The characters are also well written and diverse, providing multiple (often conflicting) viewpoints on the issues. I found the plot to be intriguing (no pun intended) with several twists and turns to it that keeps the reader wondering what will come next. There is also a good bit of steam as well, including some MM elements (although not a lot). Overall, a very intriguing introduction to the series and I am curious to see where it goes next.
Recommended.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout for review purposes.
This is book one of the series, so no issues there.
This is a reverse harem fantasy story. I found the story to be well written and easy to read, with an interesting setting with some rather unique aspects and a nice amount of detail. The characters are also well written and diverse, providing multiple (often conflicting) viewpoints on the issues. I found the plot to be intriguing (no pun intended) with several twists and turns to it that keeps the reader wondering what will come next. There is also a good bit of steam as well, including some MM elements (although not a lot). Overall, a very intriguing introduction to the series and I am curious to see where it goes next.
Recommended.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout for review purposes.
October 27, 2019
This book was great! I love how it is about a woman who started as a prostitute and is then given the power to rise to a queen. While she is still unsure of herself and the position she has been given by the gods, she is brave and strong. Her guardians are part of her strength and I can’t wait to see how their relationship grows. There are many different points of view throughout the story, which most of the time I enjoy, but I feel there were some characters that didn’t need their own pov’s shared. Otherwise I would have given this five stars. Overall I would say this book is a great start to a series and would give it 4.9 stars!!!!!!!
February 13, 2019
3rd person POV, m/m, future f/f?
Crown of desire is a fantasy novel with elements of reverse harem/polyamory romance. As such, the focus of the story is the plot, rather than the romance and sex. That being said, there still were moments of steaminess, and likely, book two will have even more.
The beginning starts fairly slow and doesn't pick up the pace until after about 50%, but, this can be common when world building.
Overall, this is interesting debut novel and the second book will be a very enjoyable read if the author keeps up the pace set in the second half of the book.
Crown of desire is a fantasy novel with elements of reverse harem/polyamory romance. As such, the focus of the story is the plot, rather than the romance and sex. That being said, there still were moments of steaminess, and likely, book two will have even more.
The beginning starts fairly slow and doesn't pick up the pace until after about 50%, but, this can be common when world building.
Overall, this is interesting debut novel and the second book will be a very enjoyable read if the author keeps up the pace set in the second half of the book.
February 18, 2019
Catryn has only ever known being a prostitute. Suddenly she is fated by the Gods to be the new Peacequeen. Somehow she must get the people to listen to her. This is a really original story. It is dark so some may be bothered by some of the content. Please remember this when reading. The main character doesn't forget where she comes from which I really liked. She isn't suddenly a Peacequeen and forgets all those below her. She has a strong personality and stands strong when she can. This was definitely worth reading. I enjoyed it a lot.
October 12, 2020
Received an ARC copy of this book in exchange of an honest review.
Catryn is a whore. No, really. She sells her body for a living. Imagine her surprise when a man show up and says she's THE Peacequeen and he's her warrior! Hard to believe, but the crown stuck in her head give credence to his words. Now she needs to help making the kingdons better and guide their kings. Hard thing, when she can't believe herself capable.
Wow. Really wow. It really surprised me by how good this book was. I didn't expect to find such quality of story in a RH book. Can't wait to read book 2 and 3!!!
Catryn is a whore. No, really. She sells her body for a living. Imagine her surprise when a man show up and says she's THE Peacequeen and he's her warrior! Hard to believe, but the crown stuck in her head give credence to his words. Now she needs to help making the kingdons better and guide their kings. Hard thing, when she can't believe herself capable.
Wow. Really wow. It really surprised me by how good this book was. I didn't expect to find such quality of story in a RH book. Can't wait to read book 2 and 3!!!
February 6, 2019
I enjoyed this book a lot and will deifnelty be waiting to see what happens next. The only thing I didn’t like about it was when it switched between characters at the beginning it was very hard to figure out what was going on and who was who. If you keep reading it eventually all makes sense but sometimes it feels like there is a lot of information thrown out there and you have no idea what it means
February 14, 2019
How does one who feels unworthy rise up and become what they need to become?
Crown of Desire is a dark story with triggering elements and scenes. While this did start out slow about half way through it did pick up pace. The characters are strong especially Catryn. The multiple POVs were beneficial for the story and added another depth. I received an advanced copy and am voluntarily leaving an unbiased, honest review.
Crown of Desire is a dark story with triggering elements and scenes. While this did start out slow about half way through it did pick up pace. The characters are strong especially Catryn. The multiple POVs were beneficial for the story and added another depth. I received an advanced copy and am voluntarily leaving an unbiased, honest review.
July 13, 2020
3.5 stars
To me, this was a blend of Throne of Glass and Game of Thrones. There are definitely mature scenes and content so proceed with caution if prostitution, rape, kidnapping, same sex relations, and orgy-like scenes bother you. I felt the characters likeable and the plot was interesting. The story dragged at times, but was overall enjoyable so I would recommend it and will read book two.
Thank you to the author for a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
To me, this was a blend of Throne of Glass and Game of Thrones. There are definitely mature scenes and content so proceed with caution if prostitution, rape, kidnapping, same sex relations, and orgy-like scenes bother you. I felt the characters likeable and the plot was interesting. The story dragged at times, but was overall enjoyable so I would recommend it and will read book two.
Thank you to the author for a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
May 1, 2019
Fun story
Story was a bit clunky and slow to build. I got impatient a few times. Some nonstandard syntax that occasionally jarred me out of the story. That's always unpleasant.
I think I would like the characters more if they were filled in a bit. The end was far better than the beginning.
I do love the premise. I will read the next book.
Story was a bit clunky and slow to build. I got impatient a few times. Some nonstandard syntax that occasionally jarred me out of the story. That's always unpleasant.
I think I would like the characters more if they were filled in a bit. The end was far better than the beginning.
I do love the premise. I will read the next book.
June 21, 2020
A fantasy reverse harem. This copy is a revised copy. I found that it was an easy book to read with some interesting and unique aspects. The characters are well written, the plot is very intriguing with lots of twists and turns throughout. Looking forward to the next book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 21, 2020
It was a good book. Catryn is an interesting character. The details were good. To me it just seemed slow. I think there was just not enough punch for me. I kept getting distracted. It just didnt keep my attention.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 30, 2019
Go Eve
Worth all 5 stars and more. The first RH from the author and it's blazingly hot. Well written, excellent world building and an entertaining and interesting story. I can't wait for book 2!
Worth all 5 stars and more. The first RH from the author and it's blazingly hot. Well written, excellent world building and an entertaining and interesting story. I can't wait for book 2!
October 25, 2019
What a fantastic first book.
I loved this, what a wonderful first in I hope am amazing series. I love the hardship that cat had faced Anne overcome and I think she will make one badass peacequeen with her guardians by her side.
I loved this, what a wonderful first in I hope am amazing series. I love the hardship that cat had faced Anne overcome and I think she will make one badass peacequeen with her guardians by her side.
November 13, 2019
Loved it!
I really enjoyed this book. There was amazing world building, backstories, and the character relationships evolved which I adore. I definitely like the ideas, but I have a few questions... I can't wait to see where the story leads and if my questions are answered!
I really enjoyed this book. There was amazing world building, backstories, and the character relationships evolved which I adore. I definitely like the ideas, but I have a few questions... I can't wait to see where the story leads and if my questions are answered!
November 11, 2020
This series starts off with a rocky start keeps up that rocky party through the book. There is peril and danger thoroughout. I hope she gets a nap and a glass of wine.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 13, 2019
Crown of Desire was an amaaazing story! It pulls you in right from the start and keeps you reading until you finish it. I loved the fantasy theme and the fmc is one to be reckoned with.
February 14, 2019
Just goes to show that your past doesn't have to decide your future. This was a wonderful book and am definitely looking forward to being able to see what happens in the next book.
March 11, 2019
the characters seemed thin and I couldn't make it through the whole book.
October 26, 2019
Overall a great 1st book!! It was a little slow to build, but it had a good storyline and strong character development!!
February 1, 2020
More slow burn then I would have liked and didn't see the M/M build. however overall it was a good read.
Read
February 11, 2020Dnf 30%
I completely forgot I was reading this book...
I can’t remember the story or the characters...
I’ll try later.
Maybe
I completely forgot I was reading this book...
I can’t remember the story or the characters...
I’ll try later.
Maybe
May 7, 2021
Review on the second book of the series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews