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Courting Fae Thieves and Crowns

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Half-fae Amberle isn't competing for the swoon-worthy Prince Rion's heart in the bachelor-style competition. Not like the other 14 hopefuls who want to win the crown. Amberle is a mole, a hired thief-turned-spy who just wants to save her family. But Rion is charming and stubborn and he's making her task impossible. And when girls mysteriously turn up dead... she questions everything. Fans of the Selection and Throne of Glass will love this binge-worthy story of deep secrets, and cunning fae.

Kindle Edition

Published June 18, 2021

83 people are currently reading
506 people want to read

About the author

Joanna Reeder

34 books447 followers

Joanna Reeder is a USA Today Bestselling author who takes her readers time traveling to the past and through the portals to Faerie (and ALWAYS have a dash of romance!).

She lives with her husband, three littles, a dog, and a cat. When she isn’t writing or reading, Joanna enjoys bike rides with her family, vacationing at the beach, and cuddling on the couch with a good movie.

She’s a believer in the paranormal (seriously, she has stories!) and her motto is, "A Dr. Pepper a day keeps insanity away!"

If you love time travel and fantasy, sign up for Joanna’s weekly newsletter. https://joannareeder.com/getmyfreebies

You can also chat with her on Instagram @joanna_reeder

Or on Facebook @joannareederauthor

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5 stars
106 (43%)
4 stars
85 (34%)
3 stars
45 (18%)
2 stars
6 (2%)
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4 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
Profile Image for Jessica.
812 reviews20 followers
February 11, 2023
This was such a fun and engrossing read! It’s got all the elements I loved in Kiera Cass’s Selection series (Bachelor-style competition for “true love,” royals with secrets, and a captivating main character) plus MAGIC. This book is set in a Fae kingdom. Fae with cool abilities and varied motives and prejudices. I loved the way this series opens with our main character, an infamous thief, being blackmailed into returning to the life she was forced to leave behind and alllll the baggage that entailed. The side characters were great. Once I got a few chapters into this one it was a struggle every time I had to put it down. I didn’t want this one to end!
Profile Image for OleanderDreams.
233 reviews13 followers
February 6, 2023
This book was so much fun to read!

I mean who doesn't like a reality show-esque competition but make it set in a magical realm with fae from different courts vying for the chance to marry the Prince!? But wait, it gets better...

We have our FMC who is one of the best sneak thieves around who is hired by The King to join the competition and spy on the contestants, her reward? Her Father, who has been imprisoned since she fled the castle as a child. The catch, don't get caught spying, don't fall in love with the prince and don't let him fall in love with her....which shouldn't be hard since they were childhood enemies...right?

I'll absolutely be reading book two because it takes those guilty pleasure reality tv shows I secretly enjoy and merges them perfectly with the magical world of the fae that I love, and the combination was just so cool! This the first time I've read something like this and I loved it.

CFTaC had sooo many tropes I'm a fan of including: enemies to lovers, fake dating, batchelor competition, he falls first, slow-burn, cross class romance, royalty, political intrigue, curses, and deadly secrets.

If you are looking for a fun and lighthearted quick fantasy romance then you should pick up this book!
Profile Image for Idalia Helaena.
1,624 reviews91 followers
December 11, 2022
This was my first time reading something by Joanna Reeder, and holy crap, it did not disappoint. The world building is exquisite; I loved the whole premise of a competition to become the bride and mate of a Fae prince. And adding a fake contestant to act as the king’s spy? Absolutely brilliant. Amberle, the heroine, has had a hard life ever since her father was imprisoned. Seventy years later, she thieves in order to survive. But when she is called on to become a participant in Prince Orion’s bride trials, everything changes for her.

Amberle was fierce and capable, intelligent and brave. I loved the way she used her cunning to accomplish what she needed to do, and I loved that she was kindhearted as well. As for Rion, the prince, I loved him as well. He seems like his heart is in the right place, and I loved the fact that he wants to marry for love. Rion and Amberle’s fiery chemistry was tangible. I can’t wait to see how their relationship develops. Reeder definitely has me hooked; I read CFTaC in three straight hours. I can’t wait to see what happens next, and I definitely recommend!!!
Profile Image for Krystal Spooner.
222 reviews15 followers
January 18, 2023
This gave me Bachelor mixed with The Hunger Games vibes with a dash of Clue! I enjoyed how the plot wasn’t just strictly romance and there were multiple things happening that kept me wanting to read more. When I wasn’t reading I was thinking about reading.

This book had tension, there was desire building and while I am very much a spicy book reader the spice would have felt out of place while Rion and Amberle figured out their relationship entangled in their history and the job that she was set to do. I didn’t miss the spice one bit. There is an innocence to their relationship that was refreshing. This books was light and cute.

The ending didn’t tie up any of the loose ends for me and it left me wanting the next book ASAP. There are still dangerous players in this game and I am interested to see how those last gifts play out 👀 I have some theories and desperately need some answers. Book 2 will definitely end up on my TBR.

Overall:
4.5 ⭐️
0 🌶️
Profile Image for Kitty Gulick.
Author 2 books6 followers
September 13, 2021
Well paced, with characters you can’t help but root for, Courting is amazingly post and foreshadowed.

We learn just enough about Amberle’s life before her she became a thief and her drive and promise to rescue her father from the clutches of a King who could be described as nefarious.

As readers we know not the reason her father was imprisoned, only that he was. Because the man is trapped the reader can’t help but wonder if the man is alive. When the King offers to return her father to her in exchange for her taking part in the Tourney as his spy, what daughter would say no?
Profile Image for Lisa  (Bookworm Lisa).
2,240 reviews207 followers
April 5, 2023
I am hooked!

4.5 stars

I have been following this story on Kindle Vella. When I discovered that the first season was available with bonus content, well I didn't hesitate to purchase this book.

I cannot wait to find out what happens next. I love the competition at the Summer Court. Prince Orion and Amberle have quickly become two of my favorite characters. There's also a mystery. Something big is happening behind the scenes.

I love it!
Profile Image for Tifany.
315 reviews16 followers
January 13, 2023
Like a royal version of The Bachelor, the search for a future queen begins with a tournament of hopefuls hoping to capture Prince Rion’s heart. Many were invited to attend, 15 were ultimately chosen to go onto the competition; however, one of these contestants was a plant, a spy.

This book was a fast-paced whirlwind, with plenty of drama, unexpected twists, and a near constant questioning of who’s good and who’s not. I loved getting glimpses into Amberle’s past and backstory. Seeing her and her former friends reunite and work through past hurts added a layer of complexity to the game show aspect of the game.

I absolutely devoured this book and recommend it if you’re in the mood for a quick read in the fantasy romance genre!

Special thanks to the author for the ARC. All thoughts in this review are honest and my own.
Profile Image for Gracie Bustillos.
319 reviews6 followers
February 20, 2023
The book was great. There are lots of twist and turns, mystery, suspense and romance. I wish I had the next book already
Profile Image for Gladys Gonzales Atwell.
396 reviews22 followers
November 11, 2022
This is the first book I have read by Joanna Reeder and I am utterly delighted! I read this book via Kindle Vella and am excited for every new episode! I am excited to actually own a paperback of the novel. Joanna's writing is exquisitely executed. The character development is on point! The world-building is fantastical!
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Courting Fae Thieves and Crowns is a tantalizing tale of forgotten friendships, unknown allies, and a mysterious secret that could rock the realm. Joanna Reeder has taken a tale to a fantastical drama that is ageless. Perfect for all fantasy readers.
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This review was done in conjunction with Nerd Girl Official Book Blog! #theNerdGirlOfficial #NerdyBookServices
Profile Image for Caro.
1,578 reviews
January 6, 2023
A competition to win the hand of the Prince!

Amberle is one of the 14 chosen for the Tourney to marry Prince Orion, but she is there for nefarious reasons. Orion and Amberle are old acquaintances, however!

So with this many females vying for a Prince's heart (and a throne!), how do you think that goes?!! As you may think, there is bound to be all sorts of behavior so this book is filled with cattyness, fake behaviour, murder but also with a strong and very likeable leading lady and a loveable Prince!

This is my first book by this author and I absolutely loved it! Now I need book 2!

'Then change your stars! Believe in yourself! You won’t win if you tell yourself you won’t.'
12.7k reviews189 followers
December 31, 2022
What an amazing story. Half Fae Amberle is just making sure the right Fae wins. She’s just trying to protect her family. Little does she know there’s different plans in the making for her. Characters that draw you in and make you feel a part of the story.
Profile Image for Gabrielle (belle.bookcorner).
1,005 reviews192 followers
February 7, 2023
“Humility is letting go of pride. It’s realizing that sometimes we make mistakes and we’re sorry for them.

Looking for a book with similar vibes as The Selections series and The Bachelor filled with enemies-to-lovers, he falls first and fake dating trope. If all these are to your liking then you can give this one a try!

Actual Rating: 3.5⭐

The plot is interesting, not just a bachelor competition where girls compete to win the heart of a prince – there’s a twist where a spy infiltrate the competition, curses and also deadly secrets.

The world building is fascinating, although I would’ve love to know more about the Fae, each different courts and its powers. A map would make it easier to envision the places too.
Hopefully, we’ll get to explore more as the series progress.

As for the characters, I have difficulties in remembering all the 15 different girls.
Rion, the MMC is also a mysterious character – I would’ve love more chapters from his POV in the next books to get to know him better.

As for the romance, it’s very slow at the moment. It’s barely there in the first half part of the story, but it started to show near the ending so I’m hoping we’ll get to see more development on the romantic relationship between Amberle (the FMC) and Rion.

This book still has a lot of unanswered questions, more mystery still need to be uncovered like the truth about the competition, the Amberle’s father and on top of that there’s a murder that must be investigated.

Overall, it’s a good introduction to this fantasy series. It has some good elements and has the potential to be a great series.
Looking forward to read the sequel as soon as it comes out.

Thank you to Book of Matches Media and author for giving me an e-ARC of the book and for having me on this book tour. I’m leaving this review voluntarily!
Profile Image for ladybreww.
863 reviews58 followers
February 12, 2023
𝘈 𝘵𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘯𝘢𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘤𝘦’𝘴 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵. 𝘍𝘪𝘧𝘵𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘧𝘢𝘦 𝘩𝘰𝘱𝘦𝘧𝘶𝘭𝘴 𝘤𝘩𝘰𝘴𝘦𝘯, 𝘷𝘺𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘤𝘳𝘰𝘸𝘯. 𝘉𝘶𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘩𝘢𝘴 𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘢 𝘣𝘦𝘢𝘶𝘵𝘪𝘧𝘶𝘭 𝘴𝘱𝘺 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘪𝘳 𝘮𝘪𝘥𝘴𝘵…

𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐫𝐞: Fantasy Romance
𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬: Bachelor competition, enemies to lovers, fake dating, royalty, political intrigue, curses, deadly secrets, thieves
𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐬: Tessonja Odette, Kay L Moody, Sarah J Maas, Kiera Cass
𝐏𝐮𝐫𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐋𝐢𝐧𝐤: https://www.joannareeder.com/courting...

Someone described this book to me as a cross between the hunger games and the bachelor and that could not be more accurate. I absolutely loved it. Watching different types of fae compete for the crown prince’s heart- plus some murder and betrayal- that’s like my perfect combo in a fantasy book.

Another fun part of this book- some of the faeries have actual wings 🥰. I don’t think we see that enough in fantasy books.

The book ends abruptly - so I must read the second one as soon as possible. I love a good cliffhanger in a fantasy series but I don’t know how I can wait!!

👏🏼👏🏼 𝙃𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙡𝙮 𝙧𝙚𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙙 to readers who enjoy competition and magical creatures.
Profile Image for Auda.
206 reviews
February 12, 2023
Courting Fae Thieves and Crowns is Selection-look-a-like, but for Fae. The Fae, who cannot outright lie, can manipulate things that come from their mouths, therefore, this book is a bit differently done if I compare it to others I have read.

The romance is a slow burn, there is only one kiss and, as I have been used to quite sexually active Fae, this story is quite fresh. However, it was too slow for my 5* rating - I would have liked it spicier and hotter with more emotions from Amberle. I understand her - she never thought about him as a love interest, so she needs to get comfortable at first and there is the issue with her father, King and her being star fae, but still... I needed something more, maybe for her not to be so afraid of everything...?

I liked the story, but I would like to see it increase the pace in the second book and get some steamy plot twists. We need more romance, broken hearts, and a lot of kisses.

I received a free digital copy to read. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Angie.
112 reviews1 follower
January 21, 2023
As soon as a heard about this book release I was intrigued and had to read it. At first I tried not to because I try to keep the series I follow that are still coming out to a minimum, but I craved some fantasy romance and this sounded so good.
And the story also was amazing. Obviously, there are multiple different stories about a competition for marriage but the difference is in the details, and I specially like the mystery of a thief trying to uncover plots against the crown. Also the childhood friends/bully relationship that the main character have and how they viewed their interaction different from each other. I really would like more of Rion pov because omg! The feels!!!!!
I don't know how I'll be able to wait but luckily I see there are a couple more chapters released in Kindle Vella. I've never used it and never planned it to but honestly, I need more right now so it seems like I'll try to navigate a new subscription
117 reviews
January 21, 2023
This is my first book of 2023 and I absolutely loved it. In fact, in all my years of reading, it has to be one of my favorite books. I actually was so sad to see it end and am dying for the next book to come out.

I loved the way the characters are brought to life. The author does an amazing job of not only describing each character physically but also it’s as if you feel as some of them enter the room. During the tournament to win the prince’s heart, foul play becomes evident and questions start to arise that cause you to want more. They keep you holding on wanting to find out what happened and why. The longer the tournament runs, you can feel Amberle growing fonder of the prince and see her warring with herself. In the end, I was left wanting more. While this was my first read by this author, it won’t be my last. Overall, an awesome beginning to hopefully many more books in this world!
Profile Image for Marcia Esders.
974 reviews5 followers
January 27, 2023
Who can you trust?

All the Fae courts have contestants in the anticipated Tourney to choose Prince Orion a suitable mate and eventual queen. But The King has one agenda, Orion hopes to make a love match, and the contestants all have their own reasons for accepting the king’s coveted invite for a chance to be one of the chosen 15, some of them dangerous and deadly.
The king chooses Amberle to act as a spy to infiltrate the secrets of the other chosen to discover their motives with the promise of her father’s release from prison. No one but the king knows why Amberle’s father was locked away, but she will do just about anything to secure his freedom.
Twists and turns make the story an even bigger mystery…I understand that book two will be released later this year. I look forward to unraveling some of the secrets of the Fae court and who will become Orion’s love match.
Profile Image for Chars.reads.
53 reviews
February 12, 2023
Highly Recommend!

This book was so much fun! I’m happy that I’ve gotten back into the fantasy romance genre because this book was so good!! I loved the storyline and the setting the magic system was super cool and I loved the characters. Amberle was strong and snarky but also emotional and vulnerable at times which I thought was really realistic for everything she was going through.

I liked that friendship was as big of a part in this book as the actual romance and how Amberle was able to befriend some of the contestants instead of just fight them. The romance between Amberle and Rion was a gradual progression which I thought was fitting given their past. It was really interesting to read about their last and their different perspectives about things that had happened!

Overall I highly recommend this book for anyone looking for a good fantasy romance!!
Profile Image for Hunter.
494 reviews21 followers
July 13, 2023
This is a hard one for me to rate. I enjoyed it. I definitely plan on reading the next one. I gotta get some answers! But I struggled with Amberle not telling anyone about her dad, or not telling the Prince her deal with the king. Also for her being a super sneaky thief, and her dad being on the line, she seems to lose control a lot more then what I expect.

I think when I get more answers in the second book why the king is doing what he is doing I’ll enjoy the story more too.

I like the world building. The fae here aren’t as creepy, and star fae’s are interesting.

The romance is sweet and clean. I thought Amberle changed her mind pretty quick though about hating the prince to liking him.

It’s nice getting a few chapters with Rion’a POV.

3.5 stars rounding up to 4 because I did really enjoy it.

Content: clean, a few damned’s but that’s it for swearing, nothing gory
16 reviews2 followers
October 21, 2023
Another Hit for my library

Oh, my heart. This is indeed a new genre for me, but what a delightful surprise. I got all caught up in the moments as they unfurled. In trying to be a Sherlock guessing and second guessing how this is going to play out, I find myself to be stunned, surprised, or even shocked by the next turn.

Joanna, I'm hooked! I have to give you 5 stars for not only keeping my interest but also gluing me to the pages. Every spare moment I get is trying to get to the next page just to see what is happening.

The gifts are so amazing. The gowns i can see. The hair styles are in my minds eye. Your imagination delights the little girl in this 67 year old great-grandmother! So far, these are stories I want to share with my grands.

I love Amberle. I feel her. She may be a fictional girl, but she can be lots of humans I know. I'm all in!
Profile Image for Freya Berry.
33 reviews
May 13, 2024
Oh, my heart. This is indeed a new genre for me, but what a delightful surprise. I got all caught up in the moments as they unfurled. In trying to be a Sherlock guessing and second guessing how this is going to play out, I find myself to be stunned, surprised, or even shocked by the next turn.

Joanna, I'm hooked! I have to give you 5 stars for not only keeping my interest but also gluing me to the pages. Every spare moment I get is trying to get to the next page just to see what is happening.

The gifts are so amazing. The gowns i can see. The hair styles are in my minds eye. Your imagination delights the little girl in this 67 year old great-grandmother! So far, these are stories I want to share with my grands.

I love Amberle. I feel her. She may be a fictional girl, but she can be lots of humans I know. I'm all in!
244 reviews2 followers
February 13, 2023
Interesting, but only part 1, ends in cliffhanger

For a Vella serial, this was stitched together quite well. The story is interesting, though I will admit to being frustrated with it being an unfinished story. I really don't care for cliffhangers. I would rather know beforehand if the story will span over several books so that I can prepare myself for an unresolved plot.

There are a lot of details in this first book that I hopefully remember enough of by the time the next one is out. Yes, I realize I could follow the story evolution over Vella, but I'd rather read the polished up complete story.
Profile Image for mith.
933 reviews307 followers
February 18, 2023
The problem with books where the main character is supposedly this renowned thief or assassin or whatever is that when you read them, they hardly come close to being as good as whatever tales they're spinning. Girlie claims to be some infamous thief that even a high king knows of, and yet, half the book, she's berating herself for all these mistakes. Or things she hasn't done. And I'm supposed to believe she's this great thief?

Aside from that, and some other stuff I can't remember, this book was entertaining and easy to read. It felt a lot shorter than it was and I flew through it pretty quick. Enough for me, honestly, given my lack of attention span these days.
Profile Image for Alicia Rust.
102 reviews8 followers
December 17, 2023
Courting Fae Thieves and Crowns is book one in the Fae Thieves and Crowns series by Joanna Reeder and happens to take place 200yrs before Aria and Carys story from The Raven Court series. This book is an enemies/past friends to lovers meets The Bachelor where 15 female fae compete for the chance to become Prince Orion's mate and future Queen. It has magic, trials, deceit, murder, mystery and curses. I highly recommend reading this book (and book two when it comes out) if you're up for an adventure and a Fae mystery. I can't wait to read book two.
371 reviews3 followers
January 30, 2023
This is a new author. I have read this book and giving my honest review.
I really enjoyed this book from beginning to end. Could not put it down.
Exciting, twists, fun maybe romance. I love fae books.
You become part of the story, and become involved. I think may be a book 2 as it has left you on a cliff hanger.
Not spoiling you will have to read for yourself.
I hope you enjoy the journey as much as I did.,
Profile Image for Amanda.
372 reviews
October 8, 2023
When I passed by this book at the authors booth it had its dust jacket off and I was captivated by the artwork, I decided to buy it and I didn't regret it! Who wouldn't love a story about a fairy prince looking for love in a competition set up by his father, while said father has spies in the midst of the contestants? A fun take on the fantasy setting with a wonderful mix of "The Bachelor" mixed with intrigue and murder. I cannot wait for the sequel!
Profile Image for Katt Faëhart.
294 reviews1 follower
February 14, 2024
I love it.

I love prince tournament books. I don't know why but it's just a thing for me.

But ohhhhhh my goodness is this a slow burn. Because even though there are feelings nothing could be done about said feelings.

And at first I was like "girl i thought you a spy". But then I thought that in all fairness her situation is quite different from her normal jobs and she's going through a emotional rollercoaster.

Can't wait to read book 2
Profile Image for Brooke.
649 reviews4 followers
May 30, 2024
I really enjoyed this! The ending just kind of abruptly stopped, and I can’t find the second one available on Amazon in any format (which is disappointing since it released in January) but this was a good start to a series! The writing was well done, and I love the Bachelor-like storyline. My copy of the book had chapters that repeated so I must have got a messed up one, but it was overall easy to follow along.
Profile Image for Ronnie Schwarz.
51 reviews1 follower
February 13, 2023
I really enjoyed this book. The author does a great job of intertwining different elements. She takes a bachelorette base line with fae as the contestants. If that is not enough she adds a murder mystery plot with a touch of slow burn romance. This was a quick read because of easy to relate to characters and a fast paced story that ends with a cliffhanger that makes you craving more.
Profile Image for Sabrina Wannet.
539 reviews4 followers
January 25, 2024
Oh wow, this book has swept me of my feet. I always like books with fae, but also that they were many times hard to read.
Not with this one! It has kept my focus the whole time and when I couldnt read, I was still thinking about it. I think its amazing how Joanna created this world and the karacters in it. I wished I had book 2 så I could continue straight away.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews

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