#YA fantasy romance – Freelance Writer Janny(Jan Marie)C

Hosted by Indie Promotions and @RRbookTours

A fake betrothal would make a fool of anyone

Alathea knows she’s the only one who can stand between her vengeful mother, Bex, and all-out war with the magic realms. But to confront her mother, Alathea will have to return home with Lidja, the high sorceress whose disdain for her has only sharpened—and the one person she would prefer to never see again.

Lidja can’t find a peaceful spot far enough from Alathea in her home realm. But when Bex escalates her threats to deadly heights, Lidja knows she’ll have to assess this new enemy herself. For such a delicate mission, she’ll have to work in harmony with Alathea, the mule-headed almost-ruler who refuses to cooperate, no matter how adjacent her sharp axe comes to Alathea’s throat.

To stop the oncoming war, Alathea and Lidja might have to consider the worst option of all: a fake betrothal that proves the magic realms are no threat and creates a magic tie between them. But when magic blurs the line between love and hate, will either be strong enough to resist…or will the fake betrothal make fools of them both?

Bound by Promises & Lies is the second book in the Realms of Magic Young Adult fantasy series with a slow-burn sapphic romance, heart-pounding adventure, and big twists. If you liked Throne of Glass or A Curse So Dark & Lovely, you’ll love this fast-paced story by Sienna Archer.

Publication Date: February 19, 2024
Genre: YA Fantasy Romance/ LGBTQ2+
*Fake fiancé
*Slow-burn Sapphic romance
*Touch her and die
*Plot twists
*Family drama
*Wish-granting sea faeries
*Complex characters
*Second in a series
*YA Romantasy

Review

Meant to read the first book (Bound by Scars and Secrets) before I read this second installment am reviewing I accidentally picked up Bound by Promises & Lies first and started reading none the wiser. I was a couple of chapters in when I realized this was book 2, not book 1. I winced because I am a stickler for reading in order, but it was too late. I was already invested in Sienna Archer’s world and characters. I had to see Alathea and Lidja journey through till the end!

I must say Lidja has to be my official favorite female character in a book of all time. I have never had one until now either. She resonated with me written perfectly real – strong-ass-willed, yet vulnerable weak, and unapologetically herself. Her conversations with whomever she comes in contact with are entertainingly priceless.

Bound by Promises & Lies is an engrossing read you’ll forget this is a YA fantasy. It also works well as a stand-alone almost since I didn’t read the first book and was not that lost.

Archer writes with a warm welcome tone that instantly draws you in. I felt instantly welcomed into her world and instantly fell in love with her characters (and this is book 2 remind you!) That says something about a writer’s writing prowess.

While sure there were some points in the story that might have made more sense if I read book 1 first it was minuscule. Plus it only acted as an enticement for me to go back and read book 1 to get the whole story. Bound by Promises & Lies ends on a bit of a cliffhanger too so I am excited to see what Archer has next in the realms of magic world.

My overall rating 5 out of 5 stars

About the Author

Sienna Archer believes romance should be epic, adventures magical, and the best characters are the ones who grow. She writes books featuring diverse characters and strong female leads that make readers laugh, shout, and cry.

Learn more about Sienna and her books at Sienna Archer

Another beauty book cover has caught my eye. So I am shining a light on it. Currently touring over at R&RBook Tours Bound By Scars and Secrets by Sienna Archer is the first book in the YA fantasy Realms of Magic Series. A slow-burn queer love triangle, realm-crossing adventure, and unraveling family secrets. If you liked A Court of Thorns and Roses and These Hollow Vows, you’ll love this fast-paced story.

Let’s find out more.

Bound by Scars & Secrets (Realms of Magic #1)


Publications Date: August 16, 2023


Genre: YA Fantasy Romance/ LGBTQ2+


✨Fake Betrothal

✨Sapphic

✨Touch Her & Di3

✨Slow Burn

✨Wish-granting Sea Fairies

✨Epic Fantasy


He’s a mage who charms. She’s a sorceress who kills. Raised to fear magic, Alathea hates them both—especially when they become her only chance to find her missing sister.

17-year-old Alathea has kept her sister safe and the forbidden magic in her veins controlled ever since their mothers fled. But when Alathea’s sister disappears, a mage with a glowing spear outs her magic. On the run, Alathea receives an impossible offer from the mage: He and the sorceress will deliver Alathea to her sister if she crosses to his monster-reigned realm and accepts a magic destiny herself.

To get her sister back, Alathea will have to decide: Can she stop hiding and trust the enemies she hates…or will her animosity burn into something else entirely?