This one... I really enjoyed it, especially the journey and growth Aurelia went through... but then the last page happened, and I was questioning everything. That can't be right, right?! Why do you do this to me?! We have Aurelia, a naive woman who's been used and abused (mentally and physically, not sexually) throughout her whole life. People think she has no magic, making her a pariah among them. The only one who cares about her, except her mother, who died, is Granny. Aurelia loves what she does for Granny, creating product to help others. She cares about others (even if they loath her), placing their needs above her own. You cannot do anything else but feel for her and encourage her throughout the book. She is so strong (inner strength); she just hasn't had anyone truly in her corner. She deserves all the happiness. What she got was Weston. He is a complicated character, and I love and hate him simultaneously. He does some questionable things, but on the other hand, he seems to really care for his true mate, Aurelia. I've not read the previous books, so I don't know the journey he has gone through to get to this point (other than the things mentioned in this installment), but I know it has been brutal. Their chemistry is explosive (so hot!), and I can't wait to read how they continue their journey in the second part of the duet. Oh, and we cannot forget about Hadriel. I absolutely love him! Again, I haven't read the previous books, but I will! I want to know all about him. He's funny and caring but so, so broken. I hope he finds his happiness as well. All the characters are superbly written. They all have sufficient depth and feel very alive (unfortunately for some, looking at you, Alexander). You get to know them alongside Aurelia. Great writing! The world-building is good. Even if you haven't read the other books, you can still understand what's happening. Aurelia is pretty new to the world outside her village, so we learn as she does. The pacing is good, with a few slower parts. Overall, it's a smooth read. All in all, I loved the book, but that last page... why? I'm so happy I can dive straight into book 2, as I need to know what happens! Recommended!

Before you start reading, please check the trigger warnings. Some of the subject matter gets dark and could be triggering. Your mental health matters. A Cage of Crimson is Alpha wolf Weston and Aurelia's story. It's set in the same world as Deliciously Dark Fairytales, but it is book 1 of a standalone duet. We met Weston in the 3rd DDF book, A Kingdom of Ruin. You don't need to have read those books in order to read and enjoy ACOC 😉, but I would suggest you do because they are absolutely phenomenal and you get to spend more time with some of these amazing characters, especially our favorite mediocre butler Hadriel. Weston is on assignment from the Dragon King and Queen to find a substance maker because these substances are wreaking havoc in the kingdoms. In the process, he finds his true mate, Aurelia. Aurelia is suppressed and doesn't have magic, but she is strong and she is a survivor. Weston is immediately drawn to her - so much so that it heats up in chapter 2... IJS. Anyway, once Weston realizes his true mate creates the substances, the rug is pulled out from underneath him. Finding a true mate is rare, but Weston is a man of honor and duty, so he knows what he must do, no matter the personal cost to him. Watching them struggle together, knowing their circumstances, but unable to deny the pull of the mate bond, is 🔥🥵! Tropes: ✨ Dark and spicy romantasy ✨ Not too triggering for dark romance ✨ Enemies to hate effing to lovers ✨ Førced proximity ✨ One bed/horse/tent ✨ Kn🪢tting ✨ Dőminant alpha ✨ Smart, sassy FMC ✨ True mates (but she doesn't know) ✨ Extra spice, but with plot ✨ Prįmal play ✨ Touch her and ☠️ ✨ Banter ✨ Fairytale retelling for adults ✨ Wolf shifters ✨ Abűse recovery ✨ Hilarious side characters Their journey is heartbreaking, sweet, terrifying, tragic, and hilarious... and so many other words. K.F. Breene knows how to entrance readers and she writes in such a way that makes it easy to lose yourself in the story. These are the kind of characters that live in your head rent free. This story is phenomenal and I cannot wait until book 2 comes out. So seriously, go grab yourself ACOC and join in the debauchery. You won't regret it. Cheers!

Hot, overbearing Alpha - ✔️ Kn0tting - ✔️ Spice - ✔️ ✅️ ✔️ Awesome storyline - ✔️ ACOC is officially my new favorite shifter series. I do love shifter books, but I feel like they can become a bit repetitive. But no, not this one! KF Breene is a master at creating unique, complex characters and telling a story I can't get enough of! Not only is the spice out of this world (and quick to start), but the story is completely engrossing. The MMC Alpha (Weston) is delicious and intriguing. The FMC (Aurelia) was strong and resilient. Move this to the top of your TBR - you will not be disappointed!