In Book 2 of the Twisted Crown Trilogy, Elara must navigate a court filled with deceit, assassination attempts and dangerous alliances. She knows in order to survive, she must make a bargain to marry King Cai of Norrandale. With enemies closing in on every side and the threat of war looming on the horizon, Elara has to figure out how much she is willing to risk to ensure the fate of her kingdom, without her heart getting destroyed in the process.

You definitely need to have read the first book in the series, before you read this one. I admit I had forgotten a lot of the first book, and had to do a refresher course before I could really get into this one. Once I did, I really started to enjoy this one. This is not just your run-of-the-mill fairytale. Not only is there the potential love match, but there is also a lot of intrigue, court politics, fighting & drama. If you love fantasy fiction, then you should definitely check this series out.

Crown of Hearts by Leane Giliomee is book two in the Twisted Crown trilogy and If you haven't read the first book of this series, you'll want to stop reading here because I can't promise not to give anything away for that one.

This book picks up shortly after book one left off. Elara is now Queen but she is still surrounded by danger and deceit. She quickly realizes that the only way she will be able to keep her throne and kingdom safe is to marry and while things didn't necessarily end well with Cai when he went back to Norrandale, he's really the only one she wants to consider so after another failed assassination, she makes the journey to him to try to convince him to marry her.

Cai is now King and he's still trying to find his way. When Elara shows up asking him to marry her, he knows there is more at stake than just their feelings. He has to take into account their kingdoms and the threats that surround them both and when he and Elara find out that her missing sister happens to be in the kingdom of their biggest threat, they decide to chance it and go get her.

A lot happens in this installment but I don't want to give anything away. There is quite a bit of character growth though for both Cai and Elara because they can't just think about what they want anymore and I think Elara struggles with that more than Cai just because of how she grew up. There were some great secondary characters that helped to move the story along as well - Rhen, Jack, Ray, Anesta...they all had a roll to play.

If you're looking for a book with some action, romance, and royal politics you might enjoy this one. I will say with the ending, Giliomee has me wondering what is going to happen next (no I'm not telling you what happened) so I'm definitely going to be picking up the next book when I can.

The second book in the Twisted Crown Trilogy, Crown of Hearts further explores the relationship between Elara and Cai, now the queen and king of their respective countries which share a neighbouring border. Rebellion, betrayal and the threat of invasion colour the majority of the story along with the primary narrative of Elara's need to marry.

The writing has an enjoyably simple young adult feel and the story is fairly short for this genre, however, the first two-thirds felt a little slow. The narrative really picks up in the final third and becomes much more interesting with plenty of action, although this is often skimmed past a little too quickly and could be delved into in more detail. Unfortunately, the 'baddie' seemed incredibly obvious to me, which was disappointing. I was hoping for a twist, and to be taken by surprise.

I am still looking forward to the final book in the trilogy, and discovering the conclusion of the story.

Thanks to NetGalley, Joffe and Leané Giliomee for the ARC, this is my honest opinion.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC!

This is the second book in the Twisted Crowns trilogy, and it was such a quick, easy, and engaging read. Following Elara—who went from commoner to Queen of Evenness—it’s safe to say this is a serious glow-up!

What to Expect:

👑 Political Intrigue & Strategy – Elara’s reign isn’t exactly smooth sailing, and marriage seems like her best shot at securing her throne. Enter King Cai of Norrandale—a potential ally with a shared enemy in King Aries. Their best political move? A strategic marriage.

🔥 Banter & Chemistry – Elara and Cai’s dynamic is so entertaining. Their snarky exchanges had me hooked, and their chemistry? Absolutely on fire.

⚔️ Action-Packed Plot – The pages are full of adventure, betrayals, and high-stakes decisions that kept me reading late into the night. The pacing picks up significantly in the second half, making for an explosive ending!

🏡 Found Family Vibes – Jack, Rhen, Cordelia, and Ray are back, bringing warmth and loyalty to the story. But brace yourselves—there are some heart-wrenching losses along the way.

Final Thoughts:

While I enjoyed the story, the first half felt a little slow and lacking depth, especially in character development. That being said, the plot and tension kept me hooked, and the ending delivered in a big way! If you love romantasy with political intrigue, sizzling romance, and action-packed adventure, this is worth picking up.

⭐ 3.5 stars!

#TwistedCrowns #Romantasy #PoliticalIntrigue #BookReview #FantasyReads #ARCReview

The second book picks up where we left off with Cai and Elana over seeing theirs kingdoms. They both have to work to mend their heartbreak as they rule their kingdoms. However, love comes at a cost.

This was a fast paced sequel that was easy and fun to read. I enjoyed Elara and Cais hesitant re-alliance as they fight their common enemy. I enjoyed the spicy scenes and felt that they were in good taste.

I almost wish that this book was a bit longer, so some portions of the story could be more flushed out. But that was my main gripe.

Thanks to Netgally and Leanne for the e-arc!

this was a strong sequel in the Twisted Crowns Trilogy series, it had that element that I enjoyed from the first book. The characters had that element that I was looking for and enjoyed from the first page. It was everything that I was hoping for and was glad I was able to read this. Leané Giliomee has a strong style and was glad I got to read this.

I love the Twisted Crown series . It keeps my attention and it's very well written. I love the cover as well as the plot. I definitely recommend reading Crown of Hearts by Leané Giliomee.

A Romantasy Adventure across the Kingdoms

Thank you NetGalley and Joffe Books for access to the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This is the second book in the Twisted Crowns Trilogy. A quick, easy read following Elara who is now Queen of Evenness.

Elara’s reign is fraught with difficulties from all sides and marriage looks like the only option to secure her throne. One possibility is to see if her old friend, King Cai from Norrandale, would consider marriage to align their Kingdoms. Elara embarks on a journey to explore this option and once there, discovers that they also have a mutual antagonist, King Aries from a neighbouring Kingdom.

The pages are full of action and adventure and a most enjoyable read. Liane has a way of engaging you with the characters and taking you on their journey with them. I found the characters relatable and what they lacked in depth, Liane made up with storyline. I couldn’t wait to turn the pages, reading into the night.

If you enjoy Romantasy, then give this a read. A good 3 star by the end of the book, although, as before, the first half always seems to be slightly lacking but ends up with a bang!

Go on, give it a read! Recommended and looking forward to the next one.

Just finished "Crown of Hearts" by Leané Giliomee, and let me tell you, it's a wild ride! 🚀 If you're into fierce queens, brooding kings, and courtly drama, this one's for you. 👑🔥

So, Elara's back, and she's not playing around. Raised as a commoner, now ruling a kingdom? Talk about a glow-up! 🌟 But ruling isn't all tiaras and tea parties. She's dodging assassins, navigating shady alliances, and oh, did I mention the looming war? 😬

Enter King Cai of Norrandale. Their solution? Marriage. 💍 Because nothing says "political strategy" like "Please marry me because there simply isn't anyone else." 😂 The banter between these two is top-tier. And their chemistry? FIRE 🔥🔥🔥

Cai's grandma drops some wisdom, which I'm sure will be revealed to be relevant somewhere down the line: "Pretty things can be dangerous, you know." 👵💬 And Lance? He's back, showing some redeeming qualities, hugging his sister when she most needs it: "In the end, I suppose, we were all only human." Still, he's so... Lance. 🙄

Expect betrayals, sizzling tension, and our fave found family vibes with Jack, Rhen, Cordelia, and Ray. But brace yourselves—there are also some heart-wrenching losses woven throughout this story. 💔

Already counting down to "Once Upon a Crown." June can't come fast enough! 📅 If you're into "Throne of Glass" or "The Cruel Prince," this series is a must-read. 🌟

Thank you Net Galley

This was an amazing second book in the series!

I really loved the romance in this relationship and the character development was so good!

I cant wait for the next book!

This took me a little while because it's the second book in the series. If you don't read the first you will be lost. The book is a good cliche fae story. I don't know if I would categorize it with all the big names it was listed with but overall it was decent.

I was really excited to read the second book in this series after having read and reviewed the first.

But, I feel like this was verry different to the first book. Which I do understand - this is the second book etc but I was hoping for a lot more action etc.

We follow on from the first book with Lara (Elara) now the crowned Queen of Everness, and Cai the crowned King of Norrandale. They are brought back together to try and bring peace to their kingdoms.

I feel as though the first book in this series had a lot more action and Robin Hood vibes, whereas this book was more of a slower love story.

There is minimal spice, and the storyline was very slow and I felt did jump a lot between chapters.

Although I wasn't 100% sold with this book I am still keen to read the third book in this series to see what eventuates.

This book was a nice second book to this whole series. I would definitely recommend this book to library’s or book stores towards young adults readers. I loved the twists and turns in this book, while keeping the magic of the lands and keeping the humor and charm of these stories. I also love the cover, which keeps the theme of the book. Very interesting ending, which made me want the author to quickly write a third.

Being the Masked Bandit of Evenness was hard, but being Queen of Evenness is even harder.

I loved If The Crown Fits and was so excited to have the opportunity to read Crown of Hearts.. Cai and Elara are still dealing with unrest, with the appearance of a new antagonist, King Aries from a neighbouring kingdom. If the last book had the feel of a heist, this one has a bit of a comedy of errors, with two people who are in love with each other, but can't quite get it together. I couldn't put the book down, and I kept screaming at the them to just be honest with each other! I also really enjoyed getting to see Elara's brother Lance again. Is he amoral? Yes. Incredibly entertaining? Also yes. I loved seeing these two near strangers navigate their relationships as siblings. Watching Elara learning who to trust, and that the world is perhaps less black and white than she thought, is incredibly entertaining.

The one thing I wish we had gotten to see more of is Elara's relationship with her ladies in waiting. They were prominent parts of the book, but we got to know them little beyond their relationship ambitions - I would have really enjoyed getting to know a bit more about who they were and their worldviews.

I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves romantasy novels with a softer bent.

Thank you NetGalley, Joffe Books and Leane Giliomee for an e-arc of this book.

This is the second book in the Twisted Crowns trilogy. It continues the story of Elara and Cai as they navigate their new realities, which they were thrown into at the end of book one. There are more secrets, more court politics, and more betrayals… It is fast-paced, and I read it within 24 hours. There is a twist at the end, and we are left wondering what will come next for our characters.

Looking forward to book 3 - “Once Upon a Crown”

Spice: 0.25/5
Language: 0/5
Favorite character: Elara
Favorite Side character: Rhen
Favorite quotes:
“Whatever happens, promise me you’ll stay alive,” he said. “As long as you promise the same.”

“War could take what it wanted from me, but it could not take him.”

“I could be romantic.”
“Oh, could you now?”

WHATTTTTTTTT!!!!!

Thank you to NetGalley for blessing me with a copy of this book! I have to admit, I found out it was the 2nd in the series so OF COUSE I had to devour the first one!

What a damn cliff hanger! My heart, my mind… Thatcher was Cai’s best friend! And now I’m left wondering… is Gwen now to marry Aries?? Was Thatcher promised the throne while he carts his sister off to solidify his power?

My only complaint, is that I wish there was a little more smut! But other than that, well done! Well done!

Brilliant second instalment in the series, picks up straight after the first book and the drama continues.

The second book shows real character development which is brilliant to see, especially in the political climate the book is based in.

I loved seeing the relationship develop too, in the best way, The spice could have been spicier BUT it was refreshing to read a romantasy that isn’t solely based on the spice.

The ending though?! I hope we don’t have to wait too long for the next book!

Fast pace fantasy sequel in the Twisted Crowns trilogy with a cliffhanger in the end. Major character developments for the main characters in the novel. Looking forward to the next one.

4⭐️
1🌶️

Thank you NetGalley and Joffe Books for an e-arc of this book. I am thankful to have received e-arcs for both books 1 & 2 of this series so far!

This is how I will start…..Leane, whyyyyyyy???? 😭 you wound me with that ending!!!!

This is book 2 of the Twisted Crowns Trilogy and follows Elara and Cai as they both navigate their new worlds of becoming monarchs of their respective kingdoms. Each heartbroken of how they left off (at the end of book 1), we follow their journey back to each other, even if still hesitantly. Politics get in their way as alliances, marriages, and war looms in every corner. And an old enemy of Cai’s makes himself known across the sea. Elara and Cai’s love battle it out within themselves to find out if love can conquer their own fears of not living up to their duties to their kingdoms.

I did read this book in less than 24 hours. It’s a good, face-paced story without a whole ton of useless fluff you see in a lot of books. I love the story, but I do wish the spice was a bit more spicy. I don’t need a ton in order to enjoy a story but I feel like I worked all the way up to it and didn’t get the reward I was hoping. Spicy/steamy scenes can be done without being too raunchy but I felt this was lacking and I wanted it to push juuuust a bit more, which was disappointing because I love the story and the characters.

I liked the development of Elara and Cai with their friends and family of their own. I felt we got to know not only more about the side characters, but Elara and Cai too. The witty banter between Elara and Cai wasn’t there as much as book 1, but you got it more with their interactions with the side characters.

Overall, I enjoyed the book and can’t wait for the third one! I really appreciate a publisher/author that doesn’t make you wait a year plus for the next book. It’s been a good amount of spacing.