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A Court This Cruel and Lovely (Kingdom of Lies Book 1) Kindle Edition

by Stacia Stark (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
Goodreads Choice Award nominee
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For fantasy romance readers who love Raven Kennedy, Amanda Bouchet, and Carissa Broadbent. This slow burn, enemies-to-lovers series will enchant you…

For years, when I fell asleep, I dreamed of a man with blazing green eyes and a cruel smile.

The day I meet him, the ruthless mercenary leaves me for dead.

Just hours after humans are born, the gods take what little power we have. In return, they protect our borders from the vicious, merciless fae.

The humans who manage to keep their power are known as the corrupt.
And they are burned.

When my forbidden power is discovered, I’m forced to flee my tiny village and the life I adore.

To survive, I make a desperate bargain with the mercenary who abandoned me at my weakest.

Our deal is simple: I’ll help him and his mysterious friends sneak into the city. And he’ll help me learn to wield the strange, dark power I’ve always kept hidden. The power that may just be the key to my survival.

But the ruthless mercenary is hiding secrets of his own. Secrets that threaten the safety of everyone I love. Secrets that could tear this kingdom—and perhaps even this world—apart.

Please note: A Court This Cruel and Lovely is an NA/adult romantasy book with steam. While this series is slow burn, the chili pepper rating will increase for each book.

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  1. Book 1 of 4
    Kingdom of Lies
  2. Print length
    562 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Sticky notes
    On Kindle Scribe
  5. Publication date
    March 24, 2023
  6. File size
    4861 KB
  7. Page Flip
    Enabled
  8. Word Wise
    Enabled
  9. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
  10. See all details
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Total Price: $23.96
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Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Tim Paige is an audiobook narrator and voice actor who has worked on numerous projects ranging from bestselling books to video games and documentaries. Passionate about bringing stories to life, he believes that they're an opportunity to escape from reality (or to find a new lens with which to view it). Formerly a touring musician, he has played on some of the biggest stages in the world, including MTV's TRL. A husband and father, he is a bit obsessed with all things Disney and Marvel.

Stacia Stark is the author of the Deals with Demons series, the Kingdom of Lies series, and the Bargains with Beasts series. When not writing fantasy romance, she's usually either traveling, enjoying a cocktail, or curled up on the sofa with a book in her hand. Originally from New Zealand, she currently lives in Chicago, which she adores during the summer and tolerates (or flees) during the winter.

Meg Sylvan is a renowned audiobook narrator based in New York City. When not narrating, she enjoys hiking mountains, baking cookies, gardening, and appeasing fluffy cats.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0BWX1LY33
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ (March 24, 2023)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ March 24, 2023
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 4861 KB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Sticky notes ‏ : ‎ On Kindle Scribe
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 562 pages
  • Customer Reviews:

About the author

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Stacia Stark

Stacia Stark

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Stacia Stark is a fantasy romance author who loves writing about found families, self-reliant heroines, and brooding, grumpy heroes.

Originally from New Zealand, Stacia spent over a decade traveling and living in various countries around the world as a freelance copywriter, and attributes both her wanderlust and creativity to those adventures.

When not traveling or writing, Stacia is usually lost in the pages of a good book.

Come say hi on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/starksociety

Or learn more at Staciastark.com

Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
4.5 out of 5
15,833 global ratings

Customers say

Customers find the world building great. They also love the characters, mentioning they are strong, loyal, and committed. Readers describe the book as a good read with an interesting plot. Opinions are mixed on readability and pacing, with some finding it wonderful and entertaining, while others find it hard to follow.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

Select to learn more
PlotWriting and contentCharactersWorld buildingEngagementCharacter loyaltyReadabilityPacing
174 customers mention "Plot"157 positive17 negative

Customers find the plot interesting, epic, and tight. They also appreciate the surprises around every page, constant twists, and turns. Readers also appreciate good storytelling with a good amount of romance and spice.

"...a fantastic world full of vibrantly developed characters, a brilliantly crafted plot, and perfect pacing...." Read more

"...The cliffhanger is good, which made me invested in this series!..." Read more

"...Soooo sooo good. Characters are exceptional, plot is fantastic and enjoyable. On to book 2!" Read more

"...Of course, the story ends on a cliffhanger and you'll immediately want to dive into the next book...actually review over I'm going to read book two!" Read more

129 customers mention "Writing and content"129 positive0 negative

Customers find the writing and content entertaining, promising, and worth it. They also say the series is phenomenal from start to finish.

"...I would encourage readers to start it anyway. Not only is it incredibly worth it, but you'll find that everything building in the beginning of Book..." Read more

"...I wanted to be a part of it. They are loyal, protective, and fun to be around 😂..." Read more

"...Soooo sooo good. Characters are exceptional, plot is fantastic and enjoyable. On to book 2!" Read more

"...building wasn’t hard to understand or follow which made this an enjoyable read. I loved the characters and the schemes that occurred...." Read more

98 customers mention "Characters"91 positive7 negative

Customers find the characters in the book hilarious.

"...has been masterfully woven into a fantastic world full of vibrantly developed characters, a brilliantly crafted plot, and perfect pacing...." Read more

"...Soooo sooo good. Characters are exceptional, plot is fantastic and enjoyable. On to book 2!" Read more

"...I enjoyed the story it was well paced and the characters all well written...." Read more

"...I loved the characters and the schemes that occurred. The dual POV was amazing and the ending has me dying for more!..." Read more

46 customers mention "World building"46 positive0 negative

Customers find the world building in the book great, unique, and magic. They also say the realistic female lead shows incredible growth throughout the story. Readers also say that the world-building is very digestible and easy to follow.

"...I loved every second of it and, truly enjoyed the detailed world building...." Read more

"...I loved the characters, magic and world building...." Read more

"...Some secrets are absolutely devastating; some awe inspiring...." Read more

"I love Stacia Stark. She creates the BEST worlds and I always love her characters. Plot is always amazing...." Read more

19 customers mention "Engagement"15 positive4 negative

Customers find the book enthralling, keeps them on their toes, and bearable. They also describe the book as wonderful, twisty, and succulent.

"...With the constant twists and turns, it kept me engaged and I’m excited to continue the series." Read more

"...Spice level 2 , I’m not complaining at all about that. It was bearable. I can’t wait to find out what happens next🤩🤩..." Read more

"This was such an addictive and fascinating book. I would definitely recommend taking the time to jump into this world." Read more

"...the romance and honestly any relationship in this book was not fully there for me...." Read more

14 customers mention "Character loyalty"14 positive0 negative

Customers find the character loyalty in the book strong, loyal, and committed.

"...I wanted to be a part of it. They are loyal, protective, and fun to be around 😂..." Read more

"...With two powerful main Characters and many strong supporting ones. You can’t help but Love and Admire their fight … What an ending...." Read more

"...I loved Lorian and Prisca's tension and banter. This story was so well put together and an exciting read...." Read more

"...She is also fiercely loyal and protective of those she cares about...." Read more

55 customers mention "Readability"32 positive23 negative

Customers are mixed about the readability. Some mention that the characters and overall it's wonderfully written, and the words flow. Others say that the writing is meh at first, rushed, messy, and hard to follow. They also say the dialogue is too much in line with today's world, and that the journey getting there was rough.

"...Even from the start, the pace is still solid and superbly written." Read more

"I'm glad that this had a good story line because sometimes the writing felt a little, I don't know, immature?..." Read more

"...having high expectations for this book, I found it to be an easy and enjoyable read!Prisca - FMC, brave, resilient, & independent..." Read more

"...However, the last 2 chapters just seemed so rushed, messy, and hard to follow." Read more

38 customers mention "Pacing"21 positive17 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the pacing of the book. Some find it perfect, with a great storyline and flow, while others say it's incredibly slow.

"...I enjoyed the story it was well paced and the characters all well written...." Read more

"...I will note that some readers might feel this series takes a while to get going, specifically Book 1. I would encourage readers to start it anyway...." Read more

"Non-stop action, slow burn romance, surprises around every page. It was a wild ride and I’m ready for the next one!" Read more

"Started a little slow, but before I knew it I couldn't put it down. Then couldn't wait to pick it back up." Read more

WELL worth the purchase of both the audio AND the book
5 out of 5 stars
WELL worth the purchase of both the audio AND the book
The audio book: Fantastic. Both narrators kept me on the edge of my seat and completely enthralled.The book: Arrived on time and exactly as pictured.The content: Well thought out magic system, great world building, characters that have well constructed back stories and development, enemies to lovers, banter that made me laugh, and a dash of spice but not so much spice that it takes over the entire plot. I had such a great time listening to the audio book that I bought physical copies too.The cons: the 4th book isn't out yet. The 3rd in the series ended on a massive cliffhanger and I have a might need to know what happens next!The extra surprise: look under the dust cover. Hardcovers are rarely lovely under their dust covers. This series looks lovely on a shelf together without their dust covers.My thoughts: Honestly, I found myself enjoying this series WAY more than ACOTAR. Better writing and editing, and more balance between between the story and the spice. 10/10 freaking loved this series and I can't wait for the next one.
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Top reviews from the United States

Jen G.
5.0 out of 5 stars Start this series! You won't regret it.
Reviewed in the United States on March 21, 2024
Verified Purchase
This series has sunk its claws into me deeply. Stacia Stark has placed herself on the top shelf of fiction writers with this series. Every ingredient you could want has been masterfully woven into a fantastic world full of vibrantly developed characters, a brilliantly crafted plot, and perfect pacing. This book will ensure you stay up way too late, greedily turning every page, while it keeps you on the edge of your seat. Huzzah, and well done!
* I will note that some readers might feel this series takes a while to get going, specifically Book 1. I would encourage readers to start it anyway. Not only is it incredibly worth it, but you'll find that everything building in the beginning of Book 1 is critical to the character and plot development. Trust me, you'll appreciate it all the more as you continue. Even from the start, the pace is still solid and superbly written.
19 people found this helpful
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Christylynz
4.0 out of 5 stars An Enjoyable Read!
Reviewed in the United States on May 29, 2024
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✨Romantasy
✨Fae vs Human
✨Enemies to lovers
✨Slow Burn
✨Dual Pov
✨One Horse

I was surprised not to have come across this series on BookTok (perhaps I was on the wrong side of TikTok🤷🏻‍♀️). Despite not having high expectations for this book, I found it to be an easy and enjoyable read!

Prisca - FMC, brave, resilient, & independent
Lorian - grumpy, possessive, & arrogant

It was fun to immerse myself in both Prisca and Lorian’s perspectives. It allowed me to connect with both of them and witness their growth (especially Prisca!).

The chemistry between these two 🥵🥵

I absolutely LOVE Lorian’s circle! I wanted to be a part of it. They are loyal, protective, and fun to be around 😂

The cliffhanger is good, which made me invested in this series!
2 people found this helpful
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Ashley M McCoy
5.0 out of 5 stars I couldn't put it down!
Reviewed in the United States on June 14, 2024
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I read this book in 2 days, I could not stop reading it. I am hardly patient enough to write this review so I can start the next book. Soooo sooo good. Characters are exceptional, plot is fantastic and enjoyable. On to book 2!
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The risqué reader
5.0 out of 5 stars 1000/10 such a perfect jump into fantasy
Reviewed in the United States on June 22, 2024
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For the first time in months I dabbled into fantasy and can I just say this book absolutely delivered.

Prisca is a hybrid, who has been lied to her entire life. At a young age was kidnapped and, her birth parents killed while her kidnappers erased her memories because they thought she was the key to something that has yet to be resolved. Her entire life when the king would come to the village to strip away their powers until they were 25 she feared being caught by the guard or revealed that she still had power before she was 25. Her entire life and history of who she is, is a lie. She finds her self on the run and, at the hands of a group of 5 men who are just regular ole mercenaries right ? No.
Lorien and his companions are FAE, the people prisca were taught to hate because “ they destroyed their entire lives 100s of years ago”
Lorien is broody and, instantly obsessed with Pris, but is enraged that he cares about her and wants to see her survive. He’s willing to do what it takes to make sure she’s ok even if it means making her hate him. I love that he’s so touch her and die vibes 😍
There are still so many questions left to be answered. Why is Lorien FAE and why does prisca think he killed her ? Why did she dream of him for her entire life ! Are they Mates ? I don’t know if this books has fated mates but it would tie it all together so well if it did.
The tension in this book builds from the first time they lock eyes and continues to build till damn near the end of the book.
For being the first fantasy book I touched in so long this one for sure did the job. I loved every second of it and, truly enjoyed the detailed world building. It’s not over the top, nor is it to confusing the author executed it so well!
One person found this helpful
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MandyLynn
4.0 out of 5 stars Surprisingly good
Reviewed in the United States on May 13, 2024
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This book shocked me with how much I liked it.
I enjoyed the story it was well paced and the characters all well written.
Of course, the story ends on a cliffhanger and you'll immediately want to dive into the next book...actually review over I'm going to read book two!
3 people found this helpful
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Catie McCrillis
5.0 out of 5 stars immediately starting book 2
Reviewed in the United States on May 16, 2024
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4.5/5 stars. 1.5/5 spice
Woah this book was so wild in the best possible way. Plus the slow burn tension was everything. I loved the characters, magic and world building. Everything was so unique and the actual world building wasn’t hard to understand or follow which made this an enjoyable read. I loved the characters and the schemes that occurred. The dual POV was amazing and the ending has me dying for more!
Prisca has forbidden magic and is forced to hide it in order to stay safe but with one event she is now on the run to stay alive. She strikes a deal with a mercenary, help him sneak into the city in exchange for teacher her to harness her power. But so many lies have yet to be uncovered and so much deceit has yet to be found. This book has so much to offer and I can’t wait to dive into book 2
One person found this helpful
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Ben Wansley
3.0 out of 5 stars Solid
Reviewed in the United States on July 7, 2024
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I enjoyed the world building and plot of this story.

The characters were great and amusing esp the banter between the two leads. However the sex scenes felt clunky.
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Noetical
5.0 out of 5 stars Duel POV Romantasy: Excellent Series Start
Reviewed in the United States on June 19, 2024
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If you like well written Romantasy books this one’s for you.
My favorite elements:
• Kick ass heroine, with superb growth arc
• Enemies to lovers trope
• Mysterious background trope
• Super hot chemistry between main characters
• Male POV during key moments
• Complex character development
• Made me laugh and cry

This is the first book in the series. It ends with a resolution to the current plot arc but, you’ll have to read the next book to see what happens to the main characters. Fortunately, the series is complete, as the fourth and final book was just released. In other words, no waiting for the next book to come out. Highly recommended.
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Top reviews from other countries

jkw
5.0 out of 5 stars Read this series now
Reviewed in Canada on March 18, 2024
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Do yourself a favour and READ THIS SERIES RIGHT NOW! This book helped me recover from my iron flame hangover. This is literally the perfect romantacy book!!! If you want enemies to lovers, strong female lead characters, morally grey male characters, witty banter, amazing side characters who you will love with all your heart then this is the friggen book series for you!!! I love this series (dying now that I have to wait for the last book coming out in May) and it has a world that is unique and different and the book itself always kept me entertained and guessing what would happen next. Please….just read this series!!
One person found this helpful
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Marta
5.0 out of 5 stars enthralling
Reviewed in Spain on May 16, 2024
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Lorian character is not one of my favourite to bossy sor my liking but the story is so well tell put together I’ve loved all the characters even the secondary ones. Can’t wait to start the second book.
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Julie🕊️Books.and.chocolat3📚
5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing !
Reviewed in France on November 26, 2023
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𝐼’𝑑 𝑡𝑜𝑙𝑑 ℎ𝑒𝑟 𝑠ℎ𝑒 𝑤𝑎𝑠 𝑚𝑖𝑛𝑒, 𝑏𝑢𝑡 𝑠ℎ𝑒 ℎ𝑎𝑑𝑛’𝑡 𝑡𝑟𝑢𝑙𝑦 𝑎𝑐𝑐𝑒𝑝𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝑖𝑡. 𝑆𝑜𝑜𝑛, 𝑠ℎ𝑒 𝑤𝑜𝑢𝑙𝑑 𝑙𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑛 𝑒𝑥𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑙𝑦 𝑤ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝑚𝑒𝑎𝑛𝑡.

🥀 Enemies(ish) to lovers/ Hate to love
🥀 Slow Burn
🥀 Faes/ hybrids/ humans
🥀 One horse
🥀 Secret identities
🥀 Power/Magic
🥀 Touch her and ..
🥀 Found Family

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Who hid this book from me ?
How is it possible I didn’t hear about this series until a few days ago ?

It was so so good !!
The more I read, the more I fell in love…
The world building was perfect, i pictured everything easily without being overwhelmed by information.

I loved Prisca , she grows throughout the book and is becoming more feral. She is endearing, fierce, loyal and smart .
Lorian is your typical favorite book boyfriend, brooding, bloodthirsty, possessive, mysterious..
and with the found family trope we meet good secondary characters, and I loved everyone.

Very good plot, the writing hooked me from the beginning, and I struggled to put my kindle down ..

The romance is a delicious slow burn , full of tension ..
Nice cliffhanger.. I’m jumping in the sequel right away ..
I highly recommend it.
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Bers
5.0 out of 5 stars Romantasy at it’s best
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 23, 2024
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The main thing I look for when finding a new author/series is whether I would read it again. I know not everyone likes to re-read, some even need years before picking up a story again to give them time to forget. But I need a book and its characters to be so engaging that I want to read the book again as soon as I’m finished. I miss them and their world, they become my companions and comfort. I find extras I missed the first time around because I gobbled the words up too quickly, each read brings something new.

A Court This Cruel and Lovely, the first in the Kingdom of Lies series, is this for me and more.

Stacia Stark has created a world both familiar and new, with many a romantasy staple sprinkled throughout to draw in the ‘enemies to lovers/forced proximity/one horse’ crowd…of which I am a proud card carrying member.
The world building is clear and easy to follow, giving the reader just enough to keep them intrigued without bogging down in too much detail.
The characters are *chefs kiss*, nuanced and varied, funny and infuriating, lovable and heart wrenching.
Prisca is the female main character, the book opens with her trying to hide in plain site, suppressing her abilities in a world that does not accept or appreciate power of any kind being bestowed upon the ‘unworthy’. The story follows her as she learns more about her heritage and her own abilities.
Admittedly this isn’t a new journey for an FMC to embark on, and as a tall dark haired woman of the curvier persuasion, Prisca being small and fair haired does rankle a little, however I cannot help but love her as an individual. She is spicy and feisty, and entirely relatable in her inability to let go of a slight. Her progression and growth throughout this first book is enjoyable to follow.
Lorian as the main male character is everything I could want in a book boyfriend and more. He is ruthless and 100% morally grey at times, he makes cutthroat decisions and his methods are at times questionable - both of which Prisca falls foul of - but he is fiercely loyal to those close to him. As the reader learns more about Lorian and his history the decisions he makes and his need to push those he cares for to be the best version of themselves becomes clearer.

I am a fan of spice in fantasy books and there are a few scenes in this book, none of which are gratuitous. What I hugely approved of is that each scene was led by Prisca and for her, Lorian although aggressively male is very PROgressive when it comes to satisfying his woman.

A Court This Cruel and Lovely also contains many a lovely side character who are integral in the main characters journey, adding to the story and creating a family that the reader cannot help but love.

Overall, I cannot recommend this book enough. It follows in the footsteps of many a Romantasy book before it, but has enough uniqueness and individuality that it has become one of my ultimate favourites.
I am hooked by the world Stacia Stark has created and I don’t want to leave it.
Bullying my book bestie in to abandoning her worryingly unstable TBR pile to read this series is the highest compliment I can pay it. Please jump on the Prisca and Lorian train, it’s a ride well worth it.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
5 people found this helpful
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C. Scholze
5.0 out of 5 stars Masterpiece
Reviewed in Germany on September 16, 2023
Verified Purchase
OMG I loved it!!! I love the story, I love the characters, I love the bickering between them. It is so well written. I am obsessed! I can't wait for more... Hopefully it will be November soon.

I definitely recommend it!
One person found this helpful
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