Rings of Fate (Deluxe Limited Edition) by Melissa de la Cruz
on January 6, 2026
Genres: Fiction / Fantasy / Humorous, Fiction / Fantasy / Romance, Fiction / Romance / Fantasy
Pages: 512
Format: Hardcover
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Aren Bellamore has no interest in being anyone’s princess. She’s too busy running the Raven’s Beak tavern, fending off unwanted marriage proposals, and dreaming of escape. But when a brush with death and a dangerously handsome stranger upend her life, Aren finds herself bound to a bargain that could change everything.
Prince Dietan has carried the cursed Rings of Fate—ancient weapons of devastating power—since childhood. The magic is killing him, and the enemies are closing in. To make the journey to reverse his curse, he needs a bride to hide his secrets. Aren wants freedom. Pretending to be his fiancée should give them both what they want.
But as their perilous journey pits them against political schemes, monstrous Kilandrar, and a growing attraction neither can deny, the line between make-believe and destiny begins to blur. And the fate of two kingdoms may depend on whether a cynical barmaid and a cursed prince are willing to risk their hearts.
What could possibly go wrong when a snarky, sharped tongue barmaid meets a handsome, cursed prince? Absolutely everything that you could think of.
This was exactly as I expected—fast paced, light, not too heavy on magic or world building. It’s perfect for those who are looking for something that reads like a fairytale, but one where he needs to be saved vs the damsel in distress. This is a slow burn with good but silly banter done in a perfect comedic timing.
I would rate this book a 4 out of 5 because its emotional core and clever dialogue carried me through the story with genuine joy, even as the worldbuilding and stakes kept me turning pages. The relationship felt grounded, the fantasy felt imaginative, and Aren’s growth is something I will remember long after finishing. If you love characters whose journeys teach them about courage, belonging, and the surprising forms that love can take, this book offers a generous and satisfying experience.
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