This book was *so* close to being perfect. So! Freaking! CLOSE!

The opening? Electric. I was immediately hooked and loved trying to guess what was going on: I had those nagging suspicions that ended up paying off later in the most satisfying ways, without getting lost in red herrings or waiting too long to be reveals. It had an almost “whodunnit” quality in its first third, and I was thoroughly entertained piecing the clues together. The tension was unreal. I was literally on the edge of my seat, heart pounding during those intense scenes. By the time I hit the 40% mark, I was so invested I could barely breathe. The mystery and political schemes were hands-down my favorite parts.

But. And it’s a big *but.*

The romances (plural) from 50% to about 75% were really tough to get through. Spoilers ahead-skip this if you haven’t read the book!

Beau is just terrible at communicating and handling a polyamorous relationship. Within 24 hours of saying he’d abdicate the throne and run away with Elias (and having sex with him), he gets engaged, then married, and then immediately jumps into bed with Penny. It felt way too much like cheating, and it was really hard to read. I get what the author was trying to accomplish: since one relationship had moved forward, the other had to catch up rapidly to keep them on equal footing. Plus, with Penny probably being pregnant, the wedding had to happen before conception to make any future claims to the throne legitimate. But Penny is such a strong character from the start that her change of heart just didn’t feel believable. I could buy her warming up to Beau after realizing she was wrong about him, but her falling for him and hopping into bed right away? Ew. Also, I just couldn’t buy that the islanders would be thrilled about Beau marrying some random girl who just burst through the door, especially after haggling Elias and Beau about their assumed marriage. The book tries so hard to gaslight readers into thinking it's all normal, but it just didn’t land for me.

That whole portion of the book dedicated to Beau having sex was just… rough. I’ll definitely reread this book when the sequels come out (because I TRULY LOVED IT), but I’ll certainly be skipping that entire part. It doesn’t really progress the main plot, and honestly, the full-body cringe it gave me had me worried I'd pull a muscle.

Also, if you're expecting a polycule (à la *Iron Widow*), know that this is not what this book is going for at all. Elias and Penny have this cold, distant respect for each other, but absolutely zero chemistry. Sure, they each think the other is attractive or smart, but their only real interest is in Beau and what he wants. When all three of them end up in bed together, it’s just so awkward. I was honestly relieved that scene got interrupted. Don’t get me wrong, the actual smut is well-written, but imagining Elias and Penny together just makes me recoil intensely.

All of these complaints could be avoided with minor adjustments: add a few cordial scenes between Elias and Penny while at court, have them share a few moments of camaraderie or vulnerability after the wedding. Even if the end goal isn't to have a full polycule, their chemistry is so dead that it took away all of my excitement for Beau’s happiness. At this point, I don't want him to end up with them both...

As for the “cheating” feeling, just have Elias and Beau have a version of the discussion Elias and Penny had after the wedding night *before* the wedding happens. Don’t have Beau swing between his romantic interests like a pendulum. I liked the conversation they all had after the wedding night, but it was way too short and immediately overshadowed by another plot twist. It needed more time and depth.

On the magic system, the random lore drops, and all the plot threads left hanging: the book did a fantastic job at making me trust that it's in control. I believe that even the littlest detail will lead somewhere in the next books. Please don't disappoint me, I'm truly relying on you; my heart is in your hands! 🤭

All in all, I can’t wait for the sequels. I am genuinely enamored with this book, absolutely obsessed. I’ll just be writing fix-it fanfics in my head to patch up the romance, as I'm prone to do. It’s fine. It's part of the fun!

Thank you, NetGalley and Metaltail Press for sending me an ARC copy of this book.

This was my first introduction to the author and it absolutely did not disappoint. I NEED the next book in the series like right now. Please send it to me now!! I was so enthralled in this story that I just kept wanting to read more. I love the way the world was set up. The magic and how you learn more about the magic, the different secret societies and royalties was all so fascinating. Elias has a special place in my heart. I love him. He’s an absolute sweetheart!! The push and pull between Beau and Penny was great! Penny did have to get herself in my good graces. In the next book I’m hoping to see more of a relationship between Elias, Beau and Penny. I feel like we got glimpses of them in this book, but I want more in the next book!!

Was definitely expecting more. Not necessarily a bad reflection on the book itself.
I did enjoy this book overall, and there were moments and characters that made me stay and finish this book.
My favorites are the isles family. While reading some of the scenes you can feel how their hearts are filled with so much love, devotion and loyalty. That kind of bonds are one of my favorites in fantasy books and I wish we got more of them.
Loved the MC's development throughout the book. That scene with his mother towards the end is perfectly done. No spoilers, you must read it to understand my pride for him in that moment.
I have to say that El was not my favorite, something still feels off about him.
That brings me to why I rated the book this way, while there were good things about it, something still feels off. Like something was missing or like the story was not properly constructed. Still feel like there were more scenes we should've seen, more of the world and magic, while simultaneously some things could've been left out.
I feel like many will enjoy this book, but I don't think I will be continuing when the second one will come out.

Thank you Netgalley, the author and the publisher for this ARC opportunity ❤️

I absolutely LOVED this book! I'm not always a fan of fantasy, and when I do read fantasy I definitely lean more toward romantic fantasy, which this sort of was...? But there was so much more to this story than the romance--intrigue, adventure, action!

I particularly liked the political intrigue among the nobles. Often, especially in similar fantasy books, the politics goes way over my head. While I wouldn't say it was 'simple' in A King's Trust, you didn't need a poli-sci degree to understand what was happening. There were a lot of players but not so many nobles I couldn't keep track.

Of course, my absolute favourite part of the story is the romance between Beau, Elias and Penny. It was a beautiful written bisexual story and I thought it was handled so well. I could 100% see the chemistry between Beau and Elias AND Beau and Penny. I want to see more of Elias and Penny's dynamic/metamour/relationship when the sequel comes out.

One thing I was worried about when I started reading was that this is the first in a series. How long would I have to wait to find some sort of conclusion? While the story is definitely left open for more, this book ends in a satisfying end, that doesn't leave too many unanswered questions.

One of my favourite books of this year so far! Thank you for letting me read it!

"A King's Trust" is a captivating blend of fantasy, romance, and political intrigue that follows the journey of a reluctant prince thrust into the role of heir after his older brother's unexpected death. I was drawn into this richly crafted world, and it's a story that lingers after the final page.

This novel shines in its character-narrative, particularly through Prince Beau, a cinnamon roll of a protagonist who grapples with the weight of a crown he never wanted. Witty dialogue and heartfelt banter make the interactions between Beau, Elias, and Penny a highlight. With their borderline polyamorous relationship, the chemistry between the trio feels authentic, though Penny and Elias' dynamic could have been explored further to deepen the connection, or lack there of.

The world of Penamour is brimming with potential, with a unique magic system and political machinations that add depth to the story. The first 40% of the book focuses on the day-to-day life of castle politics, which might feel slow for some, but the sharp dialogue and character development kept me engaged.

Once the plot accelerates, it delivers a compelling arc of Beau's transformation into a leader, without relying on cliched world-threatening stakes. However, the pacing falters slightly toward the end, where major reveals and plot points about Beau's brother, Char, and other world-building earlier could have smoothed the narrative flow. Some offhand mentions of significant events left me wanting more context, particularly around the broader politicking in Penamour.

Despite these minor hiccups, "A King's Trust" is a delightful read that balances lightly spicy romance, royal drama, and a touch of magic. It's a promising start to a series, with plenty of threads left hanging for a sequel I'm eager to dive into. I recommend this to fans of character-focused fantasy with diverse representation.

S.E. McPherson’s A King's Trust completely stole my heart. From the very first page, I was drawn into a world that felt lush, vibrant, and brimming with magic. The emotional depth of the characters, particularly Beau, Elias, and Lady Penamour, made this story impossible to put down. Their relationships—complicated, tender, and ultimately powerful—felt incredibly authentic. I especially loved how McPherson explored vulnerability, loyalty, and self-acceptance through their evolving bond.

The prose is lyrical without ever being overwrought, and the pacing is handled with a sure hand. There’s just enough court intrigue and political tension to keep you turning pages, but the real strength lies in the character dynamics. Beau’s journey from reluctant prince to confident leader was believable and inspiring, while Elias and Lady Penamour added rich layers of conflict and support.

If I had to suggest an area for improvement, it would be the worldbuilding. While Athera feels beautiful and magical, at times I wished for a deeper look into its history, traditions, and magical systems. Certain political factions and cultural elements were mentioned but not fully fleshed out, and a little more background could have made the stakes feel even sharper.

That said, A King's Trust is a phenomenal start to a new series, delivering a heartfelt and magical story that lingers long after the last page. McPherson’s ability to write emotional intimacy, especially in a polyamorous relationship, is truly refreshing in fantasy. I can’t wait to see where she takes Beau, Elias, and Penamour next!

Let’s talk about this. This book made my chest hurt. I was anxious, happy, sad, frustrated, ecstatic and craving more. I can’t believe I was so lucky to read this book before it is even released. Illegal that it’s supposed to be a trilogy and I have no idea how my heart is going to handle waiting. The magic system is unique and but easy to understand for the most part. The love is so fulfilling that you can see and feel Beau’s feelings yourself and know how much he cares for Elias and Penny. I cannot wait for more and I’m also absolutely terrified of what’s going to happen to the trio. Will they still be a trio in the end? Agony not knowing. Will Elias remain a “bodyguard” or will he also be king and rule along side them? What’s happening with the Watchers? I need answers.

i really enjoyed this book. it took me a little while to get into it, but once i did, i was addicted. the political intrigue was engaging, and the characters were multidimensional and interesting. some parts of the worldbuilding felt a little underdeveloped. I wish we’d gotten more of the magic system. at times, it felt surface level i just wanted to dig deeper.

the character dynamics kept me intrigued and wanting to devour the book. elias had me giggling and kicking my feet, and the banter between penny and beau was wonderful. i loved their scenes together. i wish we had more conversations between elias and penny. the tension between them in that one conversation??? i need more!

overall, this was such a fun read and took me by surprise in the best way.

3.5 ⭐

This was such a well written and fun book with lovely characters and great representation. I especially adored Beau and I’m really excited to see where the story goes next. While I enjoyed the book overall, I was hoping for a stronger focus on the magic and more of the MMF romance. The smut scenes were a bit corny at times and didn’t always land for me, and the pacing felt uneven, either dragging or skipping over things I wanted more of. Still, I can't wait for the next book because I need more Beau ASAP!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for this ARC.

4.25⭐️

Reluctant crown-prince, Beau, is forced back into palace life after the death of his brother, where he faces political intrigue, magic, secret societies, and two loves of his life.

This was a lot of fun. My favourite part of this was definitely the relationship between the three main characters. Beau, who is naive and clueless and also kind and good, his guard, Elias who is ‘the most frightening man alive’, and Penny, the one woman Beau actually likes, who seems determined to hate him. The three of them had such a good dynamic and I really enjoyed watching it unfold.

My only real disappointment was that I’d have liked more world building. The magic was so intriguing, but it was only really mentioned in passing until about two thirds of the way through the book, and I’d have liked more to get to grips with it. There were also a lot of names and places to remember which I found a little overwhelming at times.

Overall I really loved this, and I read it so fast, which is always a good sign for me. The romance was great and at no point felt forced, the pacing was good and the plot had a lot of twists and turns to keep you guessing. I’ll definitely be looking out for the sequel!

Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC of this book.

Oh boy, do I have feelings about this book. Let's start with what reeled me in before reading. The author caught me with their description of the book together with the bi and AuDHD representation. Next to that I think this book has a lovely cover, so for me that's a recipe for goodness.

In this story we follow Beauregard, Beau for short, as he takes the place of his brother as crown prince after his death. As the so-called spare, Beau never expected to rule and built a life away from home, but now cannot return to the people he loves. Together with his loyal guard Elias, Beau tries to find his way in the royal court, all while trying to find a suiting bride. This is where he connects with Victoire Penamour, his brother's former fiancee, who mainly gives him a lot of hostility. Will Beau find his allies at court or will it end in disaster?

Here's what I love about the book:
- The hints and later on the description of Beau's mental struggles in the past.
- Next to the bi representation, there's also trans representation, so love the queer themes in this book.
- When Beau whips out all the cringy names for Penamour. I died laughing.
- Elias's loyalty is to die for, simply sublime.
- The character art on the author's website (please do yourself a favor and check it out!)
- I got super involved with the characters from beginning to end, it's insane.
- Oh, oh, oh. The romance is to die for in my opinion, just all the buildup and then that first kiss; *dreamy sigh*
- I am so happy this story is about a polycule and not a love triangle, this gives the story another layer.
- Penny is a bossass bitch, love her.

There's probably a thousand more things to say, but this is to name a few. Also what is up with Beau's parents? Because they are so mean, when they should be building up their son instead of constantly shooting him down, especially since he's doing his very best. I do wonder where that attitude came from. But next to that, I just want to gobble up this book and make it my whole personality. Thanks.

At last I want to thanks Netgalley, Metaltail Press and S. E. Mcpherson for the eARC. I will definitely be buying a physical copy as soon as possible. I just need to have it.

I've read 50 books on NetGallery in a year and this has just shot into the top three.
I read this for its reviews. and also because audhd queer rep is hard enough to come by, and also because the cover was gorgeous. i expected to like this. i did not expect me to make me giddy enough that I cannot fall asleep now so I'm writing this instead.
not 'love solves everything' but 'love gives me the strength to carry on'. found family that faced parental disapproval. what it looks like with parents who don't hit you but hurt you. linguistics and communal village culture and love.
dependence on substances to control stimulation. the buttons and the rings and all the little hints of being neurodivergent. character arc where the main character doesn't change, just goes from hating his limitations to 'i can work with this'. where he grits his teeth and tries again. where people end up weird, and happy, and everything turns out okay. I did not know how much I needed a book like this but McPherson made it feel like the easiest thing in the world. if I could give this book ten stars I would.
to the author, if you read your own reviews: thank you.

Thank you NetGalley for providing an e-arc of A King's Trust!

This book was easy to get into and I enjoyed the pace at the beginning, slowly getting to know our main characters and falling in love with Beau! I found Beau to be a very relatable and true to himself MC. I don't often read books where the MC is the main POV but I think this was done really well. I loved the friends to lovers romance between Beau and Elias.

Towards the middle, the pacing became a little rushed and at times I had to re-read a few paragraphs to really grasp what was happening. I would've liked to know more about the world and the magic system. The ending did have me excited for the next book and I'm keen to see where our trio go!

I loved this! It's like it was made exactly for me since I'm also queer and Audhd. The romance is more subtle and veryy slow burn which is rare for books with poly rep so it might not be for everyone that's looking for more smut. I was kicking my feet over the smallest banter and touches that made the relationships believable. The audhd rep was done so well in my opinion and I related to many of the experiences portrayed. I can't wait for the next one!!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

From the writing, to the world building, to the characters, this book was INCREDIBLE. A King's Trust will have you in a chokehold from the very beginning. It's such a great story with such lovable characters. This book follows Beau, who's a spare heir. After his brother's tragic accident, he is thrust into the royal life and must step up and fulfill his duties as heir. This book is filled with romance, magic, and spice. Truly an amazing and well written book

Enjoyed the story and character development. The relationships were thoughtful and nuanced. It was lacking in spice, and was hoping for more, especially the mma that was alluded to in description. Hopefully there is a book 2 because that was the only thing keeping it from a 5 star.

From the moment I started reading this book I was emersed in the world. Beau and Elias's relationship was gripping. These two are incredibly codependent and love each other so much. Elias is Beau's guard and while it's obvious to the reader (and all the other characters in the book) how important they are to each other Beau puts a lot of effort into not over stepping boundaries or pressuring Elias as he's very aware that Elias is his employee.

As a character Beau is so interesting! The second son of the king he has no interest in becoming king. He is in many ways very naive and trusting of others intentions. Despite that he cares very much about the well being of his people and is devastated at the loss of his brother.

Beau has two love interests - Elias and Penny. While Elias and Beau's relationship is an attention grabber, Penny is not one to be underestimated. She cares strongly for her people and is much more politically savvy than Beau.

The character dynamics between all three are stunning and you can't help but cheer for them. There's an overarching plot and the world building is solid. I can't wait for the next book to see where this story takes us next.

Thank you to Netgalley and Metaltail Press for the ARC

This was a fun read though it moved very fast and I got so much whiplash from the Beau's relationships/behaviour towards people here. I got angry on his behalf. I would have liked this book to have been longer or taken its time, parts of this were too forced in a way that I had to go read and check why/how/who - there were several important things that just happened and you just get told that it happens in an off hand way.

I would love to know more about Penamour and the politicking, a lot of things happened outside of Beau that are important but neither he or the reader are wholly aware of.

Well I’m just a sucker for fantastic world building, whitty banter (that actually made me laugh out loud) and a cinnamon roll mmc and his protective bodyguard! This book was such a treat to read and I adored it. I loved the dynamics between the main characters and it was an amazing read!

I absolutely adored this romantasy! What really drew me in was the rich world building every detail felt immersive! I am such a sucker for witty banter so I loved this!

Thank you NetGalley for this arc!