The banter, the spice, the characters - they are all so amazing. I was really looking forward to Jonas's story after The Ever King/Queen and the author did not disappoint!

I love the development in Jonas and Skadi's relationship and everything was so well-paced. I love how protective Jonas was right from the start. He is such a swoon-worthy character. Jonas is definitely more of a cinnamon roll character, especially compared to Erik, but he has his morally gray moments and the way he doesn't hesitate to do anything for Skadi is SO attractive. I wasn't sure what to expect from Skadi but I really liked her character. Her character growth is done so well as she grows to truly become part of Jonas's family. Both Jonas and Skadi are so genuine and I love the way they developed feelings for each other. The transparency and communication were SO GOOD. By the end of the book, Jonas had me head over heels for him because of how he spoke about Skadi.

I love the author's writing style. I love the pacing of this story. And I honestly loved everything about this book. The action, the chemistry, and the humor were so strong. Jonas and Skadi were so good together.

This also made me want to read The Broken Kingdom series because the parents had such an impact. All the characters are so strong and I honestly would not be opposed to stories about every single one of them. This is a strong follow-up to Erik's story and I can't wait to get more stories in this world!

I may like this even more than the Ever King and Queen. I’m a sucker for an arranged marriage trope. And Jonas?! Omg I’m in love! This book has everything I love in a Romantasy! Morally grey characters, enemies to lovers, forced proximity and all the banter. What more could I ask for in a book!

𝓣𝓱𝓮 𝓜𝓲𝓼𝓽 𝓣𝓱𝓲𝓮𝓯...
𝖻𝗒 𝖫𝖩 𝖠𝗇𝖽𝗋𝖾𝗐𝗌
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟💫
𝖬𝖺𝗋𝗋𝗂𝖺𝗀𝖾 𝗈𝖿 𝖼𝗈𝗇𝗏𝖾𝗇𝗂𝖾𝗇𝖼𝖾 | 𝖬𝗒 𝖶𝖨𝖥𝖤 | 𝖳𝗈𝗎𝖼𝗁 𝖧𝖾𝗋 𝖺𝗇𝖽 𝖣𝗂𝖾 | 𝖶𝗁𝗈 𝖧𝗎𝗋𝗍 𝖸𝗈𝗎 | 𝖥𝗈𝗎𝗇𝖽 𝖥𝖺𝗆𝗂𝗅𝗒 | 𝖬𝗈𝗋𝖺𝗅𝗅𝗒 𝖦𝗋𝖾𝗒 𝖢𝗂𝗇𝗇𝖺𝗆𝗈𝗇 𝖱𝗈𝗅𝗅

𝖨 𝖭𝖾𝖾𝖽𝖾𝖽 𝗍𝗁𝗂𝗌 𝖻𝗈𝗈𝗄... 𝖺𝖿𝗍𝖾𝗋 𝖽𝖾𝗏𝗈𝗎𝗋𝗂𝗇𝗀 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑬𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝑸𝒖𝒆𝒆𝒏 𝗂𝗇 𝖩𝖺𝗇... 𝖳𝗁𝖺𝗇𝗄 𝗒𝗈𝗎 𝖫𝖩 𝖿𝗈𝗋 𝗍𝗁𝖾 𝗉𝗁𝗒𝗌𝗂𝖼𝖺𝗅 𝖠𝖱𝖢🩶🫶

𝖮𝗁 𝗆𝗒 𝗀𝗈𝗈𝖽𝗇𝖾𝗌𝗌... 𝑻𝑯𝑰𝑺 𝖻𝗈𝗈𝗄!!
𝖨 𝖫𝖮𝖮𝖮𝖮𝖵𝖤𝖣 𝗂𝗍, 𝗉𝗎𝗅𝗅𝖾𝖽 𝗆𝖾 𝗋𝗂𝗀𝗁𝗍 𝗂𝗇 & 𝗁𝖺𝖽 𝗆𝖾 𝗂𝗇 𝖺 𝖼𝗁𝗈𝗄𝖾𝗁𝗈𝗅𝖽! 𝖨 𝗅𝖺𝗎𝗀𝗁𝖾𝖽, 𝖼𝗋𝗂𝖾𝖽 & 𝗌𝗐𝗈𝗈𝗇𝖾𝖽. 🫠

“𝓐𝓯𝓻𝓪𝓲𝓭 𝓘'𝓶 𝓰𝓻𝓸𝔀𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓷𝓮𝓮𝓭𝔂, 𝓦𝓲𝓯𝓮”

𝖶𝗁𝖾𝗇 𝗍𝗁𝖾 𝗇𝗂𝗀𝗁𝗍𝗆𝖺𝗋𝖾 𝗉𝗋𝗂𝗇𝖼𝖾, 𝑱𝒐𝒏𝒂𝒔, 𝗌𝗈𝗇 𝗈𝖿 𝗍𝗐𝗈 𝗍𝗁𝗂𝖾𝗏𝖾𝗌, 𝗐𝗁𝗈 𝗅𝗈𝗏𝖾𝗌 𝖺 𝗀𝗈𝗈𝖽 𝗌𝖼𝗁𝖾𝗆𝖾...
𝖽𝖾𝖼𝗂𝖽𝖾𝗌 𝗍𝗈 𝖾𝗇𝗍𝖾𝗋 𝗂𝗇𝗍𝗈 𝖺𝗇 𝖺𝗋𝗋𝖺𝗇𝗀𝖾𝖽 𝗆𝖺𝗋𝗋𝗂𝖺𝗀𝖾 𝗐𝗂𝗍𝗁 𝗍𝗁𝖾 𝖾𝗅𝗏𝖾𝗇 𝗉𝗋𝗂𝗇𝖼𝖾𝗌𝗌 𝑺𝒌𝒂𝒅𝒊, 𝗈𝖿 𝖺𝗇 𝖾𝗇𝖾𝗆𝗒 𝗋𝖾𝖺𝗅𝗆, 𝖿𝖾𝖺𝗋𝖾𝖽 𝖻𝗒 𝗁𝖾𝗋 𝗉𝖾𝗈𝗉𝗅𝖾 𝖿𝗈𝗋 𝗁𝖾𝗋 𝗆𝖺𝗀𝗂𝖼 𝖺𝗇𝖽 𝗁𝖺𝗌 𝖻𝖾𝖼𝗈𝗆𝖾 𝖼𝗈𝗅𝖽 𝖺𝗇𝖽 𝖽𝗂𝗌𝗍𝖺𝗇𝗍... 𝖶𝗁𝖺𝗍 𝖼𝗈𝗎𝗅𝖽 𝗀𝗈 𝗐𝗋𝗈𝗇𝗀?

"𝓢𝓸𝓶𝓮𝓸𝓷𝓮 𝓱𝓪𝓼 𝓽𝓸𝓾𝓬𝓱𝓮𝓭 𝔂𝓸𝓾 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓷𝓸𝓽 𝓴𝓲𝓷𝓭𝓵𝔂... 𝓘'𝓵𝓵 𝓫𝓮 𝓷𝓮𝓮𝓭𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓪 𝓷𝓪𝓶𝓮"

𝖳𝗎𝗋𝗇𝗌 𝗈𝗎𝗍, 𝗐𝗁𝖾𝗇 𝖩𝗈𝗇𝖺𝗌 𝖿𝖺𝗅𝗅𝗌... 𝖧𝖾 𝖥𝖠𝖫𝖫𝖲 𝖧𝖠𝖱𝖣!!!! 𝖸𝗈𝗎 𝗃𝗎𝗌𝗍 𝗁𝖺𝗏𝖾 𝗍𝗈 𝗋𝖾𝖺𝖽 𝗂𝗍 𝗍𝗈 𝗌𝖾𝖾 𝗁𝗈𝗐 𝗍𝗁𝗂𝗌 𝗆𝖺𝗇 𝖻𝖾𝗁𝖺𝗏𝖾𝗌, 𝗍𝗁𝗂𝗌 𝗉𝗅𝖺𝗒𝖻𝗈𝗒 𝗐𝗁𝗈 𝗁𝖺𝗌 𝗇𝗈 𝖽𝖾𝗌𝗂𝗋𝖾 𝖿𝗈𝗋 𝗅𝗈𝗏𝖾. 𝖮𝖧 𝑱𝑶𝑵𝑨𝑺, 𝗌𝗐𝖾𝖾𝗍, 𝗌𝗐𝖾𝖾𝗍, 𝖩𝗈𝗇𝖺𝗌, 𝗒𝗈𝗎 𝖻𝗂𝗀 𝗈𝗅𝖽 𝗌𝗈𝖿𝗍𝗒 𝗒𝗈𝗎. 𝖩𝗎𝗌𝗍 𝖽𝗈𝗇’𝗍 𝖿𝗈𝗋𝗀𝖾𝗍 𝗁𝖾 𝖽𝗈𝖾𝗌 𝗁𝖺𝗏𝖾 𝗇𝗂𝗀𝗁𝗍𝗆𝖺𝗋𝖾 𝗆𝖺𝗀𝗂𝖼, 𝗂𝗍’𝗌 𝗇𝗈𝗍 𝖺𝗅𝗅 𝖿𝗎𝗇 & 𝗀𝖺𝗆𝖾𝗌. 𝖳𝗁𝖾𝗋𝖾 𝖺𝗋𝖾 𝗌𝖾𝖼𝗋𝖾𝗍𝗌 & 𝗌𝖼𝗁𝖾𝗆𝖾𝗌, 𝖽𝖺𝗋𝗄 𝗆𝖺𝗀𝗂𝖼, 𝖻𝗅𝗈𝗈𝖽 𝗈𝖺𝗍𝗁𝗌 & 𝖽𝖾𝖺𝗅𝗌 𝗍𝗈 𝗄𝖾𝖾𝗉.

𝖣𝖺𝖽𝖽𝗒 𝖪𝖺𝗌𝖾 & 𝖬𝗈𝗆𝗆𝖺 𝖬𝖺𝗅𝗂𝗇 𝖺𝗋𝖾 𝗌𝗂𝗆𝗉𝗅𝗒 𝗍𝗁𝖾 𝖻𝖾𝗌𝗍... 𝒔𝒉𝒂𝒅𝒐𝒘 𝒅𝒂𝒅𝒅𝒚 “𝒅𝒂𝒅𝒅𝒚𝒊𝒏𝒈” 𝗂𝗌 𝖾𝗏𝖾𝗋𝗒𝗍𝗁𝗂𝗇𝗀!! 𝖨𝗍 𝖼𝖺𝗇 𝖻𝖾 𝗋𝖾𝖺𝖽 𝖺𝗌 𝖺 𝗌𝗍𝖺𝗇𝖽 𝖺𝗅𝗈𝗇𝖾 𝖻𝗎𝗍 𝖨 𝗁𝗂𝗀𝗁𝗅𝗒 𝗌𝗎𝗀𝗀𝖾𝗌𝗍 𝗋𝖾𝖺𝖽𝗂𝗇𝗀 𝑻𝑬𝑲 & 𝑻𝑬𝑸!✨

I’m so excited to be a part of LJ’s arc team for the new published editions from Berkley Publishing! I am obsessed with this series and was so excited to read about Jonas and Skadi. We have the perfect set up for them at the end of The Ever Queen. It’s a rocky start to a relationship for sure but wow do I love their immediate connection.

From the beginning of The Mist Thief this book focuses on Skadi and how she’s supposed to be this monstrous being with dark power that causes her to be emotionless. Jonas and his family, who all have dark gifts, strive to give her a place to shine and to understand that it’s okay to be a little monstrous. I loved how much of the guild of Kryv and the alvers we see in this book. They play such a big role of helping Skadi and even take her in a heist! Jonas and Skadi’s development in this book was great and I love all of their interactions together. They become an amazing couple and work to make things better for their people.

This was really the first book that we get to see the elves and I hope to see more from them following this book. After the ending I really hope we continue to learn more about them and their land. Once again LJ gives us amazing world building that just keeps adding to this already complex and lush world. I am so excited for Mira and Tait’s book as I have been loving their interactions through the last two books. And after the ending of The Mist Thief I am so interested to see how their story will begin!

First off…. I had no words for the longest time after finishing this book. After reading the Ever King/Queen duet there was such high hopes for the next book in the series.

Let me tell you, every single one was surpassed!

Skadi and Jonas have an amazing story and it was told beautifully. They are perfect for each other in the way they are playful, protective, caring, stubborn and dealing with their own darknesses. The bantering was key to opening Skadi up from the everything had had happened to her in the past. The family dynamic added to it because it helped her see that she was in the right place and eventually see she had finally gotten the family she deserved.

The spice scenes…. Well let’s just say. One tub two adults is always a great one.

I think I enjoyed this couple even more than I did the ever king and ever queen.
Jonus is his father’s son and all that is implies. I am excited for the next tale in this series but if you love unique magic systems and worlds and a sweet hea this is the one for you. Hopefully if you read this you’ve read all her other books and enjoy her work.

The Mist Thief Review

So. I want to start off with all the things I #LOVED with #TheMistThief .
I love that Jonas tried to make Skadi comfortable even before taking the vows had taken place with arranging her own separate sleeping quarters, and using so much thought into what would make her comfortable. I melted right into that cinnamon roll with the first few lines. I thought it was refreshing that the focus was put on her and her wants and needs, especially at the beginning.

I found my myself literally just laughing outloud, feet kicking in the air, sooo many times while reading this book. The banter was great, spice was 🥵🤤🫠. Plot kept me engaged the entire time and I never felt like it was dragging or being rushed. I was fully INVESTED from the beginning, and that doesn’t happen often for me.

Seeing Kase and Malin as parents to adult children is also something I didn’t realize I needed in my life. I loved how they immediately prioritized Skadi’s feelings and needs and weren’t afraid to kick Jonas’s ass when he was being dumb if the need had arose.

And lastly, the things I didn’t like: Absolutely nothing. And I’ll fight whoever to the death over that 😂⚔️

All in all, The Mist Thief is one of my top favorites of 2024 and it’s going to take something insanely good to top that. (Maybe book 4 of the Everseas? Hint hint LJ 😉😏)

Overall score: Perfect 5⭐️
Spice level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️.75

I almost didnt read this after being a little disappointed in the Ever King/Ever Queen but am so so glad I did!

I loved Skadi and Jonas so much. Their banter and push/pull at the beginning was so fun. You expect them to hate each other a little but it never felt that way to me. The arranged marriage (convenience) after ahem, attempted murder made me think they would go for an enemys to lovers style but it didnt feel that way.

The way Jonas was so gone for Skadi even during the ceremony, always trying to support her and boost her confidence 😍😍 and when he gets revenge for her past, ugh.

I really love the supportive parents in these books. Jonas family gave such amazing marriage/relationship advice. Under the circumstances they could have held a grudge but always believed in Jonas choices.

Very excited for Tait's story next!

“I promise you, if I burn, so will you”

Boy oh boy I smashed out this in a day, Jonas and Skadi bring the fire with their story. I think they might just be my favourite Ever King couple. LJ hit some very relatable notes with wanting to be wanted as you. I loved the vulnerability shown by all the characters throughout especially my sweet cinnamon roll Jonas. In saying that he’s willing to step into the darkness to defend his family and friends. Very touch her and die 👀

The banter between Skadi and Jonas was top notch 👌🏻 and I have far too many (if such a thing) quote highlights 😍

Thrills, chills excitement are all in this story, complete with a delightful cliffhanger. I’m excited for who’s up next!

Is it possible to be in a state of swooning for 506 pages? Yes, yes it is. LJ Andrews has delivered another magical fantasy romance, one that once started is impossible to put down. Marriage of convenience, found family, pirates & vikings, fae & elves, banter, a morally grey cinnamon roll MMC, a fierce FMC, all wrapped up in beautiful story of dealing with past trauma, learning to trust, and a powerful love that is unbreakable. I am in love with all of the characters and this world that LJ Andrews has created. More, please.
A 5 star read, hands down, one that I will most definitely recommend.

Rating: 5🌟
Spice: 2.5 🌶️

Tropes/Themes:
- Adult Fantasy Romance
- Interconnected series standalone
- Dark themes
- Arranged marriage / Marriage of convenience
- Reluctant partnership to lovers
- Forced proximity
- Found family
- Touch her & die
- Morally grey, cinnamon roll MMC
- Misunderstood FMC
- Banter & Tension 🤌🏼🤌🏼🤌🏼
- Fae, Elves, Pirates, Vikings
- Unique magic system
- Political alliances

The Mist Thief was one of my most anticipated books releasing this year. The Ever King and The Ever Queen were my favorite romantasy books I've read within the last few months, so I was excited to get back into this world! I really enjoyed Jonas and Skadi's story, and finished the book within 24 hours of starting it!

Although this is a standalone book, I do recommend you read the The Ever King and The Ever Queen prior. Both Jonas and Skadi are introduced in the first two books, and it gives more background info on the characters and what led up to their arranged marriage.

My concerns about standalone fantasy romance books are that the world-building/plot/characters/romance will not be developed enough, and you're left with a complete story, but with rushed endings, insufficient character development, or confusing world-building. This was NOT the case with The Mist Thief (although, I did read the first two books of the series, and I do think this helped)! The pacing was perfect, and each character and storyline were given ample time to fully develop without leaving any gaps in the story.

The highlight for me were the two main characters - Jonas and Skadi. I loved how their relationship developed. Both were reluctant to enter the marriage agreement, but they understood that it would ultimately benefit their people and prevent war. Both characters had general misunderstandings about the other - Jonas saw Skadi as the "enemy" (if you read The Ever Queen, you will understand why; plus, it is briefly mentioned in this book), while Skadi overall is a misunderstood character. In general, she had a royal, privileged upbringing, but it was not without hardship. Her people believe she is a "monster", a rare Elf with destructive magic, and therefore, was not able to foster healthy relationships with anyone, and she seeks any form of love and acceptance, even from the wrong people.... This book goes into her background, and you quickly see that she is basically used as a political pawn (something that Jonas feels conflicted about, as it was HIS idea to arrange this marriage).

The romance between these two wasn't rushed, which I was so worried that it would be insta-love since it is a standalone book. There is an instant attraction between the two, but it takes time for both of them to understand and accept their feelings for one another. The tension and banter between these two made me giggle like a little girl, and the spicy scenes were so well done and DESERVED! Jonas is the perfect morally grey, cinnamon roll book boyfriend ❤️.

Aside from the romance, the plot line involving the delicate situation between the Fae and Elves gets resolved in this book (Again, a carry over from The Ever Queen). I loved the twists and turns, and I knew there were characters that could not be trusted!

Overall, this is a TOP READ for me, and one of my favorite books I've read this year. I'm sad that this book is only a standalone. I wish we had more time with these characters. But, I am (not so) patiently waiting for the next installment in this series, which will follow Mira and Tait!

***The newly published version will come with bonus content!**

Just when I thought I couldn’t love anyone more than I love Erik Bloodsinger, Jonas comes along. Seriously, I don’t think LJ Andrews can write a MMC that I won’t fall in love with.

Y’all…THE VIBES WITH THIS BOOK. I was immediately hooked from the very first page. True, I read this right after finishing The Ever Queen, but I don’t think that had anything to do with it. The book draws you in and holds on the entire time.

When I said that LJ Andrews writes a perfect MMC, that doesn’t mean you should count her out when it comes to FMC. Like Livia (The Ever King, The Ever Queen), Skadi grows so much throughout the story. By the end, not only can she stand self-assured with her king, she can also stand alone without him (and he has no problem letting her).

I usually cannot think of enough things to say about the FMCs in books, but Skadi is pure perfection. Strong, fiercely loyal, and a little bit monstrous, she is what a FMC should strive to be. The realness we feel in Skadi’s emotions through her journey makes it almost like we are there right alongside her.

I could go into heavy detail about my love for Jonas, but unfortunately there is a word cap for reviews on Instagram lol. All I have to say is JONAS. Fierce. Stong. Amazing. And he uses everything in his power to uplift his bride so she can realize her full potential. Not only does he save Skadi, he lets her save him. And the way he only ever wants her to be her true self? Swoon.

This is probably my absolute favorite marriage of convenience book. And the use of “my wife”? Chef’s kiss. LJ Andrews threw that phrase around like confetti and I AM HERE FOR IT. Another major point for the book? It’s technically a stand alone!

A special thank you to the NetGalley and the Publisher for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

LJ Andrews did it AGAIN! I absolutely fell in love with Jonas and Skadi and I am sad to have reached the end.

The banter, smut and everything in between was perfect!

Every MMC written by LJ Andrews will probably be a favorite for me. The way they support their woman and defend them is my weakness. “My wife” has me swooning so hard.

I loved we got so much of the alvers and their world. It’s so well written and makes me want to visit and become family with them all!

I haven’t read the broken kingdoms series yet and now I’m wanting to jump into them because I love Kase and Mal so much and wanna know more of their story. Every love story is so well done I’m not sad when we switch to another. UPDATE: I read books 1-3 and can’t wait to continue the rest!

Im already wanting more of everyone and hate saying goodbye even if it’s just for now. I can’t wait for Mira and Taits story and I would absolutely love a Sander book! It’s not a want it’s a need!

all I have to say is that LJ doesn't MISS. I've read 4 books (halfway through book #5) and I have thoroughly enjoyed EVERY SINGLE word I've read by her. It's truly crazy to me that LJ doesn't get more hype because trust me, she's worth it all. The way she weaves stories, the qualities she gives her characters (especially the "burn the world for her" vibes with every male 👀), I truly can't get enough. Jonas and Skadi's love story is just 🤌 their banter and refusal to fall in love, knowing full well they were already falling. I've hyped up The Ever King and The Ever Queen a lot here, and The Mist Thief topped them for me 🙈 The bright side to The Mist Thief? It can be read as a standalone! This means you don't HAVE to read TEK & TEQ beforehand. However, I highly suggest you do.

“I promise you, if I burn, so will you.” The green of his eyes brightened. “I can hardly stand the wait”

Jonas has entered the building! Plus we still get to hang with the rest of the Ever crew and faves from The Broken Kingdoms (hello Kase!) I absolutely love these books about the next generation, this is Jonas & Skadi’s story 🖤 enemies in an arranged marriage, twists, morally grey cinnamon roll and epic found family in the Alvers & Kryv! I love it all!

✨𝓐𝓡𝓒 𝓡𝓮𝓿𝓲𝓮𝔀✨
📖: The Mist Thief (The Ever Seas Book 3)

It seemed simple enough…their marriage alliance would secure peace between the fae/Alver realms and shadow Elven clan.

The playboy Nightmare Prince with a heart of gold and the cold, broken Elven Princess are resigned to honor their duty but are adamant that their hearts are non-negotiable. Clearly, neither party accounted for the stakes and the wildfire burning in their hearts…

Tropes/themes:
👀 Dual POV
🩶 Morally Gray Cinnamon Roll MMC
👸🏼 Misunderstood & resilient FMC
💍 Marriage of convenience
🧑‍🧒‍🧒 Found family
🗣️ Banter
💫 Magic & mesmer
💥 HEA
🌶️: open door

I could hardly contain my excitement to delve back into the Ever Seas world. In this installment, we find ourselves visiting the Alver Lands. This devious clan of thieves, killers, and crooks is colorful and chaotic in stark contrast to the refined and deferential shadow elven.

I was already drooling over Jonas in The Ever King/Queen and The Mist Thief made me fall for him fast and hard. I loved seeing the different facets of our Nightmare Prince- the haunting effects of his power, playfulness, and off-the-charts charisma. Skadi was groomed to be docile and obedient, reigning in her power and never having the freedom to choose anything for herself. She’s never felt worthy, seen, or loved, until Jonas.

Mistrust and tensions run high as they trade barbs and fight their unwelcome attraction to each other. While they struggle with their inner demons, their darkness also calls to each other. As Skadi slowly embraces her fiery edge, she also finds acceptance in the most unlikely place and a kindred spirit for her dark monster.

This story beautifully captures the intensity of their passion. LJ delivers electrifying chemistry, sizzling tension, and the most delicious 🌶️. Jonas, Skadi, and their family would burn the world for each other and not even the bleeding gods can stand in their way. I could live in this world forever!

This book is a perfect balance of detailed world building, incredible characters, and swoon-worthy romance. Visceral, raw, and completely engrossing, The Mist Thief will steal your heart!

I cannot wait for the next standalone installment. Huge thanks to the author, Berkley Publishing Group, Ace Books, and NetGalley for the review copy opportunity! This is my honest and voluntary review

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC!
4⭐️
This installment strikes a great balance of genres—blending romance, action, politics, and mystery with a character-driven, cozy feel that draws you in. The new setting is a standout, offering a refreshing contrast to previous books in the series with its unique systems and layered schemes. It felt like a breath of fresh air.

The pacing starts a bit slowly, but once the story finds its rhythm, it’s rich with intricate world-building and compelling family dynamics. Readers will especially appreciate how the two main characters feel authentic and relatable—each facing personal challenges while learning and growing together.

Perfect for fans of fantasy series that focus on found family, slower-burn plots, and character depth, this one adds warmth and heart without losing momentum. A strong continuation that’s hard to put down.

The Mist Thief is definitely one of my top reads this year! I absolutely devoured this book, staying up well past my bedtime because I could not put it down.

I adored Jonas and Skadi’s relationship. I love the arranged marriage trope and the execution of that trope in TMT was perfect! There was the perfect amount of tension between Jonas & Skadi, the slow burn was done so well with such a great payoff. Jonas is such a golden retriever and I really enjoyed the grumpy/sunshine dynamic. The character development was well done, both of the characters opening up themselves to their respective races (Elvish and Alver) and bringing their kingdoms together.

I also enjoyed learning more about the Elvish world that LJ has incorporated into her Broken Kingdom and Eversea world! The story was well paced and a perfect stand alone romantasy with the best blend of romance, action, mystery, and of course LJ’s classic banter! I cannot wait for more stories in this world!

Review update! I just finished my re-read of The Mist Thief with the upcoming traditionally published edition. I did a marathon reading The Ever King and The Ever Queen first and I am officially now back in my LJ era!

I have never been let down by LJ Andrews. Each time I pick up one of her books I am blown away by the characters, banter and amazing storylines.

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐢𝐬𝐭 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐞𝐟 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐧𝐨 𝐞𝐱𝐜𝐞𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧.

LJ Andrews is a master at sassy females leads, morally grey MMCs and the best banter you can find in fantasy romance. Her prose flow effortlessly leaving you with a feeling of total immersion into the story and characters.

Ok enough of my author gushing, you’re here for the details on the story!

First Kase and Malin are my favorite couple from The Broken Kingdoms series so I was instantly intrigued by having a story about Jonas because if he has any traits from either parent I knew I would love him.

For those that don’t know, Kase and Malin are not your typical royal, they are orphans turned thieves turned king and queen and they base their Kingdom and morals on those they learned on the streets and with their crews. Make not mistake they live by respect and love but also are masterful schemers and they have taught their sons all of this!

Jonas and Sander are the twin son princes and you will see a lot of Sander but this story focuses on Jonas, our fun, sarcastic, crafty Alver who loves deeply and fiercely and is scared to let anyone in for risk of loosing them. At the end of The Ever Queen Jonas offered himself in a deal to marry the princess of the Shadow Elves to prevent war and ultimately any loss that may happen with war.

Skadi is our Eleven princess, orphaned as a young child who has spent her life trying to prove to her adoptive grandfather and king that she is worthy of being his heir.

I know this is long, bear with me here ok.

I way soooo happy to see the role that Kase and Malin had throughout this book. One of my favorite scenes is when Kase takes Skadi on a little heist in the castle. It was so funny and so perfect. Each interaction Kase and Makin have with each other, their kids and Skadi shows their pure devotion they have for their family and found family. They will stop at nothing to see who they call "theirs" are safe.

This story is a slow burn but I don’t think you can expect anything else going into a marriage of convenience situation. The tension and banter between Skadi and Jonas is perfect. Seeing their characters grow separately as well as together was so great to watch and when the tension snapped, holy gods it was perfect. Ohh and the spice. LJ write some of the best spice out there. It is perfectly incorporated into the story, does not feel forced and does not overshadow her expertly crafted story

If you love the nicknames micro trope then your in luck every time Jonas called Skadi fire I nearly melted in my seat. And I loved that Jonas got his own nickname too!

I loved The Mist Thief, and I'm so glad we got to explore more of Jonas Erikkson. This book has some of my favorite tropes: Arranged Marriage, Forced Proximity, Found Family, Morally Grey MMC, One bed, bathtub scenes... I could go on and on.

The banter in this book is elite! Jonas never lets his new wife, Skadi, have the last word, despite her best efforts. Seeing them learn about each other was so much fun. Jonas is a cinnamon roll MMC with a dark side. He may not be the most morally grey MMC out there, but he's no angel. And you better not mess with his wife.

One of my favorite aspects in this book is how much the two main characters love all sides of the other. They love the good and the bad, the light and the dark. They give each other silly nicknames and remind one another to be monstrous.

I definitely recommend The Mist Thief. The story is contained, even though it's a continuation of The Ever Seas series.