LJ has done it again, as if there was any doubt!! This couple is one of my favorites and I was rooting for them even when their chemistry was made very obvious in Ever Queen. I love love love this world, the characters and even though my heart was out through the wringer, it is so happy for these two!

YES YES YES SO MUCH YES

5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
3/5 🌶️🌶️🌶️


LJ Andrews does it again!!! I was so excited for this book after The Ever King duet and I was not disappointed!! The introduction we got to Jonas in The Ever King was perfect, I felt like we got to see his witty side and a little hint of his caring side which was the perfect lead up to this book. Jonas was the perfect morally grey cinnamon roll MMC who definitely had a way with his words 😮‍💨

I felt like this book was a personal healing journey for both Jonas and Skadi, both of them coming to terms with who they are, both separate and together. Being that this was a marriage of convenience, watching Jonas and Skadi learn to trust one another and fall in love over the course of the book was beautiful. I loved that he embraced Skadi and her power and never tried to dull her, he always encouraged her to be herself after a lifetime of being repressed.

I absolutely loved this book and cannot recommend it more!


🖤Tropes🖤
🖤Marriage of convenience
🖤"My wife"
🖤Touch her and die
🖤Morally grey cinnamon roll MMC
🖤Fae and elves

Jonas’s story is here . And Skadi is the woman he agreed to marry to save her from an arranged marriage to an evil fae elf who is out for himself and tried to destroy the kingdoms.

Will Skadi give into her growing feelings she’s tried to hide from her husband?

I loved Jonas in the ever seas duology and having a whole book with him protecting his wife is 🔥

✦ Standalone Romantasy Recommendation ✦

The Mist Thief
by LJ Andrews

Standalone ✦ The Ever Seas series
446 pages

Publication date: The Mist Thief is re-releasing in hardcover with bonus content on October 14th, 2025.
eARC: @netgalley

𝘋𝘶𝘢𝘭 𝘗𝘖𝘝
𝘈𝘳𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘥 𝘮𝘢𝘳𝘳𝘪𝘢𝘨𝘦
𝘗𝘪𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘴, 𝘧𝘢𝘦, 𝘦𝘭𝘷𝘦𝘯
𝘚𝘱𝘪𝘤𝘦 🔥
𝘍𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥 𝘧𝘢𝘮𝘪𝘭𝘺
𝘜𝘯𝘪𝘲𝘶𝘦 𝘮𝘢𝘨𝘪𝘤
𝘞𝘩𝘰 𝘥𝘪𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘺𝘰𝘶?
𝘋𝘪𝘴𝘤𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘵𝘳𝘶𝘦 𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘧
𝘔𝘦𝘢𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘧𝘶𝘭 𝘵𝘢𝘵𝘵𝘰𝘰𝘴
𝘍𝘢𝘮𝘪𝘭𝘺 𝘥𝘺𝘯𝘢𝘮𝘪𝘤𝘴
𝘏𝘦 𝘤𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘴 𝘩𝘦𝘳 ‘𝘧𝘪𝘳𝘦’ 𝘢𝘯𝘥 ‘𝘸𝘪𝘧𝘦’

𝑰𝒇 𝒐𝒏𝒍𝒚 𝒔𝒉𝒆 𝒌𝒏𝒆𝒘 𝒔𝒉𝒆 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒂 𝒑𝒐𝒊𝒔𝒐𝒏 𝒊𝒏 𝒎𝒚 𝒗𝒆𝒊𝒏𝒔, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑰 𝒘𝒂𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒅 𝒕𝒐 𝒅𝒓𝒐𝒘𝒏 𝒊𝒏 𝒊𝒕.

👏👏👏 This story right here. Such a captivating romantasy filled with character growth, angst and tension, the best family dynamics, and unique magic. I am at a loss for words. I loved every minute of Jonas and Skadi’s story. Jonas is so high on my book boyfriend list now. 🔥🖤 Arranged marriage is one of my favorite tropes and it was done well here. This story is a standalone but I enjoyed reading it after The Ever King and The Ever Queen because I felt like I already knew the world and the characters.

“𝘐 𝘢𝘮 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘩𝘶𝘴𝘣𝘢𝘯𝘥. 𝘐𝘵 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘢𝘭𝘸𝘢𝘺𝘴 𝘣𝘦 𝘢𝘯 𝘩𝘰𝘯𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘰 𝘤𝘢𝘳𝘳𝘺 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘴𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘴𝘵𝘶𝘮𝘣𝘭𝘦.” THIS GUY!!

This is the new cover for the new traditionally published version! I love the pop of color & new end papers inside. I loved the bonus content with Tait Heartwalker at the end of this book, Also, I love the set up for book 4, The Stolen Crown. I'm excited to see what happens with Mira and Tait. 🖤

✦ Thank you Berkley Publishing Group | Ace and @netgalley for the opportunity to preview the new traditional version of The Mist Thief.
Rating: 4.5/5

If you want an arranged marriage done right, done absolutely perfectly.. this book is it!! This story takes place after the Ever Queen and follows Jonas who must marry Skadi to prevent her magic from destroying the other kingdoms.
LJ’s insanely gorgeous writing once again takes us on a beautiful and exciting adventure.

Skadi is born with knowing expectations as an heir to the shadow elves and when her magic is used not for good but to harm it destroys her. Jonas sees something more in Skadi and their relationship unfolds beautifully and with lots of incredible banter and determination. Jonas doesn’t want Skadi to hide or shrink, he wants all of her, wants her to be the powerful and strong woman he knows she’s capable of. I’ve always loved that about Jonas, his confidence and experience, his kindness and his love. He is one of the best MMC’s LJ has written and I will never get enough of him!

Their journey goes beyond an arranged marriage though, and I loved reading them come together on their mission, their relationship develop, their growth as a team and fall in love with such passion.
fire and nightmare, this series has my entire heart for ever and ever!!

“I do not know what kings are like in your land, but in ours, we do not silence our queens”

“Gods, I ought to have thought of something more tangible. Bloodsinger gives Liv jewelry. Daj gives Maj notes.” I slumped in a chair, tossing the book back into the pile. “My gift is a mountain of fables.”

“Be kind, be gentle, and be monstrous. I will want you every way”

☠️ arranged marriage
🧝‍♀️enemies to lovers
☠️forced proximity
🧝‍♀️found family
☠️ Vikings, Fae, Alvers, Elves
🧝‍♀️”MY WIFE”

My favorite book with Found Family! The birthday present heist, perfection!
This may be a standalone in a series, but you really need to read the ever king and queen to understand this book. I can’t wait for Mira’s book!

I loved The Ever King with Livia and Erik so I knew that I would love this book too. I think L.J. Andrews has a creative way of introducing her magic system and I loved her idea of pirate fae.

Skadi and Jonas were perfect for each other and I loved Skadi’s magic, I really hope we get to see more of her magic doing great things in the future of this series.

I absolutely love the gritty, unpolished feel to these characters. It feels like every book I read the characters shine with beauty and perfection but this series creates more than just a fancy character in a fantasy book, it feels like a real world with living characters, just like you see in movies like Pirates of the Caribbean. There is beauty without perfection.

As the next couple on display in The Ever Seas series, The Mist Thief features Skadi and Jonas on their way to finding themselves and each other. Light and darkness combine in the fight between the forces of the fae and the elves to make a better world for all. In the middle of unending everything we all once knew, Jonas and Skadi work together to find a way within their arranged marriage to stand for what’s right and fall in love.
I can’t wait for book 4 to see all the couples that we love and see a new couple emerge with Mira and Tate!
LJ Andrews is one of my favorite authors.

I’m a huge LJ Andrews fan so I was super excited to get a chance to read and review The
Mist Thief!

This was such a well done version of “it’s a marriage of convenience but the MMC is secretly pining and desperately in love with his wife.” I loved the focus on Jonas and Skadi’s relationship and how it evolved as they got more comfortable with each other. Skadi has spent her entire life being used by others for her powers, so she expects Jonas to be much of the same. Jonas, however, surprises her and encourages her to embrace her power instead of shy away from it.

“Then be monstrous, Wife. If that is what you are, that is what I want you to be.” -Jonas

We get to see a lot more of the world of The Ever Seas in this book as it focuses on both Jonas and Skadi’s homelands. I enjoyed getting a really good glimpse at the family dynamics between Jonas, his brother, and their parents. They all embraced Skadi and when she found herself in danger, they rallied together to help get their girl back!

So many elements to love in this book:
-Marriage of convenience
-Touch her and die
-Powerful FMC
-Found family
-Forced proximity
-Fae/Elves
-Pirates/Vikings

Huge thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for approving me for the ARC!

Thank you so much Berkley for the early copy!

I absolutely loved The Ever King and The Ever Queen (TEK/ TEQ) so I was very excited to read this one. Jonas is the ultimate cinnamon roll MMC and Skadi is nothing short of badass. The whole premise of the book is so fun I love a good arranged marriage with the whole “get your hands off my wife” trope. It was very much a “touch her/him and die” situation as well, and I felt myself totally drawn to Skadi’s personality and powers.

The author has such a great writing style and can really tell a story. I love the language she uses and the different cultures she takes inspiration from. I love how LJ wrote the Broken Kingdoms and created such solid characters and those characters made appearances in the Ever seas books and the Mist Thief. It’s really cool to see those characters as parents and the element of found family really hit the mark for me in this book. I love the Eriksson family so much! I also love seeing Livia and Erik again because they’re one of my favorite LJ couples.

There is a big theme of mental health and I think it translated really well with the magical powers. Jonas and Skadi really seemed to click on that and there seemed to be a good amount of chemistry between the two. Jonas paid attention to so many things she loved and wanted her to feel welcome in his home.

In my opinion this book felt a bit more relationship heavy than TEK/TEQ and didn’t have as much action. But Jonas did have many swoon worthy quotes, and some great spice scenes. I definitely think this is worth reading and now I’m excited for Tait and Mira’s book!!

4.5 stars rounded up!

Honestly I don’t think LJ could do wrong— I just LOVE her characters so much (and their mental health journeys)

Jonas is easy to love and it was fun to get to know him better since we saw him a lot in The Ever King/Queen but didn’t really get to know him or his kingdom. He’s the epitome of “looks like he could kill you, is a cinnamon roll”

Also loved learning more of Skadi’s story and about elven. And the two of them together and their banter… chefs kiss.

If I had to give any criticism, I would say I realllllly wish there was more—

More background with Jonas and Skadi. Since The Ever Queen, LJ has been doing a *phenomenal* job at laying the foundation and foreshadowing Tait and Mira’s story. I wish she would have done this a bit more with Jonas and Skadi in TEQ because it was *almost* ALMOST a little too insta-love for me. I know there was a tad bit of foundation laid in TEQ, but I think because it wasn’t in Jonas or Skadi’s POV it wasn’t as impactful.

More smut?! I don’t who I am and if it’s just me but the scenes, in comparison to The Ever King/Queen, felt a little closed door. Don’t get me wrong… the scenes are there they just felt like they ended quite abruptly (again, compared to how TEK/Q were written)

The plot/big bad was also… interesting. Just very simple. It’s been awhile since I read a standalone and I think this is probably why. It wasn’t bad and the ease of it was somewhat satisfying to be honest… but I was shocked by the lack of stress.

All in all, I enjoyed this book and couldn’t put it down! It was an easy read and I loved being in the Ever with all our fav characters. And I absolutely cannot wait for the next book after where that left off!

Truly LJ is an instant read for me!

I genuinely didn’t think anything could top my love for Livia and Erik… but Jonas and Skadi? They came in swinging and completely stole my heart. Whatever it is, their connection was instant and magnetic, and it became the emotional backbone of this entire story for me. LJ Andrews continues to blow my mind with how richly she builds not just her world, but her characters and their relationships. One of the biggest highlights for me in The Mist Thief was the family dynamics. Livia’s family is still adorable and soft in the best way. We haven’t explored Mira or Alek’s families much (in this series), but Jonas and Sander’s kingdom of ruffians, thieves, and loyal chaos? ICONIC.

Of course, the action is there. The world-building deepens even more, and we get to explore corners of this world that feel lush, dangerous, and alive. But at the core, and what LJ always does best, are the relationships. That’s what lingers. That’s what makes me want to reread the entire series over and over again.

And I can’t leave this review without quoting one of my favorite lines — a moment that just sealed this couple as a forever favorite for me:
"Then be monstrous, wife. If that is what you are, that is what I want you to be."

Screaming. Crying. Throwing the book across the room in the best possible way. 5/5 ⭐ easily!

Be ready to be swept away the Mist Thief is here. Jonas is marrying Skadi the woman that tried to kill him. I loved the banner and chemistry and the way they danced around each other.
Jonas’ parents, Kase and Malin, his brother Sander and several other characters made appearances. They were very supportive and with their help Skadi learned to accept her gift. The scenes between the two are so heartwarming and super explosive. There is a storm still brewing, in the name of Arion and his court. Battle down the hatches because no one harms anything that belongs to Jonas. Be ready to be swept away into a land of enchantment, magic, mystical creatures and supportive family and friends.

The Mist Thief to be re-released 10/14/25

Bonus scene, to be in hardback copy only - Tate Heartwalker finds out elven princess is missing.

ARC Review - My heart started racing when I read the bonus scene of Tate Heartwalker races to report the stolen elven Princess. When Celine’s call to go to war was made, I had a chill go down my spine and my heart was in my throat. So can’t wait for this tale to unfold.

Thank you LJ Andrews and NetGalley for the ARC and I’m leaving my review voluntarily.

Obsessed with anything this author writes and this was no exception, did someone say morally grey 👀 loved the political intrigue, tension and character/relationship development!

In the Mist Thief you get Jonas and Skadi’s story and while it is a marriage of convenience between the Nightmare Prince and Mist Thief, Jonas is fiercely loyal to those he loves and Skadi is learning to think for herself, with so much more to their story and plenty of scheming!

Skadi has never had a choice in her life so she doesn’t completely believe that Jonas won’t wield her darkness as his own, this forced alliance is out of her hands and Jonas in his eyes is doing his duty to protect everyone he loves.

They certainly didn’t expect to start falling for each other but when Jonas starts seeing the real Skadi he will stop at nothing from protecting what is his. Their chemistry is undeniable even when they are bantering.

Jonas has been one of my favorite characters from the beginning of the Ever Seas series. This morally grey cinnamon roll is fiercely loyal to his family both of blood and not. I loved getting to see Jonas’s family and the shenanigans they got into while also trying to bring Skadi into the family. Having been used her whole life, Skadi is broken but Jonas and his family start helping to put the pieces back together as her family.

This version we got a little sneak peek at the end from the eyes of Tait, the Heartwalker seeking help during an event in the Mist Thief. I absolutely cannot wait for Tait and Mira’s story next in The Stolen Crown!

Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️

5 ⭐️

With Kase and Malin being my faves from TBK, I knew that Jonas would deliver and boy did he. This book is sheer perfection and I will never stop thinking about it.

The unconditional love and support shown in the book was inspiring, and showed that it's all about finding your people in life and creating your family and home.

Again the extended family and friends (so fun to see even more characters from TBK) was perfection, and seeing them be so ride-or-die for Skadi, when she was taught that no one would love her for who she is other than her affinity and seeing her be accepting of this love and family warmed my heart - her asking if she can call Kase daj also!

I'm so excited with the build up for Mira and Tait's book and I'm also depressed now and feel nothing I read will be as good as this series.

I don't know how to tell you how much I anticipation I had for this book after reading Erik and Livia's Duet. I didn't think it could surpass them but it did. OMG Jonas and Skadi were just amazing a few of my favorite quotes was from Skadi and Jonas are “You promised to unravel me, but you’ve woven yourself into every strand of my soul. I will never love anyone the way I love you. I am yours and that is an honor I will always fight to keep.” and “Be kind, be gentle, and be monstrous. I will want you every way.” these two are just stunning. I loved the extras in this one as well.

She tried to stab him. He said, ‘Wife me.’ Honestly? Respect. This third book in the Ever Seas series brings all the enemies-to-lovers heat, political betrayal, and shadowy knife-kiss vibes I want in a fae romantasy. Bonus points for the morally gray husband who might actually be hotter than the war.

I loved this! The love story was great don’t get me wrong but my favorite part was the family of the Feral Kingdom. A kingdom made up of thieves and liars but their loyalty was so amazing! That part made this whole book for me. They were hilarious and lovable even though they were all deadly! It had me giggling and kicking my feet. The love they have for their friends and family can be felt in every interaction. The bonus content in this new edition is a fun addition! My favorite in the series so far!! Cannot wait for the next!

This book gives us Princess Skadi and Prince Jonas story which was interesting because in this story you have two people bound contract but refuse to give their hearts away. However, the heart wants what the heart wants and it's only a matter of time before the fight to resist it becomes a reason to fight for it. Jonas and his family show Skadi that her powers are nothing to fear, and they accept her no matter how dark and deadly she believes she is because they can be just as dark and deadly when push comes to shove. Skadi is now a part of their family and when enemies mess with their family allies join forces and show Skadi just how much she matters. This story has mystery, suspense, secrets, truths, betrayal, revenge, enemies, allies, love, romance, laughs and so much more. It gives us a HEA for Skadi and Jonas, and it also gives us an intro to Mira and Tait's story which I'm looking forward to reading.