I had to sit with this one for a couple of days because I was genuinely torn on how to rate it. I really enjoyed the overall story arc across this trilogy but, I think this is just one of those books where I really wanted to love it, and there were things I loved! But also… I struggled.

Let’s start with the good: the ending. So many romantasy series spend hundreds of pages building up to an epic final battle, only to wrap it all up in one blink-and-you-miss-it chapter. Not here. This conclusion was well-paced and gave the characters enough room to actually live in the moment. That alone deserves some applause.

I also really appreciated how each love story in this series was different. No cookie-cutter romances, each couple had their own dynamic, their own flavor. Everyone’s version of happily ever after looked a little different, which felt very real. I had especially high hopes for Maez and Briar going into this book, and their story absolutely came through for me.

Now, here’s where it got tricky for me…

The spice. Oof. If you liked the slow burn in book one, brace yourself. Book two turned up the heat, and this one kept it cranked. For me, it was a bit too much. Not that I’m anti-spice (let’s not get dramatic), but the frequency and timing didn’t always feel like a natural fit with the story (same remark I had in book two). Fewer but meaningful moments would’ve had more impact.

And I’m just going to say it — I could not, for the life of me, keep Calla and Briar straight. From the start, my brain made an [incorrect] executive decision: Briar is the tomboy, Calla is the girly girl. That was it. No further edits accepted. Unfortunately, that mental shortcut did not help with the rotating POVs, especially with Sadie added in. I found myself flipping back way more than I wanted to just to figure out whose head I was in. They’re all strong, protective, and full of heart, but their voices started to blur together by the end. With so much going on, I think we lost some of the clarity between them.

Bottom line: if you’re into fantasy with a strong romantic core and don’t mind a generous helping of heat, this might be right up your alley. For me, it was a mix of high points and a few “hmm” moments, but I’m glad I stuck with the series.

This book was such a perfect way to wrap up the Golden Court Trilogy!

I knew nothing about this series or author before being approved for this ARC. So not only did I get introduced to a new series but a new author as well. The first 2 books in the series are a must read before diving into this one.

Thank you NetGalley and Avon & Harper Voyager for the chance to read this eARC in exchange for my review ♥️

When I say WHAT? I mean it in the best way. I am so in love with A.K.'s writing and the opportunity to read A Heart of Crimson Flames was SO INCREDIBLE. I couldn't put the book down. They have once again given me PERFECTION.

Gripping, emotional, and full of twists—this one had me hooked from start to finish. Thank you Harper for this ARC!

I didn’t realize this was a series and didn’t read the first book this was good but don’t know if I would read it again. It deserves 3/5 stars, thank you to NetGalley for a copy of this book to read!

Thank you to Avon and Harper Voyager and Netgalley for this ARC.

This was the final book of the Golden Court Trilogy, and A.K. Mulford definitely delivered. I have enjoyed every book I've read from them, and this was no different.

I loved how this book was more of Briar's story, and her finding out who she really is. There was dark magic, plenty of spice, action, and wolves. Briar started this trilogy as a timid princess, and finished as a true warrior.

I really liked the twist with how Calla, Grae, and the rest of the pack were able to finally defeat King Nero. He needed taken down during all of the books, and finally got a wonderful ending he deserved.

I look forward to reading more from this author!

I really wanted to love this book. The cover is gorgeous and the premise sounded right up my alley. I’m a big fan of fantasy with emotional depth and strong female leads, so I thought this would be a hit for me. And to be fair, the writing is beautiful. A.K. Milford clearly knows how to craft a story. The worldbuilding is vivid and the pacing felt just right.

But for some reason, I just couldn’t connect with it. I kept waiting for that moment where I’d feel fully pulled in, but it never quite came. I’d find myself putting it down and not feeling a strong urge to pick it back up. Maybe it was the characters or maybe I just wasn’t in the right headspace for it, but it didn’t quite resonate with me the way I’d hoped.

That said, I do think this book will be perfect for a lot of readers. It’s well done and I can see why others would be swept away by it. It just wasn’t the right fit for me personally, and that’s okay. Not every book is meant to be everyone’s favorite.

In typical A. K. fashion she has written another A++ book. Whether it’s a fantasy book or a romance book she knows just what to write to make you want more and I always want more!

This was a strong conclusion to the trilogy, with plenty of action, character arcs for all three POV characters (something I thought was lacking in the second) and plenty of action and spice. I did think that because the POVs were so expanded we lost a bit of nuance—particularly in the dual brother betrayal storylines and in Grae and Navin being somewhat sidelined, but not enough that it detracted from my enjoyment of the series.

First of all, thank you the A.K. Mulford and HarperCollins for allowing me to read the ARC of this story. I read both River of Golden Bones and Sky of Emerald Stars, and feel incredibly honored to have been able to read its final chapter. I'm looking forward to the published version!

Now for some notes:
[ ] Definitely some triggering content, author does do a good job and warns of these, though it could use a trigger warning for suicidal thoughts that occur during Briar's chapter. These are brief, but may be important to add to the trigger warnings.
[ ] AK Mulford's writing reads smoothly as always! Their thoughts and sentences always flow smoothly into the next points.
[ ] The angst between Briar and Maez's situation is so brutal, I really enjoyed this dynamic.
[ ] There is a lot going on in this one, many many plot points to wrap up. Everything did seem to get resolved in the end, but it could be overwhelming tracking so many points in the plot.
[ ] two words: Knife play 🔥🔥
[ ] I really liked one of the quotes: " i was so stuck in my head, I'd forgotten to live in my body". This is something I relate to so frequently and is such a great, subtle way of describing characters that are neurodivergent in a setting where they wouldn't have those same labels we do in a modern setting.
[ ] With briar becoming more dark and violent, the three main characters become a lot more similar. With briar, calla and sadie all being very stubbornly protective of those they love. Each of them do go through different identity struggles and different motives, etc., but sometimes the three can read very similar. I do really love though that everyone's version of a happily ever after looks different.
[ ] I do really like that briar isnt immediately amazing at combat and fighting- she struggles in her first kills- they're sloppy and lucky in some instances
[ ] I liked that we got some calla and briar bonding time. I think I would have liked to see a little more of those platonic, friendship and sibling relationship dynamics throughout the story since the story primarily focuses on the romantic relationships. For example, it would have been great to see a little more bonding and closure between Sadie and Kian before the faux betrayal, which would have made that twist hit harder.

Overall, this was a great ending to an amazing series and I can't wait to get my hands on a published copy when it releases!

This was such a great read—the final installment in the Golden Court Trilogy delivered an intense and emotional ending that truly lived up to the journey.

Wolf pack politics, dark magic, and heart-pounding action all come together in an explosive conclusion. I loved how the story balanced fierce battles with complex emotional arcs and evolving relationships. Briar, Sadie, and Calla each face impossible choices that test their strength, loyalty, and love—and I was completely invested in all of it.

The stakes were higher than ever, the romance was gripping, and the family dynamics added real depth to the narrative. A.K. Mulford wrapped up the trilogy in a way that was both satisfying and bittersweet. If you’ve been following the series, this finale is absolutely worth the wait.

Highly recommend to fans of shifter romance, found family, and fantasy with high emotional stakes.

As a longtime lover of wolf romances, I went into this book with a lot of excitement. Even though it explores more mature themes, it still felt very much like a YA story in its tone and pacing. I actually found that comforting. It brought me back to the kind of fantasy I grew up on, where emotions run high and the characters feel like friends you’re growing up with.

The plot kept me guessing in the best way. There were several twists I didn’t see coming, and I love when a story can truly surprise me. The ending was satisfying without being predictable, and that made the whole journey feel worth it.

I’ve always enjoyed reading from multiple points of view, especially in a series like this. It helps me connect more deeply with the world and gives each character a chance to shine. Even though Calla and Grae weren’t the center of attention this time, I really loved how their relationship continued to evolve. The moments we got with them were so meaningful, and their happily ever after felt earned and well-deserved.

To be honest, I didn’t completely connect with Sadie and Navin’s romance in the second book. I wanted to love them, but it just didn’t fully click for me at the time. This book completely changed that. I really admired how they began stepping out of the roles they felt stuck in. Watching them become leaders in their own way was powerful, and their connection felt more honest and real this time around. I was cheering for them by the end.

I do wish we had seen more of Ora. There’s something so fascinating about them, and I feel like their story still has so much more to tell. I would absolutely read an entire book centered on them.

This book was a beautiful way to close out the series. I love how each installment focused on different characters and allowed us to really live inside their experiences. The stakes were high throughout the story, and so much was falling apart, but even in the midst of all the chaos, the characters still found room for love. That contrast between the world breaking and hearts healing really stuck with me.

The main couple’s growth in this book hit especially hard. Their journey was painful at times, but also filled with quiet strength. Seeing what they had to overcome and how they still chose each other in the end was incredibly moving.

This series reminded me that even when everything feels like it’s collapsing, there is still room for connection, for courage, and for love. I’m going to miss these characters, but I’m grateful I got to be part of their story.

I really enjoyed returning to this world—A Heart of Crimson Flames has a solid mix of magic, romance, and political drama. The representation is fantastic, and I loved seeing characters who reflect a wider range of identities and experiences. It’s definitely one of the stronger points of the book.

There are some really sweet moments between characters, plus a few twists I didn’t see coming. That said, the pacing was a bit off for me. Some parts dragged, while others felt like they were over too quickly. I found myself wanting a bit more depth in certain scenes—especially emotional ones that had the potential to hit harder.

Still, it’s a fun, feel-good read if you're into romantasy and want something that balances adventure with personal growth. Not perfect, but worth the read.

I didn't realize this was the ending book for a trilogy! i will update when i finish reading the series!

What a great end to a trilogy. I burned through this book, I just could not put it down. A.K. takes the reader on a fun ride and holy moly the spice in this book is hot. This is me pleading them to write more sapphic spicy books.

A absolutely fantastic conclusion to the golden court trilogy by ak mulford
This series had me hooked from book 1 and was ended perfectly

This story is one of my top reads of 2025! I cannot wait for this to be released publicly. The world building and character development are top notch. The romance feels believable and unforgettable. I am on the edge of my seat for the next installment. Cannot wait to post this review on my socials!

ARC read: big thanks to Avon and Harper Voyager & NetGalley for the chance to read this early!

I loved this one for so many reasons.
Seeing Briar’s claws finally come out.
Briar has always been the princess who needs protected or saving. This time she’s fierce. Ready to fight to save her mate from the dark magic consuming her and ready to defend her twin’s court. She drops the mask and realizes she’s so much stronger than she was ever given credit for.

Sadie recognizing that feelings are meant to be felt out loud.
Sadie finding Navin is the best thing to happen to her. He accepts all of her prickly edges while inspiring the softer side of her to come out. Whether it’s love, grief, or something in between, she learns that it’s okay to feel these things and to share them with those around you. Seeing her final acceptance of this with Maez was a sweet moment. I love a strong character that is also capable of recognizing their emotions.

Calla coming into themselves both personally and as a ruler.
Calla has spent a lot of time being what made everyone else comfortable. Finding themself and claiming that for the world to know is inspiring. I love how much Grae and their friends support this journey. At the end, Calla is a strong ruler with a great vision for the future.

This final story in the trilogy was intense and emotional. It was beautifully done and I loved each individual’s ending.

What a stunning conclusion to this trilogy! Fast paced, multiple POVs and lots of drama, there’s something for everyone in this book!

Loved this one. Cant wait to continue reading from this author. Helped me get out of a slump I was in.