Kingdoms of Lore: Underworld Series by Alisha Klapheke

When the vicious king of the shadow elves drags Maren to the Underworld and claims her as his fated mate, she fights to escape. But when Maren learns she is the legendary seer of the Underworld, everything changes. She discovers a magical poison spreading, and the only way to save both realms from complete destruction is to bind her power with the king’s to heal the land through their union.Maren isn’t heartless. Of course, she’ll sacrifice herself to save her beloved family and the world... moreWhen the vicious king of the shadow elves drags Maren to the Underworld and claims her as his fated mate, she fights to escape. But when Maren learns she is the legendary seer of the Underworld, everything changes. She discovers a magical poison spreading, and the only way to save both realms from complete destruction is to bind her power with the king’s to heal the land through their union.Maren isn’t heartless. Of course, she’ll sacrifice herself to save her beloved family and the world. And her feelings for the protective, mercurial shadow king are changing…When another shadow lord steals the key to the king’s power and demands Maren’s hand in marriage, she realizes what evil truly looks like in the Underworld.Now, she must either fight alongside the king and hope they don’t run out of time to save the realms, or surrender to the evil lord and stop the poison’s spread before it’s too late.Maren can still save the realms, but it will require a true sacrifice of the heart. If you like steamy-sweet, enemies to lovers fantasy romance loosely inspired by Hades and Persephone and Pride and Prejudice with brooding love interests, feisty female leads, and powerful friendships, this book is for you. Dive into this rich new world today!*This duology is set in the same world as Kingdoms of Lore and Dragons Rising but readers can easily start with this book. less

Trapped with the enemy. Stripped of her power. Maren must rise or die trying. Imprisoned at Tiergan’s castle, Maren struggles to protect herself and the innocents at court from his cruelty. It’s a tricky thing because if she hurts him, the act harms her through the Bond. She only hopes that Kynan is successful in his quest for the crystal that can take the place of her Bond with Tiergan... moreTrapped with the enemy. Stripped of her power. Maren must rise or die trying. Imprisoned at Tiergan’s castle, Maren struggles to protect herself and the innocents at court from his cruelty. It’s a tricky thing because if she hurts him, the act harms her through the Bond. She only hopes that Kynan is successful in his quest for the crystal that can take the place of her Bond with Tiergan. While she awaits news, she secretly tests the limits of her power as Awenydd and begins to learn what it truly means to be a queen.Kynan sails the cursed Dark Sea, seeking the Calon y Dderwen alongside Maren’s chosen kin. As if a needle in the haystack search wasn’t difficult enough, Kynan must avoid a legendary sea monster and untangle the mysteries of the foul magic that hovers over the water. He failed a Bonded mate in the past. That cannot be allowed to happen again. He must atone for his past sins.Neither of them will give up, but the dangers they face might force them to do just that. less