If you're craving a new adult fantasy romance with grumpy x sunshine, forbidden love, enemies-to-lovers, and broody touch-her-and-die warriors, Kingdom of Claw by Demi Winters is here to deliver. The second book in the Ashen series, this novel takes us deeper into its Norse-inspired world, filled with warbands, magic, and deadly rulers who stop at nothing to seize power.
But let’s be real—while Kingdom of Claw follows two main couples, not all romances are created equal. Rey and Silla might be the fan-favorite pairing, but for me? It was all about Saga and Kass. Their forbidden love story had the tension, heartbreak, and chemistry that kept me glued to the pages. Plus, Kass’s broken English and adorable accent? Swoon.
Synopsis: War, Magic, and Two Sizzling Romances
In a world where ruthless kings and queens rule with bloodied hands, two love stories unfold amid war and treachery:
Rey and Silla: The classic grumpy x sunshine dynamic. Silla, with her light and warmth, tries to break through Rey’s hardened walls, but his past and duty keep him at arm’s length. Their romance is a slow burn with plenty of tension, but personally, I found their storyline to be a bit of a slow march rather than a gripping ride.
Saga and Kass: Now this is where the magic happens. Saga and Kass’s forbidden love brims with enemies-to-lovers tension, aching restraint, and undeniable chemistry. With their worlds against them and every reason to stay apart, they fight a losing battle against fate—and each other. Add in Kass’s broken English and soft side beneath all that warrior bravado? Chef’s kiss.
The novel starts at a slow simmer, building its intricate world of warbands, mystical threats, and deadly politics. But once the final third kicks in? The betrayals, heart-stopping action, and scorching romance explode off the page.
Tropes and Themes That Make This Book Shine
Demi Winters masterfully intertwines classic romantasy tropes with high stakes and emotional depth. Here’s what you can expect:
Grumpy x Sunshine – Rey is broody and emotionally closed off, while Silla is all warmth and light.
Forbidden Love – Saga and Kass? Pure angst. They shouldn't be together, but fate (and their undeniable pull) has other plans.
Enemies-to-Lovers – Nothing makes romance sizzle like hatred turning into heated stares and stolen moments.
Slow-Burn Romance – Expect yearning, tension, and every touch feeling like the world is shifting.
Touch-Her-and-Die Alpha Males – Kass and Rey will wreck anyone who so much as looks at their woman wrong.
Resilient Heroines – Silla and Saga aren’t just love interests—they’re warriors of their own making, determined to survive in a world that wants to break them.
Norse-Inspired Setting – Warbands, dark magic, ruthless rulers, and a harsh, wintry world that tests every character to their limits.
Final Thoughts: A Story of Two Romances, But Only One Stole My Heart
While Kingdom of Claw has something for every fantasy romance lover, for me, Saga and Kass stole the show. Their forbidden romance had the intensity, passion, and emotional stakes that made it impossible to put the book down. Rey and Silla’s relationship, while sweet, just didn’t pack the same punch—but hey, that’s just me.
If you love new adult romance with grumpy x sunshine, forbidden love, slow-burn romance, and alpha males who’d burn the world down for their woman, this book belongs on your shelf.
Let’s Chat!
Have you read Kingdom of Claw? Which romance had you obsessed? Let’s discuss in the comments below! 📖🔥
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