Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for a copy of this book.

I like the characters Beau, Penny and Elias but I wanted their relationship to be explored more. I didn’t feel the connection between Elias and Penny and would have liked to see that a bit more explored.

The world has some interesting aspects in there, like the use of magic. I would have liked more world building in the beginning before being thrust into the world. I was a bit confused at times, when new stuff was introduced.

Overall I enjoyed reading it and I wanted to see what happened to the characters!

I went into this book expecting a romantasy, heavy on the romance. And while there was romance (one of the best I’ve read in a long time in fact), I was blown away by the tight plotting and the intricate world-building.
I was a bit hesitant going into this book, considering the romance genre (poly/MMF) is one that I haven’t explored before, but fortunately S.E. McPherson went for a slow-burn that allows you to really connect with the characters and become invested in their romance.
My absolute favourite aspect of the book has to be the characters. Prince Beauregard Mylan Adelard Tristan, or Beau, as we come to know him, is an absolute cinnamon-roll of an MC and the connection (initially platonic, but oh the tension!) between him and his personal guard/best friend Elias is just so beautiful! Elias is another amazingly crafted character. He is so competent and loyal and protective; I was rooting for him from the beginning. So much so that I was initially wanted this to be a MM romance between Beau and Elias because Elias DESERVES Beau all to himself. All of which meant that I took a long time to warm up to the third member of the threesome – Victoire Augusta Bridgette Penamour, the Duchess of Penamour and the woman chosen for Beau by his parents.
Lady Penamour, or Penny as Beau calls her after their relationship warms up, was the hardest for me to like. To be honest, I did not understand Beau’s attraction to her (she’s an absolute b**ch to him for the 1st half of the book). She was also a character who was more ‘tell’ than ‘show’ for me because while we’re told that she’s this astute politician, I didn’t see any political acumen in action. In fact, she’s quite blinkered and prejudiced in her treatment of Beau, refusing to consider his viewpoint despite him repeatedly trying to explain his actual position to her. But she makes an about-turn halfway through the plot, which does make her a much more lovable character.
Like I mentioned before, I absolutely loved the world-building in this one and would love to learn more about the Maurilel civilization and their magic, especially with that tantalizingly unfinished plotline towards the end of the book. I will definitely be following this author and I’m looking forward to more books from this world.
This book is perfect for readers looking to dip their toes in menage/POLY romances as well as those looking for a tightly plotted fantasy adventure with a romantic subplot. I would put this at a high-two to low-three on the spice scale. There are two fairly explicit spice scenes in the second half, though the rest fade to black.

I genuinely enjoyed the relationship beau had with Elias and Penny.
I felt like the pace was perfect and had and excellent amount of world building along the plot.
This book definitely left me wanting more, and I'm desperate for more of the MMF relationship in the story as it continues.
Genuinely u think Elias is my favorite so far, I loved his character and how he treated the MMC.

If I could give this book ten stars, I would.

A King’s Trust is nothing short of spectacular—a fantasy debut that instantly claims its place alongside the best in the genre. Am I biased? Maybe, but I really and truly am obsessed with this book. From the very first chapter, S.E. McPherson draws readers into a richly imagined world, populated with complex characters, a fascinating political landscape, and an interesting magic system that still remains a bit of a mystery. It’s hard to believe this is a debut—the writing is eloquent, assured, and immersive.

The pacing is perfect. It’s deliberate in the best way. It never rushes, and yet it never drags. The slow burn romance is handled with deft restraint—smoldering and tense without veering into melodrama. (This is a MMF romance, and so far it's been done exceptionally well. The smut is smutty but in a delicious way, not cringey or overdone at all).

The characters are equally strong. Beau, El and Penny are magnetic, but it’s the supporting cast that surprised me most—every side character is fully realized, never existing solely to move the plot forward. Their own arcs, loyalties, and secrets enrich the story, making the kingdom feel layered and alive.

The reveals throughout the book are executed with precision, but the final 20%? I don't think I breathed. Every chapter deepens the stakes to the point where I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough. I was completely enthralled, wholly invested, and honestly devastated when I hit the last page—only because I have to wait for the sequel.

A King’s Trust is an astonishing beginning to what promises to be a phenomenal trilogy. McPherson has laid a foundation that is both intricate and emotionally resonant, and I have no doubt the next two installments will only continue to build on that. If you love political intrigue, found families, slow burn romance, and elegant, character-driven fantasy—this book is for you. Now if you'll excuse me I’ll be screaming about it until book two drops.

ARC REVIEW

Thank you to NetGalley for allowing me to read this book.

It's easy to see why other people have enjoyed it, Beau, Elias and Penny are really good characters and the world building was easy enough to follow.

I wish there had been more talk and exploration of the magic, but hopefully that comes in book two.

I will say, the sex scenes felt almost awkward? And having a vagina referred to as lower lips felt hard to take seriously in a smutty moment.

I'd read the next book and I'm interested to see how the story develops!

This was my first time reading an MMF romance, and I found the dynamic really interesting and refreshing. I also loved that the story is told from a male perspective — it’s not something you see often in romance, and it added a unique touch.

The book follows Beau, the second son unexpectedly thrust into the role of crown prince after his brother’s death. He’s suddenly expected to court and find a future queen, but of course, the only woman he’s drawn to isn’t exactly thrilled with him. At the same time, his connection with Elias is just as compelling, and I really enjoyed watching both relationships unfold.

Beau is a reluctant royal, but he genuinely wants to do what’s right for his people — and that made him really easy to root for. If you’re open to a romance that’s a little different, this one’s definitely worth checking out.

Thank you to NetGalley and Metaltail Press, Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), Members' Titles

Thank you to NetGalley and the author for allowing me to review this book. In exchange for an honest review of the entire experience, I was provided with a free copy of the book.

First of all.. How dare...
Second of all... HOW DARE...

For real, though, I was on tenterhooks for the last half of the book. This was generally quite a fabulous read. It was well written. The plot, while it started out a bit slow, did, in fact, deliver. For the last 40% of the book, I was cursing the authors name, BECAUSE HOW DARE... Just to have them be redeemed at the end (Author, you know what you did. My poor heartstrings almost couldn't take it. Like seriously? you give me that, then take them away from me, and then -censored cause I dont want to spoil the ending-).

Onto the book itself. Where do I even start?

Prince Beau, our MMC, has had to step up into his older brothers shoes after an unfortunate accident. As Beau comes to grip with his new reality, and mourns the fact that he can no longer live out his life within a community that he has come to love, he is thrust into a political intrigue, including the intrigue of being mandated to find a wife. Enter our FMC, Victoirie Penamour. Victoirie was his brothers bride to be. But not everything is as it seems, and we find that out pretty quickly. As Beau and Victoirie trade punches, which form a delightful dance from enemies to lovers.

As all of this occurs, Beau's bond with our second MMC grows. I won't spoil who it is, but lord did it just.. twist my heart strings seven ways to Sunday.

I genuinely loved the characters and how easy it was to connect to them. In fact, their honesty, kindness, and compassion just blew me out of the water. Congratulations author, you have successfully created characters that I connect to enough that one could consider them book boyfriend material (this is a true feat, as I don't normally feel this way ever). All of the characters were 3D, including Beau's parents (who, I have to add, I wish to kneecap!).

The few bits of commentary that I could make about this book in a "negative" light are as follows. Beau has this thing with nicknames that could be considered a little jarring, but this is remedied when the why comes out later in the book. It wasn't enough to break my immersion though. In addition to this, the author has built up this world of magic artefacts and the like, which honestly deserved a little more "space" within the book than they were given. Finally, I was kinda sad that we didn't get to see more of the relationships grow and more of the aftermath.. but maybe a second book is in store for us?

Well done author, you deserve all of the praise that you've gotten thus far. I look forward to seeing more of your work.

Arc review: A King’s Trust by S. E. McPherson ⚔️

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you netgalley and publisher for an advanced copy in exchange for a review!!

A King’s Trust follows Beau, the second son who has had to step into the crown prince role following the tragic passing of his brother. Along with this new role comes the expectation that he will court to find someone to be queen. However, the only lady he has any interest in has a strong grudge against him. The first bit of this book, with the courting, definitely made me think more regency romance than romantasy. Regency romance is a subgenre I swore off a long time ago, but this made me question everything!! Our main characters had such good banter. Beau was such a loveable mmc, and I always think it’s fun to have a romance book be told from a male perspective because that’s pretty different for the genre. We do get some more magical elements, politics, and action later that make it feel more like a romantasy. This book is available now and you should definitely give it a read!!

Read A King’s Trust for:
* MMF
* Bodyguard romance
* Pining
* Enemies to lovers
* Political intrigue
* Secret society
* Queer and neurodivergent rep

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for a honest review.

This was so good?! I can't believe this is a debut novel and can't wait to continue to follow this series.

We follow Beauregard--Beau--as he becomes the heir following his brother's untimely death and navigates political intrigue, magic, and secret societies. Beau has no desire to be King, but wants to do what's best for his people. Throw in a loyal guard determined to see him on the throne and a politically minded Duchess who hates him and we have such a wonderful cast of characters.

I loved seeing the relationship between Beau and Elias evolve and develop just as much as I loved watching the relationship between Beau and the Duchess. This story is a poly MMF fantasy romance that focuses so much on characters and the relationships between them. I found myself not willing to put the book down and so unbelievable invested in what was going to happen next.

I will definitely be picking up a physical copy of this book and I can't wait to read the sequel! :)

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Spice: 🌶️.5/5

A King's Trust was my first MMF fantasy and I really enjoyed it! While it started off slow, things really started to pick up around 40-50% then it got really intense towards the end. This book has a TON of politics and I'll be very honest, I was very confused at times. However, the interesting magic system and the tension and relationship between Beau/Elias and Beau/Penny made up for it. Beau is the sweetest human being and an amazing prince. When it got to a certain point in the book it was really difficult to put it down! I wish we got more scenes with the three of them together and I'm excited to see how their relationship progresses.

A King's Trust is for fans of great world building, a unique magic system, found family, slow burn, and political intrigue.

*Thank you to Netgalley, Metaltail Press, and the author, S.E. McPherson, for the ARC. Opinions expressed are solely my own.

Prince Beauregard “Beau” 's life takes a drastic turn when he becomes the unexpected heir to the throne after his brother’s death. Thrust into royal duties, Beau must contend with grief, trauma, and growing feelings for his best friend, Elias, all while navigating a corrupt kingdom.

Beau is a kinda likable, snarky protagonist—kind at heart but often feeling a bit too “above” others in my opinion. I wasn't able to relate deeply to this character. which can be frustrating at times. Still, his internal battles and commitment to doing what’s right make him interesting. The romantic tension with Elias is particularly engaging, and the development of Beau’s relationships, both romantic and political, adds plenty of emotional depth.

I loved the French-inspired names and the strong LGBTQ+ and polyamorous representation which was the most refreshing part, and the magic and intrigue keep the stakes high. While the pacing can feel a bit uneven, the compelling characters and intricate world-building make A King’s Trust an enjoyable, emotional ride for fans of royal fantasy and slow-burn romance.

my first experience using netgalley so massive shoutout to them for bringing this book to my attention.

beau is such a fucking Lovely protagonist but i was equally endeared by the main three. up until about a year ago i had no interest in reading poly romance (thank you challengers!) but this followed through on what I absolutely love - confidence that beau needs both of those partners as bad as each other.

my only issue would be with the pacing, as the third act was super action packed which felt like a bit of a tonal shift from the slower, political and romance heavy first two. the mystery was really intriguing and even though I predicted some elements i was definitely pleasantly surprised by others.

really excited to learn this is planned as a trilogy i will absolutely be tuning back in to the world for my throuple and their weird magic.

I'm on the fence about this one! The King's Trust is overall not bad for a debut, and I adored El and Beau so much. However, the pacing was all over the place and I almost DNF because of how slow the first half of this moved.

If you've read a review of mine you know, I'm not one for Romantasy. I get lost in the building of the world (here's to you, ADHD!) But this one didn't feel too cumbersome. I loved that this was centered around Beau, the boy who doesn't want to be king, instead of some unsuspecting female character. That Beau comes with a love interest of his own (the Swords DO cross) and builds on itself with some mystery and a lil treason. Fear not, this IS a polyamorous story so Beau does get to double dip. Elias has every bit of the loyalty you'd expect from a Guardsman, and Lady Penamore (perpendicular, Pendergrass, penn) does is the absolute favorite of being the magic connoisseur and not a bapid, useless, hanngeron. The story doesn't end on a cliffhanger but does leave lots of ends unanswered. Enjoyable read!

Beyond fantastic.

Furiously devoured this novel like I was starved for it. Yes sirs...and ma'am.

We have a genuinely nice MMC (Beau) who tells the truth to a fault, believes people are honest, and is completely unaware he's in love with his insanely hot protective guard (Elias...swoon!). And then enter the "F" in the MMF romance, nicknamed "Penny", that surprisingly rounds out this trio in and out of the bedroom. The slow burn really builds and when it finally ignites is pure perfection! I loved the polyamory and queer representations throughout the entire novel.

The story and the writing was next level good, though. This world that McPherson built is so well thought out. The layers of magic, secrets, and darkness weave together so intricately that by the time the last page is finished, and you need to come up for air, a level of disappointment that it's over along with equal feelings of satisfaction that Beau, Elias, and Penny got to where they needed to be and "what the heck have they done" hits all at once.

To say I enjoyed this novel is an understatement and I cannot wait to see where the next book goes.

Thank you NetGalley for the eARC.
3.5 stars

Warning, this is an MMF for those who aren’t into that. I’m loving that there are more poly books on the rise.

This was a fine debut. We follow Prince Beau, who becomes heir to the crown after his brother’s unexpected death. Dismayed by the new responsibilities, he struggles to hold sway to the nobles that despise him and his ideas. With no support save for his trusted guard and long time crush, Elias, he navigates the politics of nobles and the task of finding a wife out of love, which isn’t going as planned as his late brother’s fiancée, Lady Penamour, sabotages his connections. However, he can’t help but grow attracted to her honesty and cleverness. In the background is a plan of usurpation backed by unknown powerful villains waiting for the right opportunity during the king’s failing health. Beau must fight for the throne he never wanted, while keeping those he loves safe.

I really enjoyed the first half of the book. The development in getting to know Beau and Elias was well done, as well as the political intrigue. Though, I did find myself too frustrated with the politics and everyone being against Beau and thought maybe it was a bit much continuously, but it also is very realistic, especially if Beau reputation was tarnished. But I was hoping for some people to be swayed towards him with his efforts, but we barely got any, so my frustrations persisted.

Additionally, for me, the pacing was off and it left me wanting more. At about the halfway point, once Lady Penamour realized she was wrong about to think Beau killed his own brother for the crown, she a whole 180 and is suddenly in love with him and him her. I just wished there was more development in her falling for Beau. However, they were very cute together. I would have also liked a platonic development between Elias and Penamour to complete the poly relationship, and to learn more about the Watchers.
The last quarter felt fast and long at the same time. We are told that Beau has magic blood with no hint or foreshadowing throughout so I felt it came out of nowhere. The last battle wasn’t a battle and that task resolved rather quickly. There are still some mysteries to be solved and foreshadowing to happen, so I’m guessing there is another book, but if not, I think it ended rather nicely with a happy for now,

Overall, fairly enjoyable story and characters. If a sequel comes out, I’ll be reading it.

Thank you NetGalley for the eARC.

I wish I could say that I read this book in one sitting but actually this book beat me into submission. I lowkey wanted to DNF this book, but I refuse to ever do that, even if it’s a book I detest. I’m stubborn like that. I did almost fall into a reading slump when I was reading this book but that was either because of the book itself or my weird depression month I seem to be having.

Either way, I finished the goddamn book and here are my thoughts that are probably repetitive, don’t worry it annoyed my lecturers when I didn’t proofread my essays (still did well in my degrees so I guess I’m not too bad).

I loved the poly romance, this is actually my first one ever so it was nice for me to dip my toes into, so to speak, Elias and Beau actually made me go all gooey on the inside, especially when they show how much they care for each other—outside of the romantic relationship.

I’m kind of excited to see where they go in the future with their journey and when we learn more about Elias and what he is.

(Cross-posed to Fable and Goodreads and StoryGraph)

A winner. If you like political brangling, you're in for a real treat; if you don't, stay for the characters and the story. A lovely debut novel, offering food for both heart and head. I look forward to reading the next in the series.

<spoiler>I can forsee some Very Bad Things™ resulting from Beau's 'promise'. I hope to see him/them? researching the entity involved and working to find ways to contain it, because that's likely to be a very necessary endgame with it for our redoubtable trio.</spoiler>

So where I even begin with this one? I loved, loved, loved this book!

McPherson’s world-building is vivid and immersive, creating a setting that feels both fantastical and grounded in real emotional stakes.
Beau is a relatable and endearing protagonist, his kindness and vulnerability making him a character readers will root for from the very first page.

P.S.
Elias and Beau deserved everything along with Penny.
I'm really excited to see this trio continue to grow together in the next book!

This book really surprised me. At the begging, it was a little slow and I thought I was going to hate it, but as it went on, El and Beau grew on me. This romance is definitely a slow burn for the throuple but totally worth it if you’re needing something else to read.