I thouroughly enjoyed this book. Love Elias and Beau deserves everything.
I'm sad that we didn't get to see more of the MMF relationship but the brief moment they shared together was cute. I also wish that we got to see Beau grow to love himself more and be more confident, altough we did get to see tiny slivers of it,
Overall, I was just hoping for more from this book because it was so good I just wanted more of everything lol

This is defintely an author that I would read again because I did enjoy the writing and this book a lot.

Fantasy books that start with a map get a yes from me. This did feel more like a more of a regency romance at times, particularly in the first half of the book, but seeing Beau navigate the court politics was important for his character development and arc.
I loved the way the poly relationships were handled and the queerness across the full cast of characters felt essential, rather than gratuitous, and it’s one of the best depictions of found family I’ve read in ages.
The magical elements of the story felt a little undercooked, but I’m sure as the series progresses they’ll come to the fore. I’m looking forward to finding out what happens next!

This book is about Beau, a bisexual polyamorous prince who is thrust into power in a kingdom that is run by noblemen’s greed. He tries to level the playing field for the poor and needy, and gets a target on his back for it.

He has had a crush on his guard, Elias, for years. But then he also falls in love with Penny after knowing her for literally like… a week. And after she was horrible to him, kidnaps him, and poisons Elias, he still loves her and marries her! I get that he had to marry her in order to become king, but Beau’s whole relationship and love for Penny felt rushed and superficial, to be honest. His love for Elias was very clear throughout though.

I would have liked to see more fleshing out of Beau’s relationship with his brother, Char. He went from loving his brother fiercely, to presumably hating him after learning that he was creepy and a rapist. It felt very rushed. Like, “Oh he was a dick? Ok I guess I’ll never grieve his death ever again.”

I loved the found family that Beau finds in the Isles, and his confrontation with his mother about her coldness and horrible parenting was just *chef’s kiss* excellent. The concept of nicknames on the Isles was absolutely adorable, and all the characters there were so lovable. I can totally see a prequel or sequel taking place on the Isles.

Altogether, this book was an exciting read with lovable queer characters. Would definitely recommend.

I loved, loved, loved this book. Wonderful main characters with good chemistry all around. Beau was my favorite; such a sweet, kind-hearted man, doggedly determined to try to do the right thing. Also, as a reader with ADHD and a history of self harm, I thought his experiences with both were thoughtfully, beautifully portrayed. I would have loved to learn more about Elias’s backstory, but we were given enough information to get the gist of it and a basic understanding of why he is the way he is (a loyal, lovely badass). And Penny’s personality, her slyness and wit and formidable will, challenged and complemented Beau and Elias in delightful ways. I enjoyed the balance of plot and romance; I’m on the aromantic spectrum, and occasionally I’ll get overwhelmed by the sheer amount of pining in some romance books, but this one featured plenty of action and worldbuilding to keep my interest.

If I have any complaint at all, it’s that there’s no news of a planned sequel. While the story comes to a satisfying conclusion, there’s definitely room left for more, and I want it!

I loved this book! It was well written and unique, which can sometimes be a challenge in a fantasy romance.

The story was well paced and the magic of the world was very intriguing.

Beau is such a wonderful main character and I really enjoyed his developing relationships. Genuinely really excited to see this trio continue to grow together in the next book!

Highly recommend this for anyone looking for a lovely queer poly fantasy romance! Thanks to NetGalley and Metaltail Press for the ARC!

This was a very refreshing fantasy read. The first 40% didn't quite have an obvious story goal, it just dealt with the minutia of day to day castle life for the prince. It's very political and dry at times. But the dialogue and banter were so good that didn't even bother me. After that it really picked up and got into the story.

I appreciated that it didn't revolve around a world threatening event, just a prince becoming who he needed to be to take the throne. This gave it more time for character building, which was easily my favorite part.

There are a few plot points that aren't delved into just yet, and I'm really looking forward to the world building that's sure to come in the sequel(s).

First, thank you so much net galley for the opportunity to read and review this, I absolutely LOVED it from start to finish!
If there is one thing I've noticed this year we are getting some absolutely amazing books from authors where it's their debut.

The only question I have to ask is WHEN are we getting the next book? pleaseeeee tell me it's in the works?! it SURELY can't end like that, can it?!

I has every intention of reading this in one sitting, I actually felt grumpy when I had to stop reading and go off and do responsible adult things with my day. However, I throughly looked forward to sitting down in the evening and diving back into the world. It pulled me in completely, I really did not want to put this book down. The world building, the little isle with the found family, the characters, the romance.

When we meet Beau, we can see him like any other unruly, spoilt, and quite simply - an ungrateful prince. At least, that's how he's described when we first meet him. However, when you start to peel back the layers, you realise that Beau isn't actually that way at all. After his brothers death, Beau is thrown into the spotlight and expected to do his duty - to prepare himself to become King. Beau, of course, can't think of anything he'd less rather be in the world than a King. We learn that Beau, really DOES have legitimate reasons for not wanting to be involved with his family at all. His parents are cold, cruel, and calculated and he's the 'overlooked' son of the family, the 'spare' that wasn't planned.

However, even with all these feelings that Beau has to work through he cares about where he comes from, and the people. He wants to do better than his parents. He's not prepared to hand over where he lives to Nobels who do not care about the people. Instead, he becomes the unbearable son - the son who only wants to do good and protect those he loves and cares about. His character development is honestly such a wonderful development throughout and the way in which is confidence grows is truely heartwarming.

The poly romance for me was just pure joy. I loved the friends to lovers part of Elias's love of Beau, his choice to be the guard to him and then all the other mysteries that unravel about him. His character arc is actually something quite special, in a small way. I enjoyed the whole dilemma of being torn between duty and who you really are because both him and Beau share this problem in VERY different ways. He has complete unconditional love for Beau and ah, I love them! However, I would say I wish this book was a little longer to explore more about how Elias came to be.

I really really loved Penny, so much. What I would say though is it would've been nice to see Elias and Penny really develop more of a friendship, that maybe even developed into something more between them. I loved the banter they often had, and how Penny really cared about how much Beau loved him, and really the ways in which she showed she loved Beau. Cannot say more than this because you have to experience the read for yourself.

The magic! AH the magic. I want more of it.

I'm literally thirsting for the sequel. No, I'm begging. Give us more please!

I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for my unbiased review. Thank you so much for the ARC, I appreciate it!

So when is the next book? I need it so bad.

I devoured this book in almost one sitting, accidentally. The world, the characters, and the romance were so addicting that I felt like I flew through it. I now regret reading it so quickly.

The main character, Beau, first appears to us as a bit of an unruly, whiny, and ungrateful prince, but as the book progresses, we really catch glimpses of the mistreated and overlooked son who just wanted love and comfort from his family. His character development is amazing as we slowly see him become more and more confident in himself and his abilities despite his despair. Additionally, we get to see his relationship with Elias develop.

While Elias might be for everyone, I enjoyed his mysterious and, at times, deceiving character. He is so full of sunshine but also an enigma. Around 60-70%, we start to crack Elias' shell and learn that he isn't all happy and sunshine, which is intriguing. However, we begin to learn about Elias a bit too late into the book, though this was due to the turning point in his and Beau's adorable relationship. I also loved the addition of Penny into the relationship; she fit nicely into Beau and Elias' relationship; however, I wish for Elias and Penny to develop their friendship/relationship, which would make the relationship dynamics seamless.

In addition, I did enjoy learning more about Beau's brother, Char, but again, I felt this happened a bit too late in the book, which contributed to the ending feeling very jam-packed and rushed. If some things were revealed throughout the book instead of just at the end, that would have improved the pacing of the ending immensely, which is what hindered the book from reaching 5 stars for me.

All in all, though, I thoroughly enjoyed A King's Trust and recommend it due to its diversity, politics, and intriguing and unique magic system!

5 Stars (can I do 10?!)– A Stunning Debut with Depth, Magic, and Swoon-Worthy Chaos

A King’s Trust is the kind of book that reminds me why I love reading. S.E. McPherson has crafted a world that is immersive and intoxicating—full of magic, intrigue, and characters that feel like they could step off the page and into your life. I love them deeply.

At the heart of this story is a poly MMF romance (my first of its kind!) that burns in all the best ways—an AuDHD bi prince trying to survive a throne he never wanted, a lusciously loyal guard who knows too much, and a duchess who refuses to make it easy on anyone (and she’s definitely an enneagram 8 like me). The tension? Off the charts. The emotional depth? Gut-wrenching in the best way. And the world-building? So vivid that I felt completely transported—something that doesn’t always come easily for me, but this novel made easy.

A King’s Trust doesn’t just deliver an unforgettable story—it means something. It’s a love letter to found family (tulip family!), queerness, and the defiance of expectation—all things we need to uplift in these uncertain times. If you love fantasy romance with spice 🥵, depth, and razor-sharp storytelling, this is a must-read. I already can’t wait for what’s next from S.E. McPherson, and I’ll be starving until I get my hands on the sequel.

Order it. Devour it. Obsess over it. Thirst for the sequel. Trust me.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily (and truthfully) leaving a review.

A King’s Trust was an exciting read that pulled on my heartstrings on several occasions. The theme of found family is strong and warming in this story, and I loved following Beau’s journey of protecting those he cares for. This story had everything you could ask for: the funny banter and playfulness, the heartfelt truths between friends and lovers, the spicy situations Beau found himself in, the political strategies that Penny came up with, Elias’s unwavering loyalty, the light magical elements thrown in to make this fantasy. I had trouble putting this book down and thoroughly enjoyed my time reading it. I can’t wait to read more from this author!

Read an advance copy on NetGalley and oh my goodness. This book hooked me from the very beginning and never let go. I am absolutely obsessed with the characters, especially Elias. Great world building and royal drama.

This book was an absolute fXxk!ng delight! All of the political intrigue and scheming gave me real Bridgerton vibes (in a good way). You can definitely tell this book is world building (with a bit of adventure and spice) for the next two books in the trilogy. There are so many interesting, but unresolved, plot lines (again, in a good way).

What did I LOVE about this book?
- The MMC, Beau. What a good, loving, caring man with a traumatized inner child. Many books have a MMC POV, but this book felt like it was written entirely from Beau's POV (even though it's in 3rd person) and it was a refreshing change. Beau is complex and naive and has a heart of gold. I've never felt more attuned to a character. This is even more emphasized in relation to his enemies, who you come to hate pretty viciously (especially his parents).
- The banter between characters helps keep a light tone throughout when things could get pretty heavy. I love snark!
- I read a lot of reverse harem books and am always missing the MM action. This book has one spicy, on-the-page MM scene and it is an absolute delight. The romance was woven together expertly with both intense emotion and an advancement of the characters' stories. Given the tension between the two MMCs, I'd argue this scene was even better than the MF one.
- The introduction to the magical world of the Maurilel, which I'm sure will be expanded on the books to come

What didn't I like about this book?
- I read it so fast and now it's over! And since this is the first, I'll have to wait so long to spend time with these characters again. I'm missing them already.

Many thanks to the author and NetGalley for the advanced reader copy, which I received for free. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I loved the rep in this book! The poly group was well written and the story flowed with their romance effortlessly. I very much enjoyed reading through this.

This book is quite lovely, but it was a bit too slow paced for me to be able to fully get into and indulge. I will absolutely purchase this should I see it in stores as this is a gorgeous cover and a neat story.

I think this writing style will be best enjoyed when I am in the proper mood for something a bit slower, and when I have the physical book in hand and can fully enjoy the experience.

Thank you so much for the opportunity to leave honest feedback! I am grateful to have received a free eARC of this book.

S.E. McPherson’s A King's Trust is a charming and heartfelt fantasy romance that explores the complexities of duty, love, and self-discovery. With its endearing protagonist and richly imagined world, this novel is a delightful blend of political intrigue, personal growth, and unexpected romance.

The story follows Prince Beauregard, the second son who never wanted—or expected—to take the throne. When his brother’s sudden death thrusts him into the role of Crown Prince, Beau is overwhelmed by the responsibilities and expectations that come with his new position. Determined to find a wife who is both honest and politically savvy, Beau is dismayed to discover that the only noblewoman who fits the bill absolutely despises him.

McPherson’s writing is warm and engaging, capturing the emotional depth and humour of Beau’s journey with grace and authenticity. The novel’s exploration of themes like duty, identity, and the sacrifices required by love is both poignant and thought-provoking. Beau is a relatable and endearing protagonist, his kindness and vulnerability making him a character readers will root for from the very first page.

The supporting cast, including the sharp-witted noblewoman who challenges Beau at every turn, adds richness and complexity to the narrative. The slow-burn romance is beautifully crafted, with moments of tension and tenderness that will leave readers swooning. McPherson’s world-building is vivid and immersive, creating a setting that feels both fantastical and grounded in real emotional stakes.

A King's Trust is a story of love and self-discovery, of finding the courage to embrace one’s true self while navigating the demands of duty. It’s a tale that will captivate fans of fantasy romance and leave them eagerly awaiting the next chapter in Beau’s journey.

"A King’s Trust" is a really enjoyable story about the spare price who, after the surprising death of his older brother, learns that he, soon, will be the king. This book features multifaceted and compelling characters, an interesting magic system that is set up well for future books in the trilogy, and a strong writing style that really makes Beauregard’s tale a worthwhile read. My one major complaint is that the book tends towards feeling slow, though the ending has an absolutely breakneck pace.

Prince Beauregard’s life lies away from the palace: the spare prince without either aptitude or interest in politics, he has made a second life for himself in the islands of his kingdom and planned to leave his royal life behind. However, after his brother’s unexpected death, he must confront the fact that he, now, is the crown price, and will be inheriting the throne soon. One of the largest challenges for Beau is the requirement that he marry before he takes the throne. This presents two challenges: first of all, the only woman he is interested in Duchess Penamour, absolutely hates his guts. The second is that he is expected to marry a woman, particularly one of noble blood, but he’s absolutely entranced by his guard, Elias. Cue a story that centers politics and matchmaking: Beau must learn the politics of his kingdom and reckon with cruel abuses of power that have been left to fester under his father’s rule, and at the same time seek out a suitable marriage to strengthen his claim to the throne.

There’s a lot I really enjoyed about this book. Beau is the kind of protagonist who is very easy to root for: he is deeply personable and cares strongly about doing what is right; though he is also flawed in ways that make his ascension to the throne far from certain. Lady Penamour is a complex and strong female lead; I especially loved her arc, and in many ways she felt like the most human character of the group. Elias is a bit of more of an enigma—deeply protective and devoted, willing to be cruel if it means he guards the safety and emotions of those he cares about. His tension with Beau is deeply compelling, though at times I found myself wishing his story was less….edgy? The author does an amazing job painting Elias as a character who you never really know if you, the reader, will understand; but at times I felt it went too far or was too repetitive.

My main complaint about the book is its pacing; this book often felt that it was a bit slow. It never felt like it dragged or left me feeling bored; the book does a good job of dangling mysteries in front of the reader to make you want to keep reading. That being said, the book never felt as compulsively readable as I hoped it would. For as much as I enjoyed the reading experience, I felt as though the pacing could have been a tad faster.

I am rating this book 4.5 stars out of 5, rounded down to 4 stars. It’s an enjoyable read, the characters have a lot of depth, and I did sincerely appreciate its representation. I am absolutely looking forward to further books in the trilogy!

A King's Trust was sexy, silly, and surprisingly dark - I enjoyed every minute of it. We follow Beau, a reluctant heir to the throne, as he grapples with the death of his brother, aristocratic expectations, and a growing crush on his guard. The portrayal of Beau's found family versus family of origin was particularly compelling. I was drawn to this title because of the poly representation and really appreciated the pacing of the various love interests, the matter-of-fact queerness, and the frank and non-dramatic discussion of ethical non-monogamy. Though A King's Trust is clearly intended to be the first in a series, the ending of this book felt somewhat rushed. Too many things were left unresolved for my liking and some elements (e.g. magic) felt tacked on in order to set up for the next book. Nevertheless, I couldn't put this book down. A lovely cozy spring fantasy.

Oh where do I start? This book was so so good to read and I couldn't stop reading this book for a bit. I rated this book 5 stars because it was really an amazing experience.

A big thank you to Metaltail Press, Netgalley, and S.E. McPherson for giving me this ARC in return for my honest review!

I planned on reading this book slowly over time and somehow ended up reading it all in one sitting.

A King's Trust follows Prince Beauregard - the second son who was never meant (and never wanted) to take the throne. When his brother dies suddenly, he finds himself thrust into the role of Crown Prince with more responsibility and paperwork than he ever wanted, a deadline to find a wife worthy of helping him rule, and the sinking realization that he'll never get to truly be with the man he loves. Sweet, trusting, too-good-for-this-world Beau decides he wants a wife who is honest as well as politically minded. Unfortunately, the only noblewomen who fits the bill absolutely hates him.

Pros:
- The tension and longing between Elias and Beau is absolutely top notch.
- Lady Pennabrook is completely convinced that Beau is a lying, scheming, manipulator who killed his brother but watching her begrudgingly fall in love with him while fighting her feelings was so much fun.
- If you like political intrigue, mystery, secret dealings, and unique magical artifacts - you will like this book.
- If you like found family you will like this book.
- If you love absolutely delightful, good-hearted princes who only want what's best for their people, but are also a little bit clueless - you will love Beau.

Cons
- Make sure you read the trigger warnings for this book, there are some explicitly violent scenes as well as discussion of self-harm.
- There are a number of things that were started before Beau’s brother died and Beau has to deal with the aftermath (I sadly can't describe them without spoilers) but we don't really see a resolution to them. I think I could make an educated guess about what was going on, but there was never a real “this is what happened” moment which was a little frustrating.
- If you like fantasy that is fast paced and action packed, you might not like this book. There are a lot of court politics, paperwork, and balls with the occasional action scene sprinkled in.
- If you like detailed and intricate magic in your fantasy books, you might not like this book. It sort of felt like the magic in this book was an afterthought and you don't really read about it until half way through.
- If you're not into poly romance you might not like this book

Overall, I loved Beau, I loved the romance, and I thought the book was fun and easy to read. I rated this book 3.5 stars, rounded up to 4.
There are few explicit intimate scenes, so I would rate this book a 2 on a spice scale.
I would definitely recommend this book!

I loved this book. It was so hard to put down. Beau and Elias's friendship was so fun to read and watch evolve throughout the book, they are so great together and Elias is such a great friend for the prince. I love the banter between Beau and Victoire, the amount of nicknames Beau gave her amused me immensely. I had so much fun seeing their relationship evolve throughout the book. Beau's found family at the Isle are the best people and I adore them, it sounds like there will be more books and if so I really hope to see more of them. I really adore how Ma took Beau in when he really needed her the most because his biological family just sucked. I really enjoyed this book and there's more to the series I will be ready to read them all.