THE CHAOSWEAVER'S DAUGHTER Book Review

The Chaosweaver's Daughter (book 2 in Fear & Focus Duology) by M.A. Lakewood, eBook, 401 pages

Synopsis from GoodReads: A steamy magical romance about a reluctant magic tutor, a distracted duke, and the secrets that threaten to pull them apart. Perfect for fans of forced proximity, hidden identities, and witty banter.

When a royal summons arrives for her late father, Nesrina Kiappa answers it herself—because someone has to. Armed with rare magic and a sharp wit, Nes hopes to claim her papa’s old post tutoring the palace’s unruly heirs. But she’s not sure how to handle aristocrats… especially a handsome duke who keeps derailing her routine. Kas Kahoth never meant to keep Nes in the dark. He’s just a little distracted. Buried under titles, duties, and a growing attraction, he finds it hard to stay away as his hidden burdens grow heavier.

Magical mishaps, mischievous twins, and a shared love of academia pull Nes and Kas closer as they navigate the fine line between duty and desire. If you love fantasy romance with a historical flair, slow-burn chemistry, and clever banter, the second book in the Fear & Focus duology delivers a guaranteed happily ever after. Can be read as a standalone or after The Reluctant Queen .

BOOK REVIEW: I want to start with the end of the synopsis. This really can be read as a standalone even though it is book 2. Book 1 focused on the King and Queen meeting 10 years prior (see my review linked in the related posts area below) and this book focuses on the Queen's brother and the tutor. There was never a feeling that brought me back to the first book that made me think if someone hadn't read The Reluctant Queen first then they would feel lost. With that aspect alone, the author did an amazing job! This was a wonderful way to wrap up the duology.

There were a few spicy scenes that were written so playfully and steamy. I would say that the scenes fall right in the middle on a scale of "I feel like I'm intruding on someone's private and very intimate moment" and "That was totally raunchy and graphic"...but on the lower end of the middle. That aside, I think my favorite parts were the early scenes of Nes working with the twins and trying to teach them how to control their magic. I mean, one of my favorite mythical animals was brought to life!

This was 5 stars, hands down. The author did a wonderful job wrapping up this duology, leaving me feeling satisfied with the story's ending however she has talked about how there will be more coming from this world that she has created and I'm excited to see what else she comes up with! As I said earlier, even though this is a book 2, it doesn't read like a book 2 and I enjoyed that a lot. At times it did feel like some things were going so very slow but the banter between characters and the narration helped move those scenes along. This book comes out on 9.25.25 and you can preorder the eBook on Amazon linked above on the title. This is an indie author so this is one of the best ways to support her work. I do believe that it will also be available in paperback upon release if you prefer a physical copy!

5/5 Stars

2025 Reading Challenge: 56/50 complete