Pretense

Elven Alliance #5

by Tara Grayce

Essie and Farrendel are living their happily ever after…until Farrendel’s greatest secret leaks to the Escarlish press.

With his reputation set to be forever ruined, they race to do damage control. Yet, an even greater danger lurks behind the leak, threatening more than just Farrendel’s reputation.

To save his brother-in-law and rescue the alliance, Prince Edmund of Escarland proposes a fake courtship to Jalissa, the elf princess who has broken his heart not once, but twice, even if she doesn’t know it.

Edmund and Jalissa struggle to unravel the conspiracy, save Farrendel, and attempt to keep their fake romance from becoming all too real. It might be more than this spy prince and elf princess can handle.

Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Elves, Magic, Young Adult, Fae, Fantasy Romance

528 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 10, 2021

About the author

Born and raised in Michigan, I enjoy traveling to new adventures that inspire my writing.

Growing up, I read just about every book I could get my hands on, especially fantasy. I currently write YA fantasy and romantic fantasy filled with lots of humor, spunky and tough leading ladies, and broken heroes.

When I am not writing, I enjoy spending time with my chocolate lab, Miss Kisses.

Reviews

[H.S.J. Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

In my review for Fierce Heart, I said these books were a bit like elvish fantasy Hallmark movies. I take that back. They're much more like elvish fantasy K-dramas. You know, that storyline where one moment you are basking in the feels of cute humor and cozy romance and the NEXT moment, you are holding onto your chair FOR DEAR LIFE because you are so afraid everyone you love is going to DIE.

Yeah. That's sort of what I felt like for most of this book.

Pretty sure Tara writes every installment in this series better than the last. I'm not sure how she does it. All I know is that I love these people and I will happily read books about them for as long as she wants to write them.

[deborah o'carroll (offline during 2026) · Rating 5 out of 5]

(I was a copyeditor for this, so disclaimer there, but my opinion as a reader is that this was one of my fave reads this year. Edmund and Jalissa ARE EVERYTHING, I tell you. EVERYTHINGGGG. <3 And of course Other Things as well. *grin, grin* This book. I CANNOT! *hugs it forever*)

[alittlebitbookish · Rating 5 out of 5]

December 20th 2021

“When you live in the shadows some of that darkness seeps into you.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~


Farren and Essie were sooo cute, their son is adorable!! Jalissa and Edmund were also cute! I felt like in their story some parts were lacking a bit. That’s why my rating is 4.5 stars instead of a full five star rating. And I wanted to see more of Jalissa and Malantha being together and bonding a bit more. And I wanted to see more of Rharreth and Julian a bit more too. And I had a hunch Julian and Vriska were gonna have to court. And when it was confirmed I didn’t really like the thought of them together. (I was on the Zavni and Vriska train) but now that I think about it, I like the thought of Julian and Vriska together, (it will challenge Vriska in her relationship with Julian since she doesn’t like humans) I am still so excited for ShieldBand!!!!! AND TARA PLEASE WRITE SHIELDBAND NEXT!!!!! IM BEGGING YOU!!!!!

December 1st 2021
GUYSSSS!!!!! 9 more days till Pretense comes out!!!! I’m so excited!!!!!
ITS GONNA BE SO GOOOOOOOODDDDDD!!!!!!!!

•November 1st 2021•

(39 more days left until Pretense lets goooo!!!) I neeeeeeeddddd this book to be longgggg. Like so longggg (at LEAST 875 pages 😉 every book in Elven Alliance was longer then the previous book. and I mean ITS JALISSA AND EDMUND!!! I simply NEEEEDD it to be long!!!) and I need to see Jalissa finally forgiving Melantha. We need that forgiveness and that healing. *gives Jalissa a human hug* *whispers* “I know you have it in you to forgive her.”

•October 4th 2021•

Am I rating a book I haven’t even read yet 5 stars? Yes. I most certainly am. I know this is gonna be so so good. 67 days till Pretense comes out!!!!! Ah! *screams*

June 30th 2021.
I’m sooo excited!!! ahh *insert screaming here* And I was thinking what if when Tara writes that book of short stories she writes Julians story and he falls in love with a Troll?! THAT WOULD BE ADORABLE!!!🥺🥺😍😍❤️❤️

[Amelie · Rating 5 out of 5]

*deep breath*

AHHHHH.

*composes self*

This was just…so good. AHHH.

Longer, more coherent review to come! For now, suffice it to say that this is equally heart-pounding and squeal-worthy-adorable. I love it so, so much.

Annnnd…I’m going to be waiting just as eagerly for Shield Band now. :)

[Selina Gonzalez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Re-read
Bumped to five stars because I liked Edmund and Jalissa and their complicated relationship even more this time and because I laughed out loud a couple times, and I'm still just so appreciative for real, non-flashy espionage.
--
Lots of adorableness with a side of intrigue and dash of danger

Many, many parts that made me giggle or smile or squeal a little. I appreciated the spy aspect and how it wasn't glamorous or flashy or typically action packed (and had some minor Spy Who Came in From the Cold vibes, appreciated). I did feel parts maybe dragged or thematically were a tiny bit heavy handed or repetitive, but it was minor, and it very could have been my mood, because I also didn't engage emotionally quite as much and I think it might have just been me, as well as even though I really like Edmund and he was a very fun character, he's not my type, lol. *shrug* I really empathized with Jalissa's head/heart and overthinking struggles, though. And continued love for the more nuanced and realistic and healthy treatment of Farrendel's PTSD and living with anxiety. 💜

[Sarah Ryder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Farrendel and Essie are still my number one couple but Edmund and Jalissa are a close second; they’re just so darn cute! And boy did things go from “this is so sweet and happy” to “THEY’RE ALL GONNA DIE, AHHHH!!!!” sooooo quickly and man was it nerve wracking! I literally couldn’t stop reading for a couple days because I just HAD to know how things were going to go down! And I loved the spying stuff, so cool and well thought out and executed!

Jalissa’s arc was really well done and I appreciate how Tara didn’t drag it out like I know SOOO many other authors would have while also not straying into being too quick and unrealistic either. And did I already mention she and Edmund are really cute together? Because they are. 🥰🥰

I’m so sad this is the last book with Farrendel and Essie’s POVs!!!! 😭😭 I’m going to miss being in their heads so much, but I’m satisfied with where things have “ended” for them and the epilogue is the sweetest, cutest thing I’ve ever read in my life, oh my gosh. I could not stop smiling through the whole thing! 🥰😍🥰😍

Definitely my (so far) second favorite book of the series! (Fierce Heart is forever and always first. 🥰)


‼️Content‼️

TRIGGER WARNING: a character suffers from nightmares and PTSD

Violence: a character was tortured in the past (not detailed); fighting with weapons and magic (not detailed); injuries and blood (not detailed); assassination attempts (not detailed)

Sexual: kissing (not detailed); a woman notices and admires a man’s bare chest (in an innocent way)

Other: magic; magical abilities and races; a character suffers from nightmares and PTSD; a character is illegitimate; spies/spying

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started this series back in 2020 (nearly a year to this date) and I became absolutely obsessed. Farrendel and Essie have stolen a piece of my heart and their families and their stories are no exception.
•
If you had to ask my to pick my favorite book out of this series, I would honestly have to say Pretense. While not as action packed as Troll Queen, nor as adorably awkward as Fierce Heart, it hit on two subjects very personal to me: forgiveness and trust. Jalissa just connected with me. Her struggles, her insecurities, and her inability to be open and herself except with Edmund made me feel so seen and understood. Her fight to forgive those who’d wronged her is something I’ve struggled with too and to see it so beautifully captured (along with the freedom that comes when we do) just...mmm I don’t have the words to express how much I loved this book.
•
All that being said...PLEASE TARA WRITE BOOK 6 NEXT! That teaser at the end wasn’t nice. 😂 You could have given us a name. 😏 I am eagerly awaiting more for this author, whether book six or whatever she has planned next!
•
5,000,000/5 ⭐️
Ages 14 & up!

[Winter · Rating 5 out of 5]

NVJXGYEARUJHOPURWQFB!!!!!♡♡♡♡♡♡♡

♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡
LOVE LOVE LOVE THEM!!!!
SO looking forward to Julian's story & getting to see more of the Troll Kingdom!☆☆☆

[storyme.smith]

Jalissa and Edmund better get a heartbond that is shown in a life-and-death situation. Otherwise, what is the point???

[Beka]

Waiting to get the hardcover before I read it, because these books are just so gorgeous and HEFTY 😍. Checking Amazon obsessively to see when it’s available 😂

[Lily Mordaunt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I Love This Series

I love that, as we read about each new couple, we continue to follow Essie and Farrendel’s marriage. I love them so much! They’ve come so far and, despite the trials they face in this book, I was delighted by how things ended with them. I appreciate how the author portrays Farrendel’s anxiety and how Essie is able to anticipate his needs. I love how they’re willing to go out of their comfort zones for each other.
But onto the new couple: Jalissa and Edmund. I was not disappointed by their story. There was a secret that, while I figured it out a little early on, did not lessen in intensity once the other party found out. I felt that the reactions were understandable/appropriate though heartbreaking nonetheless.
There was just so much happening in this novel that it was a struggle to put it down. Even being certain that things would all work out in the end, I did not know just how it would play out. I’m so happy that there will be another book in this series. Julian hasn’t really stood out to me—or maybe he just wasn’t as compelling—so I’m excited to get to know him a bit better.
This book gives me a fantasy fix without the emphasis on violence I’ve come to expect from this genre.

[librarian.of.rivendell · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

Wow.

That’s the only word I have.

To give you a bit of context, I’ve been in a reading slump since I moved and so much of my life was turned upside down. I’ve been questioning everything, my relationships with everyone, my choices, and ultimately I have been feeling so insecure I felt like I should just stay home and hide.

And then I opened this book and I met Jalissa. I mean, really met her, got to know her. And she was like me. She went through the same struggles, the same questions.

I have been getting better thanks to the Lord and trusting Him more with everything. And this book felt like a little gift from Him, to show me that I am walking in the right direction.

So I a really thankful, dear Tara, for this book, and I am thankful I didn’t read it right away, but picked it up at the right moment - truly Providence.

The only reason I remove half a star is because the content was more on the mature/adult side of things: discussions of marriage and its obligations, building of a family, romance within a married couple, etc. It feels right for an adult but I wouldn’t give it to my younger sister.

Finally, thank you Lord for making me read this book at the perfect moment in my life.

[Tess · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another reviewer described this like a kdrama, and honestly, nothing has ever been more spot-on.
This isn't my favorite of the series, but I resonate with Jalissa not feeling as though she's anything special and the constant pressure to be to "good child". The relationship drama is definitely present in this one, much more so than in the previous books, which is why I didn't like it quite as much. But there is definitely a lot to love in this one, including the ever present themes that Tara Grayce likes to weave in her stories.
Looking forward to whatever she writes next!

[ShadowS]

Anyone who latched onto the scene when Jalissa first met Edmund in the previous books when she stepped off the ship KNEW that we were about to embark on a side ship that we would enjoy sailing with. To say I am excited for this book is putting it lightly. Jalissa is a strong elf who speaks her mind and we do get another enemies to lovers, which who doesnt love all that angst?! As for Edmund, well there is not one reader who did not like him and his mischievousness is addicting. Ms. Grayce pulled us into this ship while we were cheering for our OTP Essie and Farrendel. Get ready for our new ship to sail..can't wait!

Jalissa


Edmund

[Sharon Loves to Read · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely love Edmund and Jalissa! So far in the series, they are my favorites.🥰 They have realistic complications, but honor is firmly held to in a relationship where deceit would be easier and less risky.

So far, this is my favorite of the series!

[Raquel (Silver Valkyrie Reads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are naturally going to be a lot of secrets and even lies involved in a story that focuses on a spy prince. Even though I thought that aspect was handled well, and liked the effort Edmund put in to be honorable in the midst of necessary secrets, I didn't really enjoy the book as much as some of the others because of all that.

That said, it was a satisfying continuation of some ongoing story lines, and I'm looking forward to the next book!

Content issues are pretty similar to previous books in the series--mental health continues to come up a lot, there's also blood and injury and a fair amount of vomit references, as well as quite a bit of conversation about illegitimate birth, and the usual mild kissing and snuggling.

[S.G. Willoughby · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a great addition to the series. :D *happy sigh* I enjoy these characters so much, and this particular book helped me process some thing going on in my own life. Edmund and Jalissa's story is unlike the romances of their siblings, which was a fun change.

LIKED:
-The political intrigue is always fascinating in this series. Tara is creative and MAN she managed to pack so much into this book. I cried. I laughed.
-The cross cultural snafus. Hehe. I love the way the cultures blend and contrast, and how intentional the characters navigate it. Tara truly imagined rich cultures.
-The characters are all so dynamic and well rounded. They grow and change and yet are the same people and that's... really not that easy to do, but Tara pulls it off with admirable elegance.
-The family dynamics.
-The magic system. It was fascinating to learn bits and pieces more.
-THE MENTAL HEALTH perspective this book had! It wasn't over the top, but the way mental health is addressed and handled in this book is a breath of fresh air. I wish more books did it like this, it was so, so refreshing. Especially to see how it played out in a marriage. Essie and Farrendel have come SO FAR, and I love that as their relationship has progressed, they have invited people into their personal lives, as well as encouraged each other toward professional help, not only caring for each other physically, but mentally and emotionally. It's beautiful.

Disliked:
-Some things felt a little repetitive from past plots, but maybe that we because I just haven't read it in a while
-Some things felt a little forced when it came to synchronizing the romantic plot with the political plot, but perhaps it fit the characters' and their journeys.

[Ashley · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm so sick of Essie and Farenadale. They're so childish and immature that I just can't anymore. I did like the story (mines their part) Edmund and Jalissa may be my favorite.. they certainly act the most like real people. I only wish that the Essie/Farendale show would finally run its course and the new books would actually focus on the new couple instead of rehashing the same basic plot and issues of those two over again. Would have been an amazing book IF it had actually been about Edmund and Jalissa.

[Hot Chocolate Confessions · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. I thought for some reason this was the last book, and was so relieved when I realized it wasn’t! 😂 The only thing I didn’t like about Pretense, was that I wish we had gotten to see Edmund and Jalissa’s POV a bit more in the previous book. Not having that made it feel a tiny bit rushed to me. However, I still loved their story, and can’t wait to hopefully see them more. I also missed having Melantha and Rharreth, but I’m sure they’ll be in boon 6. Never end this series Tara!!!

[M.H. Elrich · Rating 5 out of 5]

I stayed up until 12 reading this because I wanted a favorite author binge book. I was not disappointed and I'm so sad there is only one book left in this series. It is so good!

[Katie Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ohhhh my heart!!! It just completely melted!! 😭😭😭😍😍😍 Not only did we get Edmund and Jalissa’s story (which I loved!) but we continued Essie and Farrendel’s, and let me just say that entire epilogue brought out quite a bit of squeals, sighs, and the biggest, goofiest of grins. It was so heartmeltingly sweet!! 😭😍😭😍

Somehow each book keeps getting better while at the same time they’re all equally amazing. 😆 I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THIS BOOK, THIS SERIES, AND THIS AUTHOR!!!! 🤩🤩🤩 I loved how we got a little snippet into Jalissa and Edmund’s past before each chapter of theirs, and their story is full of not-the-right time’s, secrets that keep them apart, forbidden love, and trying again because (even if they don’t realize it at the moment) they’re meant to be together. I love the progression of their romance and think Tara wrote that perfectly!

SPIES. Need I say more? Edmund is a spy. You get all the fun, cool, danger, intrigue, mystery, and secretive spy things while also seeing the not so glamorous or fun part of espionage. And how he includes Jalissa in his missions?? Ugh love it!! 😍 Edmund is such a fun character, and I loved how he was written, being a spy who had so many secrets, became so many different people for his work, lived so many different kinds of life, and couldn’t share any of that with anyone. But then with Jalissa, he was able to show himself layer by layer, letting her in a little bit at a time, and while it hurt her to know he spied on her kingdom, she understood and loved him through it.

Throughout the entire book, all I could feel was satisfaction. Everything is coming together, the kingdoms are uniting, new families are being made, broken families are healing, characters are personally growing and have come such a long ways (especially Farrendel) since the first book. Like I remember how standoffish, cold, depressed, and emotionless Farrendel was in Fierce Heart, but now look at him! He’s genuinely happy, he’s found a passion to pursue, he’s so in love with Essie and happy with the life he’s building with her, he’s smiling and joking and just so open now! Ugh my heart! 😭😭😍😍

I cannot wait for Shield Band (the last book in the series 😭)! This series has quickly stolen my heart and I will forever be in love with the story, characters, and world Tara Grayce has created! 🤩

[Tales and Treats with Tay · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been waiting for this romance, although it still doesn't quite compare to Farrendel and Essie.

Some high stakes in this one! Ooooo I was riveted!

And that epilogue was so sweet, loved it!

Content: magic, spy work

Christian faith rating: 0/3 clean secular fiction

[˚༚✧˳⁺⁎davm⁎⁺˳✧༚˚]

DNF but I fully intend to return to this series sometime! I’m just distracted with other things rn

[Leila · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Healing in the wake of forgiveness, restoration in the wake of true repentance, was a powerful, precious thing."
- Pretense by Tara Grayce

This book was such a jewel to read. Although not as action packed as the others, it was no less enjoyable. Every page was covered in a powerful message - whether it be the power of love, the strength of vulnerability, or the courage to forgive. The "Elven Alliance" series has not failed to envelope me and exceed my expectations and I highly recommend it!

I can't wait to read book six!

[Leah Good · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yes, it is perilous to follow the whims of your heart without listening to your head. But it can also be just as dangerous to listen entirely to your head without regarding the warnings and wisdom of the heart.

Alas, a cold, my work schedule, and the length of this book finally conspired to knock me off my book-a-day pace with this series. All good things must come to an end. On a brighter note, I'm not at the end of the series yet!

In Pretense, Edmund and Jalissa struggle to untangle the past and present to figure out who they are and who they are to each other. Can they find truth and happiness beneath the layers of complication?

Meanwhile, life continues to throw challenges at Essie and Farrendel. Their foundation as a couple, and Farrendel's ability to manage his PTSD and anxiety, is growing, but there are plenty of people in the world who would love nothing more than to see them crumble.

If you're interested in this series, I recommend you visit my review of book one and start from there. Information on Romance, Language, Violence, and Religious content can also be found there.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

My app crashed and I lost my first review :( So here we go again.

This book was an adrenaline rush! Edmund might be my favorite of all the characters. His humor and smarts are so well done and balanced. Plus, he’s intriguing. I really liked the flashbacks, giving us insight into what happened. I literally said “no way” and gasped out loud when I realized what was going on.

I need Farrendel and Essie to have a break. Poor things. Really, everyone has been through a lot. This family and this series is growing in incredible ways and the wisdom about love and relationships is just amazing. In some ways, choices are a bigger part of this because our MCs do have a choice. They are free and there is more risk and doubt than their siblings had.

Excellent story with a lot of action that kept me turning the pages! This series has kept me up much too late every night :)

[Kathy Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

Y'all. This book is sooo long! 😂 And when it came to Edmund and Jalissa's romance it was beyond slow burn! 😳 Had it not been for Essie and Farrendel's continued romance I probably would not have finished it. 🙈

If I'm being honest, I felt gypped when it came Edmund and Jalissa's romance. They didn't even share their first kiss until like 97% into the book. And y'all know how I feel about my swoony kisses. 😉

I really enjoyed this addition to the series. It gave me that much needed break from reality. Between the intrigue, the spies, the adventure, the sitting on the edge of my seat, and the romance between each of the couples, I had a hard time putting it down.

If you're looking for a series you can dive into, and have the time to read all 7 books, I highly recommend grabbing them!

[Liz Koetsier · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has so far been my favorite of the Elven Alliance books!!! My review will contain spoilers, just FYI. I listened to it on audio book (the narrator is fantastic) and got through this one really fast. (Audio books normally take me a little time to get through.) Edward and Jalissa's friendship turning into a romance was the sweetest thing ever, and Edward is just a very entertaining person in general. Plus I love when characters announce pregnancies in books, it is very exciting to see everyone's reactions and this did not disappoint.

[Anila · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was such a fun read, but I don’t think I loved it as much as the previous book. I think this is mostly because Melantha and Rharreth are my favorite couple and we didn’t get as much of them as in book 4.

Can’t wait for book 6 though. We are going back to Kostaria so I hope we get more Melantha and Rharreth. Hopefully they have a little baby on the way because that conversation between Melantha and Farrendel was heartbreaking and beautiful.

This is a great series and I would highly recommend for fantasy romance lovers!

[Amber Gabriel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly entertaining!

Another excellent installment to the Elven Alliance series! Full of witty humor, action, and suspense, with poignant, slow-burn romance. I love the elf and human interactions. They are just SO FUNNY! I enjoyed learning more about plant magic in this book and seeing how everyone's talents and gifts worked together. Good, clean fun! Highly recommend!