4.5 stars--why god why did I read this so long before the next ebook is released WHY
**
FIRST OFF, A WARNING. The next book isn't out in digital/physical copy until September, DO NOT read this now because the cliffhanger will make you wanna die. (but! the audiobook is available on audible if you're into that! unfortunately I do not currently have the patience to pay attention to an audiobook while in quarantine, so I'll need to wait a bit until I kick my audio slump)

ANYWAY, I loved this book. It was my favorite brand of enemies to lovers, right in the vein of The Wrath and the Dawn and The Shadows Between Us, both of which I love. The relationship between Lara and Aren was intriguing from the start, and it was soooo much fun to see them deal with the obstacles of an arranged marriage. Y'all know I LOVE A DUAL POV ROMANCE and this one didn't let down. It was thrilling to see behind Lara's manipulation and also STRESSFUL because man, that girl was not too subtle. Aren's chapters were a delight, if only just to see how he was reacting to everything that Lara did. I thought they were a great pair and I liked that the plot didn't follow a super predictable structure.

The reason I rounded my 4.5 rating down to four instead of five stars was just some technicality issues. I thought the pacing of the last hundred pages felt a little rushed and there was a looot of information being thrown at you. Some of the politics went over my head and it was a little hard to follow what was happening. That being said, the ending was really great and it made me really excited for the next book (ONLY TO DISCOVER I COULD NOT READ IT AHHHH). Still, I think it sets up a fun premise and maybe if I give it a bit of time I'll be able to calm down enough to focus on the audiobook and get the sequel a little earlier. :)