6th Reread May 2023: I am prepping for The Endless War and THIS BOOK NEVER GETS OLD.

5th reread: May 2022

4th reread: STILL HURTS Y'ALL. Still one of my favorite fantasy romances ever!!!!!

Third re-read/listen February 2020: I AM READY FOR THE TRAITOR QUEEN.

Second listen: August 2019 - STILL LOVE IT. STILL BROKE MY HEART AT THE EXACT SAME MOMENT. I need book two desperately.

MY NEW FAVORITE BOOK.

BLOG || INSTA

No really, I’m serious.

Without a doubt this is my new favorite new adult fantasy romance.

First, the ANGST between these two had me melting. I LIVE FOR ANGSTY ROMANCE. It’s an enemies to lovers trope with the crux being a marriage because of a treaty. These two have never seen each other and know very little (and incorrect) information about each other. And it creates this amazing vibe between these two. Lara and Aren that I am here for. ALL DAY LONG. This romance is slow building, tender, and intense.

This world-building was so cool too. We only got highlights of the two main kingdoms (Lara’s home, Maridrina & Arn’s home, Ithicana). But Ithicana is one of the neater fantasy locations I’ve read about. It has this huge bridge running through it, it’s made of islands. We have killer sharks and snakes roaming the sea and lands. SO COOL.

I knew the ending was out to destroy me. You could feel it in the air. And it did. Ugh, heart ripped out, knowing it had to happen to create book two. Am I happy about it? NOPE. Do I understand? Sure sure. I am even more excited for book two because reunion scene? Oh heeeeck yes.

Trust me. If you have any inkling about this book, read it. It is currently only on Audible but is releases as a physical book in August. I thought the Audible version was great though! I was enraptured by it and had no problems keeping up.

Overall audience notes:
- New adult fantasy romance
- Language: some strong language + occasional crude language
- Romance: an almost love scene (somewhat detailed), kisses, explicit love scenes
- Violence: arrows, war, ship battles, shark attacks, snake bites, murder, poison , knives