Got everything I wanted from this book, five stars for being totally satisfied.

I really enjoyed the "horse curse" aspect of My Lady Jane, and I do recommend that book if you enjoy this one. Behooved is a bit more mature and less focused on politics and side characters, with the entire story presented from Bianca's perspective. Bianca reminded me a bit of Katniss from The Hunger Games in that she is always on high alert and distrusts just about everyone, even if they're just a soft blond boy who enjoys quiet hobbies. Aric was great, definitely more of the kind of male romantic lead I prefer that's kind and humble, but not without conviction.

The romance totally worked for me, and I thought so many of the characters were fun and engaging even if they weren't on page all that much. I thought the fantasy plot was entertaining, with stakes that felt high and the right balance of predictable for me that it felt satisfying to see it come together without being boring. I usually fail to follow through when I start a fantasy series, but I would be perfectly happy to read a sequel to this or other books set in this universe.

Audiobook narrator did a great job.