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Secrets of the Fae #1
The Starlit Prince
She never expected to marry a fae. He never expected what would happen when she did.
Hours before Talia is set to win a fortune at the midsummer races, everything falls to pieces at her feet. The only way to save her family from utter ruin is to accept a snap deal with a mysterious fae and become his bride.
Determined to get to know the distant, grumpy man she married, Talia puts aside her fears and attempts to uphold her wedding vows. But every step she takes toward Rafael, he withdraws. She soon discovers that he is hiding a dark secret, and the truth leaves her reeling. Can a sin so dark and wicked be forgiven?
The Starlit Prince is a standalone fantasy romance with swoony, slow-burn tension, Beauty and the Beast vibes, and the happily ever after you crave. If you enjoyed A Word So Fitly Spoken and The Cruel Prince, you'll love this no-spice fairytale retelling of The Lily and the Bear.
Hours before Talia is set to win a fortune at the midsummer races, everything falls to pieces at her feet. The only way to save her family from utter ruin is to accept a snap deal with a mysterious fae and become his bride.
Determined to get to know the distant, grumpy man she married, Talia puts aside her fears and attempts to uphold her wedding vows. But every step she takes toward Rafael, he withdraws. She soon discovers that he is hiding a dark secret, and the truth leaves her reeling. Can a sin so dark and wicked be forgiven?
The Starlit Prince is a standalone fantasy romance with swoony, slow-burn tension, Beauty and the Beast vibes, and the happily ever after you crave. If you enjoyed A Word So Fitly Spoken and The Cruel Prince, you'll love this no-spice fairytale retelling of The Lily and the Bear.
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First published September 26, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 385 reviews
October 5, 2023
[Reread update at the bottom.]
Well. I really enjoyed that!😊
I felt like the beginning was rushed, but other than that I liked the quick pace. I don’t usually read romance, but this had a strong enough subplot that I often wondered which plotline was the subplot—the romance or the other.
Maybe a bit predictable, but that’s a fairytale retelling for you. I also thought the final battle could have been drawn out between the brothers a bit more dramatically.
Other than those aspects, the characters were great, the romance was enticing and quite clean, and there are some remarkable quotes. At its core is a redemption story that I was quite pleased with.
A great read! Quite appropriate for a YA audience.
__________
12/2023 Reread Update: 3.5⭐
On reread, I definitely found this to be more of a romance. It seemed to take center stage and be a little more "dramatic" the second time through. And while I still think it is appropriate for YA, it does have many mentions of desire throughout. They aren't too descriptive, though.
Well. I really enjoyed that!😊
I felt like the beginning was rushed, but other than that I liked the quick pace. I don’t usually read romance, but this had a strong enough subplot that I often wondered which plotline was the subplot—the romance or the other.
Maybe a bit predictable, but that’s a fairytale retelling for you. I also thought the final battle could have been drawn out between the brothers a bit more dramatically.
Other than those aspects, the characters were great, the romance was enticing and quite clean, and there are some remarkable quotes. At its core is a redemption story that I was quite pleased with.
A great read! Quite appropriate for a YA audience.
__________
12/2023 Reread Update: 3.5⭐
On reread, I definitely found this to be more of a romance. It seemed to take center stage and be a little more "dramatic" the second time through. And while I still think it is appropriate for YA, it does have many mentions of desire throughout. They aren't too descriptive, though.
July 27, 2023
I'm not going to lie, I saw the cover and clicked want-to-read.
Dec 2023 Review:
I think that I would have really liked this book had I gone into it expecting a slower paced book. As such, it seemed to drag on and on.
2 Stars
Quote:
Yes, I was only helping her along to eternal bliss. Murder sounded much worse.
Dec 2023 Review:
I think that I would have really liked this book had I gone into it expecting a slower paced book. As such, it seemed to drag on and on.
2 Stars
Quote:
Yes, I was only helping her along to eternal bliss. Murder sounded much worse.
September 24, 2025
₊‧⁺˖⋆☪︎ ִ ࣪₊‧⁺˖⋆☪︎ ִ ࣪₊‧⁺˖⋆☪︎ ִ ࣪₊‧⁺˖⋆☪︎ ִ ࣪₊‧⁺˖⋆☪︎ ִ ࣪₊‧⁺˖⋆☪︎ ִ ࣪₊‧
Buddy read with my amazing, beautiful friend Ev
The writing style of this was really nice and not overly wordy. The main reason this wasn't a five star was Rafael constantly saying how tiny Talia was, it drove me insane! I also think they fell in love way too quickly and with only having a few interactions. I did really enjoy this book! I really did like how everything ended.
The characters
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Talia ~ I did like her but she was so stubborn at times.
Rafael ~ I liked him other than his constant commenting on Talia's size he compared her to a blade of glass.
Zara ~ I liked her well enough she wasn't really in the book much though. Her story is the next book in this standalone Duology, so I am relatively excited for that.
Hector ~ He was honestly kind of annoying at times
What to expect
🗡️ Marriage of convenience
🗡️ Fae x human
🗡️ Retelling of The Lily and the Bear
🗡️ Dual POV
🗡️ Spanish influence
🗡️ Touch her and d!e
🗡️ Grumpy x sunshine
Quotes
~~~~~~~
❤️ “To choose someone, to give oneself entirely to another, was to accept their battles and their dreams, their deepest fears and their sharpest qualities.”
💃"Am I still supposed to act like I hate you?” she whispered. “Because I’m a terrible actor.” Curse me, my hand slipped onto her waist. “Forget what they think."
🌟 "I will hold you until the stars fall and the earth melts, if it would mean I could keep you safe."
Content
~~~~~~~
❤️🔥Romance| A few kisses, A comment about Rafael probably wanting to watch Talia change
🤬Language| None!
🗡️Violence| Stabbing, throat slitting, a fight in which a character gets stabbed the knife is draged downward bumping over two ribs and tearing the flesh apart,
🏳️🌈LGBTQ| None!
✝️ Religion/spirituality | A mention of praying to the sun, the sun is seen as god
⚠️Other| A group called 'The wild hunt' kidnaps virgin women, injury, Blood, death of parents, murder, a character has seventeen wives,
Buddy read with my amazing, beautiful friend Ev
The writing style of this was really nice and not overly wordy. The main reason this wasn't a five star was Rafael constantly saying how tiny Talia was, it drove me insane! I also think they fell in love way too quickly and with only having a few interactions. I did really enjoy this book! I really did like how everything ended.
The characters
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Talia ~ I did like her but she was so stubborn at times.
Rafael ~ I liked him other than his constant commenting on Talia's size he compared her to a blade of glass.
Zara ~ I liked her well enough she wasn't really in the book much though. Her story is the next book in this standalone Duology, so I am relatively excited for that.
Hector ~ He was honestly kind of annoying at times
What to expect
🗡️ Marriage of convenience
🗡️ Fae x human
🗡️ Retelling of The Lily and the Bear
🗡️ Dual POV
🗡️ Spanish influence
🗡️ Touch her and d!e
🗡️ Grumpy x sunshine
Quotes
~~~~~~~
❤️ “To choose someone, to give oneself entirely to another, was to accept their battles and their dreams, their deepest fears and their sharpest qualities.”
💃"Am I still supposed to act like I hate you?” she whispered. “Because I’m a terrible actor.” Curse me, my hand slipped onto her waist. “Forget what they think."
🌟 "I will hold you until the stars fall and the earth melts, if it would mean I could keep you safe."
Content
~~~~~~~
❤️🔥Romance| A few kisses, A comment about Rafael probably wanting to watch Talia change
🤬Language| None!
🗡️Violence| Stabbing, throat slitting, a fight in which a character gets stabbed the knife is draged downward bumping over two ribs and tearing the flesh apart,
🏳️🌈LGBTQ| None!
✝️ Religion/spirituality | A mention of praying to the sun, the sun is seen as god
⚠️Other| A group called 'The wild hunt' kidnaps virgin women, injury, Blood, death of parents, murder, a character has seventeen wives,
October 13, 2026
“Strike a bargain with me and I will take care of him.”🔥
Forced marriage to cursed fae prince Rafael is one thing. But a love that will save him and kill Talia? 👀 ✨
“I made a mistake, you’re not what I hoped for.” 😱
THE BANTER is chefs kiss. 😂 Oh, and marrying a fae means gaining access to their powers? Now THAT’s an interesting marriage perk. 👀
“What did you say?”
“I said you’re a wretched man.”
One of the funniest parts was when an evil fae ensorcels Talia (rendering her tipsy) and Rafael carries her back while she says entertaining things. 😂
“You really are going to make this difficult.”
“Make what difficult?”
“Avoiding you.”
THE PINING. THE SLOW BURN. THE TRUE LOVE THAT RUNS DEEPER THAN LUST. 🥹❤️
👉 5⭐️’s no hesitation. This is the BEST fae book you’ll read all year. If you love a cursed prince, swoony tension, witty banter, and a romance worth risking everything for, DON’T SLEEP ON THIS ONE.
May 5, 2024
4.5 Stars ✨
“To choose someone, to give oneself entirely to another, was to accept their battles and their dreams, their deepest fears and their sharpest qualities.”
Clean YA Retelling
This was so much fun. From the moment I started to read, the book took off like a race. Which worked perfectly with how the book began. It was a retelling of a Spanish fairy tale called “Lily and the Bear.” Told from a duel POV- It reminded me a lot of Beauty and the Beast but also, completely different. The pace, as I mentioned was perfect. It was such a short book but I was entertained with the story the entire way through, it gave just enough detail and depth to keep me turning the pages. I applaud authors who can write such an engaging and enchanting read in such a short amount of pages. Even though the ending was predictable, it has a certain quality that made it so likable. It was a vivid world with likable characters. I kinda wish it wasn’t a standalone 🫤. Would recommend!
“To choose someone, to give oneself entirely to another, was to accept their battles and their dreams, their deepest fears and their sharpest qualities.”
Clean YA Retelling
This was so much fun. From the moment I started to read, the book took off like a race. Which worked perfectly with how the book began. It was a retelling of a Spanish fairy tale called “Lily and the Bear.” Told from a duel POV- It reminded me a lot of Beauty and the Beast but also, completely different. The pace, as I mentioned was perfect. It was such a short book but I was entertained with the story the entire way through, it gave just enough detail and depth to keep me turning the pages. I applaud authors who can write such an engaging and enchanting read in such a short amount of pages. Even though the ending was predictable, it has a certain quality that made it so likable. It was a vivid world with likable characters. I kinda wish it wasn’t a standalone 🫤. Would recommend!
September 27, 2025
(Very clean Fantasy)
🌹The Starlit Prince by C.F.E. Black🌹
Thank you to the very sweet Jaida for buddy reading this with me!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
I really liked this one! It was very intriguing and I also loved how squeaky clean it was for a marriage of convenience.
The characters were not my favorite but I did like them! Overall it was a sweet and cozy read with a little bit of a Beauty and the Beast retelling!
I may or may not do a review for this one.. as for right now, no.
❣️No spice (non-descriptive kisses only)
❣️No Foul Language
❣️No LGBTQ+ content
3.5 stars!
🌹The Starlit Prince by C.F.E. Black🌹
Thank you to the very sweet Jaida for buddy reading this with me!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
I really liked this one! It was very intriguing and I also loved how squeaky clean it was for a marriage of convenience.
The characters were not my favorite but I did like them! Overall it was a sweet and cozy read with a little bit of a Beauty and the Beast retelling!
I may or may not do a review for this one.. as for right now, no.
❣️No spice (non-descriptive kisses only)
❣️No Foul Language
❣️No LGBTQ+ content
3.5 stars!
April 15, 2025
a fairy loses her wings everytime someone publishes a badly written beauty and the beast retelling
November 15, 2025
3.75
i was looking for a fast-paced, easy to understand romantasy & this was exactly that!
i loved that the world building wasn’t super complex and that i was able to get into it easily and quickly.
the beginning was so fast paced it felt rushed and chaotic but then the story eased into itself a little bit more and i liked the pace.
this had the potential to be a five star read with the yearning & marriage of convenience & high tension but bits of it just fell flat for me. the love felt forced & i didn’t really believe they were actually in love. they never actually had a genuine conversation in the entire book. the curse was interesting and i liked that it was inspired by beauty and the beast!
🔥NO SPICE🔥
🤐NO STRONG LANGUAGE🤐
i was looking for a fast-paced, easy to understand romantasy & this was exactly that!
i loved that the world building wasn’t super complex and that i was able to get into it easily and quickly.
the beginning was so fast paced it felt rushed and chaotic but then the story eased into itself a little bit more and i liked the pace.
this had the potential to be a five star read with the yearning & marriage of convenience & high tension but bits of it just fell flat for me. the love felt forced & i didn’t really believe they were actually in love. they never actually had a genuine conversation in the entire book. the curse was interesting and i liked that it was inspired by beauty and the beast!
🔥NO SPICE🔥
🤐NO STRONG LANGUAGE🤐
September 24, 2023
-Dual POV
-Human & Fae
-Marriage bargain
Likes: 👍
-the Spanish influence
-the HEA in a human/fae romance
-How Rafael falls for Talia ♥️
This book was a perfect story to me - adventure & danger, emotional, the fantasy world-building... this is going on my favorites shelf.
-Human & Fae
-Marriage bargain
Likes: 👍
-the Spanish influence
-the HEA in a human/fae romance
-How Rafael falls for Talia ♥️
This book was a perfect story to me - adventure & danger, emotional, the fantasy world-building... this is going on my favorites shelf.
March 30, 2025
A riveting & heart-pounding romantasy!
The Beauty and the Beast twist, the marriage of convenience (very clean!), the Spanish aesthetic and influence, fae culture, and the impossible choice to end a curse made this a very enjoyable read.
As a quick side note: it turns out I ended up with a misprinted hardcover copy which wasn’t final copy material, so I switched to the kindle version and backtracked a bit to clear up a few things. This wasn’t the author’s fault but was a print mistake and didn’t affect my rating.
If you’re looking for a sweet and swoony YA fae romance without language or smut, this high-stakes and intense read is just the ticket! Rafael & Talia will steal your heart!
Content: moderate violence; kissing-only
The Beauty and the Beast twist, the marriage of convenience (very clean!), the Spanish aesthetic and influence, fae culture, and the impossible choice to end a curse made this a very enjoyable read.
As a quick side note: it turns out I ended up with a misprinted hardcover copy which wasn’t final copy material, so I switched to the kindle version and backtracked a bit to clear up a few things. This wasn’t the author’s fault but was a print mistake and didn’t affect my rating.
If you’re looking for a sweet and swoony YA fae romance without language or smut, this high-stakes and intense read is just the ticket! Rafael & Talia will steal your heart!
Content: moderate violence; kissing-only
February 24, 2024
Standalone romantasy with dual point of view. I really enjoyed this book! I’ve read several romantasy books recently that just didn’t hit the spot- this totally did! I was stoked to find a fantasy without spice and an enemies to lovers where he didn’t bully her (I’m looking at you Cruel Prince). I also really loved the Christian theme of taking someone else’s curse, it was delightfully unexpected!
October 10, 2024
Wow, this was such a good book. The story was captivating, the pace perfect, and the characters full and well developed. The romance should have been too fast to be realistic, and yet somehow wasn’t. I was really impressed by the author and am eager to read the second book.
Content:
There is no foul language or sex. The romance is clean with only a couple chaste kisses. There is magic and some violence, and the ending starts to get a little dark and intense. There is an in-world religion where they appear to worship the sun and stars, but it’s not prominent.
Content:
There is no foul language or sex. The romance is clean with only a couple chaste kisses. There is magic and some violence, and the ending starts to get a little dark and intense. There is an in-world religion where they appear to worship the sun and stars, but it’s not prominent.
May 16, 2024
Every time I get on my KU kick I prepare myself for the slew of books I won't like but will see through to the end anyway. Me? A coward? It's true but not in this regard 😤
April 19, 2024
3 ⭐️
Listen, I’m a Christian but the Christian metaphors(especially at the end) were way too heavy-handed for me lol
There were some things I liked about this book. I liked the mix of fae mythology with Mexican folklore and culture. It was interesting. I also really liked the main character.
However this story dragged on. I was hooked at first and flying through it and then by the end it was hard to finish. I wish the two main characters had more time together. I would’ve been more interested if they weren’t separated so much. I understand they had to be for the plot but I wish it was done differently.
I wish we had a little more detail for the backstory with the brothers. The villain felt not fleshed-out at all.
It honestly seemed like this really wanted to be ACOTAR but the Christian alternative and I’m not a big fan of “Christian alternatives” because they feel like cheap-knock-offs and derivative, which this definitely felt like. Even if that wasn’t the authors intent, it just felt like it was jumping on the fae romantasy trend but cleaned up.
Listen, I’m a Christian but the Christian metaphors(especially at the end) were way too heavy-handed for me lol
There were some things I liked about this book. I liked the mix of fae mythology with Mexican folklore and culture. It was interesting. I also really liked the main character.
However this story dragged on. I was hooked at first and flying through it and then by the end it was hard to finish. I wish the two main characters had more time together. I would’ve been more interested if they weren’t separated so much. I understand they had to be for the plot but I wish it was done differently.
I wish we had a little more detail for the backstory with the brothers. The villain felt not fleshed-out at all.
It honestly seemed like this really wanted to be ACOTAR but the Christian alternative and I’m not a big fan of “Christian alternatives” because they feel like cheap-knock-offs and derivative, which this definitely felt like. Even if that wasn’t the authors intent, it just felt like it was jumping on the fae romantasy trend but cleaned up.
February 26, 2024
3.5⭐️ This was really close to four stars for me, but looking back at some of my other four star reviews, this was just wasn’t quite on the same level. I really enjoyed the overall story and The Beauty and the Beast retelling, this has inspired me to read more in the future. Let me just say: Rafael is the man, and he’s just so sweet (even if he may not have had the best intentions in the beginning). Talia was a very kind and gentle female mc, and I loved the dual pov of this story. Really the only complaints I had was the begging was incredibly confusing to me and I had no idea what was going on. It all sort of fell into place later, but I spent the first serval chapters rereading and trying to figure out what was going on. My other minor complaint is the ending. I won’t say anything cause of spoilers, but it just felt really rushed and anti climactic. Overall, this was a good read, and I recommend to those looking for clean books with fae, romance, princess retelling, and magic.
November 13, 2024
This was my first time reading a book by C.F.E Black. I absolutely loved this book. Loved the different points of view. It was an amazing book. I look forward to reading more of her books!
December 10, 2025
Spectacular, loved it 😍
It's hard now adays to not to go into every romantasy expecting a half baked temu ACOTAR, but this was finally a breath of fresh air, especially given they have the same inspiration.
To me this was purely a Beauty & the Beast retelling with a fresh, beautiful setting (SPAIN!) and simple (in a good way) writing. It wasn't wordy, flowery, annoyingly long-winded, or trying too hard like most romantasy on the market. I also really appreciated the unique twist on the curse, it created an interesting dynamic for the FMC struggling with her love and hate for the man.
My favorite part though was a simple, unspoken line by Talia, where she acknowledged the despair of her marriage but that she would CHOOSE to love him (or at least try to). Many novels, and even SERIES, really seem to struggle with creating a balanced, natural romantic relationship and things either end up rushed like insta-love, just read like gross lustfulness, or unreasonably delayed with miscommunication tropes and the like. But this....this one choice by the FMC erased all that and made for such a sweet relationship and endeared me to Talia more.
- 1 ⭐️ for the rushed, vague ending. While it is pretty common for novels, it would have been nice to see some attempt at stealing the crown, preferably even a plan that went awry vs just showing up and somehow surviving.
It's hard now adays to not to go into every romantasy expecting a half baked temu ACOTAR, but this was finally a breath of fresh air, especially given they have the same inspiration.
To me this was purely a Beauty & the Beast retelling with a fresh, beautiful setting (SPAIN!) and simple (in a good way) writing. It wasn't wordy, flowery, annoyingly long-winded, or trying too hard like most romantasy on the market. I also really appreciated the unique twist on the curse, it created an interesting dynamic for the FMC struggling with her love and hate for the man.
My favorite part though was a simple, unspoken line by Talia, where she acknowledged the despair of her marriage but that she would CHOOSE to love him (or at least try to). Many novels, and even SERIES, really seem to struggle with creating a balanced, natural romantic relationship and things either end up rushed like insta-love, just read like gross lustfulness, or unreasonably delayed with miscommunication tropes and the like. But this....this one choice by the FMC erased all that and made for such a sweet relationship and endeared me to Talia more.
- 1 ⭐️ for the rushed, vague ending. While it is pretty common for novels, it would have been nice to see some attempt at stealing the crown, preferably even a plan that went awry vs just showing up and somehow surviving.
September 1, 2023
In a creative retelling of "The Lily and the Bear," a Spanish fairy tale bearing some similarities to Beauty and the Beast, we are immediately thrown into action as the racehorse that will win Talia's family their fortune and freedom is stolen. Enter the Wild Hunt, a portal to the fae kingdom, horses that can communicate, and all kinds of strange new things. Talia's world will never be the same, that is for sure.
What I loved about Talia is that she quickly moved from mere acceptance to embracing everything life throws at her. Everything. A new horse. Sure. A new home. No problem. A new husband. Okay. In a way, she reminded me of Ruth in the Bible, "Where you go, I will go..." And while that may sound boring, it made her remarkable.
Rafael was a mystery for much of the book, which only made him that much more fascinating. And despite his best efforts, he couldn't help being drawn to the goodness in Talia...or maybe even goodness in the world...
Enter Everence, the most compassionate fae to ever exist. Hector, the loyal brother and sidekick. Horses who run so quickly, fires start beneath their feet. Dogs whose barking strikes fear into the hearts of all who hear. Beauty and ugliness, blessings and curses. With Spanish influences on the architecture and family structures, this fairy tale feels new and inviting and a lot like home (I'm not of Spanish heritage, but it's totally a comfort read). It's a strange, beautiful world that we are drawn into, both the human and fae side. It truly is a race in every way. May the best horse...and man win.
I edited this book and completely fell in love with it. If Catherine's other books are as good, she's going on my auto buy list.
What I loved about Talia is that she quickly moved from mere acceptance to embracing everything life throws at her. Everything. A new horse. Sure. A new home. No problem. A new husband. Okay. In a way, she reminded me of Ruth in the Bible, "Where you go, I will go..." And while that may sound boring, it made her remarkable.
Rafael was a mystery for much of the book, which only made him that much more fascinating. And despite his best efforts, he couldn't help being drawn to the goodness in Talia...or maybe even goodness in the world...
Enter Everence, the most compassionate fae to ever exist. Hector, the loyal brother and sidekick. Horses who run so quickly, fires start beneath their feet. Dogs whose barking strikes fear into the hearts of all who hear. Beauty and ugliness, blessings and curses. With Spanish influences on the architecture and family structures, this fairy tale feels new and inviting and a lot like home (I'm not of Spanish heritage, but it's totally a comfort read). It's a strange, beautiful world that we are drawn into, both the human and fae side. It truly is a race in every way. May the best horse...and man win.
I edited this book and completely fell in love with it. If Catherine's other books are as good, she's going on my auto buy list.
January 15, 2024
This was a fun fae book.
I enjoyed being in a world with fae again, that actually felt like the old tales, with deals and fruit and names and danger. It's been a while since I found one that wasn't chocked full of questionable content. This was a 3 star for me, just because, while fun, it wasn't my cup of tea.
Black did a good job of keeping this story light. It felt like a lighter romance, the kind that makes for a fun afternoon read, without the stakes feeling overly high, though this one kept life and death stakes throughout.
While I really enjoyed most of the book, I disliked the ending. Kings (or queens) abdicating the thrones to random female bystanders, even powerful ones, is not a plot twist I care for. It feels like shirking from responsibility. It feels like running from taking up the courage to do what is right for those given to you to tend. I dislike it a lot. (Hey god-of-thunder, I see you.)
Other parts of the near-end felt far fetched to me. With that, this would have been a 2.5 star for me, if I hadn't enjoyed story so much for what it was, combined with Black's writing, which I look forward to reading in the future, because I plan to pick up more of her books in the day to come.
I enjoyed being in a world with fae again, that actually felt like the old tales, with deals and fruit and names and danger. It's been a while since I found one that wasn't chocked full of questionable content. This was a 3 star for me, just because, while fun, it wasn't my cup of tea.
Black did a good job of keeping this story light. It felt like a lighter romance, the kind that makes for a fun afternoon read, without the stakes feeling overly high, though this one kept life and death stakes throughout.
While I really enjoyed most of the book, I disliked the ending. Kings (or queens) abdicating the thrones to random female bystanders, even powerful ones, is not a plot twist I care for. It feels like shirking from responsibility. It feels like running from taking up the courage to do what is right for those given to you to tend. I dislike it a lot. (Hey god-of-thunder, I see you.)
Other parts of the near-end felt far fetched to me. With that, this would have been a 2.5 star for me, if I hadn't enjoyed story so much for what it was, combined with Black's writing, which I look forward to reading in the future, because I plan to pick up more of her books in the day to come.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 20, 2024
4.5 stars
This retelling of a Spanish tale called “The Lily and the Bear” is beautiful. It’s almost like a “Beauty and the Beast” tale.
I love the world building. I loved the characters. While I loved everything about this. It wasn’t the full five-star experience. I haven’t decided on why yet, but it’s just not the full five stars. I love the fae world that she built. It had some interesting takes on the wickedness that happens with the fae. Rafael and Talia were a great couple. I loved the slow build between them.
I want to talk about this more but then I would spoil the whole book. This is one of those that if you can go in blind, I highly suggest it.
This retelling of a Spanish tale called “The Lily and the Bear” is beautiful. It’s almost like a “Beauty and the Beast” tale.
I love the world building. I loved the characters. While I loved everything about this. It wasn’t the full five-star experience. I haven’t decided on why yet, but it’s just not the full five stars. I love the fae world that she built. It had some interesting takes on the wickedness that happens with the fae. Rafael and Talia were a great couple. I loved the slow build between them.
I want to talk about this more but then I would spoil the whole book. This is one of those that if you can go in blind, I highly suggest it.
May 16, 2024
I was hooked on the first chapter!! But then it slowly fell apart one chapter at a time after that. At times I found myself wondering if I had somehow gotten my hands on an early draft instead of the finish book? I’ve seen several people recommend this book recently and I just can’t wrap my head around how it could be so highly praised when it felt such a mess… Maybe this just wasn’t for me? 🤷🏻♀️
June 20, 2026
The Starlit Prince @author_cfeblack
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🫑 Kisses Only
No swearing
The Starlit Prince is based on the Spanish version of beauty and the beast with a Fae twist! This one had all the classic fairytale nostalgia that | love with a dark atmospheric undercurrent!
Fae Prince, mortal woman, curses, action, marriage of convenience and oh so much more!
This is a perfect clean standalone fantasy for teens or adults!
Beauty and the beast vibes
Curses
Fae x mortal
Touch her and ☠️
Forced proximity
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🫑 Kisses Only
No swearing
The Starlit Prince is based on the Spanish version of beauty and the beast with a Fae twist! This one had all the classic fairytale nostalgia that | love with a dark atmospheric undercurrent!
Fae Prince, mortal woman, curses, action, marriage of convenience and oh so much more!
This is a perfect clean standalone fantasy for teens or adults!
Beauty and the beast vibes
Curses
Fae x mortal
Touch her and ☠️
Forced proximity
February 10, 2025
4.5
I need a protecter like Rafael. <3 <3
I need a protecter like Rafael. <3 <3
March 21, 2025
I feel like this is the clean version of ACOTAR if Feyre was a horse girl lol. It reminds me of beauty and the beast in the best way. Also the male MC had hints of Onyx Storm Xaden (iykyk) which I loved. I thoroughly enjoyed this read. My only problem was that the world building felt incomplete. Unfortunately, I think that may just be inevitable for a stand alone fantasy.
July 13, 2025
3.5 ⭐️, rounded up
November 27, 2024
I lasted to 68% but the writing is very poor. That bleeds into every aspect of the book- the plot, the characterization, the interactions, etc etc.
I love the cover, tho. And it was a unique, fun idea to write a fantasy novel with a Spanish flavor.
I love the cover, tho. And it was a unique, fun idea to write a fantasy novel with a Spanish flavor.
May 31, 2024
the starlit prince
4✨
For anyone who has ever felt unredeemable.
overview: romantic and captivating 🤍
characters: I’ll just state the obvious: Rafael is dreamy. Just — w o w. I loved him. He was a lil broody, a lil misunderstood, a lil morally grey… so basically perfect. I loved learning his backstory and character.
Considering the circumstances, Talia handled having a shotgun wedding to a fae stranger very well; she didn’t even get to pack, poor girl. I would’ve been hyperventilating and then swooning (see above paragraph). She was brave and tenacious and I enjoyed her character as well!
romance: y’all just listen to how Talia describes Rafael:
A man sat there, tall riding boots propped on the ornate desk, dark brows lifted in mild surprise. His jet-black hair peeled away from a tanned face with a particularly square jaw that stole my attention for the briefest moment.
His dark eyes flickered with an amber glow, like candles frustrated by a fierce wind.
And I’m supposed to just sit there calmly?! Like the most attractive man isn’t standing in front of me? 🧍🏼♀️
Rafael’s attraction to Talia is immediate 🤭
Almost as soon as she’d smashed that vase, that whirlwind of a woman had sparked a flame inside of me that I’d thought long dead.
That woman was either going to kill me or save me.
As I watched her, my resolve faltered. She was a lovely mortal. The delicate curve of her cheek, the thin line of her lips, the smooth skin of her neck.
As time goes on, it is heartrendingly adorable how he begins to think of her, how she softens him 🥺
”If in a thousand years I’m a free man, her life will have meant everything to me.”
Here was a woman I could love. A woman whose beauty was the unadorned simplicity of a wildflower, whose tenacity rivaled the best summer storm, and whose compassion tore my black heart in two.
She loved me. My wife, my bride, my sacrifice.
He wrapped his arm tightly around me, pressing me close. “Yes,” he breathed, bending down to brush his nose along my neck. “You are my lily. And as long as you draw breath, I will love you.” His lips grazed my jaw, then my forehead. “And when your petals fall off and you wilt, I will love you still.” Now his mouth hovered before mine. “And a hundred years after I last touch you, I’ll still remember your smile and the way your lips felt against mine.”
I just really loved their romance: it was epic and unconditional and yet so soft and sweet. The third-act breakup was actually understandable so I wasn’t annoyed.
writing: Spanish influences and folklore; the descriptions of the setting are ethereal, colorful, and nature inspired. Loved the complexities this book explores, in the relationships, human nature, and morals.
So vast was the library opening above and below me that my jaw fell open as I took in the towering shelves, the wrap-around balcony I stood on, the hearth on the ground floor the size of a small house, and, most surprising, the lack of any ceiling at all. The night air poured down around me. Stars spilled out over the inky sky like white sand on velvet. In the center of the room grew an entire grove of aspens, straight as bed posts and green with summer foliage, though a few branches were dead and devoid of any growth. Under them sat a pair of stone benches. Instead of a wooden floor, manicured green grass crisscrossed with stone paths carpeted the bottom level.
season: summer.
———
content: language (a few curses according to their world, ex: Stars, Sun, etc). sexual (innocent kisses and touches; Rafael and Talia are married and he watches Talia dress, with her permission, non-detailed). other (mentions of magic, curses, and various mythical creatures/gods).
———
💌PS (I LOVE YOU)
— Kirsten <3
4✨
For anyone who has ever felt unredeemable.
overview: romantic and captivating 🤍
characters: I’ll just state the obvious: Rafael is dreamy. Just — w o w. I loved him. He was a lil broody, a lil misunderstood, a lil morally grey… so basically perfect. I loved learning his backstory and character.
Considering the circumstances, Talia handled having a shotgun wedding to a fae stranger very well; she didn’t even get to pack, poor girl. I would’ve been hyperventilating and then swooning (see above paragraph). She was brave and tenacious and I enjoyed her character as well!
romance: y’all just listen to how Talia describes Rafael:
A man sat there, tall riding boots propped on the ornate desk, dark brows lifted in mild surprise. His jet-black hair peeled away from a tanned face with a particularly square jaw that stole my attention for the briefest moment.
His dark eyes flickered with an amber glow, like candles frustrated by a fierce wind.
And I’m supposed to just sit there calmly?! Like the most attractive man isn’t standing in front of me? 🧍🏼♀️
Rafael’s attraction to Talia is immediate 🤭
Almost as soon as she’d smashed that vase, that whirlwind of a woman had sparked a flame inside of me that I’d thought long dead.
That woman was either going to kill me or save me.
As I watched her, my resolve faltered. She was a lovely mortal. The delicate curve of her cheek, the thin line of her lips, the smooth skin of her neck.
As time goes on, it is heartrendingly adorable how he begins to think of her, how she softens him 🥺
”If in a thousand years I’m a free man, her life will have meant everything to me.”
Here was a woman I could love. A woman whose beauty was the unadorned simplicity of a wildflower, whose tenacity rivaled the best summer storm, and whose compassion tore my black heart in two.
She loved me. My wife, my bride, my sacrifice.
He wrapped his arm tightly around me, pressing me close. “Yes,” he breathed, bending down to brush his nose along my neck. “You are my lily. And as long as you draw breath, I will love you.” His lips grazed my jaw, then my forehead. “And when your petals fall off and you wilt, I will love you still.” Now his mouth hovered before mine. “And a hundred years after I last touch you, I’ll still remember your smile and the way your lips felt against mine.”
I just really loved their romance: it was epic and unconditional and yet so soft and sweet. The third-act breakup was actually understandable so I wasn’t annoyed.
writing: Spanish influences and folklore; the descriptions of the setting are ethereal, colorful, and nature inspired. Loved the complexities this book explores, in the relationships, human nature, and morals.
So vast was the library opening above and below me that my jaw fell open as I took in the towering shelves, the wrap-around balcony I stood on, the hearth on the ground floor the size of a small house, and, most surprising, the lack of any ceiling at all. The night air poured down around me. Stars spilled out over the inky sky like white sand on velvet. In the center of the room grew an entire grove of aspens, straight as bed posts and green with summer foliage, though a few branches were dead and devoid of any growth. Under them sat a pair of stone benches. Instead of a wooden floor, manicured green grass crisscrossed with stone paths carpeted the bottom level.
season: summer.
———
content: language (a few curses according to their world, ex: Stars, Sun, etc). sexual (innocent kisses and touches; Rafael and Talia are married and he watches Talia dress, with her permission, non-detailed). other (mentions of magic, curses, and various mythical creatures/gods).
———
💌PS (I LOVE YOU)
— Kirsten <3
September 28, 2023
Fae & Human love story
Dual POV
Shapeshifter
Marriage Deal
Slow Burn
Firstly, the chapter construction and Spanish theme of the human world is glorious! In addition, the dreamscapes and fae worldbuilding were so beautifully described that the reader is fully immersed. The continuity across both worlds of the equine theme is elegant
Plot
Hours before Talia is set to win a fortune at the midsummer races, everything falls to pieces at her feet. The only way to save her family from utter ruin is to accept a snap deal with a mysterious fae and become his bride
The Starlit Prince is a wonderful reimagining of the Swiss fairytale 'The Bear Prince' with echoes of 'The Beauty and the Beast'
Quotes;
"Strength is sometimes best expressed in tears, I think. For the alternative is madness" - Everence
"She is nothing more than the sacrifice you need, nothing more brother. Win her heart & send her on to the first and last. Perhaps he even sent her to set you free" - Hector
"Protect her, destroy her. The two objectives were entwined so closely, as were the methods I would use to execute either. Handling a dove to keep it safe was as likely to harm it as to help it" Rafael
"I will hold you until the stars fall and the earth melts, if it would mean I could keep you safe" - Rafael
"We become like what we love" - Talia
The story is full of adventure, elegant yet fast paced, keeping the reader entranced and gripped until it's culmination in a resounding finale. Fantastic read and looking forward to more from this author. Highly recommended
Enjoy your reading!
Dual POV
Shapeshifter
Marriage Deal
Slow Burn
Firstly, the chapter construction and Spanish theme of the human world is glorious! In addition, the dreamscapes and fae worldbuilding were so beautifully described that the reader is fully immersed. The continuity across both worlds of the equine theme is elegant
Plot
Hours before Talia is set to win a fortune at the midsummer races, everything falls to pieces at her feet. The only way to save her family from utter ruin is to accept a snap deal with a mysterious fae and become his bride
The Starlit Prince is a wonderful reimagining of the Swiss fairytale 'The Bear Prince' with echoes of 'The Beauty and the Beast'
Quotes;
"Strength is sometimes best expressed in tears, I think. For the alternative is madness" - Everence
"She is nothing more than the sacrifice you need, nothing more brother. Win her heart & send her on to the first and last. Perhaps he even sent her to set you free" - Hector
"Protect her, destroy her. The two objectives were entwined so closely, as were the methods I would use to execute either. Handling a dove to keep it safe was as likely to harm it as to help it" Rafael
"I will hold you until the stars fall and the earth melts, if it would mean I could keep you safe" - Rafael
"We become like what we love" - Talia
The story is full of adventure, elegant yet fast paced, keeping the reader entranced and gripped until it's culmination in a resounding finale. Fantastic read and looking forward to more from this author. Highly recommended
Enjoy your reading!
February 13, 2024
Talia and Rafael's romance was so twistedly beautiful. I loved how their story started out as a mashup between a marriage of convenience, enemies-to-lovers, slowburn romance. Even more so, I loved how the heroine knew what the meaning of love was and how it was more than just an emotion to her and a choice she needed to make even when everything was stacked against her.
Somehow the broody Rafael was likable from the beginning. I sympathized with both characters very early on and was cheering for both of them individually and as a couple--even though as a couple there were minimal romantic interactions...but once their romance truly started POW it was so sweet and tender with a perfect dose of swoon.
This was a super fast-paced read that had the perfect amount of world-building where it painted the scene, you could imagine yourself there, but didn't slow down the pacing of the story with unnecessary details. The side characters were important to the story and also likable despite their attitude and wants for Talia (I can't say more than that without giving away the plot).
Almost all of the characters were morally gray but with a legitimate reasoning for their sketchiness--except Talia, she was just an innocent bystander caught up in this whirlwind of mystery in an attempt to save her family's future.
The stakes were high on both sides and it ended in a satisfyingly sweet way. I recommend this book even to people who aren't hug fantasy fans, because the romance was top tier with a strong and captivating plot.
Somehow the broody Rafael was likable from the beginning. I sympathized with both characters very early on and was cheering for both of them individually and as a couple--even though as a couple there were minimal romantic interactions...but once their romance truly started POW it was so sweet and tender with a perfect dose of swoon.
This was a super fast-paced read that had the perfect amount of world-building where it painted the scene, you could imagine yourself there, but didn't slow down the pacing of the story with unnecessary details. The side characters were important to the story and also likable despite their attitude and wants for Talia (I can't say more than that without giving away the plot).
Almost all of the characters were morally gray but with a legitimate reasoning for their sketchiness--except Talia, she was just an innocent bystander caught up in this whirlwind of mystery in an attempt to save her family's future.
The stakes were high on both sides and it ended in a satisfyingly sweet way. I recommend this book even to people who aren't hug fantasy fans, because the romance was top tier with a strong and captivating plot.
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