Princess Cyrene has always been locked away in a gilded cage with a habit of using books to escape reality. When she accidentally overhears a conversation that will upend life as she knows it, she decides enough is enough. On the run from the only life she's ever known, she finds an unlikely friend. But life has other plans for her, setting her on a path that she never could have imagined.
Jarloth has known that he was always meant to rule. The secrets that he possesses could throw the world into disarray if brought to light. When his hand is forced, he has no other option but to pursue the crown that was always meant to be his. That is, until a first princess with a habit for finding trouble alters his plans in the best possible way.
Can Princess Cyrene find her place in the world before it's too late?
Commonly known as Cyn, C. Hebert is a multi-genre author who loves to paint a pretty, yet horrific, picture woven together with absolute chaos. True gravevard reads. While most authors like to write happily ever afters, C. Hebert prefers to take her stories in the opposite direction, delivering darker tales with a hint of madness, tugging at your heartstrings. She is a self proclaimed manic write who loves to constantly push herself to do more.
C. Hebert is a published poet and writes darker, more unique works under a secondary pen name, which is an International Best Seller. It is listed on her social media.
I hung off EVERY. SINGLE. CHAPTER. This book was saturated in descriptive visualization, self-discovery, found family, touch her and ☠️ vibes, and set in the most beautiful fantasy world I’ve ever read about. From the very beginning I was hooked. I finished it in 48 hours and do not regret any sleep lost. The FMC is so relatable that I felt every inch of anguish, loneliness, desire to be desired, and above all else wanting to belong somewhere. The author did an amazing job dropping tidbits of information for you to grasp but not fully understand. I loved discovering everything inside of this book. The call to mythic monsters was one of my favorite parts! Unique and captivating. And I can’t even begin to delve into the spice that was literally from DREAMS. What I would give for someone to haunt my dreams like THAT. Amazing. Go pre-order ASAP. I was ready for book 2 half way through! Bravo! Just bravo!
When I came across the teasers for this debut novel I immediately put it into my scope, and on my ever growing TBR. The moment it became available for me to read I dropped everything else I was reading and dove right in.
From the very first page I was drawn into this beautiful world. I could picture the landscapes and characters vividly. I love me a strong FMC and that’s what you get with Princess Cyrene. She marches to the beat of her own drum despite the disapproval from those around her. (This is why I love her) this book gives you characters to loath and characters to root for.
I’ll have to shamelessly admit For a momentary lapse in judgment I was being bedazzled by the enemy! Even though I knew something was off about the guy I was like hi what’s your name? That’s how well these characters are written! And my guard is always up!
If you enjoy fantasy, fae, fated mates, paired with some spice and shapeshifters. Then I highly recommend reading the pairing of beast. It has incredible world building and is very fast paced. I really don’t reread books because I’m always reaching for my next read but I will definitely be reading this one again! I can’t wait for the second book in the series. I will be waiting impatiently.
Ooooooooooooo I am in freaking love. 1) the Princess Cyrene is an absolute badass that’s all there is to that. the way she was just wrote into existence including her siblings and their attitudes and her father too really puts the reader there in the story too. Not only is the story amazing but also the background, character building world building even down to the ancestry and style of religion she uses with the story, she has really great knowledge of it as to not upset anyone with misinformation. I love the way she incorporates spirit animals and Druids and other shifters too. I love the way she becomes best friends with people. And Fenix OMG one word dreamy lol IYKYK. I cannot wait for the other books I need more especially since book one leaves you on a cliff hanger singer a baby penguin stuck in an ice burg!
Brb need to process before reviewing this masterpiece...
UPDATE
The pairing of beasts is an absolute fucking treasure. I started to book waaaay past my bedtime. It was so good that of course I stayed up until the wee hours because it just was that good from start to finish. It's been a while since I could finish a book within 24 hours but this one did it easily.
C. Hebert killed it with her debut novel. The characters were amazing, she had me ranting during the entire book with unhinged comments, theories and nicknames. It was a wild ride I was happy to be a part of.
If you're into a fast paced, interesting, innovating, spicy fantasy book with shifters, druids and all that jazz, this book is the one for you. So please go read this now.
Also if you start to read it, please hit me up. I'm dying to get other people's reactions on everything!
4⭐️ If you love a strong FMC, fated mates, a book full of villains, a touch of spice and all kinds of fantastical beings then this is the book for you.
It has been a while since a book has provided me both with characters I love and admire and characters I hate with every fiber of my being. This book did exactly that. Cyrene is this incredibly strong, kind, brave character who at the beginning of the book is honestly just surrounded by terrible people. All of the characters, both good and bad, are so well developed and feel like they could be real people. This really plays into both the love I have for characters like Cyrene and the hatred I have for the rest of her family.
The world building is so well done, this is a world you would love to visit. From the forests to the sea, you are able to picture the world so vividly and I loved that. There is so much action and adventure just packed into this book that I just couldn’t put it down. The ending still has me shook and I can’t wait to see what happens next.
Everything literally everything about this book was it for me. I read it multiple times. The story and character development is amazing. The MMC and FMC and both beautiful written.this is the first in the series and has multiple POV mainly focusing on the MC’s. Along with the MC the side characters are just as well written with each character bringing substance to the whole story. No spoilers but if you are looking for a book with well written characters, interesting magic and lore and an amazing world pick this up. I cannot wait to read more for the author especially within this series. Cliffhanger but WELL WORTH IT. I read this book 4 times and plan on rereading.
Right when you start the book you’re getting spice. We meet Cyrene and this unknown male in a pretty intense moment. Only to find out it’s all a dream. We follow princess Cyrene on what seems to be a normal day for her and you see how differently she is treated by her family. Long story short she runs away from home to escape the plans her fae king father has for her. While fleeing she makes some new friends (Ivar and Aodhan), only to be separated by some unfortunate circumstance.
We also meet Fenix who is joined by Tove his cousin and his life long friend Leander. These three are on a journey to avenge Fenix’s fathers death (the former fae king) and right the wrongs that have been done.
Eventually, Cyrene and Fenix’s paths cross and entwine with one another. This story had me on the edge of my seat waiting to see what would happen next. There are some characters that you will fall in love with and there are some you are going to despise more than anything. The way C. Hebert describes the characters and their surroundings, I mean it played out like a movie in my head. I cannot wait to see what book two has in store and warning this does end in a cliff hanger.
If you enjoy reading about special magical abilities, shifters, fae, healers, druids, fated mates, found family and some spice, then you will love this book.
In her debut novel, Author C. Hebert builds a world of magic, high-stakes power plays, and characters that you fall in love with. This novel is full fae fantasy world building that starts off with a pop of spice.
C. Hebert inserts you directly into a world of contempt that immediately has you rooting for the FMC. This book is full of adventure, romance, and revelations that keep making you say, “Just one more chapter.” Now, I have to agonizingly wait for book 2 to come out.
This book was hands down my favorite read of 2023! The characters, the world building, it couldn’t be more perfect! The Author did an amazing job!! Not to mention the absolute heartbreaking cliff hanger at the end makes you crave book 2! If you haven’t already, add this book to the top of your tbr!
This book was so great you immediately fall in love with the characters the story draws you in and is fast paced and intricate and it will consume you! I can't wait for the next book to come out
I want to start off by saying this is a fantastic, well thought out story with a killer cliff hanger ending! My 3 star rating had nothing to do with C. Herbert’s ability to weave a desirable tale. It had everything to do with the editing.
I debated whether to write this, but the author is truly talented and I wish her success in the future. So, if she reads this, please know that I am writing this with love and respect.
Here we go…
This book is written in the first person, past tense. With that said, when the character was describing something, it was never them having the experience.
Here’s an example of what I mean (no spoilers…this is all me.)
I rode through the desert. You could see the dust in the air.
Did you catch that? If I’m riding through the desert and you’re not actually with me, then you can’t see the dust in the air. I’m having the experience because I’m there. I’m telling you about my experience. Therefore…
I rode through the desert. I could see the dust in the air.
Now, I realize this seems trivial and I ignored it for a while. But this was a constant error and by the time I hit the half way point I was ready to chuck the book through the window. Glad I didn’t. The story is too good!
There was one section where the author slipped from past tense to present tense, but it was minor. I’m not even sure I would have noticed it had I not been so irritated by the above example.
Another example in the importance of editing is spelling of the character Serifos’s name…or is it Serfios? It was spelled both ways and once in the same paragraph. I’m pretty sure his name is Serifos. Bottom line, he’s hugely important to the story. He deserves to have his name spelled correctly.
I truly believe this author has what it takes to be great. I can’t wait until the next book of the series comes out. I want her to succeed. So my next plea is for all that may have or might in the future beta read for this author and any others.
These writers have spent months or even years working on these manuscripts, writing and re-writing, then re-writing again. They are exhausted and unable to catch everything in the re-write process. They need good editors. Writing is hard, self editing is harder. It’s so important to give thorough feedback, beyond whether or not the story is good. How a book is presented in final form, is what separates the truly excellent from the mediocre. It’s our job as readers to help our self published authors climb the ladder of excellence.
A beautiful story about a girl who loves her whole life believing one thing, only to learn, after a very long trip, that she is not who she was raised to believe. Top it off with a cocky MMC, who knows who she is before they’ve met and you have a wonderful, angst filled, lust filled book. I truly enjoyed this book and I can’t wait to read the next book. Because the cliff hanger is 🤯 🐻 Enemies to Lovers 🐺Shifters 🐻 dual POV 🐺 spicy but nice Favorite Moments:
“I know everything about you, Cyrene. I’ve seen your dreams, your fears. I felt your pain. I can feel you now, Cymar.”
“He was powerful and beautiful, but I knew him. He would sacrifice himself to save those closest to him. He was his own life to protect mine. He thought for this world. Deserve someone that could do the same for him. Could I really be that person?”
The story starts off in a dream filled with lust and mystery where a readers wheels instantly start turning about who the love interest might be and how the main FMC meets them or if the love interest even exists at all.
Many characters are not what they seem as you journey through a world of shifting fae, blood magic, siblings strong distaste for one another, a mating bond, adventure and more.
As this is a debut novel I do feel like there was room for improvement - specifically with detail and the transitioning from scene to scene rather quickly - but overall it was a fun story that kept me interested, had many moments I enjoyed and that I’m excited to read more of when book two comes out!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️4/5 Stars 🌶🌶🌶 When a fantasy Romance starts off on chapter one with a steamy scene that will make you want to take a cold shower....and then ends on a heart wrenching cliffhanger, you know this is gonna be the start of a great series! This book is full of great world building, shifter/fae magic system, found family vibes, lovable side characters(Tove & Leander 😍), "touch-her-and-you'll-unalive," Fated Mates, badass FMC, and Sexy cocky powerful MMC! The plot is fast-paced and keeps you on your toes. But It made me want more! AND that Freaking CLIFFHANGER?! 😱❤️ Cyrene and Fenix are a new favorite book couple, and I can't wait to read the next book!
I purchased this book when at BGC Ch2 after finding a friendship bracelet hidden in an alcove. It was such a fun way to get someone to stop at the author table. I understand that has nothing to do with the book review but I absolutely loved that moment 🖤And that moment is what brought me to a new read. I enjoyed this book. Fenix is 100% my favorite. I’m definitely interested to see where this goes next.
My only real criticism is there were some technical issues with my copy but those things I believe have been updated in the newer edition of the book!
WHAT A CLIFFHANGER! I don’t think I’ll ever recover. This book was absolutely amazing and I’ve never read a fantasy quiet like this one! It’s so unique! I’ve fallen in love with so many of the characters and now I’m scared that one of them will die in book two because considering where book one ended, I need to be prepared for ANYTHING! Cyrene will forever be my spirit animal 🤍
This book... what do I have to say about THIS book!?!?! Astounding, amazing, sexy, captivating, heart wrenching, beautiful. Probably so many more words fit this fantastic book. C.H. absolutely nailed it. Am I complelty in love with this book? Yes. Did this book fit everything I love in a book? YES! Did this book completely RUIN me? ABSO-FREAKING-LUTELY! Do I want more NOW?!?! Oh F yeah! Can't WAIT to read what C.H. has in store for this story and I will be here waiting for the next book. Probably not paitently.
I’ve heard this is the first edition (and there’s a second one coming) and I know the is a debut and it’s not perfect but I really really loved the whole story. I don’t want to leave spoilers but I really hope the author doesn’t repeat the ending…..That was heartbreaking and I love the characters too much. so please c.herbert i beg you not to do that again. My heart can’t take it!
Wow. I’m convinced she put some sort of adult dr*gs in this book. I could not stop reading.
The characters banter was so well written and the storyline flowed so well! Speaking of characters, the character development was *chefs kiss* and THE WORLD BUILDING, don’t get me started on how well done it was!
I wasn’t expecting some of the twists and turns but I am living for this book. And THAT ENDING. I needed book 2 yesterday.
This book was an amazing and unique read, it hooked me from the very beginning. I couldn’t put it down and finished it in ONE day. FMC was so inspiring to follow throughout the book. I absolutely cannot wait for book number two this fall.
"The Pairing of Beasts" by C. Hebert is a captivating fantasy romance novel that is perfect for fans of enemies-to-lovers stories. The author masterfully weaves a tale of two individuals from vastly different worlds, Princess Cyrene and Jarloth, who are both trying to find their place in the world. The plot is well-crafted and keeps the reader engaged with a series of twists and turns. The characters are well-developed and complex, making them easy to root for. Overall, "The Pairing of Beasts" is a thoroughly enjoyable read that will leave readers eagerly anticipating the next installment in the series.
Absolute perfection 😍😍😍. This booked had me hooked from the very beginning. Found family, touch her and ☠️ vibes, dated mates, shifters, mythical beasts, and more. Princess Cyrene is in not so many words a prisoner in her own palace. She's often found hiding in libraries and on rocky hillsides with her nose buried in a book to escape her cruel brother. One night she overhears what they intend to do to her and makes a run for it. From the very first page I was drawn into this beautiful world. I could picture the landscapes and characters vividly. I love me a strong FMC and that’s what you get with Princess Cyrene. She marches to the beat of her own drum despite the disapproval from those around her. This book gives you characters to loathe and characters to root for. It has incredible world building and is very fast paced. If you love fated mates, shifters, fae, and so much more then you must read this ❤️ C. Hebert did amazing with her debut novel, cannot wait for the next to come😍
This is a debut book that is the first in a series. From what I’ve read, the series is going to be amazing.
If you’re looking for a faded mates, shifter romance, that has a really wonderful magic system. This might be the book for you. We follow a young Cyrene Princess as she opens her eyes to see what her world is really like. As the princess learns truths about the kingdom that she lives in, she’s lead on a path that turns her whole world upside down.
There’s action, there is romance, there’s spice I could not put this book down. It was a wonderful read. The story is engaging be aware that it does end on a cliffhanger.
This debut was filled with imaginative fantasy, royal family drama, uncovering truths, and self discovery. Secrets, fights, detachments, deception. This was a roller coaster ride ! Thank you so much for an opportunity to read this ARC and be pulled into this world that was created.
What I enjoyed most about this story were the multiple elements of storytelling between enemy and prey. This was told in such a way it was as if between the pages the story was visually pulled together for the audience. For fantasy lovers this is a must read! ❤️
HOLY CRAP!!! This book is unlike anything else I have ready in long time! This author does not play by the normal rules so don’t get too comfortable and expect the unexpected!! This book has adventure, spice, and magical creatures! It feature some of my favorite tropes touch her and die and fated mates!!! I am crossing my fingers of a miracle in book two because the trauma from book 1 is real!! Don’t miss out on this amazing read grab your copy today!
I immediately fell in love with the characters in this book! I loved the spice and it immediately drew me in while reading I couldn’t put the book down. C. Hebert created an an amazingly beautiful, dark and fantasy filled world that I never want to leave. The story is full of passion heat and even some action I can’t wait for more!!
This is such a good book! There are so many twists and turns that keep you hooked. I love the world and characters that were created. That cliffhanger.... I need book 2! Fantastic Read!