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Vandeleur
To Scorch a Quartz Thorn
When two strangers are forced to weather a storm… even stone can burn
Lady Evangeline Gramont has spent her whole life wanting two to find true love and to serve her kingdom. In an arranged betrothal to a Duke she’s never met, the last thing she imagined would be running into an extremely large, if—she grudgingly admits—passably attractive male during a seaside tour with the queen, forcing her to choose between duty and destiny.
The very last place Gavin Conway Lockheed wanted to be was landlocked at another port, but the goddess had different plans as a series of events led his ship, The Quartz Thorn, to have an extended stay for repairs in Verdigris Falls after an unusual storm tour through the main mastings. He soon finds himself rescuing the most beautiful female he’s ever set eyes on. The only problem? She’s a lady engaged to a duke, and he would never let his own desires impede another’s happiness.
Can forced proximity kindle a fire to push them both to accept their deepest desires, or will duty and self-sacrifice threaten more than their tender love?
A Bound by Flame novella
A Vandeleur Trilogy novella
Lady Evangeline Gramont has spent her whole life wanting two to find true love and to serve her kingdom. In an arranged betrothal to a Duke she’s never met, the last thing she imagined would be running into an extremely large, if—she grudgingly admits—passably attractive male during a seaside tour with the queen, forcing her to choose between duty and destiny.
The very last place Gavin Conway Lockheed wanted to be was landlocked at another port, but the goddess had different plans as a series of events led his ship, The Quartz Thorn, to have an extended stay for repairs in Verdigris Falls after an unusual storm tour through the main mastings. He soon finds himself rescuing the most beautiful female he’s ever set eyes on. The only problem? She’s a lady engaged to a duke, and he would never let his own desires impede another’s happiness.
Can forced proximity kindle a fire to push them both to accept their deepest desires, or will duty and self-sacrifice threaten more than their tender love?
A Bound by Flame novella
A Vandeleur Trilogy novella
102 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 3, 2024
49 people are currently reading
650 people want to read
About the author
Fleur DeVillainy
15 books254 followersFleur DeVillainy
Indie Author
Fleur DeVillainy is an American fantasy author. In the realm of imagination, where love and enchantment intertwine, she crafts tales of extraordinary adventure interwoven with romance, internal growth and found family. By day, she brings healing to little hearts as a pediatric nurse practitioner. By night, she lets her pen dance across pages, weaving magical worlds and captivating characters. When not weaving tales, she finds solace in baking, sewing, and gardening. Join her on the many whimsical journeys through words and discover the wonders that lie within. Check out her series The Vandeleur Trilogy, her comic series Wolf and I, and her co-written Calpa series today!
If you want to know when Fleur’s next book will come out, please visit her social media and website.
Indie Author
Fleur DeVillainy is an American fantasy author. In the realm of imagination, where love and enchantment intertwine, she crafts tales of extraordinary adventure interwoven with romance, internal growth and found family. By day, she brings healing to little hearts as a pediatric nurse practitioner. By night, she lets her pen dance across pages, weaving magical worlds and captivating characters. When not weaving tales, she finds solace in baking, sewing, and gardening. Join her on the many whimsical journeys through words and discover the wonders that lie within. Check out her series The Vandeleur Trilogy, her comic series Wolf and I, and her co-written Calpa series today!
If you want to know when Fleur’s next book will come out, please visit her social media and website.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 108 reviews
April 7, 2024
This was such a great little read.
At just under a hundred pages, we follow a short romantasy story of Evangeline and Gaving: The queen's lady in waiting, and draken shifter.
My only complaint is I want MORE. I finished it in about an hour and wish I could have savored the story a bit longer.
There's the perfect amount of tension, a sprinkle of spice and happily ever after. I thoroughly enjoyed the writing style. It was one of those stories that truly plays like a movie in your head, instead of just words on a page.
I will definitely be looking into more works by Fleur DeVillainy.
This ebook was given to me as an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
At just under a hundred pages, we follow a short romantasy story of Evangeline and Gaving: The queen's lady in waiting, and draken shifter.
My only complaint is I want MORE. I finished it in about an hour and wish I could have savored the story a bit longer.
There's the perfect amount of tension, a sprinkle of spice and happily ever after. I thoroughly enjoyed the writing style. It was one of those stories that truly plays like a movie in your head, instead of just words on a page.
I will definitely be looking into more works by Fleur DeVillainy.
This ebook was given to me as an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
April 5, 2024
** I was given an ARC copy of this book so I wanted to write an honest review. **
This is the first novel I've read by Fleur and I'm not disappointed. I don't want to give any spoilers but I'm glad I read this book first. I'm looking forward to seeing more of Gavin and Evangeline and learning more about the lore from the series this book is from. I'll be reading the first book in the series as soon as I can shave down my TBR shelf. I'm looking forward to it!
This is the first novel I've read by Fleur and I'm not disappointed. I don't want to give any spoilers but I'm glad I read this book first. I'm looking forward to seeing more of Gavin and Evangeline and learning more about the lore from the series this book is from. I'll be reading the first book in the series as soon as I can shave down my TBR shelf. I'm looking forward to it!
April 27, 2024
This is a novella in the multi-author Bound by Flame collection, which is themed around dragons. Tropes include dragon shifters, fated mates, one bed and forced proximity. This is a moderately spicy story (open door). I received an advance review copy, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
For as short as this novella is (90 pages), the author fit in great characters, relationships and plot. It has Bridgerton vibes but with a captain of the seas. I loved the main characters and how their relationship builds. The MMC is swoon worthy in all the right ways the the FMC just wants to be free to make her own choices.
This was a fun, sweet read that I see myself going back to when I need something quick. If you like this novella, check out the author’s full length book, Sky of Thorns (two words - unicorn shifter). I read it late last fall and loved the FMC in particular!
Rating: 4/5 Stars
Spice: 2/5 Flames
For as short as this novella is (90 pages), the author fit in great characters, relationships and plot. It has Bridgerton vibes but with a captain of the seas. I loved the main characters and how their relationship builds. The MMC is swoon worthy in all the right ways the the FMC just wants to be free to make her own choices.
This was a fun, sweet read that I see myself going back to when I need something quick. If you like this novella, check out the author’s full length book, Sky of Thorns (two words - unicorn shifter). I read it late last fall and loved the FMC in particular!
Rating: 4/5 Stars
Spice: 2/5 Flames
July 14, 2024
I was amazed by how much this book has, the romance, spice, storyline and characters are just perfection and I really recommend this short story! Who knew you could get a full experience from such a short book🙌🏼
🌊 Pirates meets Bridgetown
👑 Forced proximity
🌊 Fated mates
👑 Spice 🌶️🌶️
🌊 HEA
If you love this, then I recommend you check out her full book in the same world, Sky of Thorns. I read it last year and loved it! It whimsical, has lots of lore, a big world and the FMC is a unicorn shifter🦄 I must admit I was sceptical and shifter romance isn’t my favourite, but it blew me away and I could have been more wrong! Luckily it’s going to be a trilogy too👀
My GR review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
🌊 Pirates meets Bridgetown
👑 Forced proximity
🌊 Fated mates
👑 Spice 🌶️🌶️
🌊 HEA
If you love this, then I recommend you check out her full book in the same world, Sky of Thorns. I read it last year and loved it! It whimsical, has lots of lore, a big world and the FMC is a unicorn shifter🦄 I must admit I was sceptical and shifter romance isn’t my favourite, but it blew me away and I could have been more wrong! Luckily it’s going to be a trilogy too👀
My GR review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
July 30, 2024
4.5⭐️ As far as novella’s go, this one will be added to my favourites! I loved the pirates x Bridgerton vibes and my only complaint is that I wish it was a full length novel!
May 2, 2024
To Scorch a Quartz Thorn is a fast-paced novella with dragon shifters and magic. It gives off regency romance vibes with pirates on the side. I am astonished at how the author was able to write Evangeline and Gavin's story beautifully in less than a hundred pages. My only wish was this a full-pledged novel!
Read trigger warnings before indulging yourself with reading this book
Thank you for the digital arc in exchange for an honest review. Everything in this review has been written willing fully.
Since I read a proof copy of the book any grammatical errors did not impact the rating.
─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───
Instagram @maggies.nook
tiktok @maggies_pov
𝘐𝘧 𝘪𝘵 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘳𝘪𝘨𝘶𝘦𝘴 𝘺𝘰𝘶, 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥 𝘪𝘵! 𝘔𝘺 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘮𝘺 𝘰𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘮𝘢𝘺 𝘰𝘳 𝘮𝘢𝘺 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘳𝘦𝘧𝘭𝘦𝘤𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘰𝘸𝘯. 𝘋𝘰𝘯'𝘵 𝘭𝘦𝘵 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘴 𝘥𝘦𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘥𝘦𝘭𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘰 𝘢 𝘯𝘦𝘸 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘭𝘥.🥰
Read trigger warnings before indulging yourself with reading this book
Thank you for the digital arc in exchange for an honest review. Everything in this review has been written willing fully.
Since I read a proof copy of the book any grammatical errors did not impact the rating.
─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───
Instagram @maggies.nook
tiktok @maggies_pov
𝘐𝘧 𝘪𝘵 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘳𝘪𝘨𝘶𝘦𝘴 𝘺𝘰𝘶, 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥 𝘪𝘵! 𝘔𝘺 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘮𝘺 𝘰𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘮𝘢𝘺 𝘰𝘳 𝘮𝘢𝘺 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘳𝘦𝘧𝘭𝘦𝘤𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘰𝘸𝘯. 𝘋𝘰𝘯'𝘵 𝘭𝘦𝘵 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘴 𝘥𝘦𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘥𝘦𝘭𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘰 𝘢 𝘯𝘦𝘸 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘭𝘥.🥰
April 7, 2024
ARC Review!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
This was my first Fleur DeVilliany book and it was a fun easy read. It was very fast paced! This was my first pirate/sea captain reading experience in awhile. Gavin, Evie and surprisingly Rowan were fun characters to read. Rowan was the perfect side character along with Pepper 😆
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
This was my first Fleur DeVilliany book and it was a fun easy read. It was very fast paced! This was my first pirate/sea captain reading experience in awhile. Gavin, Evie and surprisingly Rowan were fun characters to read. Rowan was the perfect side character along with Pepper 😆
April 6, 2024
I loved this little novella- I'm only sad that it wasn't longer so that we could expand on the world and characters.
April 26, 2024
This is a quick and easy fast paced romantasy with dragon shifters and fated mates. I really enjoyed the love story and I’m excited for the next novella in the bound by flame series!
April 12, 2024
Fellow readers this is a small book not to be missed. This is my second book I have read from Fleur DeVillainy. She writes with such passion and imagination. I read this small book in little over an hour. I could not put it down. The characters pulled you in. Two different backgrounds, fated mates, sworn to another but found your fated mate. The passion the two main characters Evie and Gavin share is not to be missed. I look forward to their story continuing.
April 11, 2024
4 ⭐️ 2 🌶️ This is an ARC review. I really enjoyed this story. The writing style was great and I liked the characters, Evie & Gavin. The story was reminiscent of Ever King & Bridgerton. I honestly would really like to see this go beyond a novella. The only thing missing was a major plot line, which I know is difficult to achieve in a novella. The storyline has potential for a full book and I would love to read it!
June 4, 2024
This story grabbed me from the beginning!! Magic, Kingdoms, shifters and fated mates!
“𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘤𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘮𝘢𝘳𝘳𝘪𝘢𝘨𝘦 𝘪𝘴𝘯’𝘵 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘐’𝘮 𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘪𝘤𝘶𝘭𝘢𝘳𝘭𝘺 𝘧𝘰𝘯𝘥 𝘰𝘧. 𝘋𝘦𝘦𝘱 𝘥𝘰𝘸𝘯, 𝘐 𝘢𝘭𝘸𝘢𝘺𝘴 𝘩𝘰𝘱𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘸𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘣𝘦 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘮𝘦 𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦. 𝘐 𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘥 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘢𝘥𝘷𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘥 𝘰𝘧 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘥𝘰𝘦𝘴𝘯’𝘵 𝘴𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘬 𝘰𝘯𝘭𝘺 𝘢𝘧𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘪𝘵’𝘴 𝘣𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘴𝘪𝘨𝘯𝘦𝘥 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘰𝘯 𝘱𝘢𝘱𝘦𝘳”
Evie takes her duties and responsibilities quite seriously, that is until she meets a Captain. Evie was so sweet, but she has a feisty side that made me laugh a little. You can picture her releasing her anger, adorable. And the gentle way Gavin handles her, so swoon worthy.
“𝘐 𝘥𝘰𝘯’𝘵 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘥𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦𝘴. 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘦𝘢 𝘪𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘰𝘯𝘭𝘺 𝘮𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘐 𝘯𝘦𝘦𝘥.
Gavin only has one thing on his mind, getting back out to sea, the only place he belongs. He has no idea what awaits him at the port he pulled in too. He tries to do the right thing multiple times, no matter how it tears him up.
“𝘞𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘭𝘢𝘮𝘦𝘴 𝘦𝘮𝘣𝘳𝘢𝘤𝘦𝘥 𝘺𝘰𝘶, 𝘐 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘯𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘴𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘢𝘯𝘺𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘢𝘶𝘵𝘪𝘧𝘶𝘭 𝘪𝘯 𝘮𝘺 𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘳𝘦 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦. 𝘐𝘵 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢 𝘧𝘭𝘰𝘸𝘦𝘳 𝘭𝘰𝘰𝘮 𝘳𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘪𝘯 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘮𝘺 𝘦𝘺𝘦𝘴. 𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘧𝘪𝘳𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶.”
The interesting ancient background of this world and how Fleur DeVillainy interweaves each character with their gifts was entrancing. Of course, we can’t forget about her emotional and intimate scenes, which i am rating 4/5 stars!! It was hot, sweet and you could feel the heightened emotions between Evie and Gavin.
I honestly couldn’t put it down! Great job Fleur! Loved this and can’t wait to read Sky of Thorns next.
“𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘤𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘮𝘢𝘳𝘳𝘪𝘢𝘨𝘦 𝘪𝘴𝘯’𝘵 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘐’𝘮 𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘪𝘤𝘶𝘭𝘢𝘳𝘭𝘺 𝘧𝘰𝘯𝘥 𝘰𝘧. 𝘋𝘦𝘦𝘱 𝘥𝘰𝘸𝘯, 𝘐 𝘢𝘭𝘸𝘢𝘺𝘴 𝘩𝘰𝘱𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘸𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘣𝘦 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘮𝘦 𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦. 𝘐 𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘥 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘢𝘥𝘷𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘥 𝘰𝘧 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘥𝘰𝘦𝘴𝘯’𝘵 𝘴𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘬 𝘰𝘯𝘭𝘺 𝘢𝘧𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘪𝘵’𝘴 𝘣𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘴𝘪𝘨𝘯𝘦𝘥 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘰𝘯 𝘱𝘢𝘱𝘦𝘳”
Evie takes her duties and responsibilities quite seriously, that is until she meets a Captain. Evie was so sweet, but she has a feisty side that made me laugh a little. You can picture her releasing her anger, adorable. And the gentle way Gavin handles her, so swoon worthy.
“𝘐 𝘥𝘰𝘯’𝘵 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘥𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦𝘴. 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘦𝘢 𝘪𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘰𝘯𝘭𝘺 𝘮𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘐 𝘯𝘦𝘦𝘥.
Gavin only has one thing on his mind, getting back out to sea, the only place he belongs. He has no idea what awaits him at the port he pulled in too. He tries to do the right thing multiple times, no matter how it tears him up.
“𝘞𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘭𝘢𝘮𝘦𝘴 𝘦𝘮𝘣𝘳𝘢𝘤𝘦𝘥 𝘺𝘰𝘶, 𝘐 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘯𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘴𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘢𝘯𝘺𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘢𝘶𝘵𝘪𝘧𝘶𝘭 𝘪𝘯 𝘮𝘺 𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘳𝘦 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦. 𝘐𝘵 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢 𝘧𝘭𝘰𝘸𝘦𝘳 𝘭𝘰𝘰𝘮 𝘳𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘪𝘯 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘮𝘺 𝘦𝘺𝘦𝘴. 𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘧𝘪𝘳𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶.”
The interesting ancient background of this world and how Fleur DeVillainy interweaves each character with their gifts was entrancing. Of course, we can’t forget about her emotional and intimate scenes, which i am rating 4/5 stars!! It was hot, sweet and you could feel the heightened emotions between Evie and Gavin.
I honestly couldn’t put it down! Great job Fleur! Loved this and can’t wait to read Sky of Thorns next.
May 4, 2024
4.5 stars, I absolutely loved this novella! It is another addition to the Bound by Flame series and my favorite one yet! It’s giving bridgerton meets acotar meets pirates and I absolutely swooned over it! I literally cried at one point bc I was so happy for them. The FMC is a lady in waiting with cool magic and a desire to be free. The MMC is a drake shifter, pirate Captain, who is grumbly and kind in all the best ways. Their love was so sweet and the respect and awe he had for her was to die for. Plus some delicious spice that Gavin cherishing Evie!
I also loved the Queen and Rowan, they were the perfect balances to our MCs and helped push the story forward while having their own personality’s. Plus the cute slobbery three headed dog was just adorable!
Fleur did fantastic with slight world building, background, and character development and giving us some depth to the characters while still being quick and to the point! The magic and different shifters was so fun and it was the perfect pick me up to devour in one sitting! Definitely recommend 🫶🏼
I also loved the Queen and Rowan, they were the perfect balances to our MCs and helped push the story forward while having their own personality’s. Plus the cute slobbery three headed dog was just adorable!
Fleur did fantastic with slight world building, background, and character development and giving us some depth to the characters while still being quick and to the point! The magic and different shifters was so fun and it was the perfect pick me up to devour in one sitting! Definitely recommend 🫶🏼
April 13, 2024
"To Scorch a Quartz Thorn," the fifth novella in the Bound by Flame series by Fleur DeVillainy, is an enchanting tale of unexpected love and conflicting duties that ensnares the reader from the first page. Set in the picturesque, albeit fictional, Verdigris Falls, the story introduces us to Lady Evangeline Gramont and Gavin Conway Lockheed, two strangers whose lives intertwine in a most serendipitous fashion.
Lady Evangeline, on a path paved with royal duties and an impending arranged marriage, represents a character torn between loyalty to her kingdom and the whispers of her heart. Her chance encounter with Gavin, a dashing ship captain whose vessel, The Quartz Thorn, suffers from a freak storm, serves as a catalyst for a whirlwind of emotions and decisions.
DeVillainy excels in her portrayal of Gavin as a character of integrity, whose noble heart battles between desire and honor. Their interaction, initially marked by necessity due to the storm, gradually unfolds into a deeper connection, challenging their initial intentions and societal roles. The author's writing sparkles when describing their burgeoning relationship, capturing the essence of romantic tension with skillful dialogue and vivid settings.
The novella skillfully explores themes of self-sacrifice and destiny. The protagonists' internal conflicts are palpable, making their journey not just about love, but about discovering true self. DeVillainy does not shy away from the harsher realities of royal engagements and the sacrifices they demand, providing a grounded counterpoint to the story’s romantic elements.
One of the strengths of "To Scorch a Quartz Thorn" is its pacing. The story moves swiftly, propelled by engaging dialogue and a well-constructed plot that balances romantic developments with a steady unveiling of each character's depth and vulnerabilities. Moreover, the setting of Verdigris Falls, with its coastal charm and tempestuous weather, mirrors the tumultuous relationship between Evangeline and Gavin, adding a poetic layer to the narrative.
In conclusion, "To Scorch a Quartz Thorn" is a compelling addition to the Bound by Flame series. Fleur DeVillainy has crafted a beautifully romantic and emotionally resonant story that speaks to the heart's capacity to transcend duty and destiny. It is a recommended read for those who cherish romance novels that offer not only sparks of passion but also profound questions about life and love.
Lady Evangeline, on a path paved with royal duties and an impending arranged marriage, represents a character torn between loyalty to her kingdom and the whispers of her heart. Her chance encounter with Gavin, a dashing ship captain whose vessel, The Quartz Thorn, suffers from a freak storm, serves as a catalyst for a whirlwind of emotions and decisions.
DeVillainy excels in her portrayal of Gavin as a character of integrity, whose noble heart battles between desire and honor. Their interaction, initially marked by necessity due to the storm, gradually unfolds into a deeper connection, challenging their initial intentions and societal roles. The author's writing sparkles when describing their burgeoning relationship, capturing the essence of romantic tension with skillful dialogue and vivid settings.
The novella skillfully explores themes of self-sacrifice and destiny. The protagonists' internal conflicts are palpable, making their journey not just about love, but about discovering true self. DeVillainy does not shy away from the harsher realities of royal engagements and the sacrifices they demand, providing a grounded counterpoint to the story’s romantic elements.
One of the strengths of "To Scorch a Quartz Thorn" is its pacing. The story moves swiftly, propelled by engaging dialogue and a well-constructed plot that balances romantic developments with a steady unveiling of each character's depth and vulnerabilities. Moreover, the setting of Verdigris Falls, with its coastal charm and tempestuous weather, mirrors the tumultuous relationship between Evangeline and Gavin, adding a poetic layer to the narrative.
In conclusion, "To Scorch a Quartz Thorn" is a compelling addition to the Bound by Flame series. Fleur DeVillainy has crafted a beautifully romantic and emotionally resonant story that speaks to the heart's capacity to transcend duty and destiny. It is a recommended read for those who cherish romance novels that offer not only sparks of passion but also profound questions about life and love.
April 10, 2024
ARC review!
If you’re an avid fantasy or romantasy reader, then you know some of the books are super long.
This is a cute break from the super long books. It has a nice mix of new creatures I haven’t come across before and is a quick fated lovers novela.
Yes it is kind of cutesy and insta lovey but after some of the intense stories you may read of this genre it’s a nice break!
If you’re an avid fantasy or romantasy reader, then you know some of the books are super long.
This is a cute break from the super long books. It has a nice mix of new creatures I haven’t come across before and is a quick fated lovers novela.
Yes it is kind of cutesy and insta lovey but after some of the intense stories you may read of this genre it’s a nice break!
April 28, 2024
This novella was immediately attention grabbing. I loved the insta-love/fated mates between Evangeline and Gavin. I loved how the difference in their stations barely mattered to them. What was a pleasant surprise to me was the queen’s acceptance of their bond and her willingness to help Evangeline with her happiness. This book was so heartwarming and great, I highly recommend reading it and every other book in the Bound By Flame novella series. Thank you so much to Fleur DeVillainy for the ARC.
May 1, 2024
A lady promised to a duke, a dragon promised to the sea, fated mates and even some arts and crafts, this spicy novella is quick and fun! There are so many little tidbits thrown in, like magical creatures, other shifter races and plenty of magic that make me excited to continue reading the stories that take place in this world.
July 7, 2024
At the end of the day, the characters felt a little too flat for me.
I started recognizing how most of the MMC lines felt like they were pieced together from different stereotypes. And it never felt like the facade ended.
But, this was a short, fun read like the rest of the novellas in the series!
I started recognizing how most of the MMC lines felt like they were pieced together from different stereotypes. And it never felt like the facade ended.
But, this was a short, fun read like the rest of the novellas in the series!
April 4, 2024
Really enjoyed this novella, nice quick read with likeable characters. I am really interested to hear more about this world and will def be looking up more of the authors works. If you like fantasy this is for you
April 5, 2024
I grabbed this book as a recommendation from a friend. Loved it!! Easy fun read!! If your into fantasy romance it's a must have!! The characters are welled fleshed out and fun to read about! I'd love to read more about them!!
April 5, 2024
My favorite Bound By Flame novella so far!! I think my new favorite microtrope is a pirate dragon shifter….I just can’t get over how sweet Gavin is!
Also PEPPER! I need a little mini Cerberus ASAP
These novellas are perfect to get you out of a reading slump!
Also PEPPER! I need a little mini Cerberus ASAP
These novellas are perfect to get you out of a reading slump!
April 22, 2024
This book is part of the Bound by Flame Series, a series of nine books by all different fantasy authors and all different stories involving a Dragon shifter romance! I ATE THIS UP! Sometimes forced proximity can be overdone but for this novella it made perfect sense! The author described it as ACOTAR x Bridgerton and she was RIGHT! Not surprising given that description of two things I absolutley loved that I ended up loving this novella too! Definitley recommend!
April 5, 2024
Those novella was absolute perfection 😍 I'm a bit sad as I don't see more of their story to come out. But every single page had me either laughing or swooning. Evie and Gavin are absolutely beautiful together. It's a quick read, but a definite must-read!
April 6, 2024
I loved this novella, set in the same world as Sky of Thorns. A very quick read that kept me interested from beginning to end.
April 13, 2024
Another wonderful book by Fleur DeVillainy. This was the perfect novella.
May 4, 2024
This was a fantastic novella in the Bound by Flame collection. I loved Gavin and Evie's story! This quick read has draken shifters, elemental magic, a unique pet, a damsel in distress, fated mates, one bed, with a bit of spice.
May 3, 2024
4.5⭐️
Fast paced. Forced proximity, fated mates, instalove, shifter, betrothed to another. Only complaint is that I wish it was longer.
Fast paced. Forced proximity, fated mates, instalove, shifter, betrothed to another. Only complaint is that I wish it was longer.
May 7, 2024
Short, sweet, and a very easy read! I love a good fated mates story, I just wanted more!
May 3, 2024
I really enjoyed this story. There's magic, pirates, draken shifters, and an adorable mastiff sidekick. What more could you ask for? Gavin is my favorite type of MMC and their romance was absolutely sweet. Definitely recommended reading!
August 21, 2024
ꜱᴛᴀʀ ʀᴀᴛɪɴɢ: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
ꜱᴘɪᴄᴇ ʀᴀᴛɪɴɢ: 🌶🌶🌶
I loved this book! It's the perfect companion novella to The Vandeleur trilogy, but could also be read as a complete standalone. I adored the fated mates, steamy romance, magic, and world-building.
ꜱᴘɪᴄᴇ ʀᴀᴛɪɴɢ: 🌶🌶🌶
I loved this book! It's the perfect companion novella to The Vandeleur trilogy, but could also be read as a complete standalone. I adored the fated mates, steamy romance, magic, and world-building.
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