To Snatch a Gilded Laurel

Bound by Flame #3

by Angelica Babineaux, Alex Callan

She's a princess on a mission. He's a dismissive diplomat. But the rules will bind them both.

Princess Isabella Echtarch was tasked with a simple but important job: travel to the recently annexed kingdom of Onson, a foreign land oozing with wealth and home to the prideful and powerful dragonkin, and educate them on proper Aurelian court protocol. When she is introduced to Remy Legrand, the appointed dragonkin diplomat, she expects to be treated with all the respect her station deserves. Instead, his dismissive demeanor forces her to prove that she's more than just a pampered princess.

Remy Legrand wants nothing more than to get the business of bending the knee to the Aurelian Empire over with as soon as possible. But when Isabella takes his dismissive demeanor as unwilling to learn the new protocols, she demands that Remy follow her to her home in the rolling hills of Vinitore. Now, Remy has to quickly find his footing to help his people, on top of starting to fall for the headstrong princess.

In this stand-alone novella, set hundreds of years before the main Thieving Hearts series, see how the dragonkin of Onson began their alliance with the Aurelian Empire, one snatched kiss at a time.

Genres: Fantasy, Fantasy Romance, Ebooks

174 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 19, 2024

Reviews

[Cecelia Farmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fast paced little novella, that held my attention from the start.

The story was very well written and easily one of my favorites from the series so far. (Have read 3 of the Bound By Flame novellas)

Very much an enemies to friends to lovers. The banter between the main characters was wonderfully written.

Plenty of world building to where you see the movie playing in your head. Absolutely recommend reading.

I received this ebook as an ARC, in exchange for an honest review. And I whole heartedly recommend you read To Snatch A Gilded Laurel

[Catlyn Sterling · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this short novella as an ARC in the Bound By Flames series. The series is 9 short, stand alone fantasy romance novellas that are all by different authors. This book however is set up to be the prequel of its own series.

Without spoilers, the story follows Princess Isabella on her journey to educate a new kingdom of the Empire’s Vicomte on court protocol (Regency x high fantasy). The Vicomte, Remy, is from a Dragon-kind Kingdom and is quickly put-off by the “impatient pampered princess” he will now be traveling with for weeks back to court.

This enemy-to-loves has some of our favorite tropes like the one/bed trope and well-written world building politics as well as being an LGBT+ friendly fantasy.

The only reason I’m not giving it 5stars is that the ending and epilogue broke my heart when I realized this book wasn’t setting up for a whole series following the rest of these character lives. I don’t want to find out what happens hundreds of years in the future because of this couples political prowess, I want a whole Fourth Wing-esk series following this!
Also, there was so much set-up for LGBT+ relationships early in the book that was sadly left undelivered in terms of the rest of this couple’s story considering the opening Author’s Notes and Dragon-kinds clusters’ relationships.

[Alyssa · Rating 4 out of 5]

To Snatch A Guilded Laurel was a fast paced novella set in the bound by flames world. The banter and chemistry between the two main characters was well written and that fact that we could easily see their genuine connection be fully fleshed out in such a short amount of pages shows the skill of the authors.
This novella did a great job of adding color to the bound by flames world and was a beautiful story of enemies to friends to lovers.
I recommend all to read this novella!

I received an eARC of this story in exchange for an honest review.

[Inês Serra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Third novella on the Bound By Flames series and I love the diversity with which these stories are written, without straying far from the geral theme of a main character being or interacting with a dragon, in a romantic way. This one has a more political feeling, but still sweet and light to read. Another quick read that I loved and recommend!

Terceira novela da série Bound By Flames e adoro a diversidade com que estas histórias são escritas, sem saírem do mesmo tema geral de uma personagem principal que é ou interage com um dragão, de forma romântica. Esta tem um cariz mais político, mas na mesma doce e leve de ler. Mais uma leitura rápida que recomendo!

A big thank you to the authors for the ARC!

[erikoreads · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is so much packed into this little novella!

What is a dragonkin? I assumed Remy was a dragon with wings and thought he would just fly himself and Izzy back to Vetro Di Mare. But I enjoyed their carriage journey back, the banter between the two, and getting to know more about this universe.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

** I received an ARC of this novella and I wanted to share my honest thoughts on it. **

This is the first novel I'm reading in this universe and I'm hooked! I am so glad the romance took as long as it did. It made it perfect, honestly. I am so glad Isabella stood up for herself as well as she did at the end. It's definitely a great first look into what sounds like a promising universe. I'm looking forward to reading the other books in this universe!

[Tay · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC for this story for an honest review. I would give this book a 3.5 - 4 because some of the writing was clunky and the ending was rushed. The epilogue didn’t make since unless it ties into the next book. However, the story moved quickly and I liked the characters. Parts read like a fantasy Oregon trail which was quite fun and nostalgic!

[Nicole (book_drake on IG) · Rating 5 out of 5]

"To Snatch a Gilded Laurel" #3 from the Bound by Flame Series by @AngelicaBabineauz and @AlexCallan is a fiery and intriguing novella that brilliantly sets the stage for the larger Thieving Hearts series, despite standing on its own with a captivating story. The tale follows Princess Isabella Echtarch, who, far from being a mere ceremonial figure, embarks on a delicate mission to the wealthy, dragonkin-inhabited kingdom of Onson. Her task is complex, involving much more than mere diplomacy; it's about intertwining the destinies of two distinct cultures.

The character dynamic between Isabella and Remy Legrand, a dragonkin diplomat, is the highlight of the novella. Remy's initial dismissiveness sets a challenging tone for their interactions, creating a compelling blend of tension and eventual mutual respect that evolves delightfully throughout the story. The development of their relationship, marked by resistance, learning, and undeniable chemistry, is both satisfying and believably paced.

Babineauz and Callan’s writing shines in their depiction of the lush, vivid setting of Vinitore and the complex socio-political atmosphere of Onson. They masterfully weave a backdrop that feels as much a character as Isabella and Remy themselves. The lore of the dragonkin and their burgeoning alliance with the Aurelian Empire is fascinating, adding a rich layer of historical depth to the narrative.

Overall, "To Snatch a Gilded Laurel" is a testament to the power of understanding and adaptation in the face of cultural differences. The story ends on a hopeful note, suggesting that even the most prideful hearts can find common ground if there's a willingness to understand and adapt. A delightful read for anyone who enjoys fantasy that combines political intrigue with a heartfelt romance.

[Shandi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Princess Isabella has been sent to Onson, the newest kingdom to join the Aurelian Empire, to teach the diplomat the customs of the Empire. Remy Legrand is the dragonkin diplomat chosen to meet Isabella. And he wants nothing more than to get business over with. Isabella takes his dismissive attitude as disrespect and says they are to return to her home Vinitore to meet the Emperor, her brother, and to show him how the empire works. The trip is long and along the way they grow closer and their feelings grow into more.

I very much enjoyed this story. Just a cute romance between Isabella and Remy, and I loved how he followed the courtship rules set by the Aurelian Empire. One thing I have noticed in shifter/monster romances is that sometimes they tend to give into their more feral instincts. However there wasn't any of that in this story and it was a breath of fresh air. I guess though since Remy wasn't really a shifter but instead just a dragonkin, it makes sense. Also was a bit confused by the epilogue as it mentioned the prince as a direct descendent of Isabella … did something happen between them. Anywho this was a great quick read and I am loving the Bound by Flames novella series.

Rating 3.5 stars
*I received a review copy from the author for my voluntary and honest review

[Alex (Morttified) · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 rounded up! At first I was unsure, but soon grew attached to the characters and devoured the historical, magical world and characters! The world, political, and familial building was phenomenal.. somehow these authors captured such a detailed, yet easy to understand world and politics that gave a very historical vibe in such a short read! Remy is a lax grumpy dragonkin, while Isabella is a pointed rule following princess and they complemented eachother so well!

The plot was fun and light, romance was sweet and built up perfect and it kept me super engaged the whole time! The slow burn was wonderful, while being less than 200pgs. I did not realized going in that the MMC was a dragon (since the other books have been shifters) so I didn’t expect the monster romance and interesting spicy scene. I don’t think it’s personally my type of spice, but that being said it was written well and I already loved the characters so it didn’t ruin anything for me.

Overall a fun, romantic, immersive read and something out of my norm that I still really liked!

Read if you like:
🐉 Monster/historical romance
🐉 One bed
🐉 Detailed politics/world
🐉 Grumpy/ dragon mmc
🐉 Forced proximity

[Maggie's Nook · Rating 4 out of 5]

˗ˏˋ3.75 ★ ˎˊ˗

To Snatch A Gilded Laurel is the third novella in the Bound by Flame Collection. It combines romance with political intrigue. Although it was short and fast-paced, the world-building was well executed. I particularly enjoyed the time jumps, which provided readers with a slow build-up between the main characters, Remy and Izzy. They had great chemistry, and I would have loved to read more about them, especially since the ending seemed rushed.

The epilogue of this novella was entertaining, a pleasant surprise that left me wanting for more.

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.🥰

[Caseys_bookshelff · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this novella, Princess Isabella is ordered to educate the kingdom of Onson, home to the dragonkin, of Aurelian proper protocols. When she meets Vicomte Remy, she is thrown off by his passive attitude and the two struggle to get along with each other. Both of them must work together to finish their tasks and confront their true feeling for each other, all while bringing Onsen and the Aurelian Kingdoms into an alliance.

This book was an easy read for me and I loved the banter between Isabella and Remy. Following their journey while Isabella was determined to teach Remy lessons about her kingdom intrigued me especially because she’s always so proper and he’s the exact opposite. I feel like he challenged her and pushed her to start standing up for herself. Their relationship was overall just really sweet! I definitely enjoyed the writing and storyline of this book and found myself surprised when I read about Remy’s dragon anatomy lol. 😭🤣 I recommend this novella to anyone who loves a good slow burn romance with tropes like one bed, royalty/princesses, banter, and forced proximity. 💕

Thank you to the authors for the ARC of this book. 💕

[Yugie Caroline · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've had the pleasure of receiving ARC of this novella, and I definitely did not put this book down until I finished reading it. The plot was simple enough: girl meets boy, they don't like each other at first, but eventually they get past initial impressions until they finally see each other for real. What made it quite interesting for me was that the boy is not just any boy, but a dragon shifter. Imagine my amusement at how human Isabella falls on love with Remy despite their glaring species differences. But isn't that what love is? It's going beyond physical appearances and just loving the other for their innate character. Cheesy, I know, bit I'm a sucker for it. I loved Isabella and Remy's banter, too, and their honestly raw conversations. And of course, I was thoroughly piqued by their intimate scenes. Who wouldn't be intrigued by interspecies coupling? In the end, the intimacy and connection they genuinely shared won it out for me.

[Megan Eby · Rating 4 out of 5]

This high fantasy novella within a series can be read as a standalone.

I loved that the main characters had real responsibilities and jobs/work to do. I loved that the FMC was super smart and highly organized. She's the Amy Santiago/Leslie Knope royal of high fantasy!

Their diplomatic tutorials and lessons on each others culture showed their intelligence and helped with the world-building. The main characters work to get past their first impressions for the sake of diplomacy but it turns into something more. The way they collaborated and learned about each other's ways was really sweet. There are beautiful descriptions of the places they pass on their way across the empire and although the journey is long, the novella kept things moving.

The inter-species relationship gets spicy! Not my thing but I liked how they navigated the challenges in their relationship and went on to set an example for generations to come.

[Bee’s Glorious Reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

*I received an ARC and am leaving my honest review*

REVIEW: This novella gave off Bridgerton vibes, but almost written for a younger audience than what was intended. There were a lot of time jumps, which left me confused about what had happened between the characters during that time. Specifically, a month passes at some point, and the characters previously left off on a bad note. I didn’t particularly fall in love with either of the main characters, but the world building was interesting. There was a lot to learn in 165 pages for this world! It definitely leaves room for wanting more and more.

FAVORITE QUOTE: “‘I know of your dedication to your craft, to this theater politique. I want to play this game your way. So I will follow the Aurelian rules of courtship. With your chaperones, and your gifts. And I will woo and romance you honestly, and completely. As you deserve.’”

[Ashley Watson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ever travel and bring home someone you just knew your family wasn’t going to like? Isabelle did and Vicomte rose to the challenge to become the man, er dragon everyone wanted him to be.

Our story unfolds as Vicomte, or as everyone knows him, Remy, is the ambassador to his country becoming part of the empire. Isabelle has been sent to teach him everything he needs to know on a trip to the seat of power for the empire to integrate their small nation into the empire without looking like complete outsiders. The banter between the two, the innocent romance, and the trouble they get into along the way makes the story fly by and evolve in ways that make the reader feel as if they are riding right along with the characters.

If you need a light hearted adventure with the inevitable screw up to win your love back, look no farther than this novella. I promise you won’t be disappointed!!

[Abby Viscomi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have you ever wondered what it would be like is Leslie Knope from Parks and Rec was a princess and fell in love with a dragon who was just as passionate about court politics as she is? If you have, then this novella is perfect for you!

It was refreshing to read a fantasy book where kingdoms weren’t at war, where the FMC doesn’t suddenly need to become a highly trained assassin, where the MMC isn’t emotionally unavailable. I love that Isabella and Remy are both intelligent, passionate and, let’s be honest, nerdy adults who know their own worth and what they want. Every part of this book (the witty banter, the world building, and the relationships between characters) had me running to add the rest of the books in this world to my tbr.

[Ashley (booknurse) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Is it possible for a novella to be a slow burn? Somehow, the authors managed that with this book. I won't lie; I was a little worried about being able to connect with such a political plot, but it was actually quite easy to understand. I love an excellent Enemies to lovers situation, and add in a dragon shifter - I was hooked. The banter between Isabella and Remy was so good. Side note, can we just talk about Remy's assets 🍆🍆👀. I'm sure the whole village heard that lol.

So here are the downs for me. There was missed opportunity with the one-bed trope, and the plot was a little choppy. Due to the cut scenes, I didn't connect with the main characters as much as I would have liked.

I received an arc for an honest review.

[Brittany Serafin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Note: I received this book as an ARC but this is my honest review!

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! This story follows Princess Isabella as she sets out to educate the Vicomete, Remy, a dragon shifter, on the eccentricity of court protocol. Of course Isabella and Remy get off on the wrong foot and what transpires is a delicious enemies to lovers story with the fan favorite-one bed troupe. It was a great read and super easy being a novella, but I didn’t feel like the length of the story hindered how much the author was able to fit in, it was definitely fast paced and fun!

[Sara Phillips · Rating 4 out of 5]

"And didn't they both deserve a bit of companionship with each other?"

The story of Remy and Izzy reminds me of Bridgerton with Dragonkins mixed in. I truly appreciated that by the end of their story, they both knew exactly what they wanted and got their HEA.

I really liked the history and details involved in describing the Dragonkin, and especially Remys lightning crackles. The politics of the story got a bit boring at times, but I know that Izzys job was important in the overall story and it was necessary.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Sia_dbs · Rating 4 out of 5]

☆ ARC REVIEW ☆ ~📖 TO SNATCH A GILDED LAUREL/✍️ ANGELICA BABINEAUX and ALEX CALLAN

✨️BOUNT BY FLAME NOVELLA SERIES ✨️

📚 GENRES: FANTASY, ROMANCE

🎈 TROPE:
✔️ Enemies to Lovers
✔️ Only one bed
✔️ Political Intrigue
✔️ Forced Proximity
✔️ Grumpy/dragon mmc

📌 Fantasy of manners, dragonkin boyfriend, slowburn romance, kingdoms,

📌 A sweet and cute slow burn romance between Izzy and Remy. Princess Izzy was a very dynamic and passionate FMC. Remy was a dragonkin MMC. I loved the fictional world. The plot was very nice and fun. Fast paced and well written.

I enjoyed being an ARC reader for this book!!
Thanks for sharing an ARC copy with me!!!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3.5/5🌷

[Rikke's Reading Nook · Rating 4 out of 5]

Princess Isabella (with waaay too many titles) and dragonkin, Vicomte Remy, slowly get to know each other as his people are included into her brother's empire.

It's an interesting tale, one bed trope. And I enjoyed every second of it! You can tell the authors play D&D, which I do too. And as such, I can see many a nods to the game. Indeed, I wouldn't be too surprised if they had been inspired by events in a campaign - in the best way possible.

I've already started Heist of Yevrntown, which is their first full length novel in the trilogy. It is set in the same world as this novella.

This is definitely a good story if you like action, spice and a good romance.

[Loveaffair.withbooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novella was the perfect little read to help get me out of a reading slump!
I received this ARC read for an honest review however I’m terribly late on leaving this review. But I absolutely loved the book so I had to leave a review still.
This book follows Izzy as she teaches Remy the ways of court her court. There is so much witty banter and flirting, one bed, slow build romance, and ultimately some romance. These characters are easy to fall in love with and the story itself is beautiful. I found myself having a hard time putting the book down and loving every single page!!
If you love fantasy with romance where there is a dragon/kind falling for a human then this book is for you!

[Noelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don’t think cross species romance stories are really my thing… but I can still recognize that this was a well written story involving politics and love. The complexities of Isabella’s job and their procedures was very interesting and I loved how that was the stepping stones to their relationship. I loved how they were each others equals in so many things. I’ve read other novels in this series and have really loved them. If you enjoy cross species romances… then I think this is the book for you!

[Rat · Rating 4 out of 5]

** i recieved an ARC copy **

This book was definitely worth the read, i didnt have any ideas or exectations as it was my first read of any books in the bound by flame series. However it will definitely not be the last i read of this series. The world building felt so detailed that i could almost picture it, the tension between remy and izzy was a slow crawl from rivalry to friends to lovers and it was amazing. When they finally got togther it felt rewarding, like the whole journey had led to this point in their relationship. All in all a very good read.

[Samantha Mannone · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had a fairly slow burn that I was not expecting. It takes really good pacing to get a slow burn to turn out well in a novella, and the authors did just that. Remy's character first comes off as a bit snobbish, but you realize that he's just more reserved in how he expresses himself. Izzy is a very talkative and passionate character who has no problem making her opinions known. Their journey to Vinitore is a fairly interesting one and one I'm sure both characters did not expect. If you're looking for a romance with some spice and slow burn, look no further.

[Diane Beckham · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked it, but it was a slow start for me. The timelines and random jumps were odd and left something to be desired. Izzy is a Princess who loves her court, details, and protocol. Remy is a dragon-kin diplomat that has to learn about her ways. They fall in love at some point, but I’m not really sure where, it just happens all the sudden and felt awkward in the beginning. I know this is a stand-alone novella in the series, but I was hoping to have more with these characters, but the epilogue sealed that it wasn’t happening.

[ShandyReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novella was an ARC from the author and I am so grateful for it.

I really enjoyed the political correctness of Isabella and her challenger Remy. The world building was great. I loved how we got to be accepted in to an empire with Remy and his people. We also got a view in to the continent while they travelled across to the other kingdom. The banter between the two was great. This book was definitely a slow burn but got really steamy at the end. I really enjoyed this book and getting to know the characters.

[Jessica Ogram · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really liked the mix of romance and politics in this book. Their romance was sweet and they had a bit of character development between them. The politics was interesting, but maybe could do with cutting them down a bit, after a while I got confused. The writing was fast paced and easy to read which is always a bonus. And I loved the one bed trope! But it did have a pretty unnecessary third act breakup. I enjoyed being an arc reader for this book.

[Crystelle Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute story. This could have easily been a five star quick read but there was a bit too much in it about the court itself. I know the FMC and the MMC met due to these lessons, but it was so much that I felt like I was being taught about the courts and politics of this world and this could have been replaced with more of their own personal story or world building. Very cute though and would love to read more of this world b