Healer to the Broken King

Brides of Myth #1

by Avie Adams

She serves a god. He wears a crown. Their forbidden love could topple his kingdom.

Calliste is a healer moments away from becoming high priestess when the dark, domineering King Theron storms her sanctuary. Abducted and blackmailed, she watches nine years of grueling effort go up in smoke—along with her hopes of safety. He’s dragging her back to the same capital she fled, a glittering city that left her with nightmares and scars.

Theron is a shell of a man with the weight of a crown slowly crushing him. He’ll do anything to save his sleep-cursed son—even capturing a beautiful priestess cherished by the gods. But as Calliste begins to mend his shattered heart, it takes everything he has not to act on his dangerous desires.

Their forbidden passion soon inflames tensions in Theron’s kingdom—and sparks envy in the god Calliste serves. Bound by duty and with destructive secrets lingering between them, can their love survive, or will it doom them both?

Healer to the Broken King is a slow-burn fantasy romance featuring mature protagonists, forbidden romance, tortured heroes, and worlds inspired by Greek mythology.

Genres: Fantasy, Romantasy, Romance, Fantasy Romance, Mythology, Magic, Forced Proximity

376 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 15, 2024

About the author

Cozied up in her windswept corner of southeast England and lost in the depths of Greek mythology, Avie writes adult fantasy romances, featuring scarred but fearless heroines and brooding, tormented heroes ready to set the world on fire for them.

Reviews

[Krysta ꕤ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Healer to the Broken King is a slow burn fantasy romance that draws inspiration from Greek Mythology. the main character Calliste is a healer, who gets roped into assisting King Theron in the hopes that she’ll be able to help heal his ailing son. but the more time they spend together, the closer they get — despite the odds stacked against them. Calliste’s magic involves a connection to the gods, specifically the god of dreams Hypnos. Calliste struggles to keep her secrets hidden from the man she’s falling for, while also dealing with the envy of the very god who’s meant to protect her.

“I’ve never been one for addictions, Calliste. Some use distractions to soften the harshness of life, but I’ve always known myself too well to fall into that trap. Except lately, I’ve found myself fixated on a certain someone. On you.”

i enjoyed this one and appreciated the fact that characters were all older. Theron isn’t the typical brooding king (even though there’s still some of that lol), so it was nice to see him show more of his caring side. im a sucker for forbidden romance and i was eating up the tension between Calliste and Theron, but im also very interested in Hypnos and the dynamic she has with him. the ending left on a cliffhanger, so ill be keeping an eye out for book two’s release.

↬ many thanks to NetGalley and Victory Editing Co-op for the arc, all opinions are my own.

[KMart Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story blends hints of Greek-inspired mythology and slow-burn fantasy romance, featuring mature protagonists and a richly woven story. Calliste is a dedicated healer on the brink of realizing her dreams of becoming the high priestess of her order. The day of her ceremony arrives and a brooding King interrupts to demand help for his ill son. Calliste is chosen to accompany him and is torn from her sanctuary to travel to the palace.

The Greek mythology influences and the meddling gods add a delightful layer of intrigue and mysticism to the story. The dynamic between Calliste and Theron is electric, driven by their mutual understanding that their love is fraught with peril but irresistibly compelling. They are old enough to know better, but too thoroughly captivated by one another's character and actions to listen to their wiser instincts. Theron's character is particularly well-crafted, his grief and deep love for his son making him both relatable and endearing beneath his stern exterior. Calliste, with her compelling backstory and incredible strength, shines as a heroine who balances vulnerability with resilience.

This book stands out in the fantasy romance genre due to its mature depiction of relationships and complex characters. The romance is a slow burn, rich with tension and depth, and feels refreshingly adult in its portrayal. However, the side characters didn't leave as strong an impression as expected.

Overall, Healer to the Broken King is a beautifully unique story that masterfully combines heartfelt romance, mythological elements, and deep character development. It's a must-read for those who enjoy mature, intricately layered romances within a fantastical setting.

Thanks to the author for the copy. This review is based on a complimentary pre-released copy and it is voluntary.

[nala 🪽 · Rating 3 out of 5]

THERE’S NOOOOOOOOO FUCKING WAY THAT’S HOW THE BOOK ENDS HOLY SHIT 😭 that’s the worst cliffhanger i’ve ever read


okay i took about 18 hours to reflect for this review and my verdict for this is 3.5 stars. the world building and character development was amazing and truly stole the show for me - i really enjoyed reading mature characters (30+) with such complex back stories and interesting personalities. i’m not too versed in greek mythology, but i thought the author set up the world in a way that was equal parts original and inspired. however, i don’t like the pacing of the plot at all because absolutely nothing was resolved whatsoever by the end of the book. this makes me a little worried for book 2 because miss adams is going to have to tie a lot of loose ends!

[Bergundy Thompson · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this eARC.

I wanted to love this. I loved the premise. The cover is stunning…but it was a hard read for me simply because of the writing, especially the dialogue.

[Megan · Rating 2 out of 5]

I am so sick of these authors cramming every single trope imaginable into a book and calling it a day

[Biank · Rating 4 out of 5]

The dynamic between a godless king and a devoted priestess was everything. Avie had me eating out of her hand.

[Stephanie (Bookfever) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)

Genre: Dark Romantasy

Themes & Tropes: Forced proximity, he falls first, "who did this to you", forbidden love, slow burn, Greek mythology

Spice rating: 🌶️(1/5)

Trigger and content warnings: death, violence, blood and mild gore (fight / battle-related), alcohol abuse, domestic abuse (historical, off page) and related mental health issues, a panic attack, a sick child (the character is comfortable and asleep) - from Avie's website


As soon as I started reading Healer to the Broken King, I was hooked. And the story never let me go. It had a lot of my favorite things in books like a slow burn forbidden romance, dual point of view, Greek mythology, forced proximity and way more. The cliffhanger ending was a bit abrupt and unexpected but it only made me want the second book even more.

Healer to the Broken King is written in dual points of view with Calliste and Theron as main characters of the story. Calliste is a healer and is about to take her vows to become high priestess of the Sisterhood of Epione, which she worked nine hard years for until King Theron storms in and takes her away to Anthemos, the capital in the Kingdom of Hesperis. The king is in need for a healer for his seven-year-old son, Kalias, who hasn't awoken for six weeks. As they travel together and are forced to spend time with each other they grow towards each other and these feelings only amplify once they reach the Anthemos. Both are aware that nothing can happen between the two of them since she's set to become high priestess and he's the king, but still their feelings can't lie. In the meanwhile Calliste does everything she can to heal Kalias, even traveling to the underworld in spirit form. But the royal court is a treacherous place and Calliste has secrets that she doesn't want revealed. But she will do anything to save the king's son, even if it might kill her.

There was so much to love about this book. I highly enjoyed reading about Calliste and king Theron traveling together, getting to know each other. Their banter was very entertaining and I loved the situations they found themselves in. The forbidden romance was everything to me. It was a slow burn but oh so worth the wait for that kiss. There was a "who did this to you" moment and I just lived for that. Calliste has big secrets, though, which are not even all revealed yet to the reader so that kind of worries me for the next book because I don't know what it will mean for her and Theron. I hope they both can be honest with each other in the next installment. The middle part of the book was a bit slow for me but I soon got over that once certain things were revealed...

The secondary characters were also all just fantastic to read about. Lykos, who is the polemarchos of King Theron (the captain of his sentinels) was probably my favorite out all of them. He seemed carefree, funny and without any troubles but deep down there was so much more to him and his main job was protecting Theron, which he did a great job off. I also thought Gaiane, the keeper of the palace and her daughter Melitta were great to read about. The rest of Theron's sentinels were also fun to read about. They were a great bunch!

Healer to the Broken King by Avie Adams was a magical story full of forbidden love, humor and Greek mythology. Romantasy fans will absolutely devour it! The world building was top-notch, the writing was absolutely beautiful and the romance was the perfect slow burn giving me all the angst and loning. I'm already looking forward to the next book!

[FJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5/5✰

I genuinely found this book entertaining and fun to read— it was engaging enough that I finished it in a day! The Greek mythological elements and the layers of the fantasy world were particularly enjoyable. Although the ending felt rather abrupt and some aspects could have been explored in more depth, I am definitely looking forward to book two to see where the story takes us!!

Thank you to Avie Adams and the NetGalley team for providing me with this ARC!

[Iman Edres · Rating 5 out of 5]

1M / 5 ✨✨

I enjoyed this from start to finish. It gripped me from the very first page. I loved the slow-burn romance. I especially liked the FMC because she wasn’t annoying, she didn’t make stupid decisions and she never caused embarrassment to herself like most FMCs. Honestly, she was a breath of fresh air. I liked the MMC also— protective and honest. I loved the direction where the author led me. The plot was neither overwhelming nor underwhelming— just the right amount of everything. This book never had a dull moment. I liked the dual POV from both MCs.

I’m surprised with the lack of reviews. This book is criminally underrated!!!!! This is yet another lesson for me not to trust other reviews. 🥹 I will not accept Healer to the Broken King slander!!!! 😅Because, REALLY, to each, his own!!! Since this ended with a cliffhanger, I will be reading the next book immediately after writing this. This is one of those rare romantasies that you read in just one sitting. 🤍😍

[Megan Miller · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like the idea of this book more than I enjoyed it. I think this may be a case of it’s not you, it’s me. The writing is good, the characters aren’t one dimensional, and the plot is fine but I just didn’t love it. I didn’t like that things were hidden from the reader for the sake of the plot. I also don’t enjoy books about meddling gods very much either but that’s a personal preference. Also, I think if this was 1st person POV I may have enjoyed this more. I do recommend this thought because I think a lot of people will love it, just not me.

[Carolyn Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

When you get a book that hooks you from the first line you know it’s going to be a great escape into a new world, or in this case blown back into the past where mythos rule.

The healer to the broken king is a well crafted first part In the Duo - one I can’t wait to see what happens next.- because how it ends will leave you breathless !
The emotions this novel brings forth is something that will have readers unable to put down, as well as the chemistry between the characters is a subtle temptation that keeps on building as it goes on- with the effects of using her powers choices between duty and the heart are pushed to the test for both of the MCs

It’s an age old question what will win out between the heart and duty.

Thank you to Avie Adam’s and NetGalley team

[Henna Schafer · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good, left me with so many questions and VERY impatient for book 2

[herdys · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I'm between releases of my fave authors, I sometimes go into recommendations from Goodreads and look for new authors. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. This month it has freaking worked and I got to learn about new great authors and discovered new tropes I didn't know I would like. I'm in my fantasy era and I guess in my forbidden slow burn romance awakening. I don't feel like I'm a super picky reader. Give me some well done romance, good characters, worldbuilding and angst that makes sense and I'm yours. This book had that and more. I'm so glad the second one is coming out soon cause that cliffhanger. Damn.

[Cyd’s Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book omg!?! Definitely more 4.5 stars. The magic, the gods and the world building were superb. Our poor FMC is so self deprecating its a shame, she’s been through so much and she always strives to help. There seems to be a lot of distrust and secrets between her and the MMC, I feel like the side characters (MMC’s guard/captain) are making things worse in this aspect.

The ending though was wild!!!! Book 2 will be so good and I hope it expands on the FMC’s interactions with her guide and ally cause that took a possessive turn that I think will be destructive for the MMC in ways we wont expect.

[Sarah A. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ended on a major cliffhanger. Sigh.

[Casey Friedman · Rating 4 out of 5]

THAT’S WHAT IM TALKING ABOUT!

[Laney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this one! I didn’t realize it was part of a series, so I was completely caught off guard by the cliffhanger ending; I genuinely thought I had more pages left. If anyone knows when the next book is coming out, please tell me! The story is rich with mythology, full of compelling characters, and built on a unique premise. I’m excited to see where it goes next.

[Julia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed reading this one, definitely hard to put down. However, the “secrets” between the main characters just felt drawn out and kind of annoying. Otherwise love the concept

[Gerbera_Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked that the world was built on ancient Greece and the magic was connected to Greek mythology. I liked the MCs and how they interacted with each other. There was mild on page steam (heavy kissing, necking) and a lot of longing. Both MCs came with baggage of a life lived, so I liked that. I am looking forward to finding out the mystery of Calliste's and Theron's past and how the situation with his son is going to be resolved.

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Where is book 2!?! I need the next book immediately.

[Fedythereader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to the author and the publisher, Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op, for sharing an ARC of this book with me!

"Who did this to you?"

“Stubborn. Demanding. Uncompromising.
Yet gentle. Quiet, too. No, not quiet. De-tached. It would be too early to judge who he was beneath it all.
But she was certain of one thing: the king was consumed by suffering- enough to shatter a soul.”

I absolutely adored this book! It was fantastic and marvellous and amazing and I can’t help but feel overwhelmed by all the feelings I experienced. Characters in their 30s. A king in desperate need of a healer for his son. A priestess in need to take her vow, with a secret past, a troubled one and some scars as constant reminders. A love blossoming were it should even exists. A game of gods and immortals where she is nothing but a pawn even without fully realising her potential. It’s a fantasy romance book worth the name. It has dark traits and it is complicated. It’s painful and healing and sweet and sometimes romantic and it gives us an introduction of how potential spicy it can be. Of course, it ended with a massive cliffhangers, leading to me desperately needing for more. More of Theron, our brooding, tormented and broken king. More of Callista and her hope and strength and resilience and passion. More of this Greek inspired world with its gods and titans and powerful dynamics that I still need to understand. More of the frustrating and vexing general that I think will give us some interesting moments ! I can’t wait to read more !!!

"Scars that make me want to hunt down her husband and watch him die a slow and agonizing death."

“Less of a king now. More of an unapologetically attractive man.”

"What did you imagine?"
"You." He fixed his eyes on her. "Bare underneath me, arching and coming wildly with my name on your lips. What else?"

[Kaja Salsman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two people from vastly different worlds, one full of reverence and posturing, the other isolated and forgotten.
The anger that Theron harbors, and the secrets that Caliste keeps are volatile. Theron is also keeping secrets, and it seems at any moment, something could slip and all they have slowly and meticulously built with their slow-burning friendship+romance could go up in flames.
Neither of our main characters trusts easily, and it makes for quite the dance of will-he or won't-he.
I loved the mystery surrounding this story, and the way it was written makes me ache for more.

This book did not include spice, apart from a makeout session and some daydreaming/dreams. The twist with another character, who I have decided is delirious, made for quite a wrench in Caliste's life and her understanding of who she was and what she was meant for.

This book ends on a *serious* cliffhanger, and I am so excited to read the next installment once it is written.
The Greek mythology and setting is really well done, yet still original. Because the story is based on Greek mythology, some of it feels familiar, but in the best way- helping you understand some backstory without fully needing it to be on-page. There are many nuances to the specific types of magic and groups within the world, and I really enjoyed getting a glimpse into their workings and dealings with one another. I am excited to discover more in the next book.

[Ashley (andtheniwasbookish) · Rating 5 out of 5]

READ IT, READ IT, READ IT!!

Holy smokes, Avie, you are a masterful genius in this writing! I am shocked and in awe at the beauty of this world, of Calliste, at Theron. Everything presented in this book is a piece of true artistry.

I have always been a fan of Greek mythology and the way that it is used and depicted in this book is perfect.

Not only does the reader get a beautiful world, but we get super dynamic characters in Calliste and Theron. They both have such much depth and so many secrets that I was on edge the entire time waiting to unearth the next tidbit of information Avie would give me.

The political intrigue in this story was another aspect that I was pleasantly surprised by. It was depicted with such detail.

Calliste is amazing. Just like Theron, I want to know absolutely everything that I can about her. The more I learned, the more I was drawn to her (and also the more questions I asked). She is strong, loyal, fearless, and doesn't hold back her thoughts.

Theron is our tortured king who just wants to save his son, but is also looking to find a way out of his grief.

There are so many plot twists in here that I wasn't expecting and there is definitely something afoot In the immortal as well as mortal realm.

I will not give anything away, but just know that if you want to enter a world full of color, intrigue, mystery....read. This. Book!!

Overall: highly recommend!

[Rena Petroutsa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Healer for the Broken King

During this year I've read a lot of books, many of them were insignificant unpromising forgettable, others were an ok read but nothing too serious. Three or four times I found myself hooked from the start. This is the 5th time this year that a book made me stop in my track, regretting my every day work. I've had a feeling right from the start when I ve read the blurb, certainly at this point i must confess I'm biased I'm Greek and names like Calliste Theron Lycos Mellita rang a bell. I've kept it in my TBR long enough to obtain the 2d one "queen of a sunless court" because I knew that i couldn't wait to finish it and I was right.
What a book!!! The flow of the language impeccable. The plot intriguing more than intriguing in fact, the development of the main characters perfection. It's chapter it's scene is imprinted in my mind. I could see the battle in petrakelis passage, the magnificent of the palace, the longing in the eyes of Theron, the pain endured and guilt of Calliste, their siring attraction. The underworld and it's realms. And now the stakes are getting higher. I'm off for the 2d installment. Needless to say that I adored this book it spoke to me in a really viscerally way. I'm sure that i will find my way to it for a second treat.
Excellent book indeed.

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

The way that I stayed up way past my bedtime to finish this (I kept saying, “I’ll stop at the next chapter!) and now I am sitting here at midnight trying to cope with the fact that I have to wait to read the second book has me literally dying 😫

The. freaking. tension. When I say that I haven’t read the kind of romantic tension, angst, and the absolute Yearning with a capital Y that I just witnessed in this book, I am being so honest with you right now! Theron is absolutely head over heels for Calliste and can I just say that I need more men in books to fantasize and detail their fantasies out for us because 🥵 Maybe I’m weird and that’s not everyone’s cup of tea but if you like angst and the whole rooting-for-them-to-freaking-just-kiss-or-something vibes, then you will melt for this romance. It has me feeling some kind of way and it takes a lot to give me butterflies but Theron… 👌

Also I love it when you have the MMC’s best friend that also low-key is attracted to the FMC and plays it up to get a rise out of the MMC (even though you know the best friend would never steal the FMC away) - perfection.

Now excuse me while I go and cry while I wait impatiently for the next book because ngl that little ending legit made me yell 😭😬

[Jen C · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first 3/4 of this book was great. It had me hooked, it was unique, I loved the main character. The plot and the magic were not like anything I'd read before, I was absolutely loving it.

Buuuut it really lost me in the last quarter. I could not follow what was happening, it all felt very rushed and it just kind of fizzled for me

[Marcella · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the writing style a lot! Its like reading a classic fairytale and I really enjoyed it. The storyline is also pretty neat. I love the slow burn romance between Calliste and Theron but... idk, the god also sounds tempting lol. Can't wait for book 2!

[Angela · Rating 3 out of 5]

Basic but an enjoyable read

[Lea Bookjoy · Rating 5 out of 5]

French & English reviews


*Cette chronique est basée sur un NetGalley ARC en échange d'un avis neutre et honnête*

Une découverte de romantasy avec des vibes grecques que j'ai dévoré

J'ai eu la chance d'avoir ce tome en ARC ... Et maintenant je regrette parce que l'attente va être encore plus longue pour le deuxième tome ><

Je ne connaissais pas du tout cette auteure mais ce livre m'a attirée parce qu'il y avait trois de mes tropes préférés : le père célibataire, la monarchie / aristocratie et la mythologie grecque !

Et je l'ai DEVORE en une nuit !!

Ce que j'ai particulièrement aimé :

- l'univers tient son originalité au fait qu'il reprend beaucoup de références à la mythologie grecque (notamment les dieux) (et pour les gens comme moi qui ont grandi avec Percy Jackson, c'était GENIAL !) en l'adaptant à la fantasy et avec une touche plus développée (j'ai adoré la découverte et tous les détails du monde des Morts !)

- les multiples intrigues qui m'ont beaucoup intriguée. Pour ce premier tome, ce sont surtout les bases qui sont posées mais on a beaucoup de questions et d'indices qui laissent deviner que les choses sont bien plus complexes que ce qu'on pense (coucou Hypnos xD)

- les personnages auxquels je me suis vite attachée ! Mention spéciale bien sûr pour Calliste qui a un passé horrible mais qui est un personnage tellement fort et humain qui a su se reconstruire et s'affirmer (j'ai particulièrement aimé la façon dont elle n'hésite pas à faire valoir son avis même devant d'autres personnages plus influents !) Et bien sûr, Theron tellement tourmenté par tout ce qui lui est arrivé et qui influence beaucoup ses actions présentes ...

- la romance ! J'ai bien aimé voir les deux personnages se chercher, se confronter et puis finalement succomber pour mieux reculer >< Aucune scène de sexe ici mais beaucoup de fantasmes qui laissent entrevoir des scènes bien plus pimentés pour la suite =) (et j'adore tellement la comparaison avec la nymphe =D)

- CETTE FIN !! J'ai tellement hâte d'avoir le prochain tome, j'ai trop de questions >< (notamment ce fichu papier !!)

Bref, une romantasy sur fond de mythologie grecque que j'ai lu avec beaucoup de plaisir ! Je recommande à tous les fans de mythologie grecque et de fantasy (notamment ceux qui ont aimé les Tainted Accords de Kelly St-Clare !)

PS : to the publisher and Netgalley, thank you so much for the ARC =D


*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*


*This review is based on a NetGalley ARC in exchange for a neutral and honest opinion*

A discovery of romantasy with Greek vibes that I devoured

I was lucky enough to have this book in ARC ... And now I regret it because the wait is going to be even longer for the second book ><

I didn't know this author at all but this book attracted me because it had three of my favorite tropes : the single father, the "royal" and Greek mythology !

And I DEVOURED it in one night !!

What I particularly liked :

- the universe draws its originality from the fact that it uses many references to Greek mythology (notably the gods) (and for people like me who grew up with Percy Jackson it was GREAT !) by adapting it to fantasy and with a more developed touch (I loved the discovery and all the details of the Underworld !)

- the multiple plots which intrigued me a lot. For this first book, it is mainly the basics that are laid but we have a lot of questions and clues which suggest that things are much more complex than we think (hello Hypnos xD)

- the characters to whom I quickly became attached ! Special mention of course for Calliste who has a horrible past but who is such a strong and human character who was able to rebuild herself and assert herself (I particularly liked the way she does not hesitate to assert her opinion even in front of other more influential people !) And of course, Theron so tormented by everything that happened to him and which greatly influences his present actions ...

- Romance ! I really liked seeing the two characters "poke" each other, confront each other and then finally succumb in order to take three steps back >< No sex scene here but a lot of fantasies which suggest much more spicy scenes for the future =) (and I love the comparison with the nymph =D)

- THIS END !! I can't wait for the next book, I have too many questions >< (especially this damn paper !!)

In short, a romantasy with Greek vibes that I read with pleasure ! I recommend it to all fans of Greek mythology and fantasy (especially those who liked the Tainted Accords by Kelly St-Clare !)

PS: to the publisher and Netgalley, thank you so much for the ARC =D

[Tori · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: 4.5/5
I received an eARC for my honest opinion.

This book has everything you want in a fantasy romance, Forbidden love, forced proximity, slow burn, Greek mythology, great plot and characters too.

In this book you will meet a priestess who is about to take her vows but is pulled away to help a king who is desperate to save his son from an unknown illness. Even though Calliste is worried about going back to the city that she escaped from, she knows in her heart that she is supposed to go with King Theron and help him out. She reaches out to the Greek gods and gets their help with trying to figure out what is going on with the King's son and to find a way to save him and everyone else as well. Oh, yeah and she will have to make sure to guard her heart and feelings because she can easily see herself falling for King Theron and she knows the troubles that would cause.

I thought this plot was well developed and I loved that it wasn’t hard to follow. I thought the Greek mythology and the setting of this book helped to bring the characters together. The pace of the book was perfect, gave you enough time to understand the characters but didn’t drag with unnecessary information. I thought the magic system in this book was different for me but felt as though it was supposed to be there and just felt right. The characters are what really bring this book to life though and will make it so readers can finish this book in a day or two.

I really do think the plot is great, but the characters are what really sealed the book for me. I loved Calliste who has had a horrible past, but you see her as a strong character (even when she is having a hard time you will see her still pick herself up and do her job). I loved that she is strongly opinionated, and she wasn’t worried about speaking her mind in front of people, so long as it wasn’t about what made her flee the city. I found Theron to be a brooding tormented soul and I loved it. I think with Calliste you will be able to see more about him and see him open up again (well her and if she can cure his son). I liked that he was protective of Calliste and didn’t push her for information and understood that in time she will give him more and more information about her past. I thought their banter throughout the book was well done and helped to give him a little more in their relationship. Oh, and I know when they finally (if they get too) come together it will be amazing. Their chemistry and the slow burn in this book is chef's kiss. I cannot wait until book two comes out and we get to see more of their story.

I want to thank NetGalley for the opportunity to review this book, and hopefully the next one.