In Love and War

Fae Isles #4.5

by Lisette Marshall

A demon craving revenge. A fae looking to prove herself.

When Naxi and Thysandra meet in the middle of a battlefield, neither expects a worthy opponent. But with dark pasts and desperate ambitions driving them, peace is not an option … so when Naxi is forced to flee, Thysandra gives chase, bringing them far from the clash of armies.

Away from their allies, away from the war they were meant to fight, the true battle begins – one of wits and perilous bargains.

Every step of their cat-and-mouse game reveals secrets neither intended to share, laying bare hidden scars and unspoken desires. The deeper they go, the more their bitter rivalry turns into something far more an undeniable, irresistible attraction.

And soon demon and fae are no longer just fighting for their lives … but for their hearts.


In Love and War is a 20k word companion novella to the Fae Isles series and ends on a HFN. Naxi and Thysandra’s story develops in the background of books 1-4 of the main series, and concludes in book 5, With Wing and Claw. Recommended reading order is to read In Love and War between books 4 and 5.

Genres: Fantasy, Romantasy, Fantasy Romance, Romance, Fae, LGBT, Novella

89 pages, Paperback

Published October 25, 2024

About the author

Lisette Marshall is a fantasy romance author, language nerd and cartography enthusiast. Having grown up on a steady diet of epic fantasy, regency romance and cosy mysteries, she now writes steamy, swoony stories with a generous sprinkle of murder.

Lisette lives in the Netherlands (yes, below sea level) with her boyfriend and the few house plants that miraculously survive her highly irregular watering regime. When she’s not reading or writing, she can usually be found drawing fantasy maps, baking and eating too many chocolate cookies, or geeking out over Ancient Greek.

To get in touch, visit www.lisettemarshall.com, or follow @authorlisettemarshall on Instagram, where she spends way too much time looking at pretty book pictures.

Reviews

[BookishKB · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sapphic Fantasy

Quick and easy read! Prequel to a standalone but totally good to read on its own!!
I will continue with the series.

[Rochelle ♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

she knew it in the marrow of her bones - that they would meet again.

fighting on opposite ends within a seeming endless war, anaxia and thysandra meet on the blood-filled battlefield. anaxia, a sunshine half demon and half nymph seeking revenge for the atrocities committed against her innocent family. thysandra, a grumpy fae warrior with a desperate need to earn the mother’s praise and overcome her feelings of bitterness.

in love and war is naxi and thysandra’s introduction to each other.

this little novella is brimming with delicious spice and contains everything i wanted, leaving me feeling excited for the events that will unfold in naxi and thysandra’s upcoming narrative. set within the fae isles series, this novella features an enemies to lovers sapphic romance full of wit and steam and tension, with heated exchanges of banter and blades.

🗡️ enemies to lovers sapphic romance
🗡️ morally grey fmcs with knives at throats
🗡️ battles of wits and fae bargains

˖⁺‧₊♡ pre-read review ⋙
haven’t read a sapphic fantasy romance before, so this will be a first-time reading experience for me. i adored the snippets of history between naxi and thysandra in the fae isles series as it oozed tension and enemies to lovers' vibes. to see how it all started between them has me excited, no words can describe it enough!

a massive thank you to lisette marshall and behind the pages for the gifted e-arc.

follow me on: instagram

[James McRay · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you have issues with Sara J. Maas' ACOTAR series like I do, I highly recommend this series as an alternative.

[Lia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am SO happy to have finally gotten a peak behind the curtain to how Naxi and Thysandra came to meet. This novella was perfect. I loved seeing these two characters get to be their true selves with their sworn enemy. And the spice? 🫨🫨

I’ll probably add more but I’m exhausted. I had to finish this ARC before bed because I’m a little piggy rooting for sapphic truffles.

That analogy honestly sounds gross, but it’s staying.

[Kate C · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my godddd I can honestly say I was not expecting their “battle” to be what it was. I’m gonna be dying now everytime I reread the first books and their brutal 2 day battle is mentioned

[Anshul (stories.buddy) · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I was reading the Fae Isles series, I was very curious about Naxi and Thysandra’s chemistry, about what has happened in the past, and why they are like this. So now, finally, I have the answers. There is great insight into their thought process and the feelings they both had at the moment in the past. It was insightful. Do read it before reading “With Wing And Claw.” It’ll help you better understand the story and the characters.

[Rachel Griffiths · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved wing and claw but found this one a bit of a slog. Might have been the onyx storm book hangover, or the fact you know what’s going to happen.

[Michelle (easy.vesey.reads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

“I would say I’m pleased to make your acquaintance, … but that would be a grave lie, I’m afraid.” 💚

I absolutely adored In Love and War and getting a glimpse into how Naxia and Thysandra first met! Their banter was everything and I love how they are just polar opposites of each other (but opposites attract, right? 😏). There was so much packed into this little novella and it had me giggling and screaming the whole time!!

Some more of my favorite quotes:
✨ “I wish,” Thysandra snapped, “that you’d stop talking.” The words were out before she could stop herself. “Well, you know how to shut me up now, don’t you?”
✨“She knew it in the marrow of her bones – that they would meet again.”

In Love and War is a spicy, sapphic romantasy novella set in the Fae Isles world! It features true enemies to lovers, knife to throat, grumpy x sunshine, and plenty of banter and spice!

Thank you so much @authorlisettemarshall for the advanced copy! I loved this little treat so much and can’t wait to read more about these two in With Wing and Claw!! ♥️

[AA ⚡️ · Rating 5 out of 5]

IN LOVE AND WAR
BOOK IV.5 | FAE ISLES

Venture back to the striking world of the Fae Isles with In Love and War, an impeccably done novella documenting the momentous meeting of Anaxia and Thysandra on the blood-soaked combat grounds of The Last Battle. A stunning story of fate and forbidden love, this short but impactful series extension brilliantly spotlights the unique nature of two wildly contrasting individuals and the unexpected peace they find in one another.

As witnessed throughout the Fae Isles series, Marshall is a true artist of crafting complex romantic bonds and is known to boldly weave strong emotions within every twist and turn of a pair's interactions. Her signature handling of relationships is vividly evident in this series extension where the smoldering embers sparking between Naxi and Thysandra are so carefully manipulated and ultimately burns into something unimaginably beautiful. The tricky chase between these two is exquisitely executed across these pages and drenched in their witty banter that feeds the tension brewing between them. As they close the distance between each other on the the battlefield, Marshall offers generous glimpses into the psyches of each character and reveals new facets of these dynamic personalities that hint at not only their heartbreaking pasts but their greatest vulnerabilities and fears. Most notable was learning more about Thysandra's perspectives on The Mother, her role in the Crimson Court and how much it weighed on her soul and defined her worth in every aspect of life. As much as this petite narrative is one of love, it is a deeply emotional addressing of self and healing, even just for a brief moment.

Now the romantic component of this story is unraveled in true Lisette Marshall fashion: extra steamy, emotionally poignant and impressively rendered. With an undeniable magnetic attraction, the joining of these two forces is every bit as dramatic as I imagined but it was the surprisingly emotional expressions and compassionate exchanges that truly made my heart melt and root for these two in the end. While short, this series addition is far from slight and exceptionally delivers on all fronts while leaving one aching for more of this pair despite the grave risks. I can't wait to completely immerse myself in their unique love story in With Wing and Claw, the upcoming full-length novel in the Fae Isles series (Nov. 25th) which concentrates on this couple.

FINAL VERDICT // A remarkable look at the moving influence of love, In Love and War beautifully details the significant start to Naxi and Thysandra's epic love story and vividly illustrates how love can bloom in the darkest corners of hate. From the heartwrenching reveals of their unique histories to the peeks at their innermost thoughts, this short, emotionally-layered novella paints a more detailed picture of a stunning forbidden sapphic love that holds more power than either character realizes. An outstanding addition to the Fae Isles series, In Love and War earns a perfect score in my book and only furthers my love for Marshall’s stunning style of storytelling.

*My greatest thanks to author Lisette Marshall for kindly sending along an ARC for this lovely novella -- all thoughts, notes, and final verdicts on this book are freely and authentically shared. 

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a deliciously fun, steamy, witty and delightful fantasy romance novella - enemies-to-lovers perfection!

Thysandra and Naxi meet in the middle of a bloody battlefield, on opposite sides of the war. Naxi is a universally untrusted demon working for the rebel good guys; Thysandra is a proud and stubborn fae aristocrat who's spent her entire life desperately fighting to be good enough for the (truly awful) fae queen, groomed since childhood to believe in that cause. Both of them are determined to win the day...

And both of them are totally caught off guard by what swiftly develops between them, because they are absolutely PERFECT for each other. The banter is fantastic, the characters are SO good, the romance is surprisingly swoonworthy by the end, and the whole story is just so much fun!

This novella is a prequel to a full length novel that explores their future romance (With Wing and Claw), so there isn't an HEA at the end, but it does tell a really satisfying independent story of its own, I thought the ending for it was just right, and the romantic arc makes it very clear that even if they can't walk off into the sunset NOW, they are surely destined to do so one day (despite every large political obstacle in the way). I can't wait to find out the details in With Wing and Claw!

PS: This is a spin-off series from Marshall's Fae Isles series, and I hadn't read any of the main books before this, but that didn't hold me back at all. I just enjoyed every moment of it, and while I am now really curious about the original Fae Isles series (which stars a different couple), I'm definitely going to dive into Naxi and Thysandra's full novel first because I love them!

[Beba Andric · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novella fits perfect in one of my favourite series to date. This is about Nax and Thydandra, their first encounter, in an explosive setting. War. Both on opposite sides, wanting to end the other, but something weird happens... they find they're drawn to one another, they experience feelings neither had before. No, I'm not taking of a burning need to eliminate each other, although that too, I'm talking of a burning that need for one another, to be together intimately.

Though the backdrop is full of action as the factions fight, the action between Nax and Thydandra is beautiful. Lisette's true talent is the emotions she conveys, ALL the emotions! Thydandra is desperate to gain the Mother's affection once more. She feels if she brings back a "prize" she'll be in the Mother's favour again but anyone who encountered or knows the Mother, knows that she's no benevolent, loving Mother. Nope, she's the vilest of the vile. I loved the uncertainty coursing through Thydandra, the truths Nax was uttering, and her almost inability to accept it.

Nax is the coolest! She's half demon, half nymph and has experienced first hand what the Mother is capable of. I really love Nax, she's so much more than just her heritage, she is loyal, she has friends and a personal mission to end the Mother's influence and brutality. Ms Marshall wound this lovely sapphic romance with realism, with insight. And if you haven't read the series Fae Isles, you best get to it for the full package of awesomeness!

[fantasybookquet · Rating 5 out of 5]

 ARC Review: In Love and War (With Wing and Claw) AAAA 

I’M SCREAMING. This book stole my heart, set it on fire, and left me a complete mess!! From the moment Naxi and Thysandra locked eyes on that battlefield, I was absolutely hooked. The tension? Immaculate. The banter? Next-level. These two play the deadliest, most intense game of cat and mouse, and I am HERE for it. Enemies-to-lovers, but with all the wicked, delicious complexities only a stabby, morally questionable demon and a betrayed, fierce fae warrior could bring. The chaotic chemistry between them is EVERYTHING.

And the world-building? It’s like stepping into this lush, dangerous court that’s teetering on the edge. Fae politics, a freaking sentient mountain, rebellions—I’m obsessed. I swear every twist was just chef’s kiss perfection, and seeing Thys unravel her own choices and then face Anaxia again was so, so satisfying. Also, can we talk about Anaxia being this absolute menace in the Crimson Court, all while saying Thys is “madly in love with her”?? PLS. I was either swooning or cackling on every page.

This book is all kinds of dark, spicy goodness with deadly court intrigue, epic character arcs, and ridiculous levels of tension. If you love enemies-to-lovers where the stakes are life and death (literally) and the attraction just smolders, you NEED THIS.

[the_book_nook_girl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you so much to the author for giving me the opportunity to ARC read this.

I have been following Thysandra and Naxi’s characters throughout the Fae Isle series book 1-4. If you haven’t read them I highly suggest you do before reading this novella as it is recommended to be read between books 4 and 5.

They are fighting on opposite sides of the war. Thysandra (a fae) happens to come upon Naxi (part demon part nymph) who is set up in a tree waiting for the enemy to come to her. The tides are flipped and suddenly Naxi is the one fleeing with Thysandra chasing. Even though they are supposed to kill one another there is an instant connection/pull between them and they end up spending some time with each other and learning far more than what they expected about themselves and each other. As much as they are drawn to each other they are still in the midst of a war and they each want very different outcomes and the stakes are as high as they can be.

They are so different in so many ways but yet they are similar and just want to feel a connection to another person. Even though this is a short novella the story was fleshed out and I left the book feeling like I understand them so much better.

I can’t wait to read their full length book called With Wing and Claw coming out on 11/25/24.

[Jozie | Cozy Romantasy Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novella was so good! I didn't realize it was part of a series until I was halfway through, but I'm glad because I need more of Naxi and Thysandra.

Naxi is hanging out in a tree in the middle of a battlefield, waiting for her next fae victim when Thysandra arrives. Naxi is prepared to make Thysandra one of her victims when she does the unthinkable and wounds the demon. Naxi is intrigued by the knowledge Thysandra has of demons. She even speaks their tongue. Thysandra is curious about Naxi as well. She doesn't act like the other demons she has encountered, but no matter, she will still kill her.

I am so intrigued by this story. If the rest of the Fae Isles series is anything like this novella, I am going to love it! I love a good battle and a spicy romance intertwined. The description of the characters was lovely. Naxi is half demon half nymph with pink and blond hair. I can picture her innocent look, but she is far from it. The scene gets very heated between the two.

If you're looking for a high fantasy, sapphic romance in the middle of war, look no further!

demon • enemies to lovers • fae • high fantasy • novella • romantasy • sapphic

[Sarah ⟡ Tea & Tomes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Lisette Marshall for a free digital copy of this novella!

Learning the origin story of Naxi and Thysandra was everything I hoped for! I’d always wondered what drew them to each other—initially thinking it was their mutual persistence. But as their cat-and-mouse game unfolded, it became clear they found in each other something they'd been missing all their lives. It broke my heart in the best way, and I felt for both of them in a way I hadn’t expected.

Thysandra, especially, surprised me. I never thought I’d feel sympathy for her character, but Marshall’s writing brings out a depth in her that makes her impossible not to root for. To turn a long-standing villain into someone so relatable shows how brilliantly Marshall handles character development.

And that twist about their "battle" not being quite what it seemed? Perfection. This novella left me even more excited for the next full-length installment in the Fae Isles world, where I can’t wait to see Naxi and Thysandra’s story evolve even further. If you’re a romantasy fan, this is one to add to your list!

[Tempest Reign · Rating 5 out of 5]

𝙎𝙩𝙖𝙧 𝙍𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
𝙎𝙥𝙞𝙘𝙚 𝙍𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜: 🌶🌶🌶🌶 

This was actually my second read of this story; I first read it in the Roses & Daggers anthology, but now it's been re-released as it's own book, and has been slightly expanded into a 20k word novella. 

I loved going back and reading about Naxi and Thysandra's stâbby and steamy meeting! The cat and mouse game, banter, delicious steamy sapphic scenes, battle for dominance, dual POV, and HFN, all had me wanting more. 

I cannot wait to keep reading about their hate-to-lust-to... relationship in With Wing and Claw, which is the next installment of the Fae Isles series (bk 5), which has Naxi and Thysandra as the MCs, and releases soon.

𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒎𝒆𝒔 𝑰 𝒆𝒏𝒋𝒐𝒚𝒆𝒅 𝒎𝒐𝒔𝒕: steamy forbidden romance sapphic scenes, banter, dâgger to throat, cat and mouse, dual POV, prequel story 

☆I received an ARC of this book from the author. All thoughts are my own honest opinions.☆

[DMATMOOBILforever · Rating 3 out of 5]

- 2.75 stars rounded to 3

- I was also expecting ||the ‘3 day’ fight to be must more intense. I guess they embellished it lol. I felt like it was VERY insta-lust… which I don’t love. After less than 12 hours Thys wanted Naxi to leave and go with her??||
- Oh! And I was also a bit disappointed we didn’t get to see the scene where they ||saw each other again for the first time when Naxi snuck into the dungeons. I would’ve loved to see that after their little promise.
‘There might be peace one day,’ she finally whispered, speaking to the grass rather than the painfully pretty, mind-bogglingly puzzling half demon beside her. ‘I … I could probably find you then.’
Naxi huffed a laugh. ‘You’ll have to hide not to be found.’
A lump formed in her throat, but she forced a laugh and found the weight on her shoulders lessening ever so slightly. ‘Threat or promise?’ ‘
Oh, both.’ A small, brave chuckle. ‘Definitely both.’||
❌ feels

[Michaela Burns · Rating 5 out of 5]

5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️


Can I say, this was SPICYYYYYYY 🌶️🌶️🌶️ Love, love, LOVEEEEE it! This novella has me (if it’s even possible) even more excited for the release of “With Wing and Claw” in March of 2025.

Naxi and Thysandra are LIFE 🤩 I honestly loved getting to know these two and seeing their experiences together prior to the start of The Fae Isles series. Having this background really explains why the acted the way they did towards one another throughout the first 4 books 📚

Honestly, based on what this book revealed, I cannot wait to see and understand Naxi’s thoughts and feelings throughout “With Wing and Claw.” It was really eye-opening to experience thes events from her perspective, taking into account her “demoness” and how she understands the concepts of love and affection 😈

I loved reading from both of their perspectives and cannot wait to see what Lisette Marshall has in store for their standalone! 😍

[Yasmin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Throughout the Fae Isles series, readers have been given glimpses of the story of how Thysandra and Anaxia first crossed paths during the Last War. It’s always been told that the two battled for over 12 hours with no clear winner. In this short story, however, we finally get to learn the truth about what really happened that day.

The story offers a refreshing and surprising twist on what was previously shared in the series. Instead of the expected fierce rivalry, it reveals a different side to the two characters.

At its core, this story is about two female warriors on opposite sides of the war, enemies who should despise each other. Yet, there’s an undeniable attraction between them. Anaxia’s brutal honesty and sweetness are so disarming that Thysandra can’t help but find herself drawn to her as well.

This is a quick, captivating read that focuses mainly on the emotional and physical battle between Thysandra and Anaxia—a battle of feelings rather than just warfare. It leaves me eagerly anticipating their full story, set over 130 years later, in their upcoming book.

[Gosia · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Love and War is a short prequel novella to Fae Isles series, and focuses on the legendary battle between the Alliance’s demon, Naxi, and the Mother’s most faithful fae, Tyssandra.

I’ve already read this novella, but after Lisette’s rewriting, I decided to check out what changed. Again, I loved this story. Now, maybe even more than before, as Lisette added some subtle changes that only pushed this novella to a deeper level and what can I say? I love spicy reads that are also emotionally developed.

I don’t think this read would be as much enjoyable for those not acquainted with Fae Isles world and characters, but I consider this novella generally very good.

Tropes:
LGBTQ (FF couple), enemies to lovers, steamy, demons, fae, banter

[Kelly Shields · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was a little disappointed by this one. I wanted a little more epic battle in this story. The writing is great like usual and I gave it 4 stars for that alone, but the main series really set-up their 48 hour battle to be something big or something... more. I know the main story is from Em's perspective (so it's just what she thought happened) but I wanted it to really happen and after the initial clash, the rest of their time was talking and sex. Good dialogue and fantastic sex... but still, I wanted more adventure in this enemies-to-lovers one shot. A few other characters, change of scenery, some hidden meanings behind "I should have killed you when I had the chance." Like, we learn that the scars on her wings were self-inflicted... awesome, I wanted more flushed out details like that.

[Thenerdypsych · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quaint. Chaotic. Lovely.

This was perfect in the lead up to Naxi and Thys' book coming out in a few weeks! This quick read is less than 100 pages and is easily devoured in a sitting. You get the backstory of how they met which is often alluded to in the Fae Isles Series, and even saves Em's life at one point. The way Naxi really sees Thysandra is beautiful and imagine as their relationship grows I will be a blubber mess 💖

What to expect:
🗣️ Dual POV
🌶️ Delightful sapphic spice
💕 Love at (almost!) first sight
⚔️ Enemies to lovers

✨ Thank you Lisette for the early review copy. My thoughts are my own ✨

[Brandon Nilson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m only willing to give this novella a 3⭐️ because Naxi is as I’d expect her to be. Thysandra is quite literally pathetic in this book which is the complete opposite of how she is portrayed to be in the main series and I hated her character. Also no where near enough background or story as well as I expected an epic battle and love to form from that but instead it was lame.

Also I don’t like how Naxi basically understood love even though she said how she can’t understand it and doesn’t love so it just felt contradicting on itself. Overall, probably not even 3⭐️ but I like half stars but 2.5 otherwise. Not great and could’ve been epic and better written with more effort.

[christinashaw96 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I originally read this Novella in the Roses and Daggers book, so I was supper excited to see Lisette was releasing it solo in the lead up to her next Fae Isles book! This prequel novella stars the loveable (but brutal) Naxi and fierce Thysandra. If you look up enemies to lovers you’ll find a picture of these two, the are the epitome of this trope!

This story focuses on what really went on in the battle between these two that has previously mentioned in another Fae Isles book!

There is fierce banter, sapphic badass FMCs, a whole lot of spice and an ending that leaves you heartbroken and just wanting more for these two!!

[✨Im_Literary_Anxious✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘀:⭐⭐⭐⭐
𝗦𝗽𝗶𝗰𝗲:🌶️🌶️🌶️

"𝑾𝒆’𝒓𝒆 𝒕𝒓𝒚𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒐 𝒌𝒊𝒍𝒍 𝒆𝒂𝒄𝒉 𝒐𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓, 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒃𝒍𝒐𝒐𝒅𝒚 𝒈𝒐𝒅𝒔’ 𝒔𝒂𝒌𝒆𝒔! ‘𝒀𝒐𝒖 𝒘𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒂𝒃𝒐𝒖𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝒇🟢🟡🔵𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒔𝒕𝒓𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒍𝒆 𝒎𝒆."
"𝑾𝒆𝒍𝒍, 𝒔𝒐𝒎𝒆 𝒑𝒆𝒐𝒑𝒍𝒆 𝒘𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅 𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒔𝒊𝒅𝒆𝒓 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒂 𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒔𝒕𝒊𝒎𝒖𝒍𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒂𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒗𝒊𝒕𝒚, 𝒐𝒇 𝒄𝒐𝒖𝒓𝒔𝒆."

🗡️Enemies to Lovers
🌸Grumpy/Sunshine
🗡️Morally Grey FMC's (Yes, plural)
🌸Angry Smut

I can’t express how much I loved finally getting a peek into Naxi and Thysandra’s first encounter.

"𝑾𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖?"
"𝘏𝘢𝘭𝘧 𝘥𝘦𝘮𝘰𝘯, 𝘏𝘢𝘭𝘧 𝘯𝘺𝘮𝘱𝘩. 𝘌𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘳𝘦𝘭𝘺 𝘥𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘭𝘺"

It was the perfect appetizer before the main course that is With Wing and Claw. I'm already feeling all kinds of emotions for poor Thys, and I can't wait to get more Naxi POV.

"𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒎𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕 𝒃𝒆 𝒑𝒆𝒂𝒄𝒆 𝒐𝒏𝒆 𝒅𝒂𝒚 … 𝑰 𝒄𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅 𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒃𝒂𝒃𝒍𝒚 𝒇𝒊𝒏𝒅 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒏."



Find more Reviews and Bookish Things at:📝I’m Literary Anxious Blog📝 or my 📖📚Bookstagram📚📖

[Madeeha Idrees · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cat and Mouse style and I love it! I cannot believe we got the story of how Naxi and Thysandra were introduced.

I will not be able to forget about these two, they are amazing and their chemistry was off the charts. The banter between them had me giggling and loving every second of it. Reading this before getting into book 5 is the best as you get to finally get the backstory of just how the fae and demon met.

They are the best of I want to unalive you but also I want to F**k you.


Tropes:
Court Intrigue
Enemies to Lovers
Morally Grey FMCs
Sapphic Romance
Tension
Knives to the throat

she knew it in the marrow of her bones - that they would meet again.

[FatedBookworm · Rating 3 out of 5]

Naxi and Thysandra aren’t my favorite characters, but I do like reading about them. But I would have liked a novella about Lyn and Tared more. With that said, I liked hearing about their past, but it was all pretty much explained in the main series, so I felt this was just a book to get another sex scene in for the pair. Didn’t really add to the story. Now, if she had added bits about the 130 years in between their first meeting and when they meet again, that would have been interesting to hear about the longing and desire from a distance.

All in all, I am glad I read it, but it didn’t really add anything to the story.

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you guys are familiar with the Fae Isles series you be familiar with these two ladies. They aren’t necessarily what I would consider “comic relief” so much as the “banter filled tension breakers.”

This novella tells the story of how our grumpy fae and bubbly demon-nymph meet and start their forbidden sapphic love story. I love these two and their dynamic. They were two of my favorite side characters from the main Fae Isles series and I’m so glad we’re finally getting a glimpse behind the curtain…or tree branch I guess.

[Charlee Umstead · Rating 4 out of 5]

*ARC Review*

AHHHH I’m so happy to finally have insight into Naxi and Thysandra’s encounter during the war!! These two were so fun together! And now I can see exactly why they’ve pined for each other for all of these years 🤭 This was short and sweet - about 90 pages of sitting on the edge of your seat, wondering what was going to happen next and how would everything play out. And it DID NOT DISAPPOINT! It makes me sooo excited for With Wing and Claw!

Thank you Lisette for the ARC!

[Michelle Stewart · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love learning more about characters back stories and seeing what shaped Lysandra and Naxi's relationship in the fae Isles series was perfect.
It is a short novella that first appeared in a compilation and now has its own book.
Loved it and the insight it provides before we get into the spin off novels set after the end of Queens of Mist and Madness.
I did receive an ARC but these thoughts and feelings are my own