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The Compact
The compact has stood for ages, a secret between the royal families of the continent and the Verndari, who guard the pass. When the Verndari send to the Dovos to fulfill a little used clause of the compact - the request to supply a bride - the Dovos respond by sending not a daughter, but a son. In a land where ice and death are old friends, can the Verndari heir and the Dovos' black sheep find their way to keeping the peace, or will the alliance that has kept the world safe for centuries crumble around them?
285 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 25, 2024
46 people are currently reading
289 people want to read
About the author
Miriam Benisse
2 books14 followersMiriam Benisse, a small-town girl who found her way to the west, has always had a passion for storytelling. As a young queer child growing up in the south during the 1980s, the library became her sanctuary, a place where she could see herself as the hero of her own story. Now, she's on a mission to provide that same sense of belonging to others through her writing.
Miriam's love for her cats is only rivaled by her love for spam, sushi, and dark beers. With her unique blend of experiences and interests, she's finally ready to share her stories with the world.
Miriam's love for her cats is only rivaled by her love for spam, sushi, and dark beers. With her unique blend of experiences and interests, she's finally ready to share her stories with the world.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
January 20, 2025
This is a brand new author for me and I’m so glad I found them. To start off we have a political arranged marriage in a fantasy kingdom, so ticked a lot of boxes for me as I love these types of books. And yeah, the first meeting goes badly - calling your future spouse a barbarian doesn’t go down well… it’s set like game of thrones at the wall defending against the Walkers, so that’s a great background to the relationship side of things. It’s a good balance of plot and the marriage development. Not overly spicy, which is good as I’m not a fan of sex scenes every other chapter. Maybe 3/4 scenes which works perfectly for a 300 page book. And you know what, they actually communicate! I know, surprise, lol. I really enjoyed this, 5 stars, and I’m looking forward to the follow up book - with the same couple - as they’re going to try and defeat the Walkers for good!
January 5, 2025
Surprisingly good, I look forward to more from future installments
October 24, 2025
ready for this
What a great start. I have been watching historical romance lately (Poldark) and I’ve been in the mood for a good book. This was what I wanted in Poldark. I wanted an honorable man who actually love their partner and not somebody else and that is what I got this book. I love this love and I love the feistiness of the daughter in this book. This set up is kind of like think of the wall in winter from GOT. There was lots of fast in the book, but that’s because it was hurt in this book. It’ll be interesting to see where the journey takes us, but I am here for it..
Things I need to know and for others like me:
Dual POV
No cheating/sharing
There is spice before relation but it was handled respectfully
Not strict
No om/ow drama
What a great start. I have been watching historical romance lately (Poldark) and I’ve been in the mood for a good book. This was what I wanted in Poldark. I wanted an honorable man who actually love their partner and not somebody else and that is what I got this book. I love this love and I love the feistiness of the daughter in this book. This set up is kind of like think of the wall in winter from GOT. There was lots of fast in the book, but that’s because it was hurt in this book. It’ll be interesting to see where the journey takes us, but I am here for it..
Things I need to know and for others like me:
Dual POV
No cheating/sharing
There is spice before relation but it was handled respectfully
Not strict
No om/ow drama
December 27, 2024
Regency (ish) - ✔️
Fantasy - ✔️
Queer - ✔️
Romance - ✔️
This book is so good and checks so many boxes. It really delves into the way internalized and external homophobia impact queer relationships and the ways we try to heal each other.
The creatures that the Eslandians have to deal with to protect the continent are more complex than I expected them to be. I would totally read a book from their perspective as well.
This author made the characters so real to me and I am looking forward to more from this universe. I want to read more of Niko and Matthian's story and also hope that Benisse delves more into the relationships of the side characters as well. There's so much more of this world to see and I can't wait to see what comes next!
Fantasy - ✔️
Queer - ✔️
Romance - ✔️
This book is so good and checks so many boxes. It really delves into the way internalized and external homophobia impact queer relationships and the ways we try to heal each other.
The creatures that the Eslandians have to deal with to protect the continent are more complex than I expected them to be. I would totally read a book from their perspective as well.
This author made the characters so real to me and I am looking forward to more from this universe. I want to read more of Niko and Matthian's story and also hope that Benisse delves more into the relationships of the side characters as well. There's so much more of this world to see and I can't wait to see what comes next!
August 29, 2025
4.75 - absolutely LOVED it
> "If we could rewrite this, if we had been given a choice...I would still choose you."
This book follows hel (Prince) Nikolos Verndari of Esland, a mountain kingdom tasked with guarding a treacherous pass that every winter becomes overrun by infected undead known as the Deathless. Centuries ago, the Verndari family rose as champions against the Deathless, forging "the Compact"—a pact with the other nations of the continent. In return for singlehandedly defending against the Deathless, Esland was promised supplies and troops. A rarer clause of the Compact also stipulated that, when requested, a royal from another nation would marry Esland's ruler and become their consort.
Niko invokes the Compact, requesting a bride from the Dovos family. The response? No bride arrives. Instead, they send a groom, exploiting vague wording in the Compact and taking advantage of Esland's recently liberalized marriage laws. This deliberate insult is a grave affront to Esland, but Niko, ever the noble leader, chooses to call the Dovos family's bluff.
His groom, Matthian, is a man both defiant and defeated. Matthian is stunned to realize that the marriage will indeed happen, and he will serve as hel consort. To him, the union is unexpected and fraught with uncertainty—condemned by the church, despised by his family, and, he assumes, viewed with indifference by his spouse. Matthian's life has been marred by rejection: unloving parents and "unnatural desires" for men that have brought him only shame and punishment.
But Niko is unlike anyone Matthian has ever known, and through his actions, he begins to show it. It takes time for Matthian to trust this, even as mounting threats loom over the kingdom—the relentless danger of the Deathless and the mystery of the missing helna (King).
I absolutely LOVED this book. As someone who’s read a ton of MM/gay romance, I can confidently say this one blows the majority out of the water (not that it’s a competition). It’s incredibly well-written, with good pacing, middle English-esque language and dialogue that really immerses the reader in the atmosphere of the book, and characters that are flawed, complex, and compelling.
The book centers on an arranged marriage in a world where gay relationships are stigmatized. In Esland, it’s slightly more accepted, but the Dovos sending a groom is still seen as a grave insult. Enter Niko, who accepts the marriage despite the tension, showing his innate kindness and objective moral strength/superiority. His openness to loving Matthian, both physically and emotionally, is a shock to his new husband, and Matthian’s journey toward accepting that love is one of the biggest plot points in the book.
Regarding Matthian: he’s unequivocally gay, but years of internalized homophobia—ingrained by his culture, family, and brutal experiences—have left him defensive and self-loathing. This marriage is objectively the best scenario for him, but he resents it, fights it, and only reluctantly lets his walls down. I loved the struggle to surrender to Niko's love. It added a lot of depth to the book.
Which brings me to the homophobia in the book. Let me be clear: homophobia sucks. It's not a good thing, and I wish it didn't exist IRL. But...its presence in the book was painfully realistic. A lot of MM romance glosses over or erases it entirely, which can be refreshing, but this book’s approach made the world and stakes feel more real. The discrimination shaped the characters’ choices and the tension between them.
Now, for the tropes I liked:
- Arranged marriage: A classic for a reason, ofc, but I’ve never seen it done with gay protagonists in a world that discrimates against such arrangements. I loved the way Niko and Matthian chafe against the arrangement yet still fell in love with each other.
- Caretaking: There’s a scene where Matthian tends to Niko, and it was just lovely to read. It developed their characters and relationship further and was just lovely.
- The wedding night: Consummation is required to seal the marriage, and the buildup is delicious. Both characters are kind of dreading it, and there's a delectable uncertainty around it all. And unlike fade-to-black books, this one is open-door, detailed, and very passionate. Niko deliberately seduces Matthian, easing him into pleasure despite his fears, ramping up that yummy tension.
The author writes intimacy really well. Its not rushed, which I really appreciated. A lot of authors gloss through it. Not only that, but we get a lot of raw emotion and heavy detail 😏
Some quotes on the matter (spoiler tagged when applicable):
> "Why would I have need to substitute some fantasy, Matthian?" His voice dropped to a graveled murmur as his eyes drifted, languid and appreciative, over Matthian's body stretched out in front of him. "When there is a masterpiece in front of me?"
>
>
This book fills a gap I’ve felt for ages: epic fantasy with gay protagonists with steamy, emotionally charged sex scenes. It’s everything I’ve wanted—nay, needed—for so long.
Overall, I fucking adored this book. My only complaint is that it ended, and the sequel isn’t out yet. If you love romantasy, gay romance, or just breathtaking passion, read this book. Hell, even if you don’t. READ IT.
> "If we could rewrite this, if we had been given a choice...I would still choose you."
This book follows hel (Prince) Nikolos Verndari of Esland, a mountain kingdom tasked with guarding a treacherous pass that every winter becomes overrun by infected undead known as the Deathless. Centuries ago, the Verndari family rose as champions against the Deathless, forging "the Compact"—a pact with the other nations of the continent. In return for singlehandedly defending against the Deathless, Esland was promised supplies and troops. A rarer clause of the Compact also stipulated that, when requested, a royal from another nation would marry Esland's ruler and become their consort.
Niko invokes the Compact, requesting a bride from the Dovos family. The response? No bride arrives. Instead, they send a groom, exploiting vague wording in the Compact and taking advantage of Esland's recently liberalized marriage laws. This deliberate insult is a grave affront to Esland, but Niko, ever the noble leader, chooses to call the Dovos family's bluff.
His groom, Matthian, is a man both defiant and defeated. Matthian is stunned to realize that the marriage will indeed happen, and he will serve as hel consort. To him, the union is unexpected and fraught with uncertainty—condemned by the church, despised by his family, and, he assumes, viewed with indifference by his spouse. Matthian's life has been marred by rejection: unloving parents and "unnatural desires" for men that have brought him only shame and punishment.
But Niko is unlike anyone Matthian has ever known, and through his actions, he begins to show it. It takes time for Matthian to trust this, even as mounting threats loom over the kingdom—the relentless danger of the Deathless and the mystery of the missing helna (King).
I absolutely LOVED this book. As someone who’s read a ton of MM/gay romance, I can confidently say this one blows the majority out of the water (not that it’s a competition). It’s incredibly well-written, with good pacing, middle English-esque language and dialogue that really immerses the reader in the atmosphere of the book, and characters that are flawed, complex, and compelling.
The book centers on an arranged marriage in a world where gay relationships are stigmatized. In Esland, it’s slightly more accepted, but the Dovos sending a groom is still seen as a grave insult. Enter Niko, who accepts the marriage despite the tension, showing his innate kindness and objective moral strength/superiority. His openness to loving Matthian, both physically and emotionally, is a shock to his new husband, and Matthian’s journey toward accepting that love is one of the biggest plot points in the book.
Regarding Matthian: he’s unequivocally gay, but years of internalized homophobia—ingrained by his culture, family, and brutal experiences—have left him defensive and self-loathing. This marriage is objectively the best scenario for him, but he resents it, fights it, and only reluctantly lets his walls down. I loved the struggle to surrender to Niko's love. It added a lot of depth to the book.
Which brings me to the homophobia in the book. Let me be clear: homophobia sucks. It's not a good thing, and I wish it didn't exist IRL. But...its presence in the book was painfully realistic. A lot of MM romance glosses over or erases it entirely, which can be refreshing, but this book’s approach made the world and stakes feel more real. The discrimination shaped the characters’ choices and the tension between them.
Now, for the tropes I liked:
- Arranged marriage: A classic for a reason, ofc, but I’ve never seen it done with gay protagonists in a world that discrimates against such arrangements. I loved the way Niko and Matthian chafe against the arrangement yet still fell in love with each other.
- Caretaking: There’s a scene where Matthian tends to Niko, and it was just lovely to read. It developed their characters and relationship further and was just lovely.
- The wedding night: Consummation is required to seal the marriage, and the buildup is delicious. Both characters are kind of dreading it, and there's a delectable uncertainty around it all. And unlike fade-to-black books, this one is open-door, detailed, and very passionate. Niko deliberately seduces Matthian, easing him into pleasure despite his fears, ramping up that yummy tension.
The author writes intimacy really well. Its not rushed, which I really appreciated. A lot of authors gloss through it. Not only that, but we get a lot of raw emotion and heavy detail 😏
Some quotes on the matter (spoiler tagged when applicable):
> "Why would I have need to substitute some fantasy, Matthian?" His voice dropped to a graveled murmur as his eyes drifted, languid and appreciative, over Matthian's body stretched out in front of him. "When there is a masterpiece in front of me?"
>
>
This book fills a gap I’ve felt for ages: epic fantasy with gay protagonists with steamy, emotionally charged sex scenes. It’s everything I’ve wanted—nay, needed—for so long.
Overall, I fucking adored this book. My only complaint is that it ended, and the sequel isn’t out yet. If you love romantasy, gay romance, or just breathtaking passion, read this book. Hell, even if you don’t. READ IT.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 20, 2025
engaging and sexy fantasy romance - i prefer my fantasy romances like this, with less complicated world building (although there was plenty here!) and more focus on the characters. i'm excited to read the second installment!
September 26, 2025
review to come
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (875;( king minivan minus. Mysstg high
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (875;( king minivan minus. Mysstg high
June 6, 2025
Amazing
I usually dont leave reviews but this was the best story I’ve read in a LONG time! I am so glad it is not over and there’s a second part!!! Thank you author for sharing your work💗💗
I usually dont leave reviews but this was the best story I’ve read in a LONG time! I am so glad it is not over and there’s a second part!!! Thank you author for sharing your work💗💗
October 2, 2025
If we could rewrite this, if we had been given a choice...I would still choose you.
This was really good! I absolutely loved this book.
The story follows hel Nikolos Verndari of Esland, a mountain kingdom that is fighting Deathless (zombie-like creatures who more resemble Walkers from GoT than traditional zombies) and Matthian Dovos, who arrives to Esland in place of his sister, to marry Nikolos.
This book ticked a lot of things that I like. Hurt/comfort, traumatized MC who feels unlovable (Matthian), gentle and protective soldier MC (Nikolos), political arranged marriage, good communication and slowly building trust, big on consent and all green flags, lots of handtimacy and necktimacy (and if anyone read any of my other reviews, you know that I am an absolute sucker for intimacy that involves descriptions and focus on hands and neck), praise kink... and many more.
Characters are excellent and have so much depth. Matthian seems like a brat at first, but he carries so much hurt inside. He is guarded and distrustful, but deeply protective of those he holds dear. Nikolos is a man with a rough past who, despite the brutality he's constantly surrounded with, has a gentle and generous heart. He had such a strong presence as a leader and I loved the contrast in him as a strict, hardened soldier and him as a gentle and loving father and husband.
Side characters were also well-developed and intriguing. Chesa, who is very much like her father Nikolos, was such a nice surprise. I'm so looking forward to see more of her in the next book.
The writing was excellent, the dialogue was very engaging and the spicy scenes were nice too (I love praise kink!).
I do have one little complain, though. The Deathless were pretty much in the background for around 80% of the story and the story seemed to focus on the relationship between Matthian and Niko - which was more than fine with me. The little info we had about Deathless was enough to give me a clear picture of the world they're in. Then, near the end of the book, the Deathless suddenly surged into the scene and I was like, okay, we get to see some action, that is nice! But then stuff happened and, without spoiling anything, the Deathless part was suddenly so much more present and more involved in the story than it was before (and in a way that really affects MCs). The last chapter and especially the epilogue leaves you with so many questions, which is fine because there's going to be a second book, but... I think I would've been fine if the Deathless always stayed in the background and this was just a story about two wounded people falling in love.
But this personal dislike isn't nearly enough to get me to lower my rating. Now excuse me while I shelve this to my 'favorites' real quick and go wait for the next book.
He could read between the lines to know that something in Matthian had been damaged, perhaps even broken, and as much as he might wish to immediately root it out and repair it, he knew enough of damaged souls to know nothing was ever so simple. Matthian had to trust him, and he had no indication that was so.
But Niko was a soldier in a 400-year war; he knew how to entrench himself for the long game.
He scrubbed a hand over his face. "I hate causing harm. Even on those who have caused so much themselves."
"I know." Matthian looked at him intently and then reached out and slowly trailed his fingers down Niko's cheekbone. "It is one of the things I find most remarkable about you. All this brutality around you, and yet you have not become a stone. You still have a heart that beats."
°•*⁀°•*⁀°•*⁀°•*⁀°•*⁀°•*⁀°•*⁀°•*⁀°•*⁀°•*
*General Notes*
-fantasy, zombies/undead, political arranged marriage, hurt/comfort...
-traumatized MC (Matthian), gentle and protective MC (Nikolos)...
-MC with a daughter (Nikolos)
-Matthian is 25 years old, Nikolos should be around 35 ("about 10 years Matthian's senior")
-CWs: on-page domestic abuse (not between MCs: ), SA (not MCs, but one of side character experienced it in the past - it's not described, just mentioned)
-it's the year
*Intimacy Notes*
-Top/bottom/verse:
-Kinks/sex notes:
-Other:
•lots of handtimacy
•lots of necktimacy
•lots of affection
•Matthian likes being praised and Niko is more than willing
•lots of sweet touches and cuddles
•skin to skin warming up in the bed scene
June 30, 2025
That is so well written, completely discounting that it's a debut. It really loved the characters, they each had deep backgrounds that informed their actions. The plot surprised me in the last 15% with not just being a romance. There was something brewing but I hope this pans out in book 2. The spice was emotionally disarming in the best way. The focus and need in the words exchanged was incredibly hot. The handful of spicy scenes were so relationship building and integral that they had callbacks and informed the plot.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 20, 2025
One sitting
Read this in one sitting. Had everything I wanted. Betrayal, arranged marriages, sunshine/grumpy. Definitely looking forward to the next book.
Read this in one sitting. Had everything I wanted. Betrayal, arranged marriages, sunshine/grumpy. Definitely looking forward to the next book.
August 9, 2025
4.5 stars
Very much enjoyed this forced marriage enemies-to-lovers fantasy! The end was quite a ride (part of it I predicted but not all), and I look forward to the next one.
Very much enjoyed this forced marriage enemies-to-lovers fantasy! The end was quite a ride (part of it I predicted but not all), and I look forward to the next one.
April 4, 2025
I was pleasantly surprised with this book, particularly considering the low number of reviews.
What I liked: The first act of the book was very good, and if that had consistently followed through the rest of the book, I would have given this book a 5 star rating. As with most arranged marriage stories, the MCs are strangers, and so the initial conflict of the book having to do with whether or not the "king" would accept the substitute arranged marriage candidate and how the relationship might progress was mainly why I wanted to read this book. In addition, there are some great fight scenes and sources of external conflict, which help relieve the relationship from carrying the entire burden of tension. Some of the plot was tough to predict, which is fun for me. Lastly, the sex scenes were super detailed, lush, and seductive. I particularly liked them, even if I'm always happy to read rough/kinky sex, this was more well-suited for this book.
What I didn't like: After the first act, the plot lost some of its tight pacing. I don't think it was ideal to have so much character separation and time jumps. I think the relationship would have seemed to have developed more naturally without them. In addition, I really didn't enjoy the made-up fantasy words, which were used in some places that they didn't need to be. I'm used to made-up words for "king," "God/goddess," innovative swear words, foods, location names, etc. But there was a direct 1:1 correlation between "stek" and "fuck," and I rolled my eyes each time. It was used mostly as a description of the act rather than as an incremental swear, which I could have forgiven. Plus, I couldn't help associate "stek" with "snek," which is a silly internet word for "snake." Lastly, the cover could be a little better to draw readers, although I'm not someone who makes book choices based on covers.
Overall I definitely enjoyed the book and would recommend it, particularly since there just aren't enough well-written, fantasy arranged marriages to go around! I'm also interested enough to pick up other books by this author.
What I liked: The first act of the book was very good, and if that had consistently followed through the rest of the book, I would have given this book a 5 star rating. As with most arranged marriage stories, the MCs are strangers, and so the initial conflict of the book having to do with whether or not the "king" would accept the substitute arranged marriage candidate and how the relationship might progress was mainly why I wanted to read this book. In addition, there are some great fight scenes and sources of external conflict, which help relieve the relationship from carrying the entire burden of tension. Some of the plot was tough to predict, which is fun for me. Lastly, the sex scenes were super detailed, lush, and seductive. I particularly liked them, even if I'm always happy to read rough/kinky sex, this was more well-suited for this book.
What I didn't like: After the first act, the plot lost some of its tight pacing. I don't think it was ideal to have so much character separation and time jumps. I think the relationship would have seemed to have developed more naturally without them. In addition, I really didn't enjoy the made-up fantasy words, which were used in some places that they didn't need to be. I'm used to made-up words for "king," "God/goddess," innovative swear words, foods, location names, etc. But there was a direct 1:1 correlation between "stek" and "fuck," and I rolled my eyes each time. It was used mostly as a description of the act rather than as an incremental swear, which I could have forgiven. Plus, I couldn't help associate "stek" with "snek," which is a silly internet word for "snake." Lastly, the cover could be a little better to draw readers, although I'm not someone who makes book choices based on covers.
Overall I definitely enjoyed the book and would recommend it, particularly since there just aren't enough well-written, fantasy arranged marriages to go around! I'm also interested enough to pick up other books by this author.
March 24, 2025
Oscillating between 3.5 and 4 I think, still absolutely a gem of a debut. Unfortunately, I kept comparing it to ONE by YKET (the one free on a03), which has a very similar premise, and this one did fall short in comparison, at least by my standards.
Still, this is well written, absolutely fun, hot and well built. My qualms are mainly a) the worldbuilding, b) Matthian, and c) the development of their love story. Seems dramatic, but let me explain.
First, the worldbuilding tries to be great and omni-compassing and feel pervasive. I dare say it succeeds, for the majority. But a few things did not quite work for me like . I did like it, don't get me wrong. I think this book is delicious, and I'm looking forward to the second part. Mostly, I absolutely loved Niko, and Chesa, and their bond. Also I was absolutely convinced that
Give this a chance, I mean. Not perfect, but a great fun.
ps: wtf is this compact exactly, explain it to me like I'm 5 because clearly I'm an idiot
Still, this is well written, absolutely fun, hot and well built. My qualms are mainly a) the worldbuilding, b) Matthian, and c) the development of their love story. Seems dramatic, but let me explain.
First, the worldbuilding tries to be great and omni-compassing and feel pervasive. I dare say it succeeds, for the majority. But a few things did not quite work for me like . I did like it, don't get me wrong. I think this book is delicious, and I'm looking forward to the second part. Mostly, I absolutely loved Niko, and Chesa, and their bond. Also I was absolutely convinced that
Give this a chance, I mean. Not perfect, but a great fun.
ps: wtf is this compact exactly, explain it to me like I'm 5 because clearly I'm an idiot
December 19, 2025
this was damn good.
The Compact is about this mountain nation that is responsible to being the first line of defense against these zombie-like beings that come every winter (think GoT white-walkers). the book starts with the hel of this nation (i think he'd be kinda like a prince?) entering an arranged marriage with he believes is a lady from one of the families that are members of the said compact, but they send him a prince instead.
this was very engaging and well-written, tho i wish the author hadn't deemed necessary to come up with different titles and words that are little explained (as annoying as having to rely on gloassaries can be, this book would have benefitted with one).
nikolos, our hel, is a single dad, leading this kingdom that is tasked with maintaining the security of the entire continent, from this beings called Deathless, a pretty suggestive name. he has been widowed for many years and is trying to turn a bad situation around and make this marriage work-- that until when he's faced with a man instead of a woman.
niko was pretty lovable and honor-bound and all the good things, but the surprise consort was also delightful, matthian is fierce, cunning and layered.
it was interesting to see their relationship and the reality of the winter unfold, but many questions have remained, which i won't go into detail because, ya know, spoilers.
there aren't a lot of ratings and reviews for this, so a list to convice you to give it a go:
⚜️ arranged marriage
⚜️ fantasy
⚜️ political intrigue
⚜️ centuries old war against Forces of Evil
⚜️ single dad/good parenting
⚜️ chaos gremlin/responsible dilf
⚜️ not that big of a age diff, but still there
⚜️ mc1 from queernomative queendom vs. mc2 from an unsafe place for lgbtq+ folks
⚜️ some internalized homophobia (mc2) and trauma (both mcs)
read it!!!!!!
The Compact is about this mountain nation that is responsible to being the first line of defense against these zombie-like beings that come every winter (think GoT white-walkers). the book starts with the hel of this nation (i think he'd be kinda like a prince?) entering an arranged marriage with he believes is a lady from one of the families that are members of the said compact, but they send him a prince instead.
this was very engaging and well-written, tho i wish the author hadn't deemed necessary to come up with different titles and words that are little explained (as annoying as having to rely on gloassaries can be, this book would have benefitted with one).
nikolos, our hel, is a single dad, leading this kingdom that is tasked with maintaining the security of the entire continent, from this beings called Deathless, a pretty suggestive name. he has been widowed for many years and is trying to turn a bad situation around and make this marriage work-- that until when he's faced with a man instead of a woman.
niko was pretty lovable and honor-bound and all the good things, but the surprise consort was also delightful, matthian is fierce, cunning and layered.
it was interesting to see their relationship and the reality of the winter unfold, but many questions have remained, which i won't go into detail because, ya know, spoilers.
there aren't a lot of ratings and reviews for this, so a list to convice you to give it a go:
⚜️ arranged marriage
⚜️ fantasy
⚜️ political intrigue
⚜️ centuries old war against Forces of Evil
⚜️ single dad/good parenting
⚜️ chaos gremlin/responsible dilf
⚜️ not that big of a age diff, but still there
⚜️ mc1 from queernomative queendom vs. mc2 from an unsafe place for lgbtq+ folks
⚜️ some internalized homophobia (mc2) and trauma (both mcs)
read it!!!!!!
March 9, 2025
If I had to summarize this book in a few words it would probably be "delightful fable-like story". The two protagonists, their relationship with Niko's daughter, and world building - I absolutely loved all of it. In general, arranged marriage is my favorite trope in romances, and the start of this novel was for me a solid 5/5, it hit all the steps that usually leads me to stay up all night to read a story: the two characters being antagonistic towards each other's, a profound distrust, misunderstandings but also at least one of the two main characters (Niko) being a self sacrificial honestly good and kind person, a manipulative protagonist hiding some secrets (Matthian), and generally a feeling of found family that permeates the whole story.
My only criticisms would be that after the initial wedding, when we have the first time skip, the book seems to be more interested in jumping from scene to scene (like there was a list of things and story beats we needed to get through one by one) than having one single plot that it follows through. For example, the ice skating chapter was very cute, but I did not feel like it allowed me to get much of the characters' growth, and I would have much more preferred for Niko to stay at court and to see the actual protagonists starting to know each other's, instead of taking the readers away from what (at least for me) was the most interesting bit.
Still, I have to say I enjoyed the story anyway and I will definitely follow the sequel/s!
EDIT: I forgot to say, the sex scene?? Okay, that was wildly well written.
My only criticisms would be that after the initial wedding, when we have the first time skip, the book seems to be more interested in jumping from scene to scene (like there was a list of things and story beats we needed to get through one by one) than having one single plot that it follows through. For example, the ice skating chapter was very cute, but I did not feel like it allowed me to get much of the characters' growth, and I would have much more preferred for Niko to stay at court and to see the actual protagonists starting to know each other's, instead of taking the readers away from what (at least for me) was the most interesting bit.
Still, I have to say I enjoyed the story anyway and I will definitely follow the sequel/s!
EDIT: I forgot to say, the sex scene?? Okay, that was wildly well written.
December 4, 2025
I think the only trope whose sheer mention will get me anywhere near interested in a book is arranged marriage, and it's because I crave that delicious navigation a relationship that goes from zero to 100 in a very short time frame. I liked that their relationship started with the sex, tbh. I'm all for super slow burns of two people trying to figure it out, but I also enjoy them figuring it out backwards--starting with good sexual chemistry and then working out the other deeper parts later. I liked both Niko and Matthian, even if I thought Matthian's self-pity ran a little too dramatic at times. I also would have preferred Niko to have a few more flaws; he comes across as a bog standard "perfect" king and I just wanted him to have some shit he needed to work on.
The Deathless were a pretty cool villain and I enjoyed the intrigue there. Probably could have used more conflict with them, like when Niko was in the pass I feel like he could have fought a few off just to give us an idea of what we were dealing with.
Honestly, I bought this book because of a) the arrange marriage and b) the first 10 pages in the sample were well-written. And when you come across a book that looks self-published (forgive me if it's not, it just looks that way) and the writing is actually competent, I celebrate by buying the book. :) Benisse does not appear to have much social media presence either, so I have great respect for an author who sells herself through the quality of her work and that's it. I will be buying the sequel!
The Deathless were a pretty cool villain and I enjoyed the intrigue there. Probably could have used more conflict with them, like when Niko was in the pass I feel like he could have fought a few off just to give us an idea of what we were dealing with.
Honestly, I bought this book because of a) the arrange marriage and b) the first 10 pages in the sample were well-written. And when you come across a book that looks self-published (forgive me if it's not, it just looks that way) and the writing is actually competent, I celebrate by buying the book. :) Benisse does not appear to have much social media presence either, so I have great respect for an author who sells herself through the quality of her work and that's it. I will be buying the sequel!
December 27, 2025
I devoured this book.
Medieval style setting, fantasy, castles, kingdoms, politics, arranged marriage, betrayal, zombie like "white walkers, and some angsty MM love.
I really enjoyed their story of learning to trust once another. Niko was so kind and patient, we love a green flag MMC. He has lost so many loved ones and is still such a great character, a workaholic, but great.
Matthian was hurt so badly in so many ways by his family that it's so hard for him to trust anyone or even be himself. Always having to play a role and protect himself. Niko never gave up on him though.
The sex scenes were 5/5 🤌🏼
Normally I read standalones but I think I might read book 2 when it comes out next month because I wanna know what happens. Currently we have a HFM? Is Matthian truly cured? What's this about him waking up in the night. Why is his blood different? Who was Matthian's father? What did Niko's dad mean saying the death walkers already won or wouldn't lose? Who else is working with the death walkers? Why did Niko's dad change and look human and fool everyone? Will we learn more about Matthian's family and their shittiness?
I have many questions and I hope I can get some answers.
Medieval style setting, fantasy, castles, kingdoms, politics, arranged marriage, betrayal, zombie like "white walkers, and some angsty MM love.
I really enjoyed their story of learning to trust once another. Niko was so kind and patient, we love a green flag MMC. He has lost so many loved ones and is still such a great character, a workaholic, but great.
Matthian was hurt so badly in so many ways by his family that it's so hard for him to trust anyone or even be himself. Always having to play a role and protect himself. Niko never gave up on him though.
The sex scenes were 5/5 🤌🏼
Normally I read standalones but I think I might read book 2 when it comes out next month because I wanna know what happens. Currently we have a HFM? Is Matthian truly cured? What's this about him waking up in the night. Why is his blood different? Who was Matthian's father? What did Niko's dad mean saying the death walkers already won or wouldn't lose? Who else is working with the death walkers? Why did Niko's dad change and look human and fool everyone? Will we learn more about Matthian's family and their shittiness?
I have many questions and I hope I can get some answers.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 5, 2025
This was a really nice start of a series. It just didn’t grab me, as the plot could have been tightened up.
Pros:
I liked all the characters. The main couple had seriously sweet vibes and while it a gave Beauty and the Beast it was fun to read their story
I even liked the daughter and I loved the strength she showed (also to the point where I was more interested in her POV than the others).
I loved the set up, it made sense and felt legitimate for the trope.
Cons:
The language was studded in some places. Names were confusing and I often had to look back to remember peoples names.
I felt that the plot needed more intrigue early on. Midway in I found myself sort of being like, what the point of this.
I really liked the world building, but this is a time a map would have helped. I had trouble placing where everyone was throughout the story.
Basically had this had a little more action (though the spice scenes were great) and tightened up the language I would have rated this a lot higher.
Pros:
I liked all the characters. The main couple had seriously sweet vibes and while it a gave Beauty and the Beast it was fun to read their story
I even liked the daughter and I loved the strength she showed (also to the point where I was more interested in her POV than the others).
I loved the set up, it made sense and felt legitimate for the trope.
Cons:
The language was studded in some places. Names were confusing and I often had to look back to remember peoples names.
I felt that the plot needed more intrigue early on. Midway in I found myself sort of being like, what the point of this.
I really liked the world building, but this is a time a map would have helped. I had trouble placing where everyone was throughout the story.
Basically had this had a little more action (though the spice scenes were great) and tightened up the language I would have rated this a lot higher.
November 12, 2025
Wow wow wow
A terrific story through and through. I am still awestruck at its brilliance! The author gave us; romance, enemies to lovers, comedy, angst, thrill, action and more! I simply couldn’t put it down! I can’t wait to read the sequel and am rushing this review but I simply had to rave!
My one and only complaint was there wasn’t a glossary of some sort for titles, roles, events, and animals. It was a bit hard to sort out at first and had to use your own imagination/implications for events or animals. It didn’t ruin the plot though! A little key from my assumptions:
Heln/Helna: King/Queen (only of Esland)
Ban: Lord/high noble (duke/duchess)of other countries (who all have their own king/queen I believe) MC Matthian was Lord before consort due to his father being the current Ban of Dovos but there was still a king of their country
Hel/Hel consort: Prince Royal/Consort it’s a matriarchy in Esland so men cannot rule permanently-only until “Helsi” grow old enough to rule
Helsi: Princess
Tell me did you imagine the Dovos signet ring as a wolf?
A terrific story through and through. I am still awestruck at its brilliance! The author gave us; romance, enemies to lovers, comedy, angst, thrill, action and more! I simply couldn’t put it down! I can’t wait to read the sequel and am rushing this review but I simply had to rave!
My one and only complaint was there wasn’t a glossary of some sort for titles, roles, events, and animals. It was a bit hard to sort out at first and had to use your own imagination/implications for events or animals. It didn’t ruin the plot though! A little key from my assumptions:
Heln/Helna: King/Queen (only of Esland)
Ban: Lord/high noble (duke/duchess)of other countries (who all have their own king/queen I believe) MC Matthian was Lord before consort due to his father being the current Ban of Dovos but there was still a king of their country
Hel/Hel consort: Prince Royal/Consort it’s a matriarchy in Esland so men cannot rule permanently-only until “Helsi” grow old enough to rule
Helsi: Princess
Tell me did you imagine the Dovos signet ring as a wolf?
February 10, 2025
The Amazon cover and description for this book doesn't really sell how well assembled this book is.
The characters are well-constructed, the plot holds together, the romance is genuine, the relationships develop, and the end ties things up well (HEA) but also leaves rooms for future stories with the same characters.
Aspects you might like in this book: royalty, winter, a lot of winter, the scary thing in the mountains, honoring your obligations even when they make you miserable, enemies to lovers, arranged marriage, snow, parenting tips, Slavic vibes, ice, heartbreak, a giant palace, is it chilly in here or what, lonely men, touch starved, internalized homophobia, overcoming trauma.
Did you read Shadow & Bone and think, "Hm. Needs to be a M/M romance with a 4/5 explicit open door rating and a lot more snow"? Ignore the cover and read this.
The characters are well-constructed, the plot holds together, the romance is genuine, the relationships develop, and the end ties things up well (HEA) but also leaves rooms for future stories with the same characters.
Aspects you might like in this book: royalty, winter, a lot of winter, the scary thing in the mountains, honoring your obligations even when they make you miserable, enemies to lovers, arranged marriage, snow, parenting tips, Slavic vibes, ice, heartbreak, a giant palace, is it chilly in here or what, lonely men, touch starved, internalized homophobia, overcoming trauma.
Did you read Shadow & Bone and think, "Hm. Needs to be a M/M romance with a 4/5 explicit open door rating and a lot more snow"? Ignore the cover and read this.
October 15, 2025
Not bad for a debut, and I’ll probably read her next one because I actually liked Niko and Matthias. They were the bright spots.
The world-building, though, made me a little twitchy. We’ve got different meats with their own names, fancy terms for cuisine, and then—boom—Scotch and whiskey exist? Okay, sure.
The villain was so cartoonishly evil I half expected a mustache-twirl and maniacal laugh. And while I get the point of having Chesa in the story (so Niko doesn’t have to worry about heirs), I just can’t with kids in my romance. She was a literal cockblock at least once, almost twice, and I will not forgive that.
The world-building, though, made me a little twitchy. We’ve got different meats with their own names, fancy terms for cuisine, and then—boom—Scotch and whiskey exist? Okay, sure.
The villain was so cartoonishly evil I half expected a mustache-twirl and maniacal laugh. And while I get the point of having Chesa in the story (so Niko doesn’t have to worry about heirs), I just can’t with kids in my romance. She was a literal cockblock at least once, almost twice, and I will not forgive that.
August 7, 2025
I know a story is good when I preorder the sequel before even finishing the first book. The Compact was recommended on reddit as being similar to A Strange and Stubborn Endurance and Winter’s Orbit. That was enough to convince me, and now I'm just waiting for Dec. 25th and the release of book 2: The Exchange.
The pacing is perfect and the character development is flawless. The world building takes a little time to get adjusted to, but it's well worth it. The way the plot comes together in the end is so well done - just enough hints are dropped so you're not totally surprised if you're paying attention, but it's far from predictable.
I don't even know where to start with Niko and Matthian. Niko is all 'duty bound king in the streets, freak in the sheets.' He's also a good person, a great dad, and this is one instance where I think a little age gap (10 years) really works. He was so thoughtful in how he approached his relationship with Matthian, who is cast-off lordling with emotional trauma and a spine of motherfucking steel. Just like Niko knew Matthian needed careful handling, Matthian knows that Niko needs someone to remind him to actually take care of himself. I loved them individually and they're even better together. It's obvious that they truly know one another, which is another point towards the author's talents.
The cast of secondary characters is also fantastic, both the ones I loved and the ones I hated.
I don't know how to end this review. Just go read this book!
The pacing is perfect and the character development is flawless. The world building takes a little time to get adjusted to, but it's well worth it. The way the plot comes together in the end is so well done - just enough hints are dropped so you're not totally surprised if you're paying attention, but it's far from predictable.
I don't even know where to start with Niko and Matthian. Niko is all 'duty bound king in the streets, freak in the sheets.' He's also a good person, a great dad, and this is one instance where I think a little age gap (10 years) really works. He was so thoughtful in how he approached his relationship with Matthian, who is cast-off lordling with emotional trauma and a spine of motherfucking steel. Just like Niko knew Matthian needed careful handling, Matthian knows that Niko needs someone to remind him to actually take care of himself. I loved them individually and they're even better together. It's obvious that they truly know one another, which is another point towards the author's talents.
The cast of secondary characters is also fantastic, both the ones I loved and the ones I hated.
I don't know how to end this review. Just go read this book!
October 16, 2025
Great start but disappointing resolution… the villains were cartoonishly evil and predictable with motives that really made no sense (likely to be explored more in upcoming sequel but still so far fetched). Also the effort to made the “deathless” a scientifically based disease was beyond ridiculous. I question whether the author has any understanding of science because nothing about the plot with the serum made any sense. I did enjoy the romance and will probably read the next book to see what happens but I’m still very frustrated that a very promising story was so tragically mishandled.
November 6, 2025
I read this so fast because I couldn't stop. I couldn't put it down! Start to finish, it is a strong debut for the author. I wish it was longer so we could have seen more of Niko and Matthian growing their love and dive deeper into Matthian's past but the book did a great job with the time we did get to see. I am excited to read the next one! Definitely recommend
What I loved:
Grumpy, snarky Matthian
Soft, loyal Niko
Spitfire Chesa
Found Family
hurt/comfort
arranged marriage
HFN
great spice scenes
fantasy setting
What I loved:
Grumpy, snarky Matthian
Soft, loyal Niko
Spitfire Chesa
Found Family
hurt/comfort
arranged marriage
HFN
great spice scenes
fantasy setting
December 27, 2024
I enjoyed reading this new world and am looking forward to more books so I can learn more about it. I love a good arranged marriage story and was pleased that this book didn't have a political subplot trying to tear the two apart. I liked seeing their relationship build over months. It was a little strange that the majority of their world doesn't know about the strange monsters/region that are a constant threat, even if it has been kept in check for 400 years.
April 27, 2025
I can't begin to say how much I enjoyed this book! I felt the tension of their first meeting slowly morph into understanding, then love, then even greater understanding. I also had this constant, low grade anxiety about the deathless throughout the book and I was so glad when all the action kicked off and I got to see them get beaten back! Oh, I must also mention that the spicey scenes were really, really well written.
I love Niko and Matthian and I can't wait to read book two!
I love Niko and Matthian and I can't wait to read book two!
September 30, 2025
What a wonderful epic fantasy book.
We are thrown right into a deeply interesting historical world filled with kingdoms and a looming threat (they seem to me almost like rage filled zombies??? Amazing) only being held back because of the efforts of a single family.
Have I mentioned it also has a gay arranged marriage as the main plot point?
We are thrown right into a deeply interesting historical world filled with kingdoms and a looming threat (they seem to me almost like rage filled zombies??? Amazing) only being held back because of the efforts of a single family.
Have I mentioned it also has a gay arranged marriage as the main plot point?
December 30, 2025
Simply amazing!
I was spellbound, completely captivated from the first page. Some books are simply a combination of words to form a story and others shape reality into something novel, something poetic. The writing was not simple regurgitation of words, but pure TALENT. I cannot wait to read more.
I was spellbound, completely captivated from the first page. Some books are simply a combination of words to form a story and others shape reality into something novel, something poetic. The writing was not simple regurgitation of words, but pure TALENT. I cannot wait to read more.
May 14, 2025
A great balance of world-building and character-driven narrative. I loved the dynamic between the main characters—they were both passionate and deeply understanding of each other. The buildup to that connection was incredibly satisfying to read.
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