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A Happy Beginning
Step into the heart of New Orleans, where legends of vampires, witches, spells, and curses are as alive as the city itself. But what if there’s a nugget of truth to the stories?
Alard Fairchild isn’t your average man—he’s a fairy prince from the Kingdoms of Earth and Sky, hiding in plain sight as a poverty lawyer in the French Quarter. All he wants is a normal, human life. That is, until he meets Razi Miller, a hot tourist with a wild side who’s looking for a little adventure—and ends up entangled in something far more dangerous than he ever expected.
After one unforgettable night together, Raz wakes up to find himself magically bonded to Alard by an ancient marriage tattoo. Neither of them knows how it happened or why, but one thing’s for the consequences are far-reaching—and deadly.
As Raz is dragged into a hidden world of legendary creatures and mystical portals between realms, he faces a terrifying new Alard is already betrothed to Meyda, the ruthless Princess of Fire and Ice. Their accidental marriage could ignite a brutal war between the kingdoms, and Raz is now a pawn in a deadly political game.
With danger closing in, Alard and Raz must work together to undo the chaos they’ve unwittingly unleashed. But the more time they spend together, the more they realize the one thing neither of them can control… is love.
Packed with sizzling romance, high-stakes adventure, and dark magic, A Happy Beginning will keep you hooked until the very last page.
Alard Fairchild isn’t your average man—he’s a fairy prince from the Kingdoms of Earth and Sky, hiding in plain sight as a poverty lawyer in the French Quarter. All he wants is a normal, human life. That is, until he meets Razi Miller, a hot tourist with a wild side who’s looking for a little adventure—and ends up entangled in something far more dangerous than he ever expected.
After one unforgettable night together, Raz wakes up to find himself magically bonded to Alard by an ancient marriage tattoo. Neither of them knows how it happened or why, but one thing’s for the consequences are far-reaching—and deadly.
As Raz is dragged into a hidden world of legendary creatures and mystical portals between realms, he faces a terrifying new Alard is already betrothed to Meyda, the ruthless Princess of Fire and Ice. Their accidental marriage could ignite a brutal war between the kingdoms, and Raz is now a pawn in a deadly political game.
With danger closing in, Alard and Raz must work together to undo the chaos they’ve unwittingly unleashed. But the more time they spend together, the more they realize the one thing neither of them can control… is love.
Packed with sizzling romance, high-stakes adventure, and dark magic, A Happy Beginning will keep you hooked until the very last page.
359 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 21, 2025
12 people are currently reading
2960 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews
September 19, 2025
Thanks so much to NetGalley for the free Kindle book. My review is voluntarily given, and my opinions are my own.
Imagine Red, White, and Blue but with fairies, vampires, and trolls 🧚♀️🧛♂️🧌. Although the plot is different, it gives the same vibe. Whereas the one book focused more on homophobia, this one talks about hatred for humans. But hate is hate, and it presents in the same ways. I just have never understood it, but really there is no way to explain it other than they have let evil take over their heart.
There are so many amazing characters in this book, and I would love to have more books set in this world. The story didn't just focus on two main characters, rather, so many supporting characters. Three main characters and the supporting characters were so well written that you remember every single one of them. I would love books about each and every one of them! Am really hoping to read more books in this world, but I will be watching to see what else this author writes.
The representation here was amazing. Not just gay relationships, but ace and poly relationships were woven into the story. So many books claim to have ace relationships but fall flat on their face. Actually haven't come across a single book that had a poly relationship, although I am sure they are out there.
For those who need the smut rating, this one is extremely high. Basically on fire. So if you are looking for a clean romance, this is not for you. Sorry :(
Definitely would recommend this book!
Imagine Red, White, and Blue but with fairies, vampires, and trolls 🧚♀️🧛♂️🧌. Although the plot is different, it gives the same vibe. Whereas the one book focused more on homophobia, this one talks about hatred for humans. But hate is hate, and it presents in the same ways. I just have never understood it, but really there is no way to explain it other than they have let evil take over their heart.
There are so many amazing characters in this book, and I would love to have more books set in this world. The story didn't just focus on two main characters, rather, so many supporting characters. Three main characters and the supporting characters were so well written that you remember every single one of them. I would love books about each and every one of them! Am really hoping to read more books in this world, but I will be watching to see what else this author writes.
The representation here was amazing. Not just gay relationships, but ace and poly relationships were woven into the story. So many books claim to have ace relationships but fall flat on their face. Actually haven't come across a single book that had a poly relationship, although I am sure they are out there.
For those who need the smut rating, this one is extremely high. Basically on fire. So if you are looking for a clean romance, this is not for you. Sorry :(
Definitely would recommend this book!
January 10, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley, City Owl Press, and B.A. Richards for providing me with an ARC of A Happy Beginning in exchange for my honest review.
A Happy Beginning is an urban romantasy with great LGBTQIAP+ representation. I wouldn’t say it’s “insta-love” but more “insta-connection.” The smut scene at the beginning took me by surprise.
The plot and idea is great, but could have gone more in depth. It’s pretty one note for the majority of the book. Everything was surface level and didn’t feel too high stakes. But, I do love the main characters. I enjoyed how different Alard and Raz are from eachother and bringing their own flare. It’s evident that they care for each other, even though they only just met. The character development is subtle and climbs at a slow pace, but it’s there.
The introduction to Meyda was fantastic! It really turned the story around and brought more energy that lacked at first.
As for the world building, I did like how I could feel myself leaving the real world and transporting into Alard’s world. The feelings are different in both places. Again, I do feel like there could been more with the details.
For a debut author and book, the ideas are there and I hope we can explore more of the characters and their world in the future.
A Happy Beginning is an urban romantasy with great LGBTQIAP+ representation. I wouldn’t say it’s “insta-love” but more “insta-connection.” The smut scene at the beginning took me by surprise.
The plot and idea is great, but could have gone more in depth. It’s pretty one note for the majority of the book. Everything was surface level and didn’t feel too high stakes. But, I do love the main characters. I enjoyed how different Alard and Raz are from eachother and bringing their own flare. It’s evident that they care for each other, even though they only just met. The character development is subtle and climbs at a slow pace, but it’s there.
The introduction to Meyda was fantastic! It really turned the story around and brought more energy that lacked at first.
As for the world building, I did like how I could feel myself leaving the real world and transporting into Alard’s world. The feelings are different in both places. Again, I do feel like there could been more with the details.
For a debut author and book, the ideas are there and I hope we can explore more of the characters and their world in the future.
January 24, 2025
Okay, I loved the main characters in this one. It has representation that I can’t remember seeing off the top of my head, and I very much appreciated it. I love unique story lines and this definitely had it! With spicy MM scenes and ace representation, this was a nice breath of fresh air into the romantasy genre. It was fun adding in popular places in New Orleans and NY when they realm jumped, to add some familiarity to it. Overall, a good read!
❤️Tropes❤️
💋 arranged marriage to prevent war
💋 accidental mating
💋 Human/fairy prince romance
Alard only had a couple of days left in the human realm. He loved learning about his human heritage, but it is time to go back and marry Meyda. She is like his little sister, his best friend growing up. They will make a good royal team, but she is asexual and he isn’t. But he could never step outside of his marriage. So when he runs into Raz three times, he takes the hint from fate and has a last minute fling. Only they wake up with mating marks on their arms. Only this isn’t a Vegas quickie marriage, and the mating marks are permanent. And they are going to start a war.
Thank you to love book tours for the copy, All thoughts are my own.
❤️Tropes❤️
💋 arranged marriage to prevent war
💋 accidental mating
💋 Human/fairy prince romance
Alard only had a couple of days left in the human realm. He loved learning about his human heritage, but it is time to go back and marry Meyda. She is like his little sister, his best friend growing up. They will make a good royal team, but she is asexual and he isn’t. But he could never step outside of his marriage. So when he runs into Raz three times, he takes the hint from fate and has a last minute fling. Only they wake up with mating marks on their arms. Only this isn’t a Vegas quickie marriage, and the mating marks are permanent. And they are going to start a war.
Thank you to love book tours for the copy, All thoughts are my own.
February 6, 2025
Recipe for "Happy Beginning"
One cup dark magic
Two heaping spoonfuls of M/M romance
Fold in one or two fairy wings
Slowly mix a quart of world building and two to three plot twists and WALLA!
You have a fun, sexy and endearing little Romantasy book cooked up.
I loved this book! It was so refreshing and I just kept falling into the storyline and surprises.
We meet Alard Fairchild on his last night on earth. No, he's not terminal, he's actually a fairy prince and he needs to head back to his betrothed and all the reposnsibelties of his kingdom.
So what's a one night stand with hot tourist Raz Miller going to hurt, right?
Well hold on to your handkerchief, nothing is the same when these two wake from their romp. They are tattooed, mated and have a lot of explaining to do.
Imagine if Red, White and Royal Blue was tossed into a fantasy world, amazing right? Well that's the fun we are talking here, so go seek this one out- it was great!
Thank you to the author, Owl City Press and Library Thing for this ebook win, I had a great time reading it!
One cup dark magic
Two heaping spoonfuls of M/M romance
Fold in one or two fairy wings
Slowly mix a quart of world building and two to three plot twists and WALLA!
You have a fun, sexy and endearing little Romantasy book cooked up.
I loved this book! It was so refreshing and I just kept falling into the storyline and surprises.
We meet Alard Fairchild on his last night on earth. No, he's not terminal, he's actually a fairy prince and he needs to head back to his betrothed and all the reposnsibelties of his kingdom.
So what's a one night stand with hot tourist Raz Miller going to hurt, right?
Well hold on to your handkerchief, nothing is the same when these two wake from their romp. They are tattooed, mated and have a lot of explaining to do.
Imagine if Red, White and Royal Blue was tossed into a fantasy world, amazing right? Well that's the fun we are talking here, so go seek this one out- it was great!
Thank you to the author, Owl City Press and Library Thing for this ebook win, I had a great time reading it!
January 22, 2025
This was a sweet urban Romantasy with a M/M romance and a touch of spice. Alard is a prince from the fairy realm essentially on an extended vacation to earth before returning to his mandatory responsibilities to his family and Kingdom. Raz is a human who stumbles into Alard repeatedly, sparking their instant connection and entangling them on an unexpected but powerful journey.
With threats of war, coming to terms with new realms, and trying to break a bond, it's an entertaining plot of trying to untangle accidental unions, whilst inexplicably falling in love.
I loved the magical realm and creatures, the sweet characters, and the inclusivity.
✨"You were never the problem. You are a gift, one I plan to cherish for the rest of our lives"
✨"Did I at least look impressive before I got my ass kicked?"
"Yes, you did, my personal prince charming"
With threats of war, coming to terms with new realms, and trying to break a bond, it's an entertaining plot of trying to untangle accidental unions, whilst inexplicably falling in love.
I loved the magical realm and creatures, the sweet characters, and the inclusivity.
✨"You were never the problem. You are a gift, one I plan to cherish for the rest of our lives"
✨"Did I at least look impressive before I got my ass kicked?"
"Yes, you did, my personal prince charming"
January 19, 2025
Happy Beginnings is a fast-paced, spicy, MM fairy romance that will keep you hooked from the beginning. I enjoyed how intriguing the characters were and how the story jumps right into the conflict from the beginning. I think this is a solid read and would recommend it for romantasy and queer fiction fans alike!
January 28, 2025
Reading this book was a breath of fresh air.. with a unique storyline and really likeable characters this is really a story that sinks it's hooks into you and doesn't let go... the world building needed a tad more detail and the character development was a little slow but overall it did slowly transport you into the world. A very good debut novel
January 15, 2025
I’m really grateful I’ve been able to read this early, I had a great time and I’m rating it 4.25 stars.
This is a spicy fantasy with high stakes and so many wonderful magical elements. It tackles subjects such as sexuality, boundaries and arranged marriage. It’s a mature book with a YA fantasy feel which I loved.
This is a spicy fantasy with high stakes and so many wonderful magical elements. It tackles subjects such as sexuality, boundaries and arranged marriage. It’s a mature book with a YA fantasy feel which I loved.
January 5, 2025
Thank you, NetGalley, for the opportunity of reading this ARC!
This was a cute romantasy with modern and olden themes. Alard is a lawyer who comes across Raz, a handsome businessman in NOLA for a conference. After a passionate hook-up, the two come to find they are linked together in a way Raz wasn't expecting and Alard didn't mean to happen. Complete with fairies and magic, this story is fun to read and even more fun to imagine yourself in!
I did enjoy reading this book, though I feel the story lacked a bit of depth. The characters were fun, there were a few plot twists I wasn't expecting, and I did care about the story and have a good time...but it felt a little flat/dull if I'm being honest.
Definitely a great choice for anyone new to romantasy or looking for an easy enjoyable read!
This was a cute romantasy with modern and olden themes. Alard is a lawyer who comes across Raz, a handsome businessman in NOLA for a conference. After a passionate hook-up, the two come to find they are linked together in a way Raz wasn't expecting and Alard didn't mean to happen. Complete with fairies and magic, this story is fun to read and even more fun to imagine yourself in!
I did enjoy reading this book, though I feel the story lacked a bit of depth. The characters were fun, there were a few plot twists I wasn't expecting, and I did care about the story and have a good time...but it felt a little flat/dull if I'm being honest.
Definitely a great choice for anyone new to romantasy or looking for an easy enjoyable read!
December 24, 2024
This is a beautiful fantasy, fae, magical book. It has a diverse cast of characters. The romance is a mix between gay, betrothed, polygamous, and ace. It is a fun quirky book
May 15, 2025
ARC - PUBLICATION DATE 21ST JAN 2025
4 ☆
『 tropes 』
•dual pov
•fae/human
•accidental marriage
•magical system
•instant-love
•queer rep
『 plot 』
alard fairchild is trying to make the most of his time in the human realm, with his best friend james, he knows time is running out and he will have to return to his own realm when the time comes, and he’s made peace with that, until he meets razi miller and their instant connection makes is making i harder for alard to leave but he’s a fairy prince who must return to his realm and kingdom and bring the kingdoms together by an arranged marriage with his best friend, meyda, if not it could result in war.
『 my thoughts 』
the plot was so fun, an accidental bonding of marriage between alard and raz, after only knowing one another for one night and then both working together, alongside alard’s friends james and catherine and a couple more on the fairy realm, meant that the two male main characters spent more time together and of course feelings grew and decisions needed to be made.
the inclusivity of a gay relationship, an asexual person, a non-traditional relationship, was so well done and written. it was such a fun plot but with more important and thought provoking themes throughout that added more depth to the story and made you think about it in real life.
the writing style was great, it flowed so easily and you were getting pov’s from each main character and had a well rounded picture of what was going on and it felt like you was right there with the characters.
i am a huge fan of this book, it was such a fun read. it had everything a good book needs: lovable characters, good villains, fantastical creatures, a magic system, inclusive and queer rep and lgbtq relationships.
4 ☆
『 tropes 』
•dual pov
•fae/human
•accidental marriage
•magical system
•instant-love
•queer rep
『 plot 』
alard fairchild is trying to make the most of his time in the human realm, with his best friend james, he knows time is running out and he will have to return to his own realm when the time comes, and he’s made peace with that, until he meets razi miller and their instant connection makes is making i harder for alard to leave but he’s a fairy prince who must return to his realm and kingdom and bring the kingdoms together by an arranged marriage with his best friend, meyda, if not it could result in war.
『 my thoughts 』
the plot was so fun, an accidental bonding of marriage between alard and raz, after only knowing one another for one night and then both working together, alongside alard’s friends james and catherine and a couple more on the fairy realm, meant that the two male main characters spent more time together and of course feelings grew and decisions needed to be made.
the inclusivity of a gay relationship, an asexual person, a non-traditional relationship, was so well done and written. it was such a fun plot but with more important and thought provoking themes throughout that added more depth to the story and made you think about it in real life.
the writing style was great, it flowed so easily and you were getting pov’s from each main character and had a well rounded picture of what was going on and it felt like you was right there with the characters.
i am a huge fan of this book, it was such a fun read. it had everything a good book needs: lovable characters, good villains, fantastical creatures, a magic system, inclusive and queer rep and lgbtq relationships.
January 30, 2025
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
A Happy Beginning was actually kind of A Huge Disappointment.
I'd say this novel was an ambitious attempt at writing a Romantasy epic, but ultimately fell short in both the Fantasy and Romance aspects. I found the world-building lacking, especially the magic system, which you'll have to take at face value since the characters will openly admit, "Don’t ask me how—that level of cosmic magic is beyond my understanding" (actual quote) and move on.
The romance felt inauthentic, in part because the love interest appears at only 4% of the book and it's insta-lust; they're banging by 10%. No suspense, no pining, no tension. At its core, the romance felt very much like those cheap Kindle Unlimited novellas with shirtless men on the cover—which I love, don't get me wrong, if you know me you know is most of my literary diet at this point. But my expectations were completely off due to the gorgeous cover art; I also got The Priory of the Orange Tree-but make it Urban vibes from the synopsis and that wasn't it.
I have a few other complaints, including the secondary characters feeling flat and the plot points going from predictable to anticlimactic. However, I feel like I'm being hyper-critical because my expectations were off. I think this book could have been a great YA Fantasy (without the adult themes, of course) *or* a splendid with elves (with 150 pages less); I'd have been pretty happy with either of those two drafts.
I'll definitely check out the author's next releases though because they have a lot of potential. They set a break-neck pacing and followed through, which was refreshing. I also enjoyed all the representation the characters offered!
I'd definitely recommend this book if you like fast-paced Fantasy and are accustomed to both YA characters-traits and those smutty MM Romances from the 2010s.
A Happy Beginning was actually kind of A Huge Disappointment.
I'd say this novel was an ambitious attempt at writing a Romantasy epic, but ultimately fell short in both the Fantasy and Romance aspects. I found the world-building lacking, especially the magic system, which you'll have to take at face value since the characters will openly admit, "Don’t ask me how—that level of cosmic magic is beyond my understanding" (actual quote) and move on.
The romance felt inauthentic, in part because the love interest appears at only 4% of the book and it's insta-lust; they're banging by 10%. No suspense, no pining, no tension. At its core, the romance felt very much like those cheap Kindle Unlimited novellas with shirtless men on the cover—which I love, don't get me wrong, if you know me you know is most of my literary diet at this point. But my expectations were completely off due to the gorgeous cover art; I also got The Priory of the Orange Tree-but make it Urban vibes from the synopsis and that wasn't it.
I have a few other complaints, including the secondary characters feeling flat and the plot points going from predictable to anticlimactic. However, I feel like I'm being hyper-critical because my expectations were off. I think this book could have been a great YA Fantasy (without the adult themes, of course) *or* a splendid with elves (with 150 pages less); I'd have been pretty happy with either of those two drafts.
I'll definitely check out the author's next releases though because they have a lot of potential. They set a break-neck pacing and followed through, which was refreshing. I also enjoyed all the representation the characters offered!
I'd definitely recommend this book if you like fast-paced Fantasy and are accustomed to both YA characters-traits and those smutty MM Romances from the 2010s.
April 21, 2025
Thank you to Netgalley and City Owl Press for providing this digital advanced book! I am leaving this review voluntarily.
In the best way possible, this book is very Ella Enchanted coded and I love that. There is romance, spice, fantasy elements, a fairy realm, court politics, great humor, ogres and dragons. It's a unique take on fairy lore and fantasy kingdoms. There is a good explanation for how time and aging works between the human and fairy realms. I found Alard and Raz to be a sweet couple, their friendship and romance developing in an organic and exciting way. While I think that things happened a bit quickly near the end, I do find that with most fairytale-esque stories it's best to allow loose ends to be wrapped up quickly. It allows for the happy ever after effect to feel more ethereal.
In all, I thoroughly enjoyed this story. I valued the absolute ALLY that was Princess Meyda, the comedic gold that was Timmie the dragon, and the emotional maturity that featured in the main relationship.
4.25/5
In the best way possible, this book is very Ella Enchanted coded and I love that. There is romance, spice, fantasy elements, a fairy realm, court politics, great humor, ogres and dragons. It's a unique take on fairy lore and fantasy kingdoms. There is a good explanation for how time and aging works between the human and fairy realms. I found Alard and Raz to be a sweet couple, their friendship and romance developing in an organic and exciting way. While I think that things happened a bit quickly near the end, I do find that with most fairytale-esque stories it's best to allow loose ends to be wrapped up quickly. It allows for the happy ever after effect to feel more ethereal.
In all, I thoroughly enjoyed this story. I valued the absolute ALLY that was Princess Meyda, the comedic gold that was Timmie the dragon, and the emotional maturity that featured in the main relationship.
4.25/5
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 19, 2025
First of all, thank you to @netgalley for the e-book copy of this in exchange for an honest review and to the author for reaching out to gauge my interest in the first place. ☺️
This was a wonderful and fun queer adventure. It has such a lively and diverse cast of characters you can't help but love and root for, as well as a great setting between New Orleans and the fantasy realm. The romance was a perfect blend of sweet and spicy and I loved all of the representations regarding sex and sexuality.
This is the author's debut novel and was an excellent first venture into the romantasy world. There were so many fun elements and it was just the cute queer fairytale I needed right now!
Very lovely and I was happy to receive a copy and review. The book will be released this Tuesday (1/21) for those interested. ☺️
Review re-posted from my bookstagram: @the.looted.library
This was a wonderful and fun queer adventure. It has such a lively and diverse cast of characters you can't help but love and root for, as well as a great setting between New Orleans and the fantasy realm. The romance was a perfect blend of sweet and spicy and I loved all of the representations regarding sex and sexuality.
This is the author's debut novel and was an excellent first venture into the romantasy world. There were so many fun elements and it was just the cute queer fairytale I needed right now!
Very lovely and I was happy to receive a copy and review. The book will be released this Tuesday (1/21) for those interested. ☺️
Review re-posted from my bookstagram: @the.looted.library
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December 27, 2024 Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the eARC
This book will suit people looking for a urban fantasy romance, with creatures of legend. Set in New Orleans, we follow our two heros as they meet and accidentely ends up married. They need to find a way to break the bond, because one of them is supposed to get married back home, in fairy land.
It's a fun book. Not something I would pick again, not because it is bad or anything, but simply because it isn't for me anymore. It feels like I've read the story many times, with the "villains" being a little too flat for me, but working good enough for the story the author wanted to tell. Similarly, the worldbuilding is quite common, or at least I get that feeling. Classical fairy realm, hidden creatures in our world and such.
That being said, the romance is cute, though quick. The characters are your typical urban fantasy romance, overly very nice and good, a little sexy and fun. The supporting characters are present, with their quirks. Highlight to the aroace rep !
This book will suit people looking for a urban fantasy romance, with creatures of legend. Set in New Orleans, we follow our two heros as they meet and accidentely ends up married. They need to find a way to break the bond, because one of them is supposed to get married back home, in fairy land.
It's a fun book. Not something I would pick again, not because it is bad or anything, but simply because it isn't for me anymore. It feels like I've read the story many times, with the "villains" being a little too flat for me, but working good enough for the story the author wanted to tell. Similarly, the worldbuilding is quite common, or at least I get that feeling. Classical fairy realm, hidden creatures in our world and such.
That being said, the romance is cute, though quick. The characters are your typical urban fantasy romance, overly very nice and good, a little sexy and fun. The supporting characters are present, with their quirks. Highlight to the aroace rep !
February 17, 2025
What if the faerie realm did exist and magic and fairy godmothers were still here to guide us? And what if a faerie prince accidentally became entangled with a human on the eve of his royal wedding in another realm? A Happy Beginning is a queer romantasy at its finest with an MM relationship and Ace representation. This story had spice and a true Disney-esque fairytale romance. While the story was a bit choppy in some parts, I loved every second of the heart-warming relationships. Would recommend to lovers of all fairytales, especially the queer ones. <3
Thank you to City Owl Press and NetGalley for an E-ARC copy of this book.
Thank you to City Owl Press and NetGalley for an E-ARC copy of this book.
January 12, 2025
3.5⭐️ rounded up. ARC review from NetGalley.
This was good on some levels and okay on others. The characters were engaging and I was very invested in them achieving their happily ever after, which is always a good sign because it means I connected with them on a level which made me care.
The dialogue was also pretty good, realistic. Emotional at times, funny at other times. It delivered some memorable lines and I enjoyed some of the witty banter. Concept also very good - I’m not normally one for fae/fairies but the concept intrigued me enough. I will, hand on heart, say, that the fairy element has nothing to do with what I disliked about this book.
However, the plot and delivery… left something to be desired. There was absolutely no sense of urgency in the story, and at no point did I genuinely fear for the characters and their wellbeing/lives. Also, bits (such as the kidnapping by the ogre) added very little to the plot. It was like it wanted to be a tense situation but it just didn’t quite deliver.
Overall, this was a pleasant and easy read. If you’re looking for a book that will promise comfort and a bit of fun whilst guaranteeing a happily ever after, look no further. I did enjoy this book, because who doesn’t want a bit of sunshine in their lives every so often?!
This was good on some levels and okay on others. The characters were engaging and I was very invested in them achieving their happily ever after, which is always a good sign because it means I connected with them on a level which made me care.
The dialogue was also pretty good, realistic. Emotional at times, funny at other times. It delivered some memorable lines and I enjoyed some of the witty banter. Concept also very good - I’m not normally one for fae/fairies but the concept intrigued me enough. I will, hand on heart, say, that the fairy element has nothing to do with what I disliked about this book.
However, the plot and delivery… left something to be desired. There was absolutely no sense of urgency in the story, and at no point did I genuinely fear for the characters and their wellbeing/lives. Also, bits (such as the kidnapping by the ogre) added very little to the plot. It was like it wanted to be a tense situation but it just didn’t quite deliver.
Overall, this was a pleasant and easy read. If you’re looking for a book that will promise comfort and a bit of fun whilst guaranteeing a happily ever after, look no further. I did enjoy this book, because who doesn’t want a bit of sunshine in their lives every so often?!
January 16, 2025
Thank you Netgalley and the publisher.
It was a real pleasure to meet Raz, Alard and Meyda. They are a beautiful mix between love, tenderness and trust.
I love the fact that it's not an instant love, they had doubt and a real construction in their relationship. It's a good Romantasy with a perfect representation, the fantasy background is great but I was a little bit scared with the plots twist and until the end it was almost perfect. I think that the last "problem" who came to them (the werewolf problem) was just to much and it could be different because the explanations are almost empty/no sense.
At the end I cried, laughed and be touch by the story and Raz and Alard win my heart.
It was a real pleasure to meet Raz, Alard and Meyda. They are a beautiful mix between love, tenderness and trust.
I love the fact that it's not an instant love, they had doubt and a real construction in their relationship. It's a good Romantasy with a perfect representation, the fantasy background is great but I was a little bit scared with the plots twist and until the end it was almost perfect. I think that the last "problem" who came to them (the werewolf problem) was just to much and it could be different because the explanations are almost empty/no sense.
At the end I cried, laughed and be touch by the story and Raz and Alard win my heart.
January 28, 2025
Thanks to NetGalley and City Owl Press for the ARC!
10-15 years ago, this would have been called urban fantasy or PNR (paranormal romance) - today, it’s romantasy! It’s got excellent LGBT+ rep - including ace!
Alard and Razi have an instant connection when they run into each other in New Orleans.. and wake up with fairy bond marks indicating they’ve been married during the night. Alard has a political marriage coming up in, like, a week, so he really needs to undo this bond (preferably without killing Raz, who he definitely is getting some real feelings for. Kidnappings, attempted murders, standing up to your parents, meeting your husband’s fairy princess fiancée… oh yeah, learning that there’s a fairy realm and all sorts of supernatural creatures on Earth. Raz has quite the awakening. It’s going to take all his skills as a businessman, and Alard’s as a a lawyer, to get out of this mess without starting a war.
This is a mostly fun adventure, although I absolutely did tear up at times! Raz and Alard’s connection and complications really got to me. The side characters are all unique, too.
Definitely give this a read if you love m/m fantasy politics.
10-15 years ago, this would have been called urban fantasy or PNR (paranormal romance) - today, it’s romantasy! It’s got excellent LGBT+ rep - including ace!
Alard and Razi have an instant connection when they run into each other in New Orleans.. and wake up with fairy bond marks indicating they’ve been married during the night. Alard has a political marriage coming up in, like, a week, so he really needs to undo this bond (preferably without killing Raz, who he definitely is getting some real feelings for. Kidnappings, attempted murders, standing up to your parents, meeting your husband’s fairy princess fiancée… oh yeah, learning that there’s a fairy realm and all sorts of supernatural creatures on Earth. Raz has quite the awakening. It’s going to take all his skills as a businessman, and Alard’s as a a lawyer, to get out of this mess without starting a war.
This is a mostly fun adventure, although I absolutely did tear up at times! Raz and Alard’s connection and complications really got to me. The side characters are all unique, too.
Definitely give this a read if you love m/m fantasy politics.
January 29, 2025
Thank you to the wonderful author for this ARC!
I enjoyed every second of this book.
The worldbuilding was so easy to follow but still felt deep enough to provide the escapism you'd expect from a fantasy book.
All of the characters are so lovable and relatable. I fell in love with Alard, Raz and Meyda pretty much from the very start. I also adore the way each character represents a different element of the LGBTQ+ spectrum.
There's so many side characters to fall in love with too. Timmie in particular stole my heart!
The plot is a great mix of fun adventures and heartbreaking moments. I loved the attention to detail, not only of the characters and the places but also the feelings.
Of course, I love the fact that there's plenty of well-written spice as the cherry on top of an already fun, adventure-filled book!
I enjoyed every second of this book.
The worldbuilding was so easy to follow but still felt deep enough to provide the escapism you'd expect from a fantasy book.
All of the characters are so lovable and relatable. I fell in love with Alard, Raz and Meyda pretty much from the very start. I also adore the way each character represents a different element of the LGBTQ+ spectrum.
There's so many side characters to fall in love with too. Timmie in particular stole my heart!
The plot is a great mix of fun adventures and heartbreaking moments. I loved the attention to detail, not only of the characters and the places but also the feelings.
Of course, I love the fact that there's plenty of well-written spice as the cherry on top of an already fun, adventure-filled book!
January 13, 2025
Alard is currently working as a lawyer in the city of New Orleans little does everyone know that he's not a normal human but is actually a fairy prince form the Kindgoms of Earth and Sky. He meets Razi by chance multiple times, they have an instant connection. During a heated evening they somehow end up bound in marriage. This puts Alard in a tight place as he is set to be married to his best friend Meyda, the princess of Fire and Ice.
The world building in this story is lovely. You feel like you're there with them enjoying the streets of New Orleans or seeing the fairy realms for the first time with Razi. The stakes are high with Meyda's parents threatening war and Razi in danger.
The characters were all intriguing, both Alard and Razi were interesting and engaging. It was nice to see the "rival" Meyda be fun, interesting and one of my favorite characters.
This was an ambitious story and it did feel at points that the author was trying to add more and more obstacles for Alard and Razi before they could find their happy ending.
This book was a lot of fun and fast read. It was great to see a queernormative world and a whole range of interesting characters. I highly recommend for anyone looking for a fun, queer fantasy.
Thank you NetGalley and Victory Editing for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The world building in this story is lovely. You feel like you're there with them enjoying the streets of New Orleans or seeing the fairy realms for the first time with Razi. The stakes are high with Meyda's parents threatening war and Razi in danger.
The characters were all intriguing, both Alard and Razi were interesting and engaging. It was nice to see the "rival" Meyda be fun, interesting and one of my favorite characters.
This was an ambitious story and it did feel at points that the author was trying to add more and more obstacles for Alard and Razi before they could find their happy ending.
This book was a lot of fun and fast read. It was great to see a queernormative world and a whole range of interesting characters. I highly recommend for anyone looking for a fun, queer fantasy.
Thank you NetGalley and Victory Editing for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
January 2, 2025
A huge thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and B.A. Richards for providing me with an ARC of A Happy Beginning in exchange for my honest review.
A Happy Beginning is an urban romantasy with a queer twist, set in the vibrant city of New Orleans. The story follows Alard, a fairy prince, and Raz, a human, as they navigate their magical bond following a night of passion. Alard is betrothed to Meyda, a princess from another realm, making his love for a human a potential catalyst for political disaster and inter-realm conflict.
The writing style is simplistic and accessible, making it easy for readers to follow. The seamless blend of urban and fantasy elements is executed well, immersing the reader in a world that feels both magical and grounded. The relationships between the characters are thoughtfully constructed, adding depth to the narrative.
However, the story fell a little flat for me. The "insta-love" trope didn’t resonate, and I found myself wishing for more development in the romance. While the premise has potential, it doesn’t feel particularly unique within the romantasy genre, leaving me yearning for a more distinctive or surprising narrative.
Overall, while A Happy Beginning offers an intriguing setting and diverse representation, it ultimately didn’t fully deliver on its promise for me. With further development, this story could truly shine.
A Happy Beginning is an urban romantasy with a queer twist, set in the vibrant city of New Orleans. The story follows Alard, a fairy prince, and Raz, a human, as they navigate their magical bond following a night of passion. Alard is betrothed to Meyda, a princess from another realm, making his love for a human a potential catalyst for political disaster and inter-realm conflict.
The writing style is simplistic and accessible, making it easy for readers to follow. The seamless blend of urban and fantasy elements is executed well, immersing the reader in a world that feels both magical and grounded. The relationships between the characters are thoughtfully constructed, adding depth to the narrative.
However, the story fell a little flat for me. The "insta-love" trope didn’t resonate, and I found myself wishing for more development in the romance. While the premise has potential, it doesn’t feel particularly unique within the romantasy genre, leaving me yearning for a more distinctive or surprising narrative.
Overall, while A Happy Beginning offers an intriguing setting and diverse representation, it ultimately didn’t fully deliver on its promise for me. With further development, this story could truly shine.
March 31, 2025
thank you to netgalley, city owl press, and b.a. richards for approving me! this is my first arc of the year and i was so excited to read it! queer royal fae has my name written all over it, but unfortunately, this wasn't quite the book for me. it had so much promise, and i enjoyed the characters more or less, but i didn't enjoy much of the writing style, and i felt like the plot was way too rushed and surface-level. i would have loved to learn more about the world, about the magic and the bond and feel like alard and raz were growing together, not shoved together and immediately obsessed and in love after only a few days. there was not enough show don't tell for me, and i think everything needed to be stretched out a bit more; it always felt like things resolved too easily and quickly given the stakes set up. ultimately, this was an okay book! i'm honored to have had the chance and opportunity to read and review this, and appreciate the publisher and the author's hard work.
January 10, 2025
The Plot
A Happy Beginning is an LGBTQ+ romantasy story, with the focus on a Male couple comprising of the wonderful fae Prince Alard and the business savvy human, Raz. We meet Alard, our beautiful MMC, in the human world and shortly learn his days here are numbered. Alard has been called back to the fairy realm to do his duty and finally complete an arranged marriage. Alard is set to marry Princess Meyda, the daughter of the enemy kingdom. Their wedding is hinted to save the kingdom after 2000 years of trouble between both kingdoms. There has been an agreement to stop fighting, but things are becoming strained the longer Alard puts off the wedding.
Alard and Meydas’ relationship is more like that of siblings rather than lovers. With Meyda even showing signs of being asexual perhaps. Alard, we learn, is very respectful of Meydas choices and will not force anything upon her. When the couple finally need to produce an heir, adoption is welcomed in their realm. Alard himself was actually adopted from the human realm by his parents. As the reader, we are led to believe that the fairy realm is open and accepting of different sexuallities and made families, but we actually find out from Alard that he is concerned the realm won’t accept human definitions of sexuality.
Alard meets Raz, a handsome man who he keeps bumping into. After some drinks at a club, the men sneak off, and we get some spicy scenes. During one, however, they overheard a marriage ceremony mid rough and tumble. When they wake the next morning, they both find matching tattoos on each other, which signify a marriage bond between the pair.
The Review
As I am sure you’ll all agree, this book is a breath of fresh air in the fantasy world. There’s no shame or hiding in the closet. Everyone is open and unapologetically themselves. We’re not finding out under great secret that our characters are sexually diverse, and it’s not an after the fact detail just thrown in there to appease the need for inclusivity.
There are a few times where information is skipped, as transitions jump to the characters being somewhere else or knowing something we the reader don't. A couple of examples of this would be alard jumping on a streetcar to then be walking down the street with James in the next sentence. When did we meet James, and how did we get to walking with him down a street? Another example is a spoiler, so I’m warning you here when the boys speak to the security guard as they try to find how they became wedded partners and if there’s a way to nullify the marriage. The security guard said they'd have to talk to the event coordinator. The very next conversation we have is Alard talking about how the people they needed to talk to (the events coordinator) have already left town, but we were never given that information or told how they found that information out, is Alard psychic or did he look for them? It's almost as if a few scenes have been cut out, whether in editing or writing, I'm not sure. End of spoiler! There are also a few spelling mistakes and wrong words used, e.g, said instead of sad, acorn instead of walnut. It does stop the flow of reading and pulls you out of the story when you notice it. But it's only few and far between when it happens. Hopefully, in the second edition, these minor mistakes can be fixed.
We also have some phenomenal boundary setting by Raz, the human, he cares about his human life, he doesn’t want to completely give up everything for the one he loves, changing who he is and what he is. I applaud Richards for deciding to develop Raz like this. Again, it’s a change from the usual, so often we see characters ditch everything for the shiny fantasy realm. Not giving them a true human background. By applying this into a book, it encourages readers to be the same and to set boundaries for themselves, without being a heavy topic to think about. It’s a fantastic lesson and I hope it inspires readers to set boundaries in their own lives.
Richard's ability to describe scenery and people is nothing short of beautiful. You can clearly picture the environment and the people. The worldbuilding is so well down it’s almost like you can plot out an entire map in your head. Their descriptions are almost romantic. You feel like you’ve been pulled into a warm hug on a cold spring day. The way the writing flows in and out between these stunning descriptions and the heartfelt dialogue from our characters makes you feel SO cosy. Even in times of peril, you know everything is going to be okay. It’s almost calming to read.
If you want to get lost in a magical embrace, where you’re safe to be whoever you want to be, then pick up this book. Sure, there are a few mistakes, but the unbridled joy you feel whilst reading is more than worth it.
A Happy Beginning is an LGBTQ+ romantasy story, with the focus on a Male couple comprising of the wonderful fae Prince Alard and the business savvy human, Raz. We meet Alard, our beautiful MMC, in the human world and shortly learn his days here are numbered. Alard has been called back to the fairy realm to do his duty and finally complete an arranged marriage. Alard is set to marry Princess Meyda, the daughter of the enemy kingdom. Their wedding is hinted to save the kingdom after 2000 years of trouble between both kingdoms. There has been an agreement to stop fighting, but things are becoming strained the longer Alard puts off the wedding.
Alard and Meydas’ relationship is more like that of siblings rather than lovers. With Meyda even showing signs of being asexual perhaps. Alard, we learn, is very respectful of Meydas choices and will not force anything upon her. When the couple finally need to produce an heir, adoption is welcomed in their realm. Alard himself was actually adopted from the human realm by his parents. As the reader, we are led to believe that the fairy realm is open and accepting of different sexuallities and made families, but we actually find out from Alard that he is concerned the realm won’t accept human definitions of sexuality.
Alard meets Raz, a handsome man who he keeps bumping into. After some drinks at a club, the men sneak off, and we get some spicy scenes. During one, however, they overheard a marriage ceremony mid rough and tumble. When they wake the next morning, they both find matching tattoos on each other, which signify a marriage bond between the pair.
The Review
As I am sure you’ll all agree, this book is a breath of fresh air in the fantasy world. There’s no shame or hiding in the closet. Everyone is open and unapologetically themselves. We’re not finding out under great secret that our characters are sexually diverse, and it’s not an after the fact detail just thrown in there to appease the need for inclusivity.
There are a few times where information is skipped, as transitions jump to the characters being somewhere else or knowing something we the reader don't. A couple of examples of this would be alard jumping on a streetcar to then be walking down the street with James in the next sentence. When did we meet James, and how did we get to walking with him down a street? Another example is a spoiler, so I’m warning you here when the boys speak to the security guard as they try to find how they became wedded partners and if there’s a way to nullify the marriage. The security guard said they'd have to talk to the event coordinator. The very next conversation we have is Alard talking about how the people they needed to talk to (the events coordinator) have already left town, but we were never given that information or told how they found that information out, is Alard psychic or did he look for them? It's almost as if a few scenes have been cut out, whether in editing or writing, I'm not sure. End of spoiler! There are also a few spelling mistakes and wrong words used, e.g, said instead of sad, acorn instead of walnut. It does stop the flow of reading and pulls you out of the story when you notice it. But it's only few and far between when it happens. Hopefully, in the second edition, these minor mistakes can be fixed.
We also have some phenomenal boundary setting by Raz, the human, he cares about his human life, he doesn’t want to completely give up everything for the one he loves, changing who he is and what he is. I applaud Richards for deciding to develop Raz like this. Again, it’s a change from the usual, so often we see characters ditch everything for the shiny fantasy realm. Not giving them a true human background. By applying this into a book, it encourages readers to be the same and to set boundaries for themselves, without being a heavy topic to think about. It’s a fantastic lesson and I hope it inspires readers to set boundaries in their own lives.
Richard's ability to describe scenery and people is nothing short of beautiful. You can clearly picture the environment and the people. The worldbuilding is so well down it’s almost like you can plot out an entire map in your head. Their descriptions are almost romantic. You feel like you’ve been pulled into a warm hug on a cold spring day. The way the writing flows in and out between these stunning descriptions and the heartfelt dialogue from our characters makes you feel SO cosy. Even in times of peril, you know everything is going to be okay. It’s almost calming to read.
If you want to get lost in a magical embrace, where you’re safe to be whoever you want to be, then pick up this book. Sure, there are a few mistakes, but the unbridled joy you feel whilst reading is more than worth it.
February 3, 2025
3.5 Stars.
In this cozy fae/human romance story, we have Razi or Raz, who's an Egyptian American human businessman, in New Orleans for a conference. Like most conferences in hotels, there's usually one or two more events going on. In his case, there was a three day mass wedding ceremony happening. This leads him to bump into a very pretty lawyer, with a great ass (this is emphasized throughout the book), who's actually a fae prince in disguise. They keep bumping into each other in the next few days and decide to get to know each other. One thing leads to another, and after a fun romp in bed, they find themselves faebonded, somehow. Which wouldn't be too terrible if the fae prince, Alard, wasn't supposed to be marrying his childhood best friend in a few days to merge the fae kingdoms and prevent a war.
Based on the gorgeous cover and the summary, I was expecting a romantic fantasy adventure with some interesting stakes involved (and epic dragons). What this is? A cozy fantasy queer book that's too simple for me. If you like cozy and low stakes, with two men falling in love with each other, an ace snarky princess, and a cute cat like dragon, this book is for you.
I still rated it highly enough because I did enjoy it overall, and was better than a few other books I was reading along with this. However. This book is not without criticisms. One, this should've been a YA book and maybe a hundred pages shorter. Take out the semi explicit smut scenes and it'd be a perfect book for the YA shelves.
The characters here do NOT act like they're in their mid to late twenties. Any possible bumps, problems, or dangers are very surface level and gets fixed in a very short chapter or two. It's about as high stakes as a Hallmark movie before the commercial break.
The other issue, and this is one I've seen in my own writing a lot, especially when I was in my late teens and early twenties... Too much "grinning, chuckling, smiling" as if the characters can't say or do anything else without those attached. I felt like we were in "Us" or something with how often the characters responded to a situation by those happy emotes.
I'm realizing, I'm not a big fan of fated mates books because it makes the author lazy usually. At least here, there's wonderful chemistry with Razi and Alard. They're sweet together, but with how quickly they fall into "true love" in the course of less of a week—it was just missing something there. I liked Meyda, the fully ace fae best friend. She just seemed very childish at times, even if it's supposed to emulate how Faes who never interacted with the human realm are supposed to react. I saw a similar issue into "Married to the Fae" with the siblings there. It was nice to see ace representation.
The other characters, including the fae creatures, were all interesting and had just enough of a personality for me to want to see more of them, like Fi. Some interesting world building even if very simple. It's just, the antagonists presented here were too cookie cutter. All the issues, like I mentioned above, were suddenly introduced and then solved, not giving it any weight.
Finally, the last issue, which should've have really bumped this down to a three, was the fact that Raz's ethnicity was only ever brought up to show his hardship. He's first generation Egyptian-American, and dark skinned. We only ever see this when he talks about his life with his family, and all the times he was bullied for his skin color and how that made him a stronger man. He even Americanizes his name. We don't see any other instance of his heritage or culture within him, not even at the end. He also was the one to have to sacrifice a lot throughout, which doesn't make up for the fact it does get somewhat fixed at the end. I'm also not fond of narratives where one half of the couple has no support group from their side/life, and only has to make friends/support group from the partner's side. It feels icky to me.
But the story did win me over. Again, I still rated it highly despite the above.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
As for the cover? It's gorgeous. I love the skylines and the color and the outline of both men along with the fantastic looking dragon. The title of course is a very sweet tie in, and is the kind of literacy device I love. It really grabbed me. Shame that the kingdom looks nothing like that and I don't think Razi actually has a beard.
In this cozy fae/human romance story, we have Razi or Raz, who's an Egyptian American human businessman, in New Orleans for a conference. Like most conferences in hotels, there's usually one or two more events going on. In his case, there was a three day mass wedding ceremony happening. This leads him to bump into a very pretty lawyer, with a great ass (this is emphasized throughout the book), who's actually a fae prince in disguise. They keep bumping into each other in the next few days and decide to get to know each other. One thing leads to another, and after a fun romp in bed, they find themselves faebonded, somehow. Which wouldn't be too terrible if the fae prince, Alard, wasn't supposed to be marrying his childhood best friend in a few days to merge the fae kingdoms and prevent a war.
Based on the gorgeous cover and the summary, I was expecting a romantic fantasy adventure with some interesting stakes involved (and epic dragons). What this is? A cozy fantasy queer book that's too simple for me. If you like cozy and low stakes, with two men falling in love with each other, an ace snarky princess, and a cute cat like dragon, this book is for you.
I still rated it highly enough because I did enjoy it overall, and was better than a few other books I was reading along with this. However. This book is not without criticisms. One, this should've been a YA book and maybe a hundred pages shorter. Take out the semi explicit smut scenes and it'd be a perfect book for the YA shelves.
The characters here do NOT act like they're in their mid to late twenties. Any possible bumps, problems, or dangers are very surface level and gets fixed in a very short chapter or two. It's about as high stakes as a Hallmark movie before the commercial break.
The other issue, and this is one I've seen in my own writing a lot, especially when I was in my late teens and early twenties... Too much "grinning, chuckling, smiling" as if the characters can't say or do anything else without those attached. I felt like we were in "Us" or something with how often the characters responded to a situation by those happy emotes.
I'm realizing, I'm not a big fan of fated mates books because it makes the author lazy usually. At least here, there's wonderful chemistry with Razi and Alard. They're sweet together, but with how quickly they fall into "true love" in the course of less of a week—it was just missing something there. I liked Meyda, the fully ace fae best friend. She just seemed very childish at times, even if it's supposed to emulate how Faes who never interacted with the human realm are supposed to react. I saw a similar issue into "Married to the Fae" with the siblings there. It was nice to see ace representation.
The other characters, including the fae creatures, were all interesting and had just enough of a personality for me to want to see more of them, like Fi. Some interesting world building even if very simple. It's just, the antagonists presented here were too cookie cutter. All the issues, like I mentioned above, were suddenly introduced and then solved, not giving it any weight.
Finally, the last issue, which should've have really bumped this down to a three, was the fact that Raz's ethnicity was only ever brought up to show his hardship. He's first generation Egyptian-American, and dark skinned. We only ever see this when he talks about his life with his family, and all the times he was bullied for his skin color and how that made him a stronger man. He even Americanizes his name. We don't see any other instance of his heritage or culture within him, not even at the end. He also was the one to have to sacrifice a lot throughout, which doesn't make up for the fact it does get somewhat fixed at the end. I'm also not fond of narratives where one half of the couple has no support group from their side/life, and only has to make friends/support group from the partner's side. It feels icky to me.
But the story did win me over. Again, I still rated it highly despite the above.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
As for the cover? It's gorgeous. I love the skylines and the color and the outline of both men along with the fantastic looking dragon. The title of course is a very sweet tie in, and is the kind of literacy device I love. It really grabbed me. Shame that the kingdom looks nothing like that and I don't think Razi actually has a beard.
January 11, 2025
An Advanced Review Copy was provided by the publisher in exchange for a review.
This review is is told from the perspective of the two main characters: Alard Fairchild and Razi Miller.
Alard Fairchild : Ah, my dear readers, where to begin? I suppose at the beginning, as is fitting for a tale titled A Happy Beginning. I, Alard Fairchild, am no ordinary man, but a prince from the Kingdoms of Earth and Sky, masquerading as a poverty lawyer in the vibrant heart of New Orleans. I gotta say, the city's legends of vampires and witches are not just stories to keep you up at night; they're closer to reality than you might think.
Razi Miller: And I'm Razi Miller, just your average tourist looking for a bit of adventure. But let me tell you, I got more than I bargained for with this one! One night, one unforgettable night, and I wake up with a magical tattoo that binds me to Alard. Yeah, you heard that right. A marriage tattoo. We’re practically hitched, and I didn’t even get a say in the decor!
Alard Fairchild: Indeed, neither of us knew how this bond came to be, but the implications were immediately clear. Our union, accidental as it was, held the power to ignite wars between realms. Imagine my surprise, my distress, when I discovered that I am already betrothed to Meyda, the fierce Princess of Fire and Ice.
Razi Miller: And there I am, caught in the middle of some interdimensional political drama. Suddenly, I’m not just Razi, the guy who likes a good party; I'm a pawn in a game I didn't even sign up for. But, you know, there’s something about being thrown into the deep end with someone like Alard. The stakes are high, the dangers are real, but the adventure? Unmatched.
Alard Fairchild: Through this chaos, Razi and I had to navigate treacherous waters. We found ourselves in hidden worlds with creatures of legend, facing challenges that tested our very souls. Yet, in the midst of all this turmoil, we discovered a connection that neither of us could deny or control. Love, it seems, has its own magic, doesn't it?
Razi Miller: Love, huh? Yeah, that's the kicker. Here we are, trying to undo a spell that's literally tattoo'd onto our skin, and instead, we're falling for each other. It's like, the more we tried to untangle the mess we were in, the more we got tangled up in each other. But let’s not kid ourselves, it was all kinds of intense – dark magic, high stakes, and some seriously sizzling romance.
Alard Fairchild: B.A. Richards crafts a world where every page turn is a dance between danger and desire. The blend of urban fantasy with the rich tapestry of New Orleans culture makes for a setting that's as enchanting as it is perilous. The characters are diverse, their relationships complex, and the narrative keeps you hooked, desperate to see how our story unfolds.
Razi Miller: And don't get me started on the twists! Richards doesn't just throw you into a fantasy; she keeps you guessing with every chapter. It's like you're on this rollercoaster, and just when you think you know where you're headed, bam! Another loop or drop. But it's all part of the ride, and trust me, you won't want to get off until the very last page.
Alard Fairchild: So, if you're looking for a tale where magic isn't just in the spells but in the connections between people, where love can be both a curse and a salvation, then A Happy Beginning is your gateway. It's a story of unexpected bonds, of chaos and control, and ultimately, of finding where your heart truly lies.
Razi Miller: Yeah, and if you’re into stories that mix fae, fantasy, and a dash of human messiness, this book’s for you. It’s quirky, it’s magical, and it’s got enough heart to make you feel like you're part of the story. So, dive in, see if you can unravel the mystery of our tattoo, or better yet, see if you can handle the heat of New Orleans with a side of love and danger
This review is is told from the perspective of the two main characters: Alard Fairchild and Razi Miller.
Alard Fairchild : Ah, my dear readers, where to begin? I suppose at the beginning, as is fitting for a tale titled A Happy Beginning. I, Alard Fairchild, am no ordinary man, but a prince from the Kingdoms of Earth and Sky, masquerading as a poverty lawyer in the vibrant heart of New Orleans. I gotta say, the city's legends of vampires and witches are not just stories to keep you up at night; they're closer to reality than you might think.
Razi Miller: And I'm Razi Miller, just your average tourist looking for a bit of adventure. But let me tell you, I got more than I bargained for with this one! One night, one unforgettable night, and I wake up with a magical tattoo that binds me to Alard. Yeah, you heard that right. A marriage tattoo. We’re practically hitched, and I didn’t even get a say in the decor!
Alard Fairchild: Indeed, neither of us knew how this bond came to be, but the implications were immediately clear. Our union, accidental as it was, held the power to ignite wars between realms. Imagine my surprise, my distress, when I discovered that I am already betrothed to Meyda, the fierce Princess of Fire and Ice.
Razi Miller: And there I am, caught in the middle of some interdimensional political drama. Suddenly, I’m not just Razi, the guy who likes a good party; I'm a pawn in a game I didn't even sign up for. But, you know, there’s something about being thrown into the deep end with someone like Alard. The stakes are high, the dangers are real, but the adventure? Unmatched.
Alard Fairchild: Through this chaos, Razi and I had to navigate treacherous waters. We found ourselves in hidden worlds with creatures of legend, facing challenges that tested our very souls. Yet, in the midst of all this turmoil, we discovered a connection that neither of us could deny or control. Love, it seems, has its own magic, doesn't it?
Razi Miller: Love, huh? Yeah, that's the kicker. Here we are, trying to undo a spell that's literally tattoo'd onto our skin, and instead, we're falling for each other. It's like, the more we tried to untangle the mess we were in, the more we got tangled up in each other. But let’s not kid ourselves, it was all kinds of intense – dark magic, high stakes, and some seriously sizzling romance.
Alard Fairchild: B.A. Richards crafts a world where every page turn is a dance between danger and desire. The blend of urban fantasy with the rich tapestry of New Orleans culture makes for a setting that's as enchanting as it is perilous. The characters are diverse, their relationships complex, and the narrative keeps you hooked, desperate to see how our story unfolds.
Razi Miller: And don't get me started on the twists! Richards doesn't just throw you into a fantasy; she keeps you guessing with every chapter. It's like you're on this rollercoaster, and just when you think you know where you're headed, bam! Another loop or drop. But it's all part of the ride, and trust me, you won't want to get off until the very last page.
Alard Fairchild: So, if you're looking for a tale where magic isn't just in the spells but in the connections between people, where love can be both a curse and a salvation, then A Happy Beginning is your gateway. It's a story of unexpected bonds, of chaos and control, and ultimately, of finding where your heart truly lies.
Razi Miller: Yeah, and if you’re into stories that mix fae, fantasy, and a dash of human messiness, this book’s for you. It’s quirky, it’s magical, and it’s got enough heart to make you feel like you're part of the story. So, dive in, see if you can unravel the mystery of our tattoo, or better yet, see if you can handle the heat of New Orleans with a side of love and danger
January 22, 2025
A Happy Beginning is an urban fantasy romance novel, and the debut novel from B.A. Richards. It is a (literal) fairy tale about an instant connection between Alard, a New Orleans-based lawyer, and Raz, a businessman in town for a conference. What was expected to be a one-night hook-up transforms into an accidental bond that has major repercussions in both of their worlds.
This is a world with vampires, werewolves, and the fae. Richards weaves a beautiful tapestry of vibrant and magical worldbuilding, combining the world we know with another just the other side of the looking glass. It combines classic themes of royal marriages and palace politics with modern diversity and LGBTQ+ representation from across the spectrum. It is an easy and enjoyable read, comparable to a fun popcorn flick or a young adult novel, and sets the hook with enough temptation to read just one more chapter. Who needs sleep anyway?
This is a benefit for someone who doesn’t read a lot of fantasy or gets lost in the flood of details found in something like Game of Thrones or The Wheel of Time. My wife is familiar with the fantasy genre, but I often find it frustrating. This story is easy to follow and has relatable characters drawn from all walks of life. (Given her familiarity with urban fantasy and its subgenres, my wife was a good reference for those genre elements that made me stumble.)
The romance between the main characters does include erotic content, something that I wish had been more “closed door” or “fade to black” style given this novel’s tone. The magical relationship remains believable, but the spicy scenes presented an abrupt tonal shift, pulling this novel away from one that I could recommend to older family members as an entry point to discuss LGBTQ+ issues. Without those scenes, this could easily become a YA novel.
I do wish that this world was more fully fleshed out. Main characters like Alard, Raz, and Meyda have depth but secondary characters (such as the story’s antagonist) often don’t. The majority of the story ends up being told from Raz’s point of view, giving us the fish out of water perspective like John Crichton of Farscape. In fact, the prose shines in that exploration – a favorite chapter was a trip to a major metropolis told from the perspective of a character unfamiliar with the human world – and exemplifies the concept of “drinking from the fire hose” for Raz as he learns a whole new reality in a short period of time. But the tale falls flat in filling the magical world as much as it does the human world, often whisking the reader over interstitial spaces and leaving empty a world that we’re told is full of good, honest, caring people.
The drawbacks don’t detract from the potential provided by worldbuilding and thematic exploration. These are huge strengths, and since this is Richards’s debut work, it shows room for them to grow as they hone their craft. I enjoyed this read and would love to see more from them in the future, especially in these realms.
This is a world with vampires, werewolves, and the fae. Richards weaves a beautiful tapestry of vibrant and magical worldbuilding, combining the world we know with another just the other side of the looking glass. It combines classic themes of royal marriages and palace politics with modern diversity and LGBTQ+ representation from across the spectrum. It is an easy and enjoyable read, comparable to a fun popcorn flick or a young adult novel, and sets the hook with enough temptation to read just one more chapter. Who needs sleep anyway?
This is a benefit for someone who doesn’t read a lot of fantasy or gets lost in the flood of details found in something like Game of Thrones or The Wheel of Time. My wife is familiar with the fantasy genre, but I often find it frustrating. This story is easy to follow and has relatable characters drawn from all walks of life. (Given her familiarity with urban fantasy and its subgenres, my wife was a good reference for those genre elements that made me stumble.)
The romance between the main characters does include erotic content, something that I wish had been more “closed door” or “fade to black” style given this novel’s tone. The magical relationship remains believable, but the spicy scenes presented an abrupt tonal shift, pulling this novel away from one that I could recommend to older family members as an entry point to discuss LGBTQ+ issues. Without those scenes, this could easily become a YA novel.
I do wish that this world was more fully fleshed out. Main characters like Alard, Raz, and Meyda have depth but secondary characters (such as the story’s antagonist) often don’t. The majority of the story ends up being told from Raz’s point of view, giving us the fish out of water perspective like John Crichton of Farscape. In fact, the prose shines in that exploration – a favorite chapter was a trip to a major metropolis told from the perspective of a character unfamiliar with the human world – and exemplifies the concept of “drinking from the fire hose” for Raz as he learns a whole new reality in a short period of time. But the tale falls flat in filling the magical world as much as it does the human world, often whisking the reader over interstitial spaces and leaving empty a world that we’re told is full of good, honest, caring people.
The drawbacks don’t detract from the potential provided by worldbuilding and thematic exploration. These are huge strengths, and since this is Richards’s debut work, it shows room for them to grow as they hone their craft. I enjoyed this read and would love to see more from them in the future, especially in these realms.
January 26, 2025
My Initial Thoughts
I was drawn into this cover and I was blown away with the story inside. At first I was a bit unsure spice is straight away so initially I was worried that it might be more spice than plot HOWEVER this is totally not the case and the story inside is absolutely incredible.
Plot
The plot of A Happy Beginning is absolutely INCREDIBLE! The multiple aspects, keeping the plot alive right until the very end which is something I love in a novel. It does not dull or ebb away in the dangers and drama and keeps the anxiety and emotions sky high right until the last chapter. Honestly I just could not put it down and stayed up so late reading as being part of Meyda, Alard and Raz's world was immersive.
Characters
What's not to love about the main characters in this book?!
Meyda was a bad arse FMC, that can 100 percent hold her own, through out the book, she just awe struck me!
You feel Alards situation and how he is stuck with his rule and kingdom over his heart. And then Raz and how he also needs to fight his heart. Both definitely have the golden retriever vibes though. On a side note, Timmie and Fi are absolutely my favourite side characters. Timmie's attitude just feels like my own, and Fi is just the most adorable little thing.
Recommend
If you enjoy romantasy and magic realism then this could definitely be your vibes! Just keep in mind it is a spicy romance/fantasy.
Favourite Quotes
"Yeah, well humans are werid."
"When this is over, I'm spending a week in the library. No visitors, no parties. Just me, my books and my music."
"Not all magic is fairy made. It looks beautiful right now because the city and people are making their own kind of magic."
"Books have a way of finding you when you need them most."
"Oh Godnads!"
Favourite Chapter/s
Chapters 22 and 32.
Summed up in one sentence
The perfect mixture of supernatural and humans.
Overall Wrap up
I just adored this book so much, I wish it was longer and that it was going to continue on... wait could this be a series, I so wish it would be instead of a standalone. However it is open ended sooooooooo.
Overall I just had the best time reading this, and felt all the emotions, the shocking impacts, the love and the heartache at times. I had my giggles and loved the references to other novels within the novel. It also caught me straight in the heart with all the bookish love Meyda has, a Princess after my own heart.
Stars.
4.75
Spice.
3 out of 5.
Book Information
A Happy Beginning by B.A Richards.
Genre - Romance/Fantasy (Romantasy)
Pages - 359 pages.
Tropes -
Forbidden romance.
Supernatural x human.
Magic realism.
Plenty of supernatuals.
Available on Kindle Unlimited - Not available on kindle unlimited.
Available Formats - Kindle, paperback and hardback.
Publishing Information - Published on 21st January 2025 by City Owl Press.
Format in Which i Read - Kindle.
Where my copy come From - Love Book Tours.
POVs - Written in 3rd person from all three main characters POVs.
Single/Dual/Multiple Timelines - Single timeline.
1st or 3rd Person - 3rd person.
HEA, HFN or Cliffhanger - HEA.
Series or Standalone - Standalone.
Trigger Warnings - Contains spicy scenes in explicit details, please check content warnings before reading. Remember your mental health matters.
January 28, 2025
I have mixed feelings about this read. Overall, I enjoyed it, but there were parts that I struggled with. Richards has a very inviting writing style. There's a lightheartedness to the story that reminds me of fairytales; the characters are dealing with stressful situations (the threat of war and bodily harm), but it's not graphic. You can read and enjoy the story without being triggered or traumatized. Yet, this very adult romance is happening, so it's still appealing and avoids seeming childish. I found myself falling for Alard and Raz as they fell for each other and rooting for them. Even after finishing the novel, I remember them fondly. They stuck with me.
Another great aspect of the book was that it did not use homophobia or racism to progress the plot. Although there are some mentions of Raz having been discriminated against because of his race and sexual identity, this is not a significant theme of the book. Alard's and Raz's relationship is normal. We see them holding hands and kissing in public, and no one bats an eye. Even for the fae, the focus is on how the relationship impacts Alard's betrothal, not that they're gay. I loved this.
My main issue was the tension and a few of the plot points. I won't go into detail or give spoilers, but I'll say this: Even though the stakes are high (i.e., war between the two fairy kingdoms), I didn't feel the pressure. I understood the stakes intellectually, but it didn't translate into an experience. Some things that should have created tension fell flat, and there were moments when things felt too convenient.
Despite this, I had genuine moments of joy and surprise, and I was entertained. Richards's writing and my love for the MCs carried me through. There was a natural flow and so many cute side characters. I loved all of their quirks, and they contributed to that feeling of fondness that I felt throughout the story.
Lastly, the spice was spicing 🥵🌶️. There's no doubt that Alard and Raz have chemistry. Their intimate moments are intense and capture their feelings for one another. Richards does not shy away from giving us all the steamy details. All the romantic scenes are a 10.
(Special thanks to B.A. Richards for providing me with an Advanced Reader Copy of the novel in exchange for an honest review.)
Another great aspect of the book was that it did not use homophobia or racism to progress the plot. Although there are some mentions of Raz having been discriminated against because of his race and sexual identity, this is not a significant theme of the book. Alard's and Raz's relationship is normal. We see them holding hands and kissing in public, and no one bats an eye. Even for the fae, the focus is on how the relationship impacts Alard's betrothal, not that they're gay. I loved this.
My main issue was the tension and a few of the plot points. I won't go into detail or give spoilers, but I'll say this: Even though the stakes are high (i.e., war between the two fairy kingdoms), I didn't feel the pressure. I understood the stakes intellectually, but it didn't translate into an experience. Some things that should have created tension fell flat, and there were moments when things felt too convenient.
Despite this, I had genuine moments of joy and surprise, and I was entertained. Richards's writing and my love for the MCs carried me through. There was a natural flow and so many cute side characters. I loved all of their quirks, and they contributed to that feeling of fondness that I felt throughout the story.
Lastly, the spice was spicing 🥵🌶️. There's no doubt that Alard and Raz have chemistry. Their intimate moments are intense and capture their feelings for one another. Richards does not shy away from giving us all the steamy details. All the romantic scenes are a 10.
(Special thanks to B.A. Richards for providing me with an Advanced Reader Copy of the novel in exchange for an honest review.)
January 25, 2025
I don’t read a lot of romantasy – yes, even thebig one that came out this week. But this one was absolutely a great read and I recommend it if you like a steamy urban/high-fantasy read or if you can look past the steam, which is normally my jam.
Heads up: This one is way steamier than I prefer. However, the story around the likes open-door spicy (very graphic) scenes was good enough to keep me reading. Then when I came across a character who was on the ace-spectrum with a loving, supportive life partner -I couldn’t put the book down. Great ace rep is hard to come by! Love it! I realized a while back my preference for so-called “clean” romance had a lot to do with me being on the acespectrum.
Anyway, being from New Orleans, I was also excited to see my city on the pages – especially in a way that isn’t the 100% typical tourist depiction. There were several scenes that weren’t just Bourbon street debauchery, and there were several mentions by the main characters about how New Orleans isn’t what people expect. I could see pieces of the city I love in their descriptions. Speaking of those main characters, they were both – or all three if we include the fairy best friend – charming. I enjoyed viewing the relationships blossoming and seeing them tackle the big issue at hand. I don’t want to discuss that too much because – spoilers.
But in addition to the main characters there are of course a ton of awesome supporting ones. James, Fi, Timmie, and Monique are among my favorites. Some big surprises happen surrounding some of them and – Wow!
Who’s It For?
If you love steam-filled, LGBTQIA love stories, this is a great pick for you. It features a lot of great tropes from one-night stands and accidental marriages to fabulous best friends and fear of true love. Also probably lots of others. It has a great blend of urban and high fantasy for lovers of both!
Content Warning: Veiled racism among species, Graphic Adult scenes, Adult Language, Betrayal, Dysfunctional Family, Violence/ War, Forced/Arranged Marriage, Kidnapping
Heads up: This one is way steamier than I prefer. However, the story around the likes open-door spicy (very graphic) scenes was good enough to keep me reading. Then when I came across a character who was on the ace-spectrum with a loving, supportive life partner -I couldn’t put the book down. Great ace rep is hard to come by! Love it! I realized a while back my preference for so-called “clean” romance had a lot to do with me being on the acespectrum.
Anyway, being from New Orleans, I was also excited to see my city on the pages – especially in a way that isn’t the 100% typical tourist depiction. There were several scenes that weren’t just Bourbon street debauchery, and there were several mentions by the main characters about how New Orleans isn’t what people expect. I could see pieces of the city I love in their descriptions. Speaking of those main characters, they were both – or all three if we include the fairy best friend – charming. I enjoyed viewing the relationships blossoming and seeing them tackle the big issue at hand. I don’t want to discuss that too much because – spoilers.
But in addition to the main characters there are of course a ton of awesome supporting ones. James, Fi, Timmie, and Monique are among my favorites. Some big surprises happen surrounding some of them and – Wow!
Who’s It For?
If you love steam-filled, LGBTQIA love stories, this is a great pick for you. It features a lot of great tropes from one-night stands and accidental marriages to fabulous best friends and fear of true love. Also probably lots of others. It has a great blend of urban and high fantasy for lovers of both!
Content Warning: Veiled racism among species, Graphic Adult scenes, Adult Language, Betrayal, Dysfunctional Family, Violence/ War, Forced/Arranged Marriage, Kidnapping
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