The Queen and the Candle Maker : A Cozy Fantasy Romance

by Heloise Hull

A slow-burn, cozy fantasy romance.

A frozen crown.
A forbidden flame.
A kiss that could melt a kingdom.

Queen Bessa has spent her reign buried beneath snowdrifts and diplomacy. With magic long gone and her advisors demanding a politically sound marriage, the last thing she needs is a distraction, especially one with broad shoulders, wax-stained hands, and an impossibly warm glint in his green eyes.

Ambrose, the kingdom’s elusive new candlemaker, prefers shadows to attention, but his candles—strange, glowing things crafted with whispers of magic—have begun to stir more than old enchantments. One flicker and everything starts to thaw, including the fire buried deep inside Bessa's heart.

He’s not a noble.
He’s not proper.
Yet the heat between them could set the whole realm alight.

When desire rekindles magic thought dead for a century, the secrets flare, power shifts, and Frostvale will never be the same.

Genres: Cozy Fantasy, Romantasy, Fantasy, Romance, Cozy

268 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 3, 2025

About the author

Unlike her namesake of medieval infamy, Heloise doesn’t intend to have her midlife crisis in a nunnery. She’d rather drink 🍸 and chant in 🧚🏼‍♀️ rings. Born with Mississippi mud in her veins, grown "Via Chicago." Written before coffee.

Reviews

[Kez Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A slow burn fantasy romance, with prophecies, hidden magic, unexpected love, and magical creatures. This was a sweet journey, and I loved the magical elements.

[Cat Bowser · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free ARC of this book and am leaving a review voluntarily.

I love the set up of this book, both in plot and setting. It has a northern, winter feel which is hard to find in cozy books. There’s something really satisfying about imaging cold, snow and frost contrasted with soft relationships! I also love we get introduced to politics and magic but it isn’t overwhelming—especially since I’m not always a huge fan of politics. But the writer is wise to not make them overly complicated.

I am a big fan of Bessa’s voice. There’s a sarcasm but wisdom to it and I love how we’re introduced to her—she’s immediately pointing out the weaknesses of the situation and her flaws without talking down to herself. It gives the book a unique flavor and you immediately want to connect with her.

Ambrose is such a lovely darling. What I love the most about him is how he gets such joy out of seeing Bessa happy. He would move the heavens for her and he is happy to proclaim it!

I enjoyed the romance and there’s just enough spice to entice. Combine that with a marshmallow of a love interest and all my cozy fantasy must-haves are checked!

[bookasaurushaley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my 5th ARC read, and it did not disappoint! Amazing! 🫶

This book comes out on June 3rd, so be on the lookout for it!

This is a romantasy about a queen finding her way and trying to look out for the good of her kingdom. As part of that, her trusted advisers insist Queen Bessa must enter into a marriage with any of their hand-selected proper suitors, all of noble birth, of course. She must weigh out the pros and cons of who can benefit the kingdom the most with the possible union. But enter scene left the hunk of a candle maker, Ambrose.. 🤔

Cozy ✔️
Magical ✔️
Found Family ✔️
Slow burn ✔️
Forbidden Love ✔️
Secrets ✔️
Cute Animal Familiars ✔️
Happily Ever After ✔️

(18+ because there is just a smidge of 🌶. 🤭)

[Arizona Parrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

The way I squealed like a little girl over this book!! A new queen, a burly candle maker and maybe some magic? Or maybe a lot of magic came together in an amazing cozy Romantasy!!! I loved this book so much and can’t wait for the next one!!

[Bookloverb1234 · Rating 5 out of 5]

So lovely book! 😍📚
l enjoy so much the story its full of magic !

[Olivia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this cozy romantasy. Definitely the perfect vibes and I adored Bessa, with her determination and courage, achieving things people thought she could not. I also appreciated Ambrose, who's outspoken and wary, but fiercely loyal and passionate when given the chance. I love the magic, as well as Ambrose's specific process for the candles and Bessa's connection with Eska. The back and forth of their interactions as well as watching them warm up to one another was so lovely, from not trusting the other to sharing secrets and working together, to falling for each other. Watching Bessa growing into the queen she wanted to be, continuing her relationships the way they were while also gaining respect, and her wit when she was not taught about 'queen things' (and managed to do perfectly in these situations regardless) was so beautiful to read. Hearing her thoughts during her struggles being queen really made me admire her. She felt real in so many ways. Ambrose's unfailing faith in Bessa, as well as respect, admiration and desire were so heartwarming and I truly loved reading his side as well. Their romance was so so sweet and I genuinely adored both of them. The forbidden element had me excited to see how they would maneuver such a thing with her position as newly appointed queen, only just gaining favor. All around this was a perfect cozy and whimsical read with a beautiful love story.

[purrs and plotlines · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really loved the concept for this story. We meet our FMC Bessa as she is settling into her role as queen of Frostvale. Her destiny is tied to a prophecy stating her twin would be born and bring magic back to the land. However, she was born shortly after and magic disappeared again leading her to believe she was not destined to save her people. However, after her biological father is killed and her brother disappears, Bessa is the rightful heir and is determined to help her people regardless of any prophecy.

Conveniently, our MMC Ambrose rolls into town to take over the candle shop. What the townsfolk do not know is that these candles are imbued with magic to help them with all sorts of troubles from anxiety to warmth. He also is caring for a magical grove of plants and bees. Together these two are a dynamite magical duo that could save everyone.

There is great chemistry between Ambrose and Bessa. The side character banter is funny and I love Bessa’s adoptive family. Where this story lost me a bit is that we spend what feels like 90% of the book getting to the action. The actual plot twists, betrayals, fighting, magic use, etc. all happens in the end and is very rushed, then all of a sudden everything is okay again. I feel like this could have been drawn out a bit more, or at least eluded to a little more throughout the story. Overall, it has good bones and I enjoyed it.

[J · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like most books I gravitate towards this book is a slow burn and really beautifully written. The intro to the book is 🔥 and immediately got my attention! The fmc is competent and scrappy, both things I adore in a heroine. She has just realized she is a queen after being raised as a commoner and I liked that perspective. In fact, I would have loved a little more of her backstory because I found it fascinating. The mmc is a mysterious candlemaker who loves plants and nature so obviously I was on board with that. He has a secret garden full of bees and pollinator plants in the middle of a frozen wasteland— which again Hull had me at secret garden…. (I am also going to wager a guess that Hull is a fellow plant nerd…) There are magic candles, animal companions, secret magical abilities, and, of course, an ancient curse. This story feels cozy yet exciting— it kept me guessing. And there is seriously spicy ending to a lovely story— I will definitely check out more by this author!

Thank you to Henwin Press LTD for providing this arc copy for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

[Tammy-Rose Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW

The Queen and The Candle Maker by Heloise hull author , thanks you for the opportunity the read this cozy romantic fantasy.

Same reasons I guess we all crave redemption. Because we all carry guilt.
Ambrose to Bessa.

If you love cozy romantic fantasy this is your world you need to get into and I loved it. You may need a few layers and want to cozy up to a candle 🕯️ maker but his already been claimed and in love.

We all carry secrets, we all carry so much weights on our shoulders and every day life but when your Queen and trying to make the right decision for yourself and country. You always have doubts and the secrets that are hidden will come to light for better and for worse.

The suitors made me want to laugh and grind my teeth, I got hooked into this book. I'm thankful for it.

This is proving found family is sometimes better than blood family and relations. He can go back and hide.

5 Stars ✨ ✨ ✨ ✨ ✨

Coming June 3rd 2025

[Morally_Gray_Nola · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bessa, the unexpected Queen, open the castle to the people, rule without being controlled by a King. Ambrose, if a man could be any kinder, any less selfish, any worthier … well … I just do t know.

Together, Ambrose and Bessa deliver a story that will warmed my heart, curled my toes, sent my pulse racing, and made me cry. Author Heloise Hull presented a well written, cozy, love story that will jump start your warm fuzzies and have you rooting for team Ambrose and Bessa.

MMC:
* Ambrose
FMC:
* Bessa
HEA/Cliffhanger:
* HEA
Series:
* Honeywood Haven Book 1
Epilogue:
* N/A
Tropes:
* Cozy fantasy romance
* Hidden identity
* Firefox familiar
* MF
Triggers:
* 18+
* Sex
* Violence
Burn Speed:
* Slow
Spice Level:
* 🌶️🌶️🌶️

[Kaity · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Queen and the Candle Maker is a very cute cozy, romantic fantasy. I really enjoyed the premise of the book and thought the characters were fun. It kept me engaged and I read the whole thing in one sitting! If you're looking for a cozy fantasy with open-door spice that's an easy-read this book is for you!

Bessa was a great character and I loved the mix of sass, naivety, and determination.
Ambrose was definitely swoon worthy and I liked that he was dark and brooding but not over the top.

I wish it had been a longer book and had more depth with the side characters, events leading up to current times, and some more world building.
However, for an easy, cozy fantasy read I definitely recommend!

Thank you Heloise Hull for the ARC! Thoughts and review are my own.

[Ivana Loustalot · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Heloise for this Advanced Copy 💚
This is a story of second chances, found family, magic and secrets. Sometimes the best thing you can do is listen to your heart and believe in yourself. That's what Queen Bessa has to do for the sake of her Kingdom in Frostvale, to bring back magic to her frosted lands and find love in the last place she'd think.. all with a little bit of help from the new Chandler Ambrose.
If you love a cozy cozy love story, this book is for you.

[Sheri · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a cozy open door spicy read. I loved that Bessa was raised in the village as a commoner, not a princess, so she was always thinking about the good of the people. Ambrose is hiding some secrets but they might be good together if he lets her in. I loved the cozy small town even though it's covered in ice. I recommend this for anyone looking for a cozy spicy fantasy hook.

[Kelsey Warren · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. I loved the back and forth between the two main character. And that slow burn… 🔥 phew! I kept wanting more. Kept wanting to figure out what was going on, who was who, and what was happening.

This was fast paced and while some may want the world building, I just want a fun story and be done and this was perfect!

[Marce · Rating 5 out of 5]

10/10
Beautiful story, cozy book, good world building sometimes i didnt quite understand what was happening but overall this is a very creative romance, fantasy book the main characters are likeable as well as the others secundary characters but the best ones for me where the magical creatures the fire fox and the snow 🦊

[Elle and the Haunted Library · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heloise Hull has out done themselves again with a well written, cozy, easy to start and finish, love story that will jump start your inner warm fuzzies and have you rooting for overall lovable Ambrose and Bessa. Definitely recommend this as a summer 2025 read 🥰

[Heather Close · Rating 3 out of 5]

Received an ARC for The Queen and the Candlemaker and I really wanted to love it but it fell a little short for me. The world and characters are interesting but the pacing is off. Slow burn to insta-trust just didn’t work for me I guess.

[Divya · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such an interesting fantasy story with magic, prophecies, unicorns and more! I really liked Bessa's character and her relationship with her adopted family. The cozy village/s.all.town feel was nicely done as was her relationship with Ambrose. I enjoyed reading this book.

[reyyreads · Rating 3 out of 5]

ARC Review

⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️

Wanted to love this, liked the premise and the magical elements but it felt slow and didn’t like the change in POV.

[Livvy · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5⭐️

[Alicia Scarborough · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute and Cozy

Loved this one. A refreshing twist and great take on choosing your own fate. The ending of this story made me happy.

[Livia Bartels · Rating 2 out of 5]

Overall: a new queen of a frozen land is being forced to pick a suitor… but she’s more interested in the candlemaker. And both the candlemaker and her have magic.

Pros: interesting creatures, nice town description, good paced story

Cons: I didn’t really feel connected to any of the characters, and they dropped you right into the thick of it in a way that I kept thinking this was the second book of the series with the amount of characters vaguely referenced and events from the past.

[Gosia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn’t have any particular expectations going into this book—I mainly picked it up for my A–Z reading challenge. The beginning was promising, setting up a nice layer of mystery, and I thought the dialogues might keep me hooked. Unfortunately, the further I read, the more disappointed I became.

The overall concept is genuinely good but falls short in execution. The portrayal of the cursed land, the struggles of its people, and how they cope with their harsh reality were convincing. However, beyond that, I didn’t feel any emotional connection. The romance felt odd, the pacing made me roll my eyes, and when the spice finally appeared, it felt more like an instruction manual than an actual scene. I also got the impression that the ending was terribly rushed—it almost felt like someone ripped out the last few pages (and I read it on Kindle 😉).

Still, I’m giving this book 3 stars because, even though it didn’t wow me, there were a few things I genuinely liked and found worth reading.

🆃🆁🅾🅿🅴🆂

✧ royalty x commoner
✧ cursed land
✧ small-town vibes
✧ hidden identities
✧ quirky FMC
✧ elemental magic

[Heloise Hull · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can’t wait for you to step into the cozy world of the Queen and visit her candle maker’s magical shop!
A forbidden crown.
A forbidden flame.
A kiss that could melt a kingdom.
It’s a slow burn, cozy fantasy romance!