Pawns of Fate

by Trixie Woodlawn

Cinderella meets fantasy in this open-door romance perfect for fans of Under the Oak Tree by Suji Kim or Grace Draven's Wraith Kings series.


Rose Robson has always been an outsider. Used as merely a pawn in her uncle’s political games, she was never taught the full extent of her magic abilities. Rose longs for a family that cherishes her, but fears that dream will forever be out of reach. Now faced with a marriage arranged by her uncle, Rose decides to accept her fate and make the best of the situation.


Nicholas Sharp has a duty as the oldest son to use whatever connections he can to strengthen his family’s position. Being the family's least talented lightning mage has made him a practical man, so his father’s plans to strengthen ties with their western neighbors, the Robsons, through Nicholas’s marriage don’t surprise him.


Yet, at a celebration for Luanna—the woman Nicholas is to wed—he is unexpectedly introduced to her cousin, the kind, elegant Rose. Impressed with Rose’s grace and charm, Nicholas takes a chance and asks to marry her instead.


But there’s far more at play than just a union between noble houses in a land teeming with monsters and magic. The rise of sinister powers risks destroying more than just alliances; it threatens the balance of their world. Will Rose and Nicholas overcome the rising darkness, or will they forever be doomed as pawns of fate?

Genres: Fantasy, Fantasy Romance

387 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 1, 2025

About the author

Trixie Woodlawn is the slightly ridiculous pen name of a romance author from Wichita, Kansas. She writes stories about women who find their own version of happiness in the most remarkable ways.

In her other life, she teaches children to read, write, and love the English language as much as she does. When she's not busy with that or writing, she's often reading romance novels or as much noble romance manga as she can get her hands on. She listens to an ungodly amount of lofi music. Sometimes, she takes care of her plants. Those are her most pressing hobbies.

Reviews

[Chasing Silhouettes · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 🌟

"Her aura started to shine, a lovely glow the color of spring flowers..... Nothing in the world gave him more satisfaction and pleasure than knowing he was the cause of her aura shining through." (Ch 22)

An arranged marriage that takes on a twist. One who doesn't know how to use her magic to its full extent and one whose magic is not so powerful. Forced into an alliance as pawns for political gain, but there's an unmistakable spark between them. They have to face an unknown foe, but could they survive?

I love the cover! It's sweet and pretty!

Political captives, a bit of magic, monsters, pining, and love letters. It reads fairytale-esque, a cozy lightheartedness for the most part, with an underlying darkness lurking just on the fringes. The action picks up more in the second half. Cute story with an HEA.

eARC courtesy of Torch Lit Ink

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Magic, romance, captives, and social hierarchy is a brief description of what you will find in this book.

Rose is taken in by her aunt and uncle after her childhood is spent in an orphanage. They use her as political collateral, sending her off as a captive until the political deals are settled. I love how Rose uses her feminine strength to deal with the challenges she faces.

Nicholas is a Lord that puts the priorities of his family above himself, but he finds himself drawn to Rose. Nicholas is always honest with Rose which was so refreshing to read. His honesty added a richness and sincerity to the story.

There is open door spice in this magical drama filled book. It was so enjoyable to read.

Thank you Trixie Woodlawn and Torch Lit Ink for the Arc!

[Leah · Rating 2 out of 5]

uhmm.. well.. the idea is great but end result? I didn't hate it, but it's kiiiind of insta-love (even if technically it isn't), and poor Nicholas would need some serious character development. he has great potential, but in the end, poor boy is just a tool.

[Bethany Witte-Krantz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nice read!

I saw this book on Instagram and the cover attracted me but the story drew my right in! Read it so fast!

[The Book Nerd's Corner · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Cinderella-coded romantasy featuring a charming son of a marquess, elemental magic, and an immersive magical world.

Rose Robson has always been used as a political pawn by her uncle's abusive family. While at home she is forced to work as a servant. When she is away, she serves only as political collateral. After her uncle arranges a marriage with Nicholas Sharp, the son of an elite marquess, Rose fears that she will be used as a pawn once more. However, Rose soon begins to learn that Nicholas is a charming young lad who puts her first despite the political leverage that their marriage gives to his family. Unfortunately for the young couple, danger lurks just beyond the newlywed's household. The kingdom is wrought with danger and before long, Rose finds herself in predicaments more thrilling than she ever could have imagined.

I can't believe I almost passed on the chance to read an ARC of this one! It is so dang cute! I was so happy to read at the conclusion of this novel that it is part of a series and that the author has already penned a novella featuring some prominent side characters (which I will be reading ASAP!). I love this world so much, so I'm happy to know that I will be getting more of it.

At first glance, this book seems like a more magical version of Cinderella featuring a reluctant marriage, elemental magic, and politics for days. However, this story starts to quickly become filled with such depth and it hooked me on Rose and Nicholas' relationship so quickly. It also reminds me quite a bit of the "Fire Emblem" franchise (which I'm sure only like two people know what I'm talking about when I say this). Between the magic system, the complicated politics, and the overall aesthetic, it reminded me a bit of my favorite video game franchise, and this is honestly one of the biggest compliments I can dole out.

At its center, this book is a romance between two awkward and shy young nobles who are learning what love looks like for them. I love how patient and understanding Nicholas is about Rose's entire situation. He is honest and upfront with her at all times, which is something that I will always appreciate in a male love interest. Rose has been traumatized by her family, so having someone care for her the way Nicholas does has her instantly suspicious. It's so heartwarming seeing her open up to him and begin to trust him, too.

Something that I really appreciate about their romance is the physical intimacy. I feel that many authors will fall into the stereotypical boat that because characters are shy and it takes longer for them to trust, they are awkward and inexperienced in the bedroom. That is far from Nicholas and Rose's situation, which I really appreciated. It doesn't take much for Nicholas to turn Rose pink in the face, but this just makes all the steamy scenes that much cuter.

Beyond this budding romance, I love the family aspect in this one. Rose bonds immensely fast with her sister-in-law, Ava. These two have such a fun relationship and it was always a joy seeing these two interact. Ava was born a commoner, so she is often looked down upon by other nobles, as is Rose because she was raised in an orphanage for a while. The kindred nature of their spirits is great, and the way they support each other warms my heart.

The overarching conflict in this one is put in place by two things. One: Rose is going to be sent as a political hostage by the Sharp family, which has Rose reluctant to trust her new family. Two: There is a creepy shadow figure that stalks Rose and evidently wishes her harm. The tension that this first plot point establishes is immaculate. Rose doesn't know if she can trust Nicholas all while she is falling in love with his very nature. The second point of conflict seems a bit random, but it does flesh out the magical nature of this world a bit more, which I think will be greatly beneficial to future installments in this series.

Overall, I was blown away by how much I enjoyed "Pawns of Fate." This is the type of romantasy read that I can get behind one hundred percent. The romance is sweet, the spice isn't overbearing, and the characters are so lovable! The politics and magical systems in this world are easy to comprehend, and I never found myself confused by the nature of this fantasy world. Rose and Nicholas are so precious together, and I found their blossoming romance to be so endearing! I sincerely can't wait to read future installments of this series. I'm so glad that the author has a free novella that I can read now just by signing up for her newsletter. I'm not ready to leave this world yet, so I am immensely comforted by the fact that there is more to come in the near future! I'm watching you Trixie Woodlawn!

[Alex]

Note: I have tried my best to write this while keeping in mind that this is a debut novel. I also cannot name this a review, as I did not finish the book so I'll call it a bit of a yap. It is rather long too, so I provided a small TLDR at the end.

Pawns of Fate was a book I stumbled upon while looking for something that could take me out of a reading slump. It did its job for sure, however I chose to put it down after multiple things that made me think "I wish this was written better."

I enjoyed how this story began, to be honest. I felt like it had a specific flow, the birthday party scene especially. The descriptions of the rose garden, or the party itself, the kitchen, even the family dynamic came naturally to me, and it intrigued me. I especially loved Rose, our main character, as she was giving off this aura of an elegant and wise lady and because she was behaving maturely, it was satisfying to read from her. For the same reasons, I enjoyed our love interest as well. Not to mention that the communication between the two was refreshing and the thought that they actively thought "I'd rather be honest now" was so beautiful, there wasn't this active weight of a misunderstanding on our shoulders and I loved that a lot.

However this is where my problems start. This book was, to its core, a debut. Not that there is anything wrong with that in itself, but the lack of editing was... hard to handle. It is almost like the flow of it all came to a screeching stop soon after chapter two and the conversations become robotic and repetitive, not the dialogue itself per se, but everything around it. I'm talking mostly about the "she said excitedly." or "he said passively." that followed every single time. We never really saw the characters being these things either, we just knew because it was written. It was more tell than show, and that bothered me a lot. It was hard to push through it as well, because we would get lore dumps and learn of characters past through these random dumping of information. The best examples I can give is how we learn of Rose's story as a collateral because Nicholas thought about it, or how we learn of Ava and York's story, again, because Nicholas thought about it. Or how we learn that they are rather "active", because, again, Nicholas thought about it. Why did we even learn about that? Well, I don't know, it had no impact to come. Nothing was felt organically, everything was rather flat, and these scenes where I was supposed to melt like them kissing for the first time, were hard to enjoy because I couldn't dévelop an attachment to either character. It was also rather soon and instant, which ruined my hope for a slow burn and started touching upon insta-love territory.

The writing itself was a bit harsh to the eye, like situations where I was confused if it was a mistake that flew under the radar during editing or if it was intended. For example, around the 29% mark, where it's written "—he gestured as if including the whole castle— "all if this." and not even ten lines after it's followed by "—she gestured as if including the whole castle— "all if this." It wasn't written in a way that felt like she was just repeating his gesture for emphasise, but I wasn't sure something like this could escape editing that easy either.

All in all, it reminded me of a script for a comic / manhwa more than of a book. I do, really, believe that this story could reach far as a regency comic, but as a written novella.. well I don't genuinely know. I will, however, keep my eyes open for any new books and hope for some improvement.

TLDR: I didn't enjoy the writing as it was clunky (more like a comic script than a book) and more tell than show, however the idea of the story felt charming.

[Katherine Crowe · Rating 5 out of 5]

The description of this book was SPOT ON. If you love regency or medieval manhwa like Under the Oak Tree by Suji Kim, YOU WILL ADORE THIS BOOK. It's high stakes, but not overwhelmingly so. There are plenty of relaxing "break scenes," sweet letters, and intimate moments to break it up. Nicholas is protective without being overwhelming /cough/ Riftan /cough/ and far more emotionally mature. He gets wrapped up in his own head at times, but still makes an effort to right his wrongs and communicate with Rose.

Trixie Woodlawn is excellent at pacing. Even when Rose and Nicholas were not together in a scene, sometimes even for weeks, there was still plenty delicious tension between them.

This book has an intriguing premise and wonderful worldbuilding without being overwhelming. There's monsters and magic of every kind, but all the charm of a medieval/regency-esque era. It is also a more sex-positive society.

As this is a regency-esque romantasy novel, you should be aware that the terminology used in "spicier" scenes if more old fashioned. I find them more immersive. In case you're one of the folks that doesn't fancy those terms, here is a list so you can decide if this is the book for you: sheath, member, manhood, sex, nub.

Other possible content some people don't like, but is a potential spoiler: pregnancy, trying to conceive. Although I believe it is handled sweetly.

[Roni · Rating 4 out of 5]

Romantasy is a genre that is new to me that I am getting into this year. This is my second book that I’ve read so far in the genre, and I did enjoy it.

Pawns of Fate was a story that was not hard to follow at all.We meet Rose, who is living in a Cinderella type of situation with her family. Her parents unfortunately passed away when she was young. She lived in an all-girls orphanage before her uncle gained custody of her at age 15. She thought she was going to be united with a loving family, but she was mistaken. Her uncle used her as a chess piece in games for his own gain.

Then there’s Nicholas, the oldest son of his family, who has responsibilities of his own. He is responsible for making sure his family has strong connections and standing in their community. He was promised to someone else before he met Rose. These two were united in an arranged marriage instead by their families.

What I loved about this one was that they made their arrangement work for them. Nicholas was very understanding of Rose as she navigated everything. There were plenty of political games played, interesting side characters, magic, and some monster fighting. I fear that I am definitely going to love this Romantasy era that I am in. Thank you to Torch Lit Ink and the author for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Tropes:
Arranged Marriage
He falls first (and harder)
Strangers to lovers
Found Family
Only one Horse

[Ashley Hobsonreads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rose Robson has always been an outsider to her family. Found abandoned in an orphanage at a young age by her uncle, she’s been used as a political pawn in his quest for power and riches. Despite having a rare magical gift, she is never allowed to learn to master her powers. She longs for a family who loves and cherishes her but can only see her fate as a political pawn.

That is until the day she ends up in an arranged marriage to Nicholas Sharp. The eldest son, yet the least powerful lighting user in the family. He’s a practical man who was forced to grow up far too young to support his family and help them make whatever connections are needed to strengthen their position.

The two souls are surprised by the connection they have and deeper feelings begin to form. However, their happily ever after is at risk from sinister powers and monster attacks that threaten the land. Will Rose and Nicholas overcome the rising darkness or forever remain pawns of fate?

This was quite an interesting book! A Cinderella retelling with a fantasy twist involving mages and monsters and magic. Peppered with spice and suspense, it made for an easy read (started it at lunchtime and despite work and adulting I’ve finished it just before midnight!). The ending definitely left it open for a story to some of the supporting characters and I would definitely love to read their story too!

[Em · Rating 4 out of 5]

📚✨ Pawns of Fate by Trixie Woodlawn
⭐️4/5 | 🌶️1.5/5

Thank you to @torchlitink for the gifted copy!

An arranged marriage, elemental magic, political scheming, and monsters? Say less.

Rose and Nicholas start off as pawns—used for power plays and court politics—but end up figuring out how to move the game for themselves. Their dynamic had me hooked: soft, patient, and full of those slow-burn moments that make you kick your feet. Nicholas is that rare male MC who listens, supports, and doesn't try to take over everything. We love a competent green flag. 🌿✨

The vibes? Fairytale with an edge. There’s this light, whimsical tone at first (love letters, court tension, pining), but you can feel the darkness creeping in around the corners. And then the second half takes off. Monsters. Intrigue. Actual danger.

I also loved the worldbuilding—it’s immersive without being heavy, and the side characters had depth without stealing the spotlight (but I wouldn’t mind a spinoff 👀).

And let’s be real… the cover? STUNNING. I want to frame it.

This was the kind of romantasy that makes you want more of the genre—soft magic, sharp stakes, and a couple you root for. I’m fully in my romantasy era and I’m not even mad about it.

✨ Reading mood: cozy court drama with secrets in the shadows

[sav.readsalot · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cinderella meets courtly fantasy in this romantic, magic-laced tale that gives Bridgerton vibes with a twist of danger and destiny. Pawns of Fate is a charming and emotional story about Rose, a sheltered and underestimated mage, and Nicholas, a practical nobleman whose quiet strength won me over instantly. Their arranged marriage blooms into something real—tender, respectful, and swoony—while the world around them teeters on the edge of chaos.

Trixie Woodlawn’s pastel-coded magic system is fresh and whimsical, and I loved how it added personality and visual flair to the worldbuilding without ever distracting from the emotional core. The political intrigue and rising darkness added weight, but it’s the romance—open-door, heartfelt, and well-earned—that really shines.

The pacing lags just a bit mid-book, but fans of Under the Oak Tree or Grace Draven’s Wraith Kings will feel right at home. If you’re craving a fantasy romance full of soft power, slow-burn connection, and a world that feels both magical and grounded—this one’s for you.

Thanks to the @trixie.woodlawn.author & @torchlitink for the ARC!

[Priscilla Herchold · Rating 4 out of 5]

There's something about an arranged marriage that just gets me every time. And this cover, too!

I went into this not knowing that it was a Cinderella retelling. In hindsight, that probably should have been obvious to me. Regardless, I really enjoyed how Rose and Nicholas were pawns to their families but managed to overcome that. Nicholas especially bucks that fate and pushes hard for Rose to become his wife rather than giving in to others.

Also, can't resist a good story as you watch the main characters fall in love! I know, that's every romance, but it's different when they've been pushed together by forces beyond their control. Rose and Nicholas are both so sweet here. There is some spice, but not overly so. It's more about the sweetness and the romance. Makes your toes curl in that way!

I hope there's more to this world and a book for some of the side characters. Woodlawn's writing draws you in and keeps you there. I want more!

🥀 Arranged Marriage
🥀 He falls first (and harder)
🥀 Strangers to lovers
🥀 Found Family
🥀 Only one Horse

Thank you to the author and Torch Lit Ink for the gifted copy!

[Brittney · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you're a fan of slow-burn romance, political intrigue, and fairytales with a magical twist, this Cinderella-inspired romantasy is an absolute gem.

The story follows Rose Robson, an orphan raised by her ambitious uncle and aunt, who use her as a political pawn and leverage. She’s grown up in the shadows—quiet, overlooked, and controlled—until one fateful night at her cousin’s party changes everything. When Rose steps in to defend Ava, a newly wedded girl being cruelly mocked by her cousin and friends, it sets off a chain of events that bring her into the orbit of Nicholas Sharp—Ava’s husband’s older brother, and the brooding love interest I didn’t know I needed.

Rose and Nicholas are thrown into an arranged marriage meant to unite their houses in the face of rising monster attacks and magical unrest. The romance between them is everything I love about slow burns—he falls hard and fast, while she’s more wary and guarded, making every interaction sizzle with tension. Watching their relationship bloom was both heartwarming and swoon-worthy.

In short: magic, monsters, political marriage, and romance. A wonderfully enchanting read for fans of romantasy.

[Emm · Rating 4 out of 5]

🥀 ARC Review 🥀

Rose has been nothing but a pawn in her uncles political affairs. Not being able to learn her power, Rose feels out of place. Nicholas Sharp, as the eldest, is in charge of keeping his families reputation. When Rose’s uncle arranged a marriage between the two, an alliance is formed along with sinister power.

Rating: 4/5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This was a lovely cozy fantasy. I enjoyed my time reading it. It’s a quick and easy read.

I thought the plot was great. The conflict could have been built up a bit more, but overall it was good.

I loved all the characters, especially Rose and Nicholas. If you’re wondering, there is quite a bit of spice in this cozy fantasy. ;)

I recommend reading Pawns of Fate if you like a Cinderella type story, cozy fantasy, and open-door romance.

Thank you so much to Torch Lit Ink and Trixie Woodland for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

[Isa Newbury | reading_isa · Rating 4 out of 5]

**Thank you to TorchLitInk & the Author for the ARC; all opinions are my own.**

4 ⭐️
2 🌶

Rose has always been collateral for her family, and isn't too surprised when her Uncle decides to marry her off to benefit a business proposal. What she doesn't expect is her new husband to use her the same way. Nicholas is to be head of his family, and must make difficult decisions that his younger brother avoids. This story starts a little slow, but I liked getting to know Rose & Nicholas and reading about them falling in love.

The world that Woodlawn has created os full of magic and possibilities. This cozy fantasy is perfect for anyone needing some monster fighting and magic with your regency romance!

If you like:
☆ Cinderella vibes
☆ magic
☆ cozy fantasy
☆ arranged marriage
☆ he-falls-first (& HARD)
Then pick this one up!!

[Elaine Hudgins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Special thanks to the author for providing me with an arc!

I enjoyed every aspect of this book. I don’t tend to gravitate towards enough princess retellings in the fantasy romance sub-genre, but this one had everything I was looking for. Rose and Nicholas are now one of my top book couples. The emotions and understandings that Nicholas extended to Rose throughout the book and their relationship made me continue to resonate and love them.

Let me not forget about the magic system, which featured elemental magic. I thought it was done well and easy to understand. Additionally, the cover is Stunning!! I love a good illustration on my covers!

All in all, I think this is a good debut and I’m excited to read more from this author in the future.

[Sophie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book. I think there were a lot of parts where I was really into the storyline and wanted to know what was happening next. There were also a lot of parts that lost me. The fact that these two had insta-love was a little bit of a ick, and I do wish there was a little more world building and explanations for how their world works. The side characters were pretty funny and I think that is something to love about it, but I think my least favorite was Ava. She was very annoying in the book, but I did like how she learned to become a lady of her status. I think I was hoping for the animosity between the two of them to last a little longer than it did and for them to work it out a little later. It just seemed that there was more lust and then talking for them.

[Cristal · Rating 4 out of 5]

✧˖°.⊹ 📖 ⊹.°˖✧

pawns of fate by trixie woodlawn

rating: ★★★★☆

i absolutely loved this book. it felt like a perfect mix of bridgerton and cinderella with a perfect fantasy mix. i’m not sure what i expected from this book but it definitely surpassed all expectations. the world building in the story was perfect, i feel like i had a clear depiction of each persons magical abilities and the areas they may have been in. i love a good indie author book and this one for sure is one of my favorites. i am hoping for another story post pregnancy for both of the ladies!

thank you torch lit ink and trixie woodlawn for this arc 💗

[Justine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very cute, fast paced reading and I enjoyed it all!

The MMC, Nicholas, fell hard and fast for our FMC, Rose. And it is so sweet how he is with her -- literally took the overprotective and doting character to the top 🤭.

The plot of the story was nice, of course it did have your typical cliches but I already expected that and again, I loved it all ❤️. Now, the ending felt just a tad bit rushed but it was executed well. I like how Nicholas wanted to resolve things and make it all better for Rose.

And the spicy scenes??!! 🤭🤭🤭 LOVED THEM!!!!

Thank you to Torch Lit Ink for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

[reyyreads · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review

⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶️🌶️🌶️

This story felt so cozy and warm! The MMC and FMC were probably my favorite! The side characters were also entertaining! The romance in this was perfect! It definitely changed pace since it did involve political intrigue and magic. The magic system was also fun to read about!

Not a big fan of the conflict or how it resolved. Not sure if it was high or low stakes. (I really loved the romance up until this point and felt like that didn’t fit well.) I do like romance more than fantasy so.

Thank you TorchLit and Trixie Woodlawn for the ARC!

[Heather Davidson-Norman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a magical little book! The story of Pawns of Fate was so good! I'm always scared to start a fantasy because I overthink if my brain can handle the story, the world building, and off the wall names, and etc. This book though was so well written and wonderfully captivating! It's like a beginner fantasy and I'm so here for it! It was slower, but it was enough to keep my attention and I wanted to keep reading. The characters were great and I fell in love with Nicholas and Rose so much! The drama was minimal to the story and the spice equalled out. Seriously such a good book! 4/5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐

[Kennedy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a delightful read. I really enjoyed the two (sometimes three) POV's and the characters that came along. I thought Rose was such a strong MFC and I did enjoy Nicholas as well.

The start was a bit rocky for me. I wasn't sure what was going on, and how the magic worked, but after awhile I got into the grove and began to love the world as it unfolded.

I also adored how Rose and Nicholas acted with eachother. It was very adorable.

**Thank you to the author & @torchlitink for this eARC. All thoughts are my own.

[Jessica McIntyre · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW-

It’s been awhile since I’ve read a romantasy and this one was a great one to read. It was a cozy, quick read. I loved Rose and Nicholas. Seeing their love blossom was so sweet. For this being a cozy fantasy, there was quite a bit of spice! I read the entire book in one sitting. I could not put it down. I wanted to know what happened. I think the conflict could have gone on a bit longer. I would’ve liked to learn more about the villain of the story but I really did enjoy it!

[Diana LA · Rating 5 out of 5]

This cozy fantasy was riveting! I loved the easy to under stand magic system and the cast of characters.
The main male was grumpy, strong and handsome. Rose was lovely and I rooted for her the entire book!

The style reminded me some of Stephanie Garber’s writing with incredible details that make you feel in the world that has been created.
A great read that I highly recommend!
Thank you Torchlit and Trixie Woodlawn for this ARC.
I loved it!!

[Amanda LaBorde · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautifully powerful story about found family and finding value in who you are.

I absolutely adored how Nicholas treated Rose!
Rose had always played a pawn of her uncle’s political endeavors, and her engagement to Nicholas was nothing different.

An arranged marriage, political hostage exchanges, huge political intrigue, acquaintances to lovers, and a journey to finding out who you are.

If you enjoyed Under The Oak Tree, this one has very similar vibes!

[Lourdes · Rating 5 out of 5]

AMAZING.

This book was fantastic!! I loved it, I loved the romance, the characters! Everything about this book drew me in! I couldn’t stop reading it, I didn’t want to stop reading it! Reading about Rose and Nicholas, who were so sweet and in love with each other was amazing!! Definitely one of my new favorites this year! Highly recommend!!

[Alex · Rating 4 out of 5]

If Bridgerton had magic, it would be this book! This is a sweet romantic fantasy novel with tea parties, shadow mages, and Nicholas (aka Antony Bridgerton) the consent king. Nothing too crazy, I would have liked a little more action but overall this was a good read! Especially for it being Trixie’s debut. Looking forward to the next installment!

[Ené · Rating 4 out of 5]

Will you be selfish for your desires or selfless for your loved ones?

A fun read with a lot of elements I enjoy, especially as a manhwa reader. A sweet and tender relationship in an arranged marriage blooming under political pursuits and inferiority.

[Angie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rose and Nicholas’ story was a retelling of Cinderella, and I am here for it. Her Uncle and his family mistreated Rose after her parents passed when she was a baby, entering an orphanage until she was a teen, and then she was used as a pawn for her Uncle. Enter Nicholas when Rose is helping Ava, his sister-in-law, at Rose’s cousin’s birthday party. While they were to set up an arranged marriage between the Robson and Sharp families, Nicholas pushes for his wife to be Rose. Seeing him get his way in that manner was so freaking cute! He saw how she was kind to Ava and wanted to be married to her and not her cousin. Watching them go from this arranged marriage, and their love flourishing, was so beautiful. While it is not common for love to be there in an arranged marriage, Rose and Nicholas (as well as York and Ava) are the exceptions to this rule. Their unexpected journey and trials push them closer together.
This story was a gorgeous mix of a little spice (I think three or four scenes?), magic, love, spells, ogres, trolls, all the things we love to see in fantasy. This book was a fantastic debut for Trixie Woodlawn, and I’m stoked to get into York and Ava’s Novella and can’t wait to see what else she gives us in this universe!

[Lindsey C · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rose had been used as collateral all her life by her uncle. It’s no surprise that her uncle would have her get engaged to the eldest son of a powerful family to better serve him. Her future husband, Nicholas, seems to be only interested in the same. Or is he?
This is such a sweet journey of a woman finding her own power and a man discovering that it’s ok to need help sometimes. This was so well written. It’s definitely a cozy fantasy with open door spice.