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The Perfect Unicorn: An Enchanted Forest Novella
What happens when perfection meets sin?
Iliyana Sanctitas has followed the commandments of the First Unicorn without fail for ninety-nine years. Just a few weeks before she receives her horn, she overhears her older sister blaming her for the illness of their Sacred Tree. Desperate for her sister's approval, she sets out on a quest to retrieve the Seed of Life to save the tree and redeem herself in her sister's eyes. Before she can find it, she meets a demon who makes her want to break every commandment ever written. Will Iliyana maintain her virtuous lifestyle to become the perfect unicorn, or give in to temptation and risk losing everything along the way?
The Perfect Unicorn is a cozy, fairytale romantasy with forbidden romance and open-door spice.
Iliyana Sanctitas has followed the commandments of the First Unicorn without fail for ninety-nine years. Just a few weeks before she receives her horn, she overhears her older sister blaming her for the illness of their Sacred Tree. Desperate for her sister's approval, she sets out on a quest to retrieve the Seed of Life to save the tree and redeem herself in her sister's eyes. Before she can find it, she meets a demon who makes her want to break every commandment ever written. Will Iliyana maintain her virtuous lifestyle to become the perfect unicorn, or give in to temptation and risk losing everything along the way?
The Perfect Unicorn is a cozy, fairytale romantasy with forbidden romance and open-door spice.
145 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 4, 2025
23 people are currently reading
113 people want to read
About the author
K.J. Bradford
4 books54 followers"I hold my hopes and dreams as an author in the bags under my eyes."
KJ Bradford is a creator of worlds, living in Kentucky with her husband, daughter, and zoo of pets. She loves reading, cats, flowers, anime, and writing, but maybe not in that order. She’s an awkward little dragon who either holes up in her writing cave or talks about her current obsession to anyone who will listen, with no in-between. Multiple stories are playing out in her head at all times and writing has become her solace as well as her entire personality. Her writing can be described as dark and swoony, gritty and fantastical. When she’s not writing or reading, she’s taking care of her amazing family while thinking about writing.
KJ Bradford is a creator of worlds, living in Kentucky with her husband, daughter, and zoo of pets. She loves reading, cats, flowers, anime, and writing, but maybe not in that order. She’s an awkward little dragon who either holes up in her writing cave or talks about her current obsession to anyone who will listen, with no in-between. Multiple stories are playing out in her head at all times and writing has become her solace as well as her entire personality. Her writing can be described as dark and swoony, gritty and fantastical. When she’s not writing or reading, she’s taking care of her amazing family while thinking about writing.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
September 26, 2025
5/5 stars
Thank you so much to KJ Bradford for sending me an ARC!!
...omg? OMG???? I cant believe i forgot to write a review for this amazing book 😭!!
Yall. I finished this book at like 5am and was in tears once i finished for multiple reasons. One because the book was so good, two because the book was over, and three because its an ARC and that means there is no book two or anything yet haha. I legit reached out to the author to let her know how much i loved this book. She said she wrote this masterpiece in TWELVE DAYSSSSS???? Like speechless truly. I loved both characters so much. A Black unicorn and a black demon??? GIrl hand it OVERRRRRRRRR. The writing was so fluid, so good and filled with emotion- i mean i was shook.
Vesper and Iliyanaaaaaa!!!!! I need this to be an entire full book or series. Like yesterday. Vesper was soooooooo >>>>>>>>>>>> The story plot line behind needing to be perfect and just omg. Wow. I unfortunately related to so much of Iliyanas struggles whew.
Read this. Just read it. Its SOOOOOOOO worth it. This legit got added to my all time favs. Do nawst sleep.
Thank you so much to KJ Bradford for sending me an ARC!!
...omg? OMG???? I cant believe i forgot to write a review for this amazing book 😭!!
Yall. I finished this book at like 5am and was in tears once i finished for multiple reasons. One because the book was so good, two because the book was over, and three because its an ARC and that means there is no book two or anything yet haha. I legit reached out to the author to let her know how much i loved this book. She said she wrote this masterpiece in TWELVE DAYSSSSS???? Like speechless truly. I loved both characters so much. A Black unicorn and a black demon??? GIrl hand it OVERRRRRRRRR. The writing was so fluid, so good and filled with emotion- i mean i was shook.
Vesper and Iliyanaaaaaa!!!!! I need this to be an entire full book or series. Like yesterday. Vesper was soooooooo >>>>>>>>>>>> The story plot line behind needing to be perfect and just omg. Wow. I unfortunately related to so much of Iliyanas struggles whew.
Read this. Just read it. Its SOOOOOOOO worth it. This legit got added to my all time favs. Do nawst sleep.
August 6, 2025
I absolutely LOVED this story so much!!! It had the perfect blend of plot and spice for such a tiny little story. I adore this writing style and I loved the representation in the book with a hot all black cast, the FMC having a scar and still being perceived as beautiful rather than broken, and how Vez helped her out of her shell (they helped each other out of their shells truthfully) to become the most gorgeous perfect version of HERSELF and not the standard of her fellow unicorns.
If you need a short and spicy read with depth this will get all the bases covered.
If you need a short and spicy read with depth this will get all the bases covered.
August 10, 2025
ARC Review
⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 🌶🌶.5/5
TW - child abuse (past, mentioned), sexual assault / rape (past, mentioned), grooming (past, mentioned), death of a parent (childbirth, past, mentioned), ostracisation / xenophobia against the FMC, bullying (against the FMC), strong purity culture, blood and various injuries, nightmares, migraines (sc, mentioned), vomit, killing of animals for food, cutting of oneself to initiate being healed (brief), non consensual kiss (brief, no malicious intent), self loathing
CW - biting, public play
Tropes - paranormal, unicorn x demon, he falls first but she falls harder, cinnamon roll MMC, insta love, insta lust, forbidden
Representation - Black MCs, mid / plus size rep
This is okay and works well if you’re after a quick palette cleanser and to follow the journey of two characters that break free from their mould and realise they can be and do more than what they’ve been made to believe.
Some things that didn’t work for me was that I was expecting this to be much more whimsical given it’s meant to be a fairytale. I was also very excited for a unicorn x demon pairing but the MCs spend most of the novella in their human form 🫤
Given there is obviously length constraints because it’s a novella, I did still think this ended abruptly although, it is implied there is more to come. I wish we got to see what the ramifications were for Iliyana (FMC).
All that said, the book is fine and a decent read if you want something quick.
Scale:
⭐️ - would've DNF'ed / continued out of spite
⭐️⭐️ - shit, but whatever
⭐️⭐️⭐️ - meh, could've been better
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - lit 👅
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - loved it, inject this shit into my veins 🤪
🫑 - no smut
🌶 - no point
🌶🌶 - mediocre at best
🌶🌶🌶 - standard smut, hot
🌶🌶🌶🌶 - 🥵 okay, some CW
🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶 - fuck me 🥵🥵 CWs / filthy with a side of filth - see Poison / Room Twenty-Two: Hide and Seek/ The Naughty List / The Naughtier List
TW/CW not to be repurposed by authors / publishers for website / book / content use without permission
⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 🌶🌶.5/5
TW - child abuse (past, mentioned), sexual assault / rape (past, mentioned), grooming (past, mentioned), death of a parent (childbirth, past, mentioned), ostracisation / xenophobia against the FMC, bullying (against the FMC), strong purity culture, blood and various injuries, nightmares, migraines (sc, mentioned), vomit, killing of animals for food, cutting of oneself to initiate being healed (brief), non consensual kiss (brief, no malicious intent), self loathing
CW - biting, public play
Tropes - paranormal, unicorn x demon, he falls first but she falls harder, cinnamon roll MMC, insta love, insta lust, forbidden
Representation - Black MCs, mid / plus size rep
This is okay and works well if you’re after a quick palette cleanser and to follow the journey of two characters that break free from their mould and realise they can be and do more than what they’ve been made to believe.
Some things that didn’t work for me was that I was expecting this to be much more whimsical given it’s meant to be a fairytale. I was also very excited for a unicorn x demon pairing but the MCs spend most of the novella in their human form 🫤
Given there is obviously length constraints because it’s a novella, I did still think this ended abruptly although, it is implied there is more to come. I wish we got to see what the ramifications were for Iliyana (FMC).
All that said, the book is fine and a decent read if you want something quick.
Scale:
⭐️ - would've DNF'ed / continued out of spite
⭐️⭐️ - shit, but whatever
⭐️⭐️⭐️ - meh, could've been better
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - lit 👅
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - loved it, inject this shit into my veins 🤪
🫑 - no smut
🌶 - no point
🌶🌶 - mediocre at best
🌶🌶🌶 - standard smut, hot
🌶🌶🌶🌶 - 🥵 okay, some CW
🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶 - fuck me 🥵🥵 CWs / filthy with a side of filth - see Poison / Room Twenty-Two: Hide and Seek/ The Naughty List / The Naughtier List
TW/CW not to be repurposed by authors / publishers for website / book / content use without permission
August 5, 2025
I received an ARC copy.
This is a story about a unicorn who is supposed to remain pure and chaste, as is the law of unicorns. However, she stumbles upon an injured demon in the forest which throws a wrench into her teachings.
Okay, so, this book unfortunately didn’t end up being for me, but I think it could be great for others!
What I liked:
- I loved that this is an entirely Black cast of characters.
- I loved that the main character had a large facial birthmark, and she wasn’t a villain! So many times you only see people with birthmarks as villainous characters in media, and I’m sure this will be very nice representation for anyone who also has one.
- I enjoyed the message of learning to love yourself for who you are and making your own dreams, despite what others tell you.
- The sex scenes were nice and steamy!
- The MMC was a total snack!
-I liked the bonus chapter giving us a look into the MMC’s thoughts.
What didn’t work for me personally:
- There really aren’t unicorns in the story, because they all spend the whole time in their more “human” forms, other than 2 seconds at the end.
- This might be my bad, but I expected this to be more of a fairy tale involving steamy sex. I didn’t realize it was just going to be a dark romance involving 2 people meeting each other, lusting for each other until they finally fuck. I know it’s a short story, but I had hoped for a bit more of a whimsical fairy tale plot to go alongside the sex.
- SPOILER:
I wanted to see what repercussions would come of our FMC deciding to go against unicorn law, but the story ends very abruptly.
/END SPOILER
So yeah, while this didn’t work for me, it might work better for people who are totally okay with it being all about the spicy times!
This is a story about a unicorn who is supposed to remain pure and chaste, as is the law of unicorns. However, she stumbles upon an injured demon in the forest which throws a wrench into her teachings.
Okay, so, this book unfortunately didn’t end up being for me, but I think it could be great for others!
What I liked:
- I loved that this is an entirely Black cast of characters.
- I loved that the main character had a large facial birthmark, and she wasn’t a villain! So many times you only see people with birthmarks as villainous characters in media, and I’m sure this will be very nice representation for anyone who also has one.
- I enjoyed the message of learning to love yourself for who you are and making your own dreams, despite what others tell you.
- The sex scenes were nice and steamy!
- The MMC was a total snack!
-I liked the bonus chapter giving us a look into the MMC’s thoughts.
What didn’t work for me personally:
- There really aren’t unicorns in the story, because they all spend the whole time in their more “human” forms, other than 2 seconds at the end.
- This might be my bad, but I expected this to be more of a fairy tale involving steamy sex. I didn’t realize it was just going to be a dark romance involving 2 people meeting each other, lusting for each other until they finally fuck. I know it’s a short story, but I had hoped for a bit more of a whimsical fairy tale plot to go alongside the sex.
- SPOILER:
I wanted to see what repercussions would come of our FMC deciding to go against unicorn law, but the story ends very abruptly.
/END SPOILER
So yeah, while this didn’t work for me, it might work better for people who are totally okay with it being all about the spicy times!
September 8, 2025
“Does your promise hold any weight?”
“Clever girl.” I could hear the smile curling around his words. “It does for you. I’ll make myself worthy of the trust you’ve given me.”
Bringing you words such as “horncoming” while also being sweet, sexy, and just over 100 pages — this novella is so perfect.
I told myself no more arcs, but I am so grateful I got lured in by some *stunning* character art on the internet, and that KJ Bradford gave me the chance to read her tender fairytale.
Check it out on KU, just wait until you meet Vesper and Iliyana 😭♥️🦄
“Clever girl.” I could hear the smile curling around his words. “It does for you. I’ll make myself worthy of the trust you’ve given me.”
Bringing you words such as “horncoming” while also being sweet, sexy, and just over 100 pages — this novella is so perfect.
I told myself no more arcs, but I am so grateful I got lured in by some *stunning* character art on the internet, and that KJ Bradford gave me the chance to read her tender fairytale.
Check it out on KU, just wait until you meet Vesper and Iliyana 😭♥️🦄
September 21, 2025
Love it!
This was a beautifully told story of magic, self acceptance, and finding the strength to be honest with ones self. Loved it! Will be reading more from this author.
This was a beautifully told story of magic, self acceptance, and finding the strength to be honest with ones self. Loved it! Will be reading more from this author.
August 19, 2025
This book made me cry in the car line at my kid’s school. It was so very well written, you cannot help but connect with the emotions of both Vesper and Illiyana. Their sorrow, their feelings of inadequacy, their longing for love and belonging. For anyone who has ever been told they’re not enough or they’re too much or they don’t belong or they’re too different, you will find pieces of yourself in these two. To watch them both grow into their love and to see Illiyana start to blossom into who Vesper sees from the beginning is just beautiful. Yes there is spice, but it is slow burn, we don’t jump right in, and I LOVED that. The author takes great care in her descriptions of both characters and paints very vivid pictures, I loved that during the day they were one way and at night another. I loved how she had heartspeak and could speak another way, it was sweet how she communicated with the animals and other creatures. She also looked within herself and realized things on her own as well, I liked that he let her come to realizations, he never once pressured her, in fact multiple times he showed her he cared by giving her ways out. I hated her mean and snobby sisters 😆 If you’re looking for a love story where they are star crossed, he falls first, and helps her find her value, then this is it. Thank you for allowing me to ARC for you, the book really touched me.
August 12, 2025
✨✨ARC REVIEW✨✨
And some h1gh thoughts
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
This book was everything I hoped it would be and more! I really loved the descriptions of the scenes and the descriptions of the characters. Everything sounded so beautiful in this story
I loved that despite needing to prove herself to her family her entire life the FMC decides to finally take charge in her own life and do something for herself and falls in love with the MMC despite it being forbidden.
If you want to read a novella that has a little bit of a heartbreaking beginning, a deliciously bad influence MMC, fae and an FMC taking charge of her own destiny you need to read The Perfect Unicorn when it comes out September 3rd!
✨✨Some h1gh thoughts✨✨
🌲 what exactly do these eggs unicorns are born from look like? I kinda imagine those silly hatchimal type eggs you can buy from the toy section in a store.
🌲to follow the egg question up how do the unicorns get out of their eggs? Does it pop open like a kinder surprise? Does the unicorn have to eat their way out? Does their horn poke its way out??
🌲 why is it only unicorn blood that can be used in spells what about other fae beings??
🌲 if the unicorn has smex does that make her un pure and her blood can no longer be used in powerful spells?
And some h1gh thoughts
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
This book was everything I hoped it would be and more! I really loved the descriptions of the scenes and the descriptions of the characters. Everything sounded so beautiful in this story
I loved that despite needing to prove herself to her family her entire life the FMC decides to finally take charge in her own life and do something for herself and falls in love with the MMC despite it being forbidden.
If you want to read a novella that has a little bit of a heartbreaking beginning, a deliciously bad influence MMC, fae and an FMC taking charge of her own destiny you need to read The Perfect Unicorn when it comes out September 3rd!
✨✨Some h1gh thoughts✨✨
🌲 what exactly do these eggs unicorns are born from look like? I kinda imagine those silly hatchimal type eggs you can buy from the toy section in a store.
🌲to follow the egg question up how do the unicorns get out of their eggs? Does it pop open like a kinder surprise? Does the unicorn have to eat their way out? Does their horn poke its way out??
🌲 why is it only unicorn blood that can be used in spells what about other fae beings??
🌲 if the unicorn has smex does that make her un pure and her blood can no longer be used in powerful spells?
September 5, 2025
Like many others I was drawn to this book by KJs phenomenal advertising and the unicussy™️. And it delivers. If you’re looking for the promised back being blown out 😏 it’s there, and it’s just as amazing as promised. But also, this book is so much more on top of that. It’s a cozy fantasy with a lot of beloved tropes of the genre (their love is forbidden!) as well as some that are turned on their head (she saves HIM with a kiss) and it’s a story that is nowhere near surface level. Through beautiful prose Bradford also digs into what it means to be “perfect”, self-acceptance, and loving who you are right now as you are today. It was beautiful and moving and yes, had the perfect amount of spice. I fell in love with both of these cuties so quickly. Come for the unicussy, stay for beautiful writing, world, and characters.
September 10, 2025
Thank you K.J. Bradford for sending me this advance review copy for free. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This was a beautiful story. I loved how it focused on being who you truly are, instead of what society tells you to be. The romance was sweet, and the spice was so hot and very well done too. There was some great action, and the pacing was fantastic! It did work through some tough topics, especially childhood abuse. I also adore how the unicorns aren't your standard pearl white as well. Both of our MC's are Black, with gorgeous Black hairstyles. You don't really see that much in fantasy stories, and it is a really nice change. I hope to see a lot more in the future!
Overall this was a beautiful book, that tacked tough subjects in a stunning way. A must read for sure!
This was a beautiful story. I loved how it focused on being who you truly are, instead of what society tells you to be. The romance was sweet, and the spice was so hot and very well done too. There was some great action, and the pacing was fantastic! It did work through some tough topics, especially childhood abuse. I also adore how the unicorns aren't your standard pearl white as well. Both of our MC's are Black, with gorgeous Black hairstyles. You don't really see that much in fantasy stories, and it is a really nice change. I hope to see a lot more in the future!
Overall this was a beautiful book, that tacked tough subjects in a stunning way. A must read for sure!
August 4, 2025
A perfect fast-paced romantasy novella. The MMC, Vesper, was such a sweetheart and his affection for the FMC, Iliyana, was truly shown in every word and touch. Told from only Iliyana's POV, it showed she's a persevering, headstrong woman. Seeing her bloom and leaving the box she was forced to live in was truly beautiful.
I loved the little banter that the two had, the way she protected him, and took charge when she truly wanted something, not letting the fear of being perfect that always held her back, hold her back anymore.
The pacing was wonderful
The chemistry was there
The writing truly captured the scene and was descriptive. Everything was just wonderful.
Then when the spice got to spicing??? It was truly lovely, overall, 5 stars and 4½ jalapeño peppers
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶🌶½
I loved the little banter that the two had, the way she protected him, and took charge when she truly wanted something, not letting the fear of being perfect that always held her back, hold her back anymore.
The pacing was wonderful
The chemistry was there
The writing truly captured the scene and was descriptive. Everything was just wonderful.
Then when the spice got to spicing??? It was truly lovely, overall, 5 stars and 4½ jalapeño peppers
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶🌶½
August 26, 2025
I’m honestly still trying to sort out how I feel about this one. I finished it a couple of days ago and have been sitting with it, but I’m not fully sure where I land.
It’s a super short novella (around 90 pages), so it’s definitely a quick read. One thing I loved was that all the characters were Black, that was a win for me!
That said, I really wish we could’ve seen more of the characters in their true forms instead of their human forms for almost the entire story. I think I can understand why it was done that way, but it left me wanting to see more.
The ending… yeah, I didn’t love it. I feel like the story could’ve hit harder with some sort of consequence, like them getting caught, or some repercussion for her being near a man. Not necessarily tragic, but something that added more weight.
Overall, the book was good, no doubt. I just expected more from it.
It’s a super short novella (around 90 pages), so it’s definitely a quick read. One thing I loved was that all the characters were Black, that was a win for me!
That said, I really wish we could’ve seen more of the characters in their true forms instead of their human forms for almost the entire story. I think I can understand why it was done that way, but it left me wanting to see more.
The ending… yeah, I didn’t love it. I feel like the story could’ve hit harder with some sort of consequence, like them getting caught, or some repercussion for her being near a man. Not necessarily tragic, but something that added more weight.
Overall, the book was good, no doubt. I just expected more from it.
August 4, 2025
I loved this story! I liked Illiyana and how strong she was despite her circumstances and wanting to be accepted by her sisters. I enjoyed the relationship between both Vesper and Illiyana and how it progressed. Overall this is an enjoyable spicy short read! I inhaled the book faster than I'd like to admit!
August 6, 2025
ARC review:
4.5 ⭐️
This was so cute and sweet, and just spicy enough!
The world building was well done,especially for such a short read.
The writing sparkles, and the tension between the MCs builds up nicely.
I loved the themes of transformation and self-acceptance.
This was a lovely read!
4.5 ⭐️
This was so cute and sweet, and just spicy enough!
The world building was well done,especially for such a short read.
The writing sparkles, and the tension between the MCs builds up nicely.
I loved the themes of transformation and self-acceptance.
This was a lovely read!
September 6, 2025
Had the pleasure of being an ARC reader for this beautiful love story! I definitely enjoyed thoroughly, I will say I wish there was more to explain the beginning and the ending. I wish it was a little longer or hope there’s more to come w Iliyana and Vesper’s story!
September 27, 2025
KJ’s writing is a breath of fresh air. I highlighted so many lines and entire paragraphs I loved it so much.
The themes were important and impactful and the relationship was intoxicating. I am so impressed with this one and can’t wait to read more from this author!
The themes were important and impactful and the relationship was intoxicating. I am so impressed with this one and can’t wait to read more from this author!
August 5, 2025
I devoured this spicy and sweet novella like I was starving...for Unicussy.
If you want something short, sweet and spicy that makes you crave more, this is the book for you.
If you want something short, sweet and spicy that makes you crave more, this is the book for you.
September 8, 2025
I got the ARC for this book and I was really excited to read it.
I really loved the story of a demon and a unicorn finding each other and falling in love despite all the obstacles they faced. This is a Novella so it was a quick read, I had opened the book to start and then got distracted by adulthood but when I came back to continue, I finished it in one sitting. I wished it was longer because I really wanted to know more about their love story and the aftermath of the decisions they made in the end (No spoilers for you 😂)
I loved the way Vez loved Iliyana and encouraged her to embrace her true self. The way Mysticwood,the enchanted forest was described with the different creatures that they came across, added more magic to the story. Although it was a short story, it had the right amount of spice, romance and emotional moments. There was yearning, forced proximity, over protective FMC, age gap, she is 100 years old and he is way younger and romanceeeee.
Here are some of my favorite moments:
“How am I looking at you, Iliyana?” “I think you’re well aware.” “I wanna hear you say it,” he demanded. “Like you want me. All of me.”
“His expression was one of veneration and yearning wrapped up in a desire so thick I could taste it on my tongue, sweet as pomegranate. “Admonishing me for the way that I look at you when you look at me like this.”
“He was even more beautiful now that he was fully himself, and I tried to believe I hated him, that I hated myself for loving him. I hated myself for every mistake I willingly made for him. I hated myself for casting aside perfection and benevolence and chastity and committing the worst of sins to keep him safe.”
“For fuck’s sake, Vesper! Do. You. Want. Me?” I asked. “Because I want you. With everything I am, I want you exactly as you are. Wings and all, sin and all, human or demon Vesper, I want you.”
I really loved the story of a demon and a unicorn finding each other and falling in love despite all the obstacles they faced. This is a Novella so it was a quick read, I had opened the book to start and then got distracted by adulthood but when I came back to continue, I finished it in one sitting. I wished it was longer because I really wanted to know more about their love story and the aftermath of the decisions they made in the end (No spoilers for you 😂)
I loved the way Vez loved Iliyana and encouraged her to embrace her true self. The way Mysticwood,the enchanted forest was described with the different creatures that they came across, added more magic to the story. Although it was a short story, it had the right amount of spice, romance and emotional moments. There was yearning, forced proximity, over protective FMC, age gap, she is 100 years old and he is way younger and romanceeeee.
Here are some of my favorite moments:
“How am I looking at you, Iliyana?” “I think you’re well aware.” “I wanna hear you say it,” he demanded. “Like you want me. All of me.”
“His expression was one of veneration and yearning wrapped up in a desire so thick I could taste it on my tongue, sweet as pomegranate. “Admonishing me for the way that I look at you when you look at me like this.”
“He was even more beautiful now that he was fully himself, and I tried to believe I hated him, that I hated myself for loving him. I hated myself for every mistake I willingly made for him. I hated myself for casting aside perfection and benevolence and chastity and committing the worst of sins to keep him safe.”
“For fuck’s sake, Vesper! Do. You. Want. Me?” I asked. “Because I want you. With everything I am, I want you exactly as you are. Wings and all, sin and all, human or demon Vesper, I want you.”
August 30, 2025
I received this as an ARC.
I would give this like 3.5 stars I think if I could but I'm content to go with 4.
I loved that this had mental health representation and mid/plus-size FMC. I loved that the main characters were Black which feels like a change from the norm of most fantasy. Our FMC and MMC were loveable.
I think this book would have been 4-5 stars as a full-length book. A lot of it felt rushed to keep it in novella length. I felt like the development between the characters was decent considering the length of the book. I would have liked more of the characters together as their true forms. more about demon culture. more on unicorn/Sanctian culture.
As it was implied that there could be more, I am really hoping for more on what happens next. Any repercussions of the choices that have been made, how it could impact unicorn culture going forward, etc. I loved that we got a couple chapters from the MMC point of view and I hope we get more of both views in whatever comes next.
This was a quick read that felt like a bit too much angst for a fantasy novella and I wish it had been fleshed out to a full-length book. That being said, I still thoroughly enjoyed it and the message behind the book overall. I will definitely be keeping a lookout from this author to see if any other books within this world come out.
I would give this like 3.5 stars I think if I could but I'm content to go with 4.
I loved that this had mental health representation and mid/plus-size FMC. I loved that the main characters were Black which feels like a change from the norm of most fantasy. Our FMC and MMC were loveable.
I think this book would have been 4-5 stars as a full-length book. A lot of it felt rushed to keep it in novella length. I felt like the development between the characters was decent considering the length of the book. I would have liked more of the characters together as their true forms. more about demon culture. more on unicorn/Sanctian culture.
As it was implied that there could be more, I am really hoping for more on what happens next. Any repercussions of the choices that have been made, how it could impact unicorn culture going forward, etc. I loved that we got a couple chapters from the MMC point of view and I hope we get more of both views in whatever comes next.
This was a quick read that felt like a bit too much angst for a fantasy novella and I wish it had been fleshed out to a full-length book. That being said, I still thoroughly enjoyed it and the message behind the book overall. I will definitely be keeping a lookout from this author to see if any other books within this world come out.
August 9, 2025
Initial Response - I loved the whimsy and fantastical nature of this book.
(3.5/5) What's a horror reader like me, reading a cozy romantasy arc like this? Well it's because I'm a mood reader and I have romance moods once or twice a year. So I decided to check this out. I loved Legends of Ravens and really wanted to continue showing KJ Bradford my support.
Was this worth my time? Yes. What I liked about this quick, hot and heavy read was the world. My inner child and inner fantasy loving teenager adored this whimsical world that features BLACK characters! My inner child loved the fantastical unicorns' Garden and my inner teenager loved seeing Black characters in a fantasy. They may not be human characters, but in their "human" forms they are Black. It was beautiful. It was very coming of age, coming into oneself, and growing and healing through trauma while also falling in love. The way I connected with Iliyanna was seeing her going from a very conservative upbringing and seeing the actual world for the first time. Because that's when she has to decided if she is going to keep her commandments or break them for love. The only issue I had was how abrupt the ending was. Instead of slowly coming out of the story, I felt like I was kicked out.
This is a perfect read for those who love instalove/instalust. yearning, forbidden love, steamy STEAMY scenes, all rolled up in one short novella under 100 pages. This may not be for everyone and that's okay! It's a quick fun time.
Thank you to KJ for sending me an ARC when I asked about it and knowing full and well I'm not a romance reader. Thank you for opening my eyes more to the romance genre. ;)
(3.5/5) What's a horror reader like me, reading a cozy romantasy arc like this? Well it's because I'm a mood reader and I have romance moods once or twice a year. So I decided to check this out. I loved Legends of Ravens and really wanted to continue showing KJ Bradford my support.
Was this worth my time? Yes. What I liked about this quick, hot and heavy read was the world. My inner child and inner fantasy loving teenager adored this whimsical world that features BLACK characters! My inner child loved the fantastical unicorns' Garden and my inner teenager loved seeing Black characters in a fantasy. They may not be human characters, but in their "human" forms they are Black. It was beautiful. It was very coming of age, coming into oneself, and growing and healing through trauma while also falling in love. The way I connected with Iliyanna was seeing her going from a very conservative upbringing and seeing the actual world for the first time. Because that's when she has to decided if she is going to keep her commandments or break them for love. The only issue I had was how abrupt the ending was. Instead of slowly coming out of the story, I felt like I was kicked out.
This is a perfect read for those who love instalove/instalust. yearning, forbidden love, steamy STEAMY scenes, all rolled up in one short novella under 100 pages. This may not be for everyone and that's okay! It's a quick fun time.
Thank you to KJ for sending me an ARC when I asked about it and knowing full and well I'm not a romance reader. Thank you for opening my eyes more to the romance genre. ;)
August 10, 2025
I loooooved this! I want more, I need more, I can’t wait to see where this goes. The world building was good. I love a virginal fmc when she has little to no knowledge of the world outside her bubble. That’s my favorite version. The moral of the story was pretty clear from the start but something it never hurts to be reminded of. And I’m so glad the bonus scenes were right there because they made it 5 stars instead of 4 for me. And I get why they weren’t in the story but I personally think they should have been. Ok so this is single POV, romantasy, with a to be continued but a firm and clear HEA. The pacing is good even though they are basically just wondering around because neither of them can do what they intended because they are too busy falling for each other. This is a new to me author and I think the narrative voice is good but I’m definitely going to need to read more of her stuff to be sure, which I will be doing as soon as I’m done with this review. I don’t typical read my ARCs unless they are releasing soon but I am one of the readers who saw Unicussy and couldn’t wait to get in betwixt these pages! I love finding a story I didn’t know I needed and now I can’t live without it.
August 16, 2025
Technically 3.5 stars
This is such an interesting take on unicorn mythology - from the fact that they don't appear fully human in their Sanctian form to their having to wait at least 99 years to get their horn and full unicorn form! I love that they're also not your typical white unicorns, they're "glowing brown" and the FMC, Iliyana, has locs instead of the flowing curls her sisters have. There are also other differences in her appearance that cause most of the other unicorns to shun her.
She decides to go in search of a cure for their sacred tree as a way to gain her sisters' approval. And that's when she meets the sinfully delicious Vesper, who is hiding secrets of his own. Much (giving into) temptation ensues as he joins her on her quest.... 😏
The only reason I didn't give this ARC a full four stars is that I feel like something is missing. I would have liked a more developed ending or at least an epilogue showing what happened after Iliyana returned to her village - although I enjoyed the epilogue from Vesper's perspective. I feel like there's still a lot left unresolved and while I can imagine it myself, there are still several ways it could go.
I really appreciated the playlist as well! ☺️
This is such an interesting take on unicorn mythology - from the fact that they don't appear fully human in their Sanctian form to their having to wait at least 99 years to get their horn and full unicorn form! I love that they're also not your typical white unicorns, they're "glowing brown" and the FMC, Iliyana, has locs instead of the flowing curls her sisters have. There are also other differences in her appearance that cause most of the other unicorns to shun her.
She decides to go in search of a cure for their sacred tree as a way to gain her sisters' approval. And that's when she meets the sinfully delicious Vesper, who is hiding secrets of his own. Much (giving into) temptation ensues as he joins her on her quest.... 😏
The only reason I didn't give this ARC a full four stars is that I feel like something is missing. I would have liked a more developed ending or at least an epilogue showing what happened after Iliyana returned to her village - although I enjoyed the epilogue from Vesper's perspective. I feel like there's still a lot left unresolved and while I can imagine it myself, there are still several ways it could go.
I really appreciated the playlist as well! ☺️
August 17, 2025
🦄 Unflawed, untouched FMC
😈 Experienced, sinful MMC
🦄 Opposite sides
😈 Cozy but dark fantasy
🦄 Cinnamon Roll MMC
Characters: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Plot: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️/5
Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
This was a stunning novella. The dark vs light, good vs evil, perfect vs sin and comparisons between the two sides was such a good journey to take with Iliyana. I loved that both MCs dealt with wishing they were both born differently, in one form or another, but start finding self acceptance in realizing the beauty they see in each other.
There were so many emotions in such a short amount of time which is not easy to do in a novella but it was all written so beautifully you still feel every range of emotions you can throughout without anything feeling rushed.
There was a moment between Iliyana and Ves so beautiful it gave me reminiscence of Queen Charlotte and King George in the Bridgerton prequel and I am such a sucker so if you watched you will be swooning, too. IYKYK!
I can't wait for my signed copy! Gave me all kinds of the ooey gooeys and I'm in love with KJ's writing styles and storytelling.
Thank you KJ Bradyord for my advance reader copy! This is my honest and unbiased review.
😈 Experienced, sinful MMC
🦄 Opposite sides
😈 Cozy but dark fantasy
🦄 Cinnamon Roll MMC
Characters: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Plot: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️/5
Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
This was a stunning novella. The dark vs light, good vs evil, perfect vs sin and comparisons between the two sides was such a good journey to take with Iliyana. I loved that both MCs dealt with wishing they were both born differently, in one form or another, but start finding self acceptance in realizing the beauty they see in each other.
There were so many emotions in such a short amount of time which is not easy to do in a novella but it was all written so beautifully you still feel every range of emotions you can throughout without anything feeling rushed.
There was a moment between Iliyana and Ves so beautiful it gave me reminiscence of Queen Charlotte and King George in the Bridgerton prequel and I am such a sucker so if you watched you will be swooning, too. IYKYK!
I can't wait for my signed copy! Gave me all kinds of the ooey gooeys and I'm in love with KJ's writing styles and storytelling.
Thank you KJ Bradyord for my advance reader copy! This is my honest and unbiased review.
September 4, 2025
Iliyana and Vez are so cute together. I loved seeing how lliyana overcame the societal expectations imposed by other Sanctians and the overall beliefs in the Garden of Eden. The cost of perfection is too high, indeed. I appreciated Iliyana's thoughts about having flaws and her worries about fitting in and remaining "chaste," and how these things make her relatable and memorable.
The description of Mysticwood was beautiful and I adore how the woodland creatures appear.
Vez was intriguing from the get-go and I was so invested in his motivations. I have a soft spot for him because of how thoughtful he is. There's one tiny part that I just love and I won't spoil it, but he is so kind and sweet. Also, he is flirtatious and if you like flirty love interests, then all the more reason to read THE PERFECT UNICORN. Vez cares very much about lliyana and their relationship is so comforting to read.
The themes about perfection, beauty, and forbidden love were wonderful and I admire how these were explored in a novella! I have read KJ's other works, including LEGENDS OF RAVENS, a novel, and LOVERS THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS, a novella, and enjoyed them. I'm glad to feel comforted with another book, THE PERFECT UNICORN.
The description of Mysticwood was beautiful and I adore how the woodland creatures appear.
Vez was intriguing from the get-go and I was so invested in his motivations. I have a soft spot for him because of how thoughtful he is. There's one tiny part that I just love and I won't spoil it, but he is so kind and sweet. Also, he is flirtatious and if you like flirty love interests, then all the more reason to read THE PERFECT UNICORN. Vez cares very much about lliyana and their relationship is so comforting to read.
The themes about perfection, beauty, and forbidden love were wonderful and I admire how these were explored in a novella! I have read KJ's other works, including LEGENDS OF RAVENS, a novel, and LOVERS THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS, a novella, and enjoyed them. I'm glad to feel comforted with another book, THE PERFECT UNICORN.
December 29, 2025
This novella follows Iliyana as she sets out on a mission to find the seed of life to save the unicorns sacred tree. On the way, she meets Vesper the demon 👀 (who is in fact a cinnamon roll with a dirty mouth. I'd fall for him too LOL)
This story was beautifully written & is whimsical and magical. It’s a narrative of self acceptance and feeling the need to meet impossible standards and breaking free of purity culture & societal expectations that is real and relatable.
I loved seeing Iliyana break out of her shell and how her & Ves help each other with their self acceptance. I want to slap those who made these two beautiful beings feel like they’re less than, because they’re perfect the way they are 😭 I loved their chemistry & ugh Ves, man that you are 😍 he’s so sweet with her. I’d fold for him so fast.
The pacing was good & the spice was delicious. I thought we got a good amount of world building, plot & development for a short time. I could very happily spend more time in this world and with Iliyana and Ves! One thing I will say is that some things I would have liked to read more about and wish there had been more added to the ending to really wrap everything together.
That said, I really enjoyed this lovely, powerful story and would absolutely recommend reading it.
This story was beautifully written & is whimsical and magical. It’s a narrative of self acceptance and feeling the need to meet impossible standards and breaking free of purity culture & societal expectations that is real and relatable.
I loved seeing Iliyana break out of her shell and how her & Ves help each other with their self acceptance. I want to slap those who made these two beautiful beings feel like they’re less than, because they’re perfect the way they are 😭 I loved their chemistry & ugh Ves, man that you are 😍 he’s so sweet with her. I’d fold for him so fast.
The pacing was good & the spice was delicious. I thought we got a good amount of world building, plot & development for a short time. I could very happily spend more time in this world and with Iliyana and Ves! One thing I will say is that some things I would have liked to read more about and wish there had been more added to the ending to really wrap everything together.
That said, I really enjoyed this lovely, powerful story and would absolutely recommend reading it.
September 5, 2025
This was such a fun short novella!
Iliyana was born looking different from the other unicorns and it made her determined to be perfect in every other aspect of her life. She has faithfully followed the commandments of the First Unicorn her entire life. When she hears other unicorns blaming her for the illness of their Sacred Tree, she sets off on a quest to find the Seed of Life and heal the tree. Early in her journey, she comes across Vesper, a wounded demon. Now she has to choose between being “perfect” and giving in to temptation with him.
I really enjoyed this short and sweet story. I really liked the way that Iliyana was portrayed and how her differences didn’t make her a villain. Vesper was an absolute cinnamon roll and I loved how he was so sweet with her. I especially liked how they helped each other break from the expectations set upon them by others of their kind. I did feel like the ending was a bit abrupt but I’m hoping that means that more is coming! If you’re looking for a cute palate cleanser, definitely check this one out.
Iliyana was born looking different from the other unicorns and it made her determined to be perfect in every other aspect of her life. She has faithfully followed the commandments of the First Unicorn her entire life. When she hears other unicorns blaming her for the illness of their Sacred Tree, she sets off on a quest to find the Seed of Life and heal the tree. Early in her journey, she comes across Vesper, a wounded demon. Now she has to choose between being “perfect” and giving in to temptation with him.
I really enjoyed this short and sweet story. I really liked the way that Iliyana was portrayed and how her differences didn’t make her a villain. Vesper was an absolute cinnamon roll and I loved how he was so sweet with her. I especially liked how they helped each other break from the expectations set upon them by others of their kind. I did feel like the ending was a bit abrupt but I’m hoping that means that more is coming! If you’re looking for a cute palate cleanser, definitely check this one out.
August 13, 2025
🦄✨ 4⭐️ Review — The Perfect Unicorn by KJ Bradford ✨🦄
Sometimes, you just need a short, enchanting read to cleanse your literary palate—and The Perfect Unicorn delivers that magic 💫📖.
This novella is cute, it’s hot, and it’s surprisingly deep. There’s also that delicious, lingering tension 😏🔥 and just the right amount of hotness to keep you hooked. The world KJ Bradford creates is lush and beautiful 🌸🌌—you can feel yourself stepping right into it. The characters steal your heart almost instantly ❤️, making it impossible not to root for them from the very first page.
The writing? Absolutely poetic ✍️💜—yet so simple and smooth that even as a non-native English speaker, I found it effortless to follow. That combination of elegance and accessibility is rare, and KJ nails it perfectly.
On top of the romance and magic, it also questions and highlights important truths about how we see ourselves 💭🌟—the kind of messages that linger in your mind, making you reflect on your own journey and path forward.
If you’re looking for a quick, fun read that’s both beautifully written and easy to devour in one sitting, The Perfect Unicorn is your answer 🌟🔥🦄. A sweet, magical, and steamy escape you won’t regret picking up.
Sometimes, you just need a short, enchanting read to cleanse your literary palate—and The Perfect Unicorn delivers that magic 💫📖.
This novella is cute, it’s hot, and it’s surprisingly deep. There’s also that delicious, lingering tension 😏🔥 and just the right amount of hotness to keep you hooked. The world KJ Bradford creates is lush and beautiful 🌸🌌—you can feel yourself stepping right into it. The characters steal your heart almost instantly ❤️, making it impossible not to root for them from the very first page.
The writing? Absolutely poetic ✍️💜—yet so simple and smooth that even as a non-native English speaker, I found it effortless to follow. That combination of elegance and accessibility is rare, and KJ nails it perfectly.
On top of the romance and magic, it also questions and highlights important truths about how we see ourselves 💭🌟—the kind of messages that linger in your mind, making you reflect on your own journey and path forward.
If you’re looking for a quick, fun read that’s both beautifully written and easy to devour in one sitting, The Perfect Unicorn is your answer 🌟🔥🦄. A sweet, magical, and steamy escape you won’t regret picking up.
August 29, 2025
*I received an ARC of this book, but am under no obligation to read, review, or rate it*
Honestly, this was close to a 5 star read for me! The only reason I dropped a star is because the first 25% of it just didn't really feel smooth to me. The characters were introduced in a rush and the instant connection they had felt off. But once I got past that, I truly loved the characters and their story.
The Perfect Unicorn is about a fledgling Unicorn and a Demon and their unlikely meeting in the woods. This is a story about love, connection, and finding who you truly are.
I absolutely adored the MMC! He was soft and kind and so so lovable in a way I didn't expect for a demon. The FMC was strong-willed and honest, but also naïve and innocent to the outside world, desperate to find her place. It gave me all the warm cozy feels. This was also a super quick read and I finished it in a couple of hours.
Honestly, this was close to a 5 star read for me! The only reason I dropped a star is because the first 25% of it just didn't really feel smooth to me. The characters were introduced in a rush and the instant connection they had felt off. But once I got past that, I truly loved the characters and their story.
The Perfect Unicorn is about a fledgling Unicorn and a Demon and their unlikely meeting in the woods. This is a story about love, connection, and finding who you truly are.
I absolutely adored the MMC! He was soft and kind and so so lovable in a way I didn't expect for a demon. The FMC was strong-willed and honest, but also naïve and innocent to the outside world, desperate to find her place. It gave me all the warm cozy feels. This was also a super quick read and I finished it in a couple of hours.
September 5, 2025
thank you KJ for the opportunity to read and review this arc.
✨ the perfect unicorn by kj bradford
rating: ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
spice: 🌶︎ 🌶︎ 🌶︎ · ·
this was a quick romantasy read that caught me off guard in a good way. vesper — our broody incubus — meets iliayana, the unicorn with a perfection complex rooted in family comparison and rejection. what starts as an unlikely pairing turns into a soft, intimate unraveling of who she’s been told she has to be vs. who she’s actually allowed to become.
ves wasn’t just giving demon sneaky link energy — he was giving safe space. there was a really tender push-pull between protector and innocent, pleasure and shame, and i loved how he taught ili to redefine her own value.
this isn’t normally my genre, but it was short, sweet, and spicy enough to give a cute lil blush moment 😮💨 — not too much, but just enough.
would i recommend it? yeah, to readers who like novella-length romantasy with magical pairings, soft steam, and themes of self-acceptance.
✨ the perfect unicorn by kj bradford
rating: ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
spice: 🌶︎ 🌶︎ 🌶︎ · ·
this was a quick romantasy read that caught me off guard in a good way. vesper — our broody incubus — meets iliayana, the unicorn with a perfection complex rooted in family comparison and rejection. what starts as an unlikely pairing turns into a soft, intimate unraveling of who she’s been told she has to be vs. who she’s actually allowed to become.
ves wasn’t just giving demon sneaky link energy — he was giving safe space. there was a really tender push-pull between protector and innocent, pleasure and shame, and i loved how he taught ili to redefine her own value.
this isn’t normally my genre, but it was short, sweet, and spicy enough to give a cute lil blush moment 😮💨 — not too much, but just enough.
would i recommend it? yeah, to readers who like novella-length romantasy with magical pairings, soft steam, and themes of self-acceptance.
August 8, 2025
How rare it is to find a story that makes you care so deeply in such a short amount of time. 🥹🩷
I was ELATED to be chosen to read this eARC, and I absolutely burned through it in one sitting. The prose is stunning, and I was immersed into this magical fairytale immediately. This is bursting at the seams with beauty, powerful women of color (and men 😉) and perfectly eloquent representation of mental
health, groping with trauma, and finding yourself.
Ilyana's journey prioritizing her happiness over the suffocating rules she was born under is emotional, raw, and caused me to reflect on my own story that, at times, felt so similar. Leaving all you ever knew to pen your own story is so brave, and this was incredibly well executed all throughout this novella.
I was not expecting to actually SOB at a portion of this story, so be warned!!
Thank you to the author for this eARC!!
I was ELATED to be chosen to read this eARC, and I absolutely burned through it in one sitting. The prose is stunning, and I was immersed into this magical fairytale immediately. This is bursting at the seams with beauty, powerful women of color (and men 😉) and perfectly eloquent representation of mental
health, groping with trauma, and finding yourself.
Ilyana's journey prioritizing her happiness over the suffocating rules she was born under is emotional, raw, and caused me to reflect on my own story that, at times, felt so similar. Leaving all you ever knew to pen your own story is so brave, and this was incredibly well executed all throughout this novella.
I was not expecting to actually SOB at a portion of this story, so be warned!!
Thank you to the author for this eARC!!
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