The Tale of Kindred Flames: A Slow-Burn Fae-Witch Romantasy

by Sandra Winter

Ava, princess of fire and witchcraft, was born in the kingdom of water—where her forbidden power made her an enemy from the moment she drew breath.

When she bonds with a dragon—thought lost to legend—the ruthless Fire King sets his sights on her and the beast.

Captured by the very monster who hunts witches for sport, Ava’s life should be over. Yet instead of killing her, he watches. Silent. Unreadable. And his gaze lingers far too long.

Forced into uneasy cooperation, Ava begins to see more than brute strength and violence in the King’s world, a beauty that tempts her against all reason.

But danger closes in. Her scheming mother plots to wipe out the Fire Fae and prolong a bloody war for her own gain. Loyalties unravel, truths twist into lies, and Ava’s world shatters.

When everything burns, will she survive the storm, or be consumed by the flames?

Genres: Fantasy, Romantasy, Dark, Enemies To Lovers, Magic, Fae, Amazon

329 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 18, 2025

About the author

Sandra Winter is a devoted paranormal and fantasy-romance enthusiast, endlessly captivated by the allure of magic, mythical beasts, and the emotional depths that lie beneath.
Her stories often explore trauma, war, and the resilience of the human—or not-so-human—spirit.

Reviews

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

" You smell of sunshine, and life and everything in between. "
" Not everyone gets it. We live a thousand lives in those pages. Imagine being so lucky."

How could I not like a book where the characters not only love reading but like reading smut🤣?! This book was so much fun.
There's:
Dragons 🐲
Fated Mates
Slow burn
Magic powers

I feel so bad for Avari. I feel like everyone in her life has disappointed her. Even the ones that think they're helping her don't seem to realize that they never stopped to ask her and ended up hurting her instead.
I can't wait to see what happens next.

[Bonnie Lennon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC for an honest review.
I really enjoyed this book and read it through in a single sitting on a rainy day. It was well written and easy to read. The characters were witches, fae, a literal shadow daddy and a couple of smart talking dragons. I liked that we had a FMC as an adult in her prime rather than a teenager acting beyond developmental experience. The MMC is morally grey as are a number of the other males. I thought the plot developed at a good pace. Its has a slow burn enemy to lovers trope. It explores issues such as found family and where is home. I will read the next book.

[Margaret Schmidt · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just finished The Tale of Kindred Flames and I enjoyed it. I want to start by listing all the things I thought were good about this book. I really liked the budding romance between Ava and River. It's what kept me hooked. Their banter is great.This book had virtually no spice, though. There was only one kissing scene and it was very mild. I'm hoping there's a bit more action between the FMC and MMC in the second book.

***SPOILERS*** My favorite part of this book was a specific scene in which Ava was ovulating and her pheromones were incredibly strong smelling to all the fae. She didn't know to cover up her scent, so the men she encountered all day kept thinking she was coming onto them. Very humourous, I loved that! Ava ended up going to a party smelling that way. River explained to her what was happening and covered her scent with his, essentially claiming her so no other men would approach.

I also thought the descriptions of how magic worked and what it felt like were very beautiful, very creative. The relationship between Ava and her bonded dragon, Anya, is very sweet. Anya has a fiery personality (pun intended) and I enjoyed their conversations.

As for some things I didn't quite like, I found a lot of spelling and grammatical errors during my read through. They didn't change how I viewed the story though, so that's a minor complaint.

This was a shorter book, but I almost felt like some things were rushed. I wanted more character interactions, more character descriptions. I also maybe wanted more from River's POV.

Sometimes the story felt a little disjointed or almost like some things don't quite fit. There was an instance where FMC asked another character his name. When that character told her his name, the line read, "'I'm Blaze,' he said out of the blue." But it's not out of the blue if she directly asked him for his name.

Also just minor inconsistencies. Her mom, the queen of Ortensia was stealing Ava's shadow power from her and also stole the shadow magic grimoire, but then later when the family is talking about going to get the book back, Ava said that shadows don't work in Ortensia. She didn't know the shadow isles even existed prior to being brought there, and didn't know anything about her own shadow magic, so how would she have known shadows don't work in Ortensia? Also, how is her mom using them, then?

Just things I felt could be expounded upon or made more cohesive.

Overall, it was a fun, quick read and I am moving on to the second book in this series!

[Lucy B · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you want a book to escape into, this is it!
It has everything you need in a book, adventure, angst, history, great world building, wholesome and witty, power systems of different fae courts, and most importantly, A MAP. (A real lover of fantasy maps).

The whole book will make you emotional, but most of all, it's filled with such nonchalant witty banter that just makes you want to be a part of it all.

Love his grandmother. She is such a crazy old lady that makes you have the biggest smile.

Chapter 37 i was not expecting at all, but im glad of the direction it went. Love to see where that develops in the next book.

Favourite quotes :
"It would take time, but nothing precious was ever easy," ❤️

A soft smile of relief stretched her blood-red lips, " but books lead to reflections, no?".
No. "For me, they're a form of escapism. I travel between worlds, running away from reason. Im troubled by enough reflections as it is." ❤️ so relatable.

[Shelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book sucked me in from the first sentence and wouldnt let me go. The world building and the author's descriptions easily transported me to the realm and lands the FMC was abducted to...
The story is so compelling and written, that I didn't even notice the lack of spice. This story definitely did not need it. Very excited to start book 2!

[Lisa Ashdown · Rating 5 out of 5]

I must say the tale of kindred flames was a roller coaster of a ride twists and turns everywhere I thought I was going to get lost but Sandra made it really easy to follow if you enjoyed the ACOTAR series I would definitely recommend this can’t wait for book 2

[Madeline Hockey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Couldn’t put this book down! Enemies to lovers, forced proximity, found family, witches, fae. I felt fully engulfed in this book, the writing was beautiful as was the character building. Few spelling mistakes/wrong words but other than that it was perfect!

[Lilla · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

YES YES YES
I devoured this book! One of the bests I’ve read this year. I loved the tension and the MCs, the setting and the story. I can’t wait to dig into the next book in the series, because this got me hooked fr!

[Rebecca Doyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book was so good . once I started reading it I couldn't put it down. I loved the characters and the setting of the book and how it hooks the readers to want more.

[PagesOfHavoc · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review of an ARC provided by the author via BookFunnel

4.5⭐
I really loved this book, I just wish I had fallen in love with it the way I expected to.

It’s one of those stories where you can clearly see the full potential - it has all the right ingredients, all the right moments… it just didn’t fully go the distance for me.



Now for the vibes…

I'm with River.
Because tell me why I want to conjure a sarcastic dragon that eats my enemies??
Yes. Please. Immediately.🐉

This book is a maze of plot twists, betrayal, pain, infatuation, secrets, and found family - and honestly? It keeps you engaged.
We’ve got fated mates, magical powers, dragons, evil stepmother energy, reunions and a MAP (Say less.)

It really does feel like an upgraded, slightly darker Disney fairytale - familiar in the best way, but layered enough to keep you curious.

I’m definitely looking forward to book two.

[Clair Learmonth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Received this book as an ARC from the author.

And I was hooked from about 30 pages in.
Fast paced storyline and easy writing style that flows well.

FMC is a bit older which is a nice change. The magic system is mix of elemental magic, witch craft and dragons done in a slightly different way.

Thoroughly enjoyed and going immediately to book 2!

[Dijana Čop Nešić · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sandra Winter - The Tale Of Kindered Flames (1. deo)

Postoje knjige koje vas osvoje snagom sveta koji grade, a postoje i one koje u vama ostave utisak da tek nagoveštavaju ono što bi mogle postati. The Tale of Kindred Flames mi je bila upravo takva - roman sa lepim potencijalom, upečatljivim motivima i trenucima istinske čarolije, ali i sa nekim elementima koji su me zadržali da ga zavolim dublje.

Najpre, ogromna zahvalnost autorki Sandri Winter na prilici da budem među njenim ARC čitaocima. Uvek je posebno iskustvo zakoračiti među prve u jedan novi svet i posmatrati kako se jedna saga rađa.
Ono što mi je odmah privuklo pažnju jeste zanimljiv koncept - sukob elemenata, veštica, kletve, zmajeva, politike dvora i osećaj da ispod svega tinja veća mitologija koja tek čeka da se otvori. Magijski sistem ima lepe momente, a pojedine rečenice su zaista prelepe, gotovo poetske, sa onom vrstom melanholične vatre koja ostane u mislima i nakon čitanja.

Avari mi je bila lik prema kom sam osećala simpatiju, naročito kroz njen osećaj odbačenosti, odnos sa surovom majkom i njenu usamljenost. Ima u njoj prkosa, ranjivosti i potencijala za slojevitiju junakinju. Ipak, lično mi je nedostajalo još nešto neobičnije u njenoj individualnosti - neka oštrija, nepredvidivija nit koja bi je izdvojila od sličnih heroini u žanru.

Kralj Dracon poseduje intrigu, ali mi je falilo više uvodnog građenja njegovih motiva - posebno tog ranog neprijateljstva prema vešticama. Imala sam utisak da sam bačena u svet koji je već u punoj brutalnosti, a da mu nisam sasvim upoznala korene. Volela bih da je uvod bio raskošniji, da je taj svet malo sporije otvorio vrata.

I tu dolazim do onoga što mi je možda najviše umanjilo uživanje - enemies to lovers dinamika.
Za mene je taj trope najlepši kada gori sporo. Kada napetost traje, kada otpor puca bolnije, kada se poverenje zaslužuje kap po kap. Ovde mi je prelaz bio suviše brz i time je za mene izgubljen deo magije. Ta barijera se slomila pre nego što je dovoljno zabolela. A baš u toj vatri između neprijateljstva i privlačnosti često leži srce ovakvih priča.

Dopali su mi se i sporedni likovi - Mickael ima prisustvo, Emily toplinu, a veza sa zmajem, iako motiv koji smo viđali, ovde ipak nosi šarm. Nije revolucionarno novo, ali je simpatično izvedeno.
Takođe bih volela manje POV poglavlja sa njegove strane, a više misterije i nepredvidivosti. Ponekad je ono što ne znamo snažnije od onoga što nam je prerano otkriveno.

Ipak, uprkos zamerkama, nisam ovo doživela kao razočaranje, već više kao prvu knjigu serijala koja obećava više nego što još ispunjava - a to nije mala stvar. Oseća se potencijal da naredne knjige prodube svet, pojačaju političke i emocionalne tenzije i pretvore ovu priču u nešto zaista upečatljivo.

Ako volite fantasy sa magijom, dvorovima, zmajevima, banterom i romantikom koja se brzo razvija, verujem da će mnogima ova knjiga leći bolje nego meni. Ja sam samo želela sporije tinjanje, više tame između plamena.

I možda je to najbolji opis mog utiska: ova priča nije u meni planula kao požar, ali jeste ostavila žeravicu zbog koje želim da vidim kuda će serijal dalje otići. A to je dovoljan razlog da ostanem radoznala.
Ocena: 3,4 od 5 - lepa, obećavajuća prva knjiga sa snažnim potencijalom, ali za mene još ne sasvim rasplamsana.

[Mette Larsen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advance copy of this book from the author. This review reflects my honest opinion.

This was a really good read that hooked me pretty quickly. The story moves at a fast pace, but not in a rushed way — it actually felt well balanced and kept me engaged throughout.

Avari completely broke my heart. Her upbringing is brutal, and you really feel how much it has shaped her — she’s been torn down her entire life, both physically and emotionally, and carries so many scars because of it. It made it very easy to root for her and want something better for her.

River was an interesting MMC. He’s not your typical soft, instantly likable love interest — he’s rough, guarded, and at times frustrating. But his character develops as the story progresses, and I really enjoyed seeing that shift. The dynamic between him and Avari starts off tense (borderline hostile at times), but slowly turns into something much deeper. Their banter was honestly one of my favorite parts — especially when he tries to get under her skin.

And I have to mention Anya (the dragon), because she completely stole every scene she was in. Her personality, her sarcasm, her bluntness — she added so much humor and life to the story. I would read a whole book just from her perspective.

The worldbuilding is interesting, and there are a lot of moving parts — political tension, family dynamics, hidden truths — which keeps things engaging. There are also quite a few twists and reveals along the way that shift your understanding of both the characters and the world they’re in.

That said, there’s a lot happening, and at times it can feel a bit overwhelming with how much is introduced and revealed. But it also sets up the bigger story really well.

The ending definitely left me wanting more — in the best way. It’s very much a “I need book two right now” kind of ending. I’m not a fan of open endings (I don’t have the patience for the wait 😅), but it did leave me curious enough to pick up the next book.

Overall, this was an engaging fantasy romance with strong characters, great banter, and just enough tension and mystery to keep me hooked. I’m really looking forward to continuing the series.

I only give 5 stars to books I know I’ll want to reread, and while this was a really strong and engaging story that completely pulled me into its world, it didn’t quite reach that level for me.

I think what held it back slightly was that I wanted more from River’s perspective. I would have loved a deeper insight into his thoughts and motivations, especially as his character develops throughout the story.

[Chapter 55 Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

I went into The Tale of Kindred Flames by Sandra Winter with curiosity, and from the very first page I found myself wondering where this story would lead. It immediately creates a sense of intrigue, and that feeling continues to build as the plot unfolds.

One of the strongest aspects of this book is how engaging and accessible the story is. The writing style makes it easy to fall into the world, and the pacing keeps you interested without feeling rushed. There’s a steady development that allows both the plot and the characters to grow naturally, which made the reading experience very enjoyable.

The characters themselves are a highlight. They are easy to connect with, and I found myself quickly becoming invested in their journeys. Their personalities feel distinct enough to keep things interesting, and their interactions add depth to the story. That said, the king was a character I struggled with at times especially in the beginning!
His behavior could be frustrating, and there were moments where I found it difficult to sympathize with him. However, this also adds complexity and tension, which ultimately strengthens the narrative.

The world building is another interesting element. The story has a strong magical and almost timeless atmosphere, which is one of its most appealing qualities. Because of that, the inclusion of modern elements like mobile phones and cars felt slightly jarring at first. It briefly pulled me out of the immersive setting the author had created. However, after adjusting to this blend of fantasy and modern details, I was able to appreciate the uniqueness it brings to the story.

What truly stood out to me is how addictive this book is. I ended up reading both book one and book two (which is releasing soon) in a single day. It’s one of those stories where you tell yourself you’ll only read a few pages before going to sleep, and suddenly you’re several chapters in and completely hooked. That feeling...that inability to put a book down...is exactly what makes reading so enjoyable for me!

The plot is well structured, with enough intrigue and emotional engagement to keep you turning the pages. There’s a clear sense that the story is building toward something bigger, which makes me even more excited for what’s to come.

Overall, The Tale of Kindred Flames is an engaging and immersive read with compelling characters and a storyline that keeps you invested. Despite a small adjustment period with the modern elements, it delivers a highly enjoyable experience. I’m genuinely looking forward to the next installment and can’t wait to see how the story continues in book three.

[Bogi Gergely · Rating 5 out of 5]

READ IT NOW, THANK ME LATER 🫶

I just finished the book a second ago, and if I had to describe it in one word: I feel like I was at a party filled with my favorite music, laughing all night long and getting a little emotional every now and then when I heard a familiar tune—tired + also full with joy and excitement - enriched with lasting memories.

If I had to name one character I’d be best friends with in real life, it would be Ava. 👸🏼

She’s funny, kind, gentle, and feminine without being flashy—aaaah, I love her.
She’s not the typical warrior type who’ll defend herself and kill anyone , but she’s also not the type who’d die if left alone for a minute.
She’s the perfect FMC (at least for me)—I love everything about her, and I’ll defend her against any harsh words until my dying day.

Not a single millisecond was wasted in this book—I loved it, I laughed out loud like a crazy woman, I cringed at a certain man’s remarks, and I sat there in shock, wondering what was going on.


You know how it is with “enemies-to-lovers” stories—you can tell from the very first pages that these two are definitely going to end up together, so where’s the killer passion? 😅
Well, in this case, don’t worry, dear, because there are so many murderous thoughts here that you’ll find yourself wondering how this could ever turn into love.
And once again, this is a point that the author has masterfully nailed.

I’d like to thank her here for giving me the chance to get my hands on this masterpiece- a book that completely throw off my sleep schedule.

I don’t want to say much about the men because I don’t want to spoil it for you, sooo I’ll let you get to know this testosterone-fueled group of men for yourself, but one thing is for sure: you’ll be kicking your legs, giggling, yearning, and of course, hating them too.

The bottom line is that I recommend this to everyone in the world because it simply checks every box that’s important to me—and then some. You’ll soak it all in like fresh air after a deep-sea dive, and you’ll feel as good as if you were on vacation.


I'm rushing—NO! running—to read the second part because I'll die if I don't start right this second.

[Nia · Rating 4 out of 5]

From the very first page—opening on a heated debate over a princess’s fate—I was completely hooked. The world-building in this book is masterfully handled; Sandra manages to weave in the history of the kingdoms without making the read seem tedious.
Avari (Ava) is a breath of fresh air. She’s level-headed and calculating, but it’s her hidden potential that makes her so compelling. Between her bond with her dragon, Anya, and her rare mix of shadow, fire, and witch magic, she is a powerhouse just waiting to be unleashed once she fully masters them all.
Then there’s King Dracon (River), the "King of Fire." The banter between him and Ava is top-tier from the jump. Watching River’s hostility melt away into something more complex was one of my favorite parts of the journey. A major turning point involves a life-threatening curse where River saves Ava—leaving you questioning if his motives were purely selfish or if there’s a heart under that over domineering exterior.
The side characters, like River’s brother Michael and the mysterious Emily (who saves Ava in a moment of true peril), make the world feel lived-in and real. While some of the secrets were predictable just moments before the reveal, they were executed with such a "smack in the face" impact that they remained incredibly satisfying.
The ending is a whirlwind of twists and massive revelations. I loved seeing Ava find a "found family" that actually cares for her, making the final hurdles feel a little less daunting for Ava, if she can only bring herself to fully trust again after all the betrayal she endured. I’m left wondering how these characters will move on after everything that’s been exposed. I can't wait for Book 2 to see everyone get exactly what they deserve—good and bad!

[Jess Lawrence · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is exactly what I like to read when it comes to Dark Romantasy. Once I picked this book up I could not put it down. Responsibilities be damned.

The tension. The kidnappings. The dragons. Just a few of my favorite things. Sprinkle in a little groveling from the MMC and you've suckered me into all of the best tropes.

Your classic & loveable in his own way, morally grey MMC and your traumatized, very sheltered/naive FMC come together in a slow burn romance that I just know is going to burn ten times hotter in book two. The way the author built these 2 characters up was beautiful. I cannot wait to see what happens with their relationship.

In my honest opinion, the best part of this storyline was her finally finding her place amongst her family. The author approached this in a more unique way that I'm used to reading and in a way that really added a new element to the plot without overdoing it like I've seen in the past with Fantasy novels. Finally allowing the FMC something she has yearned for her entire life and showing her that she can be in control of her own life was purely magical. Alec was the icing on top of her newfound family.

The world building by this author was outstanding. It was easy to follow and had the perfect amount of twists and turns in the storyline. I really felt like I connected with each character (main and secondary) on a very personal level, especially when it came to emotions. It was easy to feel like I was right there beside them in so many scenes that I had to remind myself I had escaped to another reality and real life was way less exciting.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐ Stars

What to expect:
⁂ Dragons
⁂ Enemies to lovers
⁂ Forced proximity
⁂ Morally gray MMC
⁂ Fated/Forbidden pull
⁂ Found family
⁂ Betrayals
⁂ Witches & Fae Politics
⁂ Dragon Rider Bond

This book was soo good.
It was a little slow in the beginning, but once it started picking up I really enjoyed it.

We follow our FMC Avari a princess of fire and witchcraft who was born in a kingdom of water. This made her an outcast from the very beginning.
She is also bonded to a Dragon (soo cool)
Ava gets captured by the Fire King who hunts and kills witches for sport.

I liked Ava's character. She doesn't get to make many choices for herself in the beginning, but we see some great character growth for her by the end of the book.

Our MMC River now this man treats her like the enemy from the go get. Tries to kill her at one stage. But soon his feelings change and he sees who Ava really is. And this man tried to fight his feelings.

The yearning in this book was so good. 🤌

Fantastic banter between the characters. Michael was a great character.

We get some new side characters in the end of this book, and I enjoyed what they brought to the story. Can't wait to see how that unfolds in book 2.

Love the bond Avari has with her dragon and getting to read the inner monologue between them was fantastic. And her dragon was hilarious!

Love the found family element of this book. Gets me every time!

This book had plot twist after plot twist in the end half of the book. Was shocked by some of them!

Really enjoyed this book.

Would definitely recommend.

Can't wait to start book 2.

Thank you to the Author for sending me a copy of this book.

[Elisabete Silva · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Tale of Kindred Flames delivers a compelling blend of magic, tension, and slow-burning connection set against a backdrop of political conflict and prejudice.

Ava is a fascinating protagonist—born into a kingdom where she doesn’t belong, her fire magic marks her as an outsider among water wielders. Her bond with a dragon only deepens her isolation, making her journey feel both painful and powerful. Watching her navigate rejection, especially from her own mother, adds an emotional weight that grounds the fantasy elements.

River, as the King of Fogoyan, known as the beast. Their forced proximity under a fragile treaty is where the story truly shines. The dynamic between them evolves, shifting from suspicion and hate into something more warm...

The central theme—looking beyond appearances and preconceived notions—is woven effectively through both characters’ arcs. Their shared struggles with identity and judgment create a strong emotional core, making their interactions engaging and, at times, surprisingly tender.

The worldbuilding is rich, particularly the contrast between kingdoms and their elemental identities, though at times it could benefit from deeper exploration. Still, the atmosphere and stakes remain clear enough to keep the story moving.

Overall, this is an enjoyable read for fans of fantasy romance and character-driven stories. If you like enemies-to-allies dynamics, elemental magic, and protagonists who challenge the roles they were born into, this book is worth picking up.

Betty - The Ink Addicts Reads (Instagram)

[Zoe Hermitage · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review and wasn't sure what to expect, but I really enjoyed A Tale of Kindred Flames. The FMC is everything I love in a fantasy heroine: fiery, stubborn, and absolutely determined not to let her past define who she becomes. There’s something incredibly compelling about a character who refuses to be reshaped by the world around her, and watching her hold onto her identity despite everything was one of the true highlights of the book.

The romance is definitely a slow burn (a bit slower than I usually prefer), but the MMC falling first made every moment of tension worth it. Their enemies‑to‑lovers dynamic has that perfect blend of spark, banter, and emotional depth that keeps you turning pages just to see how long they can resist each other. Even when the plot shifts focus, that underlying pull between them never really fades.

The world‑building is fantastic. Dragons, magic, political threads, and a warm sense of found family all weave together to create a setting that feels both expansive and intimate. I loved how the lore and character relationships worked hand‑in‑hand to make the world feel lived‑in rather than just decorative. It’s the kind of world you slip into easily and don’t want to leave.

If you enjoy immersive fantasy romance with strong characters, rich lore, and a romance that simmers beneath the surface, this one is definitely a book worth picking up.

[Lindsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Avari is trapped in a world that has never accepted her. Her own mother sees her as nothing more than a tool in the war between Ortensia and Fogoya, using her to further a conflict that has already destroyed so much. Born of the Water kingdom but carrying Flames within her, Avari doesn’t belong anywhere—hated in Fogoya as a witch and rejected in her own homeland for what she is.

The political tension is strong from the beginning, especially as the king is forced to deal with Avari’s presence while slowly realizing she is not the enemy she’s been made out to be. Instead, she is a pawn in a much larger and more dangerous game. On the other side, the Queen of Ortensia is ruthless and terrifying, driven by power and destruction at any cost.

This story is rich in emotion, layered with betrayal, fear, and slow-building trust. Avari’s journey is heartbreaking at times, but compelling as she begins to uncover where she truly stands in a world that wants to define her for her.

The Tale of Kindred Flames is a strong fantasy start with engaging world-building, deep emotional stakes, and a heroine you can’t help but root for. I’m looking forward to seeing how the story continues to unfold.

[gena · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Tale of Kindred Flames by Sandra Winter is a fantasy that slowly pulls you in and keeps you curious the entire way through.
This isn’t a fast-paced, jump-right-in kind of story—it leans more on a slower build. But honestly, that works in its favor. It gives the world and characters time to develop, and there’s this constant feeling that not all is as it seems, which keeps you turning the pages to figure out what’s really going on.
The highlight for me was definitely the relationship between the princess of one realm and the king of another. Their banter is so fun—witty, a little tense, and just enough attitude to keep things interesting. It adds a nice spark to the slower pacing.
Even though it takes its time, it still keeps you engaged because you’re always wondering what’s going to happen next. It’s one of those stories where the payoff builds as you go.
If you enjoy fantasy with strong character dynamics, layered storytelling, and a slower, more thoughtful pace, this one is worth the read.
"I received an advance copy of this book at no charge. This is my honest, voluntary review."

[ASHLEY L · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sandra Winter does a great job pulling the reader into this story with characters that are interesting and a story that enchants you. This story follows our FMC who is a half breed (crossed between a witch and a fae) and she is pushed into a deal by her council to train the fire king how to conjure a dragon, as she is the only one to conjure a dragon in a very long time and she is a fire wielder in a realm of water wielders. As soon as she gets to the fire king's kingdom it is abundantly clear she must not only fight for survival, but she must fan the flames of her own abilities behind enemy lines. This story has so many twists and turns I have whiplash and when I say I could not put it down because I needed to know what happened next, I couldn't! This was one of those books you stay up until 5am reading because the plot is plotting and the tension and banter between these characters is fantastic! I can't wait to read book 2 and continue on with this series! Oh, and by the way it ends on a HUGE cliffhanger! So be prepared!

[Anna Cole · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was a three for me. The prose is reasonable, though it leans more YA in tone. There’s also some interesting lore and a central romance that had potential.

The reason it lands at a three is that the lore feels very loosely developed by the end of the first book. But the most frustrating part, by far, was the romance. The MMC felt like two completely different people.

I started book two and genuinely tried to give the series a fair go, but the MMC felt like an entirely different person again. At times, he came across like a brooding “shadow daddy,” and at others like a lovesick teenager. The inconsistency made it really hard to stay invested.

I really wanted to love these books. The ARC promotions looked great, and the short synopsis drew me in. But from the first chapter, I started noticing issues, and they only continued.

I think this series would really benefit from developmental editing—and I mean that in the kindest way. There’s a great story here; it just doesn’t feel fully realised yet.

[Julia Suarez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am struggling to find the words to express just how much I loved The Tale of Kindred Flames. This is slow-burn Romantasy at its finest!
The story follows a half-breed (human/Fae), FMC, whose fated mate is a complete “fae brute”, and their chemistry is electric. Sandra Winter writes their interactions so beautifully that you literally feel every ounce of tension and emotion right alongside them. The pacing is incredibly strong, and I was obsessed with the MMC’s intense character development.
One of my favorite parts had to be the FMC’s dragon! She is absolutely sassy but fiercely loyal; I found myself laughing out loud at her comments more than once. With constant twists and turns that kept me on the edge of my seat, this was an addictive ride from start to finish. When a book gives you literal goosebumps and makes you gasp aloud, you know it’s a winner. A must-read for any Romantasy fan! I was lucky to receive a gifted copy of this book from the author however, this review is based off my own thoughts and feelings. Definitely a 5 star read for me!

[Samantha LoVerde · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really fun and enjoyable read! I wasn’t sure where this story would go when I first started it, but quickly got pulled in and didn’t want to put it down. Absolutely loving the magic system in this world! It feels so similar to others but truly unique at the same time. I love the way that the different forms of magic interact both with Ava and her different forms of magic and between different characters! The story line has been very fun to follow and has left me wondering where it will go next at every turn. LOVED the twist with Ava finding her family! With the first mention of Ava not knowing her father, I figured he would come up in some way at some point. But, never had I imagined the story would take that turn! So good!!! I will for sure be reading the second book and can’t wait to see what is in store for Ava, River, and the rest!! Really hoping to find out why Ava has her fire powers in the next one, feels so mysterious.

[inkandlorereads · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book starts with a strong enemies-to-lovers dynamic that’s well built and genuinely convincing, with the tension and “hatred” coming across clearly from the beginning. I really liked how the forced proximity was used, steadily increasing the intensity between the characters without it feeling rushed. It also does a solid job of setting up the groundwork for the next book, leaving enough threads open to keep you invested in where the story is going.

My favourite part, though, was definitely the FMC’s relationship with her dragon. It added so much personality and depth to the story. The dragon herself is broody, fiery, and full of attitude in the best way, and their bond gives the story an extra layer that stands out beyond the romance.

For me there wasn’t enough spice or a deeper more intense connection between the fmc and mmc which is absolutely fine! This is a slow burn which for others works very well! I

[Blitheroo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was un-put-downable for me! It's not perfect, but it has so much HEART!

Ava is strong, a bit socially inept, and has been kept sheltered and weak for her 30 years of life. YES!! A 30 year old FMC!!! This is a story of her discovering herself and a whole boatload of uncomfortable truths about where she comes from.

She's betrayed, kidnapped, trained, nearly unalived a few times...and each conflict just makes her stronger.

And did I mention the dragons??

River is the Fogoyan King, a leader in the midst of war against a mad tyrant Queen. And he's just been handed the bargaining chip of a lifetime.

My only hangup is the mention of technology (phones, cars, jeans etc) that randomly comes up. I was envisioning this as a more historical setting, so someone being on a phone 20% in threw me off lol. So I would have liked a little more description of time at the beginning, but that's it!

[Jemma · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was sent this book as an ARC and I’m happy that I was. I liked this book.
It kept me wanting to read more. It has everything in it, romance, magic, strong characters that you begin to enjoy reading about.
I liked the MFC and wanted everything to go well for her.
The cliffhanger at the end made me mad as I didn’t want the story to end, however it left me wanting to read the next part right away.

The MMC was misunderstood at first but I got the feeling there was more to him and the more you read and understood him, the more you wanted him to open up and show the kinder side to him.

The tension between the two main characters was well developed and all the twists and plots kept me guessing to what will happen next.

This is a book I would recommend to others who enjoys anything witchy, magic and romance with a little fighting thrown in for fun.

[Anna-Marie Bell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the kind of story that grabs you from page one and refuses to let go. The pacing is relentless in the best way — twist after twist, each one landing harder than the last. What really anchors the chaos is Avari, a protagonist who feels powerful, layered, and deeply human. She’s not just “strong”; she’s resilient, clever, and emotionally grounded, even when the world around her is anything but.

The plot is immersive and all‑encompassing, pulling you into a world that feels alive and unpredictable. Every chapter adds new stakes, new revelations, and new reasons to keep reading. It’s the perfect blend of character‑driven storytelling and high‑octane suspense.

A gripping, twist‑heavy opener that sets the bar high and introduces a heroine worth following. I need the next one asap lol