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Between Tides & Thunder
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Expected 31 Mar 26Win a free print copy of this book!
30 days and 06:42:58
3 copies available
U.S. only
She was raised to hate him. Now she shares his bed.
Princess Mayah of Tundrayn isn’t allowed to want. Not freedom. Not love. Not even her own future. Instead, she’s spent her life healing others’ pain and swallowing her own. But when her father strikes a fragile alliance with enemy-kingdom Arbinj to crush a rising rebellion, she is bartered into a marriage she didn’t choose for a crown she doesn’t want.
She expects a prince. She gets the Dark Commander.
Zevayr is ruthless, unyielding, and a stormwielder with a reputation soaked in blood. He is everything Mayah was taught to fear. Yet as they race across rebel-torn lands, the less certain she is of where the monster ends and where the man begins.
In Arbinj’s glittering courts, the Rebellion surges and dangerous secrets stir from Mayah’s past—secrets that could shatter her kingdom, and her heart, if she lets them.
The question is not if Mayah will betray, but who: her people, her love, or herself?
Princess Mayah of Tundrayn isn’t allowed to want. Not freedom. Not love. Not even her own future. Instead, she’s spent her life healing others’ pain and swallowing her own. But when her father strikes a fragile alliance with enemy-kingdom Arbinj to crush a rising rebellion, she is bartered into a marriage she didn’t choose for a crown she doesn’t want.
She expects a prince. She gets the Dark Commander.
Zevayr is ruthless, unyielding, and a stormwielder with a reputation soaked in blood. He is everything Mayah was taught to fear. Yet as they race across rebel-torn lands, the less certain she is of where the monster ends and where the man begins.
In Arbinj’s glittering courts, the Rebellion surges and dangerous secrets stir from Mayah’s past—secrets that could shatter her kingdom, and her heart, if she lets them.
The question is not if Mayah will betray, but who: her people, her love, or herself?
496 pages, ebook
Expected publication March 31, 2026
118 people are currently reading
2454 people want to read
About the author
Leena Kazak
4 books384 followersLeena Kazak has been spinning stories since she was ten years old, when she wrote her first short story and never looked back. A lifelong reader, she’s devoured everything from fantasy and thrillers to historical fiction and contemporary romance—but these days, she’s happily tumbled down the romantasy staircase and shows no sign of climbing out. (Send help).
She writes fantasy romance with fierce heroines, impossible choices, and immersive worldbuilding. When she’s in the thick of drafting, Leena wakes up between 4:30 and 5 a.m. to chase that magical, half-asleep window when words flow freely and the world is still quiet.
Leena lives in the frigid Northeast with her brooding, handsome husband and their two adorable, half-feral sidekicks. (Leena and her husband are actually the sidekicks, but don’t tell her kids that.)
She writes fantasy romance with fierce heroines, impossible choices, and immersive worldbuilding. When she’s in the thick of drafting, Leena wakes up between 4:30 and 5 a.m. to chase that magical, half-asleep window when words flow freely and the world is still quiet.
Leena lives in the frigid Northeast with her brooding, handsome husband and their two adorable, half-feral sidekicks. (Leena and her husband are actually the sidekicks, but don’t tell her kids that.)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 404 reviews
January 24, 2026
romantasy standalone perfectionnnnn!
the political intrigue, plot twists, and characters made this story jump off the freaking page.
our fmc is a morally grey character with a healer’s heart, i loved her so much. she was so layered, and did what she thought was right.
the mmc!!!! now don’t get me started, gworl!!! this man is pathetically down bad, overly powerful, and brooooody! that’s my typa man!
there’s forced proximity, secrets, and amazing elemental magic battle scenes. i was so pleasantly surprised by this! fast paced, and intriguing from
page one. 5 stars!!
the political intrigue, plot twists, and characters made this story jump off the freaking page.
our fmc is a morally grey character with a healer’s heart, i loved her so much. she was so layered, and did what she thought was right.
the mmc!!!! now don’t get me started, gworl!!! this man is pathetically down bad, overly powerful, and brooooody! that’s my typa man!
there’s forced proximity, secrets, and amazing elemental magic battle scenes. i was so pleasantly surprised by this! fast paced, and intriguing from
page one. 5 stars!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
holy six stars, WOW!! never in my wildest dreams did I think I’d rate a standalone romantasy this high, but this book absolutely defied all odds.
it delivered on every single thing a romantasy reader (me) could possibly want: forced proximity, sharp banter, delicious tension, broodiness, angst, yearning, enemies-to-lovers, a true slow burn, shocking reveals, gut-punch twists… the list goes on. it’s the kind of story that gives you everything and still somehow keeps you desperate for more.
mayah is an incredible fmc - fierce, determined, and wickedly witty. and zev? the broody, dangerous, overly protective asshole of my dreams. absolutely yummy. every time he says ‘wife’ or ‘baby’ I’m on my knees. and might I add: a storm daddy. he falls first and he falls HARD, which makes everything that follows hurt in the best possible way. both characters are so layered that every time you think you have them figured out, the story reveals another side of them.
I felt every emotion under the sun while reading this. just when things start to feel steadY…BAM my jaw is on the floor and my heart has been ripped straight out of my chest. every time you think there might be a sliver of hope, you’re reminded not to get too comfortable… until you finally surrender to the ache of that ending.
I genuinely think I’ll be chasing the high this book gave me for a long time.
huge thank you to leena for this e-arc!
it delivered on every single thing a romantasy reader (me) could possibly want: forced proximity, sharp banter, delicious tension, broodiness, angst, yearning, enemies-to-lovers, a true slow burn, shocking reveals, gut-punch twists… the list goes on. it’s the kind of story that gives you everything and still somehow keeps you desperate for more.
mayah is an incredible fmc - fierce, determined, and wickedly witty. and zev? the broody, dangerous, overly protective asshole of my dreams. absolutely yummy. every time he says ‘wife’ or ‘baby’ I’m on my knees. and might I add: a storm daddy. he falls first and he falls HARD, which makes everything that follows hurt in the best possible way. both characters are so layered that every time you think you have them figured out, the story reveals another side of them.
I felt every emotion under the sun while reading this. just when things start to feel steadY…BAM my jaw is on the floor and my heart has been ripped straight out of my chest. every time you think there might be a sliver of hope, you’re reminded not to get too comfortable… until you finally surrender to the ache of that ending.
I genuinely think I’ll be chasing the high this book gave me for a long time.
huge thank you to leena for this e-arc!
March 1, 2026
This book absolutely blew me away 6⭐️ no doubt
RTC
RTC
December 7, 2025
I screamed, I cried, I blushed, I swooned. so many feels you’ll finish thinking how the hell was that fulfilling of a story wrapped up in one book.
March 3, 2026
This was hands down the best standalone I have read in a long time. 10/10. No notes.
This felt like a series that was managed to be fit into one less than 500 page book in the best way possible. I was engrossed from page one and it never let up. I tend to have an issue with standalones because they never feel as complete and well rounded as a series does, but the code has been cracked here.
We follow Mayah, heir to the Tundrayni throne, who is engaged to the heir of the Arbinji throne. These two kingdoms have been at war for years, and this arranged marriage is part of the peace deal. Come to find out, the heir’s younger brother, Zevayr, has come to escort Mayah to Arbinj.
The enemies to lovers romance was so so sooo good. I was OBSESSED. You don’t even understand how much I love Zev. Whenever he called Mayah “baby”, I literally combusted. Mayah was a fantastic fmc. She was fierce but she was also kind and considerate. She is also a healer which I love to see. Quiet powers don’t get enough love in romantasy.
Both characters were flushed out very well. They were extremely complicated, and their dynamic with each other even more so, but justice was done with them.
The plot was very fast paced with short chapters as well. Not a boring second while reading this. My only complaint is that there is no second book because I fear I’m attached.
This comes out March 31!! Make plans to check it out you won’t regret it.
Endless thank you to Leena Kazak, her team, and IRIS Influencer Society for this e-ARC!!! All my thoughts are my own.
This felt like a series that was managed to be fit into one less than 500 page book in the best way possible. I was engrossed from page one and it never let up. I tend to have an issue with standalones because they never feel as complete and well rounded as a series does, but the code has been cracked here.
We follow Mayah, heir to the Tundrayni throne, who is engaged to the heir of the Arbinji throne. These two kingdoms have been at war for years, and this arranged marriage is part of the peace deal. Come to find out, the heir’s younger brother, Zevayr, has come to escort Mayah to Arbinj.
The enemies to lovers romance was so so sooo good. I was OBSESSED. You don’t even understand how much I love Zev. Whenever he called Mayah “baby”, I literally combusted. Mayah was a fantastic fmc. She was fierce but she was also kind and considerate. She is also a healer which I love to see. Quiet powers don’t get enough love in romantasy.
Both characters were flushed out very well. They were extremely complicated, and their dynamic with each other even more so, but justice was done with them.
The plot was very fast paced with short chapters as well. Not a boring second while reading this. My only complaint is that there is no second book because I fear I’m attached.
This comes out March 31!! Make plans to check it out you won’t regret it.
Endless thank you to Leena Kazak, her team, and IRIS Influencer Society for this e-ARC!!! All my thoughts are my own.
January 22, 2026
I absolutely devoured this book. This story didn’t just entertain me it consumed me. From the very first chapters, I was completely locked in, emotionally invested, and thinking about nothing else but Mayah, Zev, and what on earth was about to happen next.
The banter??? TOP. TIER.
Every exchange between Mayah and Zev was sharp, emotional, and addictive. Their dynamic is everything I love: tension, softness, stubbornness, vulnerability, humor, and that slow, aching pull between two people who absolutely should not be falling for each other. I loved watching their relationship unfold not just romantically, but emotionally. The trust. The clashes. The quiet moments. The way they slowly see each other. It was so sweet, so intense, and so deeply satisfying.
And Zev… oh my god.
I don’t even have proper words. He is officially on my list. Protective, complicated, dangerous, soft in the ways that matter and I adored him. Every layer we got made me love him more, and the way he and Mayah challenge each other just wrecked me in the best way.
The story itself is emotional, gripping, and impossible to put down. I laughed, I hurt, I swooned, I stressed, and I absolutely lived inside this world while reading. The magic, the tension, the twists, the quiet character moments, it all worked for me.
This was heart pulling, page devouring, stay up too late kind of reading. The kind where you close the book and just stare at the wall for a minute because you’re not ready to leave.
Easily one of my favorite reads to kick off 2026, and 100% a book I’ll be screaming about and recommending. Thanks to the author for the gifted ARC.
The banter??? TOP. TIER.
Every exchange between Mayah and Zev was sharp, emotional, and addictive. Their dynamic is everything I love: tension, softness, stubbornness, vulnerability, humor, and that slow, aching pull between two people who absolutely should not be falling for each other. I loved watching their relationship unfold not just romantically, but emotionally. The trust. The clashes. The quiet moments. The way they slowly see each other. It was so sweet, so intense, and so deeply satisfying.
And Zev… oh my god.
I don’t even have proper words. He is officially on my list. Protective, complicated, dangerous, soft in the ways that matter and I adored him. Every layer we got made me love him more, and the way he and Mayah challenge each other just wrecked me in the best way.
The story itself is emotional, gripping, and impossible to put down. I laughed, I hurt, I swooned, I stressed, and I absolutely lived inside this world while reading. The magic, the tension, the twists, the quiet character moments, it all worked for me.
This was heart pulling, page devouring, stay up too late kind of reading. The kind where you close the book and just stare at the wall for a minute because you’re not ready to leave.
Easily one of my favorite reads to kick off 2026, and 100% a book I’ll be screaming about and recommending. Thanks to the author for the gifted ARC.
January 27, 2026
Zev and Mayah frustrated, infuriated, and broke me, and in the end, it was all worth it. 🥹
Final review to come.
Final review to come.
Review of advance copy received from Author
“because i know you wouldn’t tolerate anything less than being treated as my equal.”
—
6 huge stars. this is romantic fantasy standalone PERFECTION. i devoured this in less than 24 hours and couldn’t put it down to save my life.
both of these characters are so layered you think you have them figured out… until you absolutely don’t. mayah was such an intriguing, witty fmc, and zev? added him to my book boyfriend list immediately. broody, dangerous, overly protective. what more could you want? brb while i go find a man’s bicep to use as a pillow.
the yearning and the tension this had was CRAZY. this man falls first (and harder) and i ate up every second of it. their chemistry felt so raw and real. it might not seem like a slow burn at first, but just wait. after a certain point, i was foaming at the mouth for every single interaction.
i can’t say much without spoiling anything, but the twists completely caught me off guard. one minute i was giggling and kicking my feet, having the best time, and the next i absolutely was NOT. there were moments i genuinely couldn’t breathe i was so stressed.
this book felt like it was a thousand pages long (in the best way) because what do you mean an insane romance and plot with twists fit in less than 500 pages? i became SO attached to the story and these characters that it had me fully immersed.
i’m genuinely devastated this is a standalone because i did not want to leave this world. i will take any bonus content. immediately. pls.
thank you so much leena, her team, and iris influencer society for this e-arc! ♥︎
“𝒊 𝒘𝒐𝒏’𝒕 𝒃𝒆 𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒅. 𝒊 𝒘𝒐𝒏’𝒕 𝒃𝒆 𝒈𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒍𝒆. 𝒊’𝒎 𝒈𝒐𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒐 𝒓𝒖𝒊𝒏 𝒚𝒐𝒖, 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒘𝒂𝒚 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒓𝒖𝒊𝒏𝒆𝒅 𝒎𝒆.”
—
6 huge stars. this is romantic fantasy standalone PERFECTION. i devoured this in less than 24 hours and couldn’t put it down to save my life.
both of these characters are so layered you think you have them figured out… until you absolutely don’t. mayah was such an intriguing, witty fmc, and zev? added him to my book boyfriend list immediately. broody, dangerous, overly protective. what more could you want? brb while i go find a man’s bicep to use as a pillow.
the yearning and the tension this had was CRAZY. this man falls first (and harder) and i ate up every second of it. their chemistry felt so raw and real. it might not seem like a slow burn at first, but just wait. after a certain point, i was foaming at the mouth for every single interaction.
i can’t say much without spoiling anything, but the twists completely caught me off guard. one minute i was giggling and kicking my feet, having the best time, and the next i absolutely was NOT. there were moments i genuinely couldn’t breathe i was so stressed.
this book felt like it was a thousand pages long (in the best way) because what do you mean an insane romance and plot with twists fit in less than 500 pages? i became SO attached to the story and these characters that it had me fully immersed.
i’m genuinely devastated this is a standalone because i did not want to leave this world. i will take any bonus content. immediately. pls.
thank you so much leena, her team, and iris influencer society for this e-arc! ♥︎
“𝒊 𝒘𝒐𝒏’𝒕 𝒃𝒆 𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒅. 𝒊 𝒘𝒐𝒏’𝒕 𝒃𝒆 𝒈𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒍𝒆. 𝒊’𝒎 𝒈𝒐𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒐 𝒓𝒖𝒊𝒏 𝒚𝒐𝒖, 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒘𝒂𝒚 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒓𝒖𝒊𝒏𝒆𝒅 𝒎𝒆.”
Review of advance copy received from Author
STANDALONE ROMANTASYS ARE IN!!
I audibly said “what??” MULTIPLE times in this book because I was so shocked about certain events hahah. This book had everything I love in Romantasy, and the best part was it was just 1 book! It was done so well too. I didn’t feel like it was rushed or that there wasn’t enough at all. For the first half of the book I was enjoying it and having a good time, but also questioning what direction the book was going to go in. BUT THE SECOND HALF??? I literally could not put the book down. I stayed up all night to keep reading!
There was tension and angst and yearning!! It was a single POV, which I’ve been needing more in Romantasy! It made the tension so much better because we only got the fmcs thoughts!! I LOVE single pov!! The fmc was so likable and she is a strong healer. She has been arranged to marry the prince of the warring kingdom to try to establish an alliance.
This is what I want in all my romantasy standlones! It was engaging, fast pasted with twists that will have you needing to take a moment to wrap your head around what’s happening, moments that’ll feel like you got punched in the gut and hurt your heart, and the romance is 🔥🔥
⭐️Single POV
⭐️healer FMC who’s afraid of thunder storms
⭐️mmc with storm magic
⭐️arranged marriage
⭐️warring kingdoms
⭐️one bed roll
⭐️standalone
⭐️🌶️.5
Thank you to Leena for allowing me to read an ARC of this amazing book!!
I audibly said “what??” MULTIPLE times in this book because I was so shocked about certain events hahah. This book had everything I love in Romantasy, and the best part was it was just 1 book! It was done so well too. I didn’t feel like it was rushed or that there wasn’t enough at all. For the first half of the book I was enjoying it and having a good time, but also questioning what direction the book was going to go in. BUT THE SECOND HALF??? I literally could not put the book down. I stayed up all night to keep reading!
There was tension and angst and yearning!! It was a single POV, which I’ve been needing more in Romantasy! It made the tension so much better because we only got the fmcs thoughts!! I LOVE single pov!! The fmc was so likable and she is a strong healer. She has been arranged to marry the prince of the warring kingdom to try to establish an alliance.
This is what I want in all my romantasy standlones! It was engaging, fast pasted with twists that will have you needing to take a moment to wrap your head around what’s happening, moments that’ll feel like you got punched in the gut and hurt your heart, and the romance is 🔥🔥
⭐️Single POV
⭐️healer FMC who’s afraid of thunder storms
⭐️mmc with storm magic
⭐️arranged marriage
⭐️warring kingdoms
⭐️one bed roll
⭐️standalone
⭐️🌶️.5
Thank you to Leena for allowing me to read an ARC of this amazing book!!
January 26, 2026
Firstly, a huge thank you to Leena for sending me an eARC of Between Tides & Thunder to read and review. What a book!! I devoured Between Tides & Thunder in a little over 24 hours...it was awesome!
She's a princess who is forced into an arranged marriage she doesn't want, he's the dark commander of the enemy kingdom, whose powerful lightening magic has killed hundreds of her people...what could go wrong?!
Leena promised us an emotional gut punch of a romantasy standalone, with enemies to lovers and elemental magic wielders, and whew boy did she deliver. From the start, you're immediately invested in the story and the world Leena has created. I adored Mayah as an FMC, she's so fierce! Her and Zev have the most EXPLOSIVE chemistry and I loved their banter. Zev is such a beautiful soul; dark commander yes, but also secret softie. Gah, I loved him! (The ring?!?!?! I mean C'mon Leena what are you trying to do to me!)
Honestly, I could read a whole series of books in this world with Zev and Mayah. The storyline, the development of the characters, the magic, the twists and turns - I can't believe how much LIFE Leena has injected into Between Tides & Thunder with only a little over 400 pages. An epic standalone romantasy and easily making it onto my top books of 2026, and it's only January!!
With it being a standalone I don't want to go into much more detail and risk spoilers, but you need to read this book guys!! Like, NOW.
She's a princess who is forced into an arranged marriage she doesn't want, he's the dark commander of the enemy kingdom, whose powerful lightening magic has killed hundreds of her people...what could go wrong?!
Leena promised us an emotional gut punch of a romantasy standalone, with enemies to lovers and elemental magic wielders, and whew boy did she deliver. From the start, you're immediately invested in the story and the world Leena has created. I adored Mayah as an FMC, she's so fierce! Her and Zev have the most EXPLOSIVE chemistry and I loved their banter. Zev is such a beautiful soul; dark commander yes, but also secret softie. Gah, I loved him! (The ring?!?!?! I mean C'mon Leena what are you trying to do to me!)
Honestly, I could read a whole series of books in this world with Zev and Mayah. The storyline, the development of the characters, the magic, the twists and turns - I can't believe how much LIFE Leena has injected into Between Tides & Thunder with only a little over 400 pages. An epic standalone romantasy and easily making it onto my top books of 2026, and it's only January!!
With it being a standalone I don't want to go into much more detail and risk spoilers, but you need to read this book guys!! Like, NOW.
January 3, 2026
This book is sooooo good! It’s got kingdoms, evil kings, awful princes, a broody, gorgeous prince, and a princess that was to avenge her mama and make life better for her people. She’s afraid of storms, his magic is stormwielding. She’s a healer, he’s a killer. She’s got a smart mouth, he has rope and a gag. Its enemies to lovers to enemies to frenemies to… well you have to read to find out. There’s a really cool magic system, court intrigue, plot twists, A LOT of emotion, secrets, betrayal, yearning, suspense, and some delicious (light) spice. Highly recommend this infinity star read!
Review of advance copy received from Author
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐♾️
(The book that broke my rating system..)
This book consumed my every thought from start to finish. All I wanted to do was dive back into this new world Leena gave us.
The prologue hooked me so fast I was instantly in Leena's DMs. I then found myself saying "just one more chapter" so many times that I finished the book within 3 days (that's fast for this snail paced reader over here).
There are so many plot twists that I didn't see coming. And trust me, I tried. I actually sent my (maybe unhinged?) theory to Leena and I'm sure she got a kick out of it. Not being able to predict what was coming was so much fun! I love when I'm completely surprised by plot twists.
One of my favorite things was the banter between Zev and Mayah. It was absolute perfection. Their chemistry is undeniable but that doesn't mean sunshine and roses (insert emotional damage).
Mayah's got some sass and isn't taking crap from anyone. And Zev may be all rough and gruff (and buff, hello biceps!), but he stole my heart from the beginning. He has been through his own hurts in the war and I totally cried when he tells Mayah one of his stories. New favorite MMC hands down!
There is so much in this standalone book and I feel like I could go on and on with how much I genuinely LOVE it.
Tropes you'll find:
🌩️ Forced proximity
💙 Enemies to lovers
🌩️ A Thunder Daddy
💙 A strong princess (also afraid of storms)
🌩️ Warring Kingdoms
💙 One bedroll/horse
🌩️ Elemental powers
I hope you'll go to the Tundra and fall in love with Zev and Mayah as much as I have.
A huge thank you to the author for trusting me with an early ARC and for letting me be a part of her Street Team.
✨ Interested in an ARC? There is still time to apply! Head over to the author's page and comment "ARC" on any of her posts to get the application link ✨
This is also the ONLY book I've immediately started over. I just can't move on yet.
Key words: Romantasy | elemental powers | Bookstagram | book review| ARC Review | early ARC | street team | indie author | upcoming release | forced proximity | enemies to lovers
#arcreview #romantasy #standalonebook #bookreview
(The book that broke my rating system..)
This book consumed my every thought from start to finish. All I wanted to do was dive back into this new world Leena gave us.
The prologue hooked me so fast I was instantly in Leena's DMs. I then found myself saying "just one more chapter" so many times that I finished the book within 3 days (that's fast for this snail paced reader over here).
There are so many plot twists that I didn't see coming. And trust me, I tried. I actually sent my (maybe unhinged?) theory to Leena and I'm sure she got a kick out of it. Not being able to predict what was coming was so much fun! I love when I'm completely surprised by plot twists.
One of my favorite things was the banter between Zev and Mayah. It was absolute perfection. Their chemistry is undeniable but that doesn't mean sunshine and roses (insert emotional damage).
Mayah's got some sass and isn't taking crap from anyone. And Zev may be all rough and gruff (and buff, hello biceps!), but he stole my heart from the beginning. He has been through his own hurts in the war and I totally cried when he tells Mayah one of his stories. New favorite MMC hands down!
There is so much in this standalone book and I feel like I could go on and on with how much I genuinely LOVE it.
Tropes you'll find:
🌩️ Forced proximity
💙 Enemies to lovers
🌩️ A Thunder Daddy
💙 A strong princess (also afraid of storms)
🌩️ Warring Kingdoms
💙 One bedroll/horse
🌩️ Elemental powers
I hope you'll go to the Tundra and fall in love with Zev and Mayah as much as I have.
A huge thank you to the author for trusting me with an early ARC and for letting me be a part of her Street Team.
✨ Interested in an ARC? There is still time to apply! Head over to the author's page and comment "ARC" on any of her posts to get the application link ✨
This is also the ONLY book I've immediately started over. I just can't move on yet.
Key words: Romantasy | elemental powers | Bookstagram | book review| ARC Review | early ARC | street team | indie author | upcoming release | forced proximity | enemies to lovers
#arcreview #romantasy #standalonebook #bookreview
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC read
I did not want to put this book down! It had me hooked from the very beginning and not once did it waver! The plot and the twists were amazing, I never saw any of the twists coming!
Zev was just utter perfection, this man is just up there with top MMC's! Meyah was also such a developed character, I loved that she was fierce and caring and didn't care that people didn't have magical powers they were all equal.
Wow this book was just amazing and I really enjoyed reading it and was so thankfull to get an e-arc of this book. I have already recommended it to my friend for when it's released!
I did not want to put this book down! It had me hooked from the very beginning and not once did it waver! The plot and the twists were amazing, I never saw any of the twists coming!
Zev was just utter perfection, this man is just up there with top MMC's! Meyah was also such a developed character, I loved that she was fierce and caring and didn't care that people didn't have magical powers they were all equal.
Wow this book was just amazing and I really enjoyed reading it and was so thankfull to get an e-arc of this book. I have already recommended it to my friend for when it's released!
March 9, 2026
After picking this book up and putting down after every chapter for two days, I hit some sort of stride and flew through this story. Talk about addicting!
The romance, the banter, the rebellion stricken world, the way that not everything is as it seems: I absolutely loved this story! This is my favorite book by this author, and I absolutely will be reading everything she’s ever written now.
I’m not usually a standalone person. I have a hard time connecting to the world and seeing everything wrapped up in just one book. I always love the characters, but the end always leaves me dissatisfied. That was not the case for this book! I completely fell in love with this world and its characters. There’s just enough world building that I could picture everything and understand the situation we were in without feeling overwhelmed.
Did I think it was perfect? No. I’m still definitely not a standalone person because the endings are often just a little too perfect in my opinion. But I had an incredibly fun time reading this one and exploring the world.
I want to talk about the romance for a second. They’re enemies - but not. They act like enemies. They don’t trust each other, they have misconceptions about each other, and they’re basically just following orders. But the enemies dynamic isn’t like a true enemies kind of thing. They’re definitely civil with each other from the start even if they grumble about each other all the time.
Thank you so much to Leena Kazak and Iris Influencer Society for an arc of this book! All opinions are my own.
The romance, the banter, the rebellion stricken world, the way that not everything is as it seems: I absolutely loved this story! This is my favorite book by this author, and I absolutely will be reading everything she’s ever written now.
I’m not usually a standalone person. I have a hard time connecting to the world and seeing everything wrapped up in just one book. I always love the characters, but the end always leaves me dissatisfied. That was not the case for this book! I completely fell in love with this world and its characters. There’s just enough world building that I could picture everything and understand the situation we were in without feeling overwhelmed.
Did I think it was perfect? No. I’m still definitely not a standalone person because the endings are often just a little too perfect in my opinion. But I had an incredibly fun time reading this one and exploring the world.
I want to talk about the romance for a second. They’re enemies - but not. They act like enemies. They don’t trust each other, they have misconceptions about each other, and they’re basically just following orders. But the enemies dynamic isn’t like a true enemies kind of thing. They’re definitely civil with each other from the start even if they grumble about each other all the time.
Thank you so much to Leena Kazak and Iris Influencer Society for an arc of this book! All opinions are my own.
February 24, 2026
ARC REVIEW; 4.5 ⭐️
It is an understatement to say that I DEVOURED this book.
Between Tides and Thunder is a stand-alone romantasy in which we follow Mayah, a healer princess from a wintery kingdom who is forced into marriage with a prince from the enemy realm to secure peace and ensure her kingdom’s survival. Reluctantly, she travels to Arbinj… but instead of a prince, she gets the dark commander, a merciless thunder wielder. Through their journey, they learn to rely on one another and, against all odds, begin to care for each other until...
✅ Plot twists you don't see coming ✅ Betrayals and deadly secrets ✅ Tension that keep you hooked
✅ Angst for days
This being a standalone fantasy was such a refreshing break from long, ongoing series. It’s fast-paced and doesn’t dwell too deeply on world-building or politics, but I honestly didn’t mind. The story is so engaging that I was completely swept up in it. It’s actually kind of wild what the author managed to do in 500-ish pages.
The romance did feel a little insta-love at times, but I still loved the dynamic between the FMC and MMC. Their chemistry? Chef’s kiss. The banter? Top tier.
And can we talk about Zev being the perfect husband for a second? Hello???
I did, however, cringe at the overused pet names and all the "tides" curses.
A very good read if you like:
✨ Single POV
✨ Touch her and die
✨ Enemies to lovers
✨ Arranged marriage between warring kingdoms
✨ Forced proximity
✨ Elemental magic
✨ Thunder daddy
"My wive was not where I left her"
" I am not a weakness or a bitch, I am a fucking force of nature"
Overall a very enjoyable read! Thank you again to the author for providing me with an ARC!
It is an understatement to say that I DEVOURED this book.
Between Tides and Thunder is a stand-alone romantasy in which we follow Mayah, a healer princess from a wintery kingdom who is forced into marriage with a prince from the enemy realm to secure peace and ensure her kingdom’s survival. Reluctantly, she travels to Arbinj… but instead of a prince, she gets the dark commander, a merciless thunder wielder. Through their journey, they learn to rely on one another and, against all odds, begin to care for each other until...
✅ Plot twists you don't see coming ✅ Betrayals and deadly secrets ✅ Tension that keep you hooked
✅ Angst for days
This being a standalone fantasy was such a refreshing break from long, ongoing series. It’s fast-paced and doesn’t dwell too deeply on world-building or politics, but I honestly didn’t mind. The story is so engaging that I was completely swept up in it. It’s actually kind of wild what the author managed to do in 500-ish pages.
The romance did feel a little insta-love at times, but I still loved the dynamic between the FMC and MMC. Their chemistry? Chef’s kiss. The banter? Top tier.
And can we talk about Zev being the perfect husband for a second? Hello???
I did, however, cringe at the overused pet names and all the "tides" curses.
A very good read if you like:
✨ Single POV
✨ Touch her and die
✨ Enemies to lovers
✨ Arranged marriage between warring kingdoms
✨ Forced proximity
✨ Elemental magic
✨ Thunder daddy
"My wive was not where I left her"
" I am not a weakness or a bitch, I am a fucking force of nature"
Overall a very enjoyable read! Thank you again to the author for providing me with an ARC!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 2, 2026
A standalone romantasy that delivers on the jaw dropping plot twists. This adventure romance is full of secrets and betrayal. I like a story that feels satisfying without having to invest in a long series. She’s on a journey with the dark commander, because she’s arranged to marry his brother.
This was unique, I didn’t really expect it to go the way it did. I loved the intensity of the MMC, protective over her right from the start. She was raised to hate him and he is a storm wieder, the one thing she fears most. The world building in this was very simple so you can focus more on the characters and romance plot. Very much forced proximity going on. I was eating up the protective energy.
Overall a great read if you’re looking for a bingeable fantasy romance with twists you won’t see coming.
“He kisses me as if he’s been waiting for me his entire life.”
“I will take his cruelty, his disdain. I’ll bathe in his contempt until I’m covered in every drop of his wrath.”
“After you, there’s only you.”
Healer FMC
Arranged Marriage
Warring Kingdoms
He Falls First
Elemental Powers
This was unique, I didn’t really expect it to go the way it did. I loved the intensity of the MMC, protective over her right from the start. She was raised to hate him and he is a storm wieder, the one thing she fears most. The world building in this was very simple so you can focus more on the characters and romance plot. Very much forced proximity going on. I was eating up the protective energy.
Overall a great read if you’re looking for a bingeable fantasy romance with twists you won’t see coming.
“He kisses me as if he’s been waiting for me his entire life.”
“I will take his cruelty, his disdain. I’ll bathe in his contempt until I’m covered in every drop of his wrath.”
“After you, there’s only you.”
Healer FMC
Arranged Marriage
Warring Kingdoms
He Falls First
Elemental Powers
January 11, 2026
(⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️x10) ARC review - Between Tides & Thunder by Leena Kazak.
Book of the year for sure! This book will stay with me for a very long time and easy top 3 books ever read.
It’s everything you ever wanted in a standalone fantasy romance novel. The amount of emotions I felt while reading was insane and it’s just one of those you want to finish in one sitting and you will loose sleep over it.
I loved the characters, both Mayah and Zev were strong main characters. Both stubborn and never one to back down from anything or anyone. But both looking after their hearts.
Leena’s writing is always easy to follow and very entertaining it was an honor to be able to read this early ARC.
I highly suggest this book to any person who can read!!! Fantasy, romance and romantasy readers, you do not want to miss out on this one.
Book of the year for sure! This book will stay with me for a very long time and easy top 3 books ever read.
It’s everything you ever wanted in a standalone fantasy romance novel. The amount of emotions I felt while reading was insane and it’s just one of those you want to finish in one sitting and you will loose sleep over it.
I loved the characters, both Mayah and Zev were strong main characters. Both stubborn and never one to back down from anything or anyone. But both looking after their hearts.
Leena’s writing is always easy to follow and very entertaining it was an honor to be able to read this early ARC.
I highly suggest this book to any person who can read!!! Fantasy, romance and romantasy readers, you do not want to miss out on this one.
March 5, 2026
THIS WAS AMAZINGGGG
Thank you so much Leena for the arc! I am so grateful.
Honestly I loved everything about this. I am usually a series kind of girl, I had to keep reminding myself that this is a standalone so the pacing is different. But even so, the pacing was perfect! I had such a hard time putting this down!!
The whiplash I received about 60% in all the way to the end was absolutely insane but I was living for it.
I like Mayah majority of the time lol and loved Zev. They were just so relatable and so was their relationship. It just seemed REAL? Idk but I ate this upppp, so so good
Thank you so much Leena for the arc! I am so grateful.
Honestly I loved everything about this. I am usually a series kind of girl, I had to keep reminding myself that this is a standalone so the pacing is different. But even so, the pacing was perfect! I had such a hard time putting this down!!
The whiplash I received about 60% in all the way to the end was absolutely insane but I was living for it.
I like Mayah majority of the time lol and loved Zev. They were just so relatable and so was their relationship. It just seemed REAL? Idk but I ate this upppp, so so good
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book deserves ALL of the stars!! It was so good! I can't believe this was a standalone. It had all the best things, enemies to lovers, one tent, one horse, star crossed lovers, betrayal, and lastly twist upon twists!! Oh and the yearning!! OMG! Sooo MUCH YEARNING. It was amazing!! I loved Mayah and Zev so much!! Their story is amazing and I can't wait for everyone to read this book! The writing was beautifully done as well.
Review of advance copy received from Author
If your looking for a standalone Romantacy that completely ruins you just to put you back together then this is it; Storm daddy vs. A smart ass FMC with healing powers. Each has comes to terms with their role in what feels like a never ending war. Her pawned off to be a bargaining chip and him faced with delivering her to his brother. What could go wrong?
February 28, 2026
⭐️ 5/5
🌶️ 3/5
Forced proximity
Standalone
Enemies to lovers to enemies to lovers
Romantasy
One bed / one horse
Elemental powers
He falls first
Warring kingdoms
Arranged marriage
Secrets
Betrayals
Fast-paced
Slow burn
STOP. I COULD NOT PUT THIS DAMN BOOK DOWN.
My annoying real life kept getting in the way of my reading time and literally all I could think about at any given moment was getting back to this book. I feel like this could definitely be the next BIG book.
It’s packed with non-stop action and SO many plot twists that I truly didn’t see coming. There were literally twists up until the very end that I had NO preparation for. I honestly love Mayah and Zev so much. Their relationship felt so real and it actually progressed at such a good pace give this is a standalone! (It didn’t feel like it was.)
I am SO thankful to have been accepted to Leena Kazak’s Street Team and receive an ARC for this book. I am also SO glad I bumped it to the top of my TBR. It’s seriously SO bingable.
I honestly am tempted to re-read this book so I can go through it again with what I know now. THAT’S how wild the plot twists were!
🌶️ 3/5
Forced proximity
Standalone
Enemies to lovers to enemies to lovers
Romantasy
One bed / one horse
Elemental powers
He falls first
Warring kingdoms
Arranged marriage
Secrets
Betrayals
Fast-paced
Slow burn
STOP. I COULD NOT PUT THIS DAMN BOOK DOWN.
My annoying real life kept getting in the way of my reading time and literally all I could think about at any given moment was getting back to this book. I feel like this could definitely be the next BIG book.
It’s packed with non-stop action and SO many plot twists that I truly didn’t see coming. There were literally twists up until the very end that I had NO preparation for. I honestly love Mayah and Zev so much. Their relationship felt so real and it actually progressed at such a good pace give this is a standalone! (It didn’t feel like it was.)
I am SO thankful to have been accepted to Leena Kazak’s Street Team and receive an ARC for this book. I am also SO glad I bumped it to the top of my TBR. It’s seriously SO bingable.
I honestly am tempted to re-read this book so I can go through it again with what I know now. THAT’S how wild the plot twists were!
February 28, 2026
Advanced Reader Copy supplied by the Author
It was an honor to read Leena Kazak’s ARC for Between Tides and Thunder.
With enemies to lovers, forced proximity, elemental magic, and an achingly slow burn, Between
Tides & Thunder is a sweeping fantasy romance that balances political tension with emotionally stirring character arcs!
The plot twists were ground breaking and had me throwing my arms up in exasperation!
I was hooked from the moment I met Zev, broody, dark, dangerous and deliciously written! His character development and inner turmoil is palpable and electrifying.
Mayah is who little girls should aspire to be when they grow up, a princess but a badass. Fierce, loyal, determined and courageous.
This is a standalone novel but I wish it was more!
Thank you to Leena Kazak and Iris Influencer Society for the opportunity to preread this magical novel!
If you’re on the hunt for a romantasy with yearning and great plot, Between Tides and Thunder will be available March 31st 2026!
It was an honor to read Leena Kazak’s ARC for Between Tides and Thunder.
With enemies to lovers, forced proximity, elemental magic, and an achingly slow burn, Between
Tides & Thunder is a sweeping fantasy romance that balances political tension with emotionally stirring character arcs!
The plot twists were ground breaking and had me throwing my arms up in exasperation!
I was hooked from the moment I met Zev, broody, dark, dangerous and deliciously written! His character development and inner turmoil is palpable and electrifying.
Mayah is who little girls should aspire to be when they grow up, a princess but a badass. Fierce, loyal, determined and courageous.
This is a standalone novel but I wish it was more!
Thank you to Leena Kazak and Iris Influencer Society for the opportunity to preread this magical novel!
If you’re on the hunt for a romantasy with yearning and great plot, Between Tides and Thunder will be available March 31st 2026!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Move over shadow daddies...Thunder daddy is moving in!
I have all the emotions in this book. I laughed, I cried, and I got angry. I could not put this book down.
This book had me hooked from page one. I couldn't put it down. All the plot twists that I didnt see coming.
I loved the banter between Mayah and Zev. their chemistry is perfection. Enemies to lovers! and I loved the angst between them
Zev... thunder daddy and I was in love with him since the beginning!
I have all the emotions in this book. I laughed, I cried, and I got angry. I could not put this book down.
This book had me hooked from page one. I couldn't put it down. All the plot twists that I didnt see coming.
I loved the banter between Mayah and Zev. their chemistry is perfection. Enemies to lovers! and I loved the angst between them
Zev... thunder daddy and I was in love with him since the beginning!
March 2, 2026
Overall Rating: 5/5 (My first ARC and a new favorite!)
Spice: 1.5 (A lot of fade to black, but the tension is electric)
Vibe: Slow burn yearning meets twists-on-twists chaos.
I was lucky enough to be gifted an ARC of Between Tides and Thunder and I am still reeling. If you live for the "he falls first" trope and a romance that is built on pure, unadulterated yearning, this is your next obsession. I mean this quote: "The stone wall is hard against my back and my husband is hard everywhere else"...just SWOON.
The romance in this book is so masterfully done. The subtle glances and dynamics build a tension that feels so real it hurts. Watching Zevayr—the ruthless Dark Commander—fall so hard for Mayah had me kicking my feet the entire time.
And the plot?! It is truly twists on twists on twists. I thought I knew where we were heading, but by the 95% mark, things were moving so fast I couldn't put it down. I was on the edge of my seat until the very last word.
Spice: 1.5 (A lot of fade to black, but the tension is electric)
Vibe: Slow burn yearning meets twists-on-twists chaos.
I was lucky enough to be gifted an ARC of Between Tides and Thunder and I am still reeling. If you live for the "he falls first" trope and a romance that is built on pure, unadulterated yearning, this is your next obsession. I mean this quote: "The stone wall is hard against my back and my husband is hard everywhere else"...just SWOON.
The romance in this book is so masterfully done. The subtle glances and dynamics build a tension that feels so real it hurts. Watching Zevayr—the ruthless Dark Commander—fall so hard for Mayah had me kicking my feet the entire time.
And the plot?! It is truly twists on twists on twists. I thought I knew where we were heading, but by the 95% mark, things were moving so fast I couldn't put it down. I was on the edge of my seat until the very last word.
February 21, 2026
Thank you so much to Leena and IRIS for this ARC . I can honestly say that this book absolutely had me in an iron chokehold.
Shadow daddy who…. No babes we have a THUNDERDADDY! Throwing thunder tantrums .
This read was witty, cunning, funny, emotionally damaging, edgy 😉 and utterly obsessive .
I’m struggling to comprehend in words just how much i couldn’t leave it alone, there wasn’t a point I wanted to put it down, I stayed up till 3am before begrudgingly fell asleep and woke up early to return!
It finished so bloody well! But I’m heartbroken that I don’t get to live with them longer , I’m a very immersive reader , they are like my bezzie mates and now I’m totally
Lost!
Shadow daddy who…. No babes we have a THUNDERDADDY! Throwing thunder tantrums .
This read was witty, cunning, funny, emotionally damaging, edgy 😉 and utterly obsessive .
I’m struggling to comprehend in words just how much i couldn’t leave it alone, there wasn’t a point I wanted to put it down, I stayed up till 3am before begrudgingly fell asleep and woke up early to return!
It finished so bloody well! But I’m heartbroken that I don’t get to live with them longer , I’m a very immersive reader , they are like my bezzie mates and now I’m totally
Lost!
January 12, 2026
Was lucky enough to receive an early copy of this absolutely genius novel by the incomparable Leena Kazak, and wow. Just.... WOW!
Between Tides & Thunder is a delicious blend of heart, heat, and holy sh*t plot twists, which I binged in 48 hours with zero regrets.
*full review to come!*
Between Tides & Thunder is a delicious blend of heart, heat, and holy sh*t plot twists, which I binged in 48 hours with zero regrets.
*full review to come!*
February 23, 2026
Wow wow wow, well freaking color me amazed!
Between tides & thunder standalone novel just blew me away and pulled me right back in. I was 100% invested and intrigue. This is sharp, emotional, strong, destructive, honest and heartbreaking. I can’t believe all the twists and turns and how totally unexpected they were. Surprise you say? Mind boggling🤯 is more accurate.
Ok, I feel a need to start by saying… it’s a crawling beginning. In a GOOD way because Leena Kazak is adamant about letting us know who the characters are and their significance/ influence in the story. I love♥️ that we are captured by their personalities and inner battles. That’s what brings my attachment to personas, and a must in any novel I read.
So, Mayah and Zev. These two are utterly complex and emotionally fucked up in so many ways. The hate/love relationship is capricious, sometimes funny, sometimes maddening, but always entertaining. Mayah’s tender heart and Zev’s wicked tongue makes for a fantastic mesh that truly amused me and also destroyed me. I love how I just wanted to jump into every chapter, drowning in the fabulation of their romance and coming up for air as they work on their affection or hatred.
The world building is awesome as there are no doubts about where you are and what’s going on. Easy to follow. And the magic was so well described, I could see it in my brain. Loved loved loved every scene. it rooted me to the freezing ground🌊 🤭.
To sum it up, this book is fabulous and a must read for any romantasy lovers.🥰
Thank you, Leena, for accepting me as an ARC reader, it has been an honor.✌️
Between tides & thunder standalone novel just blew me away and pulled me right back in. I was 100% invested and intrigue. This is sharp, emotional, strong, destructive, honest and heartbreaking. I can’t believe all the twists and turns and how totally unexpected they were. Surprise you say? Mind boggling🤯 is more accurate.
Ok, I feel a need to start by saying… it’s a crawling beginning. In a GOOD way because Leena Kazak is adamant about letting us know who the characters are and their significance/ influence in the story. I love♥️ that we are captured by their personalities and inner battles. That’s what brings my attachment to personas, and a must in any novel I read.
So, Mayah and Zev. These two are utterly complex and emotionally fucked up in so many ways. The hate/love relationship is capricious, sometimes funny, sometimes maddening, but always entertaining. Mayah’s tender heart and Zev’s wicked tongue makes for a fantastic mesh that truly amused me and also destroyed me. I love how I just wanted to jump into every chapter, drowning in the fabulation of their romance and coming up for air as they work on their affection or hatred.
The world building is awesome as there are no doubts about where you are and what’s going on. Easy to follow. And the magic was so well described, I could see it in my brain. Loved loved loved every scene. it rooted me to the freezing ground🌊 🤭.
To sum it up, this book is fabulous and a must read for any romantasy lovers.🥰
Thank you, Leena, for accepting me as an ARC reader, it has been an honor.✌️
Review of advance copy received from Author
Mayah knew someday she'd leave her kingdom to marry for an alliance. The kingdoms have been at war for far too long. Earthwielders, stormwielders, and tidewielders all trying to protect their kingdoms. All fighting for what they believe in. One such group is led by the dark commander, the neverending storm cloud that stands between Mayah and her future. Zevayr may be a brooding male but he has a softer side hiding just a little deeper. Everything is on the line, Mayah will have to decide who's side she is truly on. Who it is she wants to protect.
Leena had my jaw on the floor multiple times. There was political struggle, rebellion, and a magic system that felt unique within the story. Mayah knows her duty, she knows what she was raised to do and accepts it. During that process she does show struggles including embracing her own traumatic fears and seeing how the person telling the story can change it. Zevayr is a deep, dark storm hiding behind a brick wall. He doesn't want to let anyone in. The two main characters face many uphill battles. Leena wrote each one with purpose that moves the story forward.
The two main kingdoms are written in such detail that as a reader, you feel like you're there. It was easy to follow and concise while still expanding enough for the characters to move. The chapters are short and it's a STANDALONE. No dramatic cliffhanger for years. Please please please pick this up if you want a slow burn filled with hate and lust. Thank you to Leena for the early copy.
Leena had my jaw on the floor multiple times. There was political struggle, rebellion, and a magic system that felt unique within the story. Mayah knows her duty, she knows what she was raised to do and accepts it. During that process she does show struggles including embracing her own traumatic fears and seeing how the person telling the story can change it. Zevayr is a deep, dark storm hiding behind a brick wall. He doesn't want to let anyone in. The two main characters face many uphill battles. Leena wrote each one with purpose that moves the story forward.
The two main kingdoms are written in such detail that as a reader, you feel like you're there. It was easy to follow and concise while still expanding enough for the characters to move. The chapters are short and it's a STANDALONE. No dramatic cliffhanger for years. Please please please pick this up if you want a slow burn filled with hate and lust. Thank you to Leena for the early copy.
March 5, 2026
5⭐️ | ARC Review!
Wow. I had NO idea what I was getting myself into with this one. Every single plot twist, whether small or huge had my jaw completely on the floor. This might just be one of my favorite reads of the year so far.
I nearly devoured this in a single day because both the story and the characters were so incredibly addicting. I loved the complexity of our main characters, Mayah and Zevayr, and how natural and refreshing their love story felt. I felt every little bit of the love, anguish, and betrayal that they felt throughout the story.
Truthfully, for the first third or so of the book, I wasn’t expecting much beyond the typical enemies-to-lovers, arranged marriage storylines that I’ve read a hundred times before. I have never been so wrong. Hitting *that* plot twist??? I don’t think I’ve ever been more gagged by a single chapter in my life.
What an honor it was to get to read this book early - I am endlessly grateful and will be thinking about this one for a longggggg time.
———————————————————————————
“She’s cast a spell on me. When I’m away from her, she’s all I can think about—what she’s doing, if she’s eaten, if she’s happy.” His voice pitches lower. “If she’s thinking about me. And when she’s with me,” he continues, his smoldering gaze still settled on my lips, “my heart doesn’t know peace until she’s in my arms. I can barely function. The palace gossips about their inept prince, smitten with his wife.”
I mean COME ONNNNN. The gold standard for book boyfriends, truly.
Wow. I had NO idea what I was getting myself into with this one. Every single plot twist, whether small or huge had my jaw completely on the floor. This might just be one of my favorite reads of the year so far.
I nearly devoured this in a single day because both the story and the characters were so incredibly addicting. I loved the complexity of our main characters, Mayah and Zevayr, and how natural and refreshing their love story felt. I felt every little bit of the love, anguish, and betrayal that they felt throughout the story.
Truthfully, for the first third or so of the book, I wasn’t expecting much beyond the typical enemies-to-lovers, arranged marriage storylines that I’ve read a hundred times before. I have never been so wrong. Hitting *that* plot twist??? I don’t think I’ve ever been more gagged by a single chapter in my life.
What an honor it was to get to read this book early - I am endlessly grateful and will be thinking about this one for a longggggg time.
———————————————————————————
“She’s cast a spell on me. When I’m away from her, she’s all I can think about—what she’s doing, if she’s eaten, if she’s happy.” His voice pitches lower. “If she’s thinking about me. And when she’s with me,” he continues, his smoldering gaze still settled on my lips, “my heart doesn’t know peace until she’s in my arms. I can barely function. The palace gossips about their inept prince, smitten with his wife.”
I mean COME ONNNNN. The gold standard for book boyfriends, truly.
March 4, 2026
Omg what a ride was this?!
And also: can we go again?!
This was fantastic. I am absolutely feral for this book. It felt so refreshing in more than one way.
We get high political stakes, an arranged marriage that goes very differently than expected, and BOY do we get twists. Some I saw coming. Others slapped me right across the face and had me yelling at the book like a slightly unhinged reader. Which whom are we kidding I totally am 🤣
I was genuinely stressed reading this, especially knowing it’s a standalone. I kept wondering how everything would possibly wrap up in time. But it was done SO well. Everything landed in a way that felt satisfying and complete.
And can we actually appreciate that it’s a standalone? It gave me everything I needed. No waiting years for a sequel. No rude cliffhanger. Because honestly, I am fully convinced Leena would be capable of emotionally wrecking us with one for sure.
The writing was fantastic. The pacing was on point, the story flowed smoothly, and I could picture everything so clearly in my head. And the main characters? Incredible. I devoured their banter like I was starved. Absolutely delicious. I also loved how the magic worked in here and how it was used in battle scenes.
I wont say more because you just need to experience this yourself! Go in blind.
Would I reread? Without hesitation.
Thank you so much Leena, her team and iris influencer society for the gifted eARC. All opinions are my own.
And also: can we go again?!
This was fantastic. I am absolutely feral for this book. It felt so refreshing in more than one way.
We get high political stakes, an arranged marriage that goes very differently than expected, and BOY do we get twists. Some I saw coming. Others slapped me right across the face and had me yelling at the book like a slightly unhinged reader. Which whom are we kidding I totally am 🤣
I was genuinely stressed reading this, especially knowing it’s a standalone. I kept wondering how everything would possibly wrap up in time. But it was done SO well. Everything landed in a way that felt satisfying and complete.
And can we actually appreciate that it’s a standalone? It gave me everything I needed. No waiting years for a sequel. No rude cliffhanger. Because honestly, I am fully convinced Leena would be capable of emotionally wrecking us with one for sure.
The writing was fantastic. The pacing was on point, the story flowed smoothly, and I could picture everything so clearly in my head. And the main characters? Incredible. I devoured their banter like I was starved. Absolutely delicious. I also loved how the magic worked in here and how it was used in battle scenes.
I wont say more because you just need to experience this yourself! Go in blind.
Would I reread? Without hesitation.
Thank you so much Leena, her team and iris influencer society for the gifted eARC. All opinions are my own.
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