Wild Elegy: A Dragon Willow Story

The Dragon Willow Duet

by Andrea Costello

Magdala Devney was raised upon one unshakeable truth – prince Asherton Ageric stole her home and her heritage and he must never live to see the throne. So, when Magdala is appointed as Prince Asherton’s bodyguard, she only accepts so she can betray him and reclaim what he stole from her.

But a summer on a rainy, remote island with her worst enemy proves more complicated than Magdala imagined and she begins to realize that prince Asherton may not be the monster she once believed.

With enemies closing in on every side and her feelings for the enigmatic prince growing into something dangerously like passion, Magdala finds not only her duty and her heart at risk, but his life as well.

Wild Elegy is an enemies-to-lovers bodyguard romantasy for the eldest daughters who crave love with no strings attached. Best read after The Sunbird’s Last Lament.

Genres: Fantasy, Romantasy, Enemies To Lovers, Romance

448 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 17, 2026

Reviews

[thelilcloseddoorbookgal · Rating 5 out of 5]

What to expect: NA romantasy, female bodyguard, ADHD MMC, forced proximity, unhinged MCs, carnivorous plants, yearning, touch him/her and die

I loved reading Wild Elegy. I had those moments where I forgot I was reading. It balanced humor, emotional depth, chaotic shenanigans, and high-stakes. I was most definitely into the plot. I really liked the untamed nature setting and how it felt reflective of the characters, who don’t really fit in “neatly” anywhere. I felt for the FMC that she would do whatever it took to take care of loved ones but that was taken advantage of, and the MMC didn’t think he mattered because of the situation he was born into.

Although these characters are no strangers to arguments🤣, it also takes emotional intelligence to accept people who are different from you and learn how they live. Of course, banter is always fun with characters who are opposites, imo. 🤭 Also, now I have a new favorite paternal side character. You need to meet him. 😌

The pattern I’ve noticed from The Sunbird’s Last Lament and now Wild Elegy is that the FMCs love fiercely and protectively, which I appreciate, because I’ve often seen that in the MMCs in fantasy (which I love), but it’s really emphasized with the FMCs here. I wish we saw that more and how it doesn’t take away femininity but amplifies it. I’m so excited to read more books in this world. 🤩

Content:
-spice level: closed-door (s*xual implication between a married couple)
-profanity: several uses of h*ll and b*stard (I don’t consider b*stard a curse word, but some people do)
-other content: grief over death, drowning, passive suicidal ideation, torture, violence
-Mentions of the Only, which is God

I received an eARC.

[Ella Noelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️6

OH MY WORD.
I don’t know where to begin. Andrea you’ve done it again! This story was incredible. Beautiful. Stunning. Perfect. I’m so in love with this book.
The characters felt so real. I can definitely relate to both of them. I deeply admire Magdala’s strength and courage. Asherton and Magdala loved each other so deeply and they were ready to risk their lives for each other. I’m completely obsessed with both of them🥹
Zephyr. He was so amazing. The way he cared for Ash was so sweet. He was like a father to Asherton. Their loyalty to each other runs so deep.
Again, I adore Ash and Mags with my heart. When they almost died for each other I was on the edge of my seat. This book made me tear up with the way they fervently loved each other. And I loved reading about their time on the island. I admire how unique and beautiful both of them are. I really loved how much Asherton loved and cared for his plants (and Magdala of course;) Anton was such a sweetheart 🤭 (iykyk)
I’ll need a few days to recover from this book, but it was wonderful. It’s absolutely, one hundred percent worth the read.


tropes:
🪷enemies to lovers
🗡️forbidden love
🪷prince x bodyguard
🗡️touch her/him and d!e
🪷forced proximity
🗡️”who did this to you?”
🪷”My wife/ husband.”
🗡️unhinged MC’s
🪷ADHD MMC
🗡️found family
🪷intense yearning
🗡️eldest daughter FMC
🪷single pov

CONTENT:
- kisses only & vague innuendo between a married couple (closed door)
- no language

TW: bl00d, violence, murder, drowning, grief, death

[BrittNeedsBooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐ 5/5
🌶 2/5 - (Behind closed doors)

Wild Elegy by @andreacostelloauthor
Amazing character art by @etherealart008

I have a new expectation of princes. They need to be obsessed with plants and preserving the land, and my bodyguards need to be sassy, stabby eldest daughters.

I was so excited to receive this arc. This is set in the world of The Dragon Willow Duet. Book one is The Sunbrid’s Last Lament, and book 2 will be released later this year. This book takes place between the two books, but you don’t need to read book 1 to be able to enjoy Wild Elegy: A Dragon Willow Story. I am definitely going to be reading Sunbird’s Last Lament because I miss this world already.

I absolutely loved these characters and just would like more Asherton plant nonsense. I honestly think I could read an entire novella of Asherton and Zephyr greenhouse adventures. I loved how Asherton isn’t your typical Prince Charming but rather an ADHD plant dad who could defend himself if he wanted to, but he never does. Then we have Magdala, the bodyguard, who is the eldest daughter, who just wants to be lovely and not imposing. The tension these have kept me up till midnight reading.

Every twist and turn had me panicking, updating Goodreads until the end. I am so excited to continue this world and see what else Andrea Costello does!

[Holly (IG Hollys_Book_Musings) · Rating 5 out of 5]

"You're so brave, my love," he said, leaning back and brushing her hair from her sticky face. "A warrior to your core. But I'm here now, and it's my turn to look after you."

Wild Elegy by Andrea Costello

Wow! This newest Romantasy by Andrea is a must-read (after you have read Sunbird's Last Lament of course)! The way she writes is beautiful, poetic, and magical. Her descriptions paint a vivid picture in my mind of the scenery, plot, and characters. I love this world she has created.

I LOVED the dynamic between Asherton and Magdala--how they fight for each other, frustrate and annoy each other, and fall in love with each other. Magdala helps Asherton see that he is valued and loved no matter what, and in return Asherton helps Magdala feel loved and fights to protect her. I loved that their relationship grew from absolute loathing to something beautiful and healthy.

Woah, so many plot twists and turns in this one, with all the shocking reveals at the end completely blew my mind! I read the last 50% of the book in one day because I couldn't put it down and needed to know what would happen.

Rich in wild plants and botanical magic, wonderful characters with growth, and action that will have you on the edge of your seat, Wild Elegy will delight any Romantasy lover.
I definitely recommend this one for ages 18+

Favorite Parts:
Bodyguard
Meet cute or ugly
Forced proximity
The plants
She tends his wound
Assassination attempts foiled
Fighting Lewis
Magdala flower
He combs her hair
Touch her/him and die
River scene-phew 😳🤯
"My wife"
Wow! That whole ending! What a ride!

Content Guide:
Language: Mild-about 10-15 uses of hell, more than 10 uses of bastard, one use of “whore”
Sexual Content: Closed-door/fade to black: Passionate kissing scenes (described with quick instance of tongue), fade to black scene between married couple (not descriptive but you know what is about to happen)
Violence/gore: Moderate-riots with violence, peril, threat to life, murder, bloody clothes, woman gets pushed down some stairs, assassination attempts, near drownings, violence involving guns and knives, torture by beating and burning with hot iron, poison, killing in self-defense
Substance Use: none, except maybe some wine drinking
Prejudices: none
Religious Content: belief in fictional gods
Other: magic-unusual plants, mythical creatures like faeries


Book Info:
Series: A Dragon Willow Story (best read after Sunbird's Last Lament)
Genre: Romantasy
Romance Level:
Release Date: April 17, 2026
Publisher: Indie
POV: Single

Thank you to the Author for the review copy. All thoughts are my own.

[Audrey Terrill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: 9/10

I LOVED THIS BOOK HOLY HECK

oh my word. Eldest daughter, ADHD gardener, political intrigue, and carnivorous plants? The vibes are IMPECCABLE, the story is strong, and the characters made me fall in love again and again. Andréa Costello is a masterful writer and I cannot wait to read her other books soon!! If you haven’t read Wild Elegy PLEASE DO🤍😍

**I received an eARC in exchange for an honest review!

[Natalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐

This story has rich writing, an immersive story, stubborn characters, and high stakes.

Typical of Andrea's writing we are thrown right into the deep end of the story. The world building is heavy and there are A LOT of A - names/places to keep track of 😅 (it got to be a little confusing) there are faeries, dragons, magic, sentient plants, and kingdoms at war.

Magdala is in the royal guard but then finds herself tasked with guarding her enemy someone who stole her birth right. She is tall, strong, and torn between two sides of herself.

Asherton is wild, unkempt, adhd, has a soft spot for plants and is a prince soon to be king. Because of his parents he is an outcast waiting to take the throne.

Magdala and Asherton are forced together. They challenge, rage and constantly fight with each other. They each are battling their own demons, and whether they can trust each other. I enjoyed that this was a true enemies to lovers story. The ending is really chaotic and nonstop until the end. These two are master yearners and are both incredibly stubborn. Can't wait for book 2!

Thank you Andrea for this arc. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Forced proximity
Red head FMC
Bodyguard/eldest daughter FMC
ADHD MMC
Carnivorous plants

Remarks •
Closed door - kisses, implied intimacy in marriage
Minimal language
TW - injuries, torture, grief, drowning, violence, passive suicidal ideation

Favorite things:
Anton 🪴
Ballroom sparring
One room
Elegy estate

Favorite quotes:
you don’t need to be either of those two people. Maybe you are something wilder and more undefinable than your mother’s daughter or your father’s savior.”

Maybe, she thought, he, too, was more than a cursed prince who stole her father’s house. Maybe he was something wild as well. And maybe it was his wildness that lit that spark in her– the spark whose brightness attracted her like a moth to a candle and drove her away like a woman recently burned.

He was beautiful and erratic, wild as a fox. He reflected a lost piece of her own spirit back to her. She envied him.

“Kiss me or kill me,” he murmured. “Make up your mind.”

“Stop it. I’m not lovely. I am powerful, and I am your bodyguard, and I don’t like you.”

“I wish you would let that fire out. I wish you would run with me, barefoot over the grass, and we could be free of this obstacle between us. This pane of glass that keeps us apart.”

“It’s allowed to be wild instead of combed and brushed and stuffed into a mould of beauty it was never meant to inhabit!”

“It doesn’t belong to anyone. It’s wild. I just wanted to love it, tend it, make sure it was safe.”

I’m the only person you know doesn’t want to hurt you.”

and as she looked into his eyes, she felt as though she’d trekked for a hundred years in the wilderness and finally reached home.

Perhaps she had been bored her whole life, but only now noticed. The way you don’t realize how lovely it is to be warm in your own home until you’re suddenly outside in a frost.

“Then we face them together. We take them down with us, and then we go down, like one.”

“I love you more than my own soul– infinitely more than my own life.”

“I have loved you for weeks. I love you so very, very much, Ash, that I sometimes wish I loved you less so I could protect you better, but you’ve unraveled me. I’m undone.”

“Sometimes, I saw him as an inconvenience or an interruption, but so are all worthwhile things in the world.”

[Kristi W - Book Love By Kristi · Rating 4 out of 5]

“You’re not made important because people love you or unimportant because people hate you. You matter because you’re a human being with a soul, and you don’t need another reason to live.”

This enemies-to-lovers romantasy has forced-proximity, bodyguard (she guards him!), danger, suspense, and romance. I loved the twists and the tie-ins to The Sunbird’s Last Lament were amazing.

Magdala is strong, loyal, and determined. I loved her wit and confidence. Her battle between what she was asked to do and what her heart was telling her was intense. I love that she chose to stay and protect Asherton no matter what. I loved that she took the time to see him and understand what he needed from her. Asherton is gentle, strong, and intelligent. I loved that he was more than capable of fighting but chose not to until Mags was threatened. I enjoyed seeing his mistrust of Magdala grow to love. His determination to keep her safe was amazing. His self-deprecation was heartbreaking. I loved his ADHD, tender care of the carnivorous plants, and his deep connection with Zephyr. Mags and Ash face many dangers and threats, I loved that they chose to fight for their love and that it was more important to both of them than anything else.

A few more quotes:
“Are you trying to convince me to assassinate you? Because I didn’t intend to when I got here, but I’m beginning to change my mind.”

“Kiss me or kill me,” he murmured. “Make up your mind.” She leaned closer, her lips brushing his. “I don’t want to do either,” she said against his mouth. “Is the knife at my throat for decoration, then? Enough games, Magdala. What are you going to do?”

“I can’t live without you,” he went on, more to himself than to her. “I won’t.” “Stop it,” Magdala breathed. “Please, not now.” “I need to say this.” The words rushed out of him like spilled wine. “I love you more than my own soul–infinitely more than my own life.”

Content warnings:
-passive suicidal ideation, bloody violence, drowning, death, torture
-kissing with tongue not descriptive, fade to black between married couple
-use of hell as curse 11 times, bastard (MMC is illegitimate, used when speaking of him many times)
-mentions of the Only, which is God

This ARC was provided by the author. I was not required to give a positive review, rating and opinions are my own.

[Susan (Purplegalaxyreads94) · Rating 4 out of 5]

First, I’d like to thank Andrea Costello for the gifted eARC copy of Wild Elegy to read and provide my honest and spoiler free review!

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

My Thoughts:

Reading Wild Elegy after having read Sunbirds Last Lament, was the perfect choice and segway into this story. In this story we follow the lives of our main characters Magdala Devney and Prince Asherton.

Magdala grew up living life in Elegy where she was consistently told that she lost everything all because of Prince Asherton. Living with those words constantly filling her mind, Magdala grew up and has an opportunity to become Prince Asherton’s bodyguard which she accepts in order to enact her plan of revenge. Magdala strikes me as someone who is loyal to those she loves and seeing how strong and smart she was, especially when she started to see the truth behind people she thought she knew and how she made sure people knew who was in charge of the household was truly such a fresh take on a female character. Especially having her as a bodyguard as most female characters in books aren’t portrayed as powerful enough to do that.

Asherton immediately struck me as a man that lived his life in solitude doing everything he could to stay alive. For someone that is characterized as evil, I was glad to see that he seemed on edge all the time and trying to save his own life. He also would only accept death if it meant he didn’t have to live his life being scared anymore which immediately made me think that he wasn’t as bad as people made him out to be. Magdala and Asherton had such great chemistry. Their banter and tension were so perfect to witness and I loved that they were forced to get to know each other while staying on a remote island. Their friendship and chemistry bloomed into something beautiful and I really liked seeing how they protected and cared for each other even with danger surrounding them.

There was secrets, lies, and understanding one’s own heart all wrapped up into one. This story was beautiful and I’m really loving how Andrea Costello writes and creates such incredible characters. If you read sunbirds last lament, you are going to love Wild Elegy. If you haven’t read Sunbirds Last Lament, you can still read Wild Elegy without any problems following along. I cannot wait for more readers to fall in love with this story.

[Christian · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wild ride! If there were three words that I would use to describe Costello’s writing, they would be whimsical, heartbreaking, and unpredictable. Somehow, every novel just keeps getting better. Wild Elegy is by far my favorite yet! It deals with subjects like betrayal, rebellion, curses, self-doubt, and hurt. It is a heavy story and contains some painful, tear-inducing scenes.

The world of Dragon Willow is beautiful. Everything is thought out, from plants and fauna, to weaponry and politics. There is a medieval quality while also including many things with later influences. Sometimes, there is an almost steampunk feel while staying whimsical. After The Sunbird’s Last Lament, I loved learning more about the world building in Wild Elegy. The tropical setting was fabulous, full of botanical nightmares and friends.

The characters in Wild Elegy are unique and quirky. Magdala is made of strength and duty with an attitude to match. At first, I wasn’t sure if I would like her because of how brash she was. My fears proved unfounded, however, as her deeper fears and repressed emotions emerged. Her character growth was amazing! Asherton was such a sweetheart. How can someone be so weird (in the best way) and yet be so dangerous and heartbreaking? I love him. Also, I need to mention Anton. He is the bestest plant ever! He offered some really sweet and funny scenes. Just know, I WANT HIM!

The plot in Wild Elegy was a stressful rollercoaster. There were so many opposing forces at play. The villain was absolutely horrendous as were several side characters. Every time I thought that a bad situation is over, another one would pop up and provide more trauma. Hello grey hair, goodbye fingernails! The ending was sweet relief and I cannot wait for the next Dragon Willow novel!

Thank you to Andrèa Costello for an ARC of Wild Elegy! All opinions are my own.

No-Spice Rating: 3 (fade-to-black scene between a married couple and some flirtatious innuendo)
Language: a couple of times involving “what the h3ll” and one involving wh—e as an insult by the villain
Faith-Elements: several references of The One
Notes: scene involving t0rtur3, and a woman’s cycle

[eclecticbychoicereads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I feel like my heart might burst from my chest just from thinking about Andrea's Wild Elegy, a standalone story set in her Dragon Willow universe. I feel like I laid my heart and soul out on a platter, and Andrea took them and nursed them back to health. I feel like my whole being was mended and made anew, like I finally took a long-awaited breath after finishing this story.

Why? Because Andrea's lyrical prose and her skill in crafting the most intricate and perfectly imperfect characters are almost unmatched. Each of her books makes me feel the same, and I yearn for more. More of these feelings waiting to be inhaled. More of this pitter-patter that my heart won't stop making. More of this bubble I create when I lose myself in the pages of her books.

Wild Elegy surpassed my expectations. It grabbed me and never let me go. It took me into its embrace and cradled my weary soul. It held me close when I wept for Magdala and Asherton and all that life threw at them. It let me sob at the unfairness of it all—at the sheer pain of Ash's soul and his feeling of unworthiness, at the many responsibilities Magdala willingly put on her shoulders, and at the pain and sorrow they both went through.

But it also shared in my joy and happiness as I watched these two beautiful souls find their home in each other. It allowed me to bask in the vastness of Ash's mind, to delight in his day-to-day activities and his wandering soul. It made me want to leave my shoes behind and run barefoot with him, Magdala, Zeph, and Anton.

Joy and sorrow walk hand in hand in Wild Elegy. They merge together and create a tale of love, hope, and friendship that must be experienced and felt. A tale of life lived. A tale of choice and devotion. A tale of healing. A tale that becomes the balm to your soul.

Thank you, Andrea, for having me on your team once again. Words can't even begin to express my gratitude.

[Gretchen · Rating 5 out of 5]

🤎 Standalone (connected to The Dragon Willow Duet)
🤎 Romantasy
🤎 Enemies to Lovers
🤎 Bodyguard x Prince
🤎 Releases April 17, 2026
🤎 Find it on KU
❤️‍🔥 Closed-Door Romance: descriptive kissing, innuendo, implied intimacy
🤬 Language: uses of hell, bastard
⚔️ Violence: poison, torture, murder

I loved the confidence of Evander in The Sunbird’s Last Lament, but there’s a new kid in town and his name is Asherton Ageric. Beset with the whimsy + sad boy vibes of Wizard Howl (iykyk) and the romantic depth of a Byronic hero, Ash immediately steals the stage. Although Magdala’s opinion and reservations about the boy king start us out as skeptical, it doesn’t take very long watching him in the greenhouse to immediately fall in love with his personality and chaotic order. Magdala herself wrestles over whether to strangle or console the man she’s duty-bound to protect. Our FMC has the fortitude of a woman raised to bear the kingdom’s burdens on her own and the personal convictions to bring about a better future. That sounds sappy, but Magdala really does care about the people close to her, so even though she’s tasked with protecting her enemy, you know she’s gonna do it well. As she uncovers the mystery that is Ash, disillusions her love for Elegy, and comes face to face with her own choices, we find a young girl in need of purpose, family, and need I say it? Love.

Shoutout to Anton. Honorable mention to Algie.

Thank you, Andrèa, for the ARC! Looking forward to #2 of The Dragon Willow coming this fall 🐉

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful

Assigned to protect the prince she’s been raised to hate - this is Wild Elegy.

Raised with one foot in her mother’s wild existence and the other in her father’s rigid court life, Magdala is accustomed to feeling pulled in two directions by conflicting loyalties. But her newest duty may prove to be the hardest yet - protect the prince that her father is determined to destroy.

Sent to stay with Asherton in her childhood home, Magdala is torn by her loyalty to her father, and her growing affection for the eccentric royal. She must reconcile her two halves before she is able to choose between her past and her future.

This enemies to lovers romantasy was a delightful read. Filled with highly relatable characters and fantastic banter, it was all too easy to be swept away by the magic of this realm.

Magdala is a classic oldest daughter who doesn’t fit society’s image of a proper young woman. She finds it difficult to accept compliments. Ash is so very ADHD coded and is wonderful to read about. He fixates on magical carnivorous plants, raising them and naming them like his children - even if they’d rather eat him.

Their relationship is slow burn with no spice. It would be suitable for younger readers. The book does deal with difficult parent-child relationships, passive suicidal ideation, and classism. It is set in the same world as the author’s first book, but follows a separate set of characters.

For a spice-free romantasy that was very easy to enjoy, I have no hesitations recommending Wild Elegy.

[Sarah Nolan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This eerie, beautiful, and heart wrenching tale about a bodyguard and a cursed prince touched my heart and soul!

I absolutely loved diving right into Magdala and Asherton’s story right after finishing The Sunbird’s Last Lament, which is set in the same world as Wild Elegy. Magdala, as a FMC was so relatable to me! I felt the weight of her responsibility to take care of her father and her warring loyalties, but she always strived to do what is right, even in the most unlikely ways. Asherton, a prince who loves and deeply cares for the wilderness of Elegy house, brought a wit, humor, and unique yet refreshing charm to the story. I love him and Magdala together, and their unique banter had me giggling, laughing, swooning, and crying.

Zephyr, the immortal who raises Asherton as his own son, is definitely one of my favorite characters (aside from Anton, the ever growing pet plant, of course).

The setting was lush, eerie, mystical, and had a raw, untamed wildness to it, in both the atmosphere of the city and land of Elegy Island. The entire time I was reading this story, I just wanted to run barefoot through the green grass and apple trees at my childhood home. Seeing the wind blow through the trees and snippets of nature throughout the time I read this story made me think of Magdala and Asherton, and how grateful I am to have met them and stepped into their world.

Romantic Content: 🌶️🫑 Fade to Black

CW: Parents Separated, Assassination Attempts, Murder (Mildly Described), Potions, Torture, Obsessive Plotting to Overthrow King, Abandonment

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

🍃ARC REVIEW🍃


THIS BOOK YALL

I just finished this book & I am IN AWE😭 After reading The Sunbird’s Last Lament I was SOOOO excited to hear that we were getting another story in this world before the finale to that duology & YALL

WILD ELEGY WAS PERFECTION🥹✨ Ash and Magdala’s banter & chemistry WERE TOP TIER, the found family of the this book, the plot, the side characters, every little detail I was completely invested in!!

The side characters were all so unique in their own way!! Anton was my absolute FAVORITE👀🪴 Zephyr & Ash’s bond made me tear up multiple times, while there were also so many moments where they had me laughing out loud—the humor in this book was amazing✨

I had no trouble at all falling into this world, Andrea’s writing makes it so easy to immerse yourself, I looked forward to every time I picked up this book to continue reading🤍

Everything was so well balanced I truly applaud Andrea, she absolutely killed it🥹 I cannot WAIT to get my physical copy to display on my shelves!

This truly captured everything I love and adore about fantasy books!! I highly HIGHLY recommend to classic fantasy lovers🫶🏻 Wild Elegy is OUT NOW🍃✨🍃✨

Thank you to Andrea for letting me read an early copy!! I’m so sorry I didn’t get up a review sooner—thank you for being so understanding, I have loved every book of yours that I’ve read & cannot wait for The Tears of the Ransom Tree to come out later this year💖💖

[Dakota · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

I loved this story so much. Magdala is someone who always takes care of the people around her, and I admire that about her. Even though she was taught to hate Asherton, the way she treats him shows her true heart. She’s feisty, strong, stubborn, loyal, and fiercely protective of the people she loves. Watching the two of them slowly get to know each other was incredibly sweet.

Asherton quickly became one of my favorite characters. He had me laughing out loud so many times, but he’s also such a selfless and kind person. You can really feel how deeply he’s grieving and how much he cares for everyone around him. He constantly puts others before himself, Asherton struggles with feeling like he’s a waste of space because he’s a legitimate heir to the throne. He believes he doesn’t matter, that no one would miss him, and that everyone sees him as troublesome or “too much.” But that isn’t true at all, and seeing his relationship with Magdala grow and blossom was beautiful.

I also really appreciated the ADHD representation.


At its heart, this story is about finding love in unexpected ways and discovering what true love really looks like💕


Some of my favorite moments were the swimming lessons and especially the scene where Asherton is brushing out Magdala’s curls while they talk.

Spice: 0
Language: 0

[Violet L. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Neurodivergent, Mental Health, and Carnivorous Plant representation done so well.

I did not know what to expect going in to this read and I highly enjoyed it. This story has a strong FMC who loves deeply and at times voraciously, and a hated Prince she has to guard who is both her polar opposite and many times, her mirror.

Our FMC has her back to the wall nearly the entire story, but never backs down from hard challenges and protecting the people she loves any way she can.

I loved the consistent wildness weaved into this story, and I do mean that literally with a beautiful manor house overtaken by nature and the men living and thriving in the chaos.

I can't wait to dive into the authors other works, and see where these characters end up in her beautifully written world.

“You’re not made important because people love you or unimportant because people hate you. You matter because you’re a human being with a soul, and you don’t need another reason to live.”

Thank you to Andrea Costello for trusting me with this ARC!

[Cadence · Rating 5 out of 5]

- 3rd Person, Single POV
- Fantasy
- This is set in the Dragon Willow world, it could be read as a standalone but is best after reading The Sun bird's Last Lament (which is an excellent read)
- Closed door romance
- average fantasy violence
- Author has a page at the start w/ content info

This was my third Andréa Costello book and so far I have yet to be disappointed. She is quickly becoming a must read author for me and I can't recommend her stories enough.

Wild Elegy is wonderfully written, with beautiful imagery and descriptions. I seriously loved this book, the world, and the characters so much.

Asherton was a top tier MMC and I couldn't get enough of him and his wildly whimsical and eccentric behavior. His antics were strange and humorous in the absolute best way. Yet, he was also so sincere and extremely delightful.

This story was action packed, sweet, and laugh out loud hilarious all at the same time. Andréa definitely has a good balance down when it comes to her writing. "Oh. My. Stars. Ha!" Was my main note you'll find scrawled onto this book in my Kindle. The 'red lady' scene had me in tears from laughing so hard. Poor Zephyr, he did try though 🤣. Speaking of Zephyr, I enjoyed his character immensely as well. He was constantly cracking me up in the best kind of subtle way, while also showing a great deal of wisdom ("Sometimes I saw him as an inconvenience or an interruption but so are all worthwhile things in the world.")

If you enjoy tales with strong FMC's, curses, touch him/her and 💀 vibes, MMC's who are weird and slightly unhinged ( in the best way), found family, and of course carnivorous (yet remarkably lovable) plants then you should definitely give this one a read!

Now if you'll excuse me, I'm off on a mission to find myself an Anton. Is it weird that I NEED to find one of my very own? Yes, probably, but I don't care. (You'll have to read this story for your Anton introduction)

I received an advanced review copy of this book. This review is my honest opinion and thoughts

[Priscilla · Rating 4 out of 5]

"𝑻𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒃𝒊𝒅𝒅𝒆𝒏 𝒔𝒑𝒂𝒓𝒌 𝒊𝒏 𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒄𝒉𝒆𝒔𝒕 𝒇𝒍𝒂𝒓𝒆𝒅 𝒂𝒈𝒂𝒊𝒏, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒂𝒏 𝒊𝒏𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒏𝒕 𝒉𝒆 𝒓𝒆𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒅𝒆𝒅 𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒐𝒇 𝒉𝒐𝒎𝒆."

Knowing that this would still be set in the same world as The Sunbird’s Last Lament (book 1), I was curious about the new characters we’d meet and the new area we’d explore. This story has a cottage core vibe, full of whimsy & humor. The characters were quirky & chaotic, and their unhinged banter had me giggling 🤭 Magdala and Asherton might have started off as enemies, but I loved seeing their connection grow into such a sweet relationship. This is a standalone story, but we did get some details that I’m very excited to see unfold in the next book. I’m grateful to have had this arc opportunity and I can’t wait for the conclusion of this duology 😊

🌸Forbidden Love
⚔️Unhinged MCs
🌸He's the cursed prince
⚔️She's his bodyguard
🌸Found Family
⚔️Carnivorous Plant
🌸Yearning
⚔️Enemies-to-Lovers
🌸Closed Door
⚔️Duty vs Loyalty

[Kortnee - The Closed Door Bookworm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Overview:

Language 🤐: Mild-Moderate (Hell and Bastard used especially when referring to the Prince)

Romance ❤️‍🔥: Kissing only LV 2 (Makeouts slightly descriptive

Violence ⚔️: There is fantasy Violence, death and on page torture I’d say PG-13 but could be disturbing to some

⚠️ Grief over death of loved one Violence Drowning Torture Passive suicidal ideation (this is basically the authors notes)⚠️

Tropes/Micro tropes
- She’s the Bodyguard he’s the Prince
- They both protect each other
- Touch him/her 💀
- Enemies to lovers
- ADHD MMC
- Protectice MMC
- Delightful side character
- Lots of crazy plants

My Thoughts:

Initial:

This was such a wonderful story! Andrèa has such a way of writing such wonderful characters! This one had me turning the pages as quickly as I could anxious to see what would happen next. Magdala and Asherton are some of the most chaotic characters in like the best way. I was laughing so much during most of their interactions. Their love for one another is a deep crazy love where the helped bring out the best in the other and would do anything for each other. This is such a wonderful story and has gotten me so excited for the next book in the Dragon Willow.

Final:

This book has still been on my mind since I initially finished it and will be one I think of often I believe. The pure chaotic nature and beauty of Magdala and Asharton’s love is wonderful! How they push each others buttons but also push each other to grow is wonderful. This couple is the definition of letting the world burn for each other.

Also I would be remiss if I didn’t mention anything about Zephyr. My goodness he puts up with so much with these two and is one of my favorite parts of this book! He’s the best father that he never asked to be for them. I love how fiercely he protects and loves Asherton.

Also Anton must be mentioned! He cracked me up so much and somehow became endearing throughout the story.

I can not say enough good things about this book!

If you’ve read any of the others of Andrèa’s books you’ll be able to handle any of the content in this one I would say but definitely is not for everyone. But if you love chaotic love, that is willing to die for one another with a mix of crazy plants, dragons, and fantasy vibes definitely check this one out! I am beyond stoked for the next one!

Thank you to the Author for the ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Shontel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my. Just WOW. I'm a sucker for a "my wife" moment and Andrea Costello MORE than delivered! An ADHD MMC (hilarious, BTW) and a not so typical FMC... She's not dainty and she doesn't have to learn to wield her sword. She's strong, tall and tough and never thought of as beautiful... Until she meets a nonsensical prince. That is, after he attempts to drown her.
Amazing banter, hilarious side characters (including a lovable man eating plant and a cranky 800 year old being who can't miss his nap time) and a wonderfully written, unique story.

I was privileged to get this story as an ARC and am delighted to share my thoughts on this story.

I cannot wait to return to the Dragon Willow world!!

[Gabriella Delaney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely adored Prince Asherton. He was so down to earth and curious and brilliant in his own unique way. His messiness and carefree spirit balanced Magdala’s need for structure and order in such a perfect way. They were the perfect definition of opposites attract.

Magdala, despite her serious and powerful exterior, had such a caring and free spirited interior. Ash was the perfect person to bring out the best in her. He pushed her out of her comfort zone and led her to be the best version of herself just as she did for him.

I could go on and on about all the reason I adore this book and it would never be enough to accurately portray how much I enjoyed this ARC read! Mags and Ash are one of my favorite love stories! I can’t wait to see what lies in store for this series next!

[Kayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you so much to Andrèa Costello for this ARC!
•
My rating: ☆☆☆☆☆ (4.5 stars rounded up to 5)
•
I had a great time reading this book. It hooked me right away. The characters are so much fun. I adore Magdala and Asherton. Magdala is dutiful and loyal to her father and her duty. But then she gets assigned to be Asherton's bodyguard and over time he reminds her of who she used to be before life molded her into something harder. The romance is so sweet, their banter is terrific, and I loved their fierce protectiveness of each other. The parent/child dynamic between Asherton and his guardian is lovable. I enjoyed being immersed in the world of Elegy and I miss it already.

[Heather Clark · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book somehow managed to feel equal parts cozy and intense. The settings were richly developed, and the plot kept me reading through the twists and turns it took.
I loved Magdala's tenacity and toughness. A heroine who can be both fierce and fond is one of my favorite things in a book, and her hard exterior hiding a soft heart she doesn't want to acknowledge even to herself was a delightful unfolding over the course of the story.
And Asherton. A chaotic prince who loves his somewhat menacing sentient plants. I can see exactly how Magdala fell in love with him!

[Landri Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given an arc for an honest review so here it goes:

Andrèa has once again written a book that will stay with you long after you finish the last page. This is a standalone that takes place in the same world as The Sunbirds Last Lament and while it did have plenty of tie-ins from that book you are in no way required to read it before enjoying this book. The story follows Magdala, daughter of the former Duke of Elegy. Their home was taken from them when Magdala was young and given to the bastard crown prince of Allagesh. Her father, a bitter old man, has been spewing hatred toward the prince ever since and that has formed Magdala’s view of the future king in a negative light. She becomes a bodyguard to keep the roof over their head and food on their plates. And who is she to protect? Asherton, the crown prince of course.

She returns to her childhood home with the intent of harming the prince but that plan goes awry when she begins to realize that maybe the prince isn’t all that bad. She’s torn between a daughter’s loyalty to her father and protecting the man she swore to destroy.

This book is absolutely amazing but what shines through the most are the characters. Andrèa has perfected creating characters that feel so real. All of them were so nuanced and believable. I loved how she portrayed Asherton’s ADHD not as a focal point of the story but instead just as something he just has to live with. Every character has their own quirks and voices. They all feel like people you could actually meet.

I can’t recommend this book enough. Please just do yourself a favor and pick it up and read it.

[emeraldragonlady (Maddie) · Rating 4 out of 5]

What super interesting book. Lots of twists and turns that were unexpected. And at moments I thought it would be a good ending and then I would check my progress and go what? There’s still more? What is going to happen?? I could not put it down. I binge read half the book in a day and I was super busy that day. Definitely a book worth getting, I loved it.

[Brooke Bell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely adored this story! Ash and Mags are just so perfect (in their imperfection) . Anton is such a great side kick. I love that the ancient immortal is a parent figure .

[Liz Adams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Andrea, you have ripped my heart to shreds. One. By. One.

⭐⭐⭐⭐
Wild Elegy
By: Andréa Costello

Magdala and Ash's love was fearless and unconditional. I'm so blessed to have had the opportunity to read an advanced copy (eARC) of this spectacular book, and I can only advise that you order it ASAP. So well done. It shows how the things that matter, are not things and objects, but people and love 💕

🪴 She's his bodyguard
🪴 She hated him, until she met him
🪴 Carnivorous plants (w/ personality 😏. Shout-out to Anton)
🪴 Touch her and 💀
🪴 Touch him and 💀
🪴 She's sent to get the truth, but the truth is unexpected.

💕 Closed-door (married)
🤬 Mild (mostly the word for illegitimate son)

"Get your hands off my wife" 😭



I received an eARC copy. All opinions are my own.

[Jenessa M. · Rating 4 out of 5]

🌶️ rating - no spice, a couple descriptive kisses, one scene joking after their first time together (after they marry)

[Christy · Rating 5 out of 5]

How can one not love a wild and carefree prince who love carnivorous plants?

Magdala might be an exception, maybe? She has been brought up to hate him for his role in taking her family's legacy and home away, leaving them to live a life of manual labor. She has taken the brunt of that for her father has not been physically able. She has taken a role in the royal guard and has managed to become a bodyguard to the one person she has vowed to kill, but now must protect from harm.

But while on the island, she learns to like Ash, or at least to see him differently. She struggles with the image of what her father and others have said about him, her duty and honor to her family, and what she is seeing with her eyes and even her heart. Slowly, through many fights, disagreements, and other quarrels, her heart just might give in to this wild abandon that she has yet to name.

Though there is some betrayal that comes to them from some close friends and family, love does prove to conquer all. And who doesn't love a moment when a MMC says - take your hands off of my wife?

I loved Ash and Magdala's story. But my heart belongs to Anton, an adorable and loving flesh-eating plant.