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Guarded by Flames
In a kingdom where magic is forbidden and duty is law, Princess Arabella has learned to survive behind a mask of grace. When she is forced into a marriage with the dangerously charming Lord Nigel, her future seems sealed, until her royal guard, Percy Windsor, witnesses Nigel’s cruelty and helps her flee.
Now hunted across hostile lands, Arabella and Percy must rely on each other to survive. But Arabella carries a secret that could cost her uncontrolled magic in a realm that would destroy her for it.
Percy never expected to fall for the princess he was sworn to protect, especially when she has always been part of a larger plan, one meant to end wars at an unforgivable cost.
As enemies close in and feelings deepen, loyalty and love collide. The question isn’t just whether they can escape, but what they’re willing to sacrifice to change their fate.
A slow-burn fantasy romance filled with forbidden magic, betrayal, and impossible choices.
Now hunted across hostile lands, Arabella and Percy must rely on each other to survive. But Arabella carries a secret that could cost her uncontrolled magic in a realm that would destroy her for it.
Percy never expected to fall for the princess he was sworn to protect, especially when she has always been part of a larger plan, one meant to end wars at an unforgivable cost.
As enemies close in and feelings deepen, loyalty and love collide. The question isn’t just whether they can escape, but what they’re willing to sacrifice to change their fate.
A slow-burn fantasy romance filled with forbidden magic, betrayal, and impossible choices.
- GenresFantasy Romance
Kindle Edition
Published February 4, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
February 27, 2026
This book started out being fairly strong as far as the premise goes having a sheltered princess forced into existing in a kingdom she doesn't necessarily agree with along with a guard paying attention to the misfortunes occurring. However, it felt like the high-stakes atmosphere built-in the first half got lost by the second half because the stakes went away once our couple got to the location they were looking for.
Also, the ending/cliffhanger was not that drastic compared to the buildup throughout the story. There were a few plot holes that I would hope get filled in come the next book. Like the lord taking over as king and finding out what happened to the actual king that is our main character's father? Especially since her father is the catalyst for her marriage to the Lord and her sheltered and belittled life within the kingdon. What is the end goal of our main character's power? It seemed like the abilities were an after thought, when they were such an interesting dynamic for our character in this world she was discovering outside the kingdom. How did Tarnow become a diplomatic province in a world of hierarchies? There is a government, but the governor never covered how it truly came to be in enough detail to effectively invoke the motivation for our main character in my opinion.
Overall, this book could have benefited from more moments of a pov in Percy's perspective. His perspective at the end of only a few chapters felt very sporadic throughout the book when it could have been the ending to every chapter and seeing through his eyes at the end of each chapter could've helped round out his character a bit more. Because it was sporadic, it actually took me out of the storyline, but it could have been a very cool feature within the pages.
This book was shaping up to be a 3 or even a 4 star read because of the setup and the premise behind it. However, the climax at the end wasn't thrilling compared to the high-stakes developed in the 1st half of the story. And then, the big cliffhanger fell flat because there was not a huge climax to finish out this first book. For me, a 3 star rating is a book that I enjoyed but I desire more information, world building, or character development. A 2 star rating, for me, is where the story was hindered and needed more of those elements to fully flush it out, and because of that, it was harder to enjoy.
I think this author's writing capabilities are fantastic because I loved looking inside our main character's mind and seeing her raw emotion. Our author did a great job at building the tension for our main characters needs, desires, and frustrations to the point of relating to her. I thouroughly enjoyed the slow burn between our characters and the MMC was a cutie. With that said, I would be interested in reading another book in this world with the hope that the world is more fully fleshed out and the character development is even better! I hope this review is helpful to our author on their journey!
Also, the ending/cliffhanger was not that drastic compared to the buildup throughout the story. There were a few plot holes that I would hope get filled in come the next book. Like the lord taking over as king and finding out what happened to the actual king that is our main character's father? Especially since her father is the catalyst for her marriage to the Lord and her sheltered and belittled life within the kingdon. What is the end goal of our main character's power? It seemed like the abilities were an after thought, when they were such an interesting dynamic for our character in this world she was discovering outside the kingdom. How did Tarnow become a diplomatic province in a world of hierarchies? There is a government, but the governor never covered how it truly came to be in enough detail to effectively invoke the motivation for our main character in my opinion.
Overall, this book could have benefited from more moments of a pov in Percy's perspective. His perspective at the end of only a few chapters felt very sporadic throughout the book when it could have been the ending to every chapter and seeing through his eyes at the end of each chapter could've helped round out his character a bit more. Because it was sporadic, it actually took me out of the storyline, but it could have been a very cool feature within the pages.
This book was shaping up to be a 3 or even a 4 star read because of the setup and the premise behind it. However, the climax at the end wasn't thrilling compared to the high-stakes developed in the 1st half of the story. And then, the big cliffhanger fell flat because there was not a huge climax to finish out this first book. For me, a 3 star rating is a book that I enjoyed but I desire more information, world building, or character development. A 2 star rating, for me, is where the story was hindered and needed more of those elements to fully flush it out, and because of that, it was harder to enjoy.
I think this author's writing capabilities are fantastic because I loved looking inside our main character's mind and seeing her raw emotion. Our author did a great job at building the tension for our main characters needs, desires, and frustrations to the point of relating to her. I thouroughly enjoyed the slow burn between our characters and the MMC was a cutie. With that said, I would be interested in reading another book in this world with the hope that the world is more fully fleshed out and the character development is even better! I hope this review is helpful to our author on their journey!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 2, 2026
Quick Hot Takes that kept me reading!! (SPOILERS)
Percy saying, "Bella" for the first time
Chapter 18 had me kicking & screaming!!!
"We get our room back"
Remember Louis & that connection
"I WAS GOING TO TELL HER." "I WAS GOING TO TELL HER EVERYTHING." Screaming
I loved this read!! This series has so much potential to be amazing. Arabella, the FMC, is shy and polite. She was born into a life that she didn't fit into and she's trying to find herself. I'm excited to see her growth and how she becomes strong and fierce.
Percy, the MMC, is just hot! He's kind, respectful, "touch her or you die" trope, broody, overprotective, & Mr. Reaches up to tuck a strand of hair behind my ear! Percy keeping secrets from Arabella made me feel some type of way, but after reading the ending it all made sense. I would love to see more of his POV. I'm talking chapters, not just a couple pages at the end. Banter between Percy and Arabella is cute, but can be so much hotter.
I would love to learn more about the magic. I think some world-building and history would build the story. Where did the magic come from? Why is magic bad? Does Percy have magic? I would love to know what happened to the kingdom and the castle when Arabella ran away. We learn that Nigel is now King, but how did he get that role? We also learn about the chaos when Arabella leaves, but what happens?
Overall, 100% YES read this book! I couldn't stop thinking about it!!
Percy saying, "Bella" for the first time
Chapter 18 had me kicking & screaming!!!
"We get our room back"
Remember Louis & that connection
"I WAS GOING TO TELL HER." "I WAS GOING TO TELL HER EVERYTHING." Screaming
I loved this read!! This series has so much potential to be amazing. Arabella, the FMC, is shy and polite. She was born into a life that she didn't fit into and she's trying to find herself. I'm excited to see her growth and how she becomes strong and fierce.
Percy, the MMC, is just hot! He's kind, respectful, "touch her or you die" trope, broody, overprotective, & Mr. Reaches up to tuck a strand of hair behind my ear! Percy keeping secrets from Arabella made me feel some type of way, but after reading the ending it all made sense. I would love to see more of his POV. I'm talking chapters, not just a couple pages at the end. Banter between Percy and Arabella is cute, but can be so much hotter.
I would love to learn more about the magic. I think some world-building and history would build the story. Where did the magic come from? Why is magic bad? Does Percy have magic? I would love to know what happened to the kingdom and the castle when Arabella ran away. We learn that Nigel is now King, but how did he get that role? We also learn about the chaos when Arabella leaves, but what happens?
Overall, 100% YES read this book! I couldn't stop thinking about it!!
August 6, 2026
10/10 read. This book touches on topics most books don’t with negative outcomes of arranged marriage and the process of fleeing it. The main characters have a nice slow burn romance and intense yearning. For the first book of the series it world builds very well and makes you feel like you’re in the story with them. Excited to see where the next books take Percy and Arabella.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 8, 2026
This was absolutely incredible. The ending had me screaming!
This book features incredible characters, great friendships, and an amazing love story unfolding. If you love a strong fmc, interesting side characters, and an intriguing storyline, this is the book for you!
I genuinely couldn’t stop reading this! Absolutely loved the plot and can’t wait for the second book.
This book features incredible characters, great friendships, and an amazing love story unfolding. If you love a strong fmc, interesting side characters, and an intriguing storyline, this is the book for you!
I genuinely couldn’t stop reading this! Absolutely loved the plot and can’t wait for the second book.
August 14, 2026
You need to read this book! Genuinely I picked it up and didn’t move for hourss! Percy is everythingggg and Arabella my lion hearted princess I love her. Everyone is written so beautifully and you really can feel the emotions! I felt like I was on the journey with them! And wheww some of those moments had me giggling like I was her!😂 10/10 no notes!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 21, 2026
5 Star read easily. Couldn’t stop smiling through majority of the book. I love heroines who strive to become into their TRUE self. If you love a woman who isn’t going to back down and take the easy route … THIS IS FOR U!
July 31, 2026
I really enjoyed reading this! It was very entertaining and i loved the slow burn. At first i was annoyed with pef y but as i kept reading i started to like him over all 10/10
August 6, 2026
I loved this book so much! Once I started I couldn’t put it down until I finished it. I cannot wait for more of Percy and Bella
August 17, 2026
The BEST book I have read in a long time literally had me “😲” the whole time. I will be suggesting this book to everyone I know.
August 18, 2026
This book was so good! Has been awhile since I was sucked into a good book that made me read it in less than two days! 10/10 recommend!
August 18, 2026
I read this book in 3 days. I couldn't put it down! I loved the characters and the romance. I am excited to see their store continue in the next book
August 19, 2026
Absolutely loved this book. I can’t wait for the second book to come out. The banter between the FMC and MMC is amazing.
August 30, 2026
Dialog struggled for me, loved the vibe!! Really enjoyed the golden retriever mmc, lots of character growth for Arabella
August 30, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This was a good book. I like the slow burn romance of it. I love how the world is building up for the second book!!
This was a good book. I like the slow burn romance of it. I love how the world is building up for the second book!!
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews