Fae and Flames

Realms of Lurin

by Sofia Simpson

A maid blackmails a fae prince to save her mother’s life. The prince lies to hide an identity. Neither one counted on an impossible love.

All Elora wants is to find a way her mother can survive the wasting illness. She has no idea or means to do it until she finds the prince, Duke, with a secret project his royal family would balk at. Blackmailing him is her only option to buy the vampire venom her mother so desperately needs.

Duke has ambition he’s not supposed to have. He’s expected to fulfill his social obligations and play the role of prince. He wants to be an inventor, so he hides his attempts at the first ever flying machine as well as an illegal pet, a phoenix he’s mind melded to. He’ll do anything to hide both.

What Duke and Elora don’t expect is to fight feelings neither should be having for each other. She’s a maid. He’s a prince. He’s expected to marry well. Love, however, has other plans.

For fans of adventurous fantasy with clean romance comes the fourth book in Realms of Lurin, a multi-author collection of standalone magical regency-inspired fantasy novellas that take place in the same world.

Genres: Fantasy, Regency

200 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 8, 2026

About the author

Sofia drinks in fantasy like she would strawberry milkshakes. She lives in the fantasy world either dreaming up stories herself or immersing herself in clean, fun romances. She writes YA to believe she's still a teen at heart, but also loves providing beautiful stories to beautiful teens. Visit her at www.sofiasimpson.com and join her newsletter for up-to-date news on all her goings on.

Reviews

[C.A. Meadows]

Love love love! I had the pleasure of reading this book for Sofia for “another set of eyes” and it was amazing. You will laugh, be angry, laugh again and possibly cry at moments. It is such a fun book! Definitely recommend!

[Stephanie Schaper]

4.5/5

Thank you to the author - for the ARC and for writing this book! This is a fun and lighthearted novella, but I definitely would have preferred a longer novel. I read this book in less than a day and I really enjoyed it. I love fairytale retellings and this book read like a Cinderella story, with a few welcome changes - two (loving) parents and no evil step-sisters. The HEA was also much appreciated and enjoyed, especially with that little twist!
Elora is our FMC - she’s brave with a kind heart and Duke, our prince, is a true gentleman. It’s nice to see a wholesome romance - no toxicity here, it was honestly refreshing. Elora as a character was relatable, especially her relationship with her mother and having to help take care of her. I could totally relate to her feelings and how responsible she felt for her mother’s recovery. On a lighter note, Harry is a great brother and godmother, his scenes always made me laugh. The one character, however, that stole the show for me was Char - she was great. Her snarky comments were the best and she was such a sassy and stubborn character.
My biggest complaint is that the romance between the Duke and Elora felt a little rushed to me. I know she has a crush on him from the start, so her feelings do make more sense here - but the prince’s feelings developed rather fast. I don’t think this would be an issue with a longer book and I understand this was a novella so I can give some leeway here. As a whole, it would have been nice to see more development between the two overall, more deep conversations and yearning. That being said, I did really enjoy the scenes where he was explaining and helping her learn about his secret project. That was rather sweet.
Overall I truly enjoyed reading Elora and Duke’s love story. This book was a cute and fun read, especially while on my breaks at work! If you like romances with a hint of a Cinderella story, then I would recommend this book!

[Di H]

In a land of beautiful treehouses a handsome Fae Prince, Duke, and a lovely Fae servant, Elora, each want more out of life.

I understand that feeling. Don't you?

Duke doesn't want to be lazy like royals are supposed to be. Elora wants more than Neverending chores and worry about someone she loves. But they share something else:they both have a secret.

They find a solution to help each others problems.

Elora discovers Duke is a talented inventor; of something AMAZING and that she has a mind for details and fingers for fine detail work.

She is also a talented baker of scones,tarts and chocolate croissants.

Duke finds he has a talent for caring about people and follow through.

I love that Duke and Elora respect and support each other. Another sweet part of this book is ho everyone prays and it is just a natural part of their lives.

My favorite part of the story was the makeover. Complete Cinderella Masquerade vibes.

Craziest Character: Char the Phoenix. She communicates telepathically with Duke and has a sassy running commentary about everything!

The story was written in unusual tense/POV that I can't quite describe because grammar isn't my specialty: but it kept me from getting immersed in the story. It was off putting.

Even though this was a YA story I felt that there was more, depth descriptions, to be explored and everything was just a little surface.

[Eric Gossett]

Two captivating romantic leads and a sentient phoenix – what’s not to like?

Although this story involves a relationship between a fae prince and a fae commoner, and there is a ball, the similarities to Cinderella mostly end there. The commoner, Elora, has two loving parents and no step-anythings. The prince’s brother does call himself Elora’s fairy godfather, but only in the sense that he helps her (non-magically) get ready for the ball. There are no glass slippers---but there is something far more interesting to draw the prince out of the ball to look for her.

Both romantic leads have more depth to their character and personality than the original Cinderella stories typically contain. Those depths are best discovered as you read this charming story, so I will leave them as mysteries in this review.

The phoenix, Char, is a fun addition. She is a close companion to the prince, Duke. And the two can (and do) converse. Some readers might wish for even more of their conversation, but the dialog that is in the book is delightful.

I really liked the final “epilog”, consisting of an article from the Nebraria Gazette. The “one-year-later” summary it presents is unexpected, and yet, a logical (and better) ending than I anticipated.

I received a free Advanced Reader copy of this book.

[Tristi]

I was sent Fae and Flames by Sofia Simpson as an ARC. This was a very sweet book. The characters were made for each other.

The story takes place in Nebraria, Duke Williams, the Prince Heir, is hiding something from his family and his people. He is bonded to a phoenix named Char and phoenixes are outlawed in Nebraria. He also is an inventor or wants to be one. He has been working secretly on a project in an underground bunker.

Elora, a maid in the palace, has a very sick mother with the wasting illness, which is very contagious and has been hiding the illness from everyone. If anyone found out her mother would be cast out of the kingdom.

Elora needs vampire venom to save her mother and its very expensive. When she comes across the prince and his hidden bunker of secrets she binds him in an agreement,  she will keep silent if he gives her money. Over the next month or so they work together on his secret project to get it finished.  Will Elora save her mother or will she let the Prince's secret out and get her and her family cast out?

[Riella Cristobal]

What a fun story! This was my first from Ms. Simpson and I loved the blend of regency and fantasy inspiration.
I really felt for Elora! She was searching for a way to save her mother and it was draining her. Her encounter with Duke offered a solution, but also new complications. I admire her courage and determination. Elora was willing to work and sacrifice for her family. Her intelligence allowed her to work with Duke and support him.
Duke was hiding his passion project and trying to fulfill his role as the heir of the Fae realm. Both his secret bond with Charlotte and his flying invention were things he was trying to hide. Elora was a surprise to him and she intrigued him. She was able to engage with him and support him in his dreams.
This story felt very regency with fantasy influences. It also had a bit of a Cinderella vibe to it as well! I enjoyed Duke and Henry's interactions and how they supported one another. It was a cool world to enter with a sweet romance. This book has only kisses.
I received an ARC.

[Jennie Jae]

This was such a sweet romance novella, set in a regency-esque fantasy world where sirens and vampires and goblins all exist with humans.

This story really surprised me! I especially loved the little nod to Cinderella, the secret identity/secret project storyline, the heartwarming devotion to family of the FMC, the sass and meddling of the sidekick character Char, and the adorable adoration and caring nature of the MMC.

There was some low-stakes intrigue and danger, but this book was truly a cozy story with no swearing or explicit content, or any gore/violence. The overall themes it portrayed were about not being afraid to be yourself and stand up for your loved ones, even though doing so may change the direction of your life, quite possibly in a direction better than you might have expected!

I recommend this book to anyone who likes a sweet and clean romance and fantasy.

I received an eARC from the author. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and given willingly.

[Brittany]

I love that this story sweeps you into a fun world to explore! It has some nods to Cinderella but it isn’t the Cinderella story you know! Duke & Elora were easy to like & had a spark right from the beginning! Char was so much fun & my favorite! All three of them have an independent streak, all of the sass, & banter that makes this a page turner! I loved getting to know more about the fae, a phoenix, & building an airplane (which felt very realistic & easy to imagine)! The ending was a surprising twist that left me laughing but also I really want to see Harry’s story (who I enjoyed a lot) or a sequel that continues Elora & Duke’s story! I feel like a lot happens between the last chapter & that newspaper article & I would love to see it! The only thing that I didn’t like was that Elora’s mother is sick & the way it’s handled with masks reminded me of Covid… that part kind of bugged me but everything else I enjoyed so much!! A truly unique read!

[Blake Fox]

ARC Review:

This was a quick, easy read with some genuinely interesting ideas. I liked the Regency-inspired fantasy setting and the fact that your status in the world was reflected by how high up you lived in the trees.

That said, I do think this would have benefited from being a full-length novel rather than a novella. The romance felt rushed, and I never fully saw where or when the couple actually fell in love. I expect a certain level of cheesiness with YA, especially in a shorter format, but this leaned a bit more into the sap than I personally prefer. The epilogue also felt a little out of left field compared to the rest of the story.

Still, Simpson's writing itself was solid and easy to move through. I'd be interested to see where she takes her ideas in the future. 3⭐️

[Georgia]

A prince with a secret, a desperate maid, and a hidden phoenix. This book has it all. A prince with a hidden identity as an engineer, with his pet phoenix, whom he also must keep hidden. I really liked how spunky Char was in this delightful story. In a world, where most fantasy seems to be about dragons or wars, this was a sweet little change. We have a FMC that likes to bake and a prince with a hidden passion. I really enjoyed this story. As a baker myself, I could relate to how Elora baked to help with stress.

I loved Char’s spunky nature and found myself wanting to have a secret pet I could converse with!

I loved the references to scripture!

The flight scene was my favorite 😍 iykyk

Also can I have a phoenix pet!?!?

Clean Fantasy
Realm of Lupin Series - Is a standalone though
4.5 Stars

[theenchantedalibi]

This book was such a good edition to the Realms of Lurin series. I loved how it built off of the previous book Venom and Vows. Char was such a fun and sassy character. I loved reading all of her conversations with Duke. They had such a brother-sister kind of relationship, and their bickering was very entertaining. The slow burn and tension in this book was very well written, especially since both of them had to really try to hide their feelings. The difference in status was a really well used plot point, and made the romance feel very forbidden. I wish Duke was a little bit less cowardly in standing up to his parents, but I really liked Elora’s display of courage at the end. I was a little surprised by the fact that Harry ended up with someone important at the end, but it was important to the ending. Overall, I really enjoyed this read! Thank you so much to Sofia Simpson for this arc!

[Yelitz Ramos]

This was an ARC from the author.
Elora is a maid and Duke is the prince and heir to the throne of Nebraria. Both have a secret, and to keep it that way, they make a deal. Elora will help Duke to build his flying machine, and in return, he will get the antidote her mother needs to survive the Wasting illness. They didn’t expect love to be part of it. Will the kingdom accept a romance between a prince and a maid?

The cover of this book is beautiful. I was hooked from the very first page. Loved the map of Nebraria. The characters were engaging and likable. Duke’s phoenix, Char, was the best. Her sassiness made me laugh. Elora and Duke were perfect for each other.
I enjoyed this book! It reminds me of Cinderella in a modern style. It was a clean, sweet and fast read. I totally recommend it and I will read more from this author and the rest of the series: Realms of Lurin.

[M.H. Elrich]

A sizzly fantasy romance with an inventor prince, spirited maid, and sassy phoenix!
This was a fun, passionate, and fantastic story. I loved Duke and Elora. Both of their characters made sense, and their romance was well balanced. I liked how it reminded me of forbidden love with a prince and Cinderella, all spun into one. There are mentions of a Creator and prayer, a bonus. As for content, this one had more descriptive kisses/making out, so thus the double meaning of sizzle (with the fiery bird sidekick and the romance). Speaking of the Phoenix, she was fantastically funny, though it would be weird if a bird could know everything. Yet, Char definitely seemed more like a doting older sister to Duke. It was lots of fun to see their interactions. A great fantasy romance!

[Meg]

This was a sweet short novella. It has fairies, Cinderella-vibes, a phoenix, a prince with a secret identity and a quite unexpected ending which gives the main characters a realistic ending.

Elora and Duke had some lovely moments when they are working in the secret project and getting to know each other, and I liked how Harry supported his brother and helped both to get their happy ending. Though, Char and her comments were a highlight in the story. My only complain was that I wish there had been more development and some closure for some characters, but it was probably cause it's a small novella.

* This is a closed-door romance
* No language
* Thanks the author for this E-ARC opportunity. All the opinions expressed are purely my own.

[Charissa James]

I struggled through this one. The story felt very slow and the world did not feel like the regency era as was advertised. It felt more steampunk, which I don't have a problem with, but was not prepared for. Also, the faith threads did not flow well at all with the narrative. The prayers felt unnatural and forced into the storyline. I do appreciate that the author at least tried to included faith in her story. And, once I got used to it not being regency, I found the world to be quite unique. However, I don't believe I will be reading this author again until there is much improvement.

Thanks to the author for graciously providing me with an ARC. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

[Haylee Rae]

“I’d do far more. Give me the word. Become my bride, and I’ll shower you with every single star you wish upon. Your wishes will be my commands.”

I really enjoyed this novella!! It didn’t feel rushed or too short. Char, the sassy Phoenix, is my favorite character! I was immediately invested in the romance and enjoyed the world. The characters were well written.

No spice
No language
No violence just one deathly ill character

I received an advanced copy of this book and am willingly leaving an honest review.

[Alura Heindel]

I love this book! I was up entirely too late and I regret nothing! I love the interactions between Elora, Duke and Char, their banter is phenomenal! And that ending?! I couldn’t put the book down. And personally I love that her name is Elora, since that’s how my name is pronounced! If you like regency stories with a blend of fantasy and touch of aerodynamics, then you should definitely check out Fae and Flames!

My favorite quote from the book:
““No more tears, Little Spark. Never again.” “I can’t promise that.” “Well, promise me that I’ll know about all of them.””

[Heather]

Fae and Flames is such a sweet, fun read. I loved the world building and fantasy elements, but most of all the romance! It was so sweet, but also clean, which I really appreciated. I love books where to MMC is a total green flag so because of that I didn’t want to stop reading. I loved the phoenix and mind melding aspect as well. I want to read more from this author now! My only complaint, which is more of a personal preference, was that it is written in present tense and that made it harder for me to read.

[Tyler Burke]

This was such a cute, feel-good book! The characters were incredibly lovable, especially Char, the sassy little phoenix who completely stole the show. Duke and Elora have such a sweet relationship that feels like it will last forever. They’re so comfortable with each other and truly come across as two best friends who happened to fall in love.

The story reads like a historical romance with just a touch of fantasy woven in. Since it’s a shorter book, it’s perfect if you’re looking for a quick, cozy read with plenty of heart and a happily-ever-after ending. ✨📚💕

[Maegwen Salley-Massie]

Originality at its finest! We all know it’s incredibly difficult to write an original story with lore that has been written about for hundreds, sometimes even thousands of years, but Sofia managed to do just that! I never thought I would read a story where a Fae Prince would be building an airplane with some Cinderella romance. And yet, this author completely took me on that journey. My favorite, of course, was the Phoenix in the book… And I’m sure she will be yours too. I highly recommend you read this book and all the other books in the series as well.

[Theplacesihavebeen]

Fae and Flames was so much fun to read! I love Duke's secret pass time and Elora's fierce loyalty to her family. Char was an amazing animal sidekick with snark and wisdom all wrapped up into one! If you are looking for a clean romantic fantasy that is engaging and leaves you kicking your feet and squealing from the cute moments this is worth checking out! I did receive an advanced copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

[Rylie Wilson]

This is a really fun story about a prince named Duke and a maid named Elora. They strike a bargain that has them working together on a secret project, and it is dual POV.

There are faith themes throughout, with no spice, no language, no violence, and no gore. It is a very clean, lighthearted, and enjoyable short story suitable for many ages.

The phoenix side character is especially memorable, sassy, and very lovable.

Overall, I really enjoyed this story. It feels like a Cinderella retelling mixed with a Wright brothers vibe (IYKYK). It is fun, fast-paced, and ends on a happy note.

[Lj]

This book is written in the present tense which unfortunately makes it unreadable to me. For whatever reason my brain just refuses to process anything written in the present tense. If you don't share my issue, I'm sure this is a very good book, it just isn't for me.

I received an ARC and voluntarily leave an honest review.

[emeraldragonlady (Maddie)]

This was so much fun to read. I could not put this book down. The regency fae vampire Cinderella retelling is definitely how I would classify this, but soo good. The characters are well written, the story is relatable and engaging. And all the emotions are there. Angst, love, fear, sacrifice, & family relationships are integral on this book. I love char. She is supportive, and encouraging. I also love the little brother. His brotherly love is absolutely amazing. I would definitely read this again.

[Sara]

I haven't come across a story with fae and airplanes before, so that was pretty unique! Has some Cinderella elements (poor girl, prince, midnight ball), but doesn't seem to actually be a retelling. I would have enjoyed this one more if it hadn't been written in third person, present tense. I did like the epilogue.

[Sarah Brake]

This was the 4th book in the series Realms of Lurin and a cute fairytale retelling. If you are interested in fairytale retellings this is a series for you to check out! This one was similar to Cinderella and it reminded me of the movie Ever After. I really thought other things would happen near the end plus I would have liked a more fuller explanation at the end but the story was cute.

[Tegan Brady]

Sweet and fun regency inspired romantic fantasy with elemental magic and a phoenix. I love the Phoenix mind melded aspect. Duke and Elora are so sweet to each other. I like that Char nudges Duke just as Elora does. Elora is brave and loyal. They both save each other in a way. Enjoyed this Cinderella retelling with a prince inventor and a maid that loves baking.

[Abigail]

I completely understand why this is Simpson's favorite book that she has written so far. Between the phoenix and her sassiness, the banter between the fae prince and the maid, and them learning how to trust each other, it was a beautiful book. I am so excited to reread this book again and see all of the little details I missed the first time.

[Rachel Blanchard]

I thought it might be hard to finish this book during the first week of the school year, but I quickly became invested in the growing attraction between an underground elemetal inventor and his "Little Spark," a clever, fairy Cinderella, who is determined to save her mother! I loved the sweet themes of honesty, and the prince's sassy phoenix!

[Sloane Montgomery]

THIS BOOK WAS SO GOOD!!! I want to read it a thousand times over. I love all of Sofia's books. Chat is sooooo sassy and she makes me want a phoenix thats mind-melded to me. No spice or language. Duke is such a great guy and Harry feels like a great brother. HIGHLY RECOMMEND.