What do you think?
Rate this book
A Crown of Ink and Ash #1
A Crown of Ink and Ash
How do you win back the love of your life when she has no memory of you or the kingdom you both lost?
Raylene never expected to become the Crown Princess of Aurora, much less the secret bearer of the Sovereign Mark. On the very night she and her husband, Prince Theodore, are announced as the kingdom's future rulers, their lives are shattered by a brutal invasion.
In the bloody aftermath, Theodore and his loyal brother Kryz are banished, flung a millennium into the past to the unfamiliar streets of 2019 Tokyo. Stranded, penniless and powerless, Theodore's despair turns to shock when he crosses paths with Cheriko Ray, a local florist who looks exactly like his wife.
There is only one problem: Cheriko has absolutely no memory of Theodore, Aurora, or the tragic life they shared.
As Cheriko's fabricated reality violently unravels, she discovers her entire life might be a phantom. To protect her, Theodore must step in. Armed only with charcoal and paint, entangled with his deep, agonizing yearning, he sets out to woo his amnesiac wife all over again.
But with history rewritten and their enemy's warnings looming, can Theodore reignite a love that has been completely erased?
***
If you love angst, emotionally filled fantasy romance where you can weep, laugh and enjoy an MC that says "it will always be you", this is the book for you!
Tropes:
Amnesia & Secrets
Time Travel
Fish Out of Water
Artist x Florist
Royalty
Angst & Hidden Identity
Raylene never expected to become the Crown Princess of Aurora, much less the secret bearer of the Sovereign Mark. On the very night she and her husband, Prince Theodore, are announced as the kingdom's future rulers, their lives are shattered by a brutal invasion.
In the bloody aftermath, Theodore and his loyal brother Kryz are banished, flung a millennium into the past to the unfamiliar streets of 2019 Tokyo. Stranded, penniless and powerless, Theodore's despair turns to shock when he crosses paths with Cheriko Ray, a local florist who looks exactly like his wife.
There is only one problem: Cheriko has absolutely no memory of Theodore, Aurora, or the tragic life they shared.
As Cheriko's fabricated reality violently unravels, she discovers her entire life might be a phantom. To protect her, Theodore must step in. Armed only with charcoal and paint, entangled with his deep, agonizing yearning, he sets out to woo his amnesiac wife all over again.
But with history rewritten and their enemy's warnings looming, can Theodore reignite a love that has been completely erased?
***
If you love angst, emotionally filled fantasy romance where you can weep, laugh and enjoy an MC that says "it will always be you", this is the book for you!
Tropes:
Amnesia & Secrets
Time Travel
Fish Out of Water
Artist x Florist
Royalty
Angst & Hidden Identity
294 pages, Paperback
Published August 24, 2026
About the author
Grace A.K
2 books20 followersGrace A.K. is an engineer by degree but with an interest in writing fantasy. She picked up writing during the pandemic in 2020 and is now focused on writing books and sharing stories with the world. She's a pet lover and enjoys reading, gaming, and drawing or painting in her free time!
A Crown of Ink and Ash began as a scene, where Cheriko cries under a cherry blossom tree, and that became the start of a series.
A Crown of Ink and Ash began as a scene, where Cheriko cries under a cherry blossom tree, and that became the start of a series.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
August 26, 2026
Review of Advanced Reader Copy received by the Author
First and foremost, it's been a while since I have read a book that made me laugh and weep so much!. I love the fact that there was an established couple from the beginning. Not many books nowadays do that since that trope doesn't have much of an interest audience, and I was elated when I saw Theodore and Raylene.
Though through the first few chapters, I kept constantly dreading who was going to potentially die or what the other had to do to get their partner back. Alas, our sweet girl Raylene was taken AND HER MEMORIES WERE WIPED!?
When the brothers were transported back to Tokyo(2019), I was wheezing. Because just imagine this, two guys appear out of nowhere in formal, bloody clothes and have no clue where they are. AND, the only one who did have a clue( THE ONLY TIME THEY NEEDED A HISTORY MAJOR)Raylene wasn't with them! I half thought they would've gotten arrested in broad daylight. But alas, they didn't . But it still would've been funny.
I will completely be a Kyler defender 1#. I DID NOT DOUBT THIS MAN FROM THE START. He transported them safely in the capital of Japan. Made it so they speak the language. He gave them a house WITH A FULL FRIDGE(To be fair, I'm sure the economy wasn't that bad in 2019 but still!). He gave them clothes and IDs. HE MADE RAYLENE(to which he also saved her life) LIVE CLOSE TO THEM AND THEIR NEIGHBOR WORK AT HER FLOWER SHOP. Kyler has been setting them up for success in Tokyo since the beginning. You can bet I absolutely squealed when he appeared at the end of the book. Though, I'm sure he's not completely innocent, there are more sides to the story to which I'm so excited to read the next book!
Now, I'm done ranting about my favourite guy Kyler– I mean, Kryz– let's talk about the YEARNING in this book. If he wasn't the crown prince, you'd think Theodore solely was born to love Raylene/Cheriko. He did have an absolutely valid reaction and was in conflict with himself when he met Cheriko (Raylene who lost her memories). He didn't know who he was choosing to love. When he drew, he didn't know whether he was drawing Raylene or Cheriko. Where Raylene ended and Cheriko started. And it was something that was going on through almost the whole book yet it wasn't frustrating to read at all. Because, he still chose to love her. Cheriko or Raylene, they were still the same person to him. He chose to love all versions of his wife and it was beautiful to see how he was trying to adapt to Cheriko and learn about HER rather than actively trying to get Raylene back. Though , he grieved and frustrated that Cheriko was being haunted by false memories, he still chose to be by her side and support her silently when she needed it. Yes, there were a few scenes that did make me go, "THEO, YOU DENSE IDIOT!" But I'll simply excuse him because he was having his nepotism mindset(HE THOUGHT CHERIKO KNEW HE WAS TRYING TO "COURT" HER. SPOILER:SHE DID NOT). Buuuutttt once you get past that, you really see that he's trying with what he knows. Especially when Cheriko was spiralling after finding out her parents might've never existed and she passed out only to be woken up as Raylene, giving Theo so much relief and pure utter happiness. Only for her to pass out after a few seconds and wake up as Cheriko again. Pure psychological torture for that boy. THIS WAS NOT WHAT I SIGNED UP FOR WHEN I READ FLORISTXARTIST.
He did deserve every single hit Kryz threw at him and I do wish Cheriko would have used her flower knives on Theo. I loved that Kyrz immediately reacquired his friendship with Cheriko. He barely needed to make much effort while Theo spent hours to figure out which button to press so Cheriko wouldn't hate him.
Kryz was an absolute joy in every scene. Child of divorce between his amnesiac mom and moody dad. Him watching Theo trying to woo cheriko again was his favourite show to watch and then fighting with Theo is just his daily drama and I love it so much. When Kyrz got this first job and Theo was astounded(I loved their oldest child and youngest child dynamic. It was so freaking realistic), I felt that to my core. Kryz didn't feel like a side character in the slightest. Whenever I think of Theodore and Raylene, I also think of Kryz because of how important he was. He grieved just as much as Theo and was willing to spend a portion of his life searching for a way back home before deciding to accept their situation. While Theo realized there might not be a home to go back to(he was right) and would've been content because the people he loved the most–Kryz and Cheriko– were there with him. Both brothers were right in their own way and it was really emotional when they fought. And I adore the fact that they make up the next minute or day because they love each other so much.
Now to my favourite girl, Cheriko. I loved her from the time she was introduced. The fact that she owned a flower shop but hated flowers felt incredibly symbolic. Just like Cheriko was living as herself when truly she was Raylene. The mind fog, her confusion, the twisted memories and all, I totally understand every single time she was spiralling and I loved that no one deliberately didn't make her feel invalid in any way and gave her space when she needed it. Except, Theo of course. I'm sure he'd fused his cells with her if he could. A barnacle, I say. But back to Cheriko, her subconscious slowly finding comfort with Theo was really sweet and emotional. Her falling for him all over again and then getting jealous of HERSELF with all the stupid misunderstandings Theo kett doing with the circles explanations. Cheriko, Raybae, THERE IS NO OTHER WOMAN. I SWEAR THEO DOESNT EVEN KNOW ANY OTHER FEMALES EXIST IN THE VICINITY.
The part of the book when Cheriko decided to live with them was an emotional rollercoaster, I tell you. Kryz constantly gets under Theodore's skin by flaunting his friendship with Cheriko. Theodore being exploited for his skills and being forced to draw commissions like those anime animators which was hilarious. Kryz was also withdrawing FOOD until her was done. Cheriko doing any housework whatsoever (against her will) because the brothers don't even make her lift a finger like the queen she is. And the haircut scene! I loved it so much. My man Theo was staying so close to his crush and he couldn't even open his eyes while Cheriko trimmed his hair.
Their interaction didn't feel so forced in any way. The brother genuinely also loved Cheriko as Cheriko. And even after telling the truth to her, Theodore calls her as her name because that's who she is now and that acceptance was beautiful. Towards the end of the book felt like a landslide that kept going on and on. Cheriko getting her memories back and all of them being transported back home.
AND THEN THE SCENE WOTH KAIA AND NOAH AT THE END!?!?? "TWO BROTHERS DIED"!??! "ARTIST WHO DIDNT GAIN FAME"!?!?! I was kinda upset that they forgotten about them but I felt bittersweet. Kaia and Noah moving to Italy with Theodore's drawings feels incredibly significant for the next few books and I can't wait to see it.
I was truly honoured to receive an arc and I enjoyed this book so much. Even my friend who has been on this reading journey was incredibly pulled on and she's excited for the next book just as much as I am. This book might now be someone's cup of tea but it is absolutely mine and I'd put it on the top of the list of the book I've read this year. Wishing you all the best, Grace!
First and foremost, it's been a while since I have read a book that made me laugh and weep so much!. I love the fact that there was an established couple from the beginning. Not many books nowadays do that since that trope doesn't have much of an interest audience, and I was elated when I saw Theodore and Raylene.
Though through the first few chapters, I kept constantly dreading who was going to potentially die or what the other had to do to get their partner back. Alas, our sweet girl Raylene was taken AND HER MEMORIES WERE WIPED!?
When the brothers were transported back to Tokyo(2019), I was wheezing. Because just imagine this, two guys appear out of nowhere in formal, bloody clothes and have no clue where they are. AND, the only one who did have a clue( THE ONLY TIME THEY NEEDED A HISTORY MAJOR)Raylene wasn't with them! I half thought they would've gotten arrested in broad daylight. But alas, they didn't . But it still would've been funny.
I will completely be a Kyler defender 1#. I DID NOT DOUBT THIS MAN FROM THE START. He transported them safely in the capital of Japan. Made it so they speak the language. He gave them a house WITH A FULL FRIDGE(To be fair, I'm sure the economy wasn't that bad in 2019 but still!). He gave them clothes and IDs. HE MADE RAYLENE(to which he also saved her life) LIVE CLOSE TO THEM AND THEIR NEIGHBOR WORK AT HER FLOWER SHOP. Kyler has been setting them up for success in Tokyo since the beginning. You can bet I absolutely squealed when he appeared at the end of the book. Though, I'm sure he's not completely innocent, there are more sides to the story to which I'm so excited to read the next book!
Now, I'm done ranting about my favourite guy Kyler– I mean, Kryz– let's talk about the YEARNING in this book. If he wasn't the crown prince, you'd think Theodore solely was born to love Raylene/Cheriko. He did have an absolutely valid reaction and was in conflict with himself when he met Cheriko (Raylene who lost her memories). He didn't know who he was choosing to love. When he drew, he didn't know whether he was drawing Raylene or Cheriko. Where Raylene ended and Cheriko started. And it was something that was going on through almost the whole book yet it wasn't frustrating to read at all. Because, he still chose to love her. Cheriko or Raylene, they were still the same person to him. He chose to love all versions of his wife and it was beautiful to see how he was trying to adapt to Cheriko and learn about HER rather than actively trying to get Raylene back. Though , he grieved and frustrated that Cheriko was being haunted by false memories, he still chose to be by her side and support her silently when she needed it. Yes, there were a few scenes that did make me go, "THEO, YOU DENSE IDIOT!" But I'll simply excuse him because he was having his nepotism mindset(HE THOUGHT CHERIKO KNEW HE WAS TRYING TO "COURT" HER. SPOILER:SHE DID NOT). Buuuutttt once you get past that, you really see that he's trying with what he knows. Especially when Cheriko was spiralling after finding out her parents might've never existed and she passed out only to be woken up as Raylene, giving Theo so much relief and pure utter happiness. Only for her to pass out after a few seconds and wake up as Cheriko again. Pure psychological torture for that boy. THIS WAS NOT WHAT I SIGNED UP FOR WHEN I READ FLORISTXARTIST.
He did deserve every single hit Kryz threw at him and I do wish Cheriko would have used her flower knives on Theo. I loved that Kyrz immediately reacquired his friendship with Cheriko. He barely needed to make much effort while Theo spent hours to figure out which button to press so Cheriko wouldn't hate him.
Kryz was an absolute joy in every scene. Child of divorce between his amnesiac mom and moody dad. Him watching Theo trying to woo cheriko again was his favourite show to watch and then fighting with Theo is just his daily drama and I love it so much. When Kyrz got this first job and Theo was astounded(I loved their oldest child and youngest child dynamic. It was so freaking realistic), I felt that to my core. Kryz didn't feel like a side character in the slightest. Whenever I think of Theodore and Raylene, I also think of Kryz because of how important he was. He grieved just as much as Theo and was willing to spend a portion of his life searching for a way back home before deciding to accept their situation. While Theo realized there might not be a home to go back to(he was right) and would've been content because the people he loved the most–Kryz and Cheriko– were there with him. Both brothers were right in their own way and it was really emotional when they fought. And I adore the fact that they make up the next minute or day because they love each other so much.
Now to my favourite girl, Cheriko. I loved her from the time she was introduced. The fact that she owned a flower shop but hated flowers felt incredibly symbolic. Just like Cheriko was living as herself when truly she was Raylene. The mind fog, her confusion, the twisted memories and all, I totally understand every single time she was spiralling and I loved that no one deliberately didn't make her feel invalid in any way and gave her space when she needed it. Except, Theo of course. I'm sure he'd fused his cells with her if he could. A barnacle, I say. But back to Cheriko, her subconscious slowly finding comfort with Theo was really sweet and emotional. Her falling for him all over again and then getting jealous of HERSELF with all the stupid misunderstandings Theo kett doing with the circles explanations. Cheriko, Raybae, THERE IS NO OTHER WOMAN. I SWEAR THEO DOESNT EVEN KNOW ANY OTHER FEMALES EXIST IN THE VICINITY.
The part of the book when Cheriko decided to live with them was an emotional rollercoaster, I tell you. Kryz constantly gets under Theodore's skin by flaunting his friendship with Cheriko. Theodore being exploited for his skills and being forced to draw commissions like those anime animators which was hilarious. Kryz was also withdrawing FOOD until her was done. Cheriko doing any housework whatsoever (against her will) because the brothers don't even make her lift a finger like the queen she is. And the haircut scene! I loved it so much. My man Theo was staying so close to his crush and he couldn't even open his eyes while Cheriko trimmed his hair.
Their interaction didn't feel so forced in any way. The brother genuinely also loved Cheriko as Cheriko. And even after telling the truth to her, Theodore calls her as her name because that's who she is now and that acceptance was beautiful. Towards the end of the book felt like a landslide that kept going on and on. Cheriko getting her memories back and all of them being transported back home.
AND THEN THE SCENE WOTH KAIA AND NOAH AT THE END!?!?? "TWO BROTHERS DIED"!??! "ARTIST WHO DIDNT GAIN FAME"!?!?! I was kinda upset that they forgotten about them but I felt bittersweet. Kaia and Noah moving to Italy with Theodore's drawings feels incredibly significant for the next few books and I can't wait to see it.
I was truly honoured to receive an arc and I enjoyed this book so much. Even my friend who has been on this reading journey was incredibly pulled on and she's excited for the next book just as much as I am. This book might now be someone's cup of tea but it is absolutely mine and I'd put it on the top of the list of the book I've read this year. Wishing you all the best, Grace!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received an ARC from the author.
3.5 ⭐️ overall.
4 ⭐️ plot wise.
5 ⭐️: ✨️🌟🤩💫🌠 vibe wise.
Some emojis:💐🌹🌸🌷🌺🌻
This is a closed door, new adult romantasy, book 1 of A Crown of Ink and Ash series. Be wary of cliffhangers 😱 🧗♂️🪂
After the fall of Aurora, the Crown Princess (Raylene), the Crown Prince (Theodore), and his brother (Kryz) are dumped several centuries in the past: Tokyo, 2019.
This book mentions the worldwide virus at that time. I found it so strange reading about COVID19. It seems like such a long time ago already!
Theodore and Kryz are left trying to navigate a completely different life from the one they left. They don't know when, or even if, they will be able to return to Aurora. Poor Theodore has to re-woo his amnesiac wife. She has false memories of a whole life as a whole different person: Cheriko.
I really want to rate this higher overall because of how much I enjoyed the whole experience of reading it. The character interations had me laughing out loud in multiple places. 🤣
1 thing that brought the rating down was the multiple errors I found littered throughout the book. However, I was reading an ARC copy, and these may be fixed before publication. The author was so sweet when I got in contact with her to inform her about them. 🩷
So, the question: Do I recommend this book?
If you are in the mood for a nice easy read with lovable characters and a completely immersive environment, then YES!
follow me on insta 😊
3.5 ⭐️ overall.
4 ⭐️ plot wise.
5 ⭐️: ✨️🌟🤩💫🌠 vibe wise.
Some emojis:💐🌹🌸🌷🌺🌻
This is a closed door, new adult romantasy, book 1 of A Crown of Ink and Ash series. Be wary of cliffhangers 😱 🧗♂️🪂
After the fall of Aurora, the Crown Princess (Raylene), the Crown Prince (Theodore), and his brother (Kryz) are dumped several centuries in the past: Tokyo, 2019.
This book mentions the worldwide virus at that time. I found it so strange reading about COVID19. It seems like such a long time ago already!
Theodore and Kryz are left trying to navigate a completely different life from the one they left. They don't know when, or even if, they will be able to return to Aurora. Poor Theodore has to re-woo his amnesiac wife. She has false memories of a whole life as a whole different person: Cheriko.
I really want to rate this higher overall because of how much I enjoyed the whole experience of reading it. The character interations had me laughing out loud in multiple places. 🤣
1 thing that brought the rating down was the multiple errors I found littered throughout the book. However, I was reading an ARC copy, and these may be fixed before publication. The author was so sweet when I got in contact with her to inform her about them. 🩷
So, the question: Do I recommend this book?
If you are in the mood for a nice easy read with lovable characters and a completely immersive environment, then YES!
follow me on insta 😊
Review of advance copy received from Author
Review of Advanced Reader Copy ✨
Thank you to the author for this ARC. This was my first book I have read by Grace A.K (who is so sweet!) and I am so excited to read more.
I absolutely LOVED this book! From the very beginning, I was completely pulled into the world. I loved how immersive and unique the fantasy elements in this book are. It was refreshing to read something a little different than dragons, fae, etc. (don’t get me wrong I still love)
The characters were one of my favorite parts. I loved their individual personalities and the way their relationships (Theodore, Kryz and Raylene/Cheriko) developed throughout the story. I loved having knowledge of Raylene and Theodore’s relationship from the beginning; however, I loved Cheriko being a different person while also being the same - the best way I can describe this.
The plot kept me hooked from start to finish. There were twists (the end!!!) that I definitely didn't see coming, and I loved how everything slowly came together. Overall, this was such a fun fantasy read, and I'm already excited for the 2nd book (there better be a second after that end)! If you love fantasy books I highly recommend adding this to your TBR!
Thank you to the author for this ARC. This was my first book I have read by Grace A.K (who is so sweet!) and I am so excited to read more.
I absolutely LOVED this book! From the very beginning, I was completely pulled into the world. I loved how immersive and unique the fantasy elements in this book are. It was refreshing to read something a little different than dragons, fae, etc. (don’t get me wrong I still love)
The characters were one of my favorite parts. I loved their individual personalities and the way their relationships (Theodore, Kryz and Raylene/Cheriko) developed throughout the story. I loved having knowledge of Raylene and Theodore’s relationship from the beginning; however, I loved Cheriko being a different person while also being the same - the best way I can describe this.
The plot kept me hooked from start to finish. There were twists (the end!!!) that I definitely didn't see coming, and I loved how everything slowly came together. Overall, this was such a fun fantasy read, and I'm already excited for the 2nd book (there better be a second after that end)! If you love fantasy books I highly recommend adding this to your TBR!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
It was a very interesting story. It had a very unique plot, definitely not something I would have thought of! Raylene and Theodore's relationship seemed like it was really good but then Theo had to start from scratch as they went back in time.
It felt almost easier as a reader to feel more attached to Theo's relationship with Cheriko, because we get to see how much it changes and develops. Even though they are the same person, as I felt more connected with Theo and Cheriko v.s Theo and Raylene.
I enjoyed the character development and their relationships growing. They all end up making peace with their current situations. Although I felt like they handled their situation with less panic than there should have been realistically. 😅
I think I did struggle with the characters themselves, their individual personalities didn't seem to shine as much as the relationships between characters did, if that makes sense? I don't quite know how to describe it. There's a magic between the characters, but on their own they just seem like they're just there.
I am very curious to see what happens next because of the cliffhanger!
It felt almost easier as a reader to feel more attached to Theo's relationship with Cheriko, because we get to see how much it changes and develops. Even though they are the same person, as I felt more connected with Theo and Cheriko v.s Theo and Raylene.
I enjoyed the character development and their relationships growing. They all end up making peace with their current situations. Although I felt like they handled their situation with less panic than there should have been realistically. 😅
I think I did struggle with the characters themselves, their individual personalities didn't seem to shine as much as the relationships between characters did, if that makes sense? I don't quite know how to describe it. There's a magic between the characters, but on their own they just seem like they're just there.
I am very curious to see what happens next because of the cliffhanger!
October 17, 2026
I really enjoyed the setting of this book! Japan is a place I absolutely love, so getting to experience a story set there was a real highlight for me.
The main characters were likeable, and I appreciated that this book took me outside my usual reading comfort zone. It was something different from what I typically pick up, which made it an interesting change of pace.
And that ending! There was a plot twist that genuinely made me stop and go, “Wait, WHAT?” It was certainly unexpected, and readers should be prepared for some emotional moments!
Who might enjoy this book?
If you enjoy stories set in Japan, romance with royalty and hidden identities, and plots involving amnesia, time travel, and long-held secrets, this might be one for your TBR. The artist-and-florist pairing also adds a lovely creative element to the mix.
There's no explicit smut, so this could be a good fit for readers who prefer their romance without on-page sexual content. Just be prepared for some angst and an ending that might tug at your heartstrings!
Thank you to the author for sharing this story with us.
The main characters were likeable, and I appreciated that this book took me outside my usual reading comfort zone. It was something different from what I typically pick up, which made it an interesting change of pace.
And that ending! There was a plot twist that genuinely made me stop and go, “Wait, WHAT?” It was certainly unexpected, and readers should be prepared for some emotional moments!
Who might enjoy this book?
If you enjoy stories set in Japan, romance with royalty and hidden identities, and plots involving amnesia, time travel, and long-held secrets, this might be one for your TBR. The artist-and-florist pairing also adds a lovely creative element to the mix.
There's no explicit smut, so this could be a good fit for readers who prefer their romance without on-page sexual content. Just be prepared for some angst and an ending that might tug at your heartstrings!
Thank you to the author for sharing this story with us.
Review of advance copy received from Author
A Crown of Ink and Ash is a breathtaking blend of high fantasy and emotional, character-driven romance. Grace A.K. crafts a deeply compelling mystery around Cheriko’s lost memories and the downfall of Aurora, seamlessly weaving ancient royal intrigue into the quiet setting of a modern Tokyo flower shop.
Theodore is a standout hero—grieving his fallen kingdom while putting everything on the line to win back the woman he loves. His patience, yearning, and quiet devotion as he attempts to re-woo his amnesiac wife from scratch is absolute perfection (we need this type of woo-ing in reality).
While the pacing slows slightly in the middle to build up the urban setting before the deeper lore elements kick back in, the emotional payoff in the climax completely makes up for it. If you love deep pining, artistic hero aesthetics, and identity twists, this is a must-read. Highly recommended for fans of second-chance romance with a portal/fantasy twist!
Theodore is a standout hero—grieving his fallen kingdom while putting everything on the line to win back the woman he loves. His patience, yearning, and quiet devotion as he attempts to re-woo his amnesiac wife from scratch is absolute perfection (we need this type of woo-ing in reality).
While the pacing slows slightly in the middle to build up the urban setting before the deeper lore elements kick back in, the emotional payoff in the climax completely makes up for it. If you love deep pining, artistic hero aesthetics, and identity twists, this is a must-read. Highly recommended for fans of second-chance romance with a portal/fantasy twist!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Love the magic system of communicating and how they spent their days in Tokyo after being exiled to Tokyo with no way back. I love the relationship between Raylene and Theodore before they got separated when Theodore got exiled.
Reading about their livelihood in Tokyo, their daily lives and how Theodore finally met Cheriko was heart-warming, going out of his way to order flowers or making sure she could manage the customers at the flower shop when Kaia wasn't around.
It feels weird reading about Cheriko when she was indeed Raylene and how they both led totally different lives and she struggling to remember who she was? When she finally remembered but the story was about to end and I'm definitely not happy about the cliffhanger and can't wait for book 2, hopefully it gets released soon.
Reading about their livelihood in Tokyo, their daily lives and how Theodore finally met Cheriko was heart-warming, going out of his way to order flowers or making sure she could manage the customers at the flower shop when Kaia wasn't around.
It feels weird reading about Cheriko when she was indeed Raylene and how they both led totally different lives and she struggling to remember who she was? When she finally remembered but the story was about to end and I'm definitely not happy about the cliffhanger and can't wait for book 2, hopefully it gets released soon.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received an ARC copy from the Author and this is my honest review.
From the beginning of the story the plot pulled me in and the characters were the reason I also couldn't put it down. I absolutely enjoyed this book so much! It made me really sad for Theo Cheriko at certain moments but also at the same time Theo annoyed me with how he acted about the whole thing. I loved Kryz so much, he's my favourite, no doubt about it.
I can not wait for book 2 to come out because that cliffhanger!!!!!!!
From the beginning of the story the plot pulled me in and the characters were the reason I also couldn't put it down. I absolutely enjoyed this book so much! It made me really sad for Theo Cheriko at certain moments but also at the same time Theo annoyed me with how he acted about the whole thing. I loved Kryz so much, he's my favourite, no doubt about it.
I can not wait for book 2 to come out because that cliffhanger!!!!!!!
September 6, 2026
Can say only nice things about this book honestly!
First of all the arc is so so intriguing, made me wanna finish the whole book in one full sitting. Absolutely loved the characters and how they have been developed through the book. The entire setting of aurora is so magical that you instantly get transported to this fair land. The ending definitely had me, cant wait for the next part. All in all absolutely loved it and I’d say it’s a great book for first time baby readers as well as for bookworms!! Fully recommend!
First of all the arc is so so intriguing, made me wanna finish the whole book in one full sitting. Absolutely loved the characters and how they have been developed through the book. The entire setting of aurora is so magical that you instantly get transported to this fair land. The ending definitely had me, cant wait for the next part. All in all absolutely loved it and I’d say it’s a great book for first time baby readers as well as for bookworms!! Fully recommend!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was a fantastic read!!! Following royalty as their world is torn apart and they are thrust into the past!!!! Dealing with the struggles that they face and amnesia and so much more. This was unlike anything I have ever read. It was one of those that you just can't put down ! I truly enjoyed the whole story!!!! I cannot wait for book 2!!!
August 27, 2026
I loveee it! This is an easy read, fast paced and the plot was very interesting. I like the way Theodore tried to win Raylene back, who basically has no idea who he is at that time. And when she finally does, I'm left with the cliffhanger! I have to say, I hope the second book will come out soon, coz I'm dying to know moreee! 😂
July 31, 2026
Review of Advance Reader Copy
I loved this book! The way it was written made it so easy to read and understand what was happening, while also immersing you into this really cool and unique world!
The characters were so good and I was OBSESSED with the trio vibes! The way the three main characters bounced off each other and developed this beautiful relationship was truly amazing. It made me so excited to see where the story went, so I could see more of those three together!
The plot was really interesting too, I loved how it came together (and fell apart 😂😭) at the end, I’ll definitely be very impatiently waiting for book two!!
But overall, a very enjoyable read and would definitely recommend this to anyone who loves romantasy with a twist of time travel!
I loved this book! The way it was written made it so easy to read and understand what was happening, while also immersing you into this really cool and unique world!
The characters were so good and I was OBSESSED with the trio vibes! The way the three main characters bounced off each other and developed this beautiful relationship was truly amazing. It made me so excited to see where the story went, so I could see more of those three together!
The plot was really interesting too, I loved how it came together (and fell apart 😂😭) at the end, I’ll definitely be very impatiently waiting for book two!!
But overall, a very enjoyable read and would definitely recommend this to anyone who loves romantasy with a twist of time travel!
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews