A Touch of Celestial Flames

by Missy De Graff

A princess bound by blood, an enemy with secrets, and a kingdom on the edge of ruin.

Rhiannon is one step from losing her birthright to the Fire Throne, and with it, her freedom. Her only hope of stopping a political marriage from destroying her court lies in swearing a deadly Oath: win the crown...or die trying.

When Braeden Knight—a banished fae with a shadowed past—returns to the Fire Court, his reappearance ignites old grudges and forbidden desires, complicating Rhiannon’s every move. As darkness creeps across the realm and a chilling prophecy surfaces, she’s forced to form a precarious alliance with the one man who walks the knife’s edge between enemy and protector.

But while mercenaries infiltrate the palace and a bloodthirsty beast hunts her steps, it’s Braeden’s secrets...and the pull between them...that may be the most dangerous threat of all.

To save her crown, and herself, Rhiannon must awaken the power she's hidden and make an impossible choice: trust Braeden with her kingdom and her heart...or watch as the Shadow Lord plunges her people into eternal chaos.

Fans of Curse of Shadows and Thorns and Dawn of Onyx will devour this slow-burn, enemies-to-lovers fae romance with deadly stakes, hidden identities, and the pull of fated mates.

A Touch of Celestial Flames is the first book in the Realm of Shadows and Starlight series, a seductive romantic fantasy filled with tension, betrayal, and star-crossed lovers that burn hotter than fire.

This book was originally published under the title Fire Glass (as a novella). A Touch of Celestial Flames has been completely reimagined and expanded to a full-length novel with new scenes, subplots, deeper character arcs, and significant plot additions. If you read the original, the core story will be familiar, but consider this a brand-new experience.

398 pages, Paperback

First published February 21, 2020

About the author

USA Today Bestselling Author Missy De Graff writes Urban Fantasy, Fantasy, and Paranormal Romance. Drawing inspiration from her vast array of interests, she weaves together worlds of romance and intrigue, mixed with supernatural elements, suspenseful storylines, and addicting characters.

When she isn’t writing about sassy heroines, forbidden romances, and enemies to lovers; she enjoys fresh air, sunshine, hiking, and river time. A dedicated lover of sweet treats, a collector of antiques, and fascinated by all things mystical.

Missy resides in Virginia at the foothills of the Appalachian mountains with her husband and son. She can often be found wandering through their Southern Heirloom Apple Orchard with their mountain cur dog and barns cats close on her heels. She is a bohemian by nature and a Gemini by birth.

Stay up to date on all the latest scoop from book releases to exclusive reader content subscribe to Missy’s monthly newsletter today! linktr.ee/authormissydegraff

Reviews

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

✨ARC Book Review✨

From the beginning, this book had me questioning what they were doing to this girl. Some of the things she had to go through as the assumed heir to the throne seemed questionable.

I really felt for Rhiannon. She thinks she’s going to become queen of the Fire Throne, but the council tells her no. Her dad, the king, being mad she wasn’t already told by his council is wild work to me.

Other than the crazy oaths, and potential marriage arrangements, I felt like the world building was easy to follow, and the book had a steady pacing.

When Braeden shows up, it’s seen as a negative thing since he had been banished, but I figured he would end up being our main guy. It’s probably from reading so much fantasy, but the minute I found out he could work with shadows, I was like yesss! Their enemies to lovers transition felt believable and kept the story interesting. I loved the slow burn.

The ending left off on a cliffhanger, but I’m not mad about it. It’s the first book in a series, so I’m ready to find out what happens next.

[Sarah Bryant · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️ rounded up! I want to thank Goodreads and the Author for an advanced reader copy for my honest review!

I really loved this book! It’s an enchanting book that blends emotion, magic, and slow-burn tension! Not the kind of tension that annoys me though! It was just enough to make it perfect! The world building was vivid and she did a great job connecting the reader to the characters, not to mention the romantic chemistry between Rhiannon and Braeden! This was an easy read with all the twists and turns keeping your attention and making you want to keep turning pages! I had a hard time putting it down! The ending is left on a HUGE cliff Hanger! I NEED to know what happens next!

[sᴀɴᴀ✮⋆˙ hiatus ♬ · Rating 1 out of 5]

Thanks to the author for providing this arc copy.
But I couldn't do this.



This was too cringe for me and generally I don't pick books like this. The fault is partially mine though.

Even though I'm not the intended audience, this book is just not THAT good. Well—to me and readers of my taste atleast 🤷🏻‍♀️
Firstly, every two lines, the FMC was clenching the soft skin on her hands or something was happening to her spine 😐

And the moment where she made an oath to marry prince Tristan? Girl didn't even bother to know the outcome if she failed to fulfill the oath. Like—that's common sense 🙄

Maybe this is actually a good story with incredible character development and plot. Maybe...... But in the first quater of the book, nothing much happened and even if something actually did, the inner monologues killed it.

And the insta love lust? Um no thanks 🙂
But if I'm in the mood, I might pick it up again. Who knows?..😗

If rated, then 1⭐

[Anita · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book is like an awakening. The Princess has to learn to trust when she is unsure. To listen when she wants to react. To see not just what others want her to but what truly is. She awakens with every lesson, every failing, every new piece of the world that she gathers along the way. And by doing so she becomes the woman and leader that she was always meant to be.
She learns the truth of a kingdom she had slept walk through. Where fate comes to call and lives hang in the balance.

When fairy tales are history, where does lore end and life begin? Amidst masquerade, puzzles, and fighting rings, twists and turns keep you thinking the entire time. Magics and secrets create the scenery, while character truths move the story along through precarious moments.

Between dark and light, shadows pervade.

I would like to thank the author for my ARC and trusting me with this story. I can't wait for the next book!

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

This story drew me in right away. The characters, the plot, the magic, it all kept me reading. In fact, I didn’t come up for air until I was done. I love how this had elemental magic and the secrets and betrayals had me gripped. I had to know what was going to happen next. The writing style was so easy to follow and the pacing never let up. I never knew who to trust as I suspected everyone. However I did predict the biggest betrayal at the end. I had a gut feeling that was going to happen. But I was super invested in this and I want to continue the series to see where the story is going to go next. I definitely recommend this if you want a book that is plot forward with a cool magic system. I’m excited for the next book.

[Ashley(burntedgesandbooks) · Rating 5 out of 5]

The twists.
The turns.
The betrayals.
The mystery.

This book devoured me. I read this book in pretty much one setting. I just couldn't put it down. It was well paced, the intrigue was there, all the parts constantly moving as you got to know the characters in the book. It constantly pulled in me, and I am pretty sure the last few chapters I was holding my breath.

Rhiannon spoke to me like she had been my friend for years. I loved her character and personality from the beginning. She was stubborn, knew what she wanted and honest (I think a little sheltered and innocent.) but all those woven into her character perfectly. I enjoyed that she was a princess but could handle her own in a fight. I cannot wait to see how she grows into her powers and new self.
I really enjoyed that Braeden had a past with Rhiannon and the Fire Kingdom. I enjoyed the tension and banter between the two of them. His shadows were unexpected but exciting to see (I do love a good shadow daddy). I love to see how they grow and to see where everything goes.

If you love fae, political untrue, elemental magic and a princess that will do anything for her crown this book is for you! Out today(May 14, 2026)

thank you Missy De Graff for allowing me on her ARC team and for receiving this book early. all thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Em · Rating 3 out of 5]

📚✨ **A Touch of Celestial Flames by Missy DeGraff**
⭐️ 3/5 | 🌶️ 2/5

The moment I heard fae fantasy + enemies-to-lovers, I was sold.

We follow Rhiannon, who has always believed she would one day become Queen of the Fire Throne.
I really felt for Rhiannon. She's navigating political games, crazy oaths, potential marriage arrangements, and a whole lot of uncertainty while trying to figure out who she can actually trust.

Enter Braeden. He was banished, so his return to court is immediately seen as a problem. But the second I realized he could work with shadows, I was like… YESSS.

One of my favorite parts of the book was the character growth, specifically Rhiannon. She starts out unsure of herself and unsure of where she fits, but you watch her become stronger and more confident.

This is the first book in a series, and the cliffhanger definitely sets things up for what's coming next.

Overall, this was a fun romantasy read with fae politics, hidden powers, court intrigue, questionable men, enemies-to-lovers tension, and a heroine growing into her power.

🔥Reading mood: Give me fae politics, questionable men, and a heroine fighting for her crown.

[Melissa Mejia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had the pleasure of receiving this as an e-ARC and voluntarily will be giving my honest review. The world building in this story was phenomenal!! The banter, tension and political aspects were great! Absolutely loved this story!! What an ending!! You are left with a huge. cliffhanger and I need the next book now…haha!

“A Touch of Celestial Flames is the first book in the Realm of Shadows and Starlight series, a seductive romantic fantasy filled with tension, betrayal, and star-crossed lovers that burn hotter than fire.”

[Anais (atrailofpages) · Rating 2 out of 5]

I honestly am not sure how to summarize this book. There didn’t seem to be any plot to be honest. I am bummed because the synopsis made it sound so good and something I would enjoy, but I STRUGGLED through this book.

I can tell there is a world and a vision when I read this. It’s the way it was written, the pacing and the severe lack of world-building that made this book suffer, at least for me.

I liked the idea of the world and the magic system. I thought it was supposed to be celestial magic, but it was more elemental….maybe celestial would be introduced later?

I had a hard time with the pacing and the characters the most.

The pacing was all over the place. Chapters would go by and we would be in the same spot within the same hour, it was extremely slow, until I guess a day or maybe more would pass? And then it would happen again. I honestly have no idea how much time passed in this book, but it felt like a couple days passed when I think a lot more time actually passed. It was a struggle to keep track.

There was also a lot, and I mean A LOT of repetition in this book. A lot of things that the female character would repeat over and over again, things I already knew, but we had to be reminded every single page that I turned. The repetition just got really old after a while.

The twists in here were for the most part unnecessary. I feel like the author just kept adding twists in here to make it seem appealing or twisty, to make things unexpected, a lot of the twists were predictable, and when they happened and I just was like why? I just didn’t enjoy any of the twists because most of them didn’t make sense, I think they were just added in there to try to make the book seem exciting.

Then the characters I couldn’t connect with. The FMC was awful. She was all over the place. The entire book she kept on saying she didn’t trust and she hated Braeden, and yet she was drawn to him, she couldn’t help herself, and even when she seemed to acknowledge that she does trust him, she would still question him. She allowed others to control her choices and her actions, she was manhandled a lot, and she allowed it, especially by her own guard. She was a spoiled brat, and yet not spoiled because her father didn’t really care about her. I couldn’t get a read on her, I couldn’t figure out what the author’s angle was for this character. She seemed to be a damsel in distress all the time, and yet it seemed like the author was also trying to make her be that typical stabby female, but she was just simply bratty and would never listen, and so she would make such poor choices and decisions that would create such chaos and consequences for herself and others. She would also have so many inner monologues asking herself so many questions, and I just was like why don’t you go and ask these people your questions and find out the answers!?

Then the rest of the characters just were not appealing to me. They were all kind of dull. The romance was just not there. It made no sense. The MMC didn’t truly interact with the FMC until about 70% into the book and suddenly they’re super close and love each other? It was so odd and made no sense when she still seemed to not trust him even though she said she did. And they grew up together, but I didn’t sense that connection AT ALL.

Characters would also keep randomly popping up, like I was supposed to know who they are. There are Houses within the kingdoms, apparently, but there’s no explanation about who they were, or how they were linked. One character, their family tried to remove the princess because they wanted their son to be heir, which made no sense because there was no explanation as to how their connection was to the throne. It’s just everything was just all over the place. With no explanation.

I feel so bad because I wanted to like this book, I expected to, but the writing was all over the place and it was a struggle for me to like anything in this book.

Thank you to the author and BookSprout for the e-ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[tati_sofiaa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
3.5 Stars - I'm in love with this world

The moment I heard fae fantasy and enemies-to-lovers, I was already sold.
Because let's be real: that's basically my kryptonite.
We follow Rhiannon, a princess who is determined to claim the crown her mother entrusted to her before her death. Her mother's final wish was clear: Rhiannon would reign. And from that moment on, everything becomes one giant, stressful battle for power, survival, and figuring out who she can actually trust.
And trust me, that last part is not easy.
Let's start with Brayden.
Rhiannon and Brayden have known each other since childhood, but after being banished, he suddenly returns to court. He's mysterious, secretive, and definitely not the same boy who left years ago. Somehow, he now has powers of his own, and while I'm not going to say more because spoilers, I will say this:
This man gave me green flags and red flags at the exact same time.
One chapter I was rooting for him.
The next chapter I was questioning every life decision I had ever made.
And honestly? I loved every second of it.
Then we have Sebastian.
Listen.
Sebastian was suspicious from page one.
I tried to give him a chance. I really did.
But every time he showed up, my instincts were screaming that something was wrong. And by the end, let's just say I felt very justified in not trusting him.
What a little menace.
Now Gwen?
Gwen is an absolute treasure.
In a world full of political games, secrets, and people hiding their true intentions, Gwen felt like a breath of fresh air. She helps Rhiannon with everything from preparing for court to offering advice when things get difficult, but more importantly, she's one of the few characters who feels genuinely kind.
Everyone needs a Gwen in their life.
Not because she'll help you get dressed, but because she's the type of person who always seems to know exactly what to say when you need it most.
Although after everything this book put me through, I am still nervously waiting to see if she's secretly hiding something.
Please don't betray me, Gwen.
I couldn't handle it.
Then there's Rhiannon's father.
And honestly?
I still don't know what to think about him.
Part of me believes he genuinely wants to protect his daughter. But another part of me feels like if keeping the throne meant sacrificing her happiness—or even her future—he might do it.
Even after finishing the book, I still don't know where I stand with him, and I actually enjoyed that uncertainty. Not every character needs to fit neatly into the good or evil category.
One of my favorite parts of the story was watching Rhiannon grow.
At the beginning, she feels sheltered and unsure of herself. She knows she's supposed to become queen, but she doesn't fully feel capable of carrying that responsibility.
By the end, however, you can see her stepping into the person she's meant to become. She's stronger, more confident, and much more willing to fight for herself and her future.
That character growth was genuinely satisfying to watch.
My biggest issue was probably pacing. There were moments where I wanted things to move a little faster, especially when certain mysteries were being stretched out. And while I enjoyed the romance, I wanted just a bit more development in some areas before certain emotional moments landed.
But overall, I had a really good time with this book.
It has fae politics, court intrigue, questionable men, a heroine who grows into her power, and enough twists to keep me turning the pages.

[Scarlet · Rating 4 out of 5]

"One day, i'll sit upon the fire throne and rule as Queen. but that day is not today"

the book begins with Rhiannon seeing figures on the garden that don't belong there while she climbing next to the wall of the castle. throughout the story Rhiannon wants to fulfill the oath she made to her mother and makes a mistake in how she makes a marriage match.

the world building wasn't much but not in a bad way. there was a little information given about how the other elements kingdoms looked and their ways and how the kingdom of fire looked. i could imagine perfectly fine how it looked for the story! i have to applaud on the magic system by the way! it was clearly shown how far the magic can go and the difference between normal fae and high fae magic and i can't wait to read more about it!

with the characters, i sometimes was so frustrated about Rhiannon. she had no idea how the outside world worked and was pretty Naïve. but ugh i love Braeden! but it frustrated me how he kept talking around what was going on instead of straight up telling Rhiannon! but eventually, even after talking around it, it was clear to me what his plan was! i do hope that in the next book we get to know more about Prince Tristan though! ofcourse we get glimpses of what is going on with him but i am intrigued in his story!

to my surprise i finished this book in 3 days because i could not put down this book! it has a nice pacing, medium long chapters and the writing and wording was easy to read! besides that the writing style did match the mood of this world which helpen as well

conclusion is that i enjoyed reading this book and that i got so curious on if Rhiannon will succeed in her goals and how and how it will go with the oath she made about marriage and fulfills the one with her mother. so if you like a spicy fantasy involving fae magic, mates and deathly oaths then this book is for you!

[Rachel R · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review – A Touch of Celestial Flames
Tropes: enemies to lovers, political intrigue, arranged marriage, fated mates, hidden identity, hidden powers, and of course a shadow daddy.
Rhiannon, heir to the throne, has lived as something of a recluse since the death of her mother. With pressure mounting for her to marry and secure the future of the kingdom, the last person she expects to reappear at court is Braedon — her childhood nemesis, long banished and now returned in the role of servant. Rhiannon blames him for her mother’s death, yet despite her anger and distrust, the chemistry between them is immediate and difficult for her to ignore.
Overall, I enjoyed this. The pacing kept the story moving well, the world-building felt immersive without becoming overwhelming, and the political and court intrigue added enough tension to keep me invested. I also found the hidden identity/power elements satisfying as they unfolded.
Braedon was easily the stronger character for me, and the dynamic between him and Rhiannon carried much of the book. The enemies-to-lovers tension worked well, particularly in the earlier sections.
My main frustration was with Rhiannon herself. She repeatedly made terrible decisions, trusted obviously questionable people, and for much of the story I struggled to find many redeeming qualities in her. It wasn’t really until the latter part of the book that I felt she developed into a protagonist I could root for. Readers who enjoy flawed FMCs may find this less of an issue than I did.
That said, I was still invested in the story overall and would definitely continue the series to see where the characters and larger plot go next.

[Blackcat · Rating 2 out of 5]

I can’t even with this book, it feels like reading in circles.
These are the notes I took as I read.




A touch of celestial flames
I’m 14% in and I’m already sick of the phrase I pick up my skirts and pick up the pace.
Lots of shivering spines and crawling skin, and so much sweat dripping down places.
And just the general unease that’s going on.
It’s taken two chapters for this girl just to walk to the bloody throne room. 🤦🏼‍♀️
I don’t understand why she seems surprised and doubts that an assassin could be sent to kill her, after the deal she was forced to make, which would mean her death if she can’t do it. Or the fact that she was also forced into a death match and not one person said maybe she shouldn’t be made to do that??
She sure has some sweaty hands. Every other sentence she’s wiping her sweaty hands down her thighs.
She sure does run into the mmc a lot, by accident.
50% and this story is driving me crazy. She wants the mmc, but no, her life depends on getting another to marry her. But he’s so hot I must ignore my own life I’m putting at risk to be with him.
Rinse and repeat that thought a million times and that’s the plot. 🤷🏼‍♀️🤦🏼‍♀️
We get it, the “enemy” d!ck is worth your crown and life.
“You look ravishing tonight, Rhiannon. Every bit a princess should.” (A line no father should be saying to his daughter at a weird sex party/dinner.) 🤢
I’m so sick of this book, I’m waiting for it to get better and it just doesn’t.
The romance is out of place and just feels so forced.
Not a single one of the questions I have, have been answered.

I do not think I will continue with this series.

[Teresa Altman · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an ARC copy of A Touch of Celestial Flames by Missy DeGraff in exchange for an honest review.
This romantasy had a lot of elements that immediately grabbed my attention: enemies-to-lovers, political intrigue, a fake marriage, and hidden powers. Honestly, that's a combination that's hard for me to resist. The world-building was one of the strongest aspects of the story, and I enjoyed learning about the magic, politics, and overall setting.
The MMC was definitely a highlight for me. He was compelling, likable, and kept me invested in the story. The FMC, on the other hand, took me a while to warm up to. At times, I found her a bit obnoxious, and she desperately needed some character growth. Thankfully, she does develop throughout the book, which made her much easier to root for by the end.
While the romance worked overall, I would have preferred more of a slow-burn approach. I'm not much of an insta-love reader, so I would have loved to see the relationship develop more gradually before the romantic feelings took center stage.
The ending leaves readers with a significant cliffhanger, clearly setting up the next installment in the series. Even though romantasy isn't typically my go-to genre, I found myself enjoying this one and staying invested in the story.
If you enjoy fantasy romance with political intrigue, hidden powers, enemies-to-lovers tension, and fake marriage tropes, this book is definitely worth checking out. I'm interested to see where the series goes next.

[Sparkle_LynStories · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok let’s see what I decide to rate it once I’m done writing this review because I’m a little conflicted.

So this was an ARC read so I appreciate being able to read it

The FMC annoyed my life. Worst Fae hearing in the history of the world. Every FMC doesn’t have to be a tripping, anxiety driving, woe is me. Also she is smarter than how she was portrayed.. that’s as my way of not wanting to call her dumb 😂 bc ma’am 1+1=2. If you have experience with something then someone tries to say they doing the same thing but it’s completely different.. you just gonna go along with it and not ask any questions?

I did like that I didn’t know who I was rooting for until we got to the “who did this to you” lmaoooo ok not tired of that yet 😂

But if I have to read about his “day old scruff” one more dang time… like a thesaurus please.

Also this was big time fake enemies to lovers. Like this was one sided fake I don’t even know bc the lie was so confusing I had to go back and check if I read what I read.

I will say it kept me on my toes with who was also the villain like who was actually going to be the cause of the betrayal.

So my one major issue with the book was after describing darker skinned & tanned people the next sentence was

“My skin is paler than most. My mother always said it was because pure royalty is in my blood… whatever that means”

This was soooooooo tone deaf bc ma’am what. You definitely could have kept this to your self. I don’t even know what the purpose of this statement was & clearly neither did you.

[Nikole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review of advanced copy received from author

I received an advanced copy of the book via the author, so this is my honest review of the book. No spoilers!

A touch of celestial flames by Missy De Graff, is set in a magical political fae based realm. The book contains angst, tension, lots of action, magical elements, arranged marriage of sorts, forbidden love elements, banter, and also hidden identities and betrayal! The book is about a fae princess named Rhiannon (Rhi), and the premise of weither she will do what she needs to do to become queen and save her crown and kingdom, by agreeing to marrying the king. Which comes with one of many plot twists! The story begins with Rhis childhood enemy “Braedon” returning to kingdom, and with him he brings darkness and secrets. Rhi finds herself drawn to Braedon, but she isn’t sure why. I absolutely soaked up the tension and banter between Rhi and Braedon. Rhi is strong yet naive, but Braedon is dark and mysterious. The back and forth banter between these two had me glued to my screen, and made it a book hard to put down. There were also twists and turns I didn’t see coming at all… Also, can we talk about that ending!? I need book 2 asap!!! Do yourself a favor and read this book! Especially if you love enemies to lovers, fated mates, alpha males, magic, powers, and political intrigue. Thank you for the opportunity to review your amazing new book Missy.

[Leah Hankins · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

A Touch of Celestial Flames completely pulled me in from the very beginning, and I already know this series is going to become something special. As the first installment in the Realm of Shadows and Starlight series, it does an amazing job of building a rich fantasy world while introducing characters you genuinely become invested in.

Princess Rihannon is such a compelling main character. As the Fire Princess, she’s forced to navigate court politics, grief after the loss of her mother, and the weight of the oath she made to secure the Fire Crown no matter the cost. Watching her grow into her power while struggling with loyalty, responsibility, and her own emotions made her journey incredibly engaging.

The return of Braeden added so much tension and emotion to the story. Their shared history and complicated relationship brought another layer to the plot that kept me hooked the entire time. I especially loved seeing Rihannon navigate her relationships while the threat of the Shadow King’s return loomed closer.

The world-building, magic, and character dynamics all blended together beautifully, and the ending left me desperate for the next book. I cannot wait to continue Rihannon and Braeden’s story and see where the Realm of Shadows and Starlight series goes next!

Highly recommend this to fantasy readers who love powerful heroines, court intrigue, magic, and slow-burn tension. I am so appreciative to have been chosen to read this book as an ARC!

[kingdoms.of.books · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Touch of Celestial Flames is book 1 of the Realm of Shadows and Starlight series. 

This well-written book encompassed a perfect amount of world building, suspense, mystery, passion, chemistry, drama, trauma, pacing and character growth.  It is easy to become invested in the characters and the plot.  This first book is compelling and enjoyable enough to lure me to continue the series.

Rihannon - Fire Princess -  The FMC possesses a "last of its kind" type of power, a power that died with the High Fae.  She must navigate numerous obstacles, emotionally and physically, to reach her destiny.  Rhi experiences grief, disloyalty, love, traitors, dangerous oaths, despair and grief after loss, learning to control her powerful magic, and facing her destiny, to name a few. Will she become a powerful Fire Queen in order to save the realms?  

Ash and ruin.  One rescued her.  One saved her.  One left her. 

Tropes
Sacred bloodlines
Prophecy
Forbidden love
Shadow Lord
Forbidden magic
Curses
Fated mates
Spice
Court drama and political intrigue

Favorite quotes

"I'm the last light they'll see before their eternal darkness."

"Not all magic is meant to be awakened."

"Little Bird, let your Light shine bright today."

"You're going to destroy me."  

"I didn't realize how dead I was to the world until now. Until you woke something deep and feral within me."  

"I want to feel something. I want to be alive again."

[Kendall Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️
A HUGE thank you to Missy De Grass for selecting me to be an ARC reader! I’m very grateful for the opportunity to read and review this story 🥰

I finished this book in 3 days. It was definitely engaging enough to keep me reading and I really enjoyed the political intrigue woven throughout the story- LOTS of “shady” stuff going on. It left me as the reader constantly asking myself “can we trust this person???” The central plot kept me interested and the writing style made it easy to get invested quickly.

The spice was SPICING! 🌶️🌶️ this is a very romance-centered plot, so if you enjoy the romance-heavy fantasy, this is absolutely the kind of book you’ll fly through! The tension and relationship dynamics were clearly the main focus.

While I personally would’ve loved a little more depth in the world building and character development, I still think this works really well as an introduction to Romantasy. The plot is easy to follow and accessible for new fantasy readers!

There were a few repetitive phrases and scenes that stood out to me, and at times wanted the FMC to be a bit more perceptive, but neither issue took away from the overall enjoyment of the book.

Overall, I’d definitely recommend this to readers wanting to dip their toes into Romantasy, especially if you’re looking for an engaging, romance-driven fantasy that’s easy to get into and devour! 😋

[bookish.dude · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this ARC from the author and BookSprout. My review is honest and of my own choice.

This book is filled with some of my favorite things inside a romantasy. You get houses based in elemental magic. Shadows and those that live within them... including a shadow daddy. This book introduces you to Rhi who is a princess of the Fire Fae. Braeden a childhood friend. A past that haunts but guides Rhi along her story. When a deal changes the course of what Rhi sees for herself takes place, not all seems right and it starts to uncover a scheme that may be taking place within the shadows. This is the first book with another to come so it is more of a slow burn than an instant romance which I think adds to the story. On top of the action and insight you get into Rhi's life you get that steamy slow burn with the will they won't they aspect. The romance felt right but forbidden. The ending of this book closed it out really well and the ending definitely leaves you wanting to know what comes next. While the slow burn was good I was hoping for just a little more tension or fight. Towards the end some felt it clicked together a little too fast. I am looking forward to more world building hopefully in the next book to expand the world some more. Overall a really good romantasy and I'd recommend it to anyone who likes a slow burn, hidden magic and politics trope.

[Camry Birdwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Overall rating:💜💜💜💜💜
Spice level:🌶️🌶️


I just finished the ARC of A Touch of Celestial Flames, and wow, was I hooked! This book is a perfect mix of political drama and fantasy, with a slow burn romance that keeps you going. Rhiannon, the last fire fae princess, is trying to navigate a world filled with hidden identities and the pressure of an arranged marriage. Just when she thinks she has it all figured out, her childhood enemy Braedon shows up and adds an extra layer of tension and intrigue.

The chemistry between Rhi and Braedon is what really drew me in. Rhi is strong but also a bit naive, while Braedon is dark and mysterious, creating some serious attention-grabbing moments throughout the story. Their banter and flirty exchanges kept me glued to my Kindle; it’s the kind of push-and-pull I love in a romance. The yearning. Plus, the twists in the plot had me gasping, seriously, I did not see some of those coming!

I’m so thankful to Missy for the opportunity to read this ARC! She has crafted a story full of suspense and captivating characters that'll make you scream for the next book. If you enjoy magical worlds, political intrigue, and slow-burn romances that fan the flames of excitement, do yourself a favor and check this out. You won’t regret it!

[Amelia · Rating 3 out of 5]

The FMC is nearly 23 years old, but her behavior and inner monologue often felt closer to a 16-year-old. Her regular hyper-fixation on how her "soft, delicate skin" and her contradictory feelings towards Braeden, insisting she hates him and wants him gone while constantly obsessing over him, made her feel a bit immature, and it fit into the predictable "I don't need a man, but I cannot stop talking about them" trope.

Because this is marketed as an adult book, the prose at times felt a bit too juvenile. Some of the descriptions and dialogue choices leaned toward a YA style, which created a bit of disconnect given the intended audience.

A few of the scene transitions felt abrupt. There were moments where the story shifted without enough clarity or descriptive grounding, making it difficult to fully comprehend the flow of the story.

Overall, I think the backbone of a great story is absolutely here. I think with a bit more attention to the character's dialogue and writing maturity, this series would be amazing. It's a good read for the plot, and I would be interested to see how the story continues with growth.

[Abby · Rating 3 out of 5]

ARC review:

First off, thank you for the opportunity to read an advanced copy!

I found this read to be a very fascinating read that delved into a solid fantasy world. We follow the fire princess Rhiannon as she has to wake her way through court intrigue, shadows both literally and figuratively, and a Shadow Lord wishing to take over, as shadow lords often want to do.

I found the political intrigue to be handled very well, and enjoyed the way the courts and the world itself were written, it felt like a ton of love and thought went into fleshing out the locations we as readers travel with the main character.

Where I felt lost was with Rhiannon herself. She felt almost too naive for my tastes and often lost my engagement. For readers that are new to fantasy, I feel she would fit with better, because the readers can easily learn the tropes that are commonly found in Romantasy novels with her.

The book has plenty of great things going for it, and if you are looking to find a good stepping stone into the Romantasy phenomenon, this is a perfect first dive into the genre .

[Jackie Carroll · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you so much to Missy De Graff for the opportunity to read an ARC copy of this book. I truly could not put it down. It pulled me in right from the very beginning and kept me completely invested the entire time.

Braedon… yes please. He quickly became one of my favorite parts of the story.

I will admit that Rhiannon got on my nerves a little in the beginning because I wanted her to give him a chance before immediately assuming the worst. However, watching their relationship develop made the chemistry between them even more enjoyable.

One of my favorite details was the story at the beginning of each chapter. I loved seeing how those pieces connected to the unfolding events throughout the book. It added an extra layer of mystery and depth to the overall story.

The secrets slowly being uncovered kept me hooked, and I really enjoyed watching everything come together as the story progressed.

Overall, this was a very enjoyable read with great chemistry, mystery, and plenty of intrigue. I cannot wait to continue this series and see where the story goes next.

[Emily Levy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rhiannon is due to be Fire Queen. However, since her mom’s death she has been living like a recluse in the palace. When she finally steps back into court she realizes plans have been made that don’t include her ascending to the throne. She also finds out that her perfect kingdom is actually not so perfect beyond the palace walls. Will she be able to secure a royal marriage to assure her throne or will a banished fae with thoughts of rebellion steer her away?

Rhiannon annoyed me. And I think that was on purpose. But her willful ignorance of everything while still expecting to be in charge of anything is selfish and petulant which is part of her character I think. But it was annoying to read. I also was able to predict some twists throughout the book early on.

That being said, this book was fast-paced and interesting with lots of subplots and I’m excited to see what happens in the next installment!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ale R. · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/🌶️🌶️ — ARC Review

This story had me hooked from the very first chapter. The blend of elemental magic and underlying mystery was easily one of my favorite parts—it created such an immersive and intriguing world that kept me turning the pages.

I loved the dynamic between the shadow-wielding MMC and the light-wielding FMC. That fated connection added tension and depth, especially with the slow burn and all the layers of secrets surrounding them. The banter and high-stakes moments (yes, knife-to-throat energy 👀) made their relationship even more compelling.

Rhiannon’s journey is just getting started, and I’m really excited to see her character growth unfold. With the looming quest to save her kingdom and everything still left unresolved, this feels like only the beginning of something much bigger.

I’m definitely looking forward to book two to see how the story—and their bond—develops from here.

[Lucy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Touch of Celestial Flames was a really solid read for me. It has a good balance of action, tension, and magical elements that kept the story moving without feeling rushed.

Rhiannon’s journey as the last Fire Princess stands at the centre of the story. She’s dealing with grief after losing her mother while also trying to claim her rightful place as queen of the fire fae. There’s a constant sense of uncertainty around her, and it’s clear she doesn’t know who she can trust, which adds to the tension throughout.

Braedon is a strong presence in the story — mysterious, controlled, and clearly holding onto secrets. His connection with Rhiannon brings in that element of forbidden love without taking over the plot.

The book is full of twists, and a few genuinely caught me off guard. There’s a lot going on with hidden identities and betrayal, which keeps things interesting the whole way through.

The ending definitely leaves things open and made me want to pick up book two straight away

[Zoe Hermitage · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wasn’t sure what to expect From Missy De Graff but she completely surprised me with A Touch of Celestial Flames. This is exactly what I look for in a Fae romance: lush world-building, high-stakes court intrigue, and a fated mates bond that feels earned rather than forced. I did find it slow to get going at first but once it did there was plenty of court politics, hidden secrets and elements of unawoken magic to hold my interest until the end.

If like me you prefer your fmc slightly sassy and your mmc lethal and devoted this book will give you that fix with a touch of shadow daddy energy for good measure. Although be warned: this book ends on a cliffhanger and you will be left dying to get your hands on book two to find out if fate truly lies in starlight always.

Bottom line, if you love stories about ancient prophecies, hidden identities, and a romance that feels like it’s written in the stars, you need this book on your shelf.

[Kae Swann · Rating 4 out of 5]

“This is how fairy tales begin… with beautiful lies and wicked promises.”

If you are looking for a slow-burn that gets to it in the first book, this is it. Firmly within the realm of fae romantasy, the story of Princess Rhiannon accelerates with betrayals and political intrigue, dark promises and deadly oaths that are never quite what they seem. And the forbidden romance reaches beyond enemies-to-lovers or the inability to cross social classes… tangling friends, rivals, and promises made long before lips clash, leaving you to wonder which heartbreak will hit first.

The dark and dominant energy builds throughout in a deliciously promising way. The FMC spreads her shadows with it, even as she begins to find her own light again, sparking deadly protective, vengeful intention.

It is perfect for anyone who wants the slow burn, a dark mysterious mate, and a woman who is just starting to gain her strength.

I received an ARC and this is my honest review.

[Latisha Jahoor · Rating 3 out of 5]

The premise behind the book was truly intriguing. It had me gripped at some parts because I was just waiting to see what was going to happen. However, there were some parts of the book that was confusing to me. Especially Rhiannon's reason for hating Braeden. It was always hinted that it had something to do with her mother's death, but even when her mother's death was explained, I was still confused. I felt like it was brushed past so quickly when it was such a determining factor in Rhiannon's life. I wanted to know more about what exactly happened and how exactly did she kill her mother, and what role Braeden played in all this. Rhiannon came across as spoilt and naive to me sometimes. She willingly locked herself away after her mother's death, not taking part in anything to do with the kingdom and now she expected it to just be delivered to her on a silver platter? That was just a bit too much. Thank you to the author for gifting me a copy of the book.