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 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!

[sanaReads]

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⭐

[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.”

[HollyJane · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you so much to the author for gifting me an ARC of A Touch of Celestial Flames. I truly appreciate the opportunity to read and review this story.

This story follows Rhiannon, a princess bound by blood and on the verge of losing both her birthright to the Fire Throne and her freedom. In order to stop a political marriage from destroying her court, she must swear a deadly oath: win the crown or die trying. When Braeden Knight a banished fae with a shadowed past returns to the Fire Court, old grudges, forbidden desires, and dangerous secrets begin to unravel around her.

One thing this book does well is the political intrigue. There are shifting loyalties, questions of trust, and constant tension surrounding Rhiannon’s choices should she honor her oath, protect her kingdom, or risk everything for something more? There’s also an underlying mystery throughout the story as secrets unfold and you’re left wondering who she can truly trust.

The dynamic between Rhiannon and Braeden was another highlight. Their tension, banter, and push-and-pull chemistry added a lot to the story, especially if you enjoy that enemies-to-lovers style energy with a dark, mysterious MMC.

The writing itself was strong easy to follow, well-paced, and very accessible. The world-building isn’t overly dense or overly complicated, which makes this a great entry point for readers who are newer to fantasy romance or looking for an easier fantasy read.

For me personally, I struggled to stay fully engaged. As someone who reads a lot of fantasy, many of the tropes and themes felt very familiar, and I found myself wanting something a little more unique or surprising. Because of that, I was a bit bored at times.

That said, just because it wasn’t the perfect fit for me doesn’t mean others won’t enjoy it. If you’re newer to fantasy romance and enjoy fae courts, political tension, enemies-to-lovers vibes, banter, mystery, and a shadowy hero, this could absolutely be worth picking up.

[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.

[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!

[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! 😋

[Ashley · 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.

[Chris reads · 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!

[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 .

[Kristen Barger · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars!
1.5 for spice
1st Person
Single POV

I really enjoyed this book. It was incredibly well written. I didn't want to put it down. It also brought me out of my reading slump!
The magic, the world building, the politics, the suspense, the past trauma, the betrayals. There's still so much more to uncover and I am already patiently waiting for book 2!
"Little Bird" was by far my favorite part about this book because....yes!
A beast.
A mate.
Threatening shadows.
Oaths taken to protect her Kingdom made on lies.
The past trauma and the way Missy weaved it into the story. The timing she gave each secret and truth was impeccable. The way the FMC had to overcome each truth that was learned.

She's a princess caught in her past, now sheltered to the world around her. Destined to become Queen. But is she up for it? Can she prove herself to others, but more importantly to herself? The secrets, the lies, all come tumbling down. Who can she trust when it all falls? I cannot wait for book 2! Thank you so much for this ARC Opportunity! <3

[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.

[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.

[Tina Farmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a fantastic read. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 🌶️🌶️. The world building was so immersive and the characters were allowed to grow and develop throughout the story.

Rhiannon, our FMC, started out naive and maybe a little weak but she was a sheltered Princess after all. She developed throughout to become the badass that we were waiting for. She was forced into making a binding oath to save her kingdom. The oath is to comply or die.

Braedon, our MMC, started as Rhiannon’s childhood nemesis that was exiled. He somehow returns to the kingdom with more secrets than he left with. He keeps ending up in Rhi’s path which causes her to have feelings she shouldn’t be having. As one secret about Braedon is revealed, more secrets are uncovered.

There is so much political intrigue, court politics, banter, angst, twists and turns that keeps the pages turning. Popular tropes of enemies to lovers, arranged marriage, fated mates, betrayal, shadow daddy, magic system, touch her and ☠️. I couldn’t put it down.

Thanks to Missy De Graff for the privilege of receiving this eARC. I am glad to leave this 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.

[Bessy Mejia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to the author for this ARC ☺️

I enjoy reading books with political intrigue. Always fascinating to see the challenges and decisions the characters must do. This is one of them.

Rhiannon, a princess bound by blood and on the verge of losing both her birthright to the Fire Throne and her freedom. In order to stop a political marriage from destroying her court, she must swear a deadly oath: win the crown or die trying..I must admit, the choices she made sometimes frustrated me LOL..She needed to grow up and put her big girl pants on 😅 That's just my personal feeling tho, but didnt stop me from enjoying this story.

The world-building felt immersive without becoming overwhelming, which kept the pace of the story move well...and let's talk about Braeden!!! He has this dark, mysterious energy 😈 LOVED IT!

Overall, I enjoyed this story and will continue the series hoping by then Rhiannon will have her big girl pants on 😏

[The Plot Thickens Book Club · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Touch of Celestial Flames by Missy De Graff

Reviewed by Jennifer Jernigan for The Plot Thickens Book Club

4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

2 🌶️🌶️



This book blends fantasy, romance, & celestial magic into a story that feels both emotional & addictive. The world-building is rich without being overwhelming, slowly revealing secrets, dangerous powers, & high stakes that keep the story intriguing throughout.



One of the things that I love the most in this story is definitely the chemistry between the characters!! Their relationship is filled with tension, emotional vulnerability, trust issues, & slow-burn romance that makes every interaction feel meaningful! The emotional depth of the characters makes it easy to become invested in their journey.



The mix of magic, danger, twists, & emotional moments keeps the story engaging all the way to the ending, which leaves you wanting more immediately!!



This is book 1 so I can’t wait to see where this story goes!!

[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!

[Meg (fantasybook.adventurer) · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨A Touch of Celstial Flames✨

I loooove me a good political fae Romantasy. Add in banter, tension, hidden identities, and a plot where everyone is suspicious and I’m sold!

In ATOCF, we follow the POV of our last fire fae Princess, Rhiannon, who desperately wants to forget her power and the memories that it comes with. When Rhiannon agrees to a bargain in hopes to secure her crown, she finds herself in a deadly race for time and hope. Along with the reappearance of her childhood enemy, Rhi begins sleuthing to find the answers to a court she has been locked out of. With war and corruption looming, Rhi just decide if she can trust Braeden, herself, or any of those around her. Because if she doesn’t find a solution soon, her very life is at stake.

I just loved the banter and tension between Rhi and Braeden. Braeden is all in, mysterious, dark and elusive, flirtatious, and harboring many secrets. Rhi is sassy, tormented, strong, and hopeful… perhaps naively. It is such a beautiful combination to make the reader question EVERYTHING. I cannot WAIT to find out what happens next!!!

Tropes you may find in ATOCF are hidden identities and powers, shadow daddy, medium spice, banter, fae, elemental magic, nicknames, who did this to you, fated mates, and he falls first.

Missy, it’s such a joy and honor to arc read for you. Thank you! I am so excited for book 2!

[Ofcorserintobooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had such a great time reading Touch of Celestial Flames. This romantasy packs in all the best tropes—arranged marriage, political intrigue, fated mates, magic, betrayal, and plenty of creatures. A looming dark lord threatens to conquer the fae lands, and he needs Rhi’s power to do it.

The story follows Rhiannon, the last fire princess, as she grapples with the loss of her mother and fights for her rightful place as queen of the fire fae. When her childhood friend Braeden returns from banishment, Rhi doesn’t trust him, yet she feels an undeniable pull toward him. Their banter is sharp, their tension addictive, and Braeden’s secrets only make things more complicated. Everyone seems to be hiding something from Rhi—including her own father, the king.

By the end, Rhi’s entire world has been upended, and she’s left facing impossible choices: break an oath, save the realm, and stop the dark lord. I’m already eager to dive into book two.

[Evelyn Mootispaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was just outstanding. I enjoyed reading this book as an ARC and I could not wait to review it. If this is just the beginning, I can not wait to see what is in store for Rhiannon and Braeden. If someone said to me "I am your weapon to command" what else do you need. Even if it came with a bond that is unbreakable.
I started and finished this book in no time, as I just could not pull myself away from it. The writing with the world building and character detail was top notch. I was just on the edge of my seat the whole time waiting to see what was coming next. But that ending just about did me in. I was not ready for it to be over just yet. I wanted to continue on and see what else was coming. Oh I can not wait to read more from Missy De Graff. Thank you for letting me read this great book. I can not wait for it to be physically in my home library.

[Closet · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this story. I was really pulled in by the characters! The dynamic between Princess Rhiannon and Braeden is STEAMY! I gave this book three stars for two reasons:1) Rhiannon got on my nerves a bit because she reminded me of a “ fainting” lady from black and white films that was always needing a man BUT on the flip-side this was crucial for her character development. So it is no way shape or form a knock on the book.. it’s my personal preference because I was literally( and not in my head) yelling at her to “pull up your big girl panties already”. 2) I thought it was a bit confusing. There were a lot of reminders about the reason for her actions( I promise not a spoiler)… but then other parts seemed to jump really quickly where I felt a little more explanation was needed. This book is not tiny but I feel it could have easily been THICK and it would have only added to the world building and built even more upon the storyline without hindering the progression. That being said… I still DEVOURED this book. The two items I found frustrating made me almost read it faster( if that makes sense) because I wanted to see if those items resolved themselves. So after all this if you are wondering if you should read this book… it’s a resounding yes. I think the characters are intoxicating, the relationships are enthralling, and the story within a story is pure genius.

[madi_loves_books · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you to the author, Missy De Graff for the e-arc of this book. I really really had a good time reading it. If I didn’t have 2 kids I would have read it in 24 hours, it still didn’t take me that long to read haha.

The world felt easy to understand so I was fully immersed into the story right away. I loved the stories told at the beginning of each chapter (you will learn more when you read it) and how that weaved into the main plot and political intrigue. There is enemies to lovers, fated mates, betrayal, and a world that I think we will learn more about in future books! Also looking forward to some more answers to some mysteries in this book that we haven’t been given yet.

So excited to continue reading this story. I believe this will be released sometime in May or June 2026.

[Hope liese · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book: 4/5
Spice: 1/5

A Touch of Celestial Flames was such a ride. I was never bored and never once thought about putting it down. There were a few grammatical errors, but nothing that pulled me out of the book. I love a strong FMC, and every character has a clear and memorable personality. The “who done it” kept me guessing the entire time, and I was still only half right in the end with my assumptions!

My only frustrations were how often the phrase “ashes and ruin” appeared and how some character movement descriptions were difficult to visualize without rereading. Even so, this book easily lands in my top ten of the year and will probably stay there. I would absolutely recommend it to others.

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

[Rosie Madrid · Rating 4 out of 5]

“No more starlight. Only fire.”

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.25
🌶️🌶️

I just finished this captivating Romantasy. It was the perfect mix of world building, political intrigue, and romance. I enjoyed getting to know the fae realm with different types of elemental magic, and this story sets up for a series where you get to explore this realm more with the ongoing conflict. There was twists/betrayals that were unexpected and kept me glued to my kindle.
Rhi and Braedon’s story was an interesting slow burn childhood enemies to lovers romance with the perfect amount of banter and tension. I love the balance of dark and light with these two. I’m excited to see where this journey takes not only them but the other characters in the book.

Thank you for this opportunity to read this ARC!