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The Scent of the Ideal
In the prestigious Academy Trianon, unwanted children are trained to become specialized guards to the upper classes—the swersoldi. Swersoldi learn martial skills, courtly manners, and the use of aer, the force inside all living things.
At twenty, Rafi is nearing his final year, and expects an unremarkable future once he secures a placement in a decent noble house. But he’s facing a problem—his approaching heat. All three sexes, miná, miné, and nex, experience heats or ruts at the onset of sexual maturity, even though dual-sex nexes like Rafi aren’t capable of reproduction. If Rafi’s use of aer weren’t so strong, such a heat would be embarrassing but bearable. But since he’s not yet fully able to control his aer, he will need someone stronger than he is to control his for him. Rafi has no sweetheart, and even if he did, no one currently at the academy has that sort of strength.
Enter Viau, the favorite swersoldi of the royal court: handsome, courteous, honorable—the ideal. As far as Rafi is concerned, Viau is unapproachable and untouchable, so he sees no problem in admitting to his worried instructors that Viau’s scent is perfect to his nex senses. Heroic, mannerly Viau will politely decline to be involved, and Rafi can hopefully figure out a less humiliating option in the meantime.
Except Viau says yes.
Unwanted, unremarkable Rafi is suddenly the center of the ideal’s attention, a confusing, arousing place to be. Viau treats Rafi as if there is more to him than an average swersoldi with an average future, and Rafi starts to wonder if he can have a different life if he reaches for it. One where the ideal was once an unwanted child too, and even an ordinary nex can become the ideal’s hero if he loves him.
At twenty, Rafi is nearing his final year, and expects an unremarkable future once he secures a placement in a decent noble house. But he’s facing a problem—his approaching heat. All three sexes, miná, miné, and nex, experience heats or ruts at the onset of sexual maturity, even though dual-sex nexes like Rafi aren’t capable of reproduction. If Rafi’s use of aer weren’t so strong, such a heat would be embarrassing but bearable. But since he’s not yet fully able to control his aer, he will need someone stronger than he is to control his for him. Rafi has no sweetheart, and even if he did, no one currently at the academy has that sort of strength.
Enter Viau, the favorite swersoldi of the royal court: handsome, courteous, honorable—the ideal. As far as Rafi is concerned, Viau is unapproachable and untouchable, so he sees no problem in admitting to his worried instructors that Viau’s scent is perfect to his nex senses. Heroic, mannerly Viau will politely decline to be involved, and Rafi can hopefully figure out a less humiliating option in the meantime.
Except Viau says yes.
Unwanted, unremarkable Rafi is suddenly the center of the ideal’s attention, a confusing, arousing place to be. Viau treats Rafi as if there is more to him than an average swersoldi with an average future, and Rafi starts to wonder if he can have a different life if he reaches for it. One where the ideal was once an unwanted child too, and even an ordinary nex can become the ideal’s hero if he loves him.
245 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 15, 2026
About the author
R. Cooper
90 books1,030 followersI'm R. Cooper, a somewhat absentminded, often distracted, writer of queer romance. I'm probably most known for the Being(s) in Love series and The Suitable 'Verse stories. Also the occasional story about witches or firefighters in love.
You can visit my website for updates or sign up for my newsletter . My newsletter is free! And comes out once a month or once every two months or so.
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You can visit my website for updates or sign up for my newsletter . My newsletter is free! And comes out once a month or once every two months or so.
Otherwise... have some social media links if you want updates and whatever the hell else I am talking about.
Tumblr
BlueSky
**With Meta's current policies, I do not use FB or Insta or Threads for anything but the bare minimum.**
Instagram and Threads
You can also support me on Patreon if you like
If you just want book release updates, I have a BookBub profile.
Also, I now have a Storygraph where I will try to track my reading in an organized fashion.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
August 21, 2026
Beautiful and heartwarming fantasy romance. One of my favourites by R. Cooper, actually.
This has it all, a light medieval fantasy world about swersoldi, who serve as guardsmen at court and for noble families. There are 3 genders: miné, miná and nex. Swersoldi learn to control aer within and around them, to move objects or anticipate actions.
The story is told in single pov, third person past tense (Rafi).
Rafi lives and learns at the academy for swersoldi. He works hard to be one of the best students, in order to ensure he'll get employment afterwards. He's a nex and right before his first aedis (the heat nex experience a few times a year).
Rafi has a few trusted friends, but noone to help him through his aedis.
Viau is one of the best swersoldi, he's the Ideal. Rafi is in awe of him, kinda worships him from afar, and nevertheless, it seems that Viau isn't opposed to helping Rafi with his aedis.
Rafi is (like many MCs in R. Cooper's medieval fantasy worlds) very insecure, much stronger than he thinks he is, and oblivious as to how Viau sees him and feels for him.
I loved to see how Rafi slowly realises that Viau isn't perfect but had edges, too. Viau challenging Rafi and always caring for him was beautiful to watch. Especially the last chapters were perfect in my eyes, so much adoration, love and devotion. I didn't want the book to end.
Already can't wait to reread it again (you know what, I'm going to reread the last chapters immediately).
This has it all, a light medieval fantasy world about swersoldi, who serve as guardsmen at court and for noble families. There are 3 genders: miné, miná and nex. Swersoldi learn to control aer within and around them, to move objects or anticipate actions.
The story is told in single pov, third person past tense (Rafi).
Rafi lives and learns at the academy for swersoldi. He works hard to be one of the best students, in order to ensure he'll get employment afterwards. He's a nex and right before his first aedis (the heat nex experience a few times a year).
Rafi has a few trusted friends, but noone to help him through his aedis.
Viau is one of the best swersoldi, he's the Ideal. Rafi is in awe of him, kinda worships him from afar, and nevertheless, it seems that Viau isn't opposed to helping Rafi with his aedis.
Rafi is (like many MCs in R. Cooper's medieval fantasy worlds) very insecure, much stronger than he thinks he is, and oblivious as to how Viau sees him and feels for him.
I loved to see how Rafi slowly realises that Viau isn't perfect but had edges, too. Viau challenging Rafi and always caring for him was beautiful to watch. Especially the last chapters were perfect in my eyes, so much adoration, love and devotion. I didn't want the book to end.
Already can't wait to reread it again (you know what, I'm going to reread the last chapters immediately).
August 18, 2026
4+⭐
I was going to give this one a 4 (only—it's R. Cooper scale) but I didn't write my review immediately, and now I have such warm and fuzzy feelings about this, that I need to give just a bit more.
Cooper often writes a hero who doesn't think much of themselves and doesn't want to inconvenience others. It can be too much, and Rafi definitely takes the latter to the extreme, but he is an interesting character. He intentionally avoids attention since he lacks the status to get away with trouble, but he has an inner spark there, he doesn't let people walk all over him. He's just not expecting anyone to care either.
The dance between the main couple is guaranteed Cooper. Rafi is completely oblivious how enamored Viau is pretty much instantly and it's a slow progress. Which is quite a fun thing considering their first meeting happens in heat. Luckily we are not completely deprived of heat sex, but the focus of this book is really not in there. The world is also very interesting, I trust Cooper to nail both fantasy and omegaverse pretty much every time.
So why not 5 star read? Weeelll, it felt a bit floaty? Intangible? So much good things but also some things were a bit too vague, maybe some loose threads. I am already interested in reading this again to examine if these feelings differ the second time around. Cooper's way of circling around things always creates a risk of frustration and confusion, and sometimes my brains connect better with the writing and sometimes I am more lost, even with the same book. But don't mistake me for anything else than an adoring fan.
I was going to give this one a 4 (only—it's R. Cooper scale) but I didn't write my review immediately, and now I have such warm and fuzzy feelings about this, that I need to give just a bit more.
Cooper often writes a hero who doesn't think much of themselves and doesn't want to inconvenience others. It can be too much, and Rafi definitely takes the latter to the extreme, but he is an interesting character. He intentionally avoids attention since he lacks the status to get away with trouble, but he has an inner spark there, he doesn't let people walk all over him. He's just not expecting anyone to care either.
The dance between the main couple is guaranteed Cooper. Rafi is completely oblivious how enamored Viau is pretty much instantly and it's a slow progress. Which is quite a fun thing considering their first meeting happens in heat. Luckily we are not completely deprived of heat sex, but the focus of this book is really not in there. The world is also very interesting, I trust Cooper to nail both fantasy and omegaverse pretty much every time.
So why not 5 star read? Weeelll, it felt a bit floaty? Intangible? So much good things but also some things were a bit too vague, maybe some loose threads. I am already interested in reading this again to examine if these feelings differ the second time around. Cooper's way of circling around things always creates a risk of frustration and confusion, and sometimes my brains connect better with the writing and sometimes I am more lost, even with the same book. But don't mistake me for anything else than an adoring fan.
waiting-tbr-kindle
August 11, 2026Who's got a pre-sale copy? Me.
Who's going to ignore all the other books I'm reading? Also me.
Because R. Cooper is the poet of lonely love, and I'm in the mood for tugged heart-strings.
Who's going to ignore all the other books I'm reading? Also me.
Because R. Cooper is the poet of lonely love, and I'm in the mood for tugged heart-strings.
September 7, 2026
Classic R. Cooper novel in that it's a lot longer than it needs to be, with the MC just repeating the same feelings for most of the book with zero growth or learning until the very end, and a style that can sometimes feel a bit cut off. Vaguely alpha/beta/omega dynamics here, though with different terminology and a slightly different take that was never super explicitly explained, which I actually appreciated, as there is some stuff that can squick me out and it was handled lightly enough here that it didn't bother me. Enjoyable overall, but I knew what I was getting into in terms of the things that don't always work for me with this author's style.
August 17, 2026
This was classic R Cooper featuring a deeply self deprecating MC and the non POV LI who super duper obviously (to everyone but him) loves him. The formula can be a little exhausting and, unfortunately, I felt it a bit here.
I loved the unique spin on omegaverse and gender, the magic, and the military type college setting, but the romance just wasn't all that compelling. Part of the problem I think is that this skirts close in feel to Fox of Fox Hall (not in premise necessarily but with the omegaverse adjacentness and the young/unknown/unremarkable [to himself] MC x the older/established/hero LI pairing), but that book was near perfection to me so this one suffers from the comparison - these two are no Fox and Conall. Still, I liked the writing (and I even understood it most of the time!) and I had a good time so 4 stars it is!
Pet name: little one, little killer
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Safety (may contain spoilers)
SA/rape: None
Other person drama: None, but there was definitely jealousy from both sides. They spent several weeks apart at a time and they never had a conversation about what they were to each other so there was no guarantee of monogamy during that time. There wasn't anyone else for the POV MC and I really don't think there was anyone for the LI either, but it wasn't explicitly stated (unless I missed it?) and that bugged the shit out of me.
I loved the unique spin on omegaverse and gender, the magic, and the military type college setting, but the romance just wasn't all that compelling. Part of the problem I think is that this skirts close in feel to Fox of Fox Hall (not in premise necessarily but with the omegaverse adjacentness and the young/unknown/unremarkable [to himself] MC x the older/established/hero LI pairing), but that book was near perfection to me so this one suffers from the comparison - these two are no Fox and Conall. Still, I liked the writing (and I even understood it most of the time!) and I had a good time so 4 stars it is!
Pet name: little one, little killer
Katoh would say Rafi worried too much. Rafi would say there was no one else to do the worrying, so he must. Well, no, he would not say that. He would agree that he was anxious over nothing, and then continue to worry, but privately, so as not to bother his friends.
“I’m here now. And you are going to beg for me. Not someone.”
“They trained you not to reach, didn’t they? They never quite trained it out of me, although they did try.” He lightly tapped the end of Rafi’s nose, and when Rafi scowled, tapped his lips too, though there, his touch lingered. “But when you forget, there it is, insistent and aching.” “Flowers again,” Rafi snapped, surprised with himself for the show of temper. Viau removed his fingers and leaned in to press a soft kiss to Rafi’s mouth. He spoke against Rafi’s parted lips, “Reach for me, Rafeli Tizzan, and I will answer.”
“I do have a book, although I fear I will never put flowers into my words as you do.” “You don’t need them. Your words are knives and knives are more than adequate.”
“I want to be the one to give you everything.”
*
*
*
*
*
Safety (may contain spoilers)
SA/rape: None
Other person drama: None, but there was definitely jealousy from both sides. They spent several weeks apart at a time and they never had a conversation about what they were to each other so there was no guarantee of monogamy during that time. There wasn't anyone else for the POV MC and I really don't think there was anyone for the LI either, but it wasn't explicitly stated (unless I missed it?) and that bugged the shit out of me.
August 18, 2026
Set in an omegaverse-like world, this book is sublime, tender, and restrained. Viau, is a swersoldi, or specially trained guard, of the King. Many consider him the ideal due to his talents as a protector, his appearance, and his abilities in navigating through nobility and the finer life. Rafi is in his last year of training as a swersoldi and, while very skilled, he lacks confidence and experience, often living in a shadows of other peoples' lives.
When Viau and Rafi meet, they are attracted, but much remains unsaid. They are tentative and unsure. They are also both incredibly busy, Viau especially. This is a beautiful, romantic journey to the most superb love imaginable. Just exquisite!
When Viau and Rafi meet, they are attracted, but much remains unsaid. They are tentative and unsure. They are also both incredibly busy, Viau especially. This is a beautiful, romantic journey to the most superb love imaginable. Just exquisite!
August 20, 2026
I can't even tell you how much I love this book!
This story is so cute. Those aren't the right words. I'm overwhelmed by the sheer amount of romance here. Like omg Rafi and Viau are so perfect. I didn't want to stop reading about them but the book has ended. I just want more!
This story is so cute. Those aren't the right words. I'm overwhelmed by the sheer amount of romance here. Like omg Rafi and Viau are so perfect. I didn't want to stop reading about them but the book has ended. I just want more!
August 26, 2026
Loved being immersed (though often mildly confused) in this R. Cooper fantasy world with MCs Rafi and Viau.
One insecure swersoldi- (swordsman/guard/soldier) in-training. One seemingly untouchable, near-perfect experienced swersoldi in service to the king, who is also his cousin.
A unique omegaverse-type world with 3 genders: miná, miné (Viau), and nex (Rafi), that also includes magic/power called aer, of which both our heroes have an unusual abundance.
This is a sweet and subtly steamy commoner-royal type dynamic, with the insecure Rafi, a fourth child in his lesser-noble family, feeling unworthy of much of anything, especially the attention of someone like Viau, who, although he’s a third child, is the “ideal”—the most lauded swersoldi in this world (or something like that) and cousin and protector of the king.
But Rafi’s first-ever heat, called aedis in this world, may be coming, and he has to either go it alone (painful, hard to do) and risk literally wrecking/breaking things due to his not-yet-full control over his aer, or find a miné powerful enough to take him through it personally.
When a blushing Rafi is asked, over and over, whether there’s anyone he would want to help him (it would be better for him to have help than go through it alone), he finally admits…Viau. Then tries to take it back, because who is lowly, unimportant Rafi to ask the help of the most admired and skilled swersoldi in their world to take time away from his important duties for such a thing? Viau must have his pick of nexes and miná asking for his help! Rafi dare not bother him.
Ha ha ha ha yes, it’s fun! And guess who no one EVER dares ask to help with their aedis?!
Seeing Rafi’s admiration turn into feelings and more, seeing Viau open up and so clearly want Rafi, all the UST that explodes into passion, the misunderstandings due to Rafi’s insecurity and how he blossoms and begins training with Viau…and learns just how compatible they are…really lovely and fun. They exploration of aer and how it works between them was fascinating, if not always fully…clear.
Yes, details are a bit confusing and convoluted at times, and I admit I kind of scratched my head thinking huh, I missed something, or, where’d that come from…here and there. But I was enjoying the romance too much to care. 🤷♀️😁
But overall, I loved being immersed in this world and enjoyed seeing what are essentially two soulmates-in-aer come together. They were each other’s mirror aer, and no one else would truly be powerful enough for either. This was a charming and rewarding romance.
The secondary characters add depth to the story too; I enjoyed Rafi’s swersoldi classmates and their support of him, and them helping him to see the truth of Viau’s interest in him. And Viau has a playwright friend who is also charming and fun to experience.
It is kinda slow-paced, so, read when you’re in the mood to let something wash over you and have time to be immersed.
HEA, commoner-royal type dynamic, though they are both noble in a way. Romantasy, insecure hero, idealized hero. No OM action or drama at all; Rafi has almost no experience, and Viau has had lovers (none on page or mentioned by name at all) but has important new experiences with Rafi, and they are lovely together. Totally safe for me. Recommended.
My thanks to @Kassu for letting me know this one was safe for me! 🥰
One insecure swersoldi- (swordsman/guard/soldier) in-training. One seemingly untouchable, near-perfect experienced swersoldi in service to the king, who is also his cousin.
A unique omegaverse-type world with 3 genders: miná, miné (Viau), and nex (Rafi), that also includes magic/power called aer, of which both our heroes have an unusual abundance.
This is a sweet and subtly steamy commoner-royal type dynamic, with the insecure Rafi, a fourth child in his lesser-noble family, feeling unworthy of much of anything, especially the attention of someone like Viau, who, although he’s a third child, is the “ideal”—the most lauded swersoldi in this world (or something like that) and cousin and protector of the king.
But Rafi’s first-ever heat, called aedis in this world, may be coming, and he has to either go it alone (painful, hard to do) and risk literally wrecking/breaking things due to his not-yet-full control over his aer, or find a miné powerful enough to take him through it personally.
When a blushing Rafi is asked, over and over, whether there’s anyone he would want to help him (it would be better for him to have help than go through it alone), he finally admits…Viau. Then tries to take it back, because who is lowly, unimportant Rafi to ask the help of the most admired and skilled swersoldi in their world to take time away from his important duties for such a thing? Viau must have his pick of nexes and miná asking for his help! Rafi dare not bother him.
Ha ha ha ha yes, it’s fun! And guess who no one EVER dares ask to help with their aedis?!
Seeing Rafi’s admiration turn into feelings and more, seeing Viau open up and so clearly want Rafi, all the UST that explodes into passion, the misunderstandings due to Rafi’s insecurity and how he blossoms and begins training with Viau…and learns just how compatible they are…really lovely and fun. They exploration of aer and how it works between them was fascinating, if not always fully…clear.
Yes, details are a bit confusing and convoluted at times, and I admit I kind of scratched my head thinking huh, I missed something, or, where’d that come from…here and there. But I was enjoying the romance too much to care. 🤷♀️😁
But overall, I loved being immersed in this world and enjoyed seeing what are essentially two soulmates-in-aer come together. They were each other’s mirror aer, and no one else would truly be powerful enough for either. This was a charming and rewarding romance.
The secondary characters add depth to the story too; I enjoyed Rafi’s swersoldi classmates and their support of him, and them helping him to see the truth of Viau’s interest in him. And Viau has a playwright friend who is also charming and fun to experience.
It is kinda slow-paced, so, read when you’re in the mood to let something wash over you and have time to be immersed.
HEA, commoner-royal type dynamic, though they are both noble in a way. Romantasy, insecure hero, idealized hero. No OM action or drama at all; Rafi has almost no experience, and Viau has had lovers (none on page or mentioned by name at all) but has important new experiences with Rafi, and they are lovely together. Totally safe for me. Recommended.
My thanks to @Kassu for letting me know this one was safe for me! 🥰
August 15, 2026
4.5 stars. Wow wow wow it's like this was made for me. So good. Rafi is so sad and lonely and he doesn't even realize the depth of it, or at least doesn't think he has any other option. Viau is the ideal, but of course he's got his own hidden layers, and the "ideal" is actually kind of a lonely thing to be. I adore them both so much.
For a story about heat partners, this has less on-page sex than I expected. There's not *none,* and I like what's there. It's just that there's a lot of aching and yearning and buildup, but those things are more the point than the actual fucking. And I *love* that! Those are my favorite parts! And R. Cooper is so good at writing them.
This is 100% romance, no external plot. I usually like a bit of action and drama alongside my romance, but I think this is perfect as-is. There are plenty of ups and downs and moments of excitement between Rafi and Viau. Importantly, Cooper manages this *without* a contrived 3rd act conflict. It all feels believable, not forced or artificial. This manages to satisfy my craving for drama and heartache and hurt and comfort, without making me nervous the MCs will break up or seriously hurt each other.
I can see myself rereading this many times over. I hope the author will continue more in this universe because it's a very interesting non-traditional omegaverse-type concept. As usual, Cooper presents little tidbits of world building at the exact moment I think I'm about to lose track of what everything means. And then without noticing exactly when, somehow I feel like I've always understood it, because this world is so multidimensional and just feels real.
So good. Fans of Fox of Fox Hall, read this. Anyone who likes a good story about anxious oblivious cuties learning they deserve love, read this. It's so good.
For a story about heat partners, this has less on-page sex than I expected. There's not *none,* and I like what's there. It's just that there's a lot of aching and yearning and buildup, but those things are more the point than the actual fucking. And I *love* that! Those are my favorite parts! And R. Cooper is so good at writing them.
This is 100% romance, no external plot. I usually like a bit of action and drama alongside my romance, but I think this is perfect as-is. There are plenty of ups and downs and moments of excitement between Rafi and Viau. Importantly, Cooper manages this *without* a contrived 3rd act conflict. It all feels believable, not forced or artificial. This manages to satisfy my craving for drama and heartache and hurt and comfort, without making me nervous the MCs will break up or seriously hurt each other.
I can see myself rereading this many times over. I hope the author will continue more in this universe because it's a very interesting non-traditional omegaverse-type concept. As usual, Cooper presents little tidbits of world building at the exact moment I think I'm about to lose track of what everything means. And then without noticing exactly when, somehow I feel like I've always understood it, because this world is so multidimensional and just feels real.
So good. Fans of Fox of Fox Hall, read this. Anyone who likes a good story about anxious oblivious cuties learning they deserve love, read this. It's so good.
September 10, 2026
I am starting to think Cooper has this special way of writing about basically nothing aka the most basic and normal things that can happen to a character in a fantasy world and make it, somehow, interesting? Because the romance is good? Like, it should have been boring but it just felt this... almost old-fashioned and slow but still modern and spicy but also romantic and... ugh, dunno, it was nice. I even read most of the sex scenes, which doesn't happen often. They felt romantic enough and significant enough that I was just watching for any sign of their deepening connection.
To be clear, this story is "boring". There's a guy, who is, like any proper MC, unaware oh just how hot and competent and amazing he is and the special love interest who takes an interest in him and they spend a lot of pages just dancing around each other. There are sparring lessons and random encounters at random locations, but it lacks some central "conspiracy" or any mysteries or even just basic conflict besides romance and even writing this feels silly, because... I don't care. Some people might and I completely understand but this manages to be a very contemporary fantasy romance.
Also, there are heats. And ruts. I am not even sure of the biology of it, but it's not mpreg, thank all goodness. Basically, it feels like someone saw Omagaverse and thought, "that sounds cool" and also "that is sooo problematic" which might be what I actually think and it was adapted enough it feels different but is still recognisable as something related. The MC is a bit on the shy and smaller side but he's also independent and good at fighting and down-to-earth. The love interest is a bit bossy but also talks poetry and grows herbs and flowers. They're not their designations; they're complex characters, which you don't always get with omegaverse.
Recommend.
To be clear, this story is "boring". There's a guy, who is, like any proper MC, unaware oh just how hot and competent and amazing he is and the special love interest who takes an interest in him and they spend a lot of pages just dancing around each other. There are sparring lessons and random encounters at random locations, but it lacks some central "conspiracy" or any mysteries or even just basic conflict besides romance and even writing this feels silly, because... I don't care. Some people might and I completely understand but this manages to be a very contemporary fantasy romance.
Also, there are heats. And ruts. I am not even sure of the biology of it, but it's not mpreg, thank all goodness. Basically, it feels like someone saw Omagaverse and thought, "that sounds cool" and also "that is sooo problematic" which might be what I actually think and it was adapted enough it feels different but is still recognisable as something related. The MC is a bit on the shy and smaller side but he's also independent and good at fighting and down-to-earth. The love interest is a bit bossy but also talks poetry and grows herbs and flowers. They're not their designations; they're complex characters, which you don't always get with omegaverse.
Recommend.
September 25, 2026
Outstanding
I've read a lot of R. Coopers novels and Fox of Fox Hall has been my ultimate favorite so far, though A Suitable Consort also has a special place in my heart. This novel has quickly risen to contend with Fox of Fox Hall as my favorite. While Fox I think still dominates number 1, this novel is a super close contender.
Now the first part of this novel was a little slow and it took some time to understand the different terms for the different genders and what it all meant. But R. Cooper did a really good job with the gradual world building. There was some plain exposition at start, but afterwards the reveals if more information about this world were woven into the narrative in a very natural way.
Rafi and Viau took some time to find their stride together and the more we learn about them, the more their dancing around each other made sense. And it was electric when they finally started to be honest with each other.
If I have any complaint, its that sometimes the dialogue felt disjointed or hard to follow. Sometimes it appeared to mirror the characters themselves struggling to figure out what to say, but there were multiple instances where I was quite confused on who was speaking, or why they were saying what they did. The writing was a little too... verbose at times, which affected the flow of the story a bit. This is not new though since with many of Cooper's novels, the main characters tend to me a little to caught up in their own heads.
However, despite that minor issue this novel was a pleasure to read and I was genuinely disappointed when it ended. It felt like there was still so much of Rafi and Viau's story to tell and I hope R. Cooper will consider a sequel. This world is so grand, and the pair had so much they wanted to do or accomplish. I do really hope we get more of them.
I've read a lot of R. Coopers novels and Fox of Fox Hall has been my ultimate favorite so far, though A Suitable Consort also has a special place in my heart. This novel has quickly risen to contend with Fox of Fox Hall as my favorite. While Fox I think still dominates number 1, this novel is a super close contender.
Now the first part of this novel was a little slow and it took some time to understand the different terms for the different genders and what it all meant. But R. Cooper did a really good job with the gradual world building. There was some plain exposition at start, but afterwards the reveals if more information about this world were woven into the narrative in a very natural way.
Rafi and Viau took some time to find their stride together and the more we learn about them, the more their dancing around each other made sense. And it was electric when they finally started to be honest with each other.
If I have any complaint, its that sometimes the dialogue felt disjointed or hard to follow. Sometimes it appeared to mirror the characters themselves struggling to figure out what to say, but there were multiple instances where I was quite confused on who was speaking, or why they were saying what they did. The writing was a little too... verbose at times, which affected the flow of the story a bit. This is not new though since with many of Cooper's novels, the main characters tend to me a little to caught up in their own heads.
However, despite that minor issue this novel was a pleasure to read and I was genuinely disappointed when it ended. It felt like there was still so much of Rafi and Viau's story to tell and I hope R. Cooper will consider a sequel. This world is so grand, and the pair had so much they wanted to do or accomplish. I do really hope we get more of them.
August 20, 2026
other people might like this just fine.
i just wasn't crazy about the confusing worldbuilding with the genders/sexes that were never explained.
and the heroes were not quite to my liking.
one of them (rafi) had low self worth and it meant he had a hard time figuring out the other hero was legitimately interested in him. that was frustrating.
meanwhile, the other hero (viau) supposedly knew rafi was his soulmate from very early on. but he had an endless amount of commitments in his life that meant he didn't always have time for rafi.
and i felt like that was completely fair, because everyone has things they need to do, and even though the commitments were described in a vague way, i didn't think much of it.
but then, late in the book, rafi finds viau drunk at a bar, hanging out with friends after having watched a play.
and i was like... okay??? THAT was an immovable commitment??
no offense, but at that point viau was very aware that rafi wanted to see him a lot more. and viau was trying to gain rafi's trust and love.
so if your commitment is... watching a play with your friends, maaaybe you skip the afterparty where you all get drunk, so you can get home to the guy who misses you?? or invite him to go with you??
idk, i just really started doubting how many of viau's commitments, that took him away from rafi for many days at a time, were really just partying.
i just wasn't crazy about the confusing worldbuilding with the genders/sexes that were never explained.
and the heroes were not quite to my liking.
one of them (rafi) had low self worth and it meant he had a hard time figuring out the other hero was legitimately interested in him. that was frustrating.
meanwhile, the other hero (viau) supposedly knew rafi was his soulmate from very early on. but he had an endless amount of commitments in his life that meant he didn't always have time for rafi.
and i felt like that was completely fair, because everyone has things they need to do, and even though the commitments were described in a vague way, i didn't think much of it.
but then, late in the book, rafi finds viau drunk at a bar, hanging out with friends after having watched a play.
and i was like... okay??? THAT was an immovable commitment??
no offense, but at that point viau was very aware that rafi wanted to see him a lot more. and viau was trying to gain rafi's trust and love.
so if your commitment is... watching a play with your friends, maaaybe you skip the afterparty where you all get drunk, so you can get home to the guy who misses you?? or invite him to go with you??
idk, i just really started doubting how many of viau's commitments, that took him away from rafi for many days at a time, were really just partying.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 16, 2026
This ending was so sweet it made me tear up.
Explicit spice, low angst, no third act break-up, warnings in the beginning of the book.
I loved it, it was amazing. It's got the wholesome vibe with supportive friends, with kindness amongst strangers, and with respect and courtesy for everyone. It also got the sexy things.
Bits made me laugh, bits made me think, but all of it was feel good romance with characters that stay in character.
R. Cooper is even very good at keeping characters in character across whole series, the sight mention of a character in book 1 reads exactly the same as that character in their own book several books later.
Spice is added (and explicit) there were it makes sense, adds to the characters and the story and is so very, very hot.
It met expectations for a book that was basically: so this virgin goes in heat and wants that guy, but you know, MC thinks he's a nobody and should not reach that high. Love interest says yes having not met MC, a happily ever after.
The end, applause, accolades, loved it. Am going to reread it and the Suitable series now.
Explicit spice, low angst, no third act break-up, warnings in the beginning of the book.
I loved it, it was amazing. It's got the wholesome vibe with supportive friends, with kindness amongst strangers, and with respect and courtesy for everyone. It also got the sexy things.
Bits made me laugh, bits made me think, but all of it was feel good romance with characters that stay in character.
R. Cooper is even very good at keeping characters in character across whole series, the sight mention of a character in book 1 reads exactly the same as that character in their own book several books later.
Spice is added (and explicit) there were it makes sense, adds to the characters and the story and is so very, very hot.
It met expectations for a book that was basically: so this virgin goes in heat and wants that guy, but you know, MC thinks he's a nobody and should not reach that high. Love interest says yes having not met MC, a happily ever after.
The end, applause, accolades, loved it. Am going to reread it and the Suitable series now.
Review of advance copy
I am mildly sleep deprived right now, but I regret nothing because I have finished this lovely novel. There is some very cool world building going on in this one with a society of nobles that prize the first and second child, but after that effectively find them useless so they send them off to school to become a sort of bodyguard to their fellow nobles. There are also 3 genders in this universe with some interesting dynamics involved there as well. The entire story is told from Rafi's POV (one of the thrown away children) and his character growth is wonderful to follow along with. Lovely, cozy writing mixed in with a found family vibe (and some spice as well). I really hope we get to visit this world again as it's quite fascinating. Definitely worth a read if you want romance that has some non standard gender dynamics mixed in with main characters that you want to give a big hug to.
September 8, 2026
I am already a fan of single POV (because it creates more uncertainty in the romance) as well as Raji being unreliable. If they were fated mates from the beginning who fell in together with no reluctance, it would have been a bit boring. I liked being in Raji's head so I could understand him, and I appreciated the slow reveal of Viau's true nature.
I liked the omegaverse, particularly adding Nex to the traditional roles. I'm a huge fan of swordplay.
With that said, I was a bit disappointed that there wasn't more plot. I had more hopes of some external conflict where Raji and Viau would fight an enemy together using their incredible skills. I was glad for the sparring, but a bit let down not to see their skills pay off somehow in the story.
I would totally love to read more in this universe!
I liked the omegaverse, particularly adding Nex to the traditional roles. I'm a huge fan of swordplay.
With that said, I was a bit disappointed that there wasn't more plot. I had more hopes of some external conflict where Raji and Viau would fight an enemy together using their incredible skills. I was glad for the sparring, but a bit let down not to see their skills pay off somehow in the story.
I would totally love to read more in this universe!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Pre-release copy.
Set in a medieval-ish world with multiple gender presentations, including heat/rut behaviors.
At the beginning, protagonist Rafi is in martial training to become a swersoldi (guard for the upper class.) He's approaching his first aedis, a heat-like state that marks sexual maturity. He's still learning to control "aer: life, breath, energy, a force that everyone knew but only a few could sense and even fewer could intentionally manipulate." Weak control of aer could make his aedis a dangerous experience without a partner with strong control of aer.
Since this is an R. Cooper book, Rafi's confidence is low, and he doesn't dare approach the person he is attracted to.
More soon.
Set in a medieval-ish world with multiple gender presentations, including heat/rut behaviors.
At the beginning, protagonist Rafi is in martial training to become a swersoldi (guard for the upper class.) He's approaching his first aedis, a heat-like state that marks sexual maturity. He's still learning to control "aer: life, breath, energy, a force that everyone knew but only a few could sense and even fewer could intentionally manipulate." Weak control of aer could make his aedis a dangerous experience without a partner with strong control of aer.
Since this is an R. Cooper book, Rafi's confidence is low, and he doesn't dare approach the person he is attracted to.
More soon.
September 4, 2026
So this is definitely a very particular niche, one where essentially the entire book is about pining and our MC1 believing that they’re not worthy of the beloved. And of course, to the rest of us, we know how this ends and MC2 is as transparent as glass.
Despite this being a trope that R. Cooper makes a specialty out of and basically writes in every single book, I enjoyed this. The characters had enough difference from the author’s other works that I didn’t feel bored, even as I saw the similarities. Not much happens outside the romance plot, though, so if watching two people circle each other for hundreds of pages being kind of obtuse about their relationship isn’t your jam, you might look elsewhere. 🥰
Despite this being a trope that R. Cooper makes a specialty out of and basically writes in every single book, I enjoyed this. The characters had enough difference from the author’s other works that I didn’t feel bored, even as I saw the similarities. Not much happens outside the romance plot, though, so if watching two people circle each other for hundreds of pages being kind of obtuse about their relationship isn’t your jam, you might look elsewhere. 🥰
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you, R. Cooper, for the presale because I probably would have keeled over from anticipation if I had to wait til Friday for this lovely book to come out. This book was such a treat. I totally wanted to reach in and grab Rafi by the collar to shake some sense into him lol. Viau was starvinggg the entire time, and I loved it. The scenes where Viau is dying to hand-feed Rafi ieajhvbisb i'm ill!! Can't wait to reread it!
September 1, 2026
Another romantic masterpiece!
This was just wonderful. It really begs another read to absorb more of the character arc and the literary richness and the dream-like, romantic feelings that R Cooper seems to be able to conjure. I’m sure I missed a lot. This reminded me, in some ways, of Fox of Fox Hall which was an astonishingly good book. I could say more but I don’t want to spoil it. My favourite read of the year so far. R Cooper is such a talented writer.
This was just wonderful. It really begs another read to absorb more of the character arc and the literary richness and the dream-like, romantic feelings that R Cooper seems to be able to conjure. I’m sure I missed a lot. This reminded me, in some ways, of Fox of Fox Hall which was an astonishingly good book. I could say more but I don’t want to spoil it. My favourite read of the year so far. R Cooper is such a talented writer.
September 24, 2026
It's basically a fated mate, scent-match story with lovely characters.
Rafi and Viau are very much alike and they both are trying to reach perfection (Viau who is already there carrier-wise is suffering the consequences from his fame; Rafi is still trying to reach it).
Why am I giving only 3 stars? Because of the difficult to follow writing style and world-building. It took me an immense amount of concentration (in the beginning for sure) to be able to follow the story.
Rafi and Viau are very much alike and they both are trying to reach perfection (Viau who is already there carrier-wise is suffering the consequences from his fame; Rafi is still trying to reach it).
Why am I giving only 3 stars? Because of the difficult to follow writing style and world-building. It took me an immense amount of concentration (in the beginning for sure) to be able to follow the story.
August 15, 2026
4.5 stars - This was a refreshing quick read from R. Cooper. There is the standard sad boi with self-esteem issues and negative situational awareness, but this time, he's also a little feisty. I typically enjoy this author's books, but this one surprised me a bit, and I had an especially great time in the final third. Go, Rafi!
August 16, 2026
*4.5 stars- I loved the banter and sparring scenes between Rafi and Viau! It was interesting to see them struggle with wanting to be needed by others and Rafi mastering his aer. They were such a cute couple and I loved how supportive their friends were! I do wonder though where Rafi’s friends got placed at the end of the book and whether they are still close with Rafi.
September 3, 2026
Delightful
Exactly what I have come to expect from our beloved R. Cooper and more!
If you know, you know: the unreliable narrator, the beautiful language, the gradual unfolding and understanding of the beloved's nature.
Hot 🔥🔥🔥, sweet, and a little bit weird, once again.
🎯 Hit the bull's-eye!
Thank you darling author!
Exactly what I have come to expect from our beloved R. Cooper and more!
If you know, you know: the unreliable narrator, the beautiful language, the gradual unfolding and understanding of the beloved's nature.
Hot 🔥🔥🔥, sweet, and a little bit weird, once again.
🎯 Hit the bull's-eye!
Thank you darling author!
Review of advance copy
Look I never write reviews, IDK how to write good reviews, but this book was excellent. R. Cooper does a great job with the pacing of world building info. The main couple had a great dynamic; lots of yearning. Gotta love yearning. I read it in two sittings because it had a grip on me.
Read
August 28, 2026Here’s a polished version that keeps your casual Goodreads vibe:
R. Cooper is one of those auto-buy authors for me.
A tender, romantic story that gave me all the warm, fuzzy feelings. 🥹❤️ And best of all: **no third-act breakup!** Just the kind of soft, comforting romance I love.
R. Cooper is one of those auto-buy authors for me.
A tender, romantic story that gave me all the warm, fuzzy feelings. 🥹❤️ And best of all: **no third-act breakup!** Just the kind of soft, comforting romance I love.
August 29, 2026
I feel like when R Cooper gets it right they get it really right. I loved this story and the theme of someone who doesn’t underhand why other people see value in them is done really well. It’s a reoccurring Cooper theme but I think they do it so well. I’ll definitely be rereading this.
August 15, 2026
Another excellent book by R.Coopet. I love Rafi and Viau. The world building was great and the relationship was even better.
August 18, 2026
This was a very cute take on ABO. I loved the world and appreciated that we got more than just heat scenes.
August 19, 2026
such a lovely read
August 19, 2026
Enjoyable read set in an interesting world. Too much telling rather than showing, particularly on regards to world-building elements.
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