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236 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 16, 2021
393 people are currently reading
2675 people want to read
About the author
Lisette Marshall
27 books1,619 followersLisette Marshall is a fantasy romance author, language nerd and cartography enthusiast. Having grown up on a steady diet of epic fantasy, regency romance and cosy mysteries, she now writes steamy, swoony stories with a generous sprinkle of murder.
Lisette lives in the Netherlands (yes, below sea level) with her boyfriend and the few house plants that miraculously survive her highly irregular watering regime. When she’s not reading or writing, she can usually be found drawing fantasy maps, baking and eating too many chocolate cookies, or geeking out over Ancient Greek.
To get in touch, visit www.lisettemarshall.com, or follow @authorlisettemarshall on Instagram, where she spends way too much time looking at pretty book pictures.
Lisette lives in the Netherlands (yes, below sea level) with her boyfriend and the few house plants that miraculously survive her highly irregular watering regime. When she’s not reading or writing, she can usually be found drawing fantasy maps, baking and eating too many chocolate cookies, or geeking out over Ancient Greek.
To get in touch, visit www.lisettemarshall.com, or follow @authorlisettemarshall on Instagram, where she spends way too much time looking at pretty book pictures.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 147 reviews
March 28, 2025
***4.5/5 Stars***
Iron was a dark and luscious story that fantasy lovers will devour! With castles, a queen, an assassin and so much up in the air, this enemies to lovers story will keep readers hooked! I definitely need to go back and binge all of Lisette Marshall’s backlist!
Runo, a paid assassin, received orders from his Empress to kill Queen Tamar. Yet from the moment Runo showed up to murder Tamar, things didn’t go as planned. It all ended up going a little bit sideways, especially since neither of them could deny the intense chemistry between them. The desire. The fact that they felt something, which is rare in both of their lives. Yet at the end of the day, they were from two different worlds. But fate doesn’t always follow the simplest of paths.
Queen Tamar put up a good facade. Those around her listened to her and followed her orders. All because people feared her, since she ruled with an iron fist. She was driven and cold on the outside, but entirely different on the inside. My heart hurt for how lonely she was. She truly didn’t have a friend in the world. She was a good and fair ruler and we got to see how her past shaped her into who she was today. The moment Runo waltzed into her life, it allowed us to see a completely different side of Tamar. And I ended up really liking and respecting her!
It should be no surprise that I fell hard for Runo. He was a paid assassin. A murderer. He was to have no heart and do what he was told. But from the moment he met Queen Tamar, she made him pause. We got to see his humanity and all of the other sides of Runo that he kept buried. He was so resourceful and clever, and I loved that his arrogance knew no bounds. But he too lived a lonely life. And the more time he spent around Tamar, the more he wanted to not follow his orders. For the first time ever.
Any moment that Tamar and Runo were together, the sexual tension was intense. I loved that they both weren’t what the other expected and that they also got under each other’s skin. Tamar should hate Runo for what he was to do. Runo should feel nothing towards Tamar and do his job. And them ever being together was forbidden. But what unfolded instead was a web of clues, deceit, trust and the start of something so much more. The stakes become higher as each page passed, since a traitor was after both of their lives. They were forced to team up and I loved how this story unraveled and played out!
Iron was an extremely seductive tale filled with twists and turns. Sexual tension dripped from the pages and consumed me. And while I did start out this story confused and lost, once Runo and Tamar met I was hooked! There was so much passion and heat between them. Ohhh I have to say I should have put the clues together, but I devoured this book way too fast and ended up being shocked with how something played out. Eeps. Now I’m trying to patiently wait for the next book in this series. While it stopped at a spot that calms my heart, there was way too much up in the air to know what will happen next. I can’t wait!
*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, provided by the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*
For more of my reviews, please visit:
Blog * Instagram * Facebook * Bloglovin * Feedly
Iron was a dark and luscious story that fantasy lovers will devour! With castles, a queen, an assassin and so much up in the air, this enemies to lovers story will keep readers hooked! I definitely need to go back and binge all of Lisette Marshall’s backlist!
Don’t get attached. It was the first rule of his world.
Runo, a paid assassin, received orders from his Empress to kill Queen Tamar. Yet from the moment Runo showed up to murder Tamar, things didn’t go as planned. It all ended up going a little bit sideways, especially since neither of them could deny the intense chemistry between them. The desire. The fact that they felt something, which is rare in both of their lives. Yet at the end of the day, they were from two different worlds. But fate doesn’t always follow the simplest of paths.
Something stirred in her, and she feared it wasn’t hate alone.
Queen Tamar put up a good facade. Those around her listened to her and followed her orders. All because people feared her, since she ruled with an iron fist. She was driven and cold on the outside, but entirely different on the inside. My heart hurt for how lonely she was. She truly didn’t have a friend in the world. She was a good and fair ruler and we got to see how her past shaped her into who she was today. The moment Runo waltzed into her life, it allowed us to see a completely different side of Tamar. And I ended up really liking and respecting her!
He smiled. He couldn’t help it. A warped triumph was rising in him, a sensation like that last, expectant turn before winning a game. A dangerous feeling to allow, sitting in a cell and staring down a queen not particularly known for her mildness.
It should be no surprise that I fell hard for Runo. He was a paid assassin. A murderer. He was to have no heart and do what he was told. But from the moment he met Queen Tamar, she made him pause. We got to see his humanity and all of the other sides of Runo that he kept buried. He was so resourceful and clever, and I loved that his arrogance knew no bounds. But he too lived a lonely life. And the more time he spent around Tamar, the more he wanted to not follow his orders. For the first time ever.
‘As a general piece of advice, don’t expect assassins to care about your wellbeing.’
‘I didn’t—’
‘Sure you didn’t.’
Any moment that Tamar and Runo were together, the sexual tension was intense. I loved that they both weren’t what the other expected and that they also got under each other’s skin. Tamar should hate Runo for what he was to do. Runo should feel nothing towards Tamar and do his job. And them ever being together was forbidden. But what unfolded instead was a web of clues, deceit, trust and the start of something so much more. The stakes become higher as each page passed, since a traitor was after both of their lives. They were forced to team up and I loved how this story unraveled and played out!
In his arms she felt like everything he ever held dear in his life.
Iron was an extremely seductive tale filled with twists and turns. Sexual tension dripped from the pages and consumed me. And while I did start out this story confused and lost, once Runo and Tamar met I was hooked! There was so much passion and heat between them. Ohhh I have to say I should have put the clues together, but I devoured this book way too fast and ended up being shocked with how something played out. Eeps. Now I’m trying to patiently wait for the next book in this series. While it stopped at a spot that calms my heart, there was way too much up in the air to know what will happen next. I can’t wait!
*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, provided by the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*
For more of my reviews, please visit:
Blog * Instagram * Facebook * Bloglovin * Feedly
February 4, 2022
💖 Enemies to lovers, medieval vibes, ice queen, assassins 💖
This book is absolutely amazing!!! I really enjoyed the author's first novel, Velvet, but this is 1000 times better. I was hooked from the very first line and was so excited to get back to reading it every time I was forced to put it down. The main characters are brilliant and the chemistry between them is off the charts. The plot line isn't very elaborate but it is 100% worth reading just for the relationship development. I really, really need more of these characters.
This book is absolutely amazing!!! I really enjoyed the author's first novel, Velvet, but this is 1000 times better. I was hooked from the very first line and was so excited to get back to reading it every time I was forced to put it down. The main characters are brilliant and the chemistry between them is off the charts. The plot line isn't very elaborate but it is 100% worth reading just for the relationship development. I really, really need more of these characters.
October 6, 2022
This book... this book was boring. Maybe it was the mood I was in and i didn't find what I was looking for in this book or, it was generally boring. I'm leaning more towards it was boring. When I first read the blurb I was like great. Enemies to lovers, sunshine X grumpy. I was like this, now this is my THING! Something just really put me off about it, maybe it was the main character kind of had a story line of a desperate housewife who had to find love in someone younger. No, the story line wasn't about her finding someone younger it was just the DESPERATION. Like come on. Let's be realistic, if you were a queen, you wouldn't be doing dumb shit like that. The whole book felt like a unsatisfactory filler. You know the type of series netflix does when the main character goes through their boring erratic breakdown and all you want to know is if the characters are getting back together or not. This whole book was that. I'm so disappointed and I also read this in a day. A day of just wanting to get to the end of It. I will not be reading the next books unfortunately. Tis a shame.
December 12, 2025
4 🌟 3 🌶
*Chef's kiss*
I am obsessed with the way Lisette Marshall writes yearning, longing, and banter. She always makes me so deeply invested in each character, and feel so deeply for their chemistry.
*swoon*
I loved Runo, he reminded me of Flynn Ruder from Rapunzal. But make him an assassin instead of a thief.
And Tamar was a loving woman, stuck in a situation where she had to get the job done—extremely relatable to most women. She was firm, assertive, decisive, tender, passionate, and wanting.
Their romance was a rivals, forbidden, secret, love affair with benefits, turned longing and deeply yearning 🥹
*Chef's kiss*
I am obsessed with the way Lisette Marshall writes yearning, longing, and banter. She always makes me so deeply invested in each character, and feel so deeply for their chemistry.
*swoon*
I loved Runo, he reminded me of Flynn Ruder from Rapunzal. But make him an assassin instead of a thief.
And Tamar was a loving woman, stuck in a situation where she had to get the job done—extremely relatable to most women. She was firm, assertive, decisive, tender, passionate, and wanting.
Their romance was a rivals, forbidden, secret, love affair with benefits, turned longing and deeply yearning 🥹
January 12, 2024
Lisette Marshall has been on my TBR forever because some of the best people in the bookish community have told me how amazing her stories are. I decided that I was going to finally jump in and started with Iron because apparently Runo is the real deal when it comes to fictional boyfriends.
And the verdict is…
IT’S TRUE. ITS ALL TRUE! LISETTE IS BRILLIANT AND RUNO IS MY NEW BOYFRIEND.
Here’s why I loved this book:
Tamar is a lonely queen who has to rule her kingdom with an iron fist. Imagine her surprise when a grinning assassin casually saunters into her bedroom and tells her that he’s there to kill her.
As the two grapple with their attraction for one another, there is a plot to unravel, a traitor to be found and of course lots of hot sex to be had.
I frigging loved Tamar. She’s not a 17 year old queen that everyone fears, cos let’s be real, none of us are afraid of a 17 year old fierce queen. Ever. She’s almost thirty, has suffered and come out on the other side all the stronger for it. She’s rational and doesn’t just jump into danger. She’s open to feedback and vulnerable enough for us all to fall in love with her.
Then there’s Runo. If ever there was a romance hero that resembled Flynn Rider from Tangled, it is this man. He is cheeky, criminal and doesn’t take anything seriously at all. The man has a smirk, grin or sneer ready for every occasion.
I think the only thing I’d pick on is the fact that the whole story is basically set in the castle. There’s very little insight into what the rest of this fantastic world looks like. We know about the kingdoms, the politics and the intrigue but I wish the Queen and her Assassin stepped out a little and showed us a little more of their world.
Moving on to the next book and immediately buying the series in paperback.
And the verdict is…
IT’S TRUE. ITS ALL TRUE! LISETTE IS BRILLIANT AND RUNO IS MY NEW BOYFRIEND.
Here’s why I loved this book:
Tamar is a lonely queen who has to rule her kingdom with an iron fist. Imagine her surprise when a grinning assassin casually saunters into her bedroom and tells her that he’s there to kill her.
As the two grapple with their attraction for one another, there is a plot to unravel, a traitor to be found and of course lots of hot sex to be had.
I frigging loved Tamar. She’s not a 17 year old queen that everyone fears, cos let’s be real, none of us are afraid of a 17 year old fierce queen. Ever. She’s almost thirty, has suffered and come out on the other side all the stronger for it. She’s rational and doesn’t just jump into danger. She’s open to feedback and vulnerable enough for us all to fall in love with her.
Then there’s Runo. If ever there was a romance hero that resembled Flynn Rider from Tangled, it is this man. He is cheeky, criminal and doesn’t take anything seriously at all. The man has a smirk, grin or sneer ready for every occasion.
I think the only thing I’d pick on is the fact that the whole story is basically set in the castle. There’s very little insight into what the rest of this fantastic world looks like. We know about the kingdoms, the politics and the intrigue but I wish the Queen and her Assassin stepped out a little and showed us a little more of their world.
Moving on to the next book and immediately buying the series in paperback.
March 12, 2023
It comes with no surprise that I adore an enemies-to-lovers. Well, the author delivered the best enemies-to-lovers, where the MMC is an assassin trying to kill the FMC. There is no insta-love in this book, though there is insta-lust 😏. The banter and angst is off the chart.
The story follows a stoic FMC that only melts for him and a cheeky/irogant MMC that only shows is soft side to her is on point 🤌
But wait, there’s more. Not only do we follow the relationship progress, we also see some great character growth.
Also, I couldn’t guess who the betrayer was! And I was shooked when it was revealed. The story is short, so it does progress fairly quickly. However, even though the book is shorter, I never felt like anything was rushed. We also get two more books that will keep me satisfied with the characters progression.
The story follows a stoic FMC that only melts for him and a cheeky/irogant MMC that only shows is soft side to her is on point 🤌
But wait, there’s more. Not only do we follow the relationship progress, we also see some great character growth.
Also, I couldn’t guess who the betrayer was! And I was shooked when it was revealed. The story is short, so it does progress fairly quickly. However, even though the book is shorter, I never felt like anything was rushed. We also get two more books that will keep me satisfied with the characters progression.
March 21, 2022
To quote Thumper 🐇 "If you don't have something nice to say, don't say anything at all..."
So, I'm not saying anything, because I don't want to sound mean. This book just wasn't to my taste, even though the synopsis sounded amazing! 🤩
So, I'm not saying anything, because I don't want to sound mean. This book just wasn't to my taste, even though the synopsis sounded amazing! 🤩
November 2, 2021
4.5 stars!
Back to the Five Kingdoms for the start of a new trilogy from Lisette Marshall, this book is a steamy and intriguing enemies-to-lovers romance with fantastic characters, epic banter and sizzling chemistry. I loved it!
Set in the same world as The Princess & The Spy series, this is a spin-off from novella, Damask. The events of that book introduced us to Queen Tamar, and after those dramatic events, I love getting more of her story.
Tamar is the Queen of Redwood, and she rules her kingdom alone following the death of her husband (she’s actually the one who killed him, after suffering years of abuse at his hands, though she obviously keeps that to herself). She keeps up a façade of being cold and ruthless, constantly on guard from those who wish to challenge her, and while she proudly rules her people, privately, she lives a very lonely life, longing for more.
When a rival kingdom sends an assassin to kill her, she is stunned that he makes it as far as getting into her bedroom. Not only that, but rather than getting down to the business of killing, he actually banters with her. It’s a bizarre situation, and his good looks and her instant attraction to him only confuse her even more, but using her wit and charm she manages to survive the encounter.
Runo, the assassin, is from the Taavi Empire and has been sent to kill the Queen by his Empress – with help from an anonymous palace insider. But from his first glimpse of Tamar, he is thrown off his game. She isn’t anything like what he expected, and when their first encounter ends with her outsmarting him, he is stunned but amused, even though it lands him in her prison cells.
When an attempt is made on Runo’s life, it’s clear that both of them are in danger from an unknown source, and with little other choice, they agree to work together to find out who is behind both assassination attempts.
It’s a great set up, made all the more awesome because these two together are fantastic! Their banter is so entertaining, they have brilliant chemistry, and the sexual tension sizzles every time they are in the same room as each other.
Tamar is a great heroine, and I loved getting to know the real her as Runo strips down her (metaphorical) layers to see the woman behind the ruthless queen. The dynamic between them is really well developed, and I loved seeing them find their way to each other.
Runo is all supreme cocky arrogance, and damn, he does it well. He is smart, funny and flirtatious, but he’s also absolutely filthy. He has this slick confidence that makes him so irresistible, and he more than backs up his flirting when he and Tamar act on their mad lust, and it’s so hot!
Their ‘relationship’ develops as the search for the mysterious killer continues, and all of the different elements of the story are wound together really well to create a captivating and exciting read that I struggled to put down. But as their search brings them close to finding the person who wants them both dead, secrets are revealed, and everything is about to change.
I loved this book. It’s beautifully written, and I loved losing myself in this world and Marshall’s wonderful characters. The book ends in a great place, but the story is far from over, and I can’t wait to see where Tamar and Runo’s journey takes them as the series continues.
4.5 stars!
An Advanced Review Copy was generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Back to the Five Kingdoms for the start of a new trilogy from Lisette Marshall, this book is a steamy and intriguing enemies-to-lovers romance with fantastic characters, epic banter and sizzling chemistry. I loved it!
Set in the same world as The Princess & The Spy series, this is a spin-off from novella, Damask. The events of that book introduced us to Queen Tamar, and after those dramatic events, I love getting more of her story.
Tamar is the Queen of Redwood, and she rules her kingdom alone following the death of her husband (she’s actually the one who killed him, after suffering years of abuse at his hands, though she obviously keeps that to herself). She keeps up a façade of being cold and ruthless, constantly on guard from those who wish to challenge her, and while she proudly rules her people, privately, she lives a very lonely life, longing for more.
When a rival kingdom sends an assassin to kill her, she is stunned that he makes it as far as getting into her bedroom. Not only that, but rather than getting down to the business of killing, he actually banters with her. It’s a bizarre situation, and his good looks and her instant attraction to him only confuse her even more, but using her wit and charm she manages to survive the encounter.
“I’ve never been assassinated before. How do these things come about? Am I allowed any last wishes, or do you just slit my throat and disappear into the night again?”
Amusement flickered in his eyes. “Depending on what the last wish is, I may allow you one. Not really according to protocol, I will admit, but I tend to be relatively accommodating with these things.”
Runo, the assassin, is from the Taavi Empire and has been sent to kill the Queen by his Empress – with help from an anonymous palace insider. But from his first glimpse of Tamar, he is thrown off his game. She isn’t anything like what he expected, and when their first encounter ends with her outsmarting him, he is stunned but amused, even though it lands him in her prison cells.
When an attempt is made on Runo’s life, it’s clear that both of them are in danger from an unknown source, and with little other choice, they agree to work together to find out who is behind both assassination attempts.
It’s a great set up, made all the more awesome because these two together are fantastic! Their banter is so entertaining, they have brilliant chemistry, and the sexual tension sizzles every time they are in the same room as each other.
“What – you think I’d willingly take off my clothes for you?”
For a moment he didn’t move, answering her glare with an amicable, undisturbed smile. Then he said, “Yes, actually.”
Tamar is a great heroine, and I loved getting to know the real her as Runo strips down her (metaphorical) layers to see the woman behind the ruthless queen. The dynamic between them is really well developed, and I loved seeing them find their way to each other.
She wanted him. She wanted this. She wanted to lose herself for once, wanted to forget the world for once…
He had seen the weakest of her anyway. There was nothing left to lose.
Runo is all supreme cocky arrogance, and damn, he does it well. He is smart, funny and flirtatious, but he’s also absolutely filthy. He has this slick confidence that makes him so irresistible, and he more than backs up his flirting when he and Tamar act on their mad lust, and it’s so hot!
Nothing in the world could ever compare to this, a powerful woman trusting him enough to be powerless in his arms…
Trusting him.
Their ‘relationship’ develops as the search for the mysterious killer continues, and all of the different elements of the story are wound together really well to create a captivating and exciting read that I struggled to put down. But as their search brings them close to finding the person who wants them both dead, secrets are revealed, and everything is about to change.
How could she care about his past if this was the future he promised her?
I loved this book. It’s beautifully written, and I loved losing myself in this world and Marshall’s wonderful characters. The book ends in a great place, but the story is far from over, and I can’t wait to see where Tamar and Runo’s journey takes them as the series continues.
4.5 stars!
An Advanced Review Copy was generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
March 23, 2024
Loved the pairing.
Hero gave me the vibe of Rowan from Butcher & Blackbird.
Recommended.
Hero gave me the vibe of Rowan from Butcher & Blackbird.
Recommended.
November 15, 2021
Lisette Marshall is on my shortlist of go-to authors. Iron is my all-time favorite book featuring the assassin-to-lovers trope. I'm a huge fan of the trope and have devoured more of these than I could ever count. The main characters completely stole my heart. I instantly felt invested in their love story.
Tamar, the beautiful Iron Queen always has to be hard and cold and ruthless and in control in order to maintain order. But under that hard exterior is a soft, caring heart and a love for the people her crown serves. Runo, the handsome, mischievous assassin, has a quick smile and a fun-loving spirit, and golden eyes that see more in one glance than they should be able to perceive. He is the first to see through her cold shell. Their romance burns hot quickly. This book has all the sexy steamy moments I've come to expect from a Marshall book.
In addition to the blooming romance, strong heroine, and excellent banter, there's a mystery that needs to be solved. Who helped the sexy assassin get into the castle in the first place? Not even Runo knows. I thought I'd read enough Marshall books by now I'd be able to pick up on all the subtle clues, but once again she fooled me. I did not figure it out before the reveal.
Have I mentioned yet that I'm completely in love with Runo? I don't care that he's a figment of someone's imagination. There were times while reading when I was so taken by his wit and smiles and inability to take anything (including death) seriously that I was ready to knife-fight Tamar for him :) I received an advanced copy of this book. I highly recommend it for fans of steamy fantasy romance in a medieval setting.
Tamar, the beautiful Iron Queen always has to be hard and cold and ruthless and in control in order to maintain order. But under that hard exterior is a soft, caring heart and a love for the people her crown serves. Runo, the handsome, mischievous assassin, has a quick smile and a fun-loving spirit, and golden eyes that see more in one glance than they should be able to perceive. He is the first to see through her cold shell. Their romance burns hot quickly. This book has all the sexy steamy moments I've come to expect from a Marshall book.
In addition to the blooming romance, strong heroine, and excellent banter, there's a mystery that needs to be solved. Who helped the sexy assassin get into the castle in the first place? Not even Runo knows. I thought I'd read enough Marshall books by now I'd be able to pick up on all the subtle clues, but once again she fooled me. I did not figure it out before the reveal.
Have I mentioned yet that I'm completely in love with Runo? I don't care that he's a figment of someone's imagination. There were times while reading when I was so taken by his wit and smiles and inability to take anything (including death) seriously that I was ready to knife-fight Tamar for him :) I received an advanced copy of this book. I highly recommend it for fans of steamy fantasy romance in a medieval setting.
October 26, 2021
Queens, assassins, intrigue, murder. If you feel a slight tingling sensation with these words and would like to accompany two 30+ protagonists on a journey to themselves and to each other, I can only recommend you to read it.
Tamar and Runo are both soulful, stormy and, due to their past, very authentic in their behavior. I've devoured the book and I'm looking forward to the rest of the trilogy.
Thank you for letting me review the book as an ARC reader.
Tamar and Runo are both soulful, stormy and, due to their past, very authentic in their behavior. I've devoured the book and I'm looking forward to the rest of the trilogy.
Thank you for letting me review the book as an ARC reader.
March 1, 2023
Just a quick note to say that this book made me fall in love with Lisette Marshall. Marshall's writing, I mean, not Marshall herself. That would be weird.
Cheers.
Cheers.
August 9, 2023
This was a really dumb premise with a mildly entertaining execution. Readable, I guess, but as exciting a plain toast. I won’t be continuing unless I get really bored or I decisive about a next read.
August 26, 2023
This book was low key good…
I’m saying this because every book I’ve picked up lately I haven’t been able to finish or I’ve hated.
Don’t get me wrong this book isn’t amazing by any means, but I got exactly what I was told I was going to get. It was short, spicy, enemies to lovers, knifes to throats, grumpy🥷 x sunshine👸, and it was giving medieval times.
(Man I’m really selling this book 😏)
All I have to say is that there were things about this book I don’t like. But in the end I had a good time so that’s really all the matters! So if you want, read it. That’s it. Until the next book!! ☝️🥰
I’m saying this because every book I’ve picked up lately I haven’t been able to finish or I’ve hated.
Don’t get me wrong this book isn’t amazing by any means, but I got exactly what I was told I was going to get. It was short, spicy, enemies to lovers, knifes to throats, grumpy🥷 x sunshine👸, and it was giving medieval times.
(Man I’m really selling this book 😏)
All I have to say is that there were things about this book I don’t like. But in the end I had a good time so that’s really all the matters! So if you want, read it. That’s it. Until the next book!! ☝️🥰
November 27, 2022
[20/77]
⤷ this is book 20 of 77 books i have downloaded for free on amazon kindle, so it may be time to finally go through them all. oh god, wish me luck.
i quite enjoyed this one! at first the simplicity and wittiness of the characters and then the uncovered depth of them. runo was super funny, and he had some good lines; generally i was quite fond of him. the plot was simple and the twist at the end was predictable but i was too caught up on rooting for them to stay together, LOL.
‘You have some nerves, Taavi.’
‘They come in the place of all that honour I lack,’ he said cheerfully.
i think that quote explains his character quite well, hilarious, sarcastic, quick-witted. it had some minor "issues" (wrong word, but the right one is not coming to me right now...), but definitely enjoyable. yep! i definitely think i'm going to read the second book!
⤷ this is book 20 of 77 books i have downloaded for free on amazon kindle, so it may be time to finally go through them all. oh god, wish me luck.
i quite enjoyed this one! at first the simplicity and wittiness of the characters and then the uncovered depth of them. runo was super funny, and he had some good lines; generally i was quite fond of him. the plot was simple and the twist at the end was predictable but i was too caught up on rooting for them to stay together, LOL.
‘You have some nerves, Taavi.’
‘They come in the place of all that honour I lack,’ he said cheerfully.
i think that quote explains his character quite well, hilarious, sarcastic, quick-witted. it had some minor "issues" (wrong word, but the right one is not coming to me right now...), but definitely enjoyable. yep! i definitely think i'm going to read the second book!
November 3, 2021
(check out how AWESOME this cover is!)
This one was extremely addicting and amazing! The MCs Tamar and Runo were so ❤️
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Tamar is the Queen of Redwood. Her dead husand, the King, was extremely violent and physically abusive.. this story starts a few years after she poisons and kills him.
Runo is an assassin in the employ of a rival empire. He visits the kingdom of Redwood on a paid assignment to kill Tamar.
But then they meet, and have a deadly game of back and forth, and at each step, they fall for each other more. As new threats emerge and Runo and Tamar become closer and closer, it's only a matter of time before the enemies turn into lovers.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I loved their banter, their vulnerable conversations, their chemistry, and the ending was just ❤️ I really cannot wait for book 2! I'll just keep rereading the book 1 and it's ending till then :)))
Also for those of you who have read her previous trilogy? There are a bunch of subtle mentions of Vivi and Jaghar in this book, and it was amazingg ❤️
This one was extremely addicting and amazing! The MCs Tamar and Runo were so ❤️
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Tamar is the Queen of Redwood. Her dead husand, the King, was extremely violent and physically abusive.. this story starts a few years after she poisons and kills him.
Runo is an assassin in the employ of a rival empire. He visits the kingdom of Redwood on a paid assignment to kill Tamar.
But then they meet, and have a deadly game of back and forth, and at each step, they fall for each other more. As new threats emerge and Runo and Tamar become closer and closer, it's only a matter of time before the enemies turn into lovers.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I loved their banter, their vulnerable conversations, their chemistry, and the ending was just ❤️ I really cannot wait for book 2! I'll just keep rereading the book 1 and it's ending till then :)))
Also for those of you who have read her previous trilogy? There are a bunch of subtle mentions of Vivi and Jaghar in this book, and it was amazingg ❤️
November 22, 2021
Imagine a Queen, a stoic Iron woman that commands respect, a survivor.
Then picture the best and most unpredictable assassin, with the biggest smirk and the sexiest wordplay.
He was sent to kill her, but... "I've never been assassinated before. How to these things come about? Am I allowed any last wishes...?" 🥵
(😱 I'm screaming just thinking about it! They have the sexiest banter ever! )
👶 ~ NA 🥵
🌶 ~ Oh my word! 🥵 Runo raises the sexiness to another level! Tamar may be the ice Queen, but in bed he is king... 🥵. The sexy scenes were so refreshing (not like other fantasy romances, where the sex scenes seem to be the same) Sex as healing trope!
👑 ~ The grumpy, Tamar, and the sunshine, Runo, learn that an enemies situation can be sexy as hell and healing too (I love it!) 🤩
Runo is a damaged but solid hero and his wordplay is the best I ever came across! It's good from the beginning to the end of the book (not many authors achieve this!). He is hilarious and dom 😏, but when his control slips... you get glimpses of his true nature. I love him so much!
Tamar is a self-made ice queen, a survivor, she is personification of authority and is respected beyond borders. But when she faces him... oh my god! She turns into a goddess 😍 No one dares to touch him when he's under her protection 😏
⚔ ~ Our assassin, from a neighbor empire, gets help to murder the Iron Queen of Redwood. But, after a fated encounter, the Queen and the assassin are forced to unite to find out who is conspiring against her! Political intrigue and murder in medieval times 😏 With no cliffhanger 😏
🌎 ~ This first book takes mainly place in the kingdom of Redwood. But we get glimpses of the Empire and it's history. No magical system.
📖 ~ A modern twist of a medieval romance!
Lows ~ Too short!
Then picture the best and most unpredictable assassin, with the biggest smirk and the sexiest wordplay.
He was sent to kill her, but... "I've never been assassinated before. How to these things come about? Am I allowed any last wishes...?" 🥵
(😱 I'm screaming just thinking about it! They have the sexiest banter ever! )
👶 ~ NA 🥵
🌶 ~ Oh my word! 🥵 Runo raises the sexiness to another level! Tamar may be the ice Queen, but in bed he is king... 🥵. The sexy scenes were so refreshing (not like other fantasy romances, where the sex scenes seem to be the same) Sex as healing trope!
👑 ~ The grumpy, Tamar, and the sunshine, Runo, learn that an enemies situation can be sexy as hell and healing too (I love it!) 🤩
Runo is a damaged but solid hero and his wordplay is the best I ever came across! It's good from the beginning to the end of the book (not many authors achieve this!). He is hilarious and dom 😏, but when his control slips... you get glimpses of his true nature. I love him so much!
Tamar is a self-made ice queen, a survivor, she is personification of authority and is respected beyond borders. But when she faces him... oh my god! She turns into a goddess 😍 No one dares to touch him when he's under her protection 😏
⚔ ~ Our assassin, from a neighbor empire, gets help to murder the Iron Queen of Redwood. But, after a fated encounter, the Queen and the assassin are forced to unite to find out who is conspiring against her! Political intrigue and murder in medieval times 😏 With no cliffhanger 😏
🌎 ~ This first book takes mainly place in the kingdom of Redwood. But we get glimpses of the Empire and it's history. No magical system.
📖 ~ A modern twist of a medieval romance!
Lows ~ Too short!
November 22, 2025
Wow!!! This book had my attention from the very first page, and I couldn’t make myself put it down until I finished it!!! The author created an incredible world full of political intrigue that captured my interest immediately. I loved that Tamar was a queen without a king, and that she was able to keep her kingdom without remarrying.
Tamar. Oh, how I love her. She’s brilliant, bold, savvy, and capable, and I admire her for the simple fact that she doesn’t let anyone take her power away from her. Runo. Oh my gosh, I love him so much. He’s arrogant in a charming sort of way, and I am 100% here for it!! Runo is a very deadly assassin, but the author makes you forget that in his interactions with Tamar. I honestly loved Tamar and Runo together, especially the way they danced around each other. 5 freaking stars!!!
Tamar. Oh, how I love her. She’s brilliant, bold, savvy, and capable, and I admire her for the simple fact that she doesn’t let anyone take her power away from her. Runo. Oh my gosh, I love him so much. He’s arrogant in a charming sort of way, and I am 100% here for it!! Runo is a very deadly assassin, but the author makes you forget that in his interactions with Tamar. I honestly loved Tamar and Runo together, especially the way they danced around each other. 5 freaking stars!!!
October 13, 2022
Yes, yes and yes. This book pulled me straight in and committed to the story so early in. I laughed so hard at some of the things that come out of Runo's mouth (some of the things that come into his head too). This story is funny and sexy, there is mystery and intrigue, romance and murder, what more can you want from a book?
June 7, 2024
You can’t spend six weeks traveling through the wilderness as a fugitive & then NOT take a shower before having sex.
June 19, 2024
DNF
The synopsis sounded promising but after reading the same plot line happen over and over and over again I just couldn’t finish it, felt like a total waste of time.
The synopsis sounded promising but after reading the same plot line happen over and over and over again I just couldn’t finish it, felt like a total waste of time.
October 31, 2021
I adored this book 😍 This follows Runo an assassin from Tavi sent to kill Queen Tamar because as he was told “she’s a murderer”. So, Runo has a rather distorted view of who she is as a person and has no problem taking her out for his Empress. He catches her by surprise, but she catches him by surprise too by getting out of his hands and him getting captured. Runo is not what Queen Tamar was expecting and neither was the Queen what Runo was expecting, but they each have an endgame. He has to survive to kill her still and she needs to find out who wants her killed and stop them with the assassin’s help, while both try to avoid this sizzling attraction they have for each other.
I really enjoyed this story. At first, I was a bit concerned as to how there would be a romance between an assassin and his mark, but it flowed so nicely in this book. I also love that the romance didn’t take away from the story. I’m all for steamy romances, but when that is all you read in the entire book with next to no story, it gets boring. This had substance and a good story to go along with it. It’s a good mix of mystery, danger and romance. It was *chef’s kiss* 👌🏻
I adored the characters too! I loved reading about other characters from the same world as Velvet. The character development was fantastic and well done. Tamar is considered an Iron Queen and she definitely gives off those vibes with how ramrod straight she is when she stands or sits and looks down everyone from her nose and never lets ANYONE see weakness from her. And it makes sense. Her husband had died, and she had to show everyone she could be Queen on her own. Except, she tends to go a bit overboard, and as Runo says, everyone is more afraid of her rather than respect her. It was so interesting to see her transform after Runo points out her insecurities and flaws and she takes his feedback and slowly changes into a better person. Not weak, but more open to others.
And then Runo 😍 Oh he is a gem! He is so sassy and arrogant and perfect for Tamar! He’s not afraid of her, AT ALL, to the detriment of Tamar. He just smirks at her and carries on, it was so great 😂 But as you read, you see that a lot of his pomp is a facade to hide how he truly feels or show his heart and how much he actually cares. They both were so similar in being afraid to show who they really are or show their feelings and they each were able to draw each other out and just change each other for the better.
And don’t even get me started on the romance. Let’s just say it’s 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
I have to say again that I thoroughly enjoyed this book! It is a good mix of political intrigue, mystery, spicy forbidden/enemies to lovers romance, and suspense. And I hardly recommend it 😁
Thank you to Lisette Marshall for a free digital copy to read 🥰🥰🥰
I really enjoyed this story. At first, I was a bit concerned as to how there would be a romance between an assassin and his mark, but it flowed so nicely in this book. I also love that the romance didn’t take away from the story. I’m all for steamy romances, but when that is all you read in the entire book with next to no story, it gets boring. This had substance and a good story to go along with it. It’s a good mix of mystery, danger and romance. It was *chef’s kiss* 👌🏻
I adored the characters too! I loved reading about other characters from the same world as Velvet. The character development was fantastic and well done. Tamar is considered an Iron Queen and she definitely gives off those vibes with how ramrod straight she is when she stands or sits and looks down everyone from her nose and never lets ANYONE see weakness from her. And it makes sense. Her husband had died, and she had to show everyone she could be Queen on her own. Except, she tends to go a bit overboard, and as Runo says, everyone is more afraid of her rather than respect her. It was so interesting to see her transform after Runo points out her insecurities and flaws and she takes his feedback and slowly changes into a better person. Not weak, but more open to others.
And then Runo 😍 Oh he is a gem! He is so sassy and arrogant and perfect for Tamar! He’s not afraid of her, AT ALL, to the detriment of Tamar. He just smirks at her and carries on, it was so great 😂 But as you read, you see that a lot of his pomp is a facade to hide how he truly feels or show his heart and how much he actually cares. They both were so similar in being afraid to show who they really are or show their feelings and they each were able to draw each other out and just change each other for the better.
And don’t even get me started on the romance. Let’s just say it’s 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
I have to say again that I thoroughly enjoyed this book! It is a good mix of political intrigue, mystery, spicy forbidden/enemies to lovers romance, and suspense. And I hardly recommend it 😁
Thank you to Lisette Marshall for a free digital copy to read 🥰🥰🥰
January 27, 2023
Iron
The Queen and the Assassin #1
Fantasy
Lisette Marshall
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I need to start this review by saying how much I love Lisette Marshalls's writing style. I was gripped and intrigued throughout the whole book and everything flowed really nicely.
I always prefer dual povs and the MCs in this book were just great. Usually I favour one or the other but in this case I loved them both. Tamar is fierce, strong and she's independent to a fault. Runo is determined, witty and loyal. They are both just trying to survive but need more in life. The banter between these two characters is incredible and it was only a matter of time before they turned from enemies to lovers.
Most of the time I don't like the insta-lust trope but I just couldn't help enjoying it this time. Even as the chemistry is building, Tamar and Runo are trying to resist the pull towards each other, they joke, make snide comments, tease each other and talk in riddles sometimes and it just adds more layers.
The plot itself was interesting, I was kept on my toes trying to guess who hired Runo and who wanted Tamar dead. I liked how the world building was developed and how details about the MCs were gradually revealed instead of using info dumps.
My only complaint is that it should've been longer 😂.
The Queen and the Assassin #1
Fantasy
Lisette Marshall
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I need to start this review by saying how much I love Lisette Marshalls's writing style. I was gripped and intrigued throughout the whole book and everything flowed really nicely.
I always prefer dual povs and the MCs in this book were just great. Usually I favour one or the other but in this case I loved them both. Tamar is fierce, strong and she's independent to a fault. Runo is determined, witty and loyal. They are both just trying to survive but need more in life. The banter between these two characters is incredible and it was only a matter of time before they turned from enemies to lovers.
Most of the time I don't like the insta-lust trope but I just couldn't help enjoying it this time. Even as the chemistry is building, Tamar and Runo are trying to resist the pull towards each other, they joke, make snide comments, tease each other and talk in riddles sometimes and it just adds more layers.
The plot itself was interesting, I was kept on my toes trying to guess who hired Runo and who wanted Tamar dead. I liked how the world building was developed and how details about the MCs were gradually revealed instead of using info dumps.
My only complaint is that it should've been longer 😂.
November 17, 2021
Assassins, abusive husbands, bastards, murder and court intrigue. Best of all a swoon worthy enemies-to-lovers romance. This was such a fun, quick read. A rather steamy, lusty, unexpected romance that I just couldn’t get enough of!
Tamar is the Iron Queen. Rules her kingdom with an iron fist and a cold heart. Or does she?
Runo is the heartless, heedless Taavi assassin. Charged with only one thing, kill the murderous Iron Queen. But is there more to him than loyal assassin?
Their personal histories are developed and teased out as the story goes on. Lust and mysterious intrigue clouding their normally clear headed judgment. Unraveling each other’s secrets, that lust slowly turns to something much, much more.
It took me awhile to connect to the characters initially but the latter half of the book is packed with action, steam, unraveled mysteries, heartache and intrigue. It was a really entertaining read, I just wish it had a little more world building and character history earlier on.
** I received an ARC of this novel for free and am leaving this review voluntarily **
Tamar is the Iron Queen. Rules her kingdom with an iron fist and a cold heart. Or does she?
Runo is the heartless, heedless Taavi assassin. Charged with only one thing, kill the murderous Iron Queen. But is there more to him than loyal assassin?
Their personal histories are developed and teased out as the story goes on. Lust and mysterious intrigue clouding their normally clear headed judgment. Unraveling each other’s secrets, that lust slowly turns to something much, much more.
It took me awhile to connect to the characters initially but the latter half of the book is packed with action, steam, unraveled mysteries, heartache and intrigue. It was a really entertaining read, I just wish it had a little more world building and character history earlier on.
** I received an ARC of this novel for free and am leaving this review voluntarily **
March 7, 2023
So this book wasn't bad per se but despite the fact that it was an interesting plot I don't feel like the way it was carried out really did it justice. I also feel like something about the main male character just didn't click with me at all I can't pinpoint one particular thing but I just didn't really see the appeal to him. And I also think that played a big hand in the fact that I honestly didn't see any chemistry between him and the female lead. I just didn't really get it and so that was a big letdown for me as well. I feel like the shining star of this book and why it's two stars is because I genuinely loved the main female character and she was a strong lead that didn't let herself get pushed around by anyone or anything, she stood up for herself and for her beliefs and so many other things like genuinely I really did like this character and thought that she was well written. I also feel like as far as the plot goes there was no big suspense as far as finding out who the killer was. It was really easy to follow along and guess so that was also kind of a letdown.
December 21, 2022
✨The Queen of Grumpy -sunshine trope ✨
❧❧❧❧❧❧❧❧❧❧❧❧❧❧
NO SPOILER REVIEW
Rating
★★★★
Spice level
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ 5/5
Im not even surprised that this book was so good. I know the writing style of the author and I wanted a quick read for the weekend.
It has the right amount of pages, a nice worldbuilding, where the author setups her fantasy world but not going into too much detail , just the right amount to not be overwhelming.
You know from the start what the conflict would be who the main characters will be, the possible solutions, and mixed in all that a masterclass in grumpy sunshine trope . Just perfection. In this book the grumpy character is the woman and the sunshine the assassin .
Add to the trope a good dose of sarcasm and jokes , that are just a trademark of this author, excellent sex scenes ( and a lot !!) And you get this wonderfull book .
This book is a must if you love the trope .Just perfection . 💫💫💫
❧❧❧❧❧❧❧❧❧❧❧❧❧❧
NO SPOILER REVIEW
Rating
★★★★
Spice level
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ 5/5
Im not even surprised that this book was so good. I know the writing style of the author and I wanted a quick read for the weekend.
It has the right amount of pages, a nice worldbuilding, where the author setups her fantasy world but not going into too much detail , just the right amount to not be overwhelming.
You know from the start what the conflict would be who the main characters will be, the possible solutions, and mixed in all that a masterclass in grumpy sunshine trope . Just perfection. In this book the grumpy character is the woman and the sunshine the assassin .
Add to the trope a good dose of sarcasm and jokes , that are just a trademark of this author, excellent sex scenes ( and a lot !!) And you get this wonderfull book .
This book is a must if you love the trope .Just perfection . 💫💫💫
October 30, 2023
"Getting killed was the only thing that could make this night even worse."
🗡 Great banter
🗡 Insta-Attraction
🗡 Spicy 🌶🌶
🗡 Political Intrigue
🗡 Dual POV
🗡 To be continued cliffhanger
Solid book! It was on the shorter side, which left not as much world building and character development as I would have liked. There's definitely an insta-lust or attractive between the Assassin and the Queen to get the story moving forward faster. I absolutely loved the banter between the two! There were some slower moments with the back and forth of killing and not.
3.5 stars rounded up.
🗡 Great banter
🗡 Insta-Attraction
🗡 Spicy 🌶🌶
🗡 Political Intrigue
🗡 Dual POV
🗡 To be continued cliffhanger
Solid book! It was on the shorter side, which left not as much world building and character development as I would have liked. There's definitely an insta-lust or attractive between the Assassin and the Queen to get the story moving forward faster. I absolutely loved the banter between the two! There were some slower moments with the back and forth of killing and not.
3.5 stars rounded up.
November 13, 2021
I've read this book as an arc. Overall I liked it, the banter and connection in this story is really good! I thought the storyline a bit slow and predictable. Total of 3 stars, it was enjoyable.
Want to read
February 23, 2022🎁 FREE on Amazon today (2/23/2022)! 🎁
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