This book is part of an ongoing series but can be read as a standalone.
After the barn burns with her would-be lover inside, the teenage Princess Luella is resigned to the possibility of spinsterhood. She burns those too close to her - in moments of passion or anger. The reclusive life does not suit her vanity, but it does not remain quiet forever. Ten years later, a temper flare during a rare venture outside castle walls reignites the people's fear and the princess is even blamed for the drought that settles on the land. Facing a variety of threats, she has no choice but to accept marriage from a chilly foreign prince.
For protection.
For the land.
Yet, she also admits that he is a man "made for kissing," and her last attempt at that has resulted in tragedy.
Prince Metheus seems like the perfect match for the fiery Luella. He is calm and practical. He has no intention of making the marriage a physical affair. So, he never sees Luella as a threat to his life. All he wants is to cure the land and prove to the Mogochislenians that the people of Arrowspear are not barbarians.
Despite their decision to keep the marriage political, fate has a way of intervening. Common enemies threaten their lives and getting to know each other breaks down their pride.
Will Metheus finally reveal his true identity? Will Luella, the firebird, be finally tamed?
What's certain is that they need to work together to survive.
The alt-Medieval setting, demigods, avian shifter, witches, opposites attract, love after marriage, slow-burn to steamy romance
It was my first read from that author but it was worth it! At the beginning i was confused by the language that was used, until I realised that it was set in a medieval era!😂 Anyway, it was a slow burn, kept you guessing what's going to happen! I received my copy and read it in a few hours! It was different from my usual reading list but I enjoyed it very much!
Minor Spoilers + Mild Rant + Things shared on the internet that nobody cares about
Can we talk about the cover first? It is gorgeous and the couple is perfectly Mettheus and Luella. I luvv seeing it on my shelf.
There's a ton of praise I want to give this book but we'll need a conversation to cover all bases.
The world Sylvaine8 created is CAPTIVATING. I want to live there but as a deity 'cause why choose a lesser being (they always do the heavy lifting).
I especially appreciate how the author handled the FMCs trauma and how she grows throughout the story. Had to pause when she finally confronted her past.
If you're not into slow burn, this book may not be for you. It gets FRUSTRATING. Mettheus is as inexperienced as they come. He holds back, their first time is a first time, and it takes painstakingly long for him to confess. (IT.WAS.PAINFUL.) HOWEVER, should you push yourself to keep reading while berating him in your head, you might find yourself swooning over this fine~ gentleman.
Both MCs have a strong support system and they don't all face a tragic death for the sake of "changing" the MC into a revenge-driven character. (Though I would've loved to see edgy Mettheus lol)
Overall, my Mom and I enjoyed reading this book. She approves of my book boyfriend! 🥲
We have different opinions on the ending, but she wants to read the next book in the series cause she's curious about the fae. Sooo ... Lullaby and Tourniquet are sitting on my shelf rn staring at me. And this is me with my current read.
I'm always surprised when books get high reviews and yet there doesn't appear to be a strong plot line. I was bored and confused by chapter 8. Less confused yet still bored by chapter 12 and finally gave up at chapter 16 when there was no chemistry between the H and h. If you into a super slow burn and confusing plot line maybe you'll enjoy this more than I.
I loved this book! Excellent plot and well grounded characters. Loved the firebird!
I was having a dry spell. Nothing was holding my interest. This book was wonderful. It had adventure, crime, love and nature. All of the characters were so filled out. It was an excellent read. The first book to hold my attention in a long time