Where Iron Meets Flame by Louise Everett
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“Welcome to the home of wayward idiots and king haters.”
Why I put this book off for so long I will never know, IT WAS SO GOOD!! Louise Everett is an indie author which was what originally caught my eye, and what a talented one at that! I knew as soon as the cover was revealed that it would be spectacular. Speaking of the cover, it is absolutely PERFECT for the book!! Which is not always a success, but I am not sure a cover has ever fit a book better than this one does.
Lilian Coleman is the crown princess and after two deaths, the heir to the throne.
Henry Feyre is no hero, and he never wanted to be.
And James is…James is James and we love him for it. 😂 The dynamic between him and Henry reminded me SO much of my own characters Tyler and Jake. They are everything I hope my own characters to be and more! James is reckless and impulsive, and Henry is cool, calculating, and broody. LOVE!
One of the things I really liked about this book was the Duel POV between Lily and Henry. I absolutely relish seeing their different feelings and voices about their lives and each other. All of Louise’s characters were in depth, well thought out, and well written. Henry is obviously my favorite thought hehe. I just adore him.
I especially related to this quote: “I don’t want love. But that doesn’t mean I don’t want it for other people. I find it a waste of time.”
And I hope, that the following quote becomes true for me as well.
“I once told you that I thought love was a waste of time and that I did not want it for myself. But I do now.“
This book was incredibly well written from the plot, to the characters, to the scenes themselves. My favorite scene is when Lilian blows the whistle for the first time. The whistles should be acknowledged as their own characters because that was so original and clever!! …Okay let’s be honest, I loved every scene between Lilian and Henry. The banter was gold!
This book is everything I desire in a book. Its historical fiction with dark fall vibes, enemies to lovers and found family tropes, indie gem, and way more!
Also, Louise if you are reading this, you are the one that introduced me to Stalking Jack the Ripper (it is now one of my favorite books!) I squealed when you used ‘Wadsworth’ like a little girl on Christmas lol. Especially when you gave the eponym to Henry and his sister!! “Lord Idiot” had me dying. 🤣
There is so much I want to say about this book, and I will probably reread and edit this review after the rerelease on June 12th so I don’t accidently say things on stuff you have edited or removed. But Louise, this is a beautiful and stunning debut!! It's one of my favorite books now. Thank you for writing it!
I will always consider the cabin and the bandits my second home and wish to go back as soon as possible.
Pugnamus usque in finem, bandits, Pugnamus usque in finem!