Healer to the Ash King

Dark Rulers #5

by Rebecca F. Kenney

A young healer with water powers is conscripted to serve in the Capital during the "Calling of the Favored," a competition during which the King will choose his bride. Her sympathies—and her friends—are with the Undoing, a band of anarchists intent on overthrowing the monarchy. When she meets the fire-wielding Ash King, all she can think about is removing him from power, by any means necessary.

This enemies-to-lovers, hate-to-love romance is basically The Hunger Games (Collins) crossed with The Selection (Cass). Fans of C.N. Crawford, Sarah J. Maas, and Jennifer L. Armentrout will enjoy this book!


Trigger warnings are available on the author's website and in the front matter of the book.

Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Enemies To Lovers, Romantasy, Fantasy Romance, Magic, Dark Romance

Unknown Binding

Published June 1, 2022

About the author

Rebecca F. Kenney writes spicy fantasy romance about sassy, strong women and hot guys with tragic backstories... pirates, warlords, demons, Fae, and royals. Her main series are the "Wicked Darlings" series (spicy Fae retellings of the Nutcracker, Wonderland, and Oz), the "Dark Rulers" series (standalones in a shared world), and the "For the Love of the Villain" series of genderbent fairytales. Other books include a post-apocalyptic vampire romance trilogy ("The Vampires Will Save You"), a demon romance "Interior Design for Demons," a dark mermaid fantasy duet, and other spicy retellings.

Rebecca is represented by Eva Scalzo of Speilburg Literary. She lives in upstate South Carolina with her handsome blue-eyed husband and two smart, energetic kids.

For updates and information about upcoming novels, follow on Instagram @rebeccafkenneybooks, on Twitter @RebeccaFKenney1, and on TikTok @rebeccafkenney

Reviews

[Tikki · Rating 1 out of 5]

What the fuck did I just read??
That was the absolute worst male "hero" I think I have ever read. I couldn't make it past the point of where he punished her by tying her up and having his Favored literally shoot arrows at her. Guess what? They hit her (multiple times) and he didn't give a shit because she could heal herself. Then when she is trying to heal herself, he comes in and tries to seduce her! And she wants him! Still!! After literally allowing her to be shot at as a "punishment" because she went into the town and healed a bunch of poor, sick people! "Aww, but he looked briefly sad for a moment about it." Get fucked. Yeah, because him showing remorse for his actions for a second means everything is ok! And this was literally the morning after they just slept together for the first time. Wow. When did actual abuse become so romanticized in this genre? "Enemies to lovers" isn't supposed to mean actual physical, mental, and emotional abuse. Fuck this.

This was absolute garbage and super disappointed in this author. I enjoyed books 1 and 2 for the most part, but book 3 and now this shit? Nah. I'm out. Enjoy your Game of Thrones, Joffrey-style character in this book.

[Koisty · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Heartsfire Stars ⭐️

How can I write a review for something so AWESOME and do it the proper justice it deserves? I feel like I have to repent and humbly eat ALL my negative words and all the annoying grumblings I had regarding Rebecca Kenney. I completely went into this despondent, expecting to be left disappointed and underwhelmed...but what I was given was everything I could have wanted and all I needed!!!

**I do want to prefix this with I can see why this book would not be for everyone. It has a few brutal scenes and does have some problems, that I was willing to overlook since the enjoyment of the story completely dwarfs these issues. Take them with a pinch of salt and read the triggers before deciding if this book is for you.

ALSO...For those of you wondering, the Dark Rulers series is a collection of STANDALONE stories - so this book can be picked up without any need to have read any of the other previous books!

This book follows Cailin (who for the longest time I thought was Caitlin but we will just ignore that). She is a typical simple small-town farm girl who has been blessed by having both Water Magic and Healing Magic. One day the fiery cruel and wicked Ash King rides into her village and gives her little to no choice but to follow her to his Palace. There she will serve as the Healer in the Calling of the Favored, a ruthless violent competition of challenges for Noble Women of the Realm to fight for the right to be the Ash Kings Queen.

It has complex and multilayered characters that grow as these layers are peeled back. An intriguing plot filled with political intrigue, a hunger games style competition and parallel assassination plans. It contains a raw, feisty and steamy romance that develops between two characters who are literal water and fire polar opposites. And lastly, the writing is just incredible, its flow and style and relatively easy ability to read make the pages blur while you are taken on an adventure! This is the type of book you just devour because it is soooo good!

I have come to realise that I truly enjoy a book when there is a substantial amount of Character Development. This book gave me that as our main girl Cailin starts out pretty complex but evolves wonderfully as the story progresses. While her origins are simple, she has very firm beliefs, morals and ideals. What I also loved is she is not innocent. (I am over reading about first kisses and other first times. Give me a girl who knows what she likes and what she wants!). Cailin has to overcome her internal struggles of the feelings she has for a man she hates while combating the magnetic attraction for him. She needs to navigate the politics of the world she is thrust into and deal with impossible choices relating to her friends and family. She is not perfect and she makes mistakes but she is brave, courageous, longing for any type of love and affection and stands for what she believes in.

The Ash King is....hard to gush about how perfect he is because he is not. He is angry, cruel, arrogant, vindictive, power-hungry, selfish and extremely controlling. If you love a man who is morally grey, he's the PERFECT man for you. However; whilst he doesn't have many redeeming qualities, understanding his motives and reasons does allow you to have some insight into the choices that he makes and why he behaves the way he does. He changes through the story as his lust for Cailin turns into something more while he finds his equal in her and while not all those bad qualities disappear - she grounds him and almost neutralises him into something that could one day be better.

The relationship between the two was MAGICAL and truly one of my favourites I've read in awhile! The tension between Cailin and the King and how that mutates into sexual tension driven by hate and lust. Ooof AMAZING! Their scenes are steamy (literally because that's what you get when you mix fire with water), and when I thought they couldn't get any better, the next one would just overshadow the one before.

Now let me move onto the aspects I didn't like too much, The ones that I took with a pinch of salt to just enjoy the story... basically they mainly boil down to two things.

The first is there is a scene in the book where the Ash King does something very cruel to Cailin To punish her, he forces the contestants of the Calling to shoot at her with Arrows. They are meant to try to aim as close as possible, but not break the skin. However, some of these girls are jealous of the attention the King gives our little healer, that they make her into a porcupine of Arrows. Yes she can heal the injuries but she still feels the pain of each arrow. While his reason for the punishment was twisted and I don't mind that Cailin forgives him, Cailin very quickly forgives him for this and I wanted to see a little more grovelling or actually any grovelling from the King.

The second issue is something I am just frustrated about in general with Rebecca Kenney's writing and books, and that is her endings MOVE TO FAST. I was 90% done with the book, there were about 40pg left and half the conflict wasn't resolved, it hadn't even reached the climax yet in the plot and there were not enough pages left to give the ending the meat and detail it needed. Given how well and fleshed out the majority of the story was, I would have liked to see a little more added to the end.

Ultimately I loved this book! I love it with my whole heart! I love it even more because one of the bestest people on GR loves it just as much! I couldn't put it down and when I had to, ALL I WAS DOING was thinking about picking it up! It was close to perfection in my eyes as it had what I needed, so I hope that if you do pick it up, you feel the same ♥

⊱------------------------------⊰
Ok…. Fine….
Ms Kenney, I forgive you…

This was fantastic and just everything….

Lila ♥️ You were right…this one is the best….OMG!

Full rtc…

⊱------------------------------⊰

Now Ms Kenney…

Don’t do me dirty like the previous book…
I’m giving you one last chance to redeem yourself cause I’m a nice person…

[astarion's bhaal babe (wingspan matters) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I need to get close to him and learn his habits, his secrets.
He truts me. He doesn't believe I'm his enemy.
But I am.
I will see him undone.

Rebecca Fenney, the gift that keeps on giving.


Healer to the Ash King is The Selection for naughty girls, sans the love triangle turmoil that came with the America/Maxon/Aspen triad.
I mean, the Ash King was a bit of a little bitch, and there was some jealousy drama, but we kind of expect it from someone who belongs to a book series called Dark Rulers.

The best thing about this series is that you can pick up any of the books, in no particular order and simply based on your mood, and would always find something for you.
In this, I found everything I needed in that moment.
For example, the MMC is basically a grown up Cardan Greenbriar with bad maneers and long white blond hair. Chef's kiss is an understatement.
Cailin is a badass and she just doesn't take anyone's shit. We absolutely love a heroine who can stand up for herself.
The enemies-to-lovers aspect of the story is well done; it's clear as a tropical sea that these two have the hots for each other, right from the start, but they try to hide it well.
I appreciate that they became reluctant allies before they gave in to their carnal desires. I like my smut dirty and filthy, but give me the hint of a deeper bond beneath the sexual surface, and I go all mushy.

Kenney's writing has easily become one of my favorites. She can craft the most quotable lines with the simpler words and manages to make you squirm with a glance between her main characters.
If that's not what talent means, I've been reading the wrong books.

There also is some good queer rep in this. I love that one of the contestant is a beautiful trans woman, and that two of the previous rulers were a gay couple who adopted a son, and nobody is making a case out of it. You can tell inclusivity was the goal, and I can't help but praise the fact that it wasn't forced nor there for the sake of plain diversity.

Overall this book wasn't perfect, but it's perfect for me.
Many thanks to my Fishy for recommending me this book/author/series. What would I do without you?

"I would like my payment, and I would like different lodgings. I don't care how small and simple the lodgings are - I can't stay in the Rose Room. I want to mantain my dignity where you are concerned."
"Which is why you came in here dressed in that. I thought you swore you'd never seduce me."
"I'm not seducing you. I'm yelling at you."
"By all means, continue. It's working for me."

[❁ lilyreadsromance ❁ · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my third Rebecca F. Kenney's book I've read. Also all of them got 5 stars from me. Suffice to say she's a new favourite author for me from now on.

As for this book. Listen, I think once the reviews started pouring in, this book would be a divisive one. You'll either hate it or love it. And the main reason is the hero of this book (he's not even a hero technically).

The Ash King is portrayed as a villain, for almost all length of the book and he is, in a way. He is rude, cruel, selfish and downright sinister sometimes. He's not even what you would call an antihero but not a complete villain too. He's in between. Oh and he's so hot and cold, gave me a whiplash so many times.

“And you want me. You want the murderer of thousands—the wicked, cruel, selfish monster. That’s why you’re really angry, Healer—admit it, or I’ll make you scream the words.”

And you know what, this shriveled heart of mine loves him so much. He's such a problematic character and I don't know why I like it. Maybe because he is what he says he is.

“The mountain would give you everything in its power.” He leans in, lips brushing mine. “But the one thing a mountain cannot do is move. It cannot give up its place, or abandon those who depend on it.”

The angst is high and the sweet moments are scarce. So buckle up your seatbelt because this is going to be a bumpy ride buddy.

[Sarah D · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’m a fan of enemies-to-lovers and dark romance in general, but this one lost me. It was a struggle to finish. I felt like I was reading about an abusive relationship. This book could not recover after the public punishment scene. I’m not entirely sure it ever got started, with the torture victim healing and where he’s literally burning her with his hand to hurt her over minor slights. Meanwhile, Cailin forgives the most vicious abuse because he’s good in bed and she can heal herself? Gross.

The rebels were right. The Ash King is a sadistic psycho. Sorry, but I need my dark heroes to have at least one redeeming quality.

[✿ lorraine · Rating 1 out of 5]

lmao this is not the book i was looking for

the archery scene was SO stupid?? like HOMEGIRL your king just had you shot but oops teehee he never would've thought the bloodthirsty competitive girls being pitched into this elimination game would EVER actually try to harm the peasant girl who doesn't belong! but AWWWW he regrets it so they can hate fuck now without remorse

but that aside, i don't think this was a good enemies-to-lovers dark romance. it has all the tropes and has a decent premise, but the main leads are just so horny for each other that the plot and everything had seats waaaaaay in the back.

if you're here for the smut, stay. if you want literally anything else, leave.

[Maria ✨ · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don‘t know what to say about this book. I kinda liked it, kinda not. Hated the king, nothing attractive about an asshole. Like he let‘s his “ladies“ shoot arrows at her?? He makes the guards beat her up…. He dresses her like a doll, for his pleasure…
Not hot.
I liked the main character, her healing and water bending abilities were fun to read about. But she feels kind of useless in the book. So much wasted potential.

Overall major ”selection” vibes.

[Queenie · Rating 1 out of 5]

Set feminism back three centuries what the hell is this I should’ve paid more attention to the hate to love thing on the blurb this is painful

[Rose Sanderson]

Raise your hand if you can tell me what's wrong with this sentence.
"Morani is olive-complexioned, with short, spiked black hair and several body piercings on display through the cutouts in her gown."

Several body piercings on a part of the body that rarely hosts successful permanent piercings in more than 3 locations, 2 of which are generally covered in polite company. I need more information. Otherwise I'm doing things like writing a review instead of reading the book.

Another thing that bothers me is how easily she's influenced by other people. She doesn't seem to be doing much thinking for herself and it comes across very immature. The kind of thing I can kind of excuse in a particularly naive teenager or weak character but don't like to see in a supposedly mature main character.

Yeah I'm done. If YA fantasy with swiss cheese world building is ok with you go for it.

[Cece ❀Rants, Raves &Reviews❀ · Rating 3 out of 5]

This so good I’m now looking at other books in the series

[Rose Williams · Rating 3 out of 5]

Oh boy, I had some pretty immediate thoughts about this one.

The first thing is that I felt like a WHOLE lot of progressivity was thrown at the reader at once. There is nothing wrong with these topics, but in the span of like a chapter, the book is like "LOOK HOW LGBT FRIENDLY WE ARE! ABORTION! SEX POSITIVITY! POLYAMORY! WE GOT ALL OF IT!" There's not a single thing wrong with any of these topics, except the trans character literally served no purpose and was given no background beside magically transitioning. Kind of felt like a token character to show the readers how cool the author is. Come one why even mention her if she will just be forgotten? Once again, I think these topics are perfectly fine and normal, they just weren't introduced well and felt a little forced.

The next issue I had was the King. He was like, a mean guy. Not a "secretly nice guy for the soft girl", but legitimately a mean guy. Usually in a cruelty-to-kindness relationship, you have that, but the love interest eventually "goes too far" and begs for forgiveness, changes his ways, etc... This was not really the case with the Ash King. The archery scene? Are you kidding me? Not only the fact that he didn't feel bad about it, but our oh-so-brave main character didn't even let him have it afterword! Well, she let him have IT, but not the it I was hoping.

The end happened SUPER suddenly, kind of like when you have an essay due in 10 minutes and still need to write the last page.

The smut was fine, the story was interesting enough for me to read in half a day, there were just some distractions.

[Jessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this from start to finish. And the smut was FIRE.

[Savannah S · Rating 4 out of 5]

Glad I gave this a chance one of my favorites this year

[Kayla · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would say, I did not enjoy this book as much as I enjoyed the rest of the Dark Rulers series. I find the Ash King to be a bit of a bully, but apparently the healer seems to dig it so no judging there! It just seemed unfair at how he treated her, especially the part where the girls in the competition were shooting arrows at her. I was livid even though I knew she could heal herself but it just broke my heart reading that bit. I almost dnf’d but the ending was a lot better so I’m glad I actually finished it. This felt more like a friends to lovers rather than an enemies to lovers.

[ForTheThrillofBooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was sold on the "Dark Rulers" thinking this was going to be a darker fanatsy and I love the enemies to lovers trope. The premise also sounded different with the King calling a competition to choose his next bride and the healer he enlists (forces really) to aid the women during the competition. Overall this was an entertaining read that I enjoyed but I think I would have loved it if it was darker. But that's just a me thing and I would definitely read this author again 3.5⭐️

[Courtney · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF’d @ 72%
his eyes are red but so are his flags, girly

[Maya · Rating 3 out of 5]

AITA: I healed a bunch of citizens of my kingdom to the point where I nearly died. My king (also my man) got so mad he punished me by tying me to a target and letting women who hate me (bc they’re love rivals) shoot arrows at me. This was the day after the first time we had sex (made love????) and he says it was to stop the noble ladies from killing each other. Am I the asshole?

For context he also whips his guards for having fun and is prone to throwing them off balconies for coughing.

Also he has a sad backstory (that he is the only witness to) where he is believed to have killed thousands of his own citizens, of which he hasn’t cleared any rumours from and still acts as a tyrant. Then he blames uprisings on the enemy countries brainwashing.

2.5/5 - I don’t think you can redeem a tyrant king this bad without a fuller redemption and proper reasoning behind his actions.

[Elle Belle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m 90% through this book. Finishing it will end me. It’s so good. I can’t imagine the emotional damage of not being able to read it for the first time ever again. If it’s not a HEA, I will most likely die. DNR.

[Mimi León · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Ash King kinda reminds me of Klaus. Yes, but a king. LOVED THIS. So good, as always my queen Rebecca.

[Katica · Rating 3 out of 5]

Was she, like, totally split into two pieces, and he..., like, way too what-is-he-even-doing?

[Delta DeAnn · Rating 5 out of 5]

THANK HEAVENS FOR REBECCA KENNEY

When I tell you I've been in a reading slump I really mean it. Nothing has been getting me. Nothing has been making me stop to clutch my chest, nothing has made me bite my lip while reading, not a single mmc has made my kitten quiver lately.

That was until Perish and Cailin.

Rebecca's writing, as always, is stunning and I will forever applaud her use of themes through descriptions and metaphors. Truly I could only have loved this book more if it were longer.

Edit to add, after my first reread:

We all know by this point that Rebecca is my Queen so I won't spend much time going over my love of that woman. (Again.) Just know that even though I am fully biased– my reviews aren't. She's just THAT good to me in my heart of hearts.

Healer to the Ash King brings us back to the world we know (and mostly love) in the Dark Rulers universe. A new kingdom, a cruel new king to fall in love with, and a new heroine to root for. The world she builds with each installment never tends to blow me away. The imagination it takes to build such complex and complete storylines and characters. It's another beautiful addition to a fantastic series.

Cailin, our healer, finds herself between a volcano and a hard place. Quite literally– when she is called forth to aid the king in his search for a queen. But we all know how that's going to end, don't we?

One thing I truly appreciated was the fact that, despite secrets between our two lovers, those secrets aren't forced to further the plot. They make sense. They're dealt with. Miscommunication isn't a plot device here and we absolutely love to see it.

This book is an adventure– it'll make you triumph, it'll make you angry, it'll make you feel a fiery, watery, rotten, healing kind of love you always wished was real. Rebecca does it again. (And again. And again.) Despite the fact this was my second time reading this particular book– I have to say, I loved it even more the second time around, and I didn't think that was possible.

Themes
violence
torture
enemies-to-lovers
forbidden relationship
morally grey mmc
'touch her and die' vibes

Ratings
Plot: 4 ⭐
Characters: 5 ⭐
Style: 5 ⭐
Spice: 4 ⭐
Overall: 5 ⭐

[Melissa Plunkett · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is a disgustingly beautiful example of enemies-to-lovers -- how someone with the personality of sunshine and rainbows can fall for someone incredibly cruel and misunderstood. I do very much enjoy stories that use opposites attract, not only in personalities, but also powers. Water versus fire between the Healer and the Ash King, and within Cailin herself, life and death.

The fact that even while Cailin is learning about Perish and he seems to be softening and opening up, he is still violent and aggressive, throws fits, and hurts people - even Cailin. I find this to be something realistic when we have expectations of people. Too many times in stories, when a weight comes off someone, do they suddenly have a switch in personality, and I've always believed that to be unrealistic. People don't change in an instance, something that's been habit for years cannot be broken overnight; therefore, Perish's continued cruelty is a plus in my view and quite refreshing as a reader.

The Dark Rulers series is interesting in that it is standalones, but they also connect into this fantastical world. I had read Captive of the Pirate King last year, so it was fresh on my mind when the magical tattoos were mentioned. It makes the world feel so much larger and connected. This is next-level world building for such a series.

Bravo, Kenney, on this masterpiece!

[Lyz Savi · Rating 1 out of 5]

I couldn't finish this book after the female lead character got wounded due to the male main character wanting to punish her cause she almost died wanting to help the sick people of his city who can't afford healers,getting shot with arrows by the other women in the competition who want to be his future bride, also under the reason that its fine she can heal herself. And all this happened after they fucked for the first time the night before which honestly horrible love making if you can call it that cause he fell asleep immediately afterwards, how could that have been enough for her? Then going to her after the punishment its over to explain his stupid excuse of why and try to seduce her while wounded. AND SHE FORGIVES HIM SAYING ONLY IF YOU HATE ME HARDER?! WTF?! If thats not narcissistic then I'm missing something. This book is fucked up and ruined it for me. This is not romance enemies to lovers, this is fucking narcissist physical abuse. How so many people gave it five stars concerns me. I don't care what trauma he went through in his past, it does not excuse his fucking actions.

[VoraciousReader · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book was absolute garbage. The H was a total dick who showed NO remorse for the terrible things that he did to the h and the h was a total doormat with a terminal case of BBS.

The Ash King decided to punish Cailin because she went into town and spent the day offering free healing to his subjects who could not afford to pay for it. He waited until after she slept with him and then he had her bound to a target with ropes and allowed “The Favored” to shoot at her with arrows, knowing that they hated her and would deliberately try to hit her. Even after the very first woman pierced her thigh with an arrow, he did nothing. Instead, he let all the other women shoot at her and made her suffer through many other injuries before he allowed her to be released. Afterward, he was totally unrepentant because he knew she could heal herself and he “didn’t think they would take it that far.”

While she was trying to heal her many injuries, he came to the exam room and asked her to come to his room and have $ex with him again that night AND SHE AGREED! 🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬
DNF

[LizKat · Rating 2 out of 5]

Okay book yet kinda hated it.
In romance I don't like when either MC has sex or is sexually aroused by others during the story. For me once they meet, boom! there should be nobody else for them. That's not the case here and that ticked me off.
And the Ash King? he was a royal AH. He took things way too far to "punish" her. He had the other women vying for his hand in marriage I might add shoot her with arrows!
and the FMC whose name I can't even remember, she was a total doormat when it came to him. She forgave him for everything!

Then we get to the ending and it was rushed and such a letdown. Where was the groveling and making him suffer for the way he treated her??! Why didn't she just lick his boot while she was at it?

but you know what, I still enjoy this author so will continue reading her books and just hope the next one isn't as frustrating.

[Kate Khavari · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shocked?? Amazed??

Uhhhhh maybe I should have waited a day to get my thoughts together after finishing this but I just need to say wow. And dang. And OKAY.

This book was so unexpectedly good. The arcs of the characters and how their stories were wound together was beautiful. The world building was so interesting without being overwhelming. The steam was so steamy in more ways than one!

This is like true enemies to lovers with a lot of hate sex— so if rough isn’t your thing, would not recommend. But if you wished for a magical version of Mr. and Mrs. Smith than this is a great book to read.

Just… wow. New favorite book.

[Kikky · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book was so promising. I really thought it would be a 5 star.
However, as i kept reading, the stars kept lowering.

And then the king started kissing and loving another girl, let the mc get bullied by jealous girls and then allowed the jealous brats to shoot arrows at her.
And the worst part? The MC lets this happen to her, she lets him break her and is still willing to pleasure him and love him while he isn’t even sorry for the shiz he put her trough. He doesn’t need to do anything to make up for the things he did.

This book ended up being so frustrating. Ive read a lot of dark romances, im not considered sensitive. But this emotional abuse was absurd.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Water meets fire

I originally decided to give this book a read because it gave me Zutara Avatar the Last Airbender vibes (a water wielder meeting and falling for a misunderstood fire wielder) and I was not disappointed. Though the Ash King's arrogance was a bit much at the beginning of the book, he eventually grew on me (though I wouldn't entirely compare him as a Zuko like character). Rince's devotion to the Undoing was a great example of how dangerous fanaticism and zealots can be.

[Kaelan Rylei Ferreira · Rating 1 out of 5]

Absolutely not!
What happened to love interests that care?
This book had the potential for a brilliantly dark enemies-to-lovers with rich development. Instead, the story delivers casually excused abuse and weak characters.
I was hanging by a thread when he explained that he burned her because she could heal, but the archery scene turned this into a solid no-go for me.
"I didn't think they'd go that far. Anyway, let's have sex."
And she's all up for it because his eyes were momentarily sad????
And to think, I stayed awake to read this shit.

[Alyssa · Rating 1 out of 5]

DnF. I made it 70% into book and couldn’t subject myself to read the rest of it. Apparently it’s okay to romanticize abuse. Don’t get me wrong I really like this author and I like some of her books. But this is on e I would definitely steer clear from!! I saw other comments about how terrible the male main character was and I definitely agree with those comments! Got to a point where I actually wished the female main character would harm HIM in some way physically. Since you know he’s totally cool with seeing her get shot multiple times with arrows and doesn’t bat an eye. Like WTFFFFF