3.57 AVERAGE

blueshadow's review

4.0

This was a fun fantasy romance with Regency and fairytale vibes. I enjoyed reading about Nicholas and Jules, there was fun banter and antics which kept the tone lighthearted and the plot moving. Nicholas's mother was unbelievable, but she had her role in the story. I especially enjoyed the scenes where the fae got involved, their culture and motivations were very different than the humans and it added a nice layer of complexity to the story. The pace was slow for most of the story, but then at the end, a lot happens in a short time.

I listened to the audiobook. Excellent narration that captured the tone and mood of the story.

within the hollow heart
3.5✨

overview: I can’t get over Nickolas and Jules’ sweetness

I really loved reading this sweet historical/fantasy romance, featuring an endearing idiot falling in love with a mysterious and strong female heroine. And a grumpy bird!

This is a great standalone in the same world of Melissa’s previous book, but you can definitely jump into this one first! The characters from the previous book are in this one, too, which was a nice surprise.

It features a trope I love - fake engagement. And I LOVE a himbo/idiot in love, and that’s definitely the energy that Nickolas gives. I adored him, and I hated that he grew up in such an unloving home. I enjoyed the mystery with Jules as Nickolas has to figure out what’s going on. This is a quick read and you won’t want to put this one down.

I received a copy from the author for an instagram tour. My thoughts are my own.
sidnilayne's profile picture

sidnilayne's review

4.0
adventurous lighthearted mysterious fast-paced

I really enjoyed this book. There wasn't a whole lot of fantasy until the second half, but because it's so short, you don't really notice. It is very historical, very quick paced, and very cozy. I was glad to not have 5+ hours of internal dialogue and conflict. Refreshing. 

I also loved the narrator and all of the voices she did for the characters! It didn't bother me at all that it was a woman narrator even though the POV was male, because she did very well at portraying each character differently. 

I have not read book 1, as it stated they are standalone, but I do feel like if I'd have read it, I would have had a lot more understanding of some of the characters. It was ok without having read it- I wasn't confused by it - but you can tell there is a connection with the overlapping characters that you are missing if you don't read book 1.

This regency historical fiction blended with fantasy has a hero who needs to be saved, a cursed heroine, and a bird with an attitude.

Nickolas Brigham, meant to marry a princess, must marry soon to avoid ruin. He must escape a compromising situation with the help of a clever damsel, Jules, who must break her curse before the prince collects his dues. They fake their betrothal to fool everyone, and thus begins the journey to finding a way.

The plot was intriguing, filled with twists to surprise you. With its amazing cast, witty dialogue, and writing, this book had me smiling and engaged. Nickolas was funny, charming, and trying his best to impress Jules. Jules, on the other hand, was being mysterious, with her bird Frederick being grumpy and always glaring at Nickolas.

If you are looking for a quick, captivating, slow-burn romance story, add this to your TBR. It can be read as a standalone book.

Thank you @bookofmatchesmedia for providing with the arc.
fast-paced

This is a very short read. Realised there’s another book before this but not really a prequel. Felt like there was a lot of things that I wanted more from. 

merryschmetterling's review

3.0

Hard to follow at some points, wish it was longer. Interesting listen though
emmar's profile picture

emmar's review

4.0
adventurous funny tense fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Plot
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes
adventurous emotional hopeful reflective medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Plot
Strong character development: Complicated
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

jam_dragon's review

3.25
adventurous hopeful lighthearted fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes