Reviews

I haven’t seen anyone say anything about it essentially being a Beauty and the Beast retelling but I spent the entire book subconsciously comparing the Disney version of the story against this book. You have Kinsley who instead of trading her life for her father’s she trades her freedom to keep from dying. She’s then bound to this beastly, but hot goblin sorcerer who is trapped in his mystical cottage in a pocket realm where the only other inhabitants are three will -o’-wisps that I would happily die for. Neither Kinsley nor Vex (the goblin) can leave the realm until Vex sires a child as he’s been imprisoned by a far queen. This is why he needs Kinsley and you can guess how that goes over for her. She actively avoids Vex and berates him for being so beastly about conceiving a child. Luckily the wisps are there to help Vex realize the error of his ways and he eventually shows Kinsley his extensive library and wins her over. There’s a whole subplot where Vex is mortally wounded by a creepy wolf thing and Kinsley nurses him back to health which is the real turning point in their relationship (seem familiar?). SPOILER It all leads to a point where Kinsley misses her loved ones and Vex releases her from her pact despite her objections. You can guess the rest.

Spoilers ahead, proceed with caution
The book also explores themes of miscarriage and divorce due to infertility issues on Kinsley’s part and themes of abuse, trauma, and sexual assault on Vex’s part. While I felt these themes were handled semi-well, I had issue that Vex nearly raped Kinsley in the beginning and essentially their sexual relationship is borderline dub-con. While I enjoyed the story and world building it lacked that external conflict, a villain (a Gaston if you will). It was also about 200 pages longer than it needed to be. Just a lot of extra fluff and repetitive sentiments. Especially since it was entirely predictable. The spicy scenes were a little lackluster as well. I did enjoy their dynamic and the humor and the world building in this book and a whole star goes to Shade, Flare, and Echo ❤️

Content Warnings

onyourface_inspace's review

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5.0

Sweet and steamy!

I absolutely adored this story. It tugged all the heartstrings and gave all the feels! It's a sweet and spicy romance that you definitely need to read!! Thank you for another amazing story ❤️

morriganlefaye's review

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dark emotional medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.75

The story written well and realistic, but it dragged a bit in the middle.
I overall enjoyed the book, except for the ending.

Miracle babies are absolutely overdone and I find dem quite insensitive. A lot of people struggling with fertility issues never get their miracle. I know, it's fantasy and a fairy tale, but it rubbed me the wrong way. Especially since Kinsley had to endure the whole thing alone, because that asshole "knew better" what was right for her.

fr4n_m's review

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adventurous dark emotional tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Content Warnings

pugli's review

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adventurous emotional mysterious medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

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