wynwicket 's review for:

Within the Hollow Heart by Melissa Wright

4.5

lighthearted medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

---

A short, light, no-spice romantic fantasy with hints of Bridgerton, a touch of fae curse, and charm to spare.  This time, I listened to the audiobook, narrated by Mary Jane Wells, and, my goodness, was it fun.  Ms. Wells’ narration is filled with heart and humor, and her voices for Our Heroes, Nickolas (a young nobleman tasked by his mother to find a good marriage match to restore the family fortunes) and Jules (a clever young woman dealing with the afore-mentioned fae curse, who pretends to be engaged to Nicholas in order to solve her own problems) are fantastic. She really helps the author’s wry humor (which I LOVE) shine.

The pacing is brisk and the fake-fiance-to-real-love plot is very, very sweet, if not unpredictable.  There are more than a few “awww” moments and it’s cute as all get out.  A great palate-cleanser for in-between darker books.  

There are a few connections with the first book, Beyond the Filigree Wall, but you don’t have to remember much about that one to enjoy this one, and each could technically stand alone.