A review by karly_rose_reads
Fear the Flames by Olivia Rose Darling

emotional funny inspiring fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Fear the Flames is a perfect romantasy to dive into if you're looking to enter the genreโ€”it has easy world building, lovable characters, magical creatures, political intrigue, and steamy spice scenes.

It is book 1 in an incomplete, 4-book romantasy series by Olivia Rose Darling. I'm impressed that this is her debut novel!

What to expect:
๐Ÿ‰ New adult fantasy romance
๐Ÿ—ก๏ธ 1st person, single POV
๐Ÿ‰ Dragons, magical creatures & more
๐Ÿ—ก๏ธ Princess x bodyguard
๐Ÿ‰ Reluctant allies to lovers
๐Ÿ—ก๏ธ Found family 
๐Ÿ‰ Touch her & die
๐Ÿ—ก๏ธ One bed
๐Ÿ‰ "Who did this to you?"

Elowen is a fantastic FMC because she is complex, cunning, and determined. I enjoy the way Olivia developed this character, and her authentic chemistry with the MMC. I typically read enemies to lovers, so reluctant allies to lovers was a breath of fresh air. I was pleasantly surprised by the explicit, steamy spice within this book (it is definitely for my fellow romance readers) and ate up the scenes.

My wishes for this book/series: more development of the magical system, less rushed endings (a lot of critical moments happened in a very short period of time), and more showing versus telling. I am curious to see where she will take the rest of the series, and I plan to keep reading! Wrath of the Dragons, book 2, is set to come out in 2025.

Dell, an imprint of Random House Group, acquired the publishing rights to this book, so the physical books will be available across major retailer starting September 17, 2024. A sincere thank you to their team for providing me with an ARE copy.