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A review by dc7
That Irresistible Poison by Alessandra Hazard
5.0
Despite what the cover might tell you, this is neither a paranormal romance nor fantasy but instead a sci-fi m/m romance ... and a really good one at that.
We follow Princes Ksar and Seyn who have been betrothed and bonded since their childhood. The only problem: the beautiful, yet moody Seyn LOATHES the serious and cold Ksar. Or does he?
The socio-political world building in here is fantastic. Normally bonds are portrayed as something positive in romance, but here it's the forced bonded that actually hinders the romance. I found this approach refreshing and I'd encourage you to give this book a shot, even if you are not 100% interested in the premise. Alessandra Hazard just has a way of pulling it off in the most interesting way.
The planet the story is set on has interesting technology and the customs and society of this world are fascinating. One thing that's missing in the world building are more detailed descriptions of the setting (e.g. what do the castles look like?) and the clothing. Just a few sentences here and there would have made a big difference.
Icy blonds like Seyn are one of my favourite archetypes and he was so well written (as was Ksar). There are countless incredibly romantic scenes between Seyn and Ksar, it was a joy.
THAT IRRESISTIBLE POISON is one of the best romances I've read so far this year (and I've read a ton). Alessandra Hazard is quickly becoming one of my favourite authors and I already like the Calluvia's Royalty series even more than her Straight Guys series.
We follow Princes Ksar and Seyn who have been betrothed and bonded since their childhood. The only problem: the beautiful, yet moody Seyn LOATHES the serious and cold Ksar. Or does he?
The socio-political world building in here is fantastic. Normally bonds are portrayed as something positive in romance, but here it's the forced bonded that actually hinders the romance. I found this approach refreshing and I'd encourage you to give this book a shot, even if you are not 100% interested in the premise. Alessandra Hazard just has a way of pulling it off in the most interesting way.
The planet the story is set on has interesting technology and the customs and society of this world are fascinating. One thing that's missing in the world building are more detailed descriptions of the setting (e.g. what do the castles look like?) and the clothing. Just a few sentences here and there would have made a big difference.
Icy blonds like Seyn are one of my favourite archetypes and he was so well written (as was Ksar). There are countless incredibly romantic scenes between Seyn and Ksar, it was a joy.
THAT IRRESISTIBLE POISON is one of the best romances I've read so far this year (and I've read a ton). Alessandra Hazard is quickly becoming one of my favourite authors and I already like the Calluvia's Royalty series even more than her Straight Guys series.