I received an advance copy of this book at no charge. This is my honest, voluntary review.
I really enjoyed this book. It had a green flag MMC who is very reflective and thoughtful. I wish we got some perspective from that of the MFC, I would have liked to know more about her and what she was thinking. It was a cute and quick little love story that was packed with action. I liked the mythical beings. Overall I really enjoyed this book and will definitely read the sequels if there are any.

I snagged this book as an ARC because I’m a professional honest reviewer (translation: I have no self-control and zero chill).
My god, this book. I went in expecting mediocrity at best. Honestly, after the parade of “debut novels” I’ve suffered through this year—bless their chaotic little hearts—I was fully prepared to be underwhelmed.
Plot twist: my expectations didn’t just get shattered, they got yeeted into another dimension.
The world-building? Gorgeous. The magic system? Chef’s kiss, impeccable. And the slow burn? My friends, it’s so slow it should come with a warning label and a fan for when you start spontaneously combusting. I was melting.
You’re going to fall head-over-heels for these characters. By the end I was ride-or-die for Azaria like I’d personally sworn an oath on her team’s found-family bible. I laughed, I cried, I wanted to fight fictional enemies right alongside them. The banter is chef’s kiss—sharp, adorable, and dangerously addictive. I was cackling like a lunatic in public. Zero regrets.
The only downside? That brutal cliffhanger. Being an ARC reader is a curse when you discover a gem this early. Now I’m over here vibrating with impatience, refreshing release dates like a desperate raccoon. Book 2, I’m begging you—drop sooner. My emotional stability needs you.
Bottom line: If you’re even thinking about picking this up, stop thinking and do it. You will not be disappointed. You might, however, develop a new book hangover and trust issues with slow burns. Worth it.

I snagged an ARC of this book through Penpinary, and yes, this is my completely honest review (pinkie swear).
Y’all… this book didn’t just slap, it full-on kidnapped me, shoved me in a glittery fae wagon, and refused to let me go. Whatever low, sleepy expectations I had going in? Absolutely demolished. Vaporized. Turned into dragon ash.
I have a 16-month-old tornado of a child who treats sleep like a negotiable suggestion, yet I still finished this in two nights. Two. I was out here reading at 2 a.m. like a raccoon with a caffeine addiction, whispering “just one more chapter” while my toddler was plotting world domination in the next room.
Fae? ✅
Dragon shifters? ✅
A dark soul-draining circus run by evil immortal kings? ✅
Throw in a killer magic system, found family, and that delicious enemies-to-lovers slow burn and I was basically a goner.
The banter between the FMC and MMC is so good it should be illegal. Their dynamic is chef’s kiss — top-tier tension, sarcasm, and spice potential.
Already eyeing book two like a gremlin who’s been told “no more.” This one is 100% earning a prime spot on your TBR. Don’t walk… sprint.