Book Reviews

Book Blurb

March Cesari is a prim and proper noble who values routine, consistency, and tradition. When he comes of age to begin receiving marriage proposals, he imagines he’ll end up with someone like himself- polite and respectable.

Nero Aracovin, the cocky and carefree Crown Prince of Dragons, is perfectly comfortable with his easygoing life. When the king demands that he show some ambition by courting March, he is less than thrilled with the fussy young man. But with the threat of being shipped off to the royal military if he doesn’t comply, he doesn’t have a choice.

As the two of them attempt to work through their unpleasant history, as well as the external conflicts that seem to want to keep them apart, they are forced to reconsider the lives they thought they wanted for themselves.

 

Book Review

This is an enjoyable, no-angst, slow-burn, enemies-to-lovers romance set in a fantasy world with a splash of Regency, coming of age, protective parents, telepathic dragons, and magic.

 

The character development was a bit slow to start but gained a footing as the story developed. March is from a noble family whose unique eyes, pale features, and dark hair set him apart. When first introduced to March, I thought the author might be adding an autistic element to March’s character, but it never quite developed as a clearly defined character trait in the greater story. March holds a serious grudge against His Highness – aka Nero. Nero is portrayed as a playboy prince who spends more time chasing skirts and trousers than he does learning how to rule. He is footloose and fancy free. Of the two main characters, I greatly liked Nero – he was open, observant, caring, and engaging.

 

The romance is the overarching plot here, with a small suspenseful twist at the end to solidify March and Nero’s relationship. March has come of age and his family has announced his availability for marriage proposals. The king has requested March reside at the palace for three months to assess his suitability as a spouse for Prince Nero. March is intent on having as little to do with the prince as possible, despite the whole purpose for him being there (matrimony). March feels that he has much better marriage offers elsewhere and any interaction with Nero will only damage his suitability. Outgoing Nero has three months to try to crack March’s very uptight personality. March does eventually relent and they find their common ground. This romantic dance, the give and take, between the two characters is what I felt carried the story.

 

I do have three quibbles with the book that should be mentioned as a reader just can’t get around these: the number of times March was referred to as “the raven-haired noble” was too many, I found the use of “pretty male” to be condescending, and the use of the phrase “the noble said/the noble did” to denote March’s dialogue or action somewhat odd when “he” would have sufficed.

 

And before I forget, yes, there are dragons and magic in this world, the dragons being the more prevalent of the two in this story through Nero. Dragons can communicate telepathically, and that raised the interesting question of when it is okay to share another’s persons thoughts? The dragon(s) were cool.

 

Overall, this was a perfect Saturday afternoon read when the weather is crud outside, as a vacation read, or to unwind after a long day of meetings. Low angst, interesting setting and characters, and a plot that gently pulls the reader along. If there’s ever a second book, I would read it.

 

 

 

DISCLAIMER: Books reviewed on this site were usually provided at no cost by the publisher or author. This book has been provided by the author for the purpose of a review.

 

Additional Information

Format	ebook and print
Length	Novel, 331 pages
Heat Level
Publication Date	02-February-2024
Price	$4.99 ebook, $13.99 paperback
Buy Link	https://www.amazon.com/Honey-Starlight-Tales-Ikronia-Book-ebook/dp/B0CSBDHCJL