I don’t say this often, or ever, but this story would have been so much better without the romance. It didn’t seem believable to me at all. And it was forced to make the ending feel shocking but it wasn’t shocking. It was expected. I liked the idea of overthrowing a king and getting out the prisoners, but it just wasn’t executed properly.

I loved this book. I will definitely continue reading this series and the audiobook narrators were perfect. I can't wait to see what these characters get up to next. I was able to predict a lot of things that ended up happening, but I loved seeing it play out.

I was gifted an Advanced Listener Copy of the audiobook from Netgalley. I voluntarily read it and am leaving an honest review voluntarily.

Thank you Netgalley for allowing me to receive the audiobook for an honest review.

I went into this story blind and I’m so glad I did. The narration was well done and made me feel like I was apart of that world.

This book is a romantasy book for mature audiences, complete with explicit content. As the series progresses, the level of spice portrayed in the story will intensify with each subsequent book.

Immediately after a human's birth, their limited power is taken by the deities, who in turn defend them from the cruel and merciless fae who inhabit their borders. Those few humans who manage to retain their power are called the corrupt and they are punished by being set on fire. Once the FMC Prisca’s forbidden power is discovered, she has no choice but to escape her small village and the life that she holds dear. In order to stay alive, Prisca strikes a desperate deal with the soldier who abandoned her in her moment of weakness. Their arrangement is straightforward: Prisca will assist the mystery man and his companions in infiltrating the city, and in return, he will help Prisca unlock the mysterious and eerie power that she has concealed for so long. This power may just be the crucial element in her survival. However, the merciless mercenary harbors secrets of his own. Secrets that pose a threat to the safety of all those Prisca holds dear. Secrets that have the potential to disrupt the stability of the kingdom—and possibly even the entire world.

Thanks to NetGalley, the Publisher and Author for an ARC of this audio to read/listen and review.

I devoured the audiobook and laughed out loud at many points.

I very much liked the storyline, the pacing, the back-and-forth witty banter, the spice 🌶🌶🌶! This is my favorite type of book in general. Romantasy/Spicy Magical Fantasy.

I am looking forward to more now that I'm invested!

Thank you to Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for an advanced listener copy of this audiobook. This review is my honest feedback and given voluntarily.

2.5 rounding to 3 ⭐️ overall / 4 ⭐️ for audiobook performance

This book was just ok for me. I think it being an audiobook probably made it better, but I'm not sure I would have finished it had I been reading it with my eyes. The story was very hard to get into at first and just felt slow in terms of what was happening and where things were going. I didn't really feel all that connected to the characters or story. It was indeed a slow-burn of a romance, but then again, it didn't even really feel like a romance to be honest. By the end it still felt like we had only gotten crumbs of information about the two main POV characters and only a little more than that about the world and magic system involved. The very end was a grand revelation, however not as grand as it should have been and not nearly enough to keep me interested in the next book, unfortunately. I will say, the FMC was a pretty determined woman and I admired her tenacity, although I thought she was a little on the unintelligent side at times. I'm sure the series is one that "gets better as you go", but I just wasn't hooked enough with the first one to keep going.

As far as the audiobook performance, I thought it was pretty good. The female narrator was great, I really enjoyed her performance. Very dynamic speech and her tonal changes for characters were unique enough to be able to parse character differences. The male narrator didn't have quite as much spoken time, it felt like, but he did fine. His speech felt a little too formal for what he was reading, in my opinion. I found myself wishing he would have sounded just a tad more casual with his voice and the way he spoke. Also I had to REALLY speed this audiobook up...like A LOT more than I typically do. So I don't know if my ALC was pre-final production mixing or what, but it seemed like everyone was talking sooo much slower than usual.

Honestly, I can't say I would recommend this book. It just didn't stand out to me in any real way. I guess I could recommend for people who are looking for a REALLY slow burn wannabe fae fantasy romance? Or for people who have never read a romantasy previously? I think if you're seasoned in the genre, might be best to skip this one.

This was a solid read-She had great character development and it was well paced. I would definitely recommend this to my followers

Immersing myself in "A Court This Cruel and Lovely" was like stepping into a vividly new realm, a high fantasy world skillfully painted by Stacia Stark that resonates with depth and color. The narrative took me on a journey away from the familiar streets of urban fantasy, into a realm where the magic is as tangible as the air I breathe, and the looming threat of a great evil keeps every page thrumming with tension.

The characters, oh how they come to life! Each one crafted with such care that liking them is as effortless as falling into the story itself. The slow burn of the romance, a fiery dance between enemies that promises to ignite with more intensity as the series progresses, was paced just right, keeping me hooked and yearning for that inevitable conflagration.

Stark's world-building prowess didn't just stop at creating a backdrop for the characters; she built a stage where the plot unfolds with the excitement of a roller coaster ride – action-packed, brimming with adventure, and never a dull moment. It's the kind of book that I found myself breezing through, eager to see what twist lay around the next corner​​​​.

Even when the journey took a breath, as our Female Main Character (FMC) parted ways with the Male Main Character (MMC), the story never lost its pull. The narratives spun by Tim Paige and Meg Sylvan in the audiobook version added layers to the characters and the world they inhabit, making the listening experience as enchanting as the reading one​​​​.

This was not just another fantastical romance; it was a survival story wrapped in layers of intrigue and the pulsing beat of a heart fighting against insurmountable odds. Stark has crafted a tale where the stakes are as high as the walls that divide worlds and hearts. The emotional depth here, the "steam and spice," had me on a rollercoaster of feelings, my heart in my throat as I lived through each high and low alongside Prisca, our heroine​​​​.

And now, I'm left with anticipation, almost a delicious form of agony, waiting to see how Prisca's dance with Lorian unfolds, how the secrets they hide will shape the world Stark has invited us into. This book is an experience, a journey I can't recommend enough, especially if you've been hooked by books like "ACOTAR" and are searching for that next world to lose yourself in

"A Court this Cruel & Lovely" by Stacia Stark, narrated by Tim Paige and Meg Sylvan, was a truly enjoyable audiobook experience. The narrators brought the main characters, Prisca and Lorian, to life with great skill.

The dual point of view added depth to the story, and I admired Prisca's unwavering determination to survive. Lorian's gradual reveal of his brooding nature endeared him to my heart. The twists, turns, and revelations throughout the book kept me engaged, and the pacing and angst were spot on. It was a rollercoaster of emotions that I thoroughly enjoyed. I have book 2 cued up and ready to go!

This series is perfect for those who enjoy dual POVS, strong FMC, magic, slow burn romance, and forced proximity.

This was such a bingeable fantasy romance!
We have an FMC who is strong, quick witted but raised to not understand who she is or her powers. She’s on the run and on her way to save her friend.
The MMC is your grumpy, quick witted, idgaf attitude type male lead and he was fantastic. He pushes the FMC to be better and stronger in the most nonchalant ways. I adored him.

The magic system is interesting, albeit basic and probably needs a little explaining. Especially when time powers come into play.

The audiobook was really well done!
The voices were animated enough to not be annoying, nor was it like reading words off a page. This duo was incredible.

A Court This Cruel and Lovely is a story that I would classify as a quick read. The story feels very fast paced. Occasionally this left world building behind to be picked up later. Both primary characters are likable in their own ways. Tim Paige was perfect for our typical possessive Fae male. His pacing and inflection embodied the character. Meg Sylvan did bring our female lead to life well, but at times the reading did make it feel like she was a bit young. Overall, I enjoyed this audiobook and am excited to grab the next one when it is released.

This story swept me into a world where gods strip humans of magic to protect them from fae, and corrupt individuals like Prisca face death. Prisca's tale, filled with bravery and resilience, took me on a rollercoaster. Encountering Lorian, the enigmatic mercenary from her dreams, their relationship evolved from enemies to lovers, weaving a complex and compelling narrative. Prisca's strength and Lorian's morally ambiguous nature created a magnetic tension. The twists, steamy romance, and unexpected plot developments kept me on my seat, blending familiar tropes with fresh surprises. This book was a captivating blend of fantasy and romance, and I eagerly anticipated the sequel.

This book has everything I look for in a novel. It begins with a determined heroine, Prisca, who is one of the Corrupt, supernaturally gifted people who have been rejected by the Gods and are hunted by society. When one of her neighbors discovers her abilities, she is forced to flee. She eventually stumbles upon a group of fierce mercenaries who begrudgingly agree to help her and it is in their brutish company that Prisca learns that everything may not be as it seems and Lorien, their leader, decides to show her exactly how naive she has been. He forces her to harness her abilities and learn to fight, and Prisca begins to trust him...but the brooding man has secrets of his own...

This book includes:
- Supernatural abilities
- Dual POV (each MC is given their own narrator for the audiobook)
- One Horse and One Bed tropes
- Unwilling Allies
- Cruel Fae
- Morally Gray/Villanous MC
- Lovers to Enemies
- The power of family
- Enemies to Lovers
- Betrayal
- Self Discovery/Actualization
- Slow Burn
- Rugged and Protective Hunks

I really loved this book and I don't feel like my review is doing the story justice. Prisca is fierce and determined in a way that appealed to me as the reader similar to the way that Celeana Sordothien did. Lorien is mysterious and dark and ugh so duplicitous, he's perfect. There was a bit of pace lag in the middle of the book, but honestly, I don't even care because the characters and the world and all the chemistry was THAT GOOD. I will 100% be recommending this book to my friends and all fans of TOG, "Crown of Blood and Glass" and all things romantasy. And I cant wait to read book 2.

I received this audiobook as an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media. I love you.

A wild, gripping, edge of your seat ride. This story was non-stop action, including some great banter. The pacing and plot are fantastic. The political nature of the story was mysterious and captivating. Prisca has forbidden magic. After nearly being killed, she infiltrates the castle as a servant and after some orchestration becomes one of the Queen’s ladies. Lorian also happens to end up in the same place, after having parted ways with Prisca (from the initial part of their journey, which was a rather interesting encounter and series of events), impersonating a neighbouring kingdom’s prince. Everyone is out for themselves and the audience doesn’t know who to trust. The push and pull between the two main characters is wildly entertaining. Perfect for the enemies-to-lovers fans out there. It’s slow burn, with loads of sexual tension; includes some spice. Great cliffhanger.
I received the arc of the audiobook and the narrators did an excellent job of portraying the characters. The voices worked, as well as the level of emotion each evoked. The casting was perfect.
I highly recommend this book and can’t wait to dive into book 2.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for an audio-arc of this book. The opinions expressed are honest and my own.

A Court This Cruel and Lovely by Stacia Stark is an engaging fantasy with narrators that help bring the story to life. This story was a 5 star read for me, and was hard to put down. If you enjoy fantasy books with romance, I highly recommend and cannot wait to read the rest of the series.
Prisca has lived in fear of her 25th winter for a majority of her life. Her magic could not be taken from her so in the eyes of the government, she must die. She uses said magic one day to save a friend, and it back fires. She has to run from her village, and the family she has known with a chance of never seeing them again. Prisca does whatever she has to survive, including staying with a group of mercenaries in order to make it to the city. They help her gain control of her power, and sparks fly between her and Lorien, the groups leader. Her brother catchess up with them on their journey and informs her that another one of her friends was taken to the city. After splitting from the mercenaries, Prisca and her brother divide a plan to infiltrate the castle and break out the friend before they are sentenced to die.

Thank you, NetGalley, for the copy of the audiobook. All opinions are my own. #StaciaStark #acourtthiscruelandlovely #NetGalley #DreamscapeMedia

Prisca is a girl living in a village with her mother and brother just trying to survive. Every year, the newborns in the village go through a ritual to be stripped of their magic... however, Prisca still has hers. This is a dangerous secret to be keeping, for her and anyone close to her, because if the king's men find out - she's dead. When a boy from her village sees her use her magic, she has to flee her village to save her life and her family.

While attempting to travel to safety, Prisca comes across Lorian and a group of mercenaries. Lorian would prefer to have nothing to do with her and leaves her to fend for herself. When they come in contact again, Prisca must put her anger and hatred for Lorian aside and work with him to complete his mission in exchange for passage to a safe place.

What you get:
- Dual POV
- Enemies to Lovers
- Slow burn
- Strong Female MC
- Magic

I literally requested this book on NetGalley based on the cover and title alone and man, I'm glad I did!

I loved the dual POV of this book. It gave you a lot more insight to what Prisca and Lorian were thinking. The banter between these two was great, plenty of sexual tension - they hate each other, but need each other. Prisca is so sassy and snarky, and I love it.

Stacia Stark's writing is great. She does an excellent job at world building. There are twists thrown in that you'll never expect. I'm really looking forward to the romance between Lorian and Prisca picking up in book 2.

Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for this ALC in exchange for my honest review.

I really enjoyed this one and thought the magic system was interesting. Has the tropes we love included, and I can’t wait for the next book!

I had high hopes for this but for me it fell flat. There wasn't enough going on to keep me interested. I enjoyed the idea of the story but not the execution. I can't fault the audio version. I love Tim Paiges narration and he delivered a great Lorian. If there was more of his chapters it may have held my interest a bit more. This was my first audio by Meg Sylvanand I enjoyed her narration also.

I really enjoyed this audiobook! If you love slow burn fantasy, you'll definitely want to read this book! I love the tension, building mystery, and hate to love we had between the two main characters. These two are forced together and it's an adventure for sure. Found family in fantasy is one of my favorites and I loved seeing Prisca's journey.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
AUDIOBOOK REVIEW
(The book is a 5 star. This is for thr audiobook).

I love anything from Stacia Stark.
I have already read the book for this one, and its sequel. I'm looking forward to book 3 too.

As for the audiobook. I do love audiobooks, as they're the reason I started reading in the first place.

This is a 5 star story, and the ONLY reason I have marked 4 stars, is because the improvement could be with using 2 narrators (a male and a female)) continuously throughout the book. Whenever the MMC talks, it should be a male voice, regardless of which POV it is. This always makes for a better audiobook.

I still recommend this audiobook. It's a great story and the narrators dod a great job.

It's like the author hasn't read anything but romantasy. She filled in an equation with the popular tropes and spat this out.

It's like drinking a slurpee. Is it good? Sure, maybe once every five years I can tolerate something so saccharine and cheaply done.

Contained a few explicit open door sex scenes that were weird and out of place. I wouldn't have read this had I known these scenes were coming.

I will say, the enemies to lovers relationship was well done. The "fae" man is actually "other" and his hard edges made sense. He was a consistent character.

He female MC on the other hand was cardboard.

The audio was okay. I liked that there's both male and female narrators for the switching POVs.

Thanks to NetGalley and dreamscape media for an audio arc to listen and review voluntarily.