This was a very solid run of the mill romantasy book.

This book starts off really quick paced. It is very plot focused and the action starts very quickly. Unfortunately for me that means that I didn’t have enough time to really get to know these characters and their motives. I did read this in audiobook format (Thank you NetGalley for providing me with an advanced copy of the audiobook), and it was really well done and I loved the narrators, but I feel like I would have probably enjoyed this book more in a different format. With audiobooks, I find it harder to follow the story when the reader is thrown into the plot in this way. I found myself having to rewind and re-listen a lot in the first 15% of this book.

I did really enjoy this story and this magic system, but there wasn’t really anything unique about this book. It felt familiar (In a comfort read kind of way), that kept me reading and I am excited to read book 2 to see where this plot and characters go.
I didn’t love any of the characters. They were all kind of just fine, but I think that has a lot to do with the fact that I didn’t really believe their motivations. I also didn’t love the main couple. It felt like it was trying to be enemies to lovers, but they were never really enemies. I also didn’t feel much chemistry from them, so the slow burn moments of those first kisses and stuff didn’t really hit because it was missing that tension I was craving.

This book was good and I enjoyed reading it and I will continue with this series, but it wasn’t my favorite and nothing about it gave me that magical feeling I look for when reading a romantasy book.

Woah! I was not expecting to like this book/audiobook as much as I did! It was a great "romantasy" with plenty of surprises and I felt the world building was enough to let the reader know what was going on but now too much to where it got long and drawn out.
If you love romantic fantasy with some smut, I highly recommend this series.
The audiobook was great and the narrator did a great job.

This was one of those books that I simply could not put down. When I laid down for bed before finishing, I found myself consumed with thoughts about the characters and anxiously waiting to dive back in! The plot was so well thought out, the elements of danger kept me on my toes, and the characters had enough secrets between them to keep things interesting. One thing I’ve noticed lately is that many of the books I’ve read have gotten a bit bogged down in the middle and I get a bit bored. With A Court This Cruel and Lovely, the storyline flowed so smoothly and reading was effortless. I'm already salivating for the next!

I was pleasantly surprised with this one! While I found the first 25% moderately predictable the story unfolded into pure action, witty banter between lovable characters, and some seriously spicy scenes.

I loved the narration, great storytelling through the audio. I would definitely recommend this to others who love fantasy romance. Stacia Stark is onto something with these 🙇🏻‍♀️💭 Can’t wait to read the next one!

My opinions on this book are mixed. Maybe it's because it was my first audiobook, or maybe it's because the steamy scenes were cringy and I hated the fact that Lorian was so tall compared to her, that Prisca was so small and frail… ugh.

☕️ Prisca was born in a village where magic is taken away from children at a young age. However, she still has powers. And these are becoming more and more present. Before her 25 winters, she will have to flee to avoid death. Unfortunately, she must flee now, abandon her brother and leave her mother in the hands of murderers to survive. And what she finds in the woods is not a soul. ☕️

There are several things I liked about this novel. Although it had slow moments, the story was filled with twists and turns. Halfway through the story, we could see the author's attempt to offer several avenues to her story, which was intended to be more captivating, but which was actually quite confusing. At one point I was a little lost in terms of the story line, where there was a lot going on at once, but nothing really concrete, but that dissipated as I listened further. 🗡️

I liked Prisca. She is fierce and doesn't let anyone walk on her feet. She kills without remorse and takes revenge without looking behind her shoulder. For Lorian… I don't know… He had to call a young woman Wildcat? Honestly, it infantilized Prisca, which in my opinion didn't go well with the hot scenes. However, I loved his men. Marth, Rythos, Cavis and Galon were so well constructed that I was able to tell the difference between them with just the audio - considering that there were only two narrators exchanging chapters, not even characters. 🕯️

The universe was interesting, a wonderful atmosphere of a medieval village followed by the city in a palace. Prisca's power was very interesting, especially since it had a realistic limit. Magic is well wielded and its secret is even more so. 🔥

In short, this novel would have been perfect if it played a little with the pace of the story and removed the sexual scenes that made me roll my eyes.

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ✨

Warning: the tropes may spoil you!!
Tropes: medieval, royal, enemis to lovers, magic, 🌶️

I devoured this one and cannot wait to read the rest of the series. A morally gray MMC, an FMC who is learning her own ethical and moral boundaries, adventure, romance, magic, secrets, lies, and high stakes—what’s not to love? Be aware that this is the beginning of a fantasy series, though, so when this book ends, you will want to pick up the next one to continue the story.

This dual POV novel is brought to life in a dual narration audiobook. I preferred the chapters narrated by Meg Sylvan to those narrated by Tim Paige. Paige’s narration comes across as almost cavalier, which is fitting to the MMC, but I preferred Sylvan’s vocal choices. I do highly recommend the audiobook version, though, as being utterly consumable and an excellent way to be transported into the fantasy world.

I received an advance copy from Dreamscape Media and NetGalley. All review opinions are my own.

This book was freaking brilliant, and I loved every second of it. The narrators did a fantastic job as well! I can't wait to start the next book I've already downloaded on my Kindle so that it's locked and loaded.

I love it when our female main character finds her strength and comes into herself it is one of my favorite tropes in a book, and this one did not disappoint.

Read this if you love
☆finding yourself
☆hidden identity
☆forced proximity
☆Enemies to lovers
☆found family
☆slow burn

Overall 5/ 5
Spice 2 /5
Audio 5/ 5

I absolutely loved this story and I'm looking forward to the next book in this series. The narrators did a fantastic job with the story. Not only did I enjoy the main characters but the side characters as well. The hate/love feelings between Prisca and Lorian will leave you wanting more. The chemistry between the two of them cannot be denied and the anticipation of things happening will have you on the edge of your seat. This is a story of survival for those believed to be corrupt, hybrid's and fae. Those born and displaying power either lose their power or their life, but they are not the only ones. King Sabium is determined to keep the powers for himself and those he deems worthy while spreading lies and fear throughout the land. This story is full of suspense, revenge, betrayal, secrets, steamy scenes, laugh out loud moments and more. I'm excited to read the next book especially after the truth about Lorian and Prisca was revealed at the end.

This audio book was so much fun to listen to! The story was written well for the most part (there were some spots where pacing felt off) and the characters were crafted really well to the point where I found them really interesting despite their issues and sometimes annoying moments.

The story was so much fun and really had this incredible story that it's telling. The romance between the characters was so perfect and I loved every second of it. This book made me fall in love with its characters and I can't wait to see what happens next!

Thank you NetGalley for an audio eARC of this in exchange for an honest review!

"A Court This Cruel and Lovely" is a breathtaking tale of magic, intrigue, and romance that ensnares the reader's heart and doesn't let go. This mesmerizing fantasy novel, brimming with forbidden power and complex characters, left me utterly captivated.

The story takes place in a world where humans are born with a unique magic that is promptly taken by the gods in exchange for their protection from the malevolent fae. Those who dare to retain their magic are labeled as "the corrupt" and face a grim fate. Prisca, our fiery and resilient protagonist, is one of them. When her secret power is exposed, she's forced to flee her beloved village and makes a life-altering pact with a ruthless mercenary, Lorian. Their tumultuous journey is a rollercoaster of emotions, secrets, and unexpected allies.

Prisca's character is a revelation, proving that heroines can be both strong and multidimensional. She's a "wildcat" who doesn't back down even in the direst situations, a far cry from the damsel in distress trope. Her determination and resourcefulness make her a formidable force.

Lorian, our morally gray, brooding hero, is impossible not to fall for. His complexity and depth as a character keep the reader guessing and yearning for more. The banter between Prisca and Lorian is electric and often had me chuckling.

The slow-burn romance between them is expertly crafted, keeping the tension palpable and the reader's heart racing. The witty dialogue and steamy moments add an extra layer of delight to their relationship.

The supporting characters are equally endearing and significant to the story, creating a found family dynamic that warms the heart. Their camaraderie is particularly evident as they face life-threatening challenges together.

The book's world-building is top-notch, drawing the reader into a vivid and immersive fantasy realm. The magical system is intriguing, and the court politics add a layer of complexity and intrigue to the story.

The plot is filled with twists and turns that kept me on the edge of my seat. I was constantly surprised, and the pacing, though initially slow, builds to a breathtaking crescendo.

The book's steamy romance, enemies-to-lovers trope, and forbidden magic all contribute to making it a compelling and unforgettable read. It's reminiscent of some beloved fantasy romance series while standing out with its own unique charm.

With an ending that leaves you eager for the next installment, "A Court This Cruel and Lovely" is a must-read for fans of fantasy romance, enemies-to-lovers stories, and intricate world-building. I eagerly anticipate the sequel, and I'm certain this series will continue to be a favorite. I wholeheartedly recommend it to all lovers of fantastical adventures with a touch of romance and suspense.

Thank you to netgalley and Stacia Stark for this ARC.

First, I would like to thank Stacia Stark, Dreamscape Media, and NetGalley for the audiobook ARC. I really enjoy Tim Paige and Meg Sylvan as narrators. The story, magic system and characters were well written. It was a slow burn until the end- which was pretty decently spicy. There was an exciting twist at the end—and now I am rushing off to start the next book!

“𝙄 𝙠𝙣𝙤𝙬 𝙬𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙬𝙚'𝙧𝙚 𝙖𝙗𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙙𝙤. 𝙄𝙩 𝙙𝙤𝙚𝙨𝙣'𝙩 𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙛𝙖𝙘𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙄 𝙬𝙖𝙣𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙨𝙩𝙧𝙞𝙥 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙙𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙨 𝙤𝙛𝙛 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙨𝙚𝙚 𝙬𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙄 𝙛𝙞𝙣𝙙 𝙗𝙚𝙣𝙚𝙖𝙩𝙝 𝙞𝙩."
"𝙔𝙤𝙪'𝙡𝙡 𝙛𝙞𝙣𝙙 𝙠𝙣𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙨," 𝙄 𝙨𝙖𝙞𝙙, 𝙣𝙖𝙧𝙧𝙤𝙬𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙢𝙮 𝙚𝙮𝙚𝙨 𝙖𝙩 𝙝𝙞𝙢.
𝙃𝙞𝙨 𝙨𝙢𝙞𝙡𝙚 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙙𝙖𝙧𝙠 - 𝙖𝙡𝙢𝙤𝙨𝙩 𝙛𝙚𝙧𝙖𝙡. "𝙒𝙞𝙘𝙠𝙚𝙙 𝙬𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙣 𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙢𝙮 𝙬𝙚𝙖𝙠𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙨.”

This book was definitely engaging, and kept me interested throughout, but I wouldn’t say it’s breaking any new ground. If you find yourself having a book hangover from another fantasy romance with fae and magic, I think this would be a good book to turn to to get some of those same *feels*.

When a baby is born, their magic is taken and sacrificed to the gods in order to keep their society protected from the fae. Unless, that is, you are corrupted, in which case when you reach the age of 25, you will be found to still have the powers you were born with, your family will be immediately murdered, and you will be imprisoned and later burned. So yes, you should be worried about our FMC, Prisca!

I liked Prisca’s character, she was brave, strong-willed, and never gave up. Lorian is maybe a little less fleshed out to me, but that is probably due to his keeping secrets throughout, even to us the listener.

I also enjoyed the slow burn aspect to the romance; it kept me listening so that I could see them finally give in to their feelings.

I would say that our main couple’s chemistry was a little lacking for me. I didn’t understand or feel why they felt pulled to one another, but maybe that is explained in later books. Also, the world building was a little confusing to me, and I had many questions about specific aspects of it, but maybe that also comes later in the series.

Overall, if you’re looking for a slow-burn, enemies to lovers, fantasy romance with a touch of spice, this one will definitely fulfill those things.

Thank you to @dreamscape_media and @netgalley for providing me an ALC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

What this book is giving:
✅ Fantasy Romance
✅ Enemies to Lovers
✅ Dual-POV
✅ Slow Burn
✅ One Horse
✅ One Bed
✅ Magic

Rating:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / 5
🌶️🌶️🌶️ / 5

A great fantasy, romance story. The stakes are high from the first chapter so it was hard to put this down. It's fast paced action but still with sufficient world building and character development. This was full of tropes that I love, like: enemies to lovers, found family, secret identities, one bed/horse, betrayal and redemption. I really enjoyed the characters. The FMC, MMC, and side characters were all great. And the banter between characters was well done. Some of the flirting had me kicking my feet.

The narration was excellent. This was dual POV with two narrators and they both brought the characters to life.

Can't wait for book 2! Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for providing an eARC of this book.

The pacing was not steady and sometimes it felt like there was a lot of worldbuilding and then all of a sudden THINGS were HAPPENING ... and then it went back to world building. I really enjoyed Lorian and Prisca though, and while the grand reveal wasn't a huge surprise, I appreciated a lot of the small surprises.

What a wonderful fantasy! Stark's storytelling captures the imagination, with the characters feeling so real that you might expect them to leap off the page. I particularly appreciated that this story wasn't just streamlined to service the romance - instead, the romance bolsters the main story, giving it something to bumper up against to create tension and conflict, rather than shoehorning everything to be about the romance. A lot of romantasy (especially romantasy containing fae) tends to do just that, so I was relieved that this was not the case.

The journey that Prisca, the FMC, goes on is organic and you can see the growth from the first moment to the last. This is further driven home by Meg Sylvan's performance. Her voice lends emotion beyond the written text, and helped me to connect further with Prisca. It was the perfect audio to pick up and put down as necessary.

Thank you so much to Netgalley and Dreamscape for the opportunity to listen to an early copy!

Immediately want to start the next one.
Who doesn't love forbidden magic, found family and taking down a king too big for his crown ?
And it has everything I love obsessed males and resilient women.

Thanks to netgallery and the publisher for this ARC! This book is perfect for fans of J. l. Armentrout and Sarah J Maas. My expectations were far exceeded with this story! It story focuses on our main character Prisca and her love interest. If you enjoy a slow burn, enemies to lovers romance you will definitely enjoy this story! To make it even better, it’s more of a coming of age story where Prisca gains confidence in herself and her magic. I particularly enjoyed that the romance plot was more of a supporting plot to the overall fantasy. There is an interesting magic system, unique to each individual person, and I hope this continues to be expanded upon in future books. For listeners of the audio book, I at first didn’t love the male characters voice actor but it grew on me by the end, and Prisca’s narrator was lovely. Do be warned, this book ends on a cliffhanger that will make you desperate for book 2!

Enchanting Fantasy Audiobook

I am thrilled to express how much I enjoyed this book. I was genuinely surprised that I managed to finish it within just two days. While I initially began it some time ago, my fascination with the story truly took flight yesterday. I was so captivated that I dedicated a solid 12 hours to listening to the audiobook. Can you sense my enthusiasm? Anything that channels the essence of a fantasy retelling with a touch of Beauty and the Beast ambiance is right up my alley. I absolutely adored this book and cannot wait to share my thoughts with you!
Get ready to be whisked away on a spellbinding journey with "A Court This Cruel & Lovely"! This audiobook had me hooked from the first chapter to the very end. Stacia Stark has crafted a captivating tale of love, sacrifice, and the discovery of inner strength that will leave you utterly spellbound.

Set in a world where humans trade their powers for protection against the fae, our protagonist finds herself entangled in a web of forbidden magic and a tumultuous relationship with a captivating mercenary. The intricate world-building and the exploration of the characters' inner struggles make this a truly immersive experience.

The narration is nothing short of extraordinary, as the narrator's voice seamlessly brings each character to life, allowing you to delve deeper into the intricate emotions woven throughout the narrative. It's a testament to the power of a well-executed audiobook that enhances the storytelling in every way.

With its seamless blend of fantasy and romance, "A Court This Cruel & Lovely" is a must-listen for all fans of the genre. Stark's ability to evoke raw emotions and create a world so vivid that it feels like reality is a testament to her storytelling prowess. This is a tale that will linger in your mind long after you've finished it.

If you're looking for an enthralling adventure filled with magic, mystery, and a slow-burn romance that will tug at your heartstrings, look no further than "A Court This Cruel & Lovely." It's a hidden gem that deserves to be discovered and cherished by all. Don't miss out on the opportunity to embark on this extraordinary journey.

Click the link below and immerse yourself in the enchanting world of "A Court This Cruel & Lovely" - it's an experience you won't soon forget!

Thank you NetGalley & Dreamscape Media for this audio ARC!

3.5 stars

Had so much potential but many parts dragged on and I really had to force my way through this one. I really hope book 2 is better because as I said, potential! Something is just... missing.

How could you end it like that?! I'm obsessed with this series- the slow burn spice, the 'touch her and die' the love of the FMC and her mercenaries... incredible. I cant wait for the next one!