A Court This Cruel and Lovely by Stacia Stark
4.5/5 Stars
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

•••Spoiler free review below•••

I was completely sucked into this story from the first chapter! Our main character - Prisca - lives in a world where magic is taken at birth by the king with a small portion given back when a person comes of age. Prisca has lived her life in fear at being discovered as a secret magic wielder. When the day comes that she must run, she quickly realizes that escaping by herself will be near impossible. After making a reluctant deal with a group of traveling mercenaries, and their grumpy leader, she is well on her way to learning more about her past and growing into the person she is meant to be.

This story is fast paced and captivating with an interesting world, swoony romance, and plenty of action to keep you turning the pages. I highly recommend picking it up if you are a Romantasy lover. I can’t wait to start book 2!

Read this book if you like:
- (multiple) secret identities
- found family trope
- dual POV
- there's only one horse!
- a focus on the romance but still a great plot
- time magic

A Court This Cruel and Lovely is out NOW but will be newly released on audiobook October 24th. If it's not already on your tbr, it should be!
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Special thanks to Dreamscape Media for sharing a free copy with me in exchange for my honest opinions.

A Court so Cruel & Lovely really took me by surprise. I don't really know what I was expecting but this was nothing like I imagined it would be. It was so much better. I will say that the pacing for the plot was really off. It switched between dragging and rushing a lot which was a little disorienting. But I loved the writing. The world building was well done without any big info dumps. The chemistry between the main characters was fiery and full of fun banter. Some of the plot twists were really easy to see coming but I still really enjoyed reading this one.

Thank you to the publishers and netgalley for this arc in exchange for an honest review.

I adored this book even more the second time with the audio and immediately started and finished the second book. I cannot wait for the third book to release at the end of November. The adventure and chemistry in this audiobook is *chefs kiss*! It is like a combination of The Hunger Games and Throne of Glass all rolled into one. With a one-horse, enemies to lovers, and found family tropes, this is one of the best romantasy books I've read. The narrator was also very pleasant, and her voice is soothing. Thank you so much for the Audiobook ARC! 5 Stars!

🎧 **A Court This Cruel & Lovely by Stacia Stark: A Riveting Journey into Magic and Secrets!** 🌟

Hey there, book lovers! 📚✨ Just finished diving into the world of "A Court This Cruel & Lovely" by Stacia Stark, and I can't wait to share my thoughts with you!

First off, let me tell you, this audiobook took me on an epic adventure filled with magic, mystery, and romance! 💫 The story gripped me right from the start as we follow the protagonist, caught between her forbidden power and the ruthless mercenary who abandons her. The vivid descriptions painted a picture so clear in my mind, I felt like I was right there beside the characters.

The magical element in this book is absolutely enchanting! ✨ The concept of humans trading their power with the gods for protection against the fae, and the struggles of those who manage to keep their power, had me hooked. Our main character's journey to harness her hidden power adds such a captivating layer to the plot.

And oh, the characters! 😍 The development of the relationship between the protagonist and the mysterious mercenary is beautifully crafted. Their dynamics, the secrets they hold, and the sacrifices they make kept me on the edge of my seat. The slow burn romance in this story is as intense as it is heartwarming, making it a perfect blend for any romance enthusiast.

What I appreciated most was the raw emotion in the writing. Stacia Stark did an incredible job weaving a tale of love, betrayal, and self-discovery. It's a rollercoaster of feelings that will leave you breathless and yearning for more.

And can we talk about the narration? 🎙️ The audiobook format truly brought the story to life, enhancing the overall experience. The narrator's voice was just perfect, capturing the essence of the characters and their emotions flawlessly. Thank you, NetGalley, for providing the opportunity to experience 'A Court This Cruel & Lovely' in its captivating audiobook format. 📚🎧✨

In summary, "A Court This Cruel & Lovely" is a must-listen for anyone who adores fantasy, romance, and strong, complex characters. It's a tale of resilience and finding one's power in the face of adversity, with a touch of steamy romance that will leave you eagerly anticipating the next installment.

So, grab your headphones and get ready to be enchanted! 🎧✨

Happy Reading,

Mysterious Shy

A Court This Cruel and Lovely by Stacia Stark is an addictively fun and exciting reading experience. While it is reminiscent of other popular romantasy titles like Fourth Wing, ACOTAR, or FBAA, I found that it didn't hurt my overall enjoyment. In fact, I believe that those looking for something to satisfy their post-read hangovers will discover that this title offers more of the same without being so similar that it's boring. The fearless heroine, Prisca, instantly won my heart with her unwavering strength, tenacity, and cunning. She relentlessly pursued her ultimate goal, undeterred by those who tried to dissuade her. Lorian, the enigmatic love interest, embodies the quintessential book boyfriend material—tall, brooding, and irresistibly intriguing. I think he's worthy of joining the big leagues with Casteel, Xaden, and Rhysand. A Court This Cruel and Lovely is filled with revenge, murder, survival, jealousy, bargains, betrayal, friendship, and more packed into a well-written narrative.

However, if you're seeking a completely unique twist in the fae romance enemies-to-lovers realm, this might not be the book for you. Stark manages an engaging story while not diverging significantly from her predecessors in the genre. Additionally, the story's twists and turns felt rather predictable from an early stage, which, while not necessarily a drawback, left little room for surprise in a narrative centered on Prisca's mysterious family and upbringing. Despite these minor drawbacks, Stacia Stark's novel offers an exciting and satisfying addition to the romantasy genre, making it an enjoyable read for all romantasy lovers. I will definitely be continuing this series.

4.5 stars for the first in a new steamy romance fantasy series. Prisca lives in a world where she must hide her power or risk being killed by the kingdom. The king has magical "assessors" who visit the human villages to make sure no magic has been held back. He needs all this power in order to keep the kingdom safe from the fae. Or so we're led to believe. Of course, Prisca is aware that she still has magic, it's discovered and she has to flee her village. Along the way she meets a group of "mercenaries" who help save her from drowning but then leave her to fend for herself. She decides to steal a horse from them but is quickly caught and they decide to work together to get out of the city. Lorien, their leader, helps Prisca use and tame her power so that she can use it when she needs it. Once Prisca is in the City, she realizes she can't just leave the kingdom; she must help the other hybrids like herself flee the king and his dungeons and burnings. Rebellion on the way!
This was a great start to a new series. I honestly don't understand how I didn't see the end coming, but I really didn't. I think I was just too caught up in the rebellion plot to understand what was happening with Lorien. Can't wait for the next book in the series! (And there's a note indicating each book will get steamier.) ;)

*Special thanks to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for this audio e-arc.*

I adored this book! Magic, Fae, Stealing Powers, Heir to the throne and all that jazz is my jam!

I dreamed of a man with blazing green eyes and a cruel smile.
The day I meet him, the ruthless mercenary leaves me for dead.
**We all see it coming right? They GOTTA be mates (; **
When we are born the gods take what little power we have.
Those who keep their power are known as the corrupt. We are hunted.
When my power is discovered I make a bargain with the mercenary
I’ll help him and his mysterious friends sneak into the city,
& he’ll help me learn to wield the strange, dark power I’ve always kept hidden.
But he is hiding secrets of his own, secrets that could tear this kingdom apart.

Thanks NetGalley & Dreamscape Media for this Advanced Readers Copy!

A Court This Cruel and Lovely
Series: Kingdom of Lies, Book 1
By: Stacia Stark
Narrated by: Tim Paige, Meg Sylvan
Release date: 10-24-23
Publisher: Dreamscape Media

“One day soon, you will have to make a choice. Be a torch for just one soul in the dark…or burn like the sun for all of them.”

OMG this book is everything. It is the slowest of slow burns in all the right ways. Our FMC Prisca and strong and compassionate. She has to hide the fact she is one of the corrupt ( someone with magic) in a world where an evil ruler wants to steal everyones power for himself. There is sooooo much going on. So many parts of the story that keep you guess. The MMC Is rough around the edges. He has a bit of a temper, and he can also kill you with the coldest of stares.

These two paths cross and you won't want to stop reading from there. I could day 1 million amazing things about this book. Thank you netgalley and thank you Stacia Stark for allowing me to read this amazing book. Off to buy book two!

I don’t even really know what I expected from this book but it exceeded all of those expectations.
It took me a little to get fully drawn in but the action started pretty quickly which I loved.

Prisca was so realistic, she was never stupid or unbelievably exceptional and it was refreshing!
The world building was a little low but not not to the point where it hurt the story.

I listened to this audiobook while I was walking the dog every day and I admit that on some days we walked a little bit more just just because I was enjoying this audiobook so much .

I found the story to be one that really got me hooked and I did find the narrator did a fantastic job.

I do recommend

3.5 stars - I enjoyed this one! Good characters and plot - but the pacing was a little off at times. Overall, I enjoyed this fantasy romance and will def listen to book 2!

The characters were very likable making the story hard to put down wanting to know what will happen next. There’s a good amount of spice and it it spicy.

First of all, thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the ARC audiobook in exchange for an honest opinion.

<b>I really enjoyed this book/audiobook!</b>
Even with the slower pace, somehow it didn't bother me and I kept coming back to it - finished it in 2 days.
I guessed one of the reveals and the reactions of the other characters were also really easy to anticipate, but even so, I found myself even more anxious to see what will happen - I can't wait for the second installment.

There are a lot of characters, and I liked that they were not mere shadows in the story, or frames for the MCs, they have nuances. The world building was also interesting and I get the feeling that it's going to expand in the next book - I'm all here for it.
The ending left a lot of unanswered questions and a lot of promise for more banter and tension between the MCs (I love a good enemies to lovers trope).

Certainly, it's nothing never attempted at before, and I can see why it is compared with ACOTAR, but I think it holds its own and is most certainly a great choice for fans of romantasy in general.

I have never added to a wish list nor recommended a book as fast as I did with this one.

The plot was *chefs kiss*

The romance was *steamy*

and my need to get the physical book and continue this series was *immense*.

If you are looking for an enemies to lovers, take over the world rebellion and a cast of characters that will have you in absolute tears in some parts then look no further.

I simply loved this book and the narration was impeccable! I loved that we had two separate narrators for this book. They both did a fantastic job with the large scope of characters.

I don't know what else to say other than : READ THIS BOOK ASAP.

I was pleasantly surprised with this one. Stacia Stark has such a way with writing that I was immediately drawn into the story. I had listened to the audiobook for this one and the narrators did a fantastic job bringing these characters to life.

~Fantasy Romance
~Slow Burn
~Broody, Morally Grey Man
~Magic

Prisca and Lorian were both likeable and had some great character growth throughout the story. While the ending may have been a little predictable, I feel like that is expected with the first book of every fantasy romance series. I am looking forward to continuing on the journey with these two and to see where the story takes them.

Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape for the audiobook.

Alright I’m obsessed! I’ve been looking for a good romantasy book and this hit all the marks, plus it's a series. I cannot wait to read the next one (:

Prisca has a secret: she’s one of the corrupt. Somehow her power wasn’t taken at birth and once it’s discovered she’s forced to flee or she’ll be sent to burn. To survive, Prisca bargains with a band of mercenaries led by the mysterious and beautiful Lorian who has secrets of his own. Will they both get what they want and maybe even more than they bargained for or will their plans go up in flames?

This book has:

❣️Forced proximity
❣️One horse/One bed
❣️Fate
❣️Forbidden magic
❣️Rebels
❣️Protective men
❣️Court drama
❣️Danger & deception

I could go on and on but basically there is something for everyone! I really loved the Audio for this one; it made the feisty banter and tension between the FMC and MMC all the more entertaining and palpable. Adding in the multiple POV really lets the reader feel a connection to both MCs. I never felt like there was a lull in the plot and couldn’t predict much of what was going to happen which kept me engaged. Usually I’m not a huge slow burn fan but this one was very well done and was not frustrating or boring. Honestly, I’m a little in love with Lorian myself! He’s grumpy but obviously loyal and protective of the ones he loves. Prisca is a total badass and willing to do anything for those she cares for and to do what’s right. The narrators did such a great job so I really recommend listening to this one!

Thank you NetGalley & Dreamscape Media for the eAudio ARC in exchange for an honest review! All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This book was so addictive. It had a fast moving plot, moderate worldbuilding, and a delicious enemies to lovers slow burn romance with a heaping spoonful of heat. The plot twists throughout kept me guessing where this would go until the very end. The cliffhanger ripped my still beating heart from my chest and I need the next book now! Both the male and female narrators were absolutely fantastic throughout the entire book and brought even more depth to the story.

"A Court This Cruel and Lovely" is a dark fantasy with a hunky man(ish) rogue you love to hate, and a female who you can't help rooting for.
Much appreciation to the author, NetGalley, & Dreamscape Media for the AudioARC!
I would call this a coming of age story...of a sort. First you have a young female who knows she has an expiration date because she has powers she's not supposed to have kept and a kingdom out to burn people like her. There are reaping, as I like to call them where people like our leading lady, Prisca (loove the name), are gathered and gleaned by people who can tell what they are. After Prisca's "mother" has a vision of her being found out, she pushes her into the river (nearly killing her to save her) but is hauled out by a man in a band of mercenaries. The leader of this group is a man who Prisca sees in her dreams. I must say first of all that this point is not well defined in this book and I hope it is expressly clarified in the next book. I would be a lot more concerned about why a man I see in my dreams exists and why I was dreaming about him in the first place, but I do digress. Prisca is abandoned by this rogue group of mercenaries and she must kill for the first time to survive. I think she over reacts to their abandonment as she vows to find each man and destroy them, but sure ... you do you Prisca! Anyway, after nearly dying of cold, lack of food/water, and wounds she finds the mercenaries again and tries to steal a horse and provisions. SHOCKER here ... she gets caught! Only, this time moody dreamboat, Lorian, now has a use for her and wants to teach her to use her time related powers to help him.
I think this entire portion of the book could have deleted. She could have just traveled with them from the moment she was hauled out of the river. It honestly wouldn't have changed the tone of the story. Beyond showing that Prisca had decent survival skills, her time spent alone after they ditched her was near pointless (sorry for any bluntness here). I have little time for fluff.
Again, I digress!
Here is where the book REALLY starts to get good! I won't over share, since I hate reviews that basically go over the entire novel, but I will provide my highlight reel.
- love/hate banter
- friendships made with rough and tumble mercenaries
- undercover ladies maid
- wicked king with an awful, power hungry secret
- slow burn enemies to lovers with hot kissing scenes that lead to hot spicy scene that eventually leads back
to enemies.
- A flawed victory
- mild cliffhanger
Rating is 4 out of 5 stars!!! I will be digging into the next book ASAP!!!

NO REGRETS!!!!

A Court This Cruel and Lovely is a fantasy romance filled with intrigue and a fight for survival. Prisca has been raised knowing that she will one day need to run. The children of their kingdom are supposed to give their magic to the gods and receive a portion of it back after they reach twenty-five winters. But Prisca still has her magic. If she's discovered, it would mean death for her and her family.

When she accidently reveals her magic, she feels her town, running straight into Lorian and his band of mercenaries. They agree to help her in exchange for the use of her magic. Prisca distrusts Lorian, considering he first wanted to leave her for dead, but soon their fates are tangled together.

I hesitate to call A Court This Cruel and Lovely enemies to lovers. So, let's just say Prisca and Lorian very, very reluctant allies. And it's delicious! I loved the magic system and world building. This book felt fresh and addicting. The story sucked me right in and didn't let go. I can't wait to read the next two books in the series.

I highly recommend this for anyone looking for a new fantasy romance series who also enjoyed The Plated Prisoner, The War of Lost Hearts, and/or A Court of Thornes and Roses.

Fantasy writing seems to follow the same format. We have a fairly predictable beginning and an explosive twist ending.

I saw another reviewer say that it wasn’t til the 20% mark that they were hooked. The second I realized okay now I’m invested, I checked and it was also the 20% mark. The point is, hang in there.

I had this book on my radar for a while, the kindle copy was already downloaded when I got this audio copy from Netgalley. I love the MFC narrator but something about the MMC narrator isn’t believable as a fantasy character. I feel like I need him narrating self help books, not sexy scenes. It wasn’t a big deal or anything, didn’t take me out of the book or anything, just wouldn’t have chosen this myself.

Without giving spoilers, I was LIVING for her and the mercenaries getting to know each other during their travel. Then I was squealing when they found each other again. There are little nuggets throughout the writing that you get that just kept me wanting to turn the book back on.

THEN WE HAVE THE MULTIPLE BOMBS DROPPED AT THE END FOLLOWED BY THE LAST DAMN PARAGRAPH. Sheesh. When does book two come out because I need it *immediately*