Happy to have a new enemies to lovers romantasy to recommend to our YA readers clamoring for MOAR....
The book cover is exquisite.

DNF'd at 40%

I liked Twin Crowns so I was hoping to really love this one, but nothing about the characters or their enemies relationship was really grabbing my attention enough. I thought the magic was a bit interesting and the action was good, but I couldn't get into any other part of the book.

Might give this another try at a later date when the mood calls for a ya fantasy.

The Dagger and the Flame is Doyle's first book in a new series. Doyle has woven a new magic system with Shade being the medium to flow with or kill with shadows. I enjoyed our snarky 17 yr old Seraphine with her will to live. Ransom (yep that's his name) is our MMC and his POV was so great to have as between the two MC's we get a great insight into the Cloaks and Daggers who rule the city. While it is a YA book I feel like this book would have been even better if it had a aged up the characters as Seraphine was very open about all she has done with her farm boy she left behind and one fairly explicit scene for which if you want to go there just age up and be a new adult and true romantacy. For that and for some stalled plot in the middle I give this 4 stars. I will be reading the next book to see who Doyle will turn this cluster she ended us in will work itself out or how it will still be some romance at all in the next book will be interesting to see how she pulls this off.

I thought this was very good and I will have to add this to the shop shelves. Thank you for the chance for us to review.

The story pulled me in right away and I loved the enemies to lovers push and pull throughout the book. The discovery of what the FMC is capable of and how far she was willing to go was an interesting journey. I lived the character arcs for both the MMC and FMC. It definitely read YA but it delivered a captivating tale and I cannot wait for the next book.

I liked the overall feel of the story but I have to say that the ending was not as good as I was expecting it to be. I did enjoy the characters and the unique idea of the plot and world building.
I would love to read the next one and hopefully change my mind

3.5 stars

Okay this has SO much potential, but unfortunately fell a little flat for me. I thought the characters were a little dull and one dimension. I appreciated that they were ACTUAL enemies but overall the romance felt very lustful which isn’t always my cup of tea. I think the world was super fun and I always am a fan of urban fantasy so I really enjoyed that setting, but that was kind of it for me. The majority of the plot felt a little boring and the middle of the book dragged a bit for me.

2⭐️

DNF: 10%

*Sigh*… Another DNF ARC for me.

Honestly, I have no idea what is happening when it comes to me and my ARCs this year. In total, I have read about 5 complete ARCs and 4 of them were a struggle to get through. Several others I DNF’d (just like this one). And I am truly sad about it. I actually had my hopes up for The Dagger and The Flame. I mean, COME ON. With a cover like this (which is why I am rating this 2 stars), who wouldn’t want to request the ARC. This cover is yet one of my favorites when I think about all of the 45 books that I managed to read this year. A plus to the artist that created it.

Unfortunately, this story couldn’t hold my attention. Part of it has to do with my new found ability to read physical books alongside their audiobook components, especially when it comes to Fantasy and Romantasy novels. There is just something about the narrators that are picked for these types of books that have the capacity to capture not just the essence of the storyline but are able to bring the characters to life. Had this been an audiobook and I was able to order the physical book from my library then I would’ve devoured this book in three days. Given that my library does have the physical book, I have found myself waiting NOT so patiently for audiobook to be ordered. If and when the audiobook does arrive then I might be able to see myself starting this again and giving it an actual review.

Until then, this will go down as a DNF!!!

However, if you enjoy:

✨Romantasy Novels…
✨NA (New Adult) vibes…
✨Murder/Revenge subplots…
✨Enemies-to-Lovers Romances…

Then this book will MOST DEFINITELY appeal to you!!!

Thank you NetGalley and Margaret K. McElderry Books for granting my request for an Advance Reader’s Copy of this book in exchange for my honest and personal opinion!!!

I loved the other series she did with her sister, but this one read to me a lot like every fantasy book featuring an assassin and a thief and the whole forbidden love trope, so I will have to revisit this one again

I really liked this story! The characters had interesting backstories and motivations. This has a really fun enemies "we're trying to kill each other" start to the romance, with an interesting dark vs. light magic storyline that connects to secrets and mysteries. Great found family, fun banter, and a good set-up for the next book.

What didn't work for me the use of strong language and a really awkward lust-induced romantic encounter that didn't feel necessary or appropriate, given the scene and the fact that this is marketed as a YA novel.

*strong language, 1 open-ish door scene

They had me at enemies to lovers! The world building, the tension, everything was top tier perfection! I’m definitely in my YA romantasy era and LOVING it!

I truly adored this book and all it had to offer. It was adventurous, funny, and kept me on the edge of my seat. there is a mix of both character and plot development. I did enjoy when our two main characters were together more than when they were apart.

The power struggle between the Daggers and Cloaks was intriguing but I felt that it could have been explored more throughout the novel. At times I did feel like it dragged a bit but that comes with world building. Doyle does a wonderful job at making sure nothing is forgotten about when creating the mystical structure of Fantome. I can't wait to explore the other cities and areas throughout the world

The banter between Seraphine and Ransom was straight FIRE!!!!! A true Enemies to lovers (and more) anytime they were together I was giggling from pure enjoyment.

The elements of found family for both were a little bit of a mystery as I felt they could have been more developed, but the focus on the world and the mystery took first place, leaving it to be desired

Overall a wonderful start to the world: 4.75/5

This had it all for me: Unique magic system, interesting setting, fast-paced plot, and so much tension. I really enjoyed this and I need the next book NOW.

Unfortunately I had to DNF this. I made it 16% in, but it wasn’t grabbing me.

The world building was too confusing. The characters were unremarkable. I was just bored and had no desire to continue it.

4.5 stars!
The beginning of this book was a little slow for me, so l actually put it down for a few weeks and came back to it. And I'm so glad I continued it! After 30% it picked up with the action and the two main characters really meeting.
I loved the dual POV in this.
I loved both the characters! Their tragic backstories were interesting and the surprises were so good!
I love that there was a wonderful cliffhanger and I can't wait for the next book.

4.5 stars
strong language
moderate spice

Mention two rival assassins and I immediately think of Mr. and Mrs. Smith, one of my favorite movies. Of course I immediately requested this book after reading the description.

I loved the setting of this novel. With the vivid imagery, it was easy to picture the city of Fantome as Sera and Ransom traversed its cobbled streets on their quests to kill each other. As with the characters in Mr. and Mrs. Smith, the snarky comments and witty quips between Sera and Ransom had me smirking numerous times.

Both characters come from tragic circumstances. Sera’s mother was murdered, and she’s alone in the world with the exception of her dog, Pippin (a total scene-stealer). Initially I was afraid Sera would depend on others to take care of her, but I was proven wrong almost immediately. She learns what’s needed to survive as a Cloak, works hard to attain those skills, and makes loyal friends along the way. Although it isn’t always the best decision, she dives headfirst into dangerous situations almost fearlessly. Ransom, his sister, and mother were abused by their father/husband when he was a child. After helping his mother and sister escape, he’s a nine-year-old orphan living on the streets. Soon he’s taken in by the leader of the Daggers, a man who becomes a father figure to Ransom. Becoming assassins isn’t something they’d planned, but their only option for survival at the time.

With Sera and Ransom in rival gangs and told to kill each other, the conflict makes for a compelling read. Characterization is a strong point – even the supporting characters are well-drawn and multi-layered. I’m not a big romance fan, but the enemies to lovers trope is done well, and there are some very quotable lines that might leave some readers swooning.

After that ending, the sequel is one of my most anticipated reads for next year. Recommended for fans who enjoy lots of snark (it was fantastic), morally gray characters, and found family.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

3.5 stars The story was a bit predictable and while it was aimed at an older audience in the YA category, read like it was for a younger audience in most of the story. It was a bit drawn out in some plot points which messed with the pacing but enjoyable.

While the plot and pacing dragged a bit in the middle, this was a really fun read! The enemies felt like enemies, the romance was built up pretty well (I'm nothing if not an instalove hater), and the characters were definitely the overall highlight.

this might be my top YA of the year. i loved the plot, i loved the characters and i loved the romance. it was super fast paced and the magic system is really unique. i also really enjoyed the waring gangs vibes. Dual POV books will always be superior imo.

Tiktok/ IG review coming soon

I saw that this book was recommended for fans of Caraval so I had to give it a chance. And I am so glad I did! This was a wonderfully written fantasy read. So perfect for fall/winter time if you enjoy that genre during this time of year.