First off; thank you so much to Macmillan audio for this early audio copy!

I’m really liking the world and writing in this tale, but I’m also finding it to be a bit too complicated of a story for me to be able to follow accordingly on audio alone. I think this would be best enjoyed with a print copy and audio as a companion. I don’t want my esperience to be colored by this, so I will not be continuing until I have a print copy to read at the same time.

I am so thankful and lucky to have been given an ARC for the audio book!

I have to say, I loved this book! Mary E Pearson does a brilliant job world building and giving us the information about the world, characters and plot without doing an info dump. We slowly learn more of the secrets and more of the world through the various POV’s which I loved.

I can’t say I’ve ever enjoyed a book with so many small side characters POV’s but it was such a fun and interesting way to provide more information about the world.

Bristol is such a wonder FMC, she’s fierce, strong but also relatable, she feels deeply, fights for what is right. Pearson did an amazing job providing us with complex characters who you can’t help but root for, even when they are making mistakes.

There were plenty of plot twists to keep you engaged.

Now I have to talk about the narrator, because we all know audiobooks are only as good as the narrator. And my goodness did Brittany Pressley do a phenomenal job! She voiced so many characters beautifully! The accents, the emotion, that came through. I felt truly as though I was there with the characters.

This was a great “read” and I am so excited for the next book!

Thank you to NetGalley, Macmillan Audio, Flatiron Books, Mary E. Pearson, and Brittany Pressley (audio narrator) for the opportunity to read and listen to the audiobook of The Courting of Bristol Keats in exchange for an honest review.

Mary E. Pearson is well-known for her many young adult fantasy romance series including Dance of Thieves and The Remnant Chronicles. The Courting of Bristol Keats is the first in a duology and marks Pearson's adult fantasy romance debut, and it is phenomenal!

The story follows Bristol, a girl who is just making her way in life after losing both parents. When an aunt reaches out to her, everything she knows about her family...and the world, turns upside-down. Her father might yet be alive, so Bristol makes it her mission to find him and learn the truth about her mother and father, as well as her heritage.

Bristol seeks guidance from one of the Fae kings, Tyghan, who has his own history with Bristol's father and harbors many secrets of his own. Since her father's body was never found, her investigation leads Bristol to following a hint that her father was taken by some creature that lives in the fae dimension, hence the help from a Fae King. Of course Bristol and Tyghan end up falling for each other, and there is a nice element of romance woven throughout the book.

The end is certainly something to be reckoned with, and readers will be itching for the next installment. Grab your beautiful sprayed-edge first editions while you can!

Pearson fans who have grown with her books and have entered adulthood will love giving her adult craft and style a chance...and they'll never look back! Pearson's craft eloquently weaves the characters into the fae world, wrapping them around in a blanket of romantic intrigue, treachery, and some political airs. This novel is perfect for fae fantasy romance readers (such as The Cruel Prince or A Court of Thorns and Roses) and romantasy seekers, and it certainly will not disappoint!

I like the blend of storyline to be a mystery over what happened to her father and family, fantasy with fae world and characters, and romance between MMC and FMC. I listened to the audiobook and love Brittany Pressley’s narration. She does a great job of using different accents and voices for the numerous characters. It took me a few chapters to get into the story, but once I was immersed in the world building and character development, I couldn’t stop. The characters’ problems and history were easy to understand which I feel can be an occurrence in fantasy based plots.

I listened to an arc so this may not be valid for published versions. I wish there were chapter headers for Bristol’s storyline and the others. Hoping and assuming those characters and storyline continue through the others in the series.

Some of the descriptions were long and unnecessary while some of the world building could have been enhanced with that language. I liked that some sections didn’t dally and drag out. However, some of the plot points that I would have expected more of was summed up with tactics like “over the next 2 weeks…”. I am intrigued to continue the series when it comes out.

This book isn't bad, but it feels very average to me. The beginning was confusing and it took me awhile to get my bearings, but I also didn't feel like I ever got there. The omniscient POV didn't help with this, especially on audio. I also feel like the title is a bad title for this book. I was expecting an entirely different boo, but got a lot of magic and fight training. Also, I felt like there was no sense of place. Again, that was me not being able to get my bearings.

The book really started out strong for me, but I found it didn't take long to get bogged down into the world building. The mystery of Bristol's parents was really the reason why I kept listening for so long. The love story was a little slow for me. There was hints of attractions, I just wasn't hooked on the "enemies to lovers" trope for the FMC and MMC.

The narration was *ok*. At the start of every chapter, I really had a hard time keeping track of which character was the narrator, because there wasn't a lot of variation with the voice acting. And sometimes it seemed like the character narration switched mid chapter (??). Because I was trying to figure out who was speaking, I'd often have to rewind.

I know that this book will absolutely be a favorite for some, it just didn't hook me.

Thanks to NetGalley and MacMillan audio for my ARC in exchange for my unbiased review.

3.5 ⭐️. 1.5🌶️

The book has a strong start Bristol discovers that there are alternate worlds besides her human one and without much knowledge struck a deal with one of the Kings from the Fae world. But she decides to go along with it because doing so will help her discover what really happened with her father’s dissapearance.

There were some part that enjoyed a lot about the book and the romance was one of those. This definitely is a romantasy. But I was expecting more action and a climax to the story which didn’t happen. I was listening to the audiobook and was totally unprepared when the audiobook ended because I thought that something more exciting was coming but it never did.

There were some scenes that gave me the eeeks like when Bristol and Tyghen finally had sex but she still had a big tick in her back 🤢 that was all I could think about in this scene which made it very awkward 😐. The sex is very”demure” not too explicit which was kind of disappointing since this is supposed to be a NA not YA.

The book left me unsatisfied like it didn’t reach it’s potential it had a really good premise. Good thing I listened to the audiobook which made it much more bearable, the narrator did an amazing job bringing the characters to live.

I wanted to love this book. I really really did. Dance of Thieves is one of my all time favorite duologies and I recommend it to everyone. So when I saw Mary E Pearson had another series coming out I was so excited. Unfortunately, for me, this one fell really flat.

It felt too similar to The Cruel Prince, gave me major teenage angst vibes and I’ll admit I didn’t love the Folk of The Air series.

I did like the FMC, Bristol. Her background was so hard/sad, with all the moving around and losing her parents. Watching her and her sisters struggle to even get by was heart wrenching. That’s about all I liked from the book.

The plot wasn’t really there, the magic seemed lacking and not really explained. There were so many side characters it was sort of hard to keep track of everyone. And the romance felt very Stockholm syndrome to me. They hated each other from day 1. And then they are in love? And the MMC professes that he loved her from the minute he saw her? No, no you didn’t sir.

Maybe it wasn’t my cup of tea but maybe it’s yours. I’m not not recommending it but it’s a low on the totem pole book.

What a fun romantasy, with a bit of spice sprinkled in! This was my first read by Mary E. Pearson, but definitely won't be the last. I really enjoyed her writing style.

Bristol, our female lead with her two sisters, have recently lost both her parents and is now trying to learn how to provide for all of them.
Stuck in a boring day to day, things take a major turn when she decides to respond to a letter requesting her presence. I truly enjoyed the scene at the Inn... It was fun and intriguing, what with all the different creatures that she describes.

The writing was smooth and flowed very well. I will say I felt it a touch too lengthy towards the middle, but things really do pick up and move quickly nearing the end.

The narration was great. And I appreciate the way the narrator distinguishes voices between characters and the emotion in her tone as the story unfolds.

Now to sit on the edge of my seat until we find out what happens next with Bre! So good, highly recommend!

⭐: 4.5
🌶️: 3

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Ending the book on that line is absolutely hilarious. While the story was enjoyable overall, the last ten percent really tested my patience. I genuinely wanted to beat the hell out of every character because they got under my skin in the most frustrating ways. The main character, in particular, stood out as a source of irritation. She struggles to stand up for herself and moves on from how others treat her far too quickly, which made her feel passive in moments where I wanted more strength or resolve.

The book is undeniably a slow burn, but not in the romantic sense. Instead, it takes its time establishing the world and the main plot. While this approach allows for intricate plot-building, the pacing felt sluggish at times, and a bit of trimming would have made it a smoother read. Still, there is a lot to appreciate, and I had a good time immersing myself in the story.

I am looking forward to seeing where the author takes things in the next installment. However, I hope the future brings betrayals that stick and are not so easily forgiven or brushed aside. I want to see raw anger, real angst, and deeper exploration of the world and its complexities. There is so much potential for this series to evolve into something even more gripping.

Bristol will do just about anything to secure her sisters' future even if it's making a deal with a fae. But they're on the brink of destitution so Bristol seizes the opportunity to discover more about their family and if their father is still alive.
I've adored Mary Pearson's writing for several years. The Thieves duology lives rent free and the announcement of this book and series had me twitterpated. There is a lot to appreciate about this book and a couple of things that I didn't need. The twists, the adventure, the characters were all easy reasons to keep this book plugged into my ear. I do think it needed an edit down, however. It's quite long for not a whole lot to have happened (particularly in the middle). The romance also grew a tad stale and repetitive for me. Otherwise, though, the ending will definitely have me picking up book two.
Brittany Pressley was an excellent choice to narrate this series beginner. I really enjoy her performances especially when a character is sassy or passionate.
Thank you to Macmillan Audio and Netgalley for the complimentary audiobook. All thoughts are my own.

I went into The Courting of Bristol Keats with curiosity, but it ended up surprising me in the best way. Mary E. Pearson weaves a tale that is as intricate as it is immersive, with a slow-burn narrative that pulls you in layer by layer.

Bristol's story is deeply emotional and multifaceted, exploring themes of family, sacrifice, and the lure of the unknown. Her journey from a quiet town to a realm of gods, fae, and monsters is nothing short of mesmerizing. The letters from the mysterious “aunt” serve as a perfect catalyst, unraveling secrets that make you question everything alongside her.

The character development is a standout feature. Bristol’s resilience and determination shine, and her complex dynamic with Tyghan, the fae leader, is a delicious mix of mistrust, tension, and reluctant cooperation. Their interactions carry an undercurrent of danger that keeps you on edge.

The world-building is lush and imaginative, though at times it can be a bit overwhelming. The realm of magic and intrigue is richly detailed, but I found myself re-reading sections to fully grasp the nuances. Still, the effort was worth it, as the vivid descriptions truly brought this dangerous new world to life.

For fans of slow-burn fantasy with a touch of darkness and mystery, The Courting of Bristol Keats is a must-read. It’s a story of twists and revelations, one that lingers in your mind long after the final page.

Mary E. Pearson has crafted a novel with intricate worldbuilding and fully developed characters. This book will fly off the shelves.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ (4.5 stars)
🌶️🌶️ (2 chili peppers – moderate spice)

This romantasy pulled me in from the start with its blend of family secrets, fae bargains, and forbidden romance. Bristol Keats is a strong, determined heroine whose journey from small-town struggles to the magical realm of Elphame is filled with danger, intrigue, and twists that kept me hooked.

The slow-burn romance between Bristol and Tyghan was a highlight, with their fiery chemistry evolving into something deeper. The world-building was immersive, with its gods, fae, and warring kingdoms, creating a lush backdrop for the story. The pacing built steadily, though the ending felt a bit abrupt—it left me desperate for the next installment.

Some tropes include:
🧚‍♀️ Fae bargains
❤️‍🔥 Enemies to lovers
🔥 Forbidden romance
👑 Warring kingdoms
🌌 Magical realms
🗡️ Training for battle
👩‍👧‍👧 Strong sibling bond
🌠 Hidden heritage
🤔 Morally gray characters
🎭 Secrets and betrayal

If you love stories with fae bargains, forbidden love, and morally gray characters, this one is a perfect pick. Fans of The Cruel Prince or These Hollow Vows will feel right at home!

3.75⭐️ rounded up to 4- Okay, so I enjoyed the first half of this novel. I really appreciate that not all the Fae are described as outrageously beautiful or handsome. I also liked that Bristol wasn’t instantly perfect at every trial she came across.
The second half started to lose me a bit though. I just think it could have been edited down and it was pretty predictable.
With that said the imagery was nice and the *ahem* adult scenes weren’t over done and vulgar. I would read it again for sure before the next one is released.

Bristol Keats has been living across the US all of her life with her two sisters and parents for as long as she has been alive. Unknowingly on the run, her parents are very secretive about their history and any family they may have. After the tragic death of both of her parents, Bristol is enticed at the possibility of a living relative who wants to get to know her, and from there she is sucked into the land of the fae. This is an enemies-to-lovers romance wherein Bristol is learning about her heritage, family history, and the possibility that her father may still be alive. Bristol also meets Tyghan, the Fae king with an agenda to route out his enemies with whom Bristol makes a dangerous deal with.

This audiobook was very long and the narrator was really the only reason I kept listening! Sadly, I really did not enjoy the characters nor the world-building. In the past, I have enjoyed the way Pearson builds up romance, but this time felt like it went from zero to one hundred in terms of the romantic development, but the romance is definitely more of a subplot. I do not recall anything all that spicy, despite this being an adult book (Pearson has previously written YA).

I think readers who enjoy more on an epic fantasy will like this as it is less of a typical romantasy since the romance is a subplot.

I’m not a big fantasy person, but I really liked this and I’m looking forward to the next installment. It’s about Bristol Keats, a young woman struggling to take care of her sisters after they were orphaned by their parent’s deaths. Then, out of desperation, she responds to a mysterious letter only to make a deal to save her family and go to fairy land. There, she is trying figure out who she is, falling for the king, and finding out that both her parents are alive and far themselves.

With some 🌶️ and 🪄 🧚 , this was a really enjoyable book.

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This had everything that I want from a fantasy romance. Excellent world building, a plot that you just dive into, interesting magic, tension between our love interests, light spice, and a full cast of interesting characters. I loved the multi-POVs. There were too many to count, and I think the mirror and the horse's brief scenes were my favorite because they helped develop the world. This is a fae-based fantasy but it is more Cruel Prince world vibes than ACOTAR world vibes. Dark and dangerous Fae world that our main character gets sucked into unexpectedly. The base for so many romantasies, but this one felt unique among a very crowded field.

Speaking of our main character, Bristol is excellent as an FMC. Her attitude and adjusting to all of the new information in this world were very realistic. I hope she turns into a dragon in book 2. For some reason I thought this was a standalone, so I was so confused at where this ended. But I see that I was wrong and this is a duology. I need book 2 ASAP please!

I liked the narration by Brittany Pressley. She's narrated quite a few other audiobooks that I've enjoyed, so I will definitely keep listening to the ones she does.

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for providing an ARC of this audiobook.

Thank you to @macmillan.audio for the ALC of this book! The narration was done beautifully and was very enjoyable to listen to! There were so many characters in this book and Brittany Pressley did an amazing job of giving them each their own personality!

I enjoyed this book SO much! It was such a nice mix of romance and epic fantasy. I thought the Celtic mythology was really interesting, and something I haven’t read much of. The writing was lush and descriptive, I could feel the world building around me as I read. Between the beautiful writing and short chapters I didn’t even realize I had read 560 pages/listened to (almost) 18 hours! I actually gasped when the audio ended because I wasn’t ready. 😂

I really enjoyed Bristol as a FMC, she made solid choices and was easy to like. I did enjoy the romance, but wished it was a bit more of a slow burn. Also the secrets, deceptions and betrayals were on point here! I livvvve for it. 🙌🏻

Read if you like:
👩‍❤️‍💋‍👨Reluctant allies to lovers
🤫Secrets & betrayal
🗺️Parallel worlds
✨Magic
❤️‍🔥Forbidden romance
💬Multiple POV

4.5/5

Wow. She has done it again. This book has such a magical setting and great characters. The ending has me thirsting for the next book! My only complaint is that the enemies to lovers moved a bit to fast for me; it felt like they forgot all their hatred for each other over night.

Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Audio sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.