This was such a fantastic read.

The plot is thin, easy to follow, but the substance lies in the romance. This has easily become my favorite friends-to-lovers story. This book is a great example of how well that trope can work-- because it worked so incredibly well. The instant camaraderie between Ildiko and Brishen was believable, and their honesty towards one another was refreshing. There was no hurt as they found one another grotesque, rather they used that honesty to form a bridge of friendship and partnership. A bridge that eventually leads to something more.

If this were any other book, I might criticize how lacking in plot there was, but frankly, it all worked. The relationship between our leads carried the book. That said, the non-romance plot does make quite a show at the end, and it's an ending that has me brimming with excited anticipation, and a little trepidation too, as to what the sequel holds.

I can't wait to start, but hope the love story remains at its heart.