Back of Book: 

Cinderella meets fantasy in this open-door romance perfect for fans of Under the Oak Tree by Suji Kim or Grace Draven's Wraith Kings series.

Rose Robson has always been an outsider. Used as merely a pawn in her uncle’s political games, she was never taught the full extent of her magic abilities. Rose longs for a family that cherishes her, but fears that dream will forever be out of reach. Now faced with a marriage arranged by her uncle, Rose decides to accept her fate and make the best of the situation.

Nicholas Sharp has a duty as the oldest son to use whatever connections he can to strengthen his family’s position. Being the family's least talented lightning mage has made him a practical man, so his father’s plans to strengthen ties with their western neighbors, the Robsons, through Nicholas’s marriage don’t surprise him.

Yet, at a celebration for Luanna—the woman Nicholas is to wed—he is unexpectedly introduced to her cousin, the kind, elegant Rose. Impressed with Rose’s grace and charm, Nicholas takes a chance and asks to marry her instead.

But there’s far more at play than just a union between noble houses in a land teeming with monsters and magic. The rise of sinister powers risks destroying more than just alliances; it threatens the balance of their world. Will Rose and Nicholas overcome the rising darkness, or will they forever be doomed as pawns of fate? 

Book Number: One 

Genre: Adult | Fantasy | Romance 

Review: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

A Cinderella-coded romantasy featuring a charming son of a marquess, elemental magic, and an immersive magical world. 

Rose Robson has always been used as a political pawn by her uncle's abusive family. While at home she is forced to work as a servant. When she is away, she serves only as political collateral. After her uncle arranges a marriage with Nicholas Sharp, the son of an elite marquess, Rose fears that she will be used as a pawn once more. However, Rose soon begins to learn that Nicholas is a charming young lad who puts her first despite the political leverage that their marriage gives to his family. Unfortunately for the young couple, danger lurks just beyond the newlywed's household. The kingdom is wrought with danger and before long, Rose finds herself in predicaments more thrilling than she ever could have imagined. 

I can't believe I almost passed on the chance to read an ARC of this one! It is so dang cute! I was so happy to read at the conclusion of this novel that it is part of a series and that the author has already penned a novella featuring some prominent side characters (which I will be reading ASAP!). I love this world so much, so I'm happy to know that I will be getting more of it. 

At first glance, this book seems like a more magical version of Cinderella featuring a reluctant marriage, elemental magic, and politics for days. However, this story starts to quickly become filled with such depth and it hooked me on Rose and Nicholas' relationship so quickly. It also reminds me quite a bit of the "Fire Emblem" franchise (which I'm sure only like two people know what I'm talking about when I say this). Between the magic system, the complicated politics, and the overall aesthetic, it reminded me a bit of my favorite video game franchise, and this is honestly one of the biggest compliments I can dole out. 

At its center, this book is a romance between two awkward and shy young nobles who are learning what love looks like for them. I love how patient and understanding Nicholas is about Rose's entire situation. He is honest and upfront with her at all times, which is something that I will always appreciate in a male love interest. Rose has been traumatized by her family, so having someone care for her the way Nicholas does has her instantly suspicious. It's so heartwarming seeing her open up to him and begin to trust him, too. 

Something that I really appreciate about their romance is the physical intimacy. I feel that many authors will fall into the stereotypical boat that because characters are shy and it takes longer for them to trust, they are awkward and inexperienced in the bedroom. That is far from Nicholas and Rose's situation, which I really appreciated. It doesn't take much for Nicholas to turn Rose pink in the face, but this just makes all the steamy scenes that much cuter. 

Beyond this budding romance, I love the family aspect in this one. Rose bonds immensely fast with her sister-in-law, Ava. These two have such a fun relationship and it was always a joy seeing these two interact. Ava was born a commoner, so she is often looked down upon by other nobles, as is Rose because she was raised in an orphanage for a while. The kindred nature of their spirits is great, and the way they support each other warms my heart. 

The overarching conflict in this one is put in place by two things. One: Rose is going to be sent as a political hostage by the Sharp family, which has Rose reluctant to trust her new family. Two: There is a creepy shadow figure that stalks Rose and evidently wishes her harm. The tension that this first plot point establishes is immaculate. Rose doesn't know if she can trust Nicholas all while she is falling in love with his very nature. The second point of conflict seems a bit random, but it does flesh out the magical nature of this world a bit more, which I think will be greatly beneficial to future installments in this series. 

Overall, I was blown away by how much I enjoyed "Pawns of Fate." This is the type of romantasy read that I can get behind one hundred percent. The romance is sweet, the spice isn't overbearing, and the characters are so lovable! The politics and magical systems in this world are easy to comprehend, and I never found myself confused by the nature of this fantasy world. Rose and Nicholas are so precious together, and I found their blossoming romance to be so endearing! I sincerely can't wait to read future installments of this series. I'm so glad that the author has a free novella that I can read now just by signing up for her newsletter. I'm not ready to leave this world yet, so I am immensely comforted by the fact that there is more to come in the near future! I'm watching you Trixie Woodlawn! 

Back of Book: 

Life in the Imperial City isn’t easy for Ava or her family. Their restaurant hasn’t brought in enough money for years, and when their creditors come to collect, they take Ava as their payment. 

But ogres attack the village where Ava is being held captive, and the parish’s knights—including one very good-looking lightning mage—rescue her and the other women from the ogres and the monsters trafficking them. The local lord, Marquess Sharp, offers all the women positions of employment to help them recover. Ava eagerly accepts the chance to cook for a noble family and earn enough money to support her parents and little sister, not thinking that the marquess’s son—who happens to be the handsome knight who rescued her—will ever take notice of a kitchen maid. 

York Sharp knows that his talents lie in the military arts, not the social ones. He certainly finds fighting ogres easier than talking to the beautiful new cook, Ava. Yet he keeps running into her… and leaving a terrible impression every time he does. 

What will it take for these two to admit their attraction to each other?

Book Number: Prequel Novella 

Genre: Adult | Fantasy | Romance 

Review: 🌟🌟🌟🌟 

A short story featuring Ava and York that tells the tale of how these two fell so thoroughly in love. 

Ava has been captured by human traffickers, and her world is looking pretty bleak. That is, until Lord York and his band of knights rescue her and the other girls and gives them the opportunity to come work at his family's castle. Ava can't pass up an opportunity such as this and finds herself completely enamored by the young nobleman. Is it possible for the son of a marquess to fall in love with a humble baker like her? 

Ava was such a spunky character who was always there when Rose needed her in "Pawns of Fate," so I was excited to dive into this story and learn more about Ava's past. 

Another thing that was hard to forget about the first novel is how passionate Ava and York are to one another all the time. I wasn't surprised to learn that a big chunk of this story was Ava and York's first love fest. 

What did surprise me a bit is how awkward York was at trying to charm Ava. Yes, he's a soldier first and foremost so I didn't expect him to be the biggest flirt, but I was surprised by how many chances he had with Ava that he so thoroughly blew. 

Something that I found really funny was Syzman acting as York's wingman. He is so dark and broody, so I found it really comical that he was doing everything in his power to play matchmaker. 

Overall, "Ava & York" is a quick story that adds a little more depth to the cast of characters from "Pawns of Fate." It was fun to return to this world and see some of my favorite characters. I look forward to reading more installments in this series!