let me just start off by saying that I’m gonna need Holly to quite literally inject the second book into my veins, I am addicted — ADDICTED — to Dacre & Nyra’s story. holy gods. I’m not really surprised by this revelation, because I’ve loved her writing for ages, but there’s just something about a true enemies to lovers trope that gets me hot & bothered and borderline feral. these two despise each other, want nothing to do with one another, but still they can’t stay away. can’t deny the feelings and attraction that are creeping up and causing rash, desire fueled decisions. don’t mind me, gnawing on the bars of my enclosure from just thinking about their tension.

I’m permanently on my knees for Dacre. I’m in love. I’m obsessed. I’m lusting and blushing and crushing extremely hard!!! loyal son of the rebellion’s Commander, protective and loving big brother, deadly and powerful fae warrior. what isn’t to love about him? from the minute we meet him, I knew I was a goner. despite the rage and hurt that drive him daily, he’s at his core a good male. you can see it in his love for his younger sister Wren and for the loss he feels for his mother. but he has a dark side. a lethal and deep well of emotions that Nyra, the little traitor that he can’t get off his mind, seems to bring out. he knows that he shouldn’t trust her. shouldn’t want her. she’s his enemy, a subject of the kingdom that he’s sacrificed so much to defeating. his obsession with unraveling her secrets and trying to get her to be honest with him gripped him so fiercely. and the mouth on him. UGH. fanning myself heavily. his mouth would have me spilling my secrets immediately lol. but I loved each little insight we were allowed from him, and I’m looking forward to his character development over this series.

and Nyra. OMG. the life that she’s lived, that she’s escaped would leave most in shambles. but Nyra is a fighter, no matter what she thinks. she may not be physically strong (YET), but she’s survived the cruelties of her kingdom and remained caring and compassionate, which is no easy feat. she doesn’t give herself the credit she deserves, instead, feeling shame for failing her kingdom and subjects. I absolutely love seeing her grow more sure of herself, finding friendship and learning to maneuver the difficult world outside of the palace. she’s still hiding herself, keeping her secrets close to her chest, but it’s of necessity. no matter how much she wishes she could share herself with Dacre, she tries to resist the pull she inherently feels to him. and when her judgement lapses, ooooof the spice. if there’s one thing about Holly Renee, it’s that she can write SPICE. this is a slow burn romance, but these two enemies just can’t keep their minds and hands from wandering. Nyra is made of stronger stuff than I for holding onto her reservations about Dacre, because I would have folded so much sooner lmao. begging & all.

this book was a delight and a 5 star read for me. upon finishing, I almost wanted to read it all over again, because I just couldn’t get enough of the banter and chemistry between our mc’s. and that ending absolutely gobsmacked me. I was both shocked and excited. I am already aching for more of these two & to see where this rebellion takes us!!!

Thank you to Holly Renee and Valentine PR for providing an ARC of this book for me to give an honest review.