Wow, this book delivered exactly what I hoped it would, and was an absolute DELIGHT to read! It reminded me of Winter's Orbit by Everina Maxwell in the best way. Except where WO is Sci-Fi, this is fantasy, and WO relies on miscommunication, this relies on open communication.

The romance of this book was so great, and it is such a fantastic slow-burn (even though it only spans a week?) (but it feels slow) and full of self healing and respect and learning about each other.
I loved the political intrigue with splashes of action. You learn about the culture of the new land right alongside Vel as he is learning it too. I loved the Byzantine culture, the refreshing take on a fantasy world, and mystery plot.

I need to get my hands on A Taste of Gold and Iron by Alexandra Rowland too, because I feel like it will be similar and just as well liked.

There is a graphic rape scene in the beginning of the book, which the author includes a warning about before the book starts, skip the scene if you want.