While this book is contemporary, the book takes place in a country where there is an absolute monarchy, so you have some elements that are usually found in a Historical Romance. The couple in the book Shanti and Sanyu are in an arranged marriage that includes a four-month trial. King Sanyu is contending with grief over the loss of his father as well as crippling anxiety. Shanti has focused her whole life on becoming a Queen in order to live a life of service and King Sanyu has spent his whole life trying to avoid the crown.
This book is a slow burn, but also has the added tension of the marriage trial period. In addition to reading to find out how and when they will fall in love and make a commitment, we also read to see how this couple will be able to pull the Kingdom out of its downward spiral and bring it into the global community. I enjoyed the political discussions in the book as well as learning about the mythology of the Kingdom. Alyssa Cole does an excellent job of discussing mental health as we see Shanti teach Sanyu coping mechanisms, and also as King Sanyu realizes there is no shame in therapy.
Throughout the book Alyssa Cole puts in some laugh-out-loud lines which are so fun to read, and also there are some quiet lines that really resonate with the reader, such as the one below:
If you read this book, let me know what you think!
Today is National Carrot Cake Day- I like to eat Carrot Cake, but I can't say I've ever made it! If you'd like to give it a go today here is a recipe: Carrot Cake Recipe With Video
Happy Wednesday!
