The story begins with our couple on their wedding day. They are two different species and are being married off to set an alliance in place between their kingdoms. He is grey (not sure how many shades. let's say 49 or so), has giant razor-sharp teeth and claws, and alien eyes that are all one color. Here is what she says about his appearance: I guess you can say that this hideously ugly book cover is just like the story. Horrible, even to the point of embarrassing-looking on the outside, but amazing and beautiful within. She rested her hand in the crook of his elbow. "Try not to smile too widely, Your Highness. You'll scare the children in the crowd>" She glanced at Serovek, happily cleaning his plate and shooting the occasional glance at Anhuset nearby. Brishen’s cousin refused to meet his gaze, but Ildiko had caught the woman watching the Beladine lord more than a few times during dinner. They’re both spare heirs and refreshingly (see how perfect they are) they aren’t embittered by their roles and how they must marry outside of their choices. Now, in fairness, I really did like that about them both. It really was refreshing if not for everything else illustrating how bubble gum happy things were.

A gorgeous fantasy romance where arranged marriage meets friends to lovers in a delightful twist on the Beauty and the Beast concept. She charmed and fascinated him, and Brishen wished he had the leisure to know her better. But there was no time. He married at dusk when both human and Kai eyes could see each other clearly and recoil at the sight. She exhaled slowly. The space between her eyebrows stitched into a single vertical frown line. Had you crawled out from under my bed when I was a child, I would have bludgeoned you to death with my father’s mace. Their marriage is one that will secure an alliance between their kingdoms, and while both were pushed into it, neither one resents it. Active users who are also authors who want to promote their books may post their promo in the specific author thread only. We aim for our refuge to be a drama-free zone, so please respect the group rules and play well with others.Ildiko reassured the woman she considered the gown perfect. However, I think all this will be lost on my groom and his Kai entourage. We recommend members be over 18, since we do discuss books with adult content, but this is not strictly enforced. Please be aware that there will be adult discussion in this group! She lifted her gaze once more. He twitched. Lover of thorns, but those eyes disconcerted him. You don’t have to answer of course, but do you think the Kai prince will hate his wife? He gave an exaggerated sigh. A more tiresome affair of state I’ve yet to attend. Gauri and Kai each wondering who might eat the other first.

Voices in the distance carried across the green lawn and into the oak’s shaded sanctuary. The woman rose and scraped her hands across the imaginary wrinkles in her skirts. I have to go. I am missed. Brishen arched an eyebrow. "Flattering, I'm sure. I thought yours looked like a mollusk we boil to make amaranthine dye." This book is the best thing ever. It's like Beauty and the Beast if they were both beasts. Beast and the Beast. Oh man. We need that movie. Someone call Disney!But, they are both good-natured, and funny, so they immediately like each other's personality. They decide to be friends and you will love them as friends. They are adorable! They tease each other: I'm an author and Louisiana native living in Texas with my husband, three smalls and a big doofus dog. I have lived in Spain, hiked the Teton Mountains, honeymooned in Scotland, ridden in competition rodeo and am the great great granddaughter of a Nicaraguan president. I also hate doing laundry and refuse to iron anything. She looks like a normal girl to us. Red hair, white skin. Basic. But, to him, SHE is hideous. Her teeth remind him of horse's teeth. Her eyes, having whites and pupils, freak him the hell out. He sees her eyes and sees this:

The premise of the book is nothing new: royalty of different nations must wed to bring an alliance to each of their nations and eventually they fall in love. Even with the differences in cultures (because, well, one is human and the other is not – which I thought would be way cooler than it was) this story isn’t new, exciting, or different. The girl was too perfect: beautiful but humble, selfless, loyal, funny, empathetic, trusting, and generally just good. The guy was too perfect: handsome, kind, honest, tender, funny, loyal, understanding, and selfless. The evil mother-in-law that the girl is of course brave enough to not be cowed by. The instant connection between the main characters. The humor that only served to play into the perfectness that is our couple. They first meet just before their wedding, and recognizing this kinship in each other, form an alliance based on mutual respect and honesty. They laughed together then until the woman’s features turned somber. Thank you for not lying about what you thought of my appearance. You might have a face to turn my hair white, but your honesty is handsome. She shrugged. I’ve only seen your hands and eyes. For all I know, you’re hiding the face of a sun spirit in that hood. You make a passable bride, Ildiko and will adequately fulfill your duty to the kingdom and our family. Queen Fantine sniffed as she cast a critical eye over her niece’s appearance. And don’t forget that duty extends to the bedchamber. It doesn’t matter that he’s practically a hobgoblin. You’re not to jeopardize this alliance by denying your new husband.

Publication Order of Fallen Empire Books

Had you crawled out from under my bed when I was a child, I would have bludgeoned you to death with my father’s mace.” Radiance is the ultimate friends to lovers romance. I had the biggest smile on my face through so much of this book. I can’t wait to read more of Grace Draven and I highly recommend this to all lovers of romance! Fantasy meets romance in a tale you won’t want to put down. Radiance is fresh, intriguing and completely captivating. Had she asked him what he thought of Sangur’s armory, he might have waxed more eloquent. He shrugged. There are plants and flowers and trees. He paused and offered her a pained smile she surely couldn’t see within the depths of his hood. And a lot of sunshine.