4.5 stars--this was an unexpected delight that was both sweet and spicy. There seemed to be more plot than emotional development, but the latter was very well paced. (i.e. there was more plot than a novella can comfortably hold, but the emotional arcs were the perfect length for a novella.) I've already ordered the next book and am looking forward to it.

ETA: it's better the second round!1 TaniaRina1,589 99

Good leadership role models

‘The Universe naturally seeks Balance.
Humans naturally seek Progress.
The Watcher of the Scales must reconcile these opposing tendencies.

Musings on Balance
Anonymous
12th century Korengal Vhas’

Dmir takes this seriously and he uses his role as the “spare heir” to influence other people with resources to join the cause. He uses his time and talents to research problems and to think of environmentally-responsible options. We are not responsible for fixing everything, but we are responsible for doing our part.

Fave quote:
‘Older brothers were a pain at times.’

Fave character:
Josyn

A ruler mentioned having received some feedback from his/her councilors. It takes a healthy ego to consider the words of someone who thinks differently than you do *and* is the opposite of public policy:
‘Plumei has focused so intensively on expanding the empire over the past century that we have forgotten to strengthen the kingdom that gave our empire birth.’

May we all champion the Balance in our lives and in our world.

Which a great segue into ‘A Princess of Vision’ (expected in Jan 2023).zz-envnature-read zz-punksteam-read zz-romance-read ...more Bookitallaway103

This is a soft and sweet romance. Not major spice, just some angst for the most part, minus one scene. I'm all for light reading but this definitely was some impressive light reading, bordering on a 2 star rating.

What I d:
--- Ely was a quirky character
--- Dmir was the cutest
--- Sweet and soft romance
--- Steampunkish nature
--- The MFC and MMC work together and don't hate each other

What I didn't :
--- Elys character was so flat, zero development
--- The severe lack of plot
--- No other character development
--- What purpose did it serve to mention the father or brother? They offered nothing to the storyline
--- So many plot holes
--- Where was my steam punk?

I think if you want just a cute, sweet, VERY QUICK falling in love, romance book, this is for you. However, for the reasons listed above I just couldn't get passed a 2.5/5 stars.

Spice:2/5
Plot: 1/5
Character Dev: 2.5/5
Overall: 2.5/5 Jaycee JarvisAuthor 8 books305

A short and satisfying introduction to an all new series by one of my favorite fantasy romance authors. Balance is the key to magic in this unique gaslamp world, and so Eleya has cast a truth detection spell on herself that means she also cannot tell a lie. It makes for an interesting character, navigating the upper echelons of pomp and power, but unimpressed by flattery or the usual double talk. The story is short, and the romance quick and sweet. Dmir is my favorite kind of hero, more noble than the people around him and devoted to a good cause. I d the parallels in our own world including the trade offs between technological advancement and the natural world. I d the side characters as well, and look forward to seeing them shine in their own books later in the series.fantasy-romance nerds-in-love novella Regina90

The book basically lost me within the first few pages, because it is all so senseless: "If you forgive my brother's gambling debts I will sleep with you" - "all right I will forgive the debt, no need to sleep with me" - "No my pride will not let me accept this, I would prefer to prostitute myself for the money" - how does reaction make any sense at all?!?
And the way the heroine throws herself at the poor man is simply disturbing. Not taking no for an answer is called sexual harassment if a man does it.
I am deeply disappointed because I d the other books of the author very much. Hopefully the next book will be better. Sarah677 8

A really sweet fantasy romance novella with great characters. In some ways it was a little let down by not being full novel length, because the reason it was only three stars for me was that some of the cut scenes were very abrupt and the relationship development between the two main characters didn't feel as natural as it could have with more time to build it. That being said, I really enjoyed both Eleya and Dmir as individuals, and all of the secondary characters, particularly Princess Josyn (who wouldn't love a kind-hearted but bitingly intelligent spymaster princess??); I'm looking forward to seeing more of them as this series continues. 2022 fantasy-of-manners owned-on-kindle Kristie Wagner368 10

Sassy and smart, Eleya is prepared to do just about anything to help those she loves. She doesn't expect her latest plan to help her brother to end up the way it has, though. She ends up working with Prince Dmir, researching ways to maintain the Balance of all. Finally able to help contribute to her people in a meaningful way while also being aware of her personal Balance, Eleya is in for a few major surprises. Her boldness is part of what makes her so endearing, and thankfully, Dmir feels the same. This was a very cute and heartwarming story of love and fighting for it despite other responsibilities. Samantha Yenzer49 3

I was unimpressed with this book. It is a novella so it is meant to be shorter, but it felt nothing was truly expanded on. The worldbuilding was lacking, the character development was lacking, the plot was lacking.

There were so many moments/issues that ended up being a fade to black situation which took me out of the story.

The idea of it being steampunk just felt a casual mention of the story itself, but it wasn't really shown at all.

If you are just wanting a short, simple, quick HEA book- here ya go. I think I finished it in about 4 hours tops at 3 in the morning. Jessica Hall198 1 follower

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