Book Review – A Court This Cruel and Lovely by Stacia Stark

Genre: Romantasy

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Tropes I Ate Up: Forced Proximity, Enemies to Lovers, Hidden Identity, Secret Magical Powers, Travel/Road Trip, Fleeing the Law, Found Family

Let me just say: this book devoured me. I went in thinking I’d casually enjoy a chapter or two, and instead I emerged days later, fully feral and very much in love with a smug, morally dubious mercenary.

The story follows Prisca, who’s been hiding her magical abilities her whole life—until someone turns her in. She’s forced to flee alone, but luck (or misfortune?) throws her into the path of a group of mercenaries who offer to smuggle her out of the country… for a price. And no, not that kind of price—get your mind out of the smutty gutter (…although, also yes).

Her reluctant ally is Lorian, and OH BOY is he my exact brand of book boyfriend. He’s smug, arrogant, and jaded by the world—except for her. If you’re into teasing banter that simmers with unresolved tension and moments that make you physically squeal, you’ll love their dynamic.

And can we talk about Prisca? She’s such a fascinating main character because she’s both kind and ruthless. She wrestles with her own morality, she contradicts herself, and she owns it. She felt so real to me—like someone I’d want to both hug and hide from, depending on her mood.

Also, shoutout to the hilarious sibling chaos (Prisca’s brothers couldn’t be more opposite if they tried) and the mercenary found family who wormed their way into my heart with all their gruff affection.

If you love a romantasy with a lot of heart, sharp humor, sizzling tension, and characters who actually feel like people, A Court This Cruel and Lovely is a must-read. I'm already almost done with the third one, and trust me, they just get better.