Genre: Romance, Light Fantasy
LGBTQ+ Category: Gay
Reviewer: Jay
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About The Book
Drawing the short straw is bad luck … isn’t it?
A treaty between three warring realms calls for a mass wedding ceremony amongst their eligible princes and princesses to solidify the peace. But since the number of males and females differ, one of the marriages must be between two of the princes.
Prince Obren of Canna draws the short straw, sealing his fate, and Prince Dukan of Butari volunteers to be the other half of the nontraditional marriage. The two princes fought nobly in the years-long war and are willing to do whatever it takes to finalize the treaty, ending the conflict that took the lives of their loved ones … Obren’s brother and Dukan’s lover.
Each harbors a dark secret, and King Rogan of Canna has long nurtured a deep hatred of Obren, blaming him for bringing home the deadly virus responsible for the untimely death of his much-adored wife. Obren and Dukan can’t deny their chemistry, but can they overcome the ugly truths complicating their path to a friendly, respectful, and — dare they hope — loving relationship? Will King Rogan stop at nothing to dash Obren’s chance at happiness, or does that short straw represent good luck, after all?
The Review
This is a delightful short novel about an arranged marriage between two princes who both have deep secrets which might damage their future relationship.
In addition, Obren has a father intent on revenge for the death of Obren’s mother, for which he blames his son. There are also other princes and princesses whose fates hang in the balance.
This well-written story is lovely: there are some worrying moments, but then there’s is a happy ever after. I would have liked a slightly longer version, perhaps with a glimpse of the various futures, but this is not a criticism, just wishful thinking!
I recommend the book – it blends mm romance with a well-realised fantasy world.
The Reviewer
I’ve been doing book reviews on my website, crossposted or linked to various social media, for a few years. I read a number of genres but I really enjoy all kinds of speculative fiction so thought I’d like to share my views with you. I love sci fi and other speculative fiction because of the way it can, at its best, make us see ourselves in a new light. Quite apart from the exciting stories, of course! I used to be an English teacher, and I’m a writer (fantasy) so I can be quite critical about style etc. but I hope I can also appreciate properly some books that don’t appeal to me personally but might be simply perfect for others. I have, obviously, read widely, and continue to do so.