I received an eARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

At the beginning and end of the book, Natasha Siegel is upfront about how little historical influence is involved in this book. Unfortunately, I found the reimagined history (aside from the long battle scenes, which I don't like to read in most books) to be the most interesting part of the story, which is probably because of Siegel's beautiful, descriptive writing. The actual romance between Richard the Lionheart and Philip II of France is...fine. There are a few moments of vulnerability between them, but they go from strangers to lovers quickly without much in the way of banter or emotional intimacy, so it was tough for me to be invested in their relationship. There's also a lack of tension that makes the narrative drive stall.

Again, the prose itself is lovely, but for a romance this isn't very...romantic.