God, I freaking adored this. "Prince and Bodyguard" is the best-friends-to-lovers, protector/protectee, hurt-him-and-i'll-kill-you, oblivious-and-delicious-pining-from-up-close, romance of my dreams.

I knew Vana and Daromir's story was going to wreck me from the very first moment they appeared in Bellamy's story, and Tavia Lark did not disappoint: I loved this book with my whole soul. 
It was heart-wrenching and emotional and funny, romantic and sweet and sexy, and its two leads stole my heart. 
And their relationship stole my soul: Daromir with his ruthless and single-minded devotion, Vana with his helpless pining and adoration; gah, those two seriously loved each other, even when they were in their oblivious-pining stage, and seeing their journey to a well-deserved HEA was absolutely priceless. Their bloodbond was seriously something special: not precisely ethical, maybe, but we're in Draskora where everything, from its traditions to its court and people, is decidedly harsh and violent, so yeah... I'm damned curious to see how Tavia Lark will handle the next moral "hot topic" (aka grails) of this fantasy world: I seriously cannot wait to see what will happen, and I already love Marek to bits as well.

Anyway, the tone of this new arc of the "Perilous Courts" series is quite different from the first three books: slightly darker and tougher, more politically charged (and more twisted!), but still absolutely fascinating. 
The only thing I could have wished for was a better relationship between the Dire brothers: unrealistic, I know, but the Sandry's wonderful bond has left me spoiled for a good ol' found family. Regardless, I found their interactions very fascinating and the constant political backstabbing was entertaining (and sad and heartbreaking too). I still have hope they'll one day be proper brothers, maybe after their horrible father dies a horrible death.
Anyway, I loved Marek, and Kazia's so damn intriguing: I'm not sure I like him yet, but I have the feeling he has some hidden depths and hurts that will make his story equally wonderful. 

Tavia Lark is the hurt/comfort queen of the MM fantasy genre and this book delivers on all fronts: my heart was in my throat for the whole emotional ride. I cannot wait for the next installment.