Narration: 5⭐️
Book: 4.5⭐️
Spice: 2.5🌶

This was my first time listening to narrators Rusty Mewha and Dani Cochrane. They were exceptional and really got these characters to life. I was able to feel everything the characters did—I enjoyed their banter a lot more, and the heartfelt moments also hit harder. Would definitely recommend the audiobook.

The setup is a blend of the Regency era meeting the fae world, which itself was quite intriguing. Edwina Danforth is a human romance author from the human realm traveling to the fae cities for her book tour. William Haywood is a fae poet who has joined her as a tour companion, promoting his own poetry book. However, they soon turn into rivals when they find out that they're also competing for the same prize, which is a three-book deal with the publishing house, and the winner will be decided based on their performance during the tour.

Edwina was smart, witty, determined, and curious. Being a romance writer, and one who wrote smutty books, people (mostly men) tended to not take her work seriously. This especially is something that's relatable to me as a romance reader when people don't take romance as a genre into consideration or think of it as just corn. Being a romance writer in a Regency era made it difficult for her as a woman to have the kind of success and exposure she yearned for. Which is why winning the competition was vital to her—for her career and for her work to be recognized widely.

William was a more layered character, and there was this air of mystery around him throughout the book, which kept me hooked. He came off as unbothered, confident, and cocky. On the inside, it was a different story. As the story progresses, we uncover more about him—his past, his secrets, his reasons, and his fears. For William, winning the competition was of the utmost importance in order to support and protect his family.

The constant bickering and banter between Edwina and William was everything and had me laughing so hard. The way Edwina felt on top of the world after being drunk on Cloud Dive but looked so wasted when we got to William's POV had me cackling. William trying to sneak in his book to her at every chance and then the two trading insults using said book was so entertaining. Also, the jealousy... These two absolutely could not stand the sight of the other with anyone else, and I loved their reactions to each other and the attempts they made for their competition. Monty and Zane didn't make it easier for them either. The way my jaw dropped when William said "use me" to Edwina.

There were also so many heartfelt moments between them that just hit you in the feels. The petals inside the book… that part was just so sweet. The hidden message William wrote for her in the book just made me pause and want to cry. The way he opened up to her and told her his truth.

The reenactment scene from Edwina's book by Edwina and William was so hot. I was just here listening to it with my mouth open and then ended up squealing like a lunatic at the turn of events. I truly didn't expect the spice in this book and was so pleasantly surprised. The way he walked away after Edwina's confession to lock that door... DAMNNN!!

The side characters were amazing, and this book had a found family aspect to it, which is something I always love. The genuine friendships formed between these characters made me love the book even more. Daphne, Monty, Zane, and Cassie were all just too good, and I loved their meddling ways.

Although I do wish we'd gotten more into Edwina's whole reasoning of agreeing to the bet as also a way of learning more about the fae as research for her next books. So I wish that whole aspect had been incorporated in a more detailed way.

I'm looking forward to Monty and Daphne's book already. Their banter in this book was already so brilliant, and I can't wait to see where they'll go from here.