[ ARC Review ] Bargains With Benefits

This was my first cozy romantasy and I had no idea it was something I needed in my life! I’ve historically been a big cozy contemporary romance fan. I love to read about two people falling in love. The yearning. The tension. The happily ever after. It’s everything. Currently, I’m obsessed with romantasy but I never thought to combine the two genres. I wasn’t sure it would work. It certainly did. I’m so grateful for the opportunity to do this ARC review.

Very minor spoilers

I LOVED this book! It was a no brainer for me to give it five stars but please be aware that a book doesn’t have to be a literary masterpiece to get five star review from me. I read it in a very short amount of time (two/three of my work days). I never once felt bored or like I needed to put it down for awhile. The writing was not immature and there were no big noticeable errors. The story made sense and was easy to follow. I genuinely liked the characters and their growth throughout the book. Finally, and most importantly, I had a good time. It was a fun read and I hated when it was over. That’s five stars in my opinion. Believe it or not, so many books can’t get those basic things right so I can be picky at times. Thankfully, this one did.

Dual 1st person POV – Luna and Vincent

Luna is tasked with saving her father’s inn, which seems like a difficult task considering the inn hasn’t had a visitor in ages and, to her knowledge, her father doesn’t really care for her. She is half-human and when he realized she didn’t have magic, he left her behind with her mother. They only recently came back into some semblance of contact. She’s determined to do everything she can to save the inn she loves so much.

Vincent is a Fae from an old, powerful, snobby family – but he’s different. He leaves home (which is unheard of) to pursue a career in journalism, starting a column writing recommendations to local businesses. But he wants more. He wants to start writing hard hitting investigative pieces. And he’s given the chance – find out if a local leader of an old fae family (and the owner of the inn) is bribing city officials to keep them from building a school for the half-fae.

They strike a bargain.

Luna and Vincent realize they can both get what they want if they work together. Strictly business. No feelings involved… Right?

What starts out as a simple story about saving an inn turns into a fun mystery for them to solve. Why isn’t the inn getting visitors? What’s behind that magically sealed door? Is Luna’s father working against the half-fae – and thus, against Luna? Or if not, who is? Why are there so many unanswered questions about Luna’s past?

The plot twists weren’t too terribly hard to guess as the book went on but I was still surprised about the answer to the question about the door! 👀

The Magic

The magic system is unique. The city is split in four districts for the different magic families. Water, earth, fire, and wind. Human’s live alongside the fae, but it is an uphill climb getting the Fae to not look down on them. Fae do not typically use their magic in public very often, as it’s seen as rude. This makes it even more hilarious and endearing when Vincent can’t seem to control it around Luna.

I REALLY loved the way his wind responded to her and even flirted with her. It was so sweet that he couldn’t really control it around her and it acted out what he didn’t have the nerve to.

“My wind surged as if to ask whose rule that was. I needed to stop talking to my wind. It seemed solely focused on crossing lines with Luna, which I was sure would only complicate matters.”

“His wind seemed so different from him. Reasonably, though, I knew it was him, and the fact that it was so eager to be near me was a little intoxicating.
I ignored his question and replied, “I think your wind likes me.”
He sighed, rubbing his hand across his forehead. “You have no idea,””

I’ll admit I haven’t read the Compass Points series since I didn’t know it existed or tied in with this one. There were some references to what I’m assuming are aspects of that series However, anything that was said about it was either explained in this book, or self explanatory. I would say you don’t have to read those first. I will be checking those out next, though!

The side characters are supportive, teasing, loving, and an overall nice addition to the story.

The Love Story

Sparks fly instantly when they meet but they both fight it (of course) since they are only spending time together for the bargain. The banter is great. I really loved the way Vincent (and his wind) falls for her hard and we as readers get to see that first hand through his POV. The way they root for each other to succeed is so wholesome. There is thankfully no big break up or miscommunication trope at the end thankfully. The main characters communicate very well, which is so refreshing! Cozy really describes this romantasy, but it has such a great plot as well!

“My gaze tracked the liquid sloshing in the glass, then slid to the bartender. The fury she’d first displayed was back, and I had to say it made her fiercely beautiful. I was too distracted appreciating the sharp lines of her anger that I didn’t even register as my Solstice Sip splashed onto my face.”

Spice?

It’s a bit of a slow burn but when they give in it’s so worth it! Spice is open door and 🔥 but doesn’t overwhelm the story. I think there were maybe two scenes. It added to the story instead of distracting from it. This is exactly what I personally look for.

“I was a puddle against the desk, and I could only hope no one was around the office. My cheeks heated as I realized I had not been at all quiet.
His lip tilted into another smile as if reading my mind. “It’s an inn. It could have been any of the guests.”
“In the office?”
He shrugged. “You never know, with the scenery…”
I crooked a finger at him, and he brought his face to mine for another kiss. “Might as well keep going. Let everyone know all are satisfied at Cliff House Inn.”

Recommend? YES

I highly recommend to anyone who enjoys cozy romance and happily ever afters!

To see how I got this ARC, check out my first blog post here.

Big thanks to The Realm Studios and Jillian Witt for allowing me the pleasure of reading/reviewing this book! Also check out my goodreads review here.