In Love and War by Lisette Marshall

Genre: Romantasy | Publication Date: October 25, 2024

Thank you Lisette Marshall for the free copy of this novella!

🌌 Quick Take:

A thrilling, enemies-to-lovers novella that brings depth and heart to the Fae Isles world!

📖 Synopsis:

When demon Naxi and fae warrior Thysandra meet in the heat of battle, neither expects to find an equal in the other. With vengeance and a fierce drive pushing them forward, they refuse to relent…until Naxi is forced to retreat. But Thysandra is relentless, pursuing him far beyond the familiar clash of armies and into unknown territory.

As the two adversaries engage in a dangerous game of wits and fraught bargains, secrets begin to unravel, revealing the pain and desires they’ve kept hidden. With every encounter, their rivalry morphs into an undeniable, magnetic attraction that leaves them fighting not just for their lives, but for each other.

💭 My Thoughts:

In Love and War is a beautifully layered prequel that sets up Naxi and Thysandra’s story perfectly. I’ve been eagerly waiting to see how they went from sworn enemies to something much more complex, and this novella did not disappoint!

Marshall skillfully peels back the layers of their relationship, showing us what lies beneath their rivalry. Both Naxi and Thysandra are strong, stubborn characters, yet it’s heartbreaking to see how deeply they’ve each craved something they never found until meeting each other. I loved how their connection grew through moments of vulnerability, proving that they’re far more alike than they’d like to admit.

The story also brought an unexpected twist to their long battle, revealing it wasn’t exactly the conflict we were led to believe. This novella not only deepened my understanding of both characters but also made me genuinely care about Thysandra, a character I never thought I’d be rooting for!

Overall, this is a fantastic setup for the next full-length book in the Fae Isles world. I can’t wait to see how Naxi and Thysandra’s story unfolds from here—there’s so much more to explore in their complex, beautifully flawed relationship.

⚔️ Final Thoughts:

If you’re a fan of enemies-to-lovers romance, high-stakes conflict, and characters with rich backstories, In Love and War will sweep you into a world where love and hate are two sides of the same coin.