Forest of Firelight (The Riven Kingdoms Book 1) by Shari L. Tapscott

After the sudden death of her brother, Princess Amalia is charged with what feels like an impossible task—she must choose the next king. Youthful thoughts of love are pushed aside as she accepts her fate, setting upon a quest throughout the kingdom to find a man worthy of her father’s throne.

Little does Amalia know, someone has already set his sights on her.

Rhys is a man of secrets, and his mission is simple: befriend the princess of Renove. Coax her to trust him, convince her to follow him.

Betray her when it’s time.

All goes according to plan until Rhys meets the princess. Amalia is a disaster. Never has he met someone so drawn to trouble. Never has he met someone so irritatingly likable.

He’s not allowed to fall for her.

She could never entrust him with a crown.

But, unbeknownst to them, their unlikely partnership might be the key to saving their entire world from a darkness that’s slowly creeping from the wounded earth that separates one kingdom from the next.

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I can't even begin to tell you how excited I am for the beginning of this new series by Shari Tapscott.  This is the what I've been waiting for!  These adventure/romance books with a touch of the magical and fantasy are so good and I think this author excels in this genre.  (I actually love her books in all genres, but this might be my favorite)

There are definitely secrets swirling around in this book.  Intrigue and danger are everywhere.  Rhys is a bit of a mystery but his story is slowly unfolding and I really like it where it is going.  Amalia is endearing and so easy to like.  I love her sense of adventure and the loyalty she has to her family and her role as princess.  Rhys and Amalia together are yummy.  Too bad I have to wait for the next book.  I'd sure like to read it right now!

Content:  mild violence, peril, kissing

This book is on KU if you have that.  This is a series you will need to read in order.