by
Rescued from slavers, healer novice Jaime Buchanan finds himself alone and free in Pyrderi, a kingdom of magic, mythical creatures, and a culture as open and kind as his homeland was cruel and close-minded.
Despite his rescue, Jaime is not left without scars, both mental and physical. Traumatized by his experience and hiding his gift, Jaime struggles to earn his place in the kitchens of Angharad Palace, the heart of Taliesin City. His former life as a student of the healing arts leaves him at a disadvantage in the kitchens, and his damaged state is becoming more apparent by the day.
One day, when necessity and fate intervene, Jaime meets someone unexpected—Prince Maxim, youngest son of the Pyrderian king, a sword master and a devastatingly kind man. Unaccustomed to powerful people with compassion and heart, Jaime flees. A cascade of events reveals Jaime’s hidden talents of healing, and he finds himself not in chains, but at the beginning of a new life.
This swift change of fortune opens Jaime up to new possibilities, including a smitten prince who cautiously courts Jaime, easing him away from his fears and reminding him that compassion and love can make him strong. The winter solstice is quickly approaching, and Prince Maxim shows Jaime the enjoyment and excitement to be found in a land that embraces the ice and cold, and the mysteries of all things magical. He learns to see the man under the royal mantle, and Maxim is more than even Jaime suspected.
The winter solstice is nigh when tragedy strikes, and Jaime learns that his past of grief and sorrow can be a pillar of strength for his solstice prince. If there is one thing that Jaime believes above all else, it is in the healing power of love.
51,835 words, 182 pages
Gay Epic Fantasy Romance
- 4 To Be Read lists
- 11 Read lists
Publisher: Independently Published
Editors:
Illustrators:
Cover Artists:
Genres:
Pairings: M-M
Heat Level: 3
Romantic Content: 5
Ending: Click here to reveal
Character Identities: Gay
Protagonist 1 Age: 18-25
Protagonist 2 Age: 26-35
Tropes: Class Differences, Coming of Age, Death of Parent, First Time, Hurt / Comfort, Love Can Heal / Redemption, Opposites Attract, Slow Burning Love
Word Count: 52000
Setting: Palace
Languages Available: English
Series Type: Same Universe / Various Characters
Oh my god I loved this book! The romance well and truly hit me in the feels. Think this is going to be my new go to comfort read.
MC Healer Jaime is finally free after being kidnapped. He still bears both the physical and mental scars after being horrifically abused by his captors. After being rescued he is taken to the palace in the land of Pyrderi. It is there that he meets Prince Maxim and it's truly a case of love a first sight. But that's not to say some woo-ing didn't have to take place in order for Maxim to get Jaime to trust that his feelings were true.
Their first kiss - wow talk about swoon worthy. Their love feels like the stuff of fairy-tale legend. They are beyond sweet together. I loved the line: Falling in love felt like learning how to live again!
The world building is done so well. I could totally imagine myself wandering around the palace with mythical creatures flying around overhead.
There was a handy map of the lands at the front of the book and the illustrations throughout were a nice touch.
Already looking forward to the next book in the series. I need more.
A thoroughly enjoyable read that felt like a huge hug.
4 full-size interior illustrations by the cover artist and designer, Sarah Jo Chreene
