About the Book

In the cut-throat game of court life, masters manipulate pawns—and you never know which one you are. One thing is certain: there’s no space on the board for love.

A penniless noblewoman, Kat is on the verge of losing everything when she’s offered a well-paid job that could be her salvation… or her ruin. Drawn into court’s deadly intrigues, she’s given a single task: spy on the powerful fae lord known as the Night Queen’s Shadow.

Bastian Marwood is handsome, ruthless, and cunning, but Kat can’t decide if he’s a threat to her kingdom or just her heart. To uncover the truth, she must play a dangerous game of desire and deceit, pushing him to reveal his secrets while protecting her own. But Bastian’s shadows have a hold on her—one she isn’t sure she wants to escape.

Kat soon learns that at court, nothing is as it seems and even the best-laid plans can be destroyed in an instant. As a pawn on the board, she can’t afford to fall victim to love—only fight for survival.

A Kiss of Iron is the first book in a new series featuring court intrigue, a morally grey hero, and an unforgettable enemies-to-lovers romance. Perfect for fans of Gild and From Blood and Ash.

Review

As the year is quickly ending, I’m starting to realize that most of the fantasy books that I have read have been more hits than misses for me. Authors in this genre have been constantly pushing the bar and crafting unique characters, romances, and stories. A Kiss of Iron is no exception. There is so much goodness packed into this 600-page novel. Political intrigue, fae magic, sabercat races, amazing outfits, thievery.

Kate, oh Kate, oh Kate. My heart ached for her. This was a woman who had an abusive childhood, was forced into a marriage, and then took it upon herself to care for the estate in her husband’s absence. And to continue to care for the estate she enters an agreement with a cruel man and is brought to the palace to serve the Queen and spy on a fae by the name of Bastian. This is a woman who is trying the best that she can in a world that isn’t kind to her. Her internal monologue is great with witty responses. She’s smart, and really just a great FMC.

As for Bastian, I hadn’t expected him to be the way that he was. This isn’t a bad thing at all because I absolutely adore him. I expected him to be rougher. Yes, he would do anything for Kat and had his dark moments and is mysterious, but this guy is so swoon worthy. And sweet, and such a flirt. Also, dangerous, but he’s tender with Kat. The two of them had amazing chemistry, and their slow burn was hot.

Final Thoughts

A Kiss of Iron was an entertaining and heartbreaking book that ended on a breath holding cliff hanger. Kat is a good representation of female rage. She’s a character who is trying to find her voice in an oppressive world.

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