Sarah's Reviews > A Deal with the Elf King

(10/23/2020) 5 stars.

A Deal With the Elf King is an incredible, heartwarming, sweep you off your feet, slow-burn romance that lays on the angst but gives you hope. A definite page turner, I couldn’t help but speed through this standalone book; I couldn’t wait to get to the part where they kissed! Although it’s considered a standalone (for this heroine), Elise Kova has effortlessly created another world full of enticing characters and political intrigue. I will miss Luella and Eldas being at the forefront of future novels within the “A Married to Magic” series, I cannot wait to dive deeper into the realm she has expertly laid out.

It’s not a spoiler, as Kova has said it herself, this novel has a happy ending! Despite that, there is /a lot/ of angst and moments of “will they, won’t they?” and the pay off is soooo worth it! Kova knows how to make badass female characters that are independent but don’t shy away from romance! I’m incredibly tired of the “I don’t need no man!” attitude that is becoming especially prevalent in YA fantasy novels; being in a relationship doesn’t make you weak. In fact, as shown in Luella’s story, mutual respect and cooperation leads to a better outcome for EVERYONE! This story is about both Luella and Eldas discovering who they are outside of what’s expected of them, and they find belonging in each other but also work hard to help those around them. The relationship started in a less than ideal way but readers can see how they subtly both play into each other’s needs. Their expression of love to one another need not be said outright because it is in their actions that their affection shines the brightest (but hearing it is also fantastic and the dramatic way that they confess... I expect nothing less from an Elise Kova romance).

One of Kova’s many strengths is her ability to make an interesting cast of characters. Of course we love our main characters but the supporting characters are also incredibly fascinating. There is even one very special goooood boy, Hook. I don’t know what we did to deserve such a good doggo but I felt truly blessed (I’m sorry I doubted you Hook!).

The romance tropes Kova used were top tier. She wrote this book to indulge herself and her readers and it is a definite success. From there’s only one bed to the magical sexy ~forearms~, the tropes delivered. And the romance was steamy.

I’m only mad that there wasn’t more! When I reached the end of the novel I was desperate for more :( I’m not saying it’s short; the novel ends naturally. It doesn’t meander and the pacing is great. I just loved these characters so much I want more right here and right now. Is that selfish?

————————————

The cover. I am looking 👁👄👁