Radiance

I REALLY enjoyed this book, which is a surprise since I didn't think I would just by the cover.

But sometimes you really can't judge a book by its cover because this book was just delightful. It wasn't any high-stakes sort of quest story but I enjoyed it anyway. I went into it expecting it to be something else entirely but I was pleasantly surprised every step of the way.

This book isn't heavy on plot; it's very focused on the relationship building between the two MCs but it's still a very good read for not much happening until the end. The plot is definitely set to come later in the series, so be aware of that when reading this book!

Light spoilers overall but I'm putting them behind the tag to be safe:

It might just be me reading too many enemies-to-lovers books lately (which I still love, don't get me wrong) but these two having an insta-like and becoming friends quickly was really refreshing for me. Not having to deal with the relationship drama and normal plotlines that come from a romance where the characters start out really not wanting to be together was kind of a relief. I didn't realize I wanted a sort of friends-to-lovers story until I actually got it.

Again, it might just be me reading too much of the same thing recently, but I also liked that the female lead wasn't some sort of strong, always ready-to-fight type. Not that there's anything wrong with that, but it's nice to have something different every once and a while. Her skill is firmly in the realm of politics and diplomacy and I really like that. I also appreciated how even though she didn't want the arranged marriage, she really put in the effort to acclimate and learn the Kai language and customs, even dressing like them. She really respected them as a people, even if she was afraid of them at first, and it's a nice change to the normal ‘fighting every step of the way' protag we normally get in arranged marriages.

Absolutely adored Brishen and Ildiko's relationship. They hit it off right away and the chemistry was more of a comfortable heat gradually turning up rather than a burning but it suited them so well. They were so domestic even before they got together and there was practically no conflict between them, which might not be what everyone likes but I thoroughly enjoyed it. They were married married before they even realized they were in love, which was absolutely darling to watch.

The plot coming in at the end has me sat and ready, even though I didn't think it was going to take that turn, and I am DEFINITELY ready to read the rest. This book almost IMMEDIATELY captured my heart!