Prince of Flowers

Low angstForced proximityPrince/CommonerEnemies to Lovers (slightly)QuestFound familySingle first person POVIn a nutshell:An intriguing plot that moves quickly. The characters are introduced immediately and the world building occurs with the storyline rather than as a bunch of word vomit in the first chapter. I appreciate that greatly. Our characters meet and argue almost immediately - some snark, some banter, no real animosity- and that's the tone of their not-quite-enemies yet not-quite-friends relationship. Forced together spiritually by a spell then by physical proximity on a quest, the adventure and relationship move forward regardless of our characters' feelings. However, I did not form a connection with the characters and the romance was non-existent. I grew annoyed by their behaviors often and questioned whether or not I actually wanted their relationship to work out. Honestly, my curiosity is what kept me listening- I enjoyed the plot and wanted to know if anyone's secrets were exposed.The long version:I love the author's Arcane Hearts series which is loosely tied to this new series so I preordered the audiobook as soon as it was available. Nazri Noor does an excellent job of laying the foundation for a magical world without layering the details too heavily or too quickly. No surprises here- as the plot unfurled, details emerged to provide context and assist with understanding the here and now as well as the very near (or not so near) future. Useless details were hard to find and the plot was quickly paced and moved easily. Unfortunately, character development took a backseat.What I liked:*Academy setting. I find it interesting that mlm and wlw romance books are lacking when it comes to academy romance. This came with a bit of a twist, but I accepted anyway.*Locke's friends. His "sisters" as he calls them are supportive and caring as well as a tad mischievous. They aren't afraid to show him they care nor do they hold back when he needs to be spoken to directly.*Locke's nemesis is entertaining. I won't spoil anything but I did enjoy Evander the few times we dealt with him.*The mystery surrounding the Headmasters. I like that we don't know why there are 3 nor does it matter at the moment, although I assume it will be important at some point.*The fact that Locke and Sylvain are still strangers to one another at the end regardless of their attraction to one another. This story is done and over with in basically 4 days; hardly enough time to get to know someone but especially when you're keeping secrets from one another. Sounds backwards but it's one of the redeeming qualities here.So why didn't I love it?*Sylvain accepted the bond accidentally so Locke provided the idea that the two men find a way to unbond if possible. Except Locke made the decision to keep them bonded without talking to Sylvain about it. I had a hard time with this. I willingly moved on because Sylvain took it in stride (why? I'm not sure) but it still irked me. Terrible communication is basically the theme for the book.*I'll take fluff over the torturing of souls any day so insta-lust or insta-love is always great with me. However, it didn't work for me here. Enemies who have been at one another's throats for years? They can absolutely fall in bed and in love within days. They're already familiar with one another. Moving past their mutual dislike into mutual affection is basically a speed bump on whatever path they're traveling. But complete strangers who can't seem to have a conversation without arguing for 2 of the 4 days they know one another? Who trigger protection spells so they don't harm one another when fighting? Absolutely best developed as a slow burn. Going from "I can't stand you" to "I can't imagine life without you" when neither person actually knows anything about the other person is just too unbelievable. How can you adore someone you don't know? I want to suspend my disbelief but I'm doing so with literally everything else already, can't I just have this one thing?!? I don't think asking for my romance novel to have actual romance in it is asking too much. This was basically a hookup that took 3 days to happen.*Constantly bringing up Sylvain's beauty took away from the story. Sylvain was so hot, it actually made both men shallow. Locke focusing on Sylvain's attractiveness and Sylvain's arrogance regarding his own attractiveness distracted me. Distracted me to the point I had to pause the audiobook and look back at the text sometimes to reengage my brain. It took me out of the story and made me frustrated, honestly. Usually, I would look past this but it was excessive in this story. Sylvain's looks were mentioned in almost every single chapter! C'mon, now. If this had been a contemporary novel I'm not sure I would have made it through. I really wish Locke had noticed and focused on other things--- he told us he knew Sylvain was soft/vulnerable but none of those moments were as glaringly obvious as all those other things Locke noticed. The important things, the meaningful things I want to see in my romance in order to connect to the protagonists, were easily missed. I can't help but wonder, so many fae myths were debunked in this story, why couldn't the unearthly beauty have been also?*Remember when I said unnecessary details were hard to find? Well there was one detail that didn't add to the story at all yet was thrown out there full force and at a pretty terrible time (the scene has an interesting character so the detail stands out). We learn that Sylvain is a typical playboy prince. *sigh* Why?!? Well, okay, I know the idea is to show how much Sylvain cares for Locke by giving up his playboy ways, but does he really? 4 days from strangers to lovers. I'd argue that Sylvain is simply acting like his playboy self by how hard he pursues Locke, a stranger he's unwillingly bonded to. A stranger he almost killed once or twice within the first 48 hours of unwilling bondedness. I tried not to let this annoy me but I just couldn't let it go. Seriously, it's taken me two days to write/rewrite this review because I don't feel like I'm being honest if I don't mention this. Locke is all alone in the world (aside from his bffs) and the man he's supposed to give his heart to is a man who holds a position of power and has stuck his d in enough people to populate a small country? Is giving up his promiscuity the thing Sylvain does to show Locke he's special? Is Locke supposed to feel like he's gained something here? Based on the presence of the "many, many, many lovers" detail, I can only assume yes. Why is becoming someone's only piece of @ss the equivalent of a declaration of love? Whatever happened to compliments and praise, expressions of affection? Where were the tender touches and stolen kisses between these two? Any touching or kissing tbh! Add to that-- there were very few pretty or meaningful words between the two men- definitely not enough for me when all was said and done. I believe Locke said it best when he told Sylvain, "I didn't know we were friends." I felt that. Still feel it now. Strangers at the beginning and strangers at the end, these men. I only wish their emotional relationship had been more important than their physical.

"Prince of Flowers" was my introduction to this author. Locke Wilde is enrolled in a magical school called Wispwood. He's one of the older students, son of a wealthy father who renovated the library. But Locke and his dad didn't get along well. Locke has come across as kind of an incompetent, failing to achieve his Crest which indicates graduation.In the Wispwood, he summons Sylvain who introduces himself as the Fae Prince of the Summer Court. Sylvain is handsome. He complains about everything, making him seem spoiled and unpleasant company. Locke enlists him as his eilodon, his spirit helper to fight battles. Sylvain commands leaves and flowers, clothing himself in leafy fabrics before returning the leaves magically back to their plant and tree.The two have an attraction as they set off to fight a series of monster-like plant opponents. I enjoyed the book. I'm not sure why the unpleasant character of fellow student Evander Skink was introduced or why Locke puts up with his taunts and insults. I couldn't see how he particularly furthered the story. While the tale is a bit of a bumpy ride, it was a pleasant mix of fantasy and romance. Enjoy!

Rating: 2.25🌈I really like this author’s other stories but this is a real miss on so many levels. Frankly I’m astonished.This was a almost DNF for me. Only the fact that I always hope for a turn for the better keeps me from stopping at my real “I’m done “ point in each book this happens at.Here it was at about 62% when the Goddess Aphrodite appeared, smug , and making all sorts of declarations about the situation the incompetent summoner has entwined the poor Princely Elf and himself in.It came at a poor place in the narrative. After a series of tasks the idiot Summoner has forced the elf to accomplish, getting him hurt in the process.It starts with student Lochlann Wilde, someone who’s less than studious nature has caused him to be one the the college’s oldest students and one who’s so far behind in his levels that he hasn’t earned his Crest.The story goes on about how fabulous a summoner his father is and what enormous stress it is to live up to that. But you know what? Loch hasn’t memorized his spells, hasn’t put in the work.So nope. No connection here. And Noor is going with the golden, gorgeous, lazy boy main character first person point of view.It’s a little bit much.He decides to summon a eidolon without knowing what he’s summoning. Instead of a animal to be his familiar he summons a actual person, a being. A elf.Which then becomes his basic captive/slave. Unable to fight back or return home due to the summoning. Instead of breaking the spell like a reasonable, rational human would when confronted with having a living sentient being accidentally enslaved, Loch takes advantage and decides he’s going to get his Crest and extra credits at College by treating the Elf like a specimen/slave/forced eidolon. As well as telling the College it’s their chance to see what a elf is all about.Right.So. This whole storyline has a definite bad taste to it.If you flip the characters. Say have the Fae be the one to enslave the summoner/student by accident, then immediately, the Elf is always dark or evil because they have taken away consent. It’s entrapment. All sorts of flags.But here, it’s supposed to be ok, because it’s a human. He has needs.And don’t get me started on the sexual aspect that starts on Loch’s part almost immediately. That on top of the non consensual aspect of this story that gets overlooked is mind boggling.So no. The Fae isn’t some cute pet to be treated as something to be “tamed”. Another narrative theme that is tired and is sorely overdue to be retired.Along with the entire story.So done.I’m extremely disappointed with so many old, distasteful, or poorly executed elements and characters here.- [ ] Main Character that’s selfish, lazy, and vain.- [ ] That another race needs to be “tamed”- [ ] That another sentient being can be enslaved and that’s fine by both a MC, a college, and apparently a Goddess.- [ ] Old themes and thoughts on racism and sex. Especially when one has the power over another.I’m definitely not continuing further. It’s doesn’t matter how it’s resolved because excuses are made for all of the above.For me, those are things that shouldn’t be excused.Any of these things sound appealing, maybe none of this will bother you, then investigate the story for yourself.

With great worldbuilding, this fantasy story especially comes to life in the audiobook by Greg Boudreaux. It has a similar flavor to Alice Winters meets Tales of Verania by TJ Klune. The plot is primarily driven by action as opposed to interpersonal conflict, and the jokes were so well-written and well-placed that I found myself laughing out loud. I can’t believe I hadn’t heard of this author/series sooner. Can’t wait to tackle the rest of the series.

This was a simple cosy tale with a bit of naughty added for fun. I enjoyed how it played ot and look forward to reading more tales from this pair

I found this book to be light , and quick to read. A nice little confection, that doesn’t dwell to much on traditions of what we have had handed down to us, of the fae.Sweet and sexy , light and fluffy, it’s a cute little book. The writing is breezy and none of the characters possess a great deal of depth.It’s a fun read though. I was just starting to lose patience with it , when It made me laugh out loud. So I finished it.A fun read.