Genres: NA Fantasy, New Adult, Fantasy Romance | Release Date: 24 March 2025 | Series: The Dragon’s Heart | Series Book: #1 | Pages: 559 | Indie Author | Review
“This wasn’t a drama. It was a tragedy.”
M. A. Frick
Overview:
A massive thank you goes to the wonderful M. A. Frick, for letting me read an e-ARC of Between Flames and Deceit! This NA fantasy romance is book one in a trilogy (The Dragon’s Heart) and goodness it completely floored me. I’m talking jaw dropping, heart-wrenching emotion. Even a dash of vindictive wishing, combined with a healthy sprinkle of swooning. So do you want to hear an overview? Of course you do!
Nienna, the Dragon’s Heart, has been promised in marriage to a prince she doesn’t know. She held out hope that her betrothed would be a good man, but when she arrives in Radaan? It’s clear that Prince Tallon is determined to bring about the ruin of both Radaan and Vellos, her home country. Peace is more fragile than ever, and both kingdoms need this treaty to work. Can Nienna still do her duty, when she’s promised to someone so unworthy? Why is it that her heart has started to beat for his father, King Kallias? Will Nienna and Kallias risk everything for a chance at happiness, or will they hold to an oath signed in blood?
Happiness Boost:
Between Flames and Deceit had the monumental task of trying to transport me away from reality, during one of the worst times I’ve had to face in a good long while. So when I tell you it did? When I tell you that this fantasy romance was all that kept me whole, in the lead up to a floof needing to cross the rainbow bridge? You best believe it’s an amazing story. We get dragons, a forbidden romance that is off the charts, and an epic lore which puts a paladin’s commitment to duty and honour to shame…
Okay, so maybe I’m wrong about the paladin. *Maybe*. But King Kallias? This man lives and breathes for his kingdom, as well as his chosen God. Putting honesty and integrity above all else, it staggered me to witness Kallias’ steadfast loyalty to values he holds dear. Does this mean he was a hero without depth? Not. At. All. Within Between Flames and Deceit, we witness one of the biggest forbidden romance dilemmas I’ve ever come across. And how Kallias and Nienna try to navigate this, without putting their homelands in jeopardy? Take a bow, Melissa!! This dilemma was handled with delicacy, even as it highlighted the various shades of grey necessary for what lay ahead.
It wouldn’t be a book by M. A. Frick without incredible comedic timing. And as someone who doesn’t have a fondness for goats? You’re changing my mind with what awaits readers in this tale! Who knew I could love the little troublemakers?! This fantasy romance never gets so dark that we lose the light, and yes, that includes the goats. If that isn’t a sign of how much I adore Melissa’s writing, I don’t know what is!
Downside:
I think it’s a sign of great writing, when I’m messaging the author and saying WHAT HAVE YOU DONE TO ME after a cliffhanger. There’s no downside here!
Final Thoughts:
Between Flames and Deceit by M. A. Frick is a fantasy romance featuring forbidden love, devastating betrayals and incredibly sweet humour. So if this sounds like you want to read it (and let’s be honest, who wouldn’t), I have some great news for you! Not only can you pre-order it via my Amazon link below, but at the time of writing you can also back this beautiful tale on Kickstarter! Did I back it? Of *course* I did! I need that hardcover like I need air, friends. This fully funded Kickstarter will end on March 20th, 2025 so make sure you pledge your support before then!
Love what you’ve heard from my review? Just click on the link below to pre-order yourself a copy! Happy reading, glitterbugs!
You can pre-order Between Flames and Deceit via this link: Amazon
