Genres: Fantasy Romance, Romantic Fantasy, Epic Fantasy | Release Date: 22 September 2026 | Series: The Bookbinder’s Bargain | Series Book: #1 | Pages: approx 500 | Publisher: Atria Books (US + CA), Wayward TxF (UK + ANZ) | Review
“So what if I like things that bloom in the dark?”
Helen Scheuerer
Overview:
It’s official glitterbugs: Kiss of the Black Flame by Helen Scheuerer is my favourite romantasy ever—not just by her, but by anyone. You may think I’m exaggerating, as there’s so many brilliant stories out there. But this first instalment in The Bookbinder’s Bargain has done more than envelop me into a new realm, with brilliant characters and an incredible plot. I felt seen within these pages, thanks to the chronic pain representation, and every single word hit home. So with all that said, let’s give you an overview!
Devoted to her work as a bookbinder, Saige Grayson’s been working hard to clear the debts she’s amassed, in her search for answers to her chronic pain. But when it’s time for those debts to be called in? Saige soon finds herself imprisoned in an Azkari stronghold, with only one chance of escape. An Azkari general is in the cell beside hers, and he has a plan. But to do this, Saige must agree to a bargain with him, and everyone knows you don’t make a deal with the Azkari. Yet how hard could it be, when the bargain promises freedom from this stronghold, simply in exchange for restoring an ancient book? As Archer and Saige work together, it soon becomes clear… This book is powerful, and could unleash a power unlike anything the realm has ever seen. Can Saige restore this ancient tome without causing chaos? Will the evil that is stirring in the dark find its way into the light? And how can buried memories threaten everything?
This, dear glitterbugs, just cannot be outdone in my eyes. Not this year.
Happiness Boost:
Stories with chronic pain representation have resonated with me in the past, but Kiss of the Black Flame? This looked into my soul and spoke the words so many of us grapple with—how we wonder when we’ll succumb to this pain and drown in the maelstrom. But not only that, Saige’s story explores the resilience every chronic pain warrior clings to, the sheer stubbornness to stay and make every breath count even when we’re exhausted. I said it in a post on my Instagram, but I’ll say it here as well… This story spoke to the very blood in my veins and the marrow in my bones. It is power. It is recognition. And it *is* a masterpiece.
Have you been searching for a found family, featuring stubborn women and a cheeky animal sidekick? Kiss of the Black Flame is tailor made for you! If you don’t fall in love with a certain sassy old woman, I’m unsure if we can be friends. For every moment that Helen made me cry, she gave me another full of humour, which saw me giggling to myself long into the nights. And when you add Archer to the mix? If you’re familiar with Helen’s previous MMCs, you’ll understand how big a call this is when I say it: this Azkari general just took his rightful place on top of the podium.
With this romantic fantasy, Helen is shaping a new love for every reader. A new desire. A new obsession. Call it what you will, if this book hits your emotions as hard as it hit mine? You’ll mark your bookworm eras as “Before KISS” and “After KISS”. I’m still utterly captivated, and it’s been more than a month since I first read it!
Downside:
I have no critique for this. This, dear glitterbugs, really is a masterpiece in the romantasy genre.
Final Thoughts:
Kiss of the Black Flame by Helen Scheuerer is a romantic fantasy featuring dangerous bargains, smouldering tension, and a spark that will set the world ablaze. I am so invested in this new realm, and I cannot wait to chat about it with anyone who’ll listen! This is a story you don’t just need on your shelf… If you like romantasy? You need Saige’s tale even more than you need air. I know, I know, we kind of need that just to live. But you know what? I said what I said. THAT is how much you need Kiss of the Black Flame! Love what you’ve heard from my review? Just click on any of the links below to pre-order this incredible tale! Happy reading, glitterbugs!
You can pre-order Kiss of the Black Flame via these links:
