Kiss of the Black Flame

The Bookbinder's Bargain #1

by Helen Scheuerer

Some bargains are sealed with blood...Others with fire...The deadliest are sealed with a kiss...

Saige Grayson has always believed stories could heal—even when her own body refuses to. As the most promising bookbinder in the capital, she’s learned to work through chronic pain and crushing debt, restoring other people’s treasures while trying not to fall apart herself. But when the man she owes decides her rare talent is worth more than her payments, Saige is traded to the Azkari—an immortal race forged by the gods for war—and imprisoned in their ancient stronghold.

Her only chance of survival lies with Archer, a fallen Azkari general imprisoned beside her —cursed, dangerous, and impossible to ignore. He offers her a way out, and in return, Saige must help him retrieve and restore an ancient book. But the book is made of living magic, powerful enough to stop a great evil—or unleash it. And as Saige works with Archer, the tome begins to awaken something dark and dangerous—both in the realm and within her.

As their enemies close in and buried memories resurface, Saige and Archer must decide what they’re willing to their freedom, their fragile trust…or the spark that could ignite the world.

Final cover to be revealed!

Genres: Fantasy, Romantasy, Fantasy Romance, Romance, Books About Books, Adult, Fiction

464 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication September 22, 2026

About the author

Helen Scheuerer is the fantasy author of the bestselling series, The Oremere Chronicles, the Curse of the Cyren Queen quartet and The Legends of Thezmarr. Her work has been highly praised for its strong, flawed female characters and its action-packed plots.

Helen’s love of writing and books led her to pursue a creative writing degree and a Masters of Publishing. She has been a full-time author since 2018 and now lives amidst the mountains in New Zealand where she is constantly dreaming up new stories.

Reviews

[Liana Gold]

I haven't read anything by this author and I'm very excited about this new series.




Many thanks to NetGalley, Atria Books and the author, Helen Scheuerer for an early copy!

Publication: September 22, 2026

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes. Immediately YES.

I just had a feeling before I dove into this story that I was going to absolutely DEVOUR every chapter of this book, and I am so happy to say this book did not disappoint. I am a huge fan of Helen and her stories, her prose and the way she writes unrelenting tension, angst, plot twists, ( Legends of Thezmarr being one of my Roman empires, Wilder?! 😫😮‍💨 ) and KOTBF was no different. Welcome to my new obsession lol.

One of many things Helen writes extremely well, and extremely swoon worthy, is an mmc, and ARCHER?! Ultimate swoon. An entity made to kill GODS, who’s built like a god, has the heart of a teddy bear and likes to sketch and admires flowers. Like?!

Saige is an equally beautifully written character. There is so much to her despite her chronic pain, and unfortunate circumstance and through it all she stays positive, chin up, one day to the next. She has so much grit, so much heart. There is so much women empowerment in the circle she keeps, and I love when women, women. 👏🏼

I also really LOVED the banter between Saige & Archer and how forward she was, it was fresh and hilarious seeing an Azkari blush and try to have the utmost restraint lol.

Found family? Top tier.
Banter? Hilarious.
Plot twists? Jaw on the floor.
The ending?! Omg?!!

I can’t wait to see what happens next! ( also need more Daemos lol )

( Thank you to Atria, Simon & Schuster for the e-galley )

[Erin (erinsreadingroom) · Rating 5 out of 5]

☆ 4.5 stars

Kiss of the Black Flame is the first instalment in The Bookbinder’s Bargain trilogy by author Helen Scheuerer. This was an exciting and exhilarating new experience that found me on the edge of my seat for chapters on end in my anticipation to see what happens next. I wanted to cry every time I had to force myself to put my kindle down in-lieu of my adult responsibilities (wholly unfair if you ask me) and found myself counting down the minutes until I could pick it back up. Scheuerer is a phenomenal storyteller that knows how to write an addictive and compelling story that is filled with heartfelt found family connections, emotional dialogue and electrifying chemistry that will consume you from the very first page. The world established throughout this book feels darker and grittier than anything we have seen from this author before, and I loved getting to experience something brand new and exciting that I have never seen from her before. The world-building read with ease for me and I felt really intrigued by the magic system that is established from the very beginning which is something I hope to see continue to grow. Kiss of the Black Flame was the perfect cure to my ‘Thezmarr hangover’ and I cannot wait to continue to fall in-love with this universe in its entirety as much as I have that one.

Saige Grayson is yet another wonderfully strong heroine by this author that captured my heart from the very first page. Her experience in living with chronic pain and the way this impacts her everyday living felt seamlessly woven into her story in a manner that felt natural. I really appreciated that her pain wasn’t understated in its severity and the reality that enduring an invisible illness also results in facing disbelief and dismissal from her peers. Sage’s ability to view the world with openness and vulnerability in spite of all the harm that has been forced upon her is almost uncanny in its resolve. Her main strength lies within her mind alongside her capacity for kindness and refusal to be confused for as meek. Her passion for her craft is undeniable and I adored witnessing the scenes where Saige’s own brand of (human) magic sparks to life when faced with a restoration project. Her character is effortlessly depicted in a way that feels relatable to the reader as I felt like her struggles became my struggles. Her burdens became my own to shoulder. I felt constantly in awe at everything Saige continued to carry physically, mentally and emotionally in her refusal to give up. There is no hurdle that she did not show a determination to navigate and I cannot express just how deeply I adore every aspect to the unwavering woman that she is written to be. Her selflessness and care for others is greatly reflected in the deep bonds she shares with Raven, Yevna and Grim. There is so much more to Saige’s character left to be uncovered and explored… and I cannot wait to see what comes next in her story throughout the continuation of this series.

If I were the kind of woman who barked at men then I would shamelessly be doing so when it comes to our mysterious general, Archer. His penchant for wearing slutty reading glasses whilst being depicted in his rugged state? Bark bark. Archer was everything that I had hoped he would be with his many intricate layers waiting to be unfurled and discovered. His grumpy and tortured demeanour felt perfectly balanced alongside his protective instincts and soft spot for the vulnerable. His trauma as a prisoner of war and the self-loathing that he harbours as a result of ‘failing’ added so much depth and complexity to his character that enables me to better understand him throughout his many struggles. It becomes very clear early in his journey that Archer is shouldering the immense burden and responsibility for losing the first war against a foe that seeks to change the world as they know it for the worst. The self-imposed guilt he feels largely impacts him as a character as we see this being regularly implemented in the way he regards his own self-worth and the way he desperately tries to keep people at a distance. I found Archer to be very interesting and mysterious as there was clearly a lot more to his character than what he was initially letting on, and there’s no denying that I greatly enjoyed the information that we are granted throughout this instalment. Archer is a revered immortal whose fire wielding abilities have earned him great prestige both on and outwith the battlefield. His capacity to be both a ruthless warrior whom is unafraid to lean into his darkest attributes to ensure survival alongside his ability to showcase warmth, vulnerability and compassion was reflected with ease. I had the best time getting to learn about the many layers to Archer’s character and I cannot wait to see what more is waiting to be uncovered in the continuation of his story.

I had the absolute best time getting to explore the relationship development between Saige and Archer as what begins as a transactional and self-motivated bargain with mutually beneficial gains, slowly develops into a tender connection that leaves you yearning for more. Scheuerer knows how to create magnetic and swoon-worthy chemistry that her readers will fall in love with every single time without fail. The mistrust and apathetic nature to their origins felt like the perfect hook to root for more and it was a lot of fun to see their (sometimes unwanted) emotions begin to drive their development forward. Trust is slow to build with their dialogue being filled with ample wit and banter in an attempt to keep their agreement surface level and to shield themselves against their developing feelings. Fear for the future and the uncertainty of the present plays a huge part throughout Saige and Archer’s relationship but there’s no denying how much I adored getting to see them approach difficult conversations with maturity and understanding. Both characters blessedly written to react with the mindset of fully developed adults that know how to communicate and respect boundaries. Their relationship is far from linear as both Saige and Archer are undergoing their own personal development that is integral to the connection that they’re working hard to build. There are a strong mix of moments showcasing the searing heat, aching longing and also their several fierce disagreements that they share. What remains true throughout the development of the story is just how deeply both characters grow to care for one another in both a platonic and romantic sense. There is still so much more of their relationship to uncover and explore, especially after that diabolical ending, and I cannot wait to see what will come next for Saige and Archer in the second instalment in the series.

Kiss of the Black Flame is an incredible introduction to The Bookbinder’s Bargain trilogy and I cannot wait to see what will happen next. There are still so many questions left to be answered, secrets to be revealed and mysteries to be solved. I am feeling morose (respectfully) in realising how long I’ll have to wait to find out what will happen next for our characters and the next adventure that we will follow them on. Helen Scheuerer is an auto-buy author of mine for a reason and this new book yet again proves why this remains the case… so if you need me I’ll be staring into the distance trying to hold onto my sanity as I count down the days until I have the sequel in my hands.

𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐤 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐞𝐀𝐑𝐂 𝐭𝐨 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰 𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐨 𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞.

[mo • lesmotsdemo · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 rounded up for Goodreads and Netgalley.
It was a solid and engaging read, despite some flaws. The world-building was quite expanded and it was interesting. The plot was straight-forward and steadily paced. Saige, the main female character, was the soul of the novel for me. She was far from perfect (too sexual for me) but she was the most intriguing and compelling character. She was strong, determined, and a bit hot-headed. She was also older than the regular female main character in romantasy books nowadays and that was enjoyable. I liked her relationships with other female characters, their dynamic was nice to read. I didn’t like Archer very much, his self-pity became quite annoying. Their relationship developed too quickly for me; and I didn’t really see the chemistry between the two. The declarations and words they exchanged (especially him, actually) felt too much and not believable, in a way. Also, it was insta-lusty which is not something I like at all. The sex scenes were not pleasant to read, they felt too icky (which sounds quite harsh but they really felt dirty). Other than that, the plot and the world-building, as well as Saige and the ending of this novel, make me see this read in an overall good light. I had a good time with this book and I obviously recommend it.

Thank you to Netgalley for an e-ARC in exchange for a honest review.

[kelseys.inthelibrary · Rating 4 out of 5]

REVIEW OF ADVANCED COPY

Kiss of the Black Flame gave me exactly the kind of romantasy pairing I love: a grumpy, battle and trauma worn immortal MMC paired with a mortal sunshine FMC who slowly chips away at all his defenses.

Saige is a mortal bookbinder living with chronic pain, and it was represented so well! She’s resilient and warm without feeling put on, and her optimism balances Archer’s grump!

And Archer 👀 A war general imprisoned and tortured for 200 years? Then Helen went ahead and made him an artist who sketches with charcoal while wearing slutty little glasses, loves flowers and gardening, braids Saige’s hair, and quietly takes care of her? Immediate favorite. 🫠

Through circumstance they are forced to work together to save the realm, and watching Saige slowly get under Archer’s skin was very satisfying.

[Amelia · Rating 5 out of 5]

At this point in my life I can say I’ve read almost all of Helen Scheureres books, and as I write this review from my iPad, an unread one is staring at me begrudgingly from my bookshelf. What do all of her series have in common for me? I always love the first installment best.

I was pleasantly surprised to see we were leaving the world of Thezmarr where her last two series took place to head for a new one where we are thrown in 200 years after an immortal warrior sacrificed himself to defeat an evil Silver tongued deceiver. The problem of course being that neither Asher, the immortal Azkari general nor said deceiver are truly dead, rather stuck in a parallel prison dimension where the bad guy has enslaved both the general along with several of his people and numerous other creatures while bidding his time to regather his strength and magic. Enter our FMC who is a bookbinder that gets captured to help him achieve his goals. However, a bargain between her and Archer, sealed with a very hot kiss, triggers a series of events and so we being, etc etc quest start, etc etc forced proximity, etc etc, plot. I never like to do a summary in my reviews and I’m not going to start now.

As usual with Helen’s books, I love the character and the writing, I find the pacing okay albeit perhaps a bit slow at times, and the cliffhanger unfairly brutal but as this is my “I lost track” rodeo, expected.

Saige, the FMC is 35!!!! The author keeps pushing her characters age with each new series and I am so here for it. Some unfortunate circumstances have brought her in the presence of the male main character, but I love their dynamic because despite what she has been through and her chronic illness, it has not brought her down, and she keeps being the sunshine to his stormcloud. What really confuse me about Archer is that because of the dual povs, we get to see into his head therefore we already know that he is absolutely obsessed with her. So why exactly is he trying to keep her at arms length and pretending to despise her and dislike her? It felt very forced enemies to lovers but I do enjoy the grumpy sunshine aspect as expected. It’s a slow burn, but the payoff is worth it. I was also very happy about this male main character being very different than others I’ve read from Helen, a true embodiment of my absolute favorite damaged emo sad boy.

“Hey Helen how broody do you want your new MMC.”
“Yes”

As a whole, I’m extremely happy with this book with the start of this new series and I absolutely look forward to reading the rest and finding out more about this world.

Thank you to NetGalley for the arc, all my opinions are genuine as usual, and I am forever grateful.

[Kha (kha.fantasyrealm) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okaaayyy, let me just do a fangirl review of this book… BECAUSE I LOVED IT!!!😭

Seriously.. this book??? This was such a good time! I was hooked from the beginning and I haven’t felt this giddy over a book in SO long.

Immortal warrior with BLACK FLAME?? Bookbinder FMC?? A BARGAIN SEALED WITH A KISS?? Absolutely YESS!

ARCHER. You all need to meet Archer. Grumpy MMC with botanical tattoos??!! I swear, I didn’t recover from that moment..😅 (and you’ll discover so many more surprising sides to him in the book!!)

And SAIGE?? ICON. Funny, smart, knows when to talk back, when to tease & rile up our MMC, and when to shut up.. but she always stands firm in what she decides and goes after what she wants every time. And I live for FMCs like her.

The banter?? CRISP. I was laughing my ass off the entire time. Archer and Saige do NOT know how to behave around each other and I loved every second of it.🙌 And every other character?? Obsessed. They all brought their own kind of fun and personality.

Slow burn. Yearning. Dual POV. Elemental magic. Found family. Animal sidekick (absolutely adore this one, and he’s got plenty of scene-stealing moments with a certain character!😂). ONE bedroll. One HORSE?? I was FED.

That ENDING though?? I AM NOT OKAY. That part ruined me… came in out of nowhere and quietly poked me right in the heart before I even realized what was happening.

This book blowing up?? I wouldn’t even be surprised.


Thank you to the author, Random House UK and NetGalley for the eARC.

[Ashley {_xamountofbooks}]

** First read is for The Bookbinder novella. 4.25 stars

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. (via the author)

So excited to have been able to read this early! I really enjoyed the novella and can't wait to dive into this new world in Kiss of the Black Flame!

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Atria, NetGalley, and the author for this advanced copy. Getting to read this book early feels like a dream. Helen is one of those authors that I’ll read anything by. This is my ninth Helen book and she knocked it out of the park again.

I loved everything about this book. Saige was such a multifaceted FMC, from dealing with her chronic pain and sometimes feeling like a burden or weak, to her sunshine attitude that was infectious at times, to her fierceness and work ethic. I also loved that she’s in her 30s. I felt like her maturity played a big role in how she dealt with conflict and got through roadblocks in her life and with Archer.

Archer - I don’t even think Helen has scratched the surface with him. We saw so many different sides to his personality but I feel like there’s so much more to uncover. The ending had me shocked. I felt like I didn’t know him at all then, but that makes me want to read book 2 that much more. Also, Archer wears slutty little glasses, slutty little rings, and has scars and back tats. Need I say more?

Let’s also talk about the banter! It was good and so well done! The dynamic between Saige and Archer was so fun and the tension had me hanging onto every word. Saige surprised me with her flirtyness and how she kept trying to get a reaction out of Archer. Archer gave it right back. This man will be my next book boyfriend obsession for the foreseeable future.

I didn’t want this book to end so I tried to savor it. I enjoyed all the different aspects to the plot. It really felt like I was taken on a journey from the initial meeting, to gravereach prison, to the bargain and quest, back to the bindery, and to the final setting of the book. I also was surprised by the twists, which I always love. That final twist and final page has my jaw on the floor. This book took me through every emotion and I loved every second of it. I need book two like I need air in my lungs!

[Izzy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Helen Scheuerer and Random House UK, Transworld Publishers an eARC of this book on NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

A 35 year old FMC?! I’m listening… Saige is a master bookbinder who has suffered with chronic pain her entire life, with no understanding of the cause. Meanwhile, Archer is a touch-starved 500 year old Azkari general who has been imprisoned by his enemy for the last two centuries. He caught a glimpse of Saige ten years ago and has been waiting for her ever since. We love to see a man who yearns!

This is an incredible start of the trilogy. I particularly loved the bookbinding elements, something I’ve never seen done in any book before. The world building is strong, with the Azkari, historical wars and an elemental magic system.

After Saige and Archer make a bargain, they are tied to one another until it is fulfilled. I would (lovingly) describe Archer as a moody f*ck while Saige is able to stay positive despite everything she has faced so the two are hardly a natural match. The duo share a lot of banter throughout the book, and I found myself smiling stupidly at my Kindle more often than not, but beneath the banter, there were occasions glimpses of vulnerability and honesty that made their relationship feel real.

Helen is the master of found family and this book is no different, with Raven, Yevna and Grim (a dog) who are fiercely protective of Saige but also interesting characters in their own right. I can’t wait to see more of them in the next two books!

The plot was well-paced, gripping and full of twists and turns. And THAT ENDING?! I fear I will not be able to cope with a long wait for book 2.

This was one of my most-anticipated books of the year and it did not disappoint. It is my favourite of Helen’s books so far and I cannot wait to see where Saige and Archer’s story goes.

Favourite tropes
- “Who did this to you?” - AKA the core ingredient of any Romantasy
- Animal sidekick - I will always adore an animal sidekick who gives the MMC a hard time and Grim does this perfectly.
- Grumpy x sunshine - you thought Wilder (Legends of Thezmarr) was grumpy? Archer could outgrump him any day.

[The Chapter Chaser]

You wake up, check your emails, and see that you’ve been approved for the ARC of this particular book. It’s going to be a good day today. No matter what happens. 😌

Thank you NetGalley and Atria Books! ❤️

~Pre-read~:

📚 Bookbinder FMC with chronic pain
→ Okay, I actually love the sound of that. I’m already imagining her being stubborn as hell, pushing forward no matter what her body throws at her. I love that.

⚔️ Fallen, immortal, mysterious, “impossible-to-ignore” MMC
→ Well… hello there. 👀 Are you emotionally unavailable, morally questionable, and carrying centuries of trauma? Perfect. Tell me more!!!

🔥 Ancient powerful magical book
→ At this point, considering the size of my TBR, there’s a non-zero chance I already own this one somewhere on my bookshelves.

💀 Forced proximity because of a common enemy
→ The best kind of proximity.

💋 “The deadliest bargains are sealed with a kiss”…
→ Girls… this sentence. This sentence says it all.

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Helen has done it again!! This first book in her new series, The Bookbinder’s Bargain, was absolutely INCREDIBLE!!! I was hooked immediately by the prologue and my tortured man, Archer! Every second spent with him as the book continued just made me fall in love with him even more! His protective nature, grumpy attitude, and touch her and die energy had me hooked! You can’t help but root for him after everything he has been through!

Saige! She is a force! The chronic pain rep was expertly done. As someone that has experience with chronic pain myself and with close family members, I can say I have never read a book that made me feel more seen and portrayed those inner feelings/struggles with how the world sees your struggle more accurately. Her sunshine disposition, from my viewpoint, is how she handles the pain and her attempt to mask what she feels is inconveniencing others because of her condition. She doesn’t want others to see her condition as a weakness so she hides behind the smiles. The found family Saige has was one of my favorites because of this. They are supportive and there for each other no matter what!

The banter and flirtatious comments between Archer and Saige had me smiling and cracking up! I was eating up the tension between them and I absolutely go feral when one character says there will be nothing between them and I get to watch them eat those words as every interaction slowly breaks down those walls!

Helen once again gave us amazing side characters and Yevna stole the show for me! Her ‘tell it how it is’ personality and how she will say literally every thought she is thinking made me love her so much! The “handsome face and big c$ck” line had me laughing so hard I cried!

The characters, romance, world, intriguing plot, symbolism, perfectly placed flashbacks, and the twists made this a top read!! I need more than five stars! And after that ending, I need the next book yesterday!!

✨FMC in her 30’s
✨Touch starved MMC
✨Chronic pain rep
✨Women in trades
✨Grumpy/Sunshine
✨Found family
✨Quest
✨Forced proximity
✨So much more!!

Thank you so much Atria Books for the advanced review copy! All thoughts and opinions are my own.


Fav quotes (please keep in mind these could change in the final version):

“I’ve learned to take the little pleasures in life where I can. If that includes tormenting a beautiful woman when she falls into my lap, so be it.”

I don’t want to submit, I don’t want to yield, but if temptation has a taste…It’s him.

“Love isn’t an exchange, or a bargain. It’s a gift, given willingly, no matter what is offered in return.”

“But if you need to cry, cry until it floods. It doesn’t mean you are less worthy or weaker than anyone else.”

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨ARC Review✨

"I see you" is one line that I adore whenever it is used in a book. I loved this being a reoccuring line and moment in this book between Archer and Saige.

I thought this book had really great moments between our MMC and FMC. Some great line delievries, some good pay offs of things coming back around with new meanings behind them, and some good yearning.

The ending got to a point where it felt like there were too many obstacles between the MMC and FMC that happened too closely together that made it a little tedious to read. I wish there was more spacing or maybe different reactions to things so we aren't on constant conflict with them and their love. It felt a little rushed and unnatural reactions for them to have to things.

I loved the atmosphere of the book, I loved the bookbinding moments, I loved all the stuff in Leo's shop. This was my favorite part of the book.

Some of the dialog felt incredibly clunky, especially with Archer and Daemos' reunion, the dialog didn't feel natural and didn't flow. How people react to things and flip emotions so fast gave me some whiplash ocassionally. I think a few more rounds of edits would help solve this issue.

I also think a few more rounds of edits will help with eliminating repreating information and thoughts and conversations. We circle back to conversations and revelations we have already had earlier and I didn't understand why it was brought up again when it was already solved.

Apart from the ending, and some of the preachiness in terms of "hating men to be a strong FMC" which is something I don't believe is needed in order to have a "strong" FMC, I did enjoy the book. I liked the magic and the lore, and I thought the love was sweet and Archer's struggles were good. I liked the progression of the story and how they ended up together. I will be continuing with the next book whenever we get it.

Thank you for the ARC!

[Courtney Jukes · Rating 3 out of 5]

Firstly, thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for the ARC.

On the whole, there was a lot to enjoy about this book.

The FMC (age 35!) was smart and mature which was very refreshing.

The world building was fairly decent, it wasn’t a copy and paste of something we’ve seen before (although there were certainly many elements that we have seen - and those were probably done to better effect).

I’d say there were two pretty big twists, one which I felt was entirely predictable, and the other which really was not (and I’m still trying to figure out if I like it or not).

Things I didn’t like - the banter was trying wayyyyyyyy too hard. And not just between the FMC and MMC but between everyone. I could see how people would really enjoy these dynamics, I did not. Especially because it’s a dual POV, so for me the way Archer was acting just never coordinated with his inner monologue and to me it felt very disjointed.

I know people praised the found family dynamics in the Thezmarr series, and I feel Helen was trying to recreate that magic here with a strong female group of friends/family figures, but it just didn’t feel as naturally charismatic.

I will say, I was intrigued by the first 20% and then by the last 30% I was quite invested again but the middle 50% was a struggle for me to get through.

That being said! Helen can write some decent spice and she makes characters that are thirsty as hell (literally, Archer has been in prison for 200 years, and has been quite sexually deprived and Saige wants to jump his bones immediately just because he’s hot as hell (respect)). I did enjoy their romantic tension and the slow burn of the romance.

I get what Helen was trying to do with Archer, make him the usual brute warrior with a tortured past and dark secrets - but also he loves flowers, and drawing, and wears slutty little glasses - and while I appreciate making him more complex, it was just a little too much.

On the whole, I will continue with this series, but in the meantime I will probably forget 85% of the plot between now and the next instalment.

[AnnaTheBookBabe · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️ 5/5

🖤 romantasy
🔥 banter
🖤 morally grey MMC
🔥 disability representation
🖤 found family
🔥 forced proximity
🖤 fire-wielding general
🔥 grumpy x sunshine
🖤 multi POV
🔥 he falls first
🖤 MMC that wears Slutty Little Glasses™️
🔥 slow burn
🖤 betrayals & plot twists

HELEN DOES IT AGAIN, THAT BRILLIANT WOMAN.

Seriously, I haven’t read a single book by this author that I haven’t absolutely consumed like my life depended on it. I was actually a little uneasy going into this one, since it’s set in a new world (not Thezmarr). That was daunting for me.
Not for Helen, it seems.

This book was engaging, fast-paced, and utterly heart-wrenching from the first page. I literally was not bored at any moment and the SHEER NUMBER OF HIGHLIGHTS I HAVE MIGHT BE A NEW RECORD, I AM NOT EVEN KIDDING. I literally cried at multiple points, which is rare for me when it comes to book 1 in a series.

The FMC is chronically in pain, a blonde academic, chatty, relentlessly cheery, and so perfectly imperfect. I saw myself in this character on such a deep level, I was immediately *there*. The nonstop yapping (to the utter disappointment of our MMC) actually made me smile to myself. It reminded me of myself and my fiancé, at times.

Which brings me to this MMC!!! He is so heartbreaking and damaged and lovable and strong and again, FUCKING PERFECT. Oh, need I mention? He wears Slutty Little Glasses™️. That fact alone should have you diving into this book.

Alsooooo the plot twist at the end was painful. Helen did not, in fact, kiss the brick before she hurled the damn thing at my face. The burns. 😭 How will we ever recover from this?! (But also, I know this author loves a HEA as much as I do, so I just have to trust the process, I suppose.)

TLDR; read this fucking book. Xoxo

[Brandihreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

OH. MY. GOD. I absolutely love this story! Amazing slow burn romance, wonderful group of found family, there’s bargains and quests, a touch starved fire daddy and an animal sidekick. I love the world building and the way Helen writes! Saige is such a relatable character, a mortal bookbinder, she is all sunshine who struggles with chronic pain. Ends up in a bargain with the general, Archer, to help him retrieve and restore an ancient book made of living magic. I adore Archer, he is a tortured MMC, wears glasses sometimes, loves flowers/plants, sketches, and the way he cares for Saige… he stole my heart!! There so much tension and yearning between them, I was living for the banter! Some plot twists you don’t see coming, and the ending? What do you mean there’s no more pages left to read? I can’t wait for the next book!

Tropes:
- Touch Starved MMC
- Grumpy x Sunshine
- Women in trades
- Bargain with an immortal
- Chronic Pain Rep
- Feminine Rage

Thank you so much to the publisher and author for the early copy.

[Ash Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy Fucking Shit!
Perfect First Book!
Crashing Out.

A refreshing fantasy romance.

If you’re tired of the FMC being young and annoying. Of the MMC being a brooding scapegoat. Of Miscommunication Tropes and the same old magic systems. Then read the book!!!!!

Congratulations to Helen Scheuerer for creating this new and interesting world and doing so in a new writing style.

Fantasy Romance
Dual First Person POV
Slow Burn with a 2.5/5 spice rating with open door scenes

Cliffhanger - Yes - Mount Everest Level

Touch Her and Die
Who Did This To You
One Horse
Forced Proximity
They Save Each Other
Women in Trades

A refreshing Fantasy Romance with beautifully written characters that are flawed but relatable.
We finally enter a world where our FMC, Saige, is an experienced woman in her mid 30s with chronic pain. A master Bookbinder, loyal friend and who is courageous, tenacious and kind. She sees the best in people who deserve it and her hope for humanity is not naive but realistic.

Our MMC Archer is a 500 year old general cursed to a half life and bound to a prison cell for 200 years - until Saige. She is the first person to see him since the curse first took hold. He is fierce, loyal, brave, thoughtful, vulnerable and against all odds, hopeful.

Can they work together to save the realm?

[Bookish_Aly_Cat · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the first book in The Bookbinder’s Bargain trilogy and I quite enjoyed it. The story was fast paced and engaging and the world the author created drew me in right away and wasn’t overwhelming to dive into.

The FMC was relatable right off the bat because she wasn’t super young like we typically see in these type of stories and she suffered from chronic pain. Those characteristics alone were refreshing and had me on her side. Her cheery disposition paired perfectly with the MMC’s grumpy demeanor and their banter was a delight to read on the page.

Full of adventure, an interesting plot, and a slow burn romance this one has me anxiously awaiting the next book over here.

Read this if you like:
📖 Feminine rage
📖 Chronic pain rep
📖 Animal sidekick
📖 Grumpy/sunshine

Thank you @atriabooks for the gifted copy of the book.

[Lilou · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3.8 rounded up to 4)

I really enjoyed The Kiss of the Black Flame.

For some reason (might be me) somewhere in the middle section it lost a little momentum and felt slightly slower than the rest of the story, which is why it didn’t quite reach a full five stars. That said, I was still invested throughout and eager to see how everything would unfold.

As always, loved twists, reveals, and unexpected moments, and I loved being kept on my toes. Just when I thought I knew where things were heading, Helen threw in another surprise.

As always, Helen Schuerer writes yearning exceptionally well. Give me a man battling his darker side while desperately wanting the woman he can’t have, and I’m immediately invested.

I’m looking forward to see what happens in the next book & will definitely be recommending it.

[Cassie DePlancke · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a review of an ARC provided by Atria Books via Netgalley.
Wow, this book far exceeded my expectations! The author nailed the Grumpy x Sunshine trope and I loved every second of the phenomenal banter. The combination of the strong, fiery FMC and broody, broken MMC was addicting and their slow burn romance was intense. The magic system was unique and intriguing while the plot was very well paced and somewhat reminiscent of Lord of the Rings with both surprising and heartbreaking plot twists. I was not prepared for the final twist and I can’t wait for the next book!

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Helen does it again! There are no words. I loved every single page, sentence, word, and punctuation mark that Helen Scheuerer crafted for us in this first book of the Bookbinder's Bargain!!! Forever grateful to have had the opportunity to snag an ARC, and I'll be curled up in the corner of my room until book 2 if anyone needs me.

If you like grumpy/sunshine, forced proximity, hidden identity, mortal/immortal, found family, fire magic, and plot twists…then run to get this book when it is out in September!

[Juls · Rating 5 out of 5]

Helen knows how to kick your teeth with a savage plot twist. And we say thank you.
Well done Helen.

[jodie louise]

I need to sit on my feelings for a minute before I rate it because that ending was fucking wild and I loved it

[Heather Pacella · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Azkari, warriors gifted with magical abilities and forged for a divine purpose, have been at war for centuries. Malevron, the Silver-Tongued Deceiver, was thought defeated centuries ago during the Reckoning, bested by the heroic Black Flame in battle. However, Archer, the Black Flame himself, is one of the few that knows what really happened. Imprisoned by the Deceiver for the past two hundred years, he has been powerless to stop a weakened Malevron from slowly regaining strength. When he learns that Malevron is searching for the Confluence, a once-enchanted Azkari book that contains the secrets to undo all magic, he realizes that the only way to stop him is to search out the only bookbinder in the land that is capable of restoring it to its full power - though the task seems impossible while he is prisoner.

Saige Grayson, though an incredibly talented bookbinder, is swimming in debt from her increasingly desperate search for a cure for her debilitating chronic pain. When her debtors learn that Malevron’s minions are searching for her (and her skillset), they sell her to the Azkari, where she is imprisoned until the Confluence can be found; Saige finds herself trapped in a cell next to a certain surly general. When Archer realizes the key to defeating Malevron has quite literally almost fallen into his lap, he strikes a deal with Saige: restore the Confluence to its full power, and he will help free her and clear her debts. But as the two work together, both realize that their agreement is not as simple as it seemed. The bargain seems to have forged a mysterious bond between Saige and Archer, and as they fight their growing attraction to each other they are forced to decide how far they are willing to go - and who they are willing to sacrifice - to defeat The Silver-Togued Deceiver once and for all.

Kiss of the Black Flame is the first in a new romantasy trilogy from author Helen Scheuerer. My thoughts on various aspects of the story are given below.

*World-building/Plot: There was some basic background given for the Azkari and their way of life, which helped motivate the central plotline of the battle against Malevron and the need to find the Confluence and destroy it before he can use it to end the world as they know it. However, I felt the world-building was a bit lacking, and details were made up as the story required - as a result, Archer was often going on these info-dumping monologues that felt a bit awkward. I think a deeper understanding and history of the Azkari people (and even the mortal realm) would have really added a lot to the storyline. I do think the ending (which was a total shocker!) hints that maybe the world will be expanded upon in the next book, which would be great.

*Character Development: The main emotional focus was on the relationship between Saige and Archer. They are both mature individuals who have had to deal with a lot of adversity in their lives, and have responded to it differently: Saige, battling her chronic pain, chooses to approach life with a sunny outlook, while Archer, broken by Malevron’s dungeons, sees only the darkness. It was beautiful watching them learn more about each other as their relationship deepened beyond their initial attraction to each other. Their banter was also top-notch! My only gripe about their romance was the way it unfolded - since the chapters of the book alternate between their POVs, we spent a lot of time in both of their heads as they over-analyzed every situation. This resulted in a lot of “psychic understanding” while the actual conversations between them stayed fairly surface-level; for example, Archer would say something, Saige would spend two or three pages thinking about what he actually meant and how it relates to his trauma, and then she would respond with some banal observation (or by changing the subject entirely). It made the relationship almost feel too easy, since they each seemed to perfectly understand each other from the get-go.

I did really enjoy the relationship between Saige and her found family, Raven and Yevna (and Grim!). I hope we get to spend more time with them in the next book.

*Pacing/Writing Style: The pacing itself was fairly quick, though I do feel that the lack of extensive world-building slowed things down a bit. I struggled to get through the first 40% of this book, and while it did eventually pick up, it still felt like the romance was too much in the forefront - this resulted in a *lot* of time inside both Saige and Archer’s heads, when I was more interested in what was going on in the outside world. The writing itself also felt a bit clumsy and slowed the story down, though of course that might not be the case in the final draft.

Overall, Kiss of the Black Flame was an intriguing start to the The Bookbinder’s Bargain series. While I felt the book was a bit slow, the ending was absolutely crazy and I am intrigued enough to check out the next book. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys “traditional” romantasy tropes and is looking for a romance between two mature, authentic MCs.

Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

[Simone | simonesbookshelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐ Rating: 5 Stars

✨ The Vibe
An epic fantasy adventure with ancient magic, slow-burn romance, found family, a grumpy immortal warrior who secretly sketches flowers, and a bookbinder who completely stole my heart.

This book quietly crept up on me... and then emotionally drop-kicked me in the final chapters.

📚 What the Book Is About (No Spoilers)
Saige Grayson has spent her life restoring damaged books while living with chronic pain and trying to stay afloat beneath crushing debt.

When she's traded to the Azkari—an immortal race created by the gods for war—her life changes overnight.

Imprisoned alongside the mysterious Archer, a fallen Azkari general with secrets of his own, Saige is offered a chance at freedom. All she has to do is restore an ancient magical book before it falls into the wrong hands. Simple... Except nothing about this journey is simple.

🖤 My Reading Experience
I'll admit that the beginning took me a little while to fully settle into. Even though the story gets moving fairly quickly, something about those opening chapters felt slightly slower than I expected.

Thankfully, once everything clicked into place, I couldn't stop reading. Helen Scheuerer has done it again.

The worldbuilding is rich without becoming overwhelming, the pacing keeps the story moving, and the plot unfolds naturally while constantly giving you just enough information to keep turning the pages.

And then... There's Archer. Sigh. Helen genuinely has a talent for writing book boyfriends, because Archer immediately earned himself a spot on my ever-growing list of favorites.

An immortal warrior literally created to kill gods... Who sketches. Wears little glasses while drawing. Secretly admires flowers. Looks terrifying but is actually one giant softie underneath centuries of trauma. I mean... Come on. I was gone.

Saige was just as wonderful. She's older than many romantasy heroines, incredibly resilient, funny, compassionate, and determined without ever feeling overpowered. I loved how optimistic she remained despite everything she'd endured, and the way she continued moving forward one day at a time made her feel incredibly real.

As someone who also lives with a chronic illness that isn't visible, I connected with her on a deeply personal level.

The way Helen writes about chronic pain felt incredibly authentic. The exhaustion, the frustration, the constant questioning from other people, the feeling of not always being believed... I felt seen. And I genuinely appreciated that representation.

The banter between Saige and Archer was another huge highlight. Saige is refreshingly bold, Archer has absolutely no idea how to deal with it, and watching an intimidating Azkari slowly lose his composure because one woman keeps flirting with him was endlessly entertaining.

💭 What Didn't Fully Work for Me
Honestly, very little.

Archer's secrecy made sense considering everything he'd experienced, but there were definitely moments where I wanted to shake him and tell him to just explain things already.

Likewise, toward the end of the story, I felt Saige jumped to conclusions a little too quickly after learning certain truths, despite everything she'd already experienced alongside these characters.

I also found myself slightly confused about one aspect of the central conflict. I understood why restoring the ancient book was important, but I wasn't entirely clear on why restoring it was ultimately the better option over simply destroying it altogether. That may very well become clearer as the series continues, but it was one of the few lingering questions I had after finishing.

🔥 Tropes & Elements
- Slow burn romance
- Grumpy x sunshine
- Reluctant allies to lovers
- Dual POV
- Found family
- Elemental magic
- One horse
- One bedroll
- Animal companion
- Chronic illness representation
- Touches of forced proximity
- Epic fantasy adventure

💔 Emotional Impact
Emotional damage level: 1000/10.

That ending... I am absolutely not okay. My jaw was on the floor. I have questions. I need answers. And I need book two immediately.

🫶 Final Thoughts
Helen Scheuerer has created a world I never wanted to leave. The found family was everything I hoped it would be. Raven, Yevna, and Grim quickly became characters I was just as invested in as Saige and Archer, and I already know I'm going to love spending more time with them in the next books.

The world is fascinating, the romance had me grinning, the banter was top tier, and the emotional moments landed exactly where they needed to.

If you love romantasy with unforgettable characters, magical quests, found family, slow-burn romance, lovable animal companions, and an MMC who somehow manages to be both utterly terrifying and completely adorable...

Please do yourself a favor and pick this one up. Because if the rest of this series is anywhere near this good... We're in for something very special.

📢 Disclosure: Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for providing me with an ARC. As always, all thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.

[Dayna H · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: 5⭐️/5⭐️

I have loved every book Helen Scheuerer has written, but this book may have just claimed the top spot as my favorite. From the very first chapter to the final page, I was hooked.

The story follows Saige Grayson, a bookbinder who is trying to survive while carrying the weight of grief, chronic pain, and crushing medical debt. Ever since the death of her mentor, Leo, life has been a constant battle, and the ruthless Thorne has made sure she never escapes the looming threat of her debt. When Saige is thrown into prison and her closest friends are taken hostage, she is forced to strike a bargain with a mysterious Azkari prisoner named Archer. What begins as a desperate attempt to save the people she loves most quickly turns into a dangerous quest to find the legendary Confluence Book, an artifact that may hold the power to stop the evil threatening their world.

One of the things I loved about this book was the two main characters. Saige is stubborn, determined, and incredibly loyal to the people she loves. While she can be impulsive and frustrating at times, her flaws make her feel real. Throughout the story, she is constantly forced to make difficult choices while carrying the weight of the world and her own pain. Watching her continue to fight for her friends and herself was incredible, and I couldn’t help but root for her. I also really appreciated the representation of chronic pain in her character.

Then there is Archer. If you love broody, haunted, morally gray heroes carrying the weight of a painful past, Archer is going to be your new obsession. He is intense, protective, mysterious, and often frustratingly secretive. There were so many moments where I wanted to shake him and demand that he just tell Saige the truth about everything. At the same time, as more of his past was revealed, I understood why he struggled to open up.

The romance between Archer and Saige was one of my favorite parts of the book. Their relationship has a slight grumpy x sunshine dynamic, with Archer’s serious and guarded nature balancing perfectly against Saige’s warmer personality. It also features a reluctant allies-to-lovers trope, as the two are initially brought together by necessity rather than choice. Watching them slowly learn to trust one another, lower their defenses, and develop feelings along the way was incredibly satisfying. Their chemistry was undeniable, and while the romance was full of tension and emotional momentum it was the quieter scenes between them that I loved the most.

I also loved Saige’s relationship with Raven and Yevna, and Grim, the enormous wolfhound, absolute stole my attention in every scene he was in. The found family trope was done so well in this book and I can’t wait to see what happens with these other characters in the next two books.

The world-building was fantastic. The magic, the history, the mystery, and the role of bookbinders all felt really unique and well-developed. Every new piece of information made me more invested in the story, and I loved the uncovering the secrets of the world alongside the characters. There were also so many twists in this book. Every time I thought I had figured something out, another revelation completely changed everything. There were multiple moments that left me staring blankly at the wall, wondering what had just happened. The final portion of the book had me completely captivated as secret after secret was revealed.

My only criticism is that both Saige and Archer occasionally frustrated me. Archer’s secrecy made sense considering everything he had experienced, but there were several moments where I wanted to shake him and tell him to just be honest already. Likewise, when Saige learned certain truths toward the end of the story, I felt that she was too quick to jump to conclusions and ignore everything else she already knew about the people involved. While I understood her reactions emotionally, those moments definitely tested my patience.

Even with those frustrations, I absolutely adored this book. There were so many moments where I just wanted to hug both Saige and Archer because of everything they had endured, and other moments where I wanted to lock them in a room until they stopped making questionable decisions.

Helen Scheuerer has once again created a world and cast of characters that I never wanted to leave. If you enjoy fantasy romance, found family, grumpy x sunshine, reluctant allies to lovers, magical quests, lovable animal companions, and plot twists that keep you guessing, I cannot recommend this book enough.

Now I am left impatiently counting down the days until book two because that ending has me desperate to know what happens next. Readers, mark your calendars for one of the best books of 2026.

Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

[Betsy Holden · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Girlhood is a fine place to start a story. It's just not what I want to write anymore.... With Kiss of the Black of the Black Flame, I wrote the after. The already. The in spite of. At 35 years old, these women aren't becoming, they've already arrived."

WOW. Okay. I needed a minute after this one to collect myself because what a ride. Kiss of the Black Flame is 5 stars.

Again, Helen gave us an incredible new world, rich with history, beauty and still a darkness (that we need). Her characters had an incredible breadth of said world, which easily wrapped you up into their past and present.

I will be honest, at first I was skeptical reading the synopsis of the book. A bookbinder as our heroine? Man oh man, was I WRONG. When I found out that Saige Grayson was a woman in her 30's and had already experienced so much in her life, between her disability (let's hear it for the REPRESENTATION), the trauma and loss of someone so close to her, managing bills (I mean for crying out loud, if this didn't scream adulthood, I don't know what does) to . Additionally, her sense of humor, her loyalty to her friends... I fell in love with her very quickly.

"I know better now. I will not hide to accomodate someone else's issues. Whatever Archer is going through, it's not my responsibility, and it's certainly not my job to shape myself for his comfort."

YES GIRl. THANK YOU. These are the things I have learned as a woman nearing the end of my 30's and not young me in my 20's. I LIVED for that line.

I also really enjoyed the prologue giving us immediate context surrounding Archer and his world. Why and who are the Azkari? Why did so many years before did she have the ability to see him? So many questions, that slowly began to unravel as the book went on. The manner premise of their tenious bargain in the beginning to save the ones she loves and his desire to destory the growing evil that is returning was completely different and utterly perfect.

Speaking of Archer. LONG LIVE THE LITTLE GLASSES, MEN LOVING ART AND BOTANY. I mean my god, thank you for such a well rounded but still gruff, guilty, strong, emotional, broken man. Again, I use the word trauma, and this unspoken and spoken in many ways, first connecting our characters in such a manner as their initial journey progressed after rescuing our girls. I loved every minute of it.

Okay, their dynamic. I will never ever not love enemies to lovers/grumpy sunshine. You can't make me. It's a 10/10 hit for me everytime, and it was asbolute perfection. Well done, Helen. I know the majority of readers will say this, but the BANTER, the smirks, the slow burn... walls breaking down, I soaked up every moment.

To NO SURPRISE, Helen's found family created in this story is elite. I would literally pay money to hang out with Yev and here her crotchy remarks all day. I was laughing out loud at some parts. Raven is queen. She is Saige's sister in arms. THERE IS A DOG. GRIM IS AN ICON. I have anxiety but also am thrilled anytime there is an animal in a book. Especially one who has a personality that is very apparent and sassy/sarcastic. The love and advice the women give to their girl though... how they want to protect her, just as much as she had them.

"Just be careful, Saige. The most dangerous traps are the ones we walk into willingly."

Also, Daemos! I am here for you!!

While the plot was perfection, the spice is spice-ing (she's always got that down pat, and the guy has been in a prison for 200 hundred years... my god), no complaints over here.

THE PLOT TWIST THOUGH, no one saw coming and that ending. HELEN. For crying out loud.

I cannot believe the book isn't published until September and then we have to WAIT. The life of a reader addicted to a new series is a brutal one. :) Well done, yet again Helen. I'll be waiting with bated breath!

Thank you NetGalley and Atria books for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest opinion.

[Alison · Rating 4 out of 5]

What is Kiss of the Black Flame, you ask? Well, it's the first book in an epic romantasy trilogy about a gifted bookbinder and a cursed immortal general bound together by a dangerous magical bargain sealed with… you guessed it, a kiss. And somehow it managed to be exactly the kind of romantasy that I know and love while still surprising me along the way.

This story had me invested pretty early on. The plot is action packed with power struggles, dangerous quests, long buried secrets, and several twists and turns that completely caught me off guard. Every time I thought I knew where things were headed, Helen Scheuerer tossed another curveball my way.

And then there are the characters. Archer and Saige definitely stole my heart. Archer is all jagged edges, simmering anger, and heartbreaking regret, but underneath the intimidating Black Flame persona is a male who sketches botanicals in sultry little reading glasses, helps struggling merchants, and cares for birds and animals. Try not to be smitten, I dare ‘ya. Meanwhile, Saige is exactly the kind of FMC I love to read about. She's flawed, impulsive, stubborn, fierce, and refuses to let pain define her. I especially love her code of stealing joy when you can. The chemistry between Archer and Saige is there from the beginning, even when trust isn't. Archer is fascinated by her despite himself, while Saige refuses to be intimidated by his surly exterior. The way Saige pesters Archer seriously makes me giggle. The banter is fantastic, the tension is deliciously (or maybe tortuously) drawn out, and when the so-called rules FINALLY go out the window, you might find yourself sighing in satisfaction too. Archer and Saige are both broken in different ways, and the slow unraveling of their connection hit me right in my feelings.

The supporting cast deserves their share of props too. Raven, Yevna, Grim, Daemos, the prisoners of Gravereach, and the incredible Consortium of Difficult Women all added so much heart to the story. I loved the themes of found family, loyalty, and women supporting women. It doesn’t get any better than that. The way this book handles aging, gender roles, and chronic pain through Saige's perspective felt absolutely inspired.

The world building landed right in the Goldilocks zone for me. There was enough detail to make the realm, the Weave, the Confluence, the Azkari and the history of the war feel real and immersive without being overwhelming. The flashbacks were just right too, giving us enough of the past to set the stage for the present without taking you out of the flow.

My only real complaint is that Archer's tendency to push Saige away "for her own good" gets a little repetitive at times. That kind of seems to be his thing. Beyond that, my biggest problem is that the book ended. Seriously. That's the complaint. I'm already emotionally invested in these characters, desperate to know what happens next, and completely unprepared for the wait until the next installment.

If you love a touch starved, tattooed MMC with rough edges, a strong FMC in a trade (yasss!), chronic pain representation, feminine rage, grumpy x sunshine vibes, found family, witty banter, and magical bargains that force two people together whether they like it or not (my personal fave), this might just be your next obsession. I laughed, swooned, got a little teary-eyed, and gasped more than once. Needless to say, the book hangover is real. Don’t mind me. I'll be over here impatiently waiting for the next book. 4.5/5 Stars!

[Rachel Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Saige Grayson, the most promising bookbinder in the capital, owes money to the wrong sort of people. When her debt is called in she finds herself imprisoned deep in the notorious prison stronghold of Gravereach. Her only chance of survival comes in the form of fellow prison-mate, Archer, a cursed and fallen Azkari general who offers her a dangerous bargain - her freedom in exchange for helping him obtain and restore an ancient book known as the Confluence. But they're not the only ones seeking it. The malignant force Malevron is determined to claim the book for himself, using its power to regain his corporeal form and unleash corruption across the realm. As Saige and Archer race against time to restore the Confluence first, an undeniable bond begins to grow between them. But both are carrying secrets that, with war looming on the horizon, may prove just as dangerous as the enemy they're trying to stop…

Kiss of the Black Flame was a hugely anticipated read for me and it absolutely met all expectations! I was hooked from page one and stormed through reading it. At this point there's genuinely nothing Helen Scheuerer writes that I won't read, I love her writing style and this is right up there with my favourite books of the year! It cured my Ashes of Thezmarr withdrawal, while still feeling like a new and distinct world rather than more of the same (which to be clear I would also have very willingly accepted!).

It was definitely giving LoTR-but sexy-vibes! A lot of the lore, particularly surrounding Malevron, felt reminiscent of Tolkien’s world while still carving out a unique identity of its own.

One of the things I love about Scheuerer's books is how unique her main characters feel. Saige is an incredible FMC, but she's also nothing like Thea, Wren or Drew. At 35, she's refreshingly older than some romantasy heroines, and the book explores themes of identity, shame, chronic pain, and the different expectations placed on ageing women versus men. I absolutely loved her!

I had a similar experience with Archer. I assumed he'd fill a similar role to Wilder, but he's ENTIRELY his own character. Their relationship develops naturally and the dynamic feels completely unique if turbulent. The supporting cast is brilliant too - Daemos and Bryn were instant favourites, I may have found my new Kipp!

The world-building is everything, from the cosy streets of Hanniel, to the mystical Underhill Exchange, the moss and mushroom covered forests, and the rivers of golden lava flowing through Ignizar, every location is immersive. Scheuerer has a real talent for transporting you into her worlds and if The Legends of Thezmarr is anything to go by, I can only see this world expanding as the series continues.

While the romance is front and centre, there's so much more going on. The plot balances this element with adventure and high stakes fantasy brilliantly, and Malevron has all the makings of an outstanding villain. There's something almost Anakin Skywalker esque about him - the corruption, the tragedy, the temptation of power - I have a feeling we're only at the beginning of his story.

The ending delivers several twists, I guessed one fairly early on, but others completely caught me off guard!

This was easily one of my favourite romantasy books of the year, it has great world-building, brilliant characters, and a romance that had me fully invested. And that ending…what a cliffhanger. I already need book two!

With huge thanks to Random House UK and NetGalley for the arc!

[Veeka · Rating 5 out of 5]

My jaw is still on the floor! If there's one thing Helen Scheuerer does well, it's making me emotionally invested in characters and then putting them through absolute hell (in the best way possible!)

This book takes you on such a crazy adventure that is full of love, heartache, action, betrayal, lies, and humor. I could not stop reading once I started!

This story follows Saige Grayson, a mortal bookbinder who is kidnapped and forced into a prison, and in order to escape has to make a deal with an imprisoned general. This general, is an Azkari immortal named Archer who has been in this prison for over 200 years. On top of that, he is an Azkari, which is an immortal race that was forged by the gods of war. Saige was always told to stay away from Azkari, to never make deals with them or trust them. Now she is forced to make a deal with one in order to save herself and her friends. Saige is one of the strongest and kindest characters I've ever read. She has gone through soooo much with dealing with her chronic pain, losing Leo (who was like a father figure to her) and now being forced into a deal. Throughout all of that she never gives up and always looks on the bright side of things. Plus, add in the fact she has this chronic pain that she's dealt with her entire life and no one can explain why she has this condition. This representation was done so well and is something I could relate to with having similar experiences.

Then you have Archer, the Azkari immortal general, who has been imprisoned for over 200 years by Malevron. In this prison he has gone through all sorts of torture and harm. My heart broke over and over again seeing just how much he had to go through and would put himself through in order to save others. This man was so touch starved and felt so alone and unseen that when he finally saw sage and she held his hand it almost broke him. To make things worse he was forced to have a brand put on his neck by Malevron that marks him as one of his followers and is also used to control him and his powers. When he meets Sage he knows this is his chance to get out and use her as a bookbinder to restore a book that can be used to end the war and defeat Malevron.

I absolutely loved seeing Sage & Archers relationship grow. They are the definition of grumpy x sunshine with him being the grumpy and her being the sunshine and always trying to get a laugh or rise out of him. She pushes him and tries to get him to open up but he keeps trying to push her away. Plus who doesn't love a grumpy tattooed giant who can draw and wears glasses?! Absolutely swooon! These two are the epitome of the "I see you" trope, with both of them seeing the other so clearly and for who they truly are. Sage goes through so much throughout the story with lies, betrayals, and pain but yet still sees the good in people and in Archer. Even when she's mad at him she still sees the good in him and everything he has gone through. These two were just so fun to read and I can't wait to see how things progress in the next book!

Plus that ending?! My jaw is still on the floor, I need to know what happens next!!

If you enjoy:
- Grumpy x Sunshine
- Book Binder FMC
- Immortal general MMC
- Older characters (FMC is 35)
- Touch Starved
- Powers/Abilities
- Chronic Pain Representation
- Women in Trade
- Found family
- Hidden Identity
- spiceee 🌶️🌶️

You need to check this book out!

Thank you so much Atria for this eARC in exchange for my honest review!