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Hearts of Blackmere #4
The Harpy and the Dragon
When feisty chambermaid Annora is imprisoned in a dungeon for striking her noble lord and master, she wastes no time in formulating a plan to escape. Unfortunately, that plan involves bringing her odious, yet undeniably handsome fellow prisoner, Henry Percille, along with her. Before long, desire overcomes irritation and the cracks in Henry’s armor begin to expose the man he truly is. He may be a monster, but it would take nothing less to tempt her.
Henry Percille, the disgraced champion once known as the Dragon, sat in a dungeon for ten years, haunted by his crimes. But when a foul-tempered chambermaid is thrown into the opposite cell, he finds not only freedom, but also his match. Annora is beautiful, grumpy, and vicious, yet he can’t seem to convince himself to be rid of her no matter how hard he tries. When danger closes in, Henry becomes all that stands between her and the nobleman who wants them both dead. He must choose between vengeance or his glorious harpy- the woman he burns for.
***
The Harpy and the Dragon is the 4th book in the Hearts of Blackmere series but can be read as a standalone. There is a summary of the events of the first three books in the front matter for your convenience.
This book is an enemies to lovers morality chain story and both of the main characters are on the darker end of the morality scale. For content guidance please visit the author's website.
Henry Percille, the disgraced champion once known as the Dragon, sat in a dungeon for ten years, haunted by his crimes. But when a foul-tempered chambermaid is thrown into the opposite cell, he finds not only freedom, but also his match. Annora is beautiful, grumpy, and vicious, yet he can’t seem to convince himself to be rid of her no matter how hard he tries. When danger closes in, Henry becomes all that stands between her and the nobleman who wants them both dead. He must choose between vengeance or his glorious harpy- the woman he burns for.
***
The Harpy and the Dragon is the 4th book in the Hearts of Blackmere series but can be read as a standalone. There is a summary of the events of the first three books in the front matter for your convenience.
This book is an enemies to lovers morality chain story and both of the main characters are on the darker end of the morality scale. For content guidance please visit the author's website.
310 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 29, 2022
7 people are currently reading
173 people want to read
About the author
Marie Lipscomb
16 books99 followersMarie is a romance and fantasy author with a penchant for unlikely heroes, fantastical creatures, and finding romance in the midst of chaos. She has a particular fondness for big, squishy, cinnamon-roll heroes, especially if they're beardy.
She was born in Bolton, in the North West of England. After getting a bit taller, she attended The University of Cumbria, confusingly located in Lancaster, UK.
She studied Drama as her major, but needed to take a minor. In a spectacularly on-brand move, she left it to the last minute to look into things, and creative writing seemed the easiest choice (hahaha!)
Eventually, she realized drama was not for her, but loved creative writing. She went on to study creative writing at a postgraduate level and just never stopped setting herself homework.
Marie now lives in Virginia, USA, with her husband, Jacob, her dog, Alfie, Jacob's dog, Belle, and Merlin the bearded dragon. When she's not writing, she can usually be found playing the same three video games on a loop (*cough* Dragon Age)
She was born in Bolton, in the North West of England. After getting a bit taller, she attended The University of Cumbria, confusingly located in Lancaster, UK.
She studied Drama as her major, but needed to take a minor. In a spectacularly on-brand move, she left it to the last minute to look into things, and creative writing seemed the easiest choice (hahaha!)
Eventually, she realized drama was not for her, but loved creative writing. She went on to study creative writing at a postgraduate level and just never stopped setting herself homework.
Marie now lives in Virginia, USA, with her husband, Jacob, her dog, Alfie, Jacob's dog, Belle, and Merlin the bearded dragon. When she's not writing, she can usually be found playing the same three video games on a loop (*cough* Dragon Age)
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
March 20, 2023
So.
I highlighted this 36 times (not for typos), in case anyone wants to know how to gauge when I really enjoyed something. Thirty. Six. lines I wanted to remember or made me smile.
Now, I haven't read any of the other books in this series—and it wasn't until I looked into the author's page that I realized I have actually read their work before and overall enjoy it—but when the author says this can stand alone, it totally can stand alone. You get a little recap in the front to explain the events that land Henry's ass in the dungeon 10 years before this story begins.
What I loved about this:
+ Both mains are older and fat. There's a 9 year age gap, with Annora being the elder at just-turning-40. ()
+ Both mains have had a rough go of things and have the scars and chips on their shoulders to prove it.
+ Henry is an almost immediate simp for Annora, but he's not a marshmallow by any stretch. Watching him simp while still being an asshole was a lot of the fun.
+ Annora's a real piece of work herself, and frankly, also a delightful asshole who has a serious vicious streak when poked or the opportunity arises. She's strong in a way that isn't the expected and super gag-inducing "her love and convictions are her strength!! 😍" that romance heroines often are.
+ Grumps who were actually grumpy, antisocial, vicious people haters. I, too, harbor forest witch cottage that scares everyone else away fantasies.
+ These two wreak chaos and havoc everywhere they go. So many bodies left behind.
+ Subtle queerness injected into the story without making a big production out of it—same for defying heteronormative expectations of a masculine character.
+ No possibilities of babies.
+ And the MVP: That Cover. OMG.
All-in-all, super enjoyable read. Would I read the rest in this series? Probably not since I do not think the mains from that one would be my cuppa, but I would definitely revisit this one.
I highlighted this 36 times (not for typos), in case anyone wants to know how to gauge when I really enjoyed something. Thirty. Six. lines I wanted to remember or made me smile.
Now, I haven't read any of the other books in this series—and it wasn't until I looked into the author's page that I realized I have actually read their work before and overall enjoy it—but when the author says this can stand alone, it totally can stand alone. You get a little recap in the front to explain the events that land Henry's ass in the dungeon 10 years before this story begins.
What I loved about this:
+ Both mains are older and fat. There's a 9 year age gap, with Annora being the elder at just-turning-40. ()
+ Both mains have had a rough go of things and have the scars and chips on their shoulders to prove it.
+ Henry is an almost immediate simp for Annora, but he's not a marshmallow by any stretch. Watching him simp while still being an asshole was a lot of the fun.
+ Annora's a real piece of work herself, and frankly, also a delightful asshole who has a serious vicious streak when poked or the opportunity arises. She's strong in a way that isn't the expected and super gag-inducing "her love and convictions are her strength!! 😍" that romance heroines often are.
+ Grumps who were actually grumpy, antisocial, vicious people haters. I, too, harbor forest witch cottage that scares everyone else away fantasies.
+ These two wreak chaos and havoc everywhere they go. So many bodies left behind.
+ Subtle queerness injected into the story without making a big production out of it—same for defying heteronormative expectations of a masculine character.
+ No possibilities of babies.
+ And the MVP: That Cover. OMG.
All-in-all, super enjoyable read. Would I read the rest in this series? Probably not since I do not think the mains from that one would be my cuppa, but I would definitely revisit this one.
March 17, 2022
I didn't know what to expect while going into this book. I was pleasantly surprised by just how lovable the two main characters Henry and Annora are. It was quite entertaining to read this book with them butting heads half the time 😂 This is a great read and I highly recommend to anyone who enjoys medieval settings with Henry simping most of the time ❤
dont-want-to-read
July 28, 2022No good reason other than I tried this series and didn’t like it and want to remember.
August 9, 2024
2.5 stars
got too mushy far too quickly for me personally, sorry
got too mushy far too quickly for me personally, sorry
June 8, 2025
Title: The Harpy and the Dragon
Series: Hearts of Blackmere
# in series: 4
Author: Marie Lipscomb
Genre: Medieval Historical Fantasy Romance
Tropes: Morality chain, Older MCs, Fat Hero, Older FMC, Pegging
Rep: Fat Hero
Pages: 310
Steam: Open Door
Spice: 🌶🌶🌶/5
Star Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Synopsis: In the comments
Review: This book was a ride, if you like morally gray characters who only care for each other I highly recommend it. The banter was perfection, I found myself highlighting so many scenes of them driving each other absolutely crazy. Which basically leads to hate f*cking (where she is the dominant in the bedroom), to caring, to love while they are running for their lives. I will definitely be reading more titles from this author.
Audiobook rating:
CW/TW: Murder and death on page, whipping of FMC on page, suicidal ideation
Series: Hearts of Blackmere
# in series: 4
Author: Marie Lipscomb
Genre: Medieval Historical Fantasy Romance
Tropes: Morality chain, Older MCs, Fat Hero, Older FMC, Pegging
Rep: Fat Hero
Pages: 310
Steam: Open Door
Spice: 🌶🌶🌶/5
Star Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Synopsis: In the comments
Review: This book was a ride, if you like morally gray characters who only care for each other I highly recommend it. The banter was perfection, I found myself highlighting so many scenes of them driving each other absolutely crazy. Which basically leads to hate f*cking (where she is the dominant in the bedroom), to caring, to love while they are running for their lives. I will definitely be reading more titles from this author.
Audiobook rating:
CW/TW: Murder and death on page, whipping of FMC on page, suicidal ideation
May 11, 2022
Two Baddies
The guy in this book is villain from previous books and love him now 🥰 He’s had 10 years sitting in a dungeon to think about his evil deeds, but he’s not reformed. In fact he has his heart set on revenge. This book was all about two plus-size baddies sowing chaos and destruction everywhere they go and I enjoyed every second of it.
The guy in this book is villain from previous books and love him now 🥰 He’s had 10 years sitting in a dungeon to think about his evil deeds, but he’s not reformed. In fact he has his heart set on revenge. This book was all about two plus-size baddies sowing chaos and destruction everywhere they go and I enjoyed every second of it.
March 31, 2022
I have never read a book like this before. Two villains were our MCs. They were villains and remained villains to everyone but each other. The bickering was fantastic. I LOVED this book. Love the cover art too.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 11, 2022
I wasn't sure I could like Henry as a hero when he had been SUCH a villain, but it turned out wonderful!
November 4, 2022
My favorite of the series. I didn't expect to love Henry quite as much as I did, though I did know I'd like him. I have a soft spot for fictional people who have their heads shoved firmly up their own asses. Luckily, Henry and Annora find each other and manage to get both their heads unstuck from their asses. Fun and sexy and sweet. Gotta love a good redemption arc.
March 17, 2022
I received an ARC from the author and am voluntarily posting a review. All opinions are my own.
The Harpy and the Dragon is a companion/sequel novel to the first three Hearts of Blackmere books. Unlike those, this one follows Henry, who was an antagonist and the equally fiery Annora as they find their HEA together. There’s a brief recap of the first three books to provide context for Henry’s role there, so you can treat this book as a stand-alone.
Marie Lipscomb delivers a wonderful twist on the morality chain trope with two equally complex, somewhat villainous characters, with Annora and Henry both being punished for their dastardly deeds as the story opens. And the fact that they’re in essence very similar to each other is what ultimately makes them work. They start off at each other’s throats, but even then, there’s this tension simmering beneath the surface that grows into a beautiful, will-move-mountains-and-sacrifice-anything-for-you kind of love.
As for the characters themselves, I love the way they grow within their love for each other, making room for the other person without fully changing or reforming, as is common for the standard version of the trope. Henry’s self-centeredness, which was seen through such a malicious light from Brandon and Natalie’s POVs in previous books, is seen in a new light as he adapts to include Annora in his life. And Annora is exactly the sort of badass morally gray heroine I adore: she’s not afraid to do what she must to get what she wants, and she’s a tough cookie with a softer side that comes out specifically for Henry, just as he does with her.
This is a perfect mishmash of subversions and iterations of familiar tropes, blended together to create the perfect story. If you like romances with “unlikable”/villainous leads, you might enjoy this one.
The Harpy and the Dragon is a companion/sequel novel to the first three Hearts of Blackmere books. Unlike those, this one follows Henry, who was an antagonist and the equally fiery Annora as they find their HEA together. There’s a brief recap of the first three books to provide context for Henry’s role there, so you can treat this book as a stand-alone.
Marie Lipscomb delivers a wonderful twist on the morality chain trope with two equally complex, somewhat villainous characters, with Annora and Henry both being punished for their dastardly deeds as the story opens. And the fact that they’re in essence very similar to each other is what ultimately makes them work. They start off at each other’s throats, but even then, there’s this tension simmering beneath the surface that grows into a beautiful, will-move-mountains-and-sacrifice-anything-for-you kind of love.
As for the characters themselves, I love the way they grow within their love for each other, making room for the other person without fully changing or reforming, as is common for the standard version of the trope. Henry’s self-centeredness, which was seen through such a malicious light from Brandon and Natalie’s POVs in previous books, is seen in a new light as he adapts to include Annora in his life. And Annora is exactly the sort of badass morally gray heroine I adore: she’s not afraid to do what she must to get what she wants, and she’s a tough cookie with a softer side that comes out specifically for Henry, just as he does with her.
This is a perfect mishmash of subversions and iterations of familiar tropes, blended together to create the perfect story. If you like romances with “unlikable”/villainous leads, you might enjoy this one.
February 14, 2022
The Harpy and the Dragon is the fourth of the Blackmere series but my first Marie Lipscomb. It will not be my last. The book can be read as a standalone but definitely be sure to read the short summary in the front of the book that sums up Henry’s past misdeeds that occurred over the course of the earlier books.
Annora is a curvy, badass heroine who is done taking shit. After getting thrown in the dungeon for breaking a Lord’s nose, she immediately begins to plot her escape. She is smart, sassy, and I have the biggest girl crush on her. She’s morally grey, willing to kill, a little vindictive, fiercely independent, and demands her pleasure. So, of course, a lot of people are going to call her an unlikable heroine. Those people would be wrong. Annora is every single woman who has had to put up with too much bullshit.
Henry, on the other hand, is a clear and decisive anti-hero. He’s selfish, manipulative, self-centered and I’m honestly glad I didn’t read the rest of the series first because I’m not sure I would have accepted his redemption arc otherwise. Henry is the definition of “A hero will sacrifice you to save the world, while the villain will burn the world down to save you.”
There is so much fun and banter and flat our funny moments in this book. Although, I think you may have to have a somewhat twisted sense of humor to appreciate all of it. Okay, maybe I just have a twisted sense of humor and it’s not actually funny. How does one really know?
Honestly, though, there is not one thing I did not love about this book. It made me laugh, it made my stomach clench waiting for the next blow, it made me yell because I didn’t want them to have to undergo the entire journey. I just wanted my crabby, smartass Annora to be happy early on. I could not recommend it more.
Annora is a curvy, badass heroine who is done taking shit. After getting thrown in the dungeon for breaking a Lord’s nose, she immediately begins to plot her escape. She is smart, sassy, and I have the biggest girl crush on her. She’s morally grey, willing to kill, a little vindictive, fiercely independent, and demands her pleasure. So, of course, a lot of people are going to call her an unlikable heroine. Those people would be wrong. Annora is every single woman who has had to put up with too much bullshit.
Henry, on the other hand, is a clear and decisive anti-hero. He’s selfish, manipulative, self-centered and I’m honestly glad I didn’t read the rest of the series first because I’m not sure I would have accepted his redemption arc otherwise. Henry is the definition of “A hero will sacrifice you to save the world, while the villain will burn the world down to save you.”
There is so much fun and banter and flat our funny moments in this book. Although, I think you may have to have a somewhat twisted sense of humor to appreciate all of it. Okay, maybe I just have a twisted sense of humor and it’s not actually funny. How does one really know?
Honestly, though, there is not one thing I did not love about this book. It made me laugh, it made my stomach clench waiting for the next blow, it made me yell because I didn’t want them to have to undergo the entire journey. I just wanted my crabby, smartass Annora to be happy early on. I could not recommend it more.
March 15, 2023
I'm not much of a historical romance reader, but I read this series back to back and I'm just so in love with these characters. And I have to say that, contrary to my own expectations, this book is my favorite of the entire series.
Annora was such a relatable heroine. She was grumpy and ill-tempered, yet she had her moments of being vulnerable and soft. When we get to meet her, she is already in jail with Henry, but we are able to understand a lot of her previous life through storytelling. At the end of the book, I felt like I knew her as much as I knew Henry, even though we didn't have 3 books with her as a side character.
Henry changes and gets his (almost, but not quite) redemption arc, yet he doesn't change so much that it doesn't feel real. He's still Henry, he's still awfully fantastic.
I also love how sex-positive this book is. Annora and Henry's chemistry is off-the-charts-amazing. In the first book, we see Brandon and Nat falling for each other before the whole sex thing, a slow-burn kind of romance. But, in this book, sex is part of their love story and is one of the ways they fall for each other.
Overall, a REALLY fun read.
Annora was such a relatable heroine. She was grumpy and ill-tempered, yet she had her moments of being vulnerable and soft. When we get to meet her, she is already in jail with Henry, but we are able to understand a lot of her previous life through storytelling. At the end of the book, I felt like I knew her as much as I knew Henry, even though we didn't have 3 books with her as a side character.
Henry changes and gets his (almost, but not quite) redemption arc, yet he doesn't change so much that it doesn't feel real. He's still Henry, he's still awfully fantastic.
I also love how sex-positive this book is. Annora and Henry's chemistry is off-the-charts-amazing. In the first book, we see Brandon and Nat falling for each other before the whole sex thing, a slow-burn kind of romance. But, in this book, sex is part of their love story and is one of the ways they fall for each other.
Overall, a REALLY fun read.
March 18, 2022
I loved these characters and their journey to getting their HEA. I was expecting Annora to actually be a villain, but she really was just a woman who wanted to be left alone by the world and did not take shit from anyone. Henry does get a redemption arc, although I haven't read the previous books, I am satisfied with how it ended for him. Plus we have so many of the best tropes: we get forced proximity, one bed, sick bed, enemies to lovers...
And best of all we get a smitten villain who is head over heels in love with his harpy.
"Anything... I'd do anything you ask, Annora. I'm yours, completely, recklessly. Yours to accept or abandon."
I really did enjoy the book, although I felt it lagged a bit in the middle, which is why I gave it 4 stars.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
And best of all we get a smitten villain who is head over heels in love with his harpy.
"Anything... I'd do anything you ask, Annora. I'm yours, completely, recklessly. Yours to accept or abandon."
I really did enjoy the book, although I felt it lagged a bit in the middle, which is why I gave it 4 stars.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
November 8, 2022
Five stars!
WHY IS NO ONE TALKING ABOUT THIS BOOK?!?!
Admittedly, I didn’t read any of the previous books in this series, but I 100% didn’t have to to completely enjoy this.
Annora and Henry were so much fun. Though they immediately were butting heads, the sexual tension was obvious and amazing. They team up out of necessity with them escaping captivity and life sentences. Going on a bit of an adventure as they run from their captors, they play off each other trying to stay free. Amid all of this, they give in to their carnal wants and it is FIRE. All of this evolves into an extremely passionate love. Eventually they get their perfect HEA.
Check TWs as there are some things that fall into grey areas.
WHY IS NO ONE TALKING ABOUT THIS BOOK?!?!
Admittedly, I didn’t read any of the previous books in this series, but I 100% didn’t have to to completely enjoy this.
Annora and Henry were so much fun. Though they immediately were butting heads, the sexual tension was obvious and amazing. They team up out of necessity with them escaping captivity and life sentences. Going on a bit of an adventure as they run from their captors, they play off each other trying to stay free. Amid all of this, they give in to their carnal wants and it is FIRE. All of this evolves into an extremely passionate love. Eventually they get their perfect HEA.
Check TWs as there are some things that fall into grey areas.
December 27, 2022
Things that are equivalent in this book:
Hero is a goddamned criminal
Heroine is grumpy
One of these things is not like the other! I just don’t care for the framing of the whole thing. Annora is grumpy and speaks her mind and therefore ‘deserves’ this dude who is mean, makes poor choices, and is arrogant as hell?
I’m glad at least the hero doesn’t get easily forgiven by his former friends. That’s often how conflict in resolved. I just don’t get what is going on with Henry and Annora. Their connection seems physical only. I don’t know how to tell you this girl, but you can just sleep with a hot person. You don’t have to get in a relationship with them. Just bang him and leave him to sort out his whole deal. It’s not your problem really.
Hero is a goddamned criminal
Heroine is grumpy
One of these things is not like the other! I just don’t care for the framing of the whole thing. Annora is grumpy and speaks her mind and therefore ‘deserves’ this dude who is mean, makes poor choices, and is arrogant as hell?
I’m glad at least the hero doesn’t get easily forgiven by his former friends. That’s often how conflict in resolved. I just don’t get what is going on with Henry and Annora. Their connection seems physical only. I don’t know how to tell you this girl, but you can just sleep with a hot person. You don’t have to get in a relationship with them. Just bang him and leave him to sort out his whole deal. It’s not your problem really.
February 27, 2022
3.5 stars rounded up. This is my first book by Marie so I wasn’t sure what exactly to expect. Henry and Annora are both stubborn, bold, and brash. They butt heads and sparks fly right away (they’re not necessarily happy about this, haha).
As time wears on it gets harder and harder to deny they don’t actually hate each other, and in fact, they love each other. Henry says some truly swoon worthy things that I highlighted right away.
The spice is nice and steamy, and the swoon romance is on point.
I would have loved a little bit more angst, but we also love a smitten man who will do anything to please the woman in his life.
As time wears on it gets harder and harder to deny they don’t actually hate each other, and in fact, they love each other. Henry says some truly swoon worthy things that I highlighted right away.
The spice is nice and steamy, and the swoon romance is on point.
I would have loved a little bit more angst, but we also love a smitten man who will do anything to please the woman in his life.
March 6, 2022
A continuation of the Hearts of Blackmere series, this book focuses on the meeting of Henry "The Dragon" Percille and a former chambermaid Annora when both are imprisoned in Lord Caine's dungeon for crimes against their lord. At odds with one another from the start, Annora and Henry nonetheless find themselves drawn to each other. Both hard headed and crass, these two find comfort and maybe even love growing between them during their long journey to freedom.
Themes of body positivity, older age, and no want for heirs for both hero and heroine continue in this book of the Hearts of Blackmere series.
Themes of body positivity, older age, and no want for heirs for both hero and heroine continue in this book of the Hearts of Blackmere series.
April 3, 2025
I loved this enemies to lovers story. It’s the fourth book in Hearts of Blackmere, but I think it could be read as a stand-alone. It could also really work if you read this book first then go back and read the first three. All first three books were about a different couple Natalie and Brandon. Henry was the villain of those books and finally got thrown into prison at the end of the third.
The models on the book cover are exactly perfect for Henry and Annora. I picked up this series to begin with because it’s next to impossible to find a plus-size MMC in a non-contemporary romance book (and even then it’s difficult).
The setting is like an alternative history medieval times. Annora is wrongfully imprisoned in the dungeon where she meets Henry, who has been rightfully imprisoned. Henry basically only knows how to communicate in insults, which works great because Annora communicates best with cutting remarks. When we meet Henry, his 10 years in prison have not changed his mind and his goal is to seek revenge. Annora’s goal is to escape servitude and live in a cabin the the woods that is so secluded that people will think she’s a witch.
After some initial double-crossing, Annora and Henry spend most of the story adorably in love and being lovely-dovey to each other (while still mostly communicating in insults). I just really loved how they both complained the whole time when they pretty much immediately gave in to their feelings for each other.
The models on the book cover are exactly perfect for Henry and Annora. I picked up this series to begin with because it’s next to impossible to find a plus-size MMC in a non-contemporary romance book (and even then it’s difficult).
The setting is like an alternative history medieval times. Annora is wrongfully imprisoned in the dungeon where she meets Henry, who has been rightfully imprisoned. Henry basically only knows how to communicate in insults, which works great because Annora communicates best with cutting remarks. When we meet Henry, his 10 years in prison have not changed his mind and his goal is to seek revenge. Annora’s goal is to escape servitude and live in a cabin the the woods that is so secluded that people will think she’s a witch.
After some initial double-crossing, Annora and Henry spend most of the story adorably in love and being lovely-dovey to each other (while still mostly communicating in insults). I just really loved how they both complained the whole time when they pretty much immediately gave in to their feelings for each other.
March 31, 2022
FUCK. This is the first of the series that I've read, so I didn't come in with any preconceived notions about Henry. I absolutely loved this book so much. The sex was v fun, the dynamic between Annora and Henry shifted so beautifully from hard to soft and back again, and I have no idea how I feel so soft and gentle towards people who are mean, but they are perfect.
I would suggest checking out the content warnings (beginning of the book or authors website) before you read!
I would suggest checking out the content warnings (beginning of the book or authors website) before you read!
March 9, 2022
**ARC REVIEW**
Reading this story was like a breath of fresh air. I never read about a grumpy couple. Abbots was so relatable with just wanting to be left alone and not being told to smile. Henry was a great anti-hero. I enjoyed reading about their escapades across the land and their banter was the best. This story was all full of character growth from Henry which is what I appreciated.
Reading this story was like a breath of fresh air. I never read about a grumpy couple. Abbots was so relatable with just wanting to be left alone and not being told to smile. Henry was a great anti-hero. I enjoyed reading about their escapades across the land and their banter was the best. This story was all full of character growth from Henry which is what I appreciated.
March 31, 2022
All the feels
Wow, I loved this. Something about them both being villains and both being super grumpy and falling in love just hit me right in the feels. It’s when the tough ones are vulnerable. And one of the best epilogues ever. :) Could see myself rereading this.
Wow, I loved this. Something about them both being villains and both being super grumpy and falling in love just hit me right in the feels. It’s when the tough ones are vulnerable. And one of the best epilogues ever. :) Could see myself rereading this.
April 24, 2022
I don’t know what happened to the previous review I wrote, but I completely LOVE this book!! It takes an extremely gifted writer to get me rooting for a villain to get a HEA, but Marie Lipscomb does it with such aplomb that it’s quickly become my FAVE book of the series!!
July 8, 2025
So cute! Henry and Annora meet in jail and then fall in love on the run, and it’s just as exciting and fun as you can imagine. The characters both have their backs against the wall throughout and they grow so much. I also really loved that we get two fat MCs, as fat MMCs are far too uncommon.
Want to read
February 23, 2022i saw a meme about this on twitter therefore i have to read it
January 9, 2023
Marie Lipscomb at her finest. 🔥 just 🔥
January 28, 2023
I’ve never read this author before, but I’m glad I did because this was fantastic! Henry and Annora were absolutely amazing! Super sexy, romantic, and funny too!
Read
July 9, 2023DNF at 21%
July 30, 2023
This was the best one!
April 24, 2025
I received an ARC of this book and am leaving an honest review.
Another wild ride! The first three books in the Hearts of Blackmere series were so fun - filled with complicated and lovable characters, adventure, and of course romance. This book is certainly not a departure from that, and we stay rooted in that medieval setting that drew me into the series originally. But this time, we get to watch the villains fall in love, and somehow we fall in love with them in the process. This reads well as the fourth book in the series, but I think it would still be a blast to read as a standalone.
I was intrigued by the premise for this book, two grumps, no sunshine, and an enemies to lovers story where they feel truly like enemies in the morally questionable sense! That said, I wasn’t sure how Henry would win me over after his portrayal in the first three books, but like with any author you trust, I excitedly dug into this newest Marie Lipscomb read. It did not disappoint! I’m a sucker for a curvy, badass heroine, and Lipscomb writes her so well. She’s less villain, more kickass woman. And the development of both Annora and Henry is believable and enjoyable to read, especially Henry having come from the first three books and his role as villain. The steam and swoon were both strong! Another Lipscomb home run! :-)
Another wild ride! The first three books in the Hearts of Blackmere series were so fun - filled with complicated and lovable characters, adventure, and of course romance. This book is certainly not a departure from that, and we stay rooted in that medieval setting that drew me into the series originally. But this time, we get to watch the villains fall in love, and somehow we fall in love with them in the process. This reads well as the fourth book in the series, but I think it would still be a blast to read as a standalone.
I was intrigued by the premise for this book, two grumps, no sunshine, and an enemies to lovers story where they feel truly like enemies in the morally questionable sense! That said, I wasn’t sure how Henry would win me over after his portrayal in the first three books, but like with any author you trust, I excitedly dug into this newest Marie Lipscomb read. It did not disappoint! I’m a sucker for a curvy, badass heroine, and Lipscomb writes her so well. She’s less villain, more kickass woman. And the development of both Annora and Henry is believable and enjoyable to read, especially Henry having come from the first three books and his role as villain. The steam and swoon were both strong! Another Lipscomb home run! :-)
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