Author: Tessonja Odette

Series: Fae Flings and Corset Strings

First Published: 10 December 2024

“I’ll always run in the rain with you.”  

I will start by saying that I was given an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review. These opinions are my own. Thank you so much to Tessonja for sending a copy my way!

A painter in need of a model.
A matchmaker seeking a subject.
An arrangement that will tangle their hearts.

Fae shifter Daphne has landed the opportunity of a illustrating her favorite author’s steamy romance novels. If only she could master male physiques…and other essential anatomy. What she needs is a model. Yet how does the socially awkward fae with a tendency to bite find a man she can comfortably paint in the nude?

Self-proclaimed matchmaker Monty Phillips is a hopeless romantic, but only when it comes to others. Meddling in the love lives of strangers via his popular advice column keeps romance a safe distance away. Yet when he’s tasked with proving his tips on modern courtship work, he’ll need to step out from behind the pen and into someone’s love life.

And he knows just the perfect plaything.

The last time Daphne saw Monty, he broke her heart and discarded their friendship. Now he wants to drag her into one of his idiotic matchmaking games—where she’s the subject! But when he promises to pose as her model in exchange, she can’t refuse. At least it’s only temporary. If he’s the expert he claims to be, she can replace him with a lover in no time.

Painting sessions and flirting lessons commence, rekindling their friendship. But when instructional seductio

I wasn’t sure I would love this more than A Rivalry of Hearts by—boy—was I wrong. My Feral Romance is simply perfection. I love Monty and Daphne with all my heart. Honestly, they are so perfect for one another. This might be the swooniest romance I’ve read all year.

Daphne and Monty haven’t seen each other much since the book tour from the previous book wraps up. A shared goal forces the pair back together, leading them to strike a bargain. Daphne has landed an opportunity to illustrate four beautiful clinch covers for her favourite romance author. The publishing house will promote her to a full-time illustrator if she completes the commission successfully. The only problem is that while Daphne can draw these beautiful women using her own body as a model, she is struggling with drawing the hunky heroes. Daphne desperately needs the contact to prove to her hometown that she has put down roots in the city and can break off an engagement she drunkenly agreed to. So, she needs a male model and perhaps a husband—just in case. Monty has landed a new job as an advice columnist, which is the perfect outlet for his self-proclaimed matchmaking skills. The newspaper wants to publish a collection of his columns; if the sale is successful, the newspaper will give Monty a substantial contract. This is perfect as Monty is drowning in debt. Now, this isn’t a normal debt but one held by a dodgy money lender who deals in secrets. The payment deadline rapidly approaches; if Monty lacks the funds, his secrets will be revealed, destroying his family’s livelihood. The publisher won’t publish Monty’s collection unless it includes a case study highlighting how his advice works. So, the two enter into a bargain—Daphne will be Monty’s case study and use his advice to get a husband, and Monty will be Daphne’s cover model. And queue the romance.

Daphne is a fae and has only recently become comfortable with her Seelie form. After a disastrous debut into high society years prior, she’s spent most of her time in her Unseelie form – which is pine marten – where she doesn’t have to worry about the convoluted rules of society. I adore Daphne so much. She loves art and creating so much that she’s willing to get outside her comfort zone to go after what she wants. Honestly, so brave. We love to see it. She’s pretty blunt and straightforward, which is the perfect counterbalance to Monty. I adore watching her confidence grow—both in her art and in herself. She gives herself permission to take up space in the world and unapologetically be herself. It was wonderful to see.

Oh Monty, you absolute sweetheart, you own my heart and soul. This rakish playboy intrigued me when reading the first book, but now seeing beyond that mask, I love him even more. He’s a top-book boyfriend for sure. We see the way he’s been pushing people away ironically to protect those he loves. His father has managed to do it, so Monty must take responsibility for his own failings. I loved that he stood up to his father, especially after years of being threatened and forced to keep family secrets. He now has the freedom to live his life under his own choices.

As I said before, this romance hands down is one of the most romantic I’ve read in a long time. I adored watching these two slowly show the other how important and special the other one is. Daphne’s bluntness cuts through the lies Monty’s father feeds him and shows that he doesn’t deserve to live a half-life because of it. She gives him the strength and reassurance to stand up to his father. Monty takes Daphne outside of her comfort zone and shows her the fun side of life, like going to carnivals and other social outings. He also shows her that she doesn’t have to squash what makes her unique to fit into society’s mold and that she is worth waiting for someone who will love and appreciate every part of her. The way Monty shows he cares through little acts of kindness and thoughtful remembrance makes me swoon! He remembers her favourite food and knows she gets overwhelmed in crowds, so buys her this fairy floss that dims the noise. We do get a handful of steamy times, including a particularly saucy modelling session in front of a mirror, which ends in a happy ending.

My Feral Romance was so joyful, magical and simply romantic. I ate up every minute. Honestly, I cannot wait to reread this. It will be my go-to whenever I need a pick-me-up. If you are looking for a low-stakes fantasy romance or an entryway into the fantasy genre, My Feral Romance is the perfect book. The book heavily focuses on Monty and Daphne’s relationship and still includes all the whimsy and magic of a fantasy romance. Safe to say, I cannot wait for the next one in this series. I will be preordering the second it becomes available! be preordering the second it becomes available!