Behooved

Stevenson's wonderfully whimsical romantasy debut takes readers on an entertaining ride through a fairy tale--inspired fantasy land. As the "flower of Demaria," 25-year-old Bianca was raised to value duty above everything else and has been expected to compensate for her hobbling gastrointestinal condition, which the healers can't identify, by being perfect in every other way. In order to prevent a war with neighboring country Gildenheim, Bianca agrees to an arranged marriage with surly king-to-be Aric. A disastrous first meeting with the cold bookworm leaves Bianca convinced that Aric hates her. Things go from bad to worse when, on their wedding night, an assassination attempt and spell gone awry leaves Aric transformed into a horse and Bianca fleeing for safety on her husband's back. Aric, now a white stallion by day and a handsome man by night, and Bianca must cross Gildenheim in search of a cure. As they travel together, their attraction and feelings grow. Soon, however, the political situation turns dire, and Bianca is forced to choose her duty to Demaria or following her heart. Stevenson injects this lighthearted plot with a good dose of humor while making time to explore the difficulties of living with chronic illness and delving into meaningful themes about redefining strength, usefulness, and duty. Bianca and Aric's romance feels organic, and it's gratifying to see them mature together, helping each other overcome their respective insecurities. This confectionary romp delights. (May)

DEBUT Bianca and Aric arrive at their wedding as reluctant enemies, each believing that the other's country has coerced them into this abrupt union. They find they're both wrong when an assassin sneaks into the royal bedchamber, and chaos ensues. When Bianca attempts to defend Aric (who doesn't know the pommel of the sword from the pointy end) with a magical charm, he turns into a big white horse, and they gallop out the window. Now they're both fugitives, while Aric's enemies connive at his throne. Bianca has been groomed to believe that her chronic illness makes her weak and incapable, but with her husband a horse by day and an assassin's target by night, all they can do is hang on for the ride as they race toward the one person who might be able to help--and fall for each other along the way. VERDICT This is an utterly charming and absolutely delightful slow-burn romantasy, featuring a bumbling beta hero (much like in Wooing the Witch Queen by Stephanie Burgis), a strong heroine, and an enemies-to-lovers romance that is sweet with heat. Romantasy readers will love this one.--Marlene Harris