Book Review: BEHOOVED
Bianca knows duty comes before love, so she agrees to a political marriage to Prince Aric. But her new husband is cold and distant. Even worse, an assassination attempt on their wedding night leaves him magically cursed into horse form. Bianca escapes atop her horse-husband, who returns to human form only at sunset. Framed for Aric's murder and entangled in a plot against the throne, Bianca must rely on the prince she barely knows to survive. As danger mounts and sparks begin to fly, the unlikely pair must break the curse, clear Bianca's name, and save the kingdom before their time runs out.
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M. Stevenson's debut Behooved is a slightly ridiculous but ultimately charming romantic fantasy novel. While it's lighter in tone, Stevenson does invest more in politics and high-stakes danger than a lot of other novels in this genre. There's a conspiracy looming over everything, and the threat of war between nations is definitely real.
That said, all of the hallmarks of cozy fantasy and romance novels are present. There are plenty of expected tropes, namely an arranged marriage and only one bed at the inn. There's also a sort of enemies-to-lovers relationship, although that's due mostly to a forced miscommunication between the couple.
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Something that helps Behooved stand out from the rest is Bianca's chronic illness. Her unnamed condition (based on celiac disease in the author's note) is unpredictable and affects her daily life. Bianca manages some symptoms with tonics, but faces extreme societal pressure to hide her 'weakness.'
Early on, her parents demand that she conceal her condition, resulting in internalized ableism that affects Bianca's self-image. Stevenson's nuanced depiction captures the psychological toll of growing up disabled in an ableist world. Aric's acceptance and his role in helping Bianca better understand her condition make their relationship truly transformative, offering more than just romance.
If you're looking for a fun, easy and slightly cheesy read for the summer, check out Behooved . M. Stevenson's whimsical fantasy romance is perfect for fans of My Lady Jane and The Spellshop .
Behooved is out now and available from your local independent bookstore or Bookshop.org.
TW: ableism, abandonment, alcohol, animal cruelty, blood, chronic illness, death, death of a parent, emotional abuse, injury/injury detail, medical content, self-harm, sexual content, violence, vomit
Book Review: LOVE AT SECOND SIGHT
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