Okay, I didn’t expect to feel this deeply for a sleep-deprived monarch and a kidnapped priestess, but here we are.

Healer to the Broken King gave me:
👑 Tortured, guilt-ridden king energy
🩺 A capable, reluctant heroine who wants peace, not politics
🔥 Forbidden slowwwww burn romance (like, blink and you’ll miss it but also feel it in your bones)
🌀 Greek mythology undertones with gods who meddle like messy exes
🌒 Court politics, cursed children, lingering trauma, and SO much yearning

What I loved:
Calliste is not your typical romantasy heroine - she’s calm, wise, has boundaries, and believes in mercy. A soft power queen.
Theron is the blueprint for a broken man trying to do the right thing and failing beautifully along the way. He made me yell at my Kindle more than once and I forgive him.
The world-building is rich, dark, and spiritual without being heavy-handed.
The romance isn’t just tension - it’s healing, complicated, patient. He watches her tend his son like she’s sunlight incarnate and you want me NOT to root for this??
No insta-love. Thank the gods.
The themes? Grief. Redemption. Power. Faith. LOVE IT HERE.

What I didn't love:
That slow burn is sloooooooow. Like… simmering gently in the background slow. I was deeply invested, but some readers might want a bit more forward motion.
A few pacing dips in the middle - especially around political intrigue and god stuff that almost overshadowed the romance.

Would I recommend?
✅ If you love character-driven romantasy with emotional stakes
✅ If you’re here for divine interference, mature romance, and men on the verge of collapse
✅ If you want a romance that feels earned

Not for you if:
❌ You need fast plot or high spice
❌ You can’t handle slow burns or spiritual themes woven into your fantasy

Thanks to NetGalley and the Publisher for the early read. I enjoyed this one. Theron isn’t the typical brooding, so it was nice to see him show more of his caring side. I’m a sucker for forbidden romance and I was eating up the tension between Calliste and Theron, but I’m also very interested in Hypnos and the dynamic she has with him. The ending left on a cliffhanger….I’ll definitely read book 2.

I'd give this book by Avie Adams a 4 star rating.

DNF

Let me start this by saying that I have heard great things about the book, but it's not in my cards currently. I would like to give this another shot someday, however!

I genuinely found this book entertaining and fun to read— it was engaging enough that I finished it in a day! The Greek mythological elements and the layers of the fantasy world were particularly enjoyable. Although the ending felt rather abrupt and some aspects could have been explored in more depth, I am definitely looking forward to book two to see where the story takes us!!

I truly loved that this story featured older protagonists—a rarity in the fantasy genre, where "adult" often skews more toward "barely grown." It was refreshing to see characters with depth and life experience shaping their decisions. The slow-burn romance unfolded perfectly, complementing the richly detailed, Greek-inspired setting. Healer to the Broken King is a standout tale, weaving a slow burn romance, mythological intrigue, and deeply resonant character arcs into a beautifully unique narrative. It’s an absolute gem for anyone craving a mature, intricately crafted love story within a lushly fantastical world.

I am obsessed with this book. Once I picked it up I could not put it back down. I was completely drawn into this world of curses, kings, harpies and healers. I really liked Calliste and found myself rooting for her throughout the book. It was easy to relate to her and feel for her and the trauma that she experienced. Theron was layered and complicated and I loved that for his character. His pure love and dedication for his son was fantastically done. I found myself really hurting for him and the things that he lost and went through. I liked the dynamic between the two of them and like that this is a slow burn and not an insta love situation. I liked the writing and I enjoyed the world building a lot. I love love the dark gods and the mission that she undertakes in the forest and the dynamic between her and Hypnos is fascinating. I am going to be very anxiously awaiting book two so that I can immerse myself back into this world.

Rating: 4.0/5
e-ARC review - Healer to the Broken King by Avie Adams

This was a very quick and nice reading. The incorporated greek mythology was fun and well done. But what I really loved was the slow burn, I'm usually not a big fan of Romantasy, but something I'll always love is the hurt/comfort scenes, and it was done perfectly here.
I dind't know this was book one of more, so the ending was criminal!

Many thanks to NetGalley for providing this digital review copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.

"She serves a god. He wears a crown. Their forbidden love could topple his kingdom."

This was a really fun book, it is a slow burn, It also draws from greek mythology, which I am a huge fan of!

Really enjoyed!!!

Book review 📚
Healer To The Broken King b Avie Adams
⭐⭐⭐⭐

I am a huge love of romantasy so it is always a delightful read, and Healer to The Broken King was equally as delightful. Add some Greek inspired mythology and a slow burn, then you are on to a winner.

Adams has created a wonderful story with brilliant characters. The plot is so well developed that it doesn’t take strain to follow, and that is always a win with a reader. You want to immerse yourself fully and you can easily do that thanks to Adams writing.

I cannot wait to be able to read book 2 and continue with this story, because right now I am craving more of Calliste.

This book was EVERYTHING I could’ve wanted in a Romantasy and more!

The world building, writing style, plot, character connection development was absolutely 🤌🏻

We follow a High Priestess of the Greek goddess Epione - (goddess of soothing and giver of health), named Calliste.

Calliste is beautiful, strong, professional, talented, dedicated and nurturing. She’s strong willed and emotionally mature - everything you could possibly want in an FMC.

She’s forced to aid King Theron in healing his 6 year old son who has been in a coma for 6 weeks.

Along her journey in attempting to figure out what ails Prince Kalias, she is faced with meeting her long term ally and patron god, Hypnos god of dreams.

Calliste’s ethical morals and boundaries are tested and pushed in the task of healing Prince Kalias, and she must choose between her desires or her duty..

I CANNOT wait for book 2 of the Brides of Myth series and I am awaiting its release with anticipation!

Everyone NEEDS to read this totally underrated book! Especially lovers of Romantasy!

It’s available to read NOW on Kindle Unlimited!

This story blends hints of Greek-inspired mythology and slow-burn fantasy romance, featuring mature protagonists and a richly woven story. Overall, Healer to the Broken King is a beautifully unique story that masterfully combines heartfelt romance, mythological elements, and deep character development. It's a must-read for those who enjoy intricately layered romances within a fantastical setting.

I'll be honest: I could not for the life of me get into this book because the eARC copy was formatted so badly. The italics and the back highlight made it damn near unreadable, and I wish it had been done differently.

This is the romantasy everybody needs to read.

I was hooked from the very beginning and I loved our female protagonist! The relationships are well written, and not only the romantic ones.

The lore and magic systems are unique and interesting to read.

A cliffhanger that had me gasping and furiously looking for book 2!

I really love this book and think it's a great start to this duology (and I need the second book asap, I have so many questions). The writing style was great and I enjoyed following the story of a healer instead of a fighter for once! She was supposed to heal the king's son and there is a tiny bit of romance. I also loved that it lends into greek mythology. I'm a sucker for that.

Rating: 4.5/5
I received an eARC for my honest opinion.

This book has everything you want in a fantasy romance, Forbidden love, forced proximity, slow burn, Greek mythology, great plot and characters too.

In this book you will meet a priestess who is about to take her vows but is pulled away to help a king who is desperate to save his son from an unknown illness. Even though Calliste is worried about going back to the city that she escaped from, she knows in her heart that she is supposed to go with King Theron and help him out. She reaches out to the Greek gods and gets their help with trying to figure out what is going on with the King's son and to find a way to save him and everyone else as well. Oh, yeah and she will have to make sure to guard her heart and feelings because she can easily see herself falling for King Theron and she knows the troubles that would cause.

I thought this plot was well developed and I loved that it wasn’t hard to follow. I thought the Greek mythology and the setting of this book helped to bring the characters together. The pace of the book was perfect, gave you enough time to understand the characters but didn’t drag with unnecessary information. I thought the magic system in this book was different for me but felt as though it was supposed to be there and just felt right. The characters are what really bring this book to life though and will make it so readers can finish this book in a day or two.

I really do think the plot is great, but the characters are what really sealed the book for me. I loved Calliste who has had a horrible past, but you see her as a strong character (even when she is having a hard time you will see her still pick herself up and do her job). I loved that she is strongly opinionated, and she wasn’t worried about speaking her mind in front of people, so long as it wasn’t about what made her flee the city. I found Theron to be a brooding tormented soul and I loved it. I think with Calliste you will be able to see more about him and see him open up again (well her and if she can cure his son). I liked that he was protective of Calliste and didn’t push her for information and understood that in time she will give him more and more information about her past. I thought their banter throughout the book was well done and helped to give him a little more in their relationship. Oh, and I know when they finally (if they get too) come together it will be amazing. Their chemistry and the slow burn in this book is chef's kiss. I cannot wait until book two comes out and we get to see more of their story.

I want to thank NetGalley for the opportunity to review this book, and hopefully the next one.

What do you mean end of book one?! Why are you doing this to me??

Following the story of a healer trying to save the king's son life from an unknown disease, with elements from the Greek mythology woven into the tale and a sprinkle of romance (and jealousy from an unexpected suitor) this book managed to charm me.

And now that I finished the first book from this duology, I need more! I want to know what did she do? What is she running away from? What will Hypnos do? What's gonna happen next? Will she return to the temple?

I have to say, this book was great for me, and I 100% recommend it if you like stories about healers, Greek mythology and a not-too-slow-burn romance.

I really enjoyed Healer to the Broken King. Inspired by Greek mythology, the plot was captivating and the main character had a lot of depth. The slow burn romance was well done as was the overall pacing. And the cliffhanger at the end!! I really can’t wait for the final book in this duology as I grew quite fond of all the characters.

This tale introduces us to Calliste, a healer on the cusp of ascending to high priestess, whose tranquil life is abruptly shattered by the arrival of the enigmatic and menacing King Theron. Adams skillfully sets the stage as Calliste finds herself torn from her sanctuary, thrust back into the clutches of the glittering yet terrifying capital she had escaped. The haunting memories of her past resurface, transporting the reader into a world where both beauty and brutality coexist. Calliste is portrayed as a strong yet vulnerable character, evoking empathy as she grapples with her abduction and the loss of her former life. The author’s meticulous attention to her internal struggles adds depth to her character, making her journey towards resilience and self-discovery all the more compelling.
King Theron, too, is a complex, multi-dimensional character—a ruler burdened by his crown and the curse that afflicts his son. As Calliste learns more about his plight, the reader is treated to a poignant exploration of duty, sacrifice, and the crushing weight of expectation. Theron’s transformation from a dark and domineering figure to a man wrestling with his own demons unfolds beautifully, enhanced by Adams' evocative prose. The chemistry between Calliste and Theron crackles with tension; their interactions oscillate between animosity and desire, creating an intoxicating dynamic that keeps the pages turning.
Adams also does an admirable job of interlacing the themes of love and sacrifice with the tension of the divine. The looming presence of the god Calliste serves adds a layer of intrigue, as the reader becomes acutely aware of the delicate balance between earthly desires and celestial expectations. As the forbidden passion between Theron and Calliste ignites, readers are compelled to ponder whether their love is a source of strength or the catalyst for their destruction—a question that Adams expertly teases out, maintaining suspense throughout.
In conclusion, The Healer to the Broken King by Avie Adams is a beautifully written tale of love, resilience, and the struggle for redemption. With its unforgettable characters, gripping plot, and evocative language, this novel is a compelling read for anyone who enjoys fantasy imbued with emotional depth.

Healer to the Broken King is a thoroughly wonderful fantasy romance set in Greek mythology. Greek myth is what first snagged me into falling in love with reading and I was so happy to see a new story take in that inspiration.

Calliste is a healer who aims to become a high priestess finds her life completely altered when King Theron shows up to her sanctuary. Calliste is abducted by the kind is a last ditch effort to save his sleep cursed son. Calliste's journey throughout the story is filled with haunted memories but with pieces of growth and survival and unexpectedly, love.

Calliste and King Theron find themselves getting closer and she helps mend his broken heart. The two form a deep bond and the romance that forms is one that could have great consequences on their worlds. Their love must endure but the two are committed to each other. I love the dept of this world and the characters who aren't only displaying brash and immature choices. This is a must read for me and I cannot wait for more to come from this author.

Thank you so much to NetGalley for the ARC!

This book was a wonderful journey into the Greek world of gods/goddesses and their interactions with mortals. The slow burn romance has a healer who is desperately needed to heal the son of a king. The king, who has wounds to his soul as well, finds her healing him as well. It starts a little slow but well written. Cannot wait for the next book to see where this magic goes!