Bristol Keats and her sisters have spent their last years struggling after the death of their parents. Suddenly a formerly unknown family member contacts Bristol promising a much needed inheritance. Bristol decides to meet with her and in the process she learns everything she thought she knew about her life and world was a lie. Her father may be alive, kidnapped by fae and taken into their world. She must join up with fae king Tyghan who also wants to find her father. But their ultimate goal of what should happen if he is found may not align.

I had a really good time with this book. I loved how the world was set up. Bristol was a great lead and her chemistry with Tyghan was great. The plot moved very quickly and there were a bunch of twists and turns. I know this is going to be a duology. I'm excited to get the final part of the story. Brittany Pressley's narration was great. I really enjoyed this as an audiobook.

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the ALC in exchange for an honest review.

4.5 stars!!!

Thank you to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for the early audiobook copy of The Courting of Bristol Keats. This was my first book by Mary E. Pearson, and it definitely won’t be my last! Pearson has created a fascinating, immersive world, perfect for romantasy lovers looking for an epic blend of intrigue and romance.

The story follows Bristol and Tyghan, and it's filled with tropes that romantasy fans will adore—enemies to lovers, reluctant allies, forbidden romance, and a morally grey male main character. I loved the pacing of this book; it kept me engaged throughout. Although there are many characters introduced, which took a little time to keep track of, the found family dynamic added depth and warmth to the story. The fae world and the layered plot Pearson has crafted feel both unique and familiar, offering that classic fantasy atmosphere with refreshing twists.

Bristol’s journey into a world of gods, fae, and dark secrets is full of surprises and hidden magic, making for an intriguing slow-burn romance and a captivating setup for the series. With royal court intrigue, past betrayals, and plenty of tension, The Courting of Bristol Keats is an absolute must-read for fans of adult fantasy romance.

If you love worlds where danger, romance, and magic blend seamlessly, this is one to pick up! I'll certainly be continuing this series in the future to see how things wrap up!

This quickly became one of my favorite reads of the year. The story grabbed me right away, and every time I thought I was figuring out what was going on, I was proven wrong. The narrator, Brittany Pressley, was excellent, and I will absolutely look for more books she has voiced moving forward. She injected heaps of emotion into the dialog, and read in a clear and concise way. Overall the story is catching, leaves you questioning throughout, and moves at a comfortable pace. Looking forward to what comes next!

Thank you to Macmillan Audio and Mary Pearson for providing an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.

I absolutely loved The Dance of Thieves duology by Mary A Pearson, so I was extremely excited about this. I'd like a prequel based on the story of her parents, that sounds like an amazing adventure!

I'm thankful to NetGalley for having listened to the audiobook arc. The narrator did a phenomenal job, even including accents when appropriate. I did however end up confused more than normal - I'm not sure if there would have been less confusion reading vs listening to the audiobook, but normally I can still track along just fine even listening to high fantasy. There were unexpected and inconsistent POV changes that really threw me off.

I love it when a human is thrown into foreign lands and has to figure out how to navigate the rules and relationships. I'm always a fan of fae, magic, and mystery. I enjoyed the determination of Bristol and watching the relationship develop between her and Tyghan - I kept waiting for the disaster of her finding out the relationship between him and her father.

Unfortunately, there was more that bothered me than I'd like. There were a lot of cool concepts but I think there was just a bit too much going on. This gave slight The Cruel Prince vibes but was not executed as well, with more magic, a larger cast, more sub-plots, and more confusion. It was also incredibly long for a story that didn't end, but instead is part of a series.
I still had a decent time but fell short of loving it for me.

Spoiler Struggles:
- A large portion of the book I kept thinking how ridiculous it was that she was only chosen because of her "navigating pizza delivery skills". Obviously, we find out more later, but it was so much later it kept bothering me for a long time.
- The continued reference back to de Vinci's paintings coming from Elphame was incredibly random to me and just distracted me from the overall story.
- I was confused about how it went from - we've gathered these talented folks to try finding us a door, but also we put you through school to teach you history, magic and combat and turn you into an "elite team"
- I didn't experience enough time with the sisters or the "elite team" to get true sisterhood or found family vibes
- The "tick" made me want to hurl. I liked the concept but was so grossed out I lost focus and kept thinking of the massive twitching tick for the rest of the story.
- Once she found the door, I still didn't understand why she was the only one who could close the door when there was way more powerful fae there.
- This sounds like a really lame struggle, but I don't think the cover aligns with the story very well. I think snake was mentioned once, and somehow one made the cover? I don't recall any fancy keys or a seaside view?

This book was a fantasy about a girl who believes her parents have both died. She and her sisters are facing rough times and a mysterious group of people seem a little too eager to help them out. Having no other options, however, she accepts their help and ends up owing a favor to the king of a fae kingdom. Her task is to help him protect his kingdom while also searching for her father, who might not be dead after all. Bristol enters the kingdom along with a group of recruits who train together and try to build (and demonstrate for the nobility) skills that might help the kingdom survive. Along the way, she falls in love with their king.

I found this book to be totally fine. It's the beginning of a series, so I didn't find much resolution upon finishing the book. And this book was fairly long to have such little payoff. Honestly, I am still curious about the characters, but wouldn't go out of my way to find book 2.

The biggest struggle with this audiobook was that I didn't enjoy listening to the narrator. She read the book too slowly for my taste. When I turned up the speed, it was better, but I just didn't really connect to the narrator as much as would be necessary to get into the story. Maybe if I had read book one, I'd be more fired up about wanting to know what happens next.

Thanks to NetGalley for the advance copy of this book in exchange for my review.

I was lucky enough to receive an early audiobook. This was my first book by Pearson but definitely won't be the last! I think the author did a great job building out the world and fleshing out the characters. I loved that the author didn't just dump a ton of information on the reader but instead slowly introduced us to the world. I think the narrator did a great job with this book. I was never bored while listening to her narrate and loved the different voices she did for the characters.. There are a lot of characters which made it hard to follow who was who at some points but that's no fault to the narrator. I think this is a book that's nice to have the ebook/physical copy to go along with the audiobook. I will definitely be buying the ebook so I can re-read some parts! Overall, I really enjoyed this book. I loved the adventure and can't wait for book two!

Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the opportunity to listen to this early!

Yes!! This was spectacular and the only downside is the wait I now have for the second book in the duology. I knew that the blurb sounded interesting, but it didn't even come close to how outstanding this storyline truly was. I was pulled into the story from the beginning and stayed immersed the entire time. The characters were well written and easy to connect to and the world building was done effortlessly and never felt clunky time consuming. It felt natural and easy.

When Bristol finds that her world isn't what she always believed it to be, she's more than a little shook up. As if that isn't enough, to also find out that your parents aren't exactly who you thought they were for all these years is an even larger shock. And being thrown into another world with fae and other creatures where you are unsure who you can trust and what the traditions are is stressful in and of itself. I was glued to this book to see what would happen next and what twist was coming around the next corner.

I'm truly a little tough on fantasy books. World building is a challenge, and I hate it when I feel bogged down with it. This author didn't do that. She has a knack for writing fantasy and this book was such an easy one to read. I never had to battle through a chapter or page to get to the next one. That's rare for me. Simply wonderful!!

AUDIOBOOK REVIEW: I was also fortunate enough to gain an early copy of the audio. Wowza! I know it sounds like I'm gushing just to gush but truly, the narration was really spot on for this story. It lent itself to the enjoyability of the story. I have zero complaints and only praise. 5 stars!

Thank you to NetGalley for early copies of both the ebook and audiobook. I have provided reviews of both voluntarily and they are entirely my own opinions.

тιтℓє: The Courting of Bristol Keats
αυтнσя(ѕ): Mary E. Pearson
ηαяяαтσя(ѕ): Brittany Pressley
ℓєηgтн: 17h 21m
ѕσυя¢є: NetGalley
яєℓєαѕє ∂αтє: November 12, 2024
яαтιηg: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
ѕєяιєѕ: The Courting of Bristol Keats, #1

му тнσυgнтѕ:
THIS IS GOING TO BE A DUOLOGY, Y’ALL.
And this one is a thiccc romantasy!

So Bristol and her sisters lose their parents and they’re just trying to get by.
Then one day a letter arrives from an aunt they knew nothing about and it seems their dad isn’t dead. Or is he?
Bristol seeks out this aunt and finds herself in a new world that’s full of magic and deceit.

Tyghan is a fae king and the Lord of Monsters.
He needs Bristol to journey to Elphame and train to help him out in exchange for sending money to her sisters back home.
He was a tough character at first, but his struggles were raw and real and really rounded out his personality.

This one was a bit difficult to follow at times. We get multiple POVs from characters who aren’t major players and that threw me for a loop.
But it was also interesting.

I’m completely and utterly OBSESSED.
The plot was thrilling and sexy and nonstop.
The development is thorough and twisty and unique.
Secrets and lies and betrayals abound!
I NEED THE NEXT BOOK STAT!

ηαяяαтιση:
Brittany Pressley has a wonderful narrative voice.
She honestly saved quite a few slower scenes for me.
BUT I would’ve preferred a male voice for the male characters.
It just didn’t flow as smoothly having a female voice relay male thoughts.
Regardless, her performance had me crying at times.
SO GOOD.

𝙄 𝙧𝙚𝙘𝙚𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙙 𝙖 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙥𝙡𝙞𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙖𝙧𝙮 𝙘𝙤𝙥𝙮 𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙖𝙪𝙙𝙞𝙤𝙗𝙤𝙤𝙠. 𝘼𝙡𝙡 𝙧𝙚𝙫𝙞𝙚𝙬𝙨 𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙢𝙮 𝙤𝙬𝙣. I received an arc + alc of this book.

A brooding hero with a tortured soul, a smart, strong heroine whose entire reality is uprooted, a mysterious past, intrigue, secrets, danger, romance...this book has it all!

The Courting of Bristol Keats has a lot of promise and my curiosity is definitely piqued for what comes next in this series.

While the world the author created was intriguing, the world building and the mythology were a bit shallow in their development. While this may have been due to the length of the book (it comes in at 560 pages), I hope that we will get a clearer understanding of both in book 2.

I appreciated the lack of info dump. The mysteries that were resolved were done so organically and although some lead to even more questions, it simply left me that much more anxious to read the next book.

I had the opportunity to listen to the audiobook after I finished reading the book and it was absolutely fantastic! Brittany Pressley does a masterful job of bringing this story to life and giving unique voices to such a vast cast of characters.

* Fair warning for longtime fans of Mary E. Pearson's YA books...do not expect the same level of spice. This book includes open door scenes as well as language.

*Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan audio for the ALC, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Where to start with this one... hmmm. I liked it. It was a welcome walk back into the world of the fae. I liked the mystery angle of both the Keats parents going missing/presumed dead under really suspicious circumstances. I liked the dynamic of the 3 sisters. The start of the novel was captivating and I was sucked in. I liked plot twist concerning Tyghan. There were so many subplots woven together in this one... that it left my head spinning a little. Bristol is charismatic and charming. I think I want to be her... maybe for next Halloween. All I need is a pet ferret. hmmm.

If you need a high stakes romp through the fae lands... this novel is it!

Loved the narrator. Really got into the story.

Thank you to MacMillian Audio, Flatiron Books, and Mary Pearson for this advanced listening copy (ALC).

Let’s be honest; some part of every romantasy reader wants to be whisked off to a fae realm and go on an epic quest. 🤣 This is exactly what happened to Bristol Keats at the start of this adult debut by Pearson.

✨ What did you love the most?
This gave me so many Cruel Prince vibes, so naturally, I absolutely loved that part 😏😅 The magic system is explained very well, and the fae realm is vividly described.

🎧How was the audio version?
Brittany Pressley is one of my favorite narrators, so I was extremely excited to get the audiobook for this advanced copy experience. My only criticism of the audiobook (and this is more about the writing than the narration) is that it was very confusing when the POV randomly switched over. I had to pause for a few minutes, go back, and reorient myself to figure out who was speaking.

🔥Steam level: open door

✨How was the romance?
If you like the dynamics of a human girl falling in love with a fae prince, you will love the romance in this story. It's a slow burn, enemies to lovers, and all-around delicious. Getting both POVs also really helps with this relationship building.

✨Do you recommend this book?
While this book is a thick one and a long audiobook, it was an exciting read. From the quests to the magic to the big reveals, I enjoyed this new series opener. And don't even get me started on that cliffhanger… 🤭

A slow burn enemies to lovers fantasy with a morally grey MMC? Yes, please!

Bristol Keats and her sisters struggle to stay make ends meet after losing both their parents. A mysterious aunt wants to give Bristol valuable art to help out, but accepting this gift comes with a price. Bristol finds out that her father may actually be alive and she is thrown into a world with magic, demi-gods, and creatures.

Tyghan is the acting fae king after his brother was kidnapped by a ruthless enemy. He must see if Bristol is the missing link he needs to save his kingdom, but he doesn't want to force her hand. Tyghan is attracted to Bristol, but he has never recovered from being betrayed by his best friend, whose connection to Bristol is closer than she could possibly imagine.

Narrator Brittany Pressley kept me listening during slower parts of the book. Pressley's voice changes, tone, and applicable accents helped bring the characters to life. However, it was sometimes difficult to keep track to changing view points while listening to the audiobook.

Spice level 2.

Special thanks to Netgalley and MacMillan Audio for an advanced copy.

I want to start off by saying that I really enjoyed this book. However, it could have been a 5 star for me if it weren’t for a few issues that I had.

Things I loved:
- The world building is so interesting, and I would love to know more about the portals between worlds.
- The varying POVs and timelines were very intriguing to me and I loved that it painted this picture that the reader begins to put together before Bristol.
- The characters; especially the relationship between Bristol and her sisters and their parents. I loved all of their personalities and relationships.
- The love stories scattered throughout the whole book were so lovely.
- The narrator did a FANTASTIC job and made the story really come to life.

Things that didn’t work for me:
- THAT ENDING?! It was genuinely so abrupt and cut short. I felt like at that point she should have written at least a few more chapters. It’s building and building and then to end the way it did was the most insane thing I’ve ever read.
- There are a LOT of characters, several who have multiple names, so it could be hard to follow. Especially when changing between different times and POVs.
- I think the chapters could have benefited from listing the time and POV at the beginning.

Overall, I think this has so much potential, and I’m excited to see where it goes from here. I think that if you’re a fan of Sarah J. Maas and the Fourth Wing series, you’ll enjoy this.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the audiobook ARC in exchange for an honest review.

3.25⭐️s
Storyline-3⭐️s
Audiobook-3.5 ⭐️s

This was a solid start to a new series, that I maaaybe will continue with?
The writing was fine.
The story was fine.
The characters were... fine.
Theres magic, mystery, portals, romance. All things I enjoy.
Some of the dialogue was a bit cringe. But that may just be a me thing.
Overall, the story felt very melodramatic to me (was it just because of the audio?) but fine. The ending also wasn't my cup of tea. 🙈

Honestly, Brittany Pressley is usually a fav narrator of mine, she know how to evoke emotions. I think it was just some of the dialogue that kinda gave me the ick... making the audio less enjoyable.
But really, it was fine.

Thanks to NetGalley and Macmillian Audio for the advanced audiobook!

I'm going to need everyone to pick this book up if you haven't already!!
It's so much more than just Fae. Monsters, mermaids witches and shapeshifters.
I was so hooked and drawn in from the very beginning.
I love the mystery and needing to find out the answers to all the questions and the why's.
The spice was classy lol if that makes sense.
It was so passionate and well written,
I really love the character development of all the characters not just the MMC/MFC. So very well put together. And with that being said
Ima need the next book like yesterday lol
But also take your time to do it justice.

I absolutely adored this book! Great world building, great characters & character dynamics. Great romantic tension that kinda gave Xaden/Violet vibes. I loved how it gave trials/academy vibes. Twists and turns and new info at every turn. Found family. Surprise heritage. An altogether outstanding read! I can’t wait for the next one. The narrator gave a great performance bringing the characters to life with several different accents and tones.

Hooked from the very beginning! The narration was wonderful. The twists and banter made it so hard to put down. I can’t wait to see what happens next!

The Courting of Bristol Keats

Book 1 in a duology and need book two NOW !!

Received an advanced audio copy with my favorite narrator- Queen Brittany Pressley.

Our main character, Bristol, is helping raise herself and her sisters after their parents are killed. When they start to receive letters from a relative, Great Aunt Jasmine, Bristol thinks they might finally be saved. She decides to meet them for, even though she is hesitant, when enticed with the promise of an ancient art piece.

One meeting turns into so much more- realizing everything she knew about her family was a lie, her parents may not be dead, and now she is journeying into a magical land that is unimaginable. Gods, dark fae, magic, love love love !!!

Bristol has to try and survive and makes a deal with Tyghan, fae king, to train and fight with him in exchange for money for her sister’s survival. Tyghan has his own secrets he’s keeping from Bristol and she’s not as safe as she thinks she is.

There was enough adventure to keep me engaged, I know some said it dragged on, but that wasn’t my experience. Had a little bit of everything- learning, training, short quests, etc.

Loved the narration, the story and adventure. Dying for more! Romantic epic fantasy, morally gray forbidden love. Chapters were from different character perspectives which through audio is always a little hard to track with a single narrator, but otherwise no complaints.

Ends in cliffhanger.

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the ALC in exchange of an honest review. Release date 11/12/24.

Firstly, thank you so much for getting to be an advanced audiobook reader for The Courting of Bristol Keats. I was a big Dance of Thieves fan, so I, like many others I’m sure, was really anticipating this release. It did not disappoint overall.

This book made me think a lot of The Cruel Prince by Holly Black. It had similar political schemes and undertones. Similar mortal vs. fae origin stories; however, this book is not a Young Adult Novel.

It was a bit of a slow burn, but there were some definite spicy scenes that made the wait worth it. Helped build up the angst between our FMC Bristol and the King Tyghan.

Now, I have a hard time with time difference issue between the mortal realm and the fae realm in this book. For Bristol’s dad he was gone long enough to raise adult children, yet in the fae world he’d only been gone a short while. Bristol’s dad should have been aware of that and yet they moved their entire lives to keep away? In a way it makes sense, but it also made things feel a bit disjointed somehow.

Also, it’s understandable why Tyg has a lot of anger against Bristol’s dad, but truthfully…. Once he learned the reason behind it, you would think he’d have come around a bit. Idk. Seemed a bit tantrum-esque.

This book did feel a bit long at points, so I think it could’ve likely been told in a few less chapters. That being said, overall it was a great read for fans of fae stories and of Mary E. Pearson. Definitely recommend, solid audiobook narration. Excited for the conclusion of the duology to be released!

This was a good book. I do wish it gave a bit more background to the parents of Bristol. I really loved "The remnant chronicles" by the same author, and was really excited getting this book. Besides being good, I also absolutely love the cover of it!
The abrupt ending made me a little frustrated, so now I am chomping at the bit for the next book in this duology!

The audiobook was well made and the narrator did a good job! It was easy to listen to and follow along with.