Raelle’s backstory resonated with me more than I wanted to think about. She’d left a toxic home at nine, found refuge with the Tumultuari—a ragtag band of rebels—and built a life on her own terms. No family. No close friends. Just grit, survival, and a refusal to let her past define her.
I wasn’t exactly overthrowing monarchies, but I understood her solitary resilience. Sometimes I even liked to pretend I was as unapologetically fierce as she was.
My one complaint—and it was a big one—was Cassemir himself. Every time he and Raelle shared a scene, he managed to come off as pompous, arrogant, and utterly unappealing. How was I supposed to root for a man who seemed allergic to humility? I was several chapters in and still hadn’t found a single redeeming quality. So far, the only thing he inspired in me was mild irritation.
The author, who went byTheWriteGuy, had dropped hints that there was more to Cassemir beneath theprincely bravado, but the slow burn was edging towardtooslow. Without Raelle’s arc maintaining my interest, I might have abandoned the story already.
So, in a moment of bold reader honesty, I’d messaged him. Told him—politely, I thought—that I wasn’t connecting with Cassemir and why. With the number of reads his story had, I doubted my note would ever be seen, let alone answered.
But then a reply had appeared in my inbox. And with it, a rush of guilt. Who was I to critique someone’s main character? Reading was subjective, and clearly plenty of other people were smitten with Cassemir if the glowing comments were anything to go by.
Still,TheWriteGuyhad been gracious. Kind, even. He’d thanked me for the feedback and said he’d consider adjusting Cassemir’s early arc to bring out more of his depth sooner. His kindness made me feel even worse for my blunt message, but I’d doubled down with a follow-up message explaining I’d only wanted to offer a feminine perspective, because the story truly was compelling and I wanted to keep turning pages.
Since then, we’d been exchanging messages at night. It was casual, an easy back-and-forth about his characters, his plot, even a few glimpses into his writing process. I’d started checking my BookPad inbox more than I should probably admit.
Tonight, there was no notification. No waiting message. I tried not to be disappointed, but the absence left an inexplicable hollow feeling.
I clicked into the next chapter and started reading,but my attention wandered almost immediately. After rereading the same paragraph twice, I gave in. Navigating back to my messages, I opened his profile and began typing.
ReadToLiv
Fine. I take back what I said last night. You were right. On rare occasions a good-looking but arrogant guy can pique a woman’s interest.
I hit send and had barely started reading again when a notification pinged. My pulse kicked hard against my ribs—he’d already replied. It had only been a week since we’d started chatting, but I was already looking forward to these exchanges more than I’d ever confess.
TheWriteGuy
So you’re admitting that Raelle could feel chemistry with Cassemir from their first meeting? Interesting. After your messages claiming otherwise, I need to know what has caused this change of heart.
I wasn’t surprised by his cocky tone. Over the last several nights, it had become obvious he’d infused some of his own personality into Cassemir. Which, in this discussion, gave another point in his favor—and proved I was wrong. Grr.
ReadToLiv
Let’s just say that some events helped me realize my error.
TheWriteGuy
I love being right. Please expound on these events.
I rolled my eyes even though he couldn’t see me.
ReadToLiv
There will be no expounding. All you need to know is that I met a guy who was frustrating, infuriating, ridiculously handsome, who made me nervous and … excited. So I guess Raelle’s reaction to Cassemir is legit. I just hadn’t experienced it personally before.
TheWriteGuy
This must have been some guy to get you all hot and bothered.
ReadToLiv
I did not get all hot and bothered! Just a little frazzled.
TheWriteGuy
Do you think you are going to see him again?
His question felt more personal than our previous exchanges, which had stuck to books and plots. Despite that, I found myself wanting to answer anyway.