A Kiss of Iron

I went into *A Kiss of Iron* expecting another generic fantasy romance, but Sager’s sharp dialogue and layered world immediately sold me. The court intrigue is every bit as cutthroat as the publisher’s blurb promises—houses scheme, pawns get sacrificed, and the protagonist’s survival depends on reading everyone’s tells but her own. The romance isn’t instant; it’s built on stolen glances and carefully muted conversations, which makes the payoff that much sweeter. That said, the pacing drags in the middle when the political maneuvering drowns out the emotional core. A tighter edit might’ve kept the momentum from stalling. Sampino and Price are a revelation as narrators. Sampino’s voice is effortlessly authoritative, yet she twists it to reveal vulnerability in her protagonist’s moments of doubt. Price’s performance is equally compelling—his deep, measured tones make the love interest feel like a ticking bomb of barely contained passion. The only misstep? Some side characters feel underdeveloped due to the split narration, leaving their arcs feeling like afterthoughts. Still, the production quality is stellar, with lush sound design that immerses you in the world. If you crave romance with teeth and a heroine who fights as much as she loves, this audiobook delivers.