Was my Bridgerton obsession to blame for my interest in this book? Yes, however I really enjoyed this bachelor style romance. It was so entertaining that I didn’t want to put it down.

This was a story that just pulled me in and would not let go.

The world building was brilliant and the characters were totally engaging.

With the Mix of Historical fiction and Fantasy this book has a bit of everything.

I wanted to love this based on the plot and I jumped right in as soon as I got it on my app, but it is slow and the repetitiveness was awful. Mina could be so much more a FMC, but instead she's so boring and special and unique. At one point, I think I rolled my eyes so hard because she does not stop talking about either a) the "brothers" she left behind in the mines, or b) her being raised in a children's home and being taught ballet.

The latter was actually such a ridiculous idea, which I couldn't take seriously. Mina is flat. The prince is flat. Just about everybody is flat and unmemorable. There is a lot of French in this, which is fine, however, I really expected something else after reading the author's introduction and I was just left disappointed.

My final thought is this is tediousness in a book. Perhaps the story would translate better into a different medium, but writing was not it.

Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC. The above is my honest opinion.

A book set in an era of charm this is a book of fantasy, romance and life changes and is a book that will entice you and enthral you. A young woman (Mina) goes from orphan and slave to high society but how will this play out. Will her secret be revealed?

'Cinderella-ish in nature this makes for a fun and intriguing tale. But having said that it did take a while for me to really get into it as I found it a bit slow and long-winded. There are parts of this tale I could have done without but other parts I really enjoyed.

Great characters and the overall idea of the story is good but it just needed a bit more editing and I would have liked it more.

Thank you NetGalley and Reverie Book Co. LLC for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.

A fairytale-esque, Regency era drama where a young woman is snatched from her life of namelessness and poverty to one of intrigue and competition in high society. Mina never expects to be chosen as a student by one of the most respected etiquette tutors and to be thrust into the spotlight, vying for the attention of those in power — including the prince.

While this novel has an interesting premise and plenty of intrigue, I had a hard time investing myself in it. The MC turned me off often, as Mina certainly has a "not like other girls" attitude that I'm rather tired of. While I love fairytales, I also wasn't too impressed by the "beautiful girl who also has a hidden secret suddenly getting fame" trope. Oh well.

It's a fine, dramatic story, and I thank NetGalley and the author for lending me a copy.

It took me a really long time to read this. It is very wordy, and took a long time to get to the point. At halfway through the book I was getting slight Cinderella vibes, but little to no fantasy. There is a French influence in the language, and I do see the regency aspect. Mina is kind of boring, always talking about her life before. She is also very preachy and gives off goody two shoes vibes. Overall it did not deliver on what I thought was a really interesting description.There just wasn’t a great plot. I received this ARC for an honest review.

Mina was just a 19-year-old peasant, enslaved at 11, orphaned at 6, and never one blessed with good fortune. When she is suddenly thrust into the world of high society in the esteemed kingdom city of Vérmethia, there is but not a single hope she should win the game of competing for the crown prince’s hand.

I am always up for a good Royal Competition. This book was just perfect for that type of novel. Mina struggles during most of the book and I sometimes found her off-putting. However, she slowly becomes more and more likeable as the story progresses. This is a perfect blend of forced proximity and enemies to lovers, all with the royal matchmaking competition playing out in the background. I'm really looking forward to the next book.

Thank you to @netgalley and @reveriebookco for allowing me to review this book.

The Aureate Affairs by Kelsi Cripe is a captivating book that takes you on a thrilling adventure, moving from a peasant's simple life to the opulent world of Vérmethia.
The story revolves around 19-year-old Mina, who has faced unimaginable hardships, from orphanhood to enslavement. One day, Mina is taken to compete in a competition for the prince's hand and leave her old life behind.

I loved the world-building the author has created. The book cleverly combines fantasy, fairy tales, and the Regency period, forming a colorful and lively setting for the story. And I really enjoyed the characters, especially the MC Mina. She is an interesting character who isn't afraid to voice her opinions.
However, the first half of the book was too slow, primarily because it predominantly focused on Mina's internal thoughts. All in all, it was a fun read.

I can't wait to read the next book in this series.

Thank you for the Arc

Such a great book!!!!! I really enjoyed the plot. I loved the characters and your way of writing! Somehow, it feels like a retelling of Snow White... if she were cast into The Selection... and had some real magic powers. I beg to know if you are already working on the sequel (because I needed it yesterday and I didn't know). I would love to read more of your books.

I really wanted to love this book but the repetitiveness of it was very boring for myself. The mix of regency with debutantes and drama and glamour mixed with the fantasy/fairy tale theme excited me. However, the FMC was all over the place about her feeling which made it hard to keep track of how she was feeling during the book. I struggled through the first 80-85% of the book and things only started getting interesting in the last 15-20% where the fantasy side was more relevant. Based on the ending alone I am looking forward to the next book in the series!
Thank you Net Galley and Reverie Book Co. LLC for allowing me to read and review this book.

I was excited by the premise of this book: In a world where magic is outlawed, an orphaned young women gets taken from slavery to compete in a Regency-era type marriage mart. Of course we know she is special from the outcome and of course she has a fiery spirit. There are fairies and other magical creatures in gardens. Sign. Me. Up

But midway through the plot got lost and it consisted of her inner monolog agonizing between 2 men or her out loud lectures on equality and what it means to rule a nation. *Spoiler - she knows how to rule a nation because she's been a poorly treated slave.

I loved the premise and the promise, but wish the middle was significantly edited and the end expanded. Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this arc. The honest opinions are my own.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I received this ARC after the publication date.

I really wanted to like this!! As a huge fantasy girlie and a fan of Bridgerton, I had high hopes for this book. Unfortunately the first 60% or so fell extremely flat for me and I could have personally done with maybe half as much of it. I found the FMC's choices extremely confusing- she would have very contradictory feelings about the Prince (one minute loathing, but the next wanting to win him over). I additionally was turned off by the use of "slave" to describe the (assumed white) FMC and her experience in this fantastical world.

I really enjoyed the author's descriptive language and could easily see the settings in the castle and the outfits Mina wore in my head! I was so thrilled when the fantasy elements FINALLY started to come through in the last 10-15% or so- I wish there was more of that throughout the book!

I do not think I'll continue with the series, but I definitely enjoyed parts of it and wanted to keep reading!

Thank you NetGalley and BookBuzz for this eCopy to review

I enjoyed The Aureate Affairs a mix of regency historical romance and fantasy. The magical aspects are a great addition and breathe new life into the regency trope

I loved Mina’s character and how she overcomes her impoverished background and secrets. Can she win the competition for the Crown Price? You’ll have to read to find out

An enthralling blend of fantasy, romance, and Regency-era charm that whisks readers away into a world of elegance and intrigue. The novel introduces Mina, a young woman with a tumultuous past, who finds herself thrust into the realm of high society and a ruthless competition for the crown prince's affections. As Mina navigates this new world of opulence and etiquette, she must confront not only the secrets she carries but also the societal pressures and expectations that threaten to undo her.

Cripe's storytelling shines with its intricate world-building, compelling characters, and a delightful blend of genres. The Aureate Affairs offers a fresh take on the classic Cinderella story, weaving together a tale of self-discovery, forbidden romance, and the pursuit of one's own destiny. With its richly detailed settings, multifaceted characters, and themes of empowerment, the novel offers a captivating escape for readers who relish fantasy, romance, and a dash of mystery.

Hey, fellow book nerds! Ready for a ride that's part Cinderella, part Instagram-worthy glamour? Then The Aureate Affairs by Kelsi Cripe is calling your name. Imagine being plucked from a tough life and thrown into the whirlwind of high society – sounds like a fairy tale, right? But hold onto your gloves, because this story is more than just pretty dresses and charming princes.

Mina, the main character, is my spirit animal. Orphaned, enslaved, and as unlucky as a black cat on Friday the 13th, she's suddenly in a competition to win the crown prince's heart. And let me tell you, this isn't your average ballroom affair – we've got secrets, intrigue, and a dash of romance that'll have you swooning. If you're into daring heroines, forbidden love, and a story that's as captivating as a real-life Insta feed (but with more heart), this book's your golden ticket. Trust me, I read it in one breathless sitting and was left craving more glamour, mystery, and a whole lot of 'did not see that coming.

This was if Bridgerton was a fantasy and had magic. I really enjoyed the competition aspect and main character, Mina who was resilient in the situations she found her self in.

Add in the banter of the love interests, and it's a fun cozy fantasy romance. I thoroughly enjoyed the world building and magical aspects of the story being woven in seamlessly so that they are not the main focus of the story but integrated in the setting.

The hidden identity trope was especially interesting and can't wait to see where it goes next.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this arc.

Seamlessly blending regency elegance with fantasy, this book lives up to its promise of being a fusion between Throne of Glass and Bridgerton. Amidst opulent balls and whispered intrigues, magic, monsters, and demons infuse the narrative with a captivating edge.

The pace escalates as the plot approaches its zenith, seamlessly transitioning from fantasy to a touch of horror, intensifying the reading experience. However, amidst its allure, the narrative later falters, losing some of its coherence and slowing the otherwise dynamic journey.

Though undeniably enchanting, the book's length proves excessive. Trimming the narrative could have sustained its energy, ensuring a more focused engagement.

Overall I found this to be a fun read!

Thank you BookBuzz and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for a honest review!