After the supposed death of her mother and father Bristol Keats is thrown into a world of fae and magic in order to protect her sisters and find her father.

Is the plot pretty predictable yes did that hinder my enjoyment not all. I found it fun and fast paced love the world and detail of all the different fae. Bristols growth and development and uncovering the secrets had me invested.

Knocked off one star for the ending I felt forgiveness was given too quickly and easily. Looking forward to book 2.

I really loved this romantic story! I thought it was a great take on fae and a nice addition to Mary's books. It's a little slower than some other romantasies but once you are invested it's excellent. Highly recommend!

I really enjoyed this book and I can't wait for the next one. The story was easy to follow from the very beginning and I really enjoyed the characters,the plot was also really interesting and had me eager to know more. It felt a bit slow at times, but other that I absolutely loved it.

Thank you to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for the eARC!

This was my first book by this author, but it certainly won’t be the last. I really enjoyed the characters, the captivating setting, and the plot. While I found the pacing a bit slow at the beginning, it gradually picked up and kept me hooked.

I did feel a bit lost initially with the world-building and the introduction of the creatures, but as the story unfolded, everything became much clearer. The tension and romance between Bristol and Tyghan were absolutely brilliant and kept me turning the pages.

I can’t wait to dive into the second book in the series!

**I reviewed this is all the usual places and totally forgot to pop it on here (which is kinda the point!!) but here it is :)

I genuinely don't know what I was expecting from this story, because honestly, give me a promising blurb and I'll happily dive in quite blind to whatever world is placed before me.

The Courting of Bristol Keats is a delightful slow burn of a book.

Bristol and Tyghan are both fragile and vulnerable in their own ways, thrust together through needs and desires to secure a future for a family and a people.

The world building is beautiful, with the history and mythology of Tuatha Dé Danann (Irish, pre Christian, origin folklore) is beautiful woven into the world of Elphame, the pace is spot on and I can't think of a single character that wasn't fleshed out exactly as you'd want them to be.

There are lies and treachery, bonds forged of fierce loyalty and duty, and for some, an almost desperate, consuming passion, tenderness, and finally a place that feels like home, like somewhere to belong ❤️

There are plot twists and turns - revelations I did not see coming despite the fact that it was right there if I had just looked!

The ending is not ok, but it's also kind of ok because it would have been way worse a few pages earlier, nonetheless I need the next one in my hands like I need my next breath!

The Courting of Bristol Keats is my favourite book of the year so far after Lilith, but they're quite different genres and this is 100% my favourite fantasy of 2024!

5 huge stars, can't recommend enough, it's the Fae story I didn't know I needed or wanted but now it's here I can't get enough and I absolutely need more.

Thank-you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the eArc.

A fantasy romance featuring fae and monsters? Right up my street! Is what I'd thought.

The Courting of Bristol Keats is the first of a duology following Bristol Keats, an orphan in charge of looking after herself and her sisters in an unforgiving world. Life is tough and money is hard to come by. Until a mysterious distant Aunt makes a proposal on the behalf of a Fae King to enlist Bristol's help in an adventure.

Much like other reviewers, I have to question whether this has been edited. The story is dense and oddly detailed. The pacing is incredibly slow, I was 100 pages in before anything really got started. The side characters are quickly introduced and have little to help identify themselves - they talk the same, act the same and often sound the same to the reader. The chapters change their narrating character frequently and with little warning. And dear lord that ending!

Interesting premise, poor execution.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC.

At 560 pages, this definitely felt like a slog at times and I feel some editing could have been made while still retaining the key plot elements. Also, what the hell with that abrupt ending? I did enjoy elements of the novel, while others felt recycled from every fae romantasy published in the last ten years. And weirdly, I actually liked the supporting cast more than the main protagonists, particularly the recruits. Pearson has left a lot of loose ends to be wrapped up in the next installment, so it will be interesting to see how she does it.

The Courting of Bristol Keats is an enjoyable romantasy steeped in Irish mythology.

I really like Mary E. Pearson’s writing style, however, I did feel this read very YA. The characterisations often lacked the depth I would expect in a new adult novel. The resolution of the conflict was very underwhelming and I was left confused with the poor ending. There were various other points in the book that would have made more sense, rather than with a sex scene which didn’t really add anything to the plot. Those scenes were well written, but just seemed like an odd choice.

Overall, this was a fairly quick and easy read with interesting magic and other elements. There is enough intrigue for me to want to continue with the series, but I was a little disappointed. I would still recommend this to lovers of romantasy and particularly to those new to the genre.

This book was beautifully written, as are all Mary E Pearson books. It was full of magic and strong relationships, whether that be friendship, sisterhood or romantic. This was Pearson’s first adult book and it was nice to see characters of a similar age to myself trying to find themselves. There was some spice in this book and it was very tasteful, to reassure those who are adverse to those kinda scenes.
The main male lead Tyghan was lying to Bristol through most of the book, which was hard because their relationship felt natural and sweet (only a little bit of enemies, mostly lovers).
I was desperate for more closure at the end of the book, but it is a duology so I am hoping we get everything we need in book 2. I am so excited to meet Bristol’s mother
This was not a quick read, it took me a few weeks to get through, but that wasn’t necessarily a bad thing because I enjoyed every bit I read.
Overall rating is 4.5 stars

𝑩𝒐𝒐𝒌 𝒊𝒏 𝑬𝒎𝒐𝒋𝒊𝒔: 💕🐍🚪🕰️🧌🏰

𝑾𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒊𝒔 𝒊𝒕: Book 1 in an adult Romantasy Duology for fans of The Folk of the Air series🤭

𝒀𝒐𝒖 𝒄𝒂𝒏 𝒆𝒙𝒑𝒆𝒄𝒕:
🩷Secrets & Mystery
💚Hidden Identities
🩷Fae Realm & Faerie Courts
💚Time between the human and Fae Realm is wibbly wobbly
🩷Slow Burn Reluctant Allies/Enemies to Lovers


𝑹𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘:
This was a really enjoyable fantasy in the same vein as The Cruel Prince. The Fae world was dangerous and dark, the characters morally grey and the love interest a brooding, secretive king who just can’t stay away from the human FMC who bargained with him.

I thought the world building was good, with Elphame being a richly crafted place both seductive and deadly with an often gothic edge and I was invested in unraveling the secrets and mysteries of the story.

There were two things that stopped me from rating this higher: the length and ending of the book. This book was chonky (over 500 pages) and I actually felt towards the end that a climax, confrontation and resolution weren’t far off. If some bits had been cut/sped up in the middle then it probably could have been a standalone. Honestly though, I probably wouldn’t have felt like that if it wasn’t for the strange and abrupt ending- I have never read anything end so abruptly and in such an … odd?… place. I will be interested to see if Book 2 is another 500+ page book and where the plot will go next

I think most fantasy lovers, especially fans of Holly Black, will enjoy this one and feel compelled to keep reading like I was. For me, this was set to be a 4.25/4.5⭐️ up until the ending which brought it down a little BUT I do still definitely recommend giving it a go!

𝑹𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈: ⭐️⭐️⭐️.75

The Courting of Bristol Keats follows Bristol as she becomes entangled in the world of Elfhame. After being forced into a deal with a fae king she must learn to navigate magic, mystery, deceit and romance.

Whilst my overall opinion of this book is a positive one, I did find the pacing was weird. I felt the plot (and therefore my investment in the story and characters) didn’t arrive until the second half.

I really loved the political intrigue that we encountered as the second half of the book progressed and I can’t wait for the second book in this duology.

The romance felt a little ‘insta-love’ and I would have appreciated some more yearning and tension on the lead up to them getting together. I did enjoy the scenes between Bristol and Tygan later on in the book and I loved how messy their situation became.

I really enjoyed the writing and the whimsy of the world. I’m very much looking forward to book 2 and in the meantime I’ll finally be reaching for Mary E Pearson’s Dance of Thieves duology.

I would just like to add that the ending was the most abrupt and bizzare way to end a book I’ve ever encountered. Had we been left with a cliff hanger it may have tipped the scales towards a 4⭐️ review from me.

What I loved: the slow burn was great, and an enjoyable "enemies to lovers". I appreciated that Bristol wasn't made out to be perfect from the beginning, but had to earn her skills and friendships. I loved the relationship with her sisters, and am looking forward to seeing where that might go in the next book.


What I didn't love: the very abrupt ending. I also feel the plot and characters weren't quite fully delivered, I can't really tell the difference between most of the side characters. Also, for a long book, I don't feel much happened. Hopefully book 2 will flesh out the characters more, and I am keen to see where the story goes.

The Courting Of Bristol Keats
Mary E. Pearson

“It’s like he doesn’t want to lose sight of a poisonous serpent, but wants to keep a safe distance too.”

I was enchanted by this read.

“And we need answers. What if they come for us next? We can’t run forever, Cat. Don’t you want to stop running too?”

This is a thrilling romantic fantasy full of mysterious and dangerous fae, dark secrets and addictive romance.

‘But here there was a certain ruthless need for relationships. Be friendly in return for help. It was more of a cool business deal than a friendship, but maybe it was one way to grow a friendship, the deeper kind where intimacies were shared.’

Bristol Keats and her sisters struggle to stay afloat after losing their parents. Bristol receives letters saying they have an Aunt eager to help and is sceptical, never having heard of additional family. Reluctantly Bristol agrees to meet and discovers a whole new world and that absolutely everything she knew about her family is a lie.

“Because brothers and admissions are boring, and secrets are infinitely more entertaining.”

Bristol makes a fae bargain to journey to a land of gods and fae and monsters. Pulled into the dangerous world of magic and intrigue, she will quickly learn nothing is as it seems.

“This is not a dalliance,” he whispered, and then he was gone.’

I was expecting it to end at a more precarious place but still eagerly anticipating the next book. I have questions!!! And want more.

“Pay no attention to the chinwag of court. Gossip is a favourite pastime of the idle.”

This is the first book in a duology.

‘Or was it just common, everyday hope? Maybe hope was mortal magic. She would take either kind.’

(Review posted 1st December 2024).

Wow. This book was so hard to put down. I finished it in the span of around 4 days, I believe. I am not okay. The Courting of Bristol Keats really is reminiscent of Cruel Prince and A Feather So Black, in the best ways possible. In the realm of gods, fae, and monsters, the story begins when Bristol Keats, the indomitable protector of her sisters, learns that her family history is steeped in secrets and letters from a mysterious ‘aunt’ lead Bristol to a revelation that shatters her reality: her father was not killed but kidnapped, whisked away to the magical faerie realm. Determined to rescue him, Bristol embarks on a journey that pulls her into a dangerous and seductive world of faes, questionable alliances and of course, forbidden-ish romance (unbeknownst to Bristol).

First we have Bristol, I love her. Then, we have Tyghan, a fae king with the biggest trauma and trust issues. Then we have Tyghan’s entire court whom, with the exception of Eris (and another side character I completely forgot the name of but is assigned as Bristol’s ‘bodyguard’) annoyed the hell out of me and I lowkey sorta hated them all because of how they treated Bristol in certain parts of the book. I adored Eris and Tyghan though, and Bristol too. Bristol is sharp-witted, fiercely loyal, and steadfast in her moral convictions, with her fiery personality matched only by Tyghan’s brooding intensity. Haunted by betrayal and trauma, Tyghan’s calculated pragmatism and emotional scars make him a layered, fascinating counterpart. Their chemistry is electric, and their interaction crackles with so much sexual tension and unspoken longing that I was constantly yelling in my head for them to JUST FCK ALREADY. If you’re in the mood for some sizzling romance with a peppering of tender vulnerability, then you’re in for a treat besties.

I also absolutely fricking loved that horse. I never knew how entertaining a horse’s POV could be. I feel like Bristol’s perspective, with the occasional interludes from Tyghan and other characters’ POV, provides fresh angles on the narrative and builds suspense without ever feeling overcomplicated. I usually don’t tend to enjoy books with more than 3 POVS but this book did it SO well. I also think that Pearson balances action, intrigue, and emotional depth with finesse. From deadly bargains to moments of humor and poignancy, the story leaves no emotional stone unturned. Beyond the plot and characters, the world-building was so vividly rendered, with the landscapes and power dynamics pulsing with life and whimsy. My only criticism would be that ‘Elphame’ is literally a copy and paste of ‘Elfhame’ and I feel like it draws too many parallels to The Cruel Prince’s ‘Elfhame’ that it almost felt like I was reading a fanfiction of The Cruel Prince? Idk, maybe that’s just me and my weird brain though. I loved the book nonetheless, and I feel that this book’s greatest achievement lies in its ability to captivate and surprise at every turn. There was so much great balance between action, romance and the pacing just felt great to me! The end did feel slightly rushed because I honestly didn’t even feel like the ending was an ending?? I wouldn’t call it a cliffhanger either... it sorta just... ended?

Despite its flaws, I absolutely devoured this; the romance the world of the fae, TYGHAN and the spice!!!! A truly beautiful start to a promising romantasy, this is a must-read for fans of this genre! I need book two please!

Tropes to Love:

-Hate to Love?
-Grumpy, broody Fae MMC
-Spicy (LOVED IT)
-Whimsical worldbuilding
-Lyrical prose but also extremely addictive and easy to read
-Slow burn romance

DNF @ 30%

I always feel guilty for DNFing arcs, but if I'm not vibing with a book with almost 600 pages, I sure as hell cannot keep pushing myself. I was quite excited to read this, but the pacing just didn't work for me. The magic system couldn't hold my interest for long. I might give this a second chance when I'm in the right mindset, but I don't see that happening anytime soon.

This book was amazing and I adored it so much! I hadn't read any Mary E Pearson books before this but I now get why everyone is obsessed with her 💖

This book is the first in a duology and follows Bristol Keats, whose parents have both recently died, when the fae show up on her doorstep and want to take her to Elphame as they believe that she has the power to control portals. Although she is initially resistant to this, when Bristol discovers the her father might actually be alive and in Elphame, she agrees to go with them and discover if she does have magic, however she is unaware of her family's messy history with the fae.

I really loved the writing and Bristol's characterisation was so good - she was such an enjoyable MC and I loved reading from her respective. The second largest POV is that of her love interest, Tyghan, who is your standard blend of torturted, grumpy, brooding fae love interest, but the way he melted for Bristol and grew as person was really great to read. I do understand some of the critique of the romance - it is beautifully slow burn for the first 40-50% and then dives into smut a bit abruptly - but this is an almost 600 page book so it does take them over 300 pages to get together and given how fast paced the last part of the book is I dont hate how the romance was paced and I loved reading about their pining just as much as them being in a relationship together.

Although the two main POVs of the book are Bristol and Tyghan, this is a multi POV book - which I really enjoyed as the occasional extra POVs really gave a chance to explore and grow the side characters and the world. There are a few POVs from animals or sentient objects which I understand why some people wouldn't like but honestly this made the book richer for me and I really liked this. This is a difference from your standard YA or romantasy but I thought it worked well. I also really enjoyed the world - the whimsical, politically complex, and magical depictions of the fae very much give the Cruel Prince vibes.

I've seen some people complain about the pacing being a bit slow but maybe because I listened to the audiobook the pacing wasn't an issue at all for me. If I was to critique anything it would be that that I wished that there had been a bit more action and plot movement at the very end but everything is set up and ready to kick off at the start of book 2 - The Last Wish of Bristol Keats can't come soon enough!

This advanced copy was provided by Tor Bramble, via Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.

The Courting of Bristol Keats seemed to be a promising story. It follows Bristol Keats as she struggles to make ends meet. Her parents have recently passed away and she took on the responsibility of caring for her sisters. After a few unfortunate events, she meets up with her long lost aunt in order to receive an heirloom, and instead finds herself in the midst of the fae politics and a few revelations.

I think the premise is very interesting and I was thoroughly entertained during the first 30%. However, this book feels unedited and unfinished. I think it needed more editing.

I felt the story was dragging as the chapters went by and there was no clear reasoning behind everything. There is this desperation to have Bristol help the fae but then she has to go through training. Information was also revealed throughout the story but not much came from it. And finally, the ending read as an unfinished chapter or paragraph. And I disliked how it ended.

We have been building up to this action and it ends before it comes to fruition.

I needed this to have more action than it did and the romance was very sudden.

Mary E. Pearson is such a beloved author in the book community, I really hoped I could love this. I didn't enjoy how the story progressed and the choices that were made.

Bristol Keats and her two sisters live in the smalltown of Bowskeep and are struggling to keep afloat following the death of their parents. She may be the middle sister, but Bristol is undeniably the alpha sister, protecting them and taking charge. So when she receives a letter from someone claiming to be her father’s aunt who is offering to help them, she feels it her responsibility to meet her. But the meeting isn’t what she expected and Bristol discovers that everything she’s believed about herself and her family is a lie. Her parents were actually from another realm called the Danu Nation. A magical realm inhabited by otherworldly creatures that terrify Bristol at first. Not only that, but she also learns that her father’s death may have been faked. Suddenly, it seems like all the years that Bristol and her family have been running from a mysterious force is beginning to make sense. Wanting to know more, find out the truth and hoping to save her father, Bristol agrees to a pact. She will travel to Danu Nation and carry out a task in exchange for a financial reward. After arriving in this dangerous and unfamiliar world, Bristol agrees to another, even deadlier bargain. This time with Tyghan, the fae king. The two slowly get closer but unbeknownst to Bristol, Tyghan is the reason her parents fled Danu Nation and have been running all these years. And he is just as determined as she is to find her father, but has more sinister motives…

Layered, complex, fantastical and compelling, The Courting of Bristol Keats is a dazzling romatasy told on an epic scale. With evocative imagery, wonderful storytelling and richly drawn characters, Mary E. Pearson transported me into the magnificent world she created. It’s a world of magic, fae, gods and monsters. A dangerous but intriguing world that you will get lost in. This is a pretty chonky book so it takes a while for the story to get going as Ms. Pearson builds the world and introduces us to the huge cast of characters. But it soon picks up pace and I found myself completely enthralled by the story and characters. I love a good forbidden romance, and Ms. Pearson has written this one brilliantly. There’s a strong sense of tension, longing and desire as the will-they-won’t-they romance between Bristol and Tyghan plays out. I was totally #TeamBrighan (can we make that a thing?). And that ending! It left me full of questions, desperate for more, and I can’t wait for book two.

✔️enemies to lovers
✔️secrets and lies
✔️forced proximity
✔️ human x fae
✔️ found family
✔️ multi-pov

The moment I knew Mary E. Pearson was releasing a new book I was itching to read it. She's one of my favourite fantasy authors and I'm so excited about this new world she's created. The Courting of Bristol Keats is an unputdownable, intriguing story filled with magical things, wonderful characters, tension and romance but it is also about grief, family, heartbreak, lies, healing and forgiveness.

I was so captivated by this beautifully complex world with its magic system, mythology and depth. At times, it felt a bit confusing but that's usual when reading a new fantasy world.

I absolutely loved the characters and they were a joy to read. Bristol, our fmc, is this strong, brave, driven and passionate woman who loves fiercely and will protect and fight for those she loves like no other. Tyghan, our mmc, was swoon-worthy for sure -- as all the men Mary writes-- he's also fierce and passionate for his people and I loved reading them and how they fall in love. They're both so strong and brave but both are also hurting and trying to keep living after so much heartbreak. I'm so eager to read more about these two and where they'll go in book 2.

Of course, the writing was just stunning. Mary E. Pearson has a way with words that just makes it impossible to stop reading. The way her words just capture and enrapture you in such a way you won't be able to stop reading or thinking about this book.

I have to say I did expect more twists or betrayals [after the remnants chronicles and dance of thives] but it wasn't unpleasant. Mary E. Pearson has brought to life a completely different world and story that it's quite refreshing to read something so new from her.

The romance, or rather the love part itself, felt a bit rushed at times but I loved how perfectly they fit each other. And there are such sweet and beautiful moments that I can't even convey how much I love them. The ending was a bit abrupt and sort of odd in my opinion. It didn't end in a huge cliffhanger per se but I almost felt as if it ended mid-chapter.

In spite of these things, I genuinely loved this book and can't wait to read more about this world and these characters. There's so much that needs to unfold yet, so much to come and I'm so here for it!

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Pan Macmillan for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

I absolutely adored this book. It was so beautifully written, with fantastic imagery. Bristol was a solid main character, a great female lead who was captivating and realistic. I loved her background story and how that played into the plot specifically, as upsetting as it was!
I also loved Tyghans character. I thought he was complex and interesting with plenty of depth to keep you reading.

The plot was superb. With action, and twists and turns that made me gasp but also whimsical and soft which gave me the ultimate cosy vibes!