On the planet Falconia, it has long been acknowledged that women make better rulers than men. In their history, pure falcon shifters had nearly led their civilization to destruction.  Such men are therefore unwanted in tainting the lines of nobility with their rashness, though it is assumed that they will take their place as commanders to protect the people.   

Trusting in the magic of the sacred Chalice in choosing her mate, Princess Ari never imagines that the result will be marriage to her childhood nemesis.  Surely there must be some mistake since Falcoan Army Commander Rurik of the Fifth also happens to be a natural born falcon shifter. 

This is an amusing little story of childhood antagonism and the decoding of situations, to discover past hurts were not based as one would have thought.  Ari and Rurik have seemingly each had a crush on the other from youth but misunderstanding had been layered upon misunderstanding until each had simply felt crushed.  Antagonism ensued. 

Readers will enjoy the way that the author brings the two characters to know that they love and are loved in return.  Ari is emotionally braver in chancing ridicule from the somewhat belligerent hero.   Rurik, however, is incredibly sexy and the potential uses of those wings of his invite the imagination to run wild. 

Due to the portrayals of perceived offenses on both sides one may occasionally feel the direction of the tale to be a bit unsteady.  All the same this is a quick, fun, and spicy read.  There seems to be some hinting for further stories in this world and readers will surely wish to revisit it.

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