Book of the month - December 2025

The Ties that Bind Them: The Queen's War Book 1

By Alix Godwin

Alix Goodwin's debut novel offers a vivid and immersive journey into a demon world that feels strikingly real. The world-building is rich in atmosphere and detail, creating a setting that's easy to picture and even easier to get lost in.

At the heart of this hauntingly beautiful story is Lillia Sparre, a woman bound by a promise she made in life; a promise that has turned into a curse after death. With war raging across the underworld and her soul already forfeit, Lillia's only chance at freedom lies in trusting the last creature she should: Sitri, a cold hearted demon Prince who trades in secrets and subservience. He sees through her defiance instantly, drawn to the enigma she presents; the magic seal marking her as his rival's property, the fire that refuses to die even in death. Determined to possess both her and the secrets she carries, Sitri makes her his ward and his weapon, but Lillia has never been one to bow easily.

What follows is a dangerously intoxicating game of lies, loyalty, and power. As Lillia fights to outwit the Prince of Lies himself, her determination to break every chain she's ever known collides with Sitri's need to control a world that's slipping through his fingers. Their alliance begins as manipulation and mistrust, but the deeper they descend into the politics and peril of Hell, the more their fates intertwine. When Lillia's past returns to claim her, Sitri becomes the only thing standing between her and the demon who owns her soul. Every choice tightens the noose, between truth and deceit, freedom and damnation, and in the end, Lillia must decide whether to let the Prince claim her… or destroy him completely.

The slow-burn, enemies-to-lovers romance is beautifully crafted, full of tension, sharp banter, and genuine emotion. Rather than rushing into the action, Goodwin allows the relationship to unfold gradually, focusing on dialogue and character interaction. That choice makes the eventual shift from animosity to affection feel earned and deeply satisfying.

While much of the major action takes place later in the story, the steady build up works perfectly here. It allows readers to connect with the characters on a more emotional level and to appreciate the complexity of their dynamic.

For a debut, this is an incredibly strong start. The characters are likeable and well developed, the pacing deliberate yet rewarding, and the world-building consistently engaging. Alix Goodwin has a clear talent for balancing romance, tension, and fantasy elements in a way that feels both intimate and epic.

This was an easy pick for my Book of the Month. It’s the kind of story that lingers long after you've turned the last page; dark, emotional, and beautifully written. The tension between Lillia and Sitri is addictive, the world feels alive with danger and desire, and every chapter pulls you a little deeper into the underworld's intrigue. Alix Goodwin’s writing strikes that rare balance between lyrical and raw, making this debut both heart

renching and utterly captivating. It’s one of those reads that reminds you why you love fantasy romance in the first place