The Winter King by C.L. Wilson

After three long years of war, starkly handsome Wynter Atrialan will have his vengeance on Summerlea’s king by taking one of the man’s beautiful, beloved daughters as his bride. But though peace is finally at hand, Wynter’s battle with the Ice Heart, the dread power he embraced to avenge his brother’s death, rages on.

Khamsin Coruscate, Princess of Summerlea and summoner of Storms, has spent her life exiled to the shadows of her father’s palace. Reviled by her father, marriage to Wintercraig’s icy king was supposed to be a terrible punishment, but instead offers Kham her first taste of freedom—and her first taste of overwhelming passion. – Goodreads

Growing up (and to this day), my Oma always keeps a “smut” book in her bathroom. Throne reading. For as long as I can remember, there has always been some paperback novel depicting a shirtless, ripped man and some girl falling out of her dress. With swirly letters. And pastels. My mom would only read them on vacation.

One time, I tried to read one. I was horrified and immediately cast it aside, wondering why anyone would ever read something so terribly written, boring, and awkwardly “steamy”.

After reading Alyssa’s review of The Winter King, I was hesitant to buy this. After all—the cover definitely features pastels, swirly font, and awkwardly intimate people (though clothed—I figured even the Winter King would have to draw the line at freezing temperatures). But she said it was a fantastic high fantasy read, so what could I say? I wanted to try it out.

It was awesome. Though my husband made fun of me mercilessly for reading “booknerd porn”, it was much more than the several pages of passion that kept me hooked.

First of all, I loved Wilson’s writing style. She flipped between characters flawlessly (though it was jarring at first, as there were no chapter breaks or lines…just one paragraph to another and boom). The story flowed, the dialogue was fantastic, and I truly felt like I knew the characters.

I was concerned that it would be a Stockholm Syndrome story, though Alyssa’s review said otherwise—so I wasn’t too worried. It wasn’t. It took Kham and Wynter a while to get to know one another, which was nice.

The magic structure and worldbuilding was fabulous. I could definitely tell the cultural and physical differences between the people and land of Summerlea and Wintercraig.

My only gripe: I hated Wynter’s name. The Winter King is named Wynter? For real?

This read definitely for mature readers only. The sex scenes were somewhat poetic, but definitely a little graphic if that type of thing is not your cup of tea. If you’re looking for a great high fantasy romance read, this is the ticket. I’m excited for book two! I rated The Winter King a 5/5 on Goodreads.