Reviewed by Taylin
TITLE: Honeythorn 
AUTHOR: Marina Vivancos
PUBLISHER: Self-Published
LENGTH: 307 pages
RELEASE DATE: April 1, 2019
BLURB:
Omega Milan Pryor knows his duty. He must travel North through the continent towards the snow, the cold, and his new betrothed. They say that Lord Alpha Raphael Ledford, the man he is to marry, is as artic as the weather of his land. But Milan has always been an optimist. Perhaps he might find friendship in the arranged marriage. Even love.
It doesn’t take long for Milan to realize that all the rumours about Lord Raphael are true. Reclusive, distant, frigid. Milan finds himself unwelcome in what he must now call his new home. He’s used to fighting for what he wants—but can he survive a husband as cruel as Lord Raphael?
Being bonded to one who rejects you is a painful thing. Will Milan be able to win his husband’s regard? What terrible secret is Lord Raphael keeping, and will Milan be able to discover it before it’s too late?
Or will Milan perish along with his heart?
[This story takes place in an alternate universe regency-ish era. It is a non-shifter Alpha/Omega novella.]
REVIEW:
After a long war – to ensure peace, a series of marriages were arranged. Omega Milan was taken from his home in the hot south and promised to Alpha Lord Raphael in the green and cold North. Raphael knew it was his duty to marry, but his experience of marriage wasn’t a good one. Thus, he entered into the bonding with a cold soul and cold views. Nevertheless, Milan was optimistic.
This story is an engaging tale, told in the third person, that I greatly enjoyed. It has a good distance between the lines making for easy reading. So, even though there are 300+ pages, they pass by quickly. The setting is in an alternate universe, but the surroundings, décor, dress and propriety has a traditional period feel of grandeur and opulence. The era of Pride and Prejudice would not look out of place here.
Raphael shows compassion towards everyone except Milan. Other than during their bonding (which is hot as hell), Raphael is cold and distant. Despite being repeatedly knocked back, Milan refuses to be knocked down and attempts to make a life in a place he doesn’t know, with a husband who doesn’t want him. Eventually, though, Raphael’s rejection has Milan taking a turn for the worst.
I love a good dose of emotional angst. This story has it in spades, and I ate up every bit of it. I also liked that there were no miracle cures for the issues between Milan and Raphael.
Raphael is a damaged soul. His apathy is a combination of misinformation and experience with Omega’s. He has insecurities, too, which are given a kicking via another twist of the story, which I’m not going to reveal as I try my best not to give away spoilers. Let’s just say; subterfuge is involved.
As already said, I greatly enjoyed this story. The cast is small and varied. Whereas Raphael can be cold, Milan is vibrant, open and friendly. But, Raphael had his moments that totally melted me, and some of Milan’s scenes had my heart in my mouth.
Honeythorn was a well-paced Alpha/Omega story that had me riveted to the page.
RATING: 
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