A Furious Muse

Author: AJ Nuest
Publication: November 27, 2014
Source: Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

Summary from Goodreads: Since the day of her birth, Princess Faedrah Austiere has been defined by her place within the kingdom. As the single heir to the half-blood gypsy king and his prophesied white queen, she is fiercely protected, shuttered inside an ivory castle and well-trained in the art of war. Yet neither her obligations as future queen nor the black infestation threatening her kingdom fail to hinder the mysterious pull of the antique armoire hidden in her parents’ bedchamber. And stealing the golden key for a leap through time is the only way to confront the dark lord haunting her dreams.
One face. The image of one defiant, relentless woman has been stuck in Rhys McEleod’s head ever since he was old enough paint her luscious curves on the canvas. But the day she walks into his life off the street—sexier than hell and itching for a fight—he’s not convinced she’s the same women he’s envisioned since childhood. That is, not until he spots the golden key around her neck—an object he’d never fully shown in any of his paintings.
Now if he could just persuade his lovely muse he’s not the enemy. Unless the elusive Faedrah Austiere learns to trust him, he’ll never have her in his bed—the one place he’s convinced she belongs.

Rating: êêêê

Review
First, an FYI: The Golden Key Legacy is a spin-off/continuation of The Golden Key Chronicles. You do not have to read the Chronicles to enjoy this book, but I strongly recommend that you do because it will make this story that much better, plus the Chronicles were REALLY good!

OK, so onto the actual review...
I read this novella in two sittings. Faedrah was a likeable character right from the start. I was thrilled that some of my favorites from the Chronicles were present as well. Rhys was a bit difficult at first, however he quickly grew on me.

The plot moved at a decent pace. This is the first novella in a series of 4 and it has set the scene and the tone for the next installments. There is a palpable sexual tension between Faedrah and Rhys and I am really looking forward to the development of their relationship. AJ has an amazing talent for writing swoonworthy men and steamy scenes.

The ending is a bit of a cliffhanger, and it stole my breath away. I am now anxiously awaiting the release of the second book.