Broken Souls & Bones by LJ Andrews

She was meant to be forgotten. He was born to silence rebellion. Together, they might ignite a kingdom. From USA Today bestselling author and TikTok sensation L.J. Andrews comes a searing romantasy of forbidden magic, forced proximity, and enemies bound by fate. Broken Souls & Bones is the first book in a breathtaking new series filled with tension, betrayal, and slow-burn passion.

From the back cover:

Lyra Bien intended to live a quiet life to avoid the attention of the magic-obsessed king in the fortress of Stonegate. Until Roark Ashwood—the prince’s silent guard and rumored killer for the crown—invades her village and uncovers the truth behind the silver scars in her eyes. To save her best friend from death, she’s forced to reveal her abilities, and is immediately claimed by the crown as the next melder.

To be the King’s melder is to be revered and feared in equal measures, but above all it is a slow death sentence. Lyra is determined to find a way to free herself and her friends from bondage. But first she must get more information from the silent, brooding sentry who first took her captive: Roark.

As Lyra gets closer to Roark, she soon learns he’s nothing like she assumed—and in fact everything she needs. The more they work as allies, the harder it becomes to ignore the growing passion between them. After a sinister truth is revealed, Roark and Lyra must choose to stand against all they know, or accept their dark destiny.

Why you'll love it:

Tropes & Themes: Morally grey males, court intrigue, hidden magic, reluctant protector, forced proximity
Spice Level: 2/5

Product Information:

Format: Hardcover
Page Count: 480 pages
Series: The Broken Souls and Bones Series
Series Order: First