I was extremely grateful to be given the chance to read Anarchist Underground in its arc form for an honest review. 

Nicole has such an engaging style of writing that draws you in, makes you feel safe and warm and then throws you around until you're uncertain which way is up and what day it is. You become engrossed in her world building, her larger than life characters, the plot, the romance, the tension... the everything! 

Aela's story is compelling from the moment you meet her; she's a soldier with no war, a woman without purpose and has more fight in her little finger than I'll ever have in my entire lifetime. But it's the small hints of her mentality, who she is, where she's from and the mystery surrounding her that is so cleverly weaved into the narrative, that it makes her feel so much more than just a character in a book. 

Add in the delicious tension (all the kinds) with the ruggedly gorgeous, but tourtured Bryn, throw in a swathe of political intrigue that could overthrow a kingdom, then meet a nine year old kid that steals the show - and you have one of the best stand alone fantasy novels I have ever read. 

I don't want to give the story away, because I want people to enjoy how it unravels across the pages - but if you're in the market for: 

🗡 incredibly strong MFC
 🗡 found family
 🗡 banter
 🗡 forced proximity 
 🗡 enemies to lovers
 🗡 politics and scheming
 🗡 betrayals
 🗡 twists and turns 

Then I urge you to pick up this book. You won't regret it.