From New York Times bestselling author Mary E. Pearson comes a thrilling romantic fantasy full of dangerous fae, dark secrets, and addictive romance.

After losing both their parents, Bristol Keats and her sisters struggle to stay afloat in their small, quiet town of Bowskeep. When Bristol begins to receive letters from an “aunt” she’s never heard of who promises she can help, she reluctantly agrees to meet—and discovers that everything she thought she knew about her family is a lie. Even her father might still be alive, not killed but kidnapped by terrifying creatures to a whole other realm—the one he is from.

Desperate to save her father and find the truth, Bristol journeys to a land of gods and fae and monsters. Pulled into a dangerous world of magic and intrigue, she makes a deadly bargain with the fae leader, Tyghan. But what she doesn’t know is that he’s the one who drove her parents to live a life on the run. And he is just as determined as she is to find her father—dead or alive.

Book Type:

Fantasy / Romance

Review: The Courting of Bristol Keats

Mary E. Pearson’s The Courting of Bristol Keats is an enchanting blend of romantic fantasy, fae lore, and family drama—an exciting and promising series starter.

The story follows Bristol Keats, who, after losing her parents, learns that her life is intertwined with dangerous fae creatures and hidden family secrets. Her journey to rescue her father pulls her into a world of gods, magic, and intrigue, forcing her into a precarious alliance with Tyghan, a powerful fae leader.

This slow-burn romantasy shines with Pearson’s immersive worldbuilding and well-drawn characters. The novel brims with fae politics, betrayal, and dark magic, where romance and tension collide in just the right way. Pearson skillfully balances Bristol’s personal struggles with the larger magical plot, making both the emotional stakes and fantasy elements feel just as gripping.

Readers who love fairy lore, slow-building romance, and intricate storytelling will get hooked on how Pearson brings this world to life. With strong hints of future twists, this first installment is the kind of read that leaves you excited—and clamoring—for what comes next.