Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for sending me a free eARC in exchange of an honest review.This book has intrigued me, not only because of its pretty cover, but I was really into the premise of the story. It involves a world wherein women gifted with magic are showcased during a “Bargaining Season” in order to attract the wealthiest and most influential families, looking to breed magic into their bloodline or just expanding their horizons. It’s the season of arranged marriages.In this fantasy world, magic is common and men are required to be have settled down before they take the final step of being full pledge Magi. The women have it difficult, though, since in Chasland, women were required to be locked up in collars as soon as they marry. They only have a choice between staying unmarried and, therefore, a disgrace to their family in order to pursue their magic, or be married and only get to remove that collar, and their magic, 10 years after they last bled.I love the themes that the book has: from fighting the injustice for women, as well as social inequality, this book was so much more than I hoped for!I loved how Beatrice and Ysbeta developed from rival ingenues (the eligible ladies during the Bargaining Season) to the best of friends. It was a real treat to see them grow together. Another thing I loved about their characters was how they stood firm about what they want and what they believe in. Their loyalty is also something I greatly admired.And then, there’s the romance. Ladies and gentlemen, let me welcome another book boyfriend to the mix: Ianthe Lavan, you are a gem 😍See, the romance trope in the book was the insta love kind of thing, and I usually shun those books or just not enjoy them as much. But that’s because most books I’ve read with said trope was it just plateaus. The relationship doesn’t develop or level up. This one, though, they grew together, and just continues to make my blood boil!“I love you. And if I have to choose between you, fully within your destiny, or a son to continue the traditions that depended on keeping you diminished, I choose you”Beatrice and Ianthe are just so good for each other! Real OTP levels of kilig and relationship goals. He was ready to give up everything for her and he was willing to walk away if magic really was her happiness😭And Ianthe is just so swoon worthy 🥰 “I can’t reason when I’m near you. Time flies like a thief when you’re by my side, so much that I want a spell that slows the turning of the globe just for more time with you. Every time I see you, I am awed by you, delighted by you, comforted and moved by you. I am a greedy man, and I want every moment there is to have with you. I want to marry you, Beatrice Amara Clayborn.”So for all the hype you’ve read, why wasn’t I rating this as a five star read?There was a part towards the end of the book and between the epilogue that just seemed rushed for me. If it were a couple of pages longer, then the dynamics would have been given a chance to settle in and blow out my mind. That being said, the ending wrapped it up perfectly. The loose ends were are polished, and the open ended last line actually adds to the appeal of the book. It made me want more of it and I look forward to any sequel (if there are any) planned.