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Lady Maximilian is forced to marry Riftan Calypse, a lowborn knight, to suit her father, the Duke of Croyso, and his political schemes. Riftan leaves the morning after their wedding on a dragon-hunting campaign and doesn't return for three years. He comes back a war hero and takes Maxi to his castle in remote Anatol, but their relationship is fraught with misunderstandings as Maxi adjusts to life as a wife and mistress of a grand estate. Maxi was physically and emotionally abused by her father for her stutter, and readers will cheer as she slowly finds her footing in Anatol. While fans of the beloved manhwa version of this story may be interested in reading the novel, this updated and official translation shines a glaring light on the consistent marital rape that happens between Riftan and Maxi. Riftan is no longer simply the misunderstood warrior. His lack of communication skills exacerbates the issues of consent between the pair during their sexual interactions. His brusque nature was endearing in the manhwa, but it reads as abusive in the novel. VERDICT This English-language novelization of the popular South Korean webnovel and comic is less successful in this format.—Maria Martin