Velasin vin Aaro never planned to marry at all, let alone a girl from neighboring Tithena. When an ugly confrontation reveals his preference for men, Vel fears he’s ruined the diplomatic union before it can even begin. But while his family is ready to disown him, the Tithenai envoy has a different solution: for Vel to marry his former intended’s brother instead.

Caethari Aeduria always knew he might end up in a political marriage, but his sudden betrothal to a man from Ralia, where such relationships are forbidden, comes as a shock.

With an unknown faction willing to kill to end their new alliance, Vel and Cae have no choice but to trust each other. Survival is one thing, but love—as both will learn—is quite another.

First and foremost, if you like a love story, this is one of the best I’ve read in recent times. In this novel, Foz Meadows explores gender and sexual identity with ease, creating a world where there are intricate and beautiful relationships, caring and loving characters, intriguing magical elements, and intricate politics and intrigue. The novel is addictive and beautiful. 

What makes the love story shine in this fantasy novel is the level of detail to both characters, Velasin and Cae. Both characters are deep and complex. Vel struggles with accepting the relationship, with past events while Cae gives him honesty and caring. Both characters are engaging and incredibly easy to like. 

While I did make a guess as to who was trying to kill the alliance, the conclusion was also well written with enough surprises and intrigue to keep a reader engaged and the pace made me not want to put the book down once. I gulped down the novel. If you like a beautiful love story with a romance not set up in the typical fashion, then I highly recommend A Strange and Stubborn Endurance. It was an addictive and beautiful story. 

Rating: 5 out 5 threats