Nyx's father promised Ignifex a bride. Part of the deal he struck was to give up one daughter to be his wife. Nyx knew all her life she would be the wife a monster and trained on how to destroy him and the curse. Nyx grew up angry and resentful towards her dad and her sister who gets to stay and have the life she can't have. It is easy to understand how hate would brew being forced into a marriage with an evil overlord while your sister gets to live happy and free. Nyx looks at herself honestly though and knows she has hatred in her heart. But she would do anything to save her world. 
 Ignifex was a great character. I loved him but then at times I hated him. Which made him all the more complex and fun. He would do cruel things and there was one especially evil thing he did to Nyx that made me mad. At first I wasn't sure if I would fall for him. Then he would be charming and say sweet things and make me laugh. Ignifex and Nyx had the best banter. I loved their conversations whether they were arguing or teasing each other. Nyx expected someone hideous, cruel and demanding. Ignifex is very good looking expect for the red eyes with cat like slits. When she shows up he takes things slow. He is not at all like Nyx pictured but she made an oath to destroy him at all costs. 
 I like very loose re-tellings which is why I loved this so much. It seemed a little bit more Bluebeard than Beauty and the Beast to me. The magic and world building was unique although a little confusing for me at times. There were things in the house Nyx had to find and destroy to break the curse of the land. It is a little weird but I liked how different it was. Nyx is on a mission to find these things but as she gets to know Ignifex she realizes they actually have a lot in common. They both see each other clearly through all the flaws and hatred and love each other anyway. That made the romance really unique and enjoyable. I am always happy to find reads so different from what I usually read. I loved everything about this book. 
 "If you start wondering how this house works, you'll likely go mad. That could be amusing, I suppose. Especially if it's the kind of madness that causes you to run naked through the hallways. Do feel free to indulge in that anytime." 
 "Then don't," I said. "Stay right here and never strike another bargain." 
 "Oh, you're that desperate to be with me?" He leaned forward, his hand still on my shoulder. "If you wanted a kiss, you only needed to ask." 
 "You don't have to carry me," I said. "I can walk." 
 "I'm your lord husband. It's in my arms or over my shoulder." 
 "Over the shoulder." 
 "You want me holding you by the thighs? Not that I would mind." 
 "But you know what you are, and what you deserve. You lie to me but not to yourself. That's why I love you." 
 "I love you," he said. "I love you more than any other creature, because you are cruel, and kind, and alive. Nyx Triskelion, will you be my wife?" 
 "I know what you've done." 
 "The exciting parts, anyway." 
 *I received a free copy from Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review*