4.5 stars 
 I had no plans to read this book. I liked the pretty cover but that was about where it ended. The story didn't grab my attention. But then something changed and I became curious about the book/series that everyone talks about. After questioning Twitter on what book I should read between two, I got 100% results for The Winner's Curse. And thus began my journey of agonizing love of this series and I can now say I get the hype. 
 The Winner's Curse is the story of Kestrel and Arin. Kestrel is the daughter of a highly ranked general. Kestrel has two options at her age, she can marry or join the military. Only Kestrel wants more. She has a love of music that can't be denied. And when Kestrel ends up at a slave auction for a slave, Arin, that can sing she does something that alters her life and the lives around her, she buys Arin. But she is in for more than she bargained for with the handsome slave. Suddenly Arin is teaching her a new way to think about things and Kestrel is questioning everything she believed. The problem is that Arin has a dark secret, a secret that once found out will change everything for both him and Kestrel and everything they ever knew. 
 What does one even say about this book?? I'm at a loss for words. It was nothing I expected yet everything I loved. It had tension and secrets and lies and romance and attraction and fighting. It had a struggle against rules and laws and backgrounds. It had women with limited choices but refused to bend. It had great world building and an interesting clash of classes. Basically it had everything and I almost didn't read it. The relationship between Kestrel and Arin was amazing. The push and pull and uncertainty. The major shift that changes everything. Basically perfection. And that end, what to say about that end other than GAH!! 
 All I can really say that hasn't been said (okay, it probably has but whatever!) don't be like me and miss out on this one. It was such a great story. I was purposefully vague about it to not give anything away. It is a fascinating take on classes and war and love. It is a book you just need to read and enjoy. And then become mere mortals like the rest of us clamoring for book two.