Title: Xaixan Fox

Heat Level: 0/5

Genre/subgenre: Fantasy Romance

Target audience (age group, reader type): YA

Word count or page count: 87782/373

Release date: Jan-21

Publisher: Sevannah Storm

Series info: Standalone

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Short blurb: Honor bound, General Sohar guards the warrior princess from overeager suitors and zealot assassins. Across magical realms, he battles more than her enemies, he battles his heart. If she falls for him, she’ll lose her realm and her destiny.

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One-line hook or tagline: "An orphaned princess. A secret heir. A kingdom won with fire, steel... and love."

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Buy link: https://books2read.com/u/bOqVoN

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Excerpt:

“Women have no place in battle.”
He lowered his arms, thrusting her away from him as he bent to collect his sword.
“Truly? No camp concubine to ease your…stiff muscles?” Embarrassment scorched her face.
He said nothing for a long time as he appraised her.
“Come say that to me when you have eased a man’s stiff muscles and without a blush, Princess.”

He said nothing for a long time as he appraised her face and quivering body in the white trainee’s pants and tunic.
“Joi-Joi, come say that to me when you have eased a man’s stiff muscles and without a blush, Princess.”

He draped his cloak over her sleeping form, kneeling alongside her to brush a black curl off her temple.
She was worth all this—the exhaustion, hunger, the journey.
He would offer his life for hers.
Therein lay his dilemma.
For his life wasn’t his own.

A sleepy-faced Joi was breathtaking.
He drowned in the molten amber of her eyes as her breath fanned his chin. This close he could pull her down and kiss her. He glided his hand from her hip, up her back, as if to do just that.

Before he lost his courage, he slid his fingers behind her neck and kissed her again. Many things penetrated his mind—her clasping fingers embedding into his arms, the hitch of her breath, the sweet taste of her hot mouth, and her thundering pulse under his thumb.

"Someone with your amazing control should be able to pretend to love me," she said.
She untied her armor with slow, mesmerizing movements that only frustrated him further.
How could she remain calm?
And pretend to love her?
Divine, if she only knew the truth.

“There is only the one bed. You best climb in with me.” He tapped the bed, making his request clear.
Everything within her stilled as she eyed the length of him taking up most of the bed. There wasn’t space for her, and he knew it.

Joi stayed close to the edge of the bed gripping the side. With a sigh from him, he looped his around her waist and pulled her back until the warmth of his length soaked into her.
Her heart hammered, erratic at their closeness.

She stirred, and her fluttering eyelashes mesmerized him. Her lips parted on a soft sigh, and still ascending through the depths of her solace, she shifted closer. Her fingertips stroked his skin above his heart, swirling a tingling heat in his chest.

“Sweet Thugari, what are you doing to yourself?” Her robe came undone, pooling beside her as his touch rose higher. “I missed you too, little doe.”

 

Reader reviews: 

​5.0 out of 5 stars Stayed Up Late To Finish
Reviewed in the United States on June 21, 2025
From the beginning, I rooted for Joi nee Princess Janarra, a tough little girl who lost her family and her homeland to assassins. Adopted by neighboring King Meideon, her father's friend, she grew up with love and the determination to avenge her family. Xiaxan Fox is a humorous and exciting paranormal romance as Joi, now a beautiful young woman blessed with family magic, travels with her handsome protector to defeat her enemies. Great writing and enjoyable characters make this a must read.

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5.0 out of 5 stars Captivating love story
Reviewed in the United States on March 3, 2021
I could not set this story down once I picked it up. Everything from the characters to the rare, almost otherworldly names, and the action had me enthralled. An action packed, fast paced love story. I fell for Joi and Sohar and their world. Loved this book and can't wait for more from Sevannah!!

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4.0 out of 5 stars Enthralling
Reviewed in the United States on April 24, 2021
Exciting read with mystery, romance, and a fast paced plot so hold on tight. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

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5.0 out of 5 stars Fast paced action/romance
Reviewed in the United States on January 20, 2021
Action, mystery, intrigue and romance. What's not to like. I really enjoyed the world. I could feel the heat of the desert and the magical feeling of little hidden alcoves. The problems faced by the characters are based on their personalities and cultures, not just for drama's sake.

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5.0 out of 5 stars An enthralling read.
Reviewed in the United States on February 16, 2021
Sevannah Storm is a master storyteller. Her world-building is exquisite, and I adore the slow-burn romance. I could not put the book down. Thoroughly enthralling and a delightful read.

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Discussion or book club questions:

Joi was raised in a kingdom that wasn’t hers. How do you think this shaped her identity—and her loyalty?

What do you think would have happened if Joi had stayed and accepted one of her suitors? Would that have changed the course of her journey?

Prince Sohar clearly admires Joi, but he hides it well. Do you think his love was always obvious—or did he earn her trust over time?

Joi is torn between duty to her kingdom and her heart. What would you have chosen in her place?

The five realms each have unique cultures and dangers. Which one stood out to you most, and why?

How did the magic system enhance the stakes of the political or personal conflicts? Was there a moment where magic crossed an ethical line?

There’s a deep theme of legacy—familial, political, even magical. How does Joi carry the weight of her lineage throughout the story?

Which of Joi’s enemies did you find most compelling—and why?

Who was your favorite secondary character, and would you read a spin-off about them?

Did the ending satisfy you? Would you want Joi to rule alone, with a consort, or leave ruling behind entirely?

 

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Relevant tropes or keywords:

Sword & Sorcery
Grumpy vs sunshine
He falls first
Road trip
Fake marriage
Forgiveness