Behooved    by M. Stevenson Order:  USA  Can Tor, 2025 (2025) Softcover, e-Book      Reviewed by Hilary Williamson Bianca is a daughter of house Liliana, one of nine noble houses ruling Damaria - and a great disappointment to her parents. She has a chronic illness that can flare at any time, despite the tonics she takes for it. When her parents demand she marry Prince Aric to avoid war, she reluctantly agrees. Her magically talented sister Tatiana gives her an experimental protection charm that she designed herself. Bianca's ex-lover Catalina, captain of her guard, shares rumors that Aric is cold and arrogant, and killed his own mother to gain the throne. He's rude and hostile when they finally meet. After the wedding, Aric is attacked in their bedchamber, so Bianca invokes the charm, which turns her new husband into a large white horse, which mentally urges her to mount so they can flee. Over time, and the adventures that ensue, they work out the misunderstandings that led to Aric's hostility. They are in a race against time, to understand who orchestrated the attack, prove Bianca's innocence of her husband's murder, and permanently unhorse Aric (who's only a horse by day) before the country's looming coronation. Bianca calls on her sister for help. It's great fun and an entertaining read. I especially appreciated the fact that Aric is bookish and Bianca the one who is skilled with weapons. Despite their differences, they grow close as each of them learns that 'There's more than one way of being strong'. Note: Opinions expressed in reviews and articles on this site are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of BookLoons. Find more Fantasy books on our Shelves or in our book Reviews