Content levels
Trigger warnings
Positive tags
Hero archetypes
Heroine archetypes
Tropes
Themes
Synopsis
Enter a world of forbidden magic… Where falling in love could be the last mistake you ever make. In the city of Valveron, an elite academy seeks to control all magic. But in the darker districts, every kind of power is for sale. If you can pay the price. Nina Veyr has a dangerous secret—illegal magical abilities she cannot explain. If the city’s enforcers found her, she would be executed… or worse. For years, Nina has stayed in the shadows, picking pockets and smuggling enchanted relics to get by. Then she steals from the wrong man. Max Antonin is the most powerful crime boss in the city. Cold, deadly, and breathtakingly attractive, Max has his sights set on Nina, and nothing will stand in his way. But when Nina is framed for a shocking murder, Max offers to help her find the true killers. She knows she can’t trust him—that deals with a devil always come at a cost. But there’s no way she can survive on her own. As they follow a trail of bodies into the city’s underworld, Nina feels a dangerous attraction pulling her ever closer to him. Can she trust her life and her heart to Valveron’s most ruthless criminal? The Anatomy of Magic is a thrilling fantasy romance full of searing chemistry and razor-sharp banter. It’s perfect for fans of Callie Hart, Carissa Broadbent and Elise Kova. See why readers love Alexis L. Menard’s spicy fantasy romance: “ OMGGGG the way I loved this book. The tension! The drama! The romanceeee!… Completely obsessed … The banter was top-shelf, TOP-SHELF . Feet-kicking stuff y'all. Legit didn't want it to end.” Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “ Had me giggling, crying, and absolutely screaming … 😭 What a ride… I could NOT put this down… I felt every bit of it. ” Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “ Oh, I loved this! I was completely engrossed… cured my doomscrolling … the chemistry is electric… the romance is a slooooow burn… my god the tension … I was EATING it up . Under the covers… holding my breath, begging for the characters to KISS ALREADY kind of eating it up.” NetGalley reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “ A six star read for me … This book NEEDS to be on your TBR! … The action never stopped… The romance and tension and yearning was so good!… You don’t want to miss out on this! ” daisyreads_3 , ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “ Immaculate tension and banter … Delicious slow burn and yearning… Unique magic system… Tense twists and turns … I finished it in a day! ” booksandbloodoaths , ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “ I could NOT put this book down! The tension between Nina and Max is perfection … The ending left me BEGGING for more! ” tattedmomreads , ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “ What a ride! I could not put it down… Found family, touch her and die, betrayal… Really, really, unique… The yearning was top tier. ” NetGalley reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Anatomy of Magic: A spicy fantasy romance adventure: content & age rating
Intended for adult readers (18+).
This adult fantasy romance contains explicit sexual content, moderate violence including murder investigations, organized crime themes, and morally gray characters. Best for mature readers comfortable with steamy romance.
What to know going in
This book has moderate violence, explicit sexual content, and moderate language. Content notes include graphic violence, murder, and violence (see the full list above).
Who'll love this
Adult readers who love romantic tension and forbidden magic will be captivated by the electric chemistry and dangerous underworld setting.