The Heartless One by Emma Hamm

On By TracyIn New To Me Author, Paranormal / Fantasy, Part of a Series, Romantasy, Tracy's ReviewsLeave a comment

The Heartless One (The Gravesinger, #2)The Heartless One by Emma Hamm

Tracy’s Rating: 3 of 5 stars

Series: The Gravesinger #2

Release Date: March 3, 2026

This book is continuing the tale of Princess Jessamine and Elric (the Deathless One). Now that Elric has been restored to his mortal form, Jessamine and Elric work together to reclaim her stolen throne and prepare their newly formed coven of witches for the looming battle against the kingdom’s forces. As unrest spreads and the usurper seeks to harness the powers of other gods, Jessamine is forced to confront the difficult reality that fighting for her kingdom may mean standing against it.

Elric, known as the Deathless One, is restored from immortality to a mortal form in “The Heartless One,” Elric’s journey is marked by his intense and worshipful devotion to Jessamine, as well as newfound vulnerability and insecurity stemming from his past. While he flips between embracing his godly identity and wanting to be simply Elric, his love for Jessamine is unwavering and devoted, creating a complex blend of power and human emotion. This transformation, along with his passionate yet sometimes inconsistent behavior, makes Elric both compelling and flawed as he and Jessamine prepare for the looming battle to reclaim her throne.

I will admit that having not read the first book, I was at a disadvantage, but I was also a bit surprised at the relationship between Jessamine and Elric, it lacked the tension and drama I would have expected in the second book of a trilogy. Their romance, although passionate, sometimes feels too perfect and the character development was somewhat inconsistent. The overall pace of the book felt uneven, with long stretches of setup and a climax that feels rushed and underwhelming. Those things aside, the book was an entertaining, easy read and sets the reader up for what should be a satisfying finale. I think the fact that I did not read the first book made this book less satisfying than it could have been, and I would recommend reading the series in order, but that aside, if you are looking for a cozy, low-stakes fantasy romance this book should check all the boxes.

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher/author. All opinions in this review are my own. *

 

The Heir of Whitestone by Catherine Coulter

On By BarbaraIn Barb's Reviews, Historical Mystery, Victorian Era (1837-1901)Leave a comment

The Heir of WhitestoneBarbara’s rating: 4 out of 5 Stars
Series: Standalone
Publication Date: 2/24/26
Period: Victorian
Number of Pages: 368

I first discovered this author in the early ’90s and quickly became addicted to her writing when she launched the Sherbrooke Brides historical romance series. What’s beyond addicted? I’m not sure—but I reached that level when I found her suspense-filled FBI series. In short, I’m a long-time fan. So I was delighted to learn she has returned to her historical romance roots, featuring members of the Sherbrooke family once again. It was especially lovely to see Ryder Sherbrooke and his beloved Lady Sophie.

Alex Ivanov’s life truly began eleven years ago, when he was pulled from the Thames and brought back to life by Ryder Sherbrooke. With no memory of his past, Alex was taken in by Ryder and Sophie, given a name, an education, and a carefully constructed history that allowed him to function in society. He developed a passion for all things mechanical, constantly improving everything from farming tools to trains. While waiting on a park bench for Ryder to finish a meeting at Parliament, Alex is approached by a young lady who chatters away without hesitation. Far from being annoyed, he is completely charmed—despite knowing he is socially beneath her, even as Ryder’s ward.

Lady Camilla (Cam) Rohman is a radiant force of nature—beautiful, witty, warm, and impossible not to adore. Everyone loves her… except her new, young stepmother, who is determined to see Cam married off and out of the house as quickly as possible. With her father thoroughly besotted with his new bride, Cam knows she has little time before she’s forced into marriage with some odious suitor. Then she meets the most handsome man she has ever seen—sitting quietly on a park bench—and, to her delight, her chatter doesn’t seem to trouble him in the least.

When Alex finally discovers his true identity, he is stunned. Meeting his real father brings complicated emotions—especially since Ryder is the only father he has ever known. His biological father is kind, loving, and has mourned his lost sons for eleven long years. Yet Alex has no memory of him or the estate he once called home. Who kidnapped Graham and his brother Simon all those years ago? If Graham was thrown into the river and left to drown, what happened to Simon? And are those responsible still out there, determined to finish what they started?

I can’t remember the last time I enjoyed a cast of characters this much. Cam and Graham are delightful together, and their fathers—along with Ryder—round out a wonderfully engaging ensemble. There’s witty banter, scandalous secrets, and a mystery that keeps you guessing until the end. There were a few plot points that felt slightly unresolved, and I would have loved a bit more in the epilogue to tie everything up. (As for the runaway wife—let’s just say I wouldn’t have minded a less-than-comfortable fate for her!)

This is a truly delightful story with two leads who are perfectly matched. If you enjoy a blend of romance, mystery, and charming characters, you can’t go wrong with this book.

View all my reviews