Debut Novel – Page 2 – Flippin' Pages Book Reviews

Song of the Hell Witch by Taylor Hartley

Tracy’s Rating: 2 of 5 stars

Series: None Given

Release Date: September 9, 2025

A one-time criminal, hell witch Prudence Merriweather, has clawed her way to the top of society and now enjoys power as the Duchess of Talonsbury. But one night Prudence’s magic turns on her and she is forced to flee. She needs to get to the hell witch safe haven of Stormlash and for that she will need help. She turns to the one person she can think to help, Puck, her one-time love whom she hasn’t seen in twelve years. Widower Puck is a thief and also the father of a gravely daughter. When Prudence arrives asking for help, she makes it clear that the hell witches can also help Bea. And so, begins the journey to Stormlash and possibly a second chance at happiness.

This book was 100% not what I was expecting. I have said this before, but it bears repeating; feminism and misandry are not the same thing, and this book had way too much man-hating, female rage for my taste. I did think the trauma-based magic was an interesting concept, but the story didn’t stay on point and the super slow-burn, second-chance romance combined with a cliffhanger ending was a complete fail for me. Overall, I think that this author may have found an untapped niche in romantasy that may appeal to some readers, but this is not a series I have any desire to continue with.

*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. *

A Reputation Reclaimed by Demri Hess

Tracy’s Rating: 4 of 5 stars

Series: Sins of the Season, #1

Release Date: July 1, 2025

Miss Helena Hargreaves and her twin sister Felicity take the ton by storm, but while her sister finds love quickly, Helena is not as lucky and will settle for nothing less. She doesn’t lack for suitors, but when one doesn’t want to take no for an answer, things get ugly, and Helena becomes the subject of salacious whispers. While her reputation is not completely ruined, she feels the change in her status and when she is caught in a compromising position with Lowen Roskelley, the Duke of Carrivick, a man who clearly dislikes her, the hope of a love match seems almost impossible.

Lowen, the Duke of Carrivick, never thought he would be the duke, but with the death of his older brother, followed quickly by his father and mother, Lowen finds himself in a position he was not prepared for, not only as the duke but also caregiver to his baby sister Thomasin. Lowen has held himself to a high standard and Helena Hargreaves though beautiful is definitely not someone he would ever consider as a bride – until he has to. But that doesn’t mean he has to like it, yet he finds himself torn between contempt and desire for his unwanted duchess. Is happily ever after possible for them or are the destined for a loveless future?

This was a new to me author and I was pleasantly surprised by this emotional story. I liked Helena and Lowen as individuals and really wanted them to find their HEA, unfortunately, they didn’t seem to make it easy on themselves. The book was filled with a lot of emotion, rumors, misconceptions, preconceived notions, a bit of spice, some heartache, and finally a very, very, very hard-won HEA. I liked this story but will admit it was somewhat predictable and then seemed to resolve itself without much effort. I definitely felt that Lowen needed to grovel a lot more than he did, but overall, it was a surprisingly good read and one I would be happy to recommend to my fellow HR readers. It should be noted that there are scenes in this book that might be upsetting to some readers, and I would strongly suggest reading the content warnings before reading this book.

*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. *

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