Category: Paranormal / Fantasy

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. *

 

Release Day for “Masquerade of Mirrors” by Samantha Harwood

On By TracyIn Book Publicity, Check Content Warning/Triggers, Debut Novel, First Person Narrative, New To Me Author, Paranormal / Fantasy, Part of a Series, Release Day Blitz, RomantasyLeave a comment

Masquerade of Mirrors

Book 1 in the Halls of Glass series

by Samantha Hartwood

The only thing more dangerous than falling for a lie is falling for the liar.

Don’t look at the desert. Don’t think about the desert. Never step onto the sand. Taera has followed these rules her entire life—until he arrives.

Impossibly gorgeous, with a face masked in magic, Nikolai kidnaps Taera and drags her deep into the dunes. He says she’s powerful and needs to be trained… if she ever wants to see her family again.

Thrust into a deadly school of illusions and lies, Taera can’t trust anyone. Especially not her breathtaking, ruthless captor. Top student and notorious liar, his secrets run deeper than the sand. He’s her worst nightmare—and everything she craves.

The cutthroat Halls of Glass have a mind of their own. Trapped within their looping corridors, Taera is surrounded by hostile students and forced to rely on Nikolai.

Taera knows she shouldn’t fall for his illusions. But magic requires a partnership, and he’s the only mage who can handle her wild, untamed power.

And the only way he’ll help her is if she pretends to be his.

Masquerade of Mirrors is a fast-paced, slow-burn fantasy romance. Taera and Nikolai’s story is for readers who love crackling chemistry, daring escape plans, and as many lies as truths.

~ Tropes ~

He’s her captor ~ School of illusion magic ~ Uniquely intimate magic system ~ Only one bed (a couple times…) ~ Morally grey MMC ~  Fake relationship ~ Touch her and pain ~ Enemies to lovers ~ Forced proximity ~  Masquerade Ball ~  FPN – Dual POV ~ Slow burn with spice  ~ She discovers her power ~ Forbidden quests and deadly secrets ~ Dangerous fun and games ~ “F*ck it” moment ~  Standalone/First in Series ~ Mysterious, manipulative, dangerous MMC with a dark secret ~  Fiercely courageous FMC who doesn’t immediately fall into his lap

Book Links

Goodreads ~ StoryGraph ~ Fable ~ Instagram ~ Threads ~Facebook – Website

This book is intended for adults. For a full list of content warnings, click here.