Category: Romantasy

As You Wish by Danika Brown

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

As You Wish (A Brim's Hollow Romance #1)As You Wish by Danika Brown

Tracy’s Rating: 4 of 5 stars

Series: A Brim’s Hollow Romance #1

Release Date: April 14, 2026

For the last ten years Honey Baxter has been the most efficient wishing well auditor at the NYC Bureau of Magical Compliance and is now eligible for a promotion. She has worked hard for the honor of being promoted to Assistant to the Director of Arcane Relations and knows that is her year! She arrives at work expecting to have her review and be informed of her promotion but is instead blindsided by her boss and sent to the small rural town of Brim’s Hollow to audit an old wishing well that has not been audited in over 20 years! Her boss makes it clear that her promotion hinges on the outcome of this case. Honey has rarely left the city and is not prepared for farm life and especially not the Hale Family! When she notices something off about the magic on the farm, she makes a note in her report, never realizing that little note could take everything from the family that she is starting to love.

As a single dad of three lively young girls, Ethan Hale has barely been keeping things together since his wife left. He is on the brink of losing everything he has spent a lifetime building if he can’t find a way to turn things around. At first, he refuses to let Honey access the well, but then decides it is easier to keep your enemies closer; he has big secrets and believes that if he lets anyone in, he will lose everything. But he seriously underestimates Honey, is she the answer to all his problems or is she the straw that breaks the camel’s back?

This was a cute story with very likable characters and a slow-burn (no spice) romance. I loved the idea of this book, and I was thrilled to find a new romantasy author who writes Third Person Narrative with a dual character POV. But as much as I liked this story, I felt like it could have been better, the world building is a bit weak, and the magic system is not clearly defined. I finished the book with a warm, fuzzy, feel-good feeling, but I still had a lot of unanswered questions – primarily about Honey’s family and Ethan’s ex-wife. I sincerely hope the next Brim’s Hollow book might provide some answers to the lingering questions I had with this book and (fingers-crossed) some heat. Overall, it was a cute read with a cozy small-town fantasy romance and a YA vibe.

*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. *

 

Smoke and Scar by Gretchen Powell Fox

On By TracyIn New To Me Author, Paranormal / Fantasy, Part of a Series, Re-Release / Updated Edition, Romantasy, Tracy's Reviews, Young AdultLeave a comment

Smoke and Scar (Shattered Crown, #1)Smoke and Scar by Gretchen Powell Fox

Tracy’s Rating: 4 of 5 stars

Series: Shattered Crown #1

Release Date: April 7, 2026 (Reissued)

This book introduces readers to Elyria Lightbreaker, a fae warrior whose life is shadowed by loss and grief, yet she possesses remarkable shadow magic and inner strength. Her journey intertwines with Cedric Thorne, a human knight driven by a need for vengeance and haunted by his past. The dynamic between Elyria and Cedric is compelling, as they start off as sworn enemies but are forced to cooperate in a series of deadly trials. Both characters evolve throughout the story, with Elyria revealing her fierce resilience and Cedric gradually displaying more depth despite his initial antagonism. The supporting cast, particularly the side characters and Elyria’s loved ones, add layers to the narrative, creating a well-rounded ensemble.

Set against the backdrop of Arcanis, a world where humans and magical beings have long been at odds, the plot centers on the Arcane Crucible—an unforgiving competition held every twenty-five years to broker peace. The trials themselves are dangerous and full of surprises, keeping the tension high and the stakes clear. As Elyria and Cedric navigate the Crucible, they face betrayals, hidden powers, and shifting alliances, all while their forced proximity pushes their relationship in unexpected directions. The narrative blends elements of fantasy and romance, with a slow-burn connection that gradually transforms their animosity into something more complicated and heartfelt.

I thought that this book stood out for its fresh take on familiar romantasy tropes, by flipping traditional roles and infusing the story with rich world-building and action-packed scenes. The evolution from enemies to allies, and possibly lovers, is handled with nuance, though some readers may wish for deeper development in the central romance. The vivid setting, unpredictable plot twists, and strong characterization make it a rewarding read for fans of fantasy and romance, particularly those new to the genre or seeking a unique twist on the standard formula. While I thought the pacing of the story was a bit off, I still enjoyed the book and believe that it offers enough intrigue and emotion to leave a lasting impression and keep you hungry for the next installment.

*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. *