Category: Tracy’s Reviews

The Quiet Side by Casey Blair

On By TracyIn First Person Narrative, New To Me Author, Paranormal / Fantasy, Part of a Series, Tracy's Reviews2 Comments

The Quiet Side (Sage's Sanctuary #0.5)The Quiet Side by Casey Blair

Tracy’s Rating: 3 of 5 stars

Series: Sage’s Sanctuary, #0.5

Release Date: July 8, 2025

When the Sage of Wrath creates a magical dampening field, Kovan, the Sage of Resolve finds himself in the Quiet when he puts his trust in a Dragon. He is completely lost as he has no experience in taking care of himself and doesn’t know how to perform even the most basic of tasks, leaving him feeling hopeless and useless, which is in direct contrast to his magic. Luckily, he finds refuge with a Null named Tasa who is willing him to teach him how to survive in this new world.

Tasa has her own insecurities, as a Null she is without magic and nullifies magic around her, making her an outcast in this world. But with the dampening effect place on the island by the Sage of Wrath, she has an advantage for the first time and with her generous spirit she willingly offers to teach Kovan how to fend for himself.

I am torn about this book, while is a sweet story of healing and mutual support, I didn’t like the dual First-Person Narrative and didn’t feel as if the author gave me a clear understanding of the world or the romance she was building. I realize this is a prequel to a new series, but I felt like the author missed an opportunity to draw me in to this magical world. Overall, it was an OK read, and while I didn’t care for the writing style, if you like FPN, you might like this book more than I did.

*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

On By TracyIn Check Content Warning/Triggers, Debut Novel, Georgian Era (1714-1837), New To Me Author, Part of a Series, Tracy's ReviewsLeave a comment

A Reputation Reclaimed (Sins of the Season, #1)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. *