Category: Young Adult

Fast and Fastidious by R M Caldwell

On By TracyIn Debut Novel, Georgian Era (1714-1837), Historical Mystery, New To Me Author, Regency Era (1811-1820), Standalone Title, Tracy's Reviews, Young AdultLeave a comment

Fast and FastidiousFast and Fastidious by R.M. Caldwell

Tracy’s Rating: 3 of 5 stars

Series: Standalone

Release Date: April 14, 2026

Outwardly, Miss Lucy Elliot fits the mold of the perfect Regency lady, but what drew me in was her secret passion for engineering that made her feel both relatable and refreshingly original to me. Watching her sneak into the Night Races was a highlight; it showed her curiosity and her willingness to challenge the expectations placed on her. Captain Dashwood, her neighbor, is an interesting character, as the story unfolds, I enjoyed seeing new layers to his character and how his interactions with Lucy brought out her strengths. Meg and the rest of Lucy’s friends were unwavering in their support. The story mixes carriage racing with a mystery involving robberies and espionage. There are action scenes and technical details about carriages, and while some readers might find these engaging, I felt that slowed the story down. The Night Races add excitement and help blur class lines, giving the book its unique twist.

Overall, this was a fun Regency adventure with some fresh ideas and entertaining moments. While I admired Lucy’s neurodivergent traits and the way her personality shines through, I sometimes wished the story gave a bit more attention to the other characters who also had so much potential and while Lucy’s perspective made the novel feel personal and heartfelt, I felt it lacked the emotional depth I was expecting and considering this was billed as a romance, I found the story completely lacking romance and ultimately it doesn’t deliver the emotional payoff I was hoping for. If you’re looking for a historical story with good character development and a mystery plot, this book is worth checking out. However, if you want a romance-driven read, this is probably not the story for you.

*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. *