Posted 07/25/2025 by Hilarye in Book Reviews / 0 Comments
A Forbidden Alchemy by
Stacey McEwanStar Rating:
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Published by S&S / Saga Press on 07/01/2025
Genres: Fiction,
Fantasy,
Romance,
RomantasyFormat: Kindle (480 Pages) 📖
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Barnes & NobleNina Harrow and Patrick Colson are twelve years old when they are whisked away from the shadows of their disenfranchised mining towns to dazzling Belavere City to discover their magical potential. Those who pass Belavere’s test will become Artisans, wielders of powerful elemental magic destined to fulfill the city’s grand ambitions. For Nina, the Artisan School symbolizes a dream and an escape from her harsh reality, while Patrick yearns to return to his Craftsman family, whose extraordinary physical strength serves the idium mines keeping the city alive.
And then they uncover a devastating truth: Artisans aren’t born, they’re chosen. They part ways on very different paths, leaving them to carry the burden of this secret alone.
In the years that follow, a Craftsman revolution ignites, thrusting Nina and Patrick into opposing factions of a brewing war. Now an elite Artisan with the very rare talent for charming earth, Nina has turned her back on the fight, haunted by the loss of her found family. But fate intervenes when she is captured by Patrick’s rebel group. Despite the years and conflict that separates them, Patrick hasn’t forgotten Nina. He desperately seeks her help for a mission that could shift the tides against Belavere City. Reluctantly, she agrees, battling the sparks flying between them. But when Nina’s first love reappears, asking her to betray Patrick for the sake of the Artisans, Nina faces an impossible choice that could alter the fate of their world.
Tags: Abduction, Betrayal, Competent Heroine, Dangerous Hero/Heroine, Forced Proximity, Gifted/Super Hero/Heroine, Independent Heroine, Love Triangle, Magic, Possessive Hero, Second Chances, Slow Burn, Sweet/Gentle Hero/Heroine, Tortured Hero/Heroine, War
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All-Time FavoriteSeries: Spunes #2 Published by St. Martin’s Griffin on 05/20/2025
Format: Kindle (323 Pages) 📖
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Barnes & NobleTarah DeWitt never disappoints. This masterpiece was everything I wanted it to be, and more. I laughed, I cried, I laughed harder, I cried a little more, and then I outright SOBBED. At the end of the book, I was ugly crying while simultaneously smiling from ear to ear and laughing through my tears. I have but 3 thoughts (while I’m still sobbing): (Spoiler: I absolutely squealed with delight.)🪿
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All-Time FavoritePublished by Wednesday Books on 03/04/2025
Format: Kindle (346 Pages) 📖
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Series: Strawberry Hollow #3 Published by Independent Publisher on 11/25/2024
Format: Kindle (230 Pages) 📖
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Series: Stay a Spell #5 Published by Independent Publisher on 10/31/2022
Format: Kindle (366 Pages) 📖
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Published by St. Martin’s Griffin on 11/12/2024
Format: Kindle (352 Pages) 📖
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Series: Snowbound Secrets #2 Published by Independent Publisher on 11/07/2024
Format: Kindle (240 Pages) 📖
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All-Time FavoriteSeries: Sutton Bay #1 Published by Independent Publisher on 08/22/2024
Format: DRC (363 Pages) 📖
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Barnes & NobleThis book was TOO. GOOD. Now, I’m sure you’re wondering, ‘Hilarye, is that even possible?’ Oh yes, my friend, it is. This book is meeting your soulmate and feeling seen for the first time good. It’s slipping into a pair of jeans that makes your ass look fantastic and taking a sip of a perfectly made iced coffee good. It’s drinking wine, eating cheese, and laughing until you cry with your best friend good. And it’s even (wait for it) snuggling a pile of kittens good. Yup, kittens—this book is THAT good. The story begins with Patrick and Johanna, childhood best friends who […]
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All-Time FavoritePublished by Berkley on 07/16/2024
Format: Kindle (399 Pages) 📖
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Published by Avon on 04/23/2024
Format: Kindle (250 Pages) 📖
Add to GoodreadsBuy on AmazonWritten review coming soon…