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Bella Heartwood Book Reviews
💌 Bookish thoughts, cozy vibes, and honest feelings — all in one place. I mostly review romance and romantasy books, from sweet to steamy (and all the messy feelings in between!), but I also like to explore other genres. I hope my reviews help you discover your next favorite read! 📚✨
Ruinous Ends
Ruinous Ends - Book review
Author: I. V. Marie
Rating: 5.0/5.0
[[ Spoiler-free review ]]
Ruinous Ends delivers a stunning and deeply satisfying conclusion to The Souls of Blackwood Academy series. While the first book will always hold a special place in my heart, this finale captivated me from start to finish.
The character development is exceptional—each character faces new challenges, both internal and external, leading to evolving relationships and unexpected growth. I truly enjoyed delving deeper into their journeys.
Wren and August remain standout characters. Wren’s arc, in particular, is filled with complexity and darkness, yet she remains compelling and relatable throughout every twist and turn. I found myself rooting for her through it all.
The story doesn’t shy away from exploring heartbreak, betrayal, and difficult truths, creating an emotionally rich reading experience.
Although the writing style and plot structure differ from the first book, I appreciated the author’s careful attention to both storytelling and character development. The shift in tone felt intentional and added depth to the overall narrative.
Thank you to NetGalley, Delacorte Press, and I. V. Marie for the opportunity to read this incredible story. I received an advance copy, and all opinions are my own.
Author: I. V. Marie
Rating: 5.0/5.0
[[ Spoiler-free review ]]
Ruinous Ends delivers a stunning and deeply satisfying conclusion to The Souls of Blackwood Academy series. While the first book will always hold a special place in my heart, this finale captivated me from start to finish.
The character development is exceptional—each character faces new challenges, both internal and external, leading to evolving relationships and unexpected growth. I truly enjoyed delving deeper into their journeys.
Wren and August remain standout characters. Wren’s arc, in particular, is filled with complexity and darkness, yet she remains compelling and relatable throughout every twist and turn. I found myself rooting for her through it all.
The story doesn’t shy away from exploring heartbreak, betrayal, and difficult truths, creating an emotionally rich reading experience.
Although the writing style and plot structure differ from the first book, I appreciated the author’s careful attention to both storytelling and character development. The shift in tone felt intentional and added depth to the overall narrative.
Thank you to NetGalley, Delacorte Press, and I. V. Marie for the opportunity to read this incredible story. I received an advance copy, and all opinions are my own.
Immortal Consequences
Immortal Consequences – Book Review
Author: I. V. Marie
Rating: 5.0/5.0
[[ Review WITH spoilers ]]
I absolutely loved Immortal Consequences and am giving it a solid 5.0 out of 5.0. This book hooked me from the very start and kept me invested through every twist and turn. Below, I share my thoughts on each part of the story, highlighting what made this such an outstanding and memorable read.
Part I thoughts
* The story starts off in a very intriguing way. Reading pages 9–10 reminded me of both Lightlark (for the trials and the recurring events) and Katabasis (for the dark academy vibe and the journeys through the underworld). Immortal Consequences stands out with its own twist, as key characters Wren and August are already dead, which adds a unique layer to the narrative.
Part II thoughts
* Part II continued to build the intrigue. I enjoyed getting to know more about each of the main characters, especially through their interactions and the magic exams. Irene and Olivier, in particular, shone in different ways, and the slow introduction of a mysterious male character kept me guessing about his relationship with Irene. The growing suspicion around Housemaster Silas added a great sense of tension. The part ends just as the Decennial ceremony begins, providing a perfect transition into the next section.
Part III thoughts
* Part III raised the stakes even higher. The first trial was intense and action-packed, revealing more about the true nature of several characters. I especially appreciated the third-person narration that shifted focus between characters, providing deep insight into their motivations and struggles. Irene, while not always likable, became a particularly sympathetic character as her past was revealed. The concept of some characters feeling freer in death was thought-provoking. The dark elements are balanced beautifully with the evolving friendships and emotional arcs.
Part IV thoughts
* Part IV brought back the mysterious boy, raising even more questions about his connection to Irene. The twist in this part was fantastic—I loved how his true intentions were finally revealed, and the payoff was incredibly satisfying. I continue to adore August and Wren, and the book’s dialogue is full of sincerity and depth, especially in passages like Emilio’s love for the library (which I really relate to!). This section was a whirlwind of emotion, and I felt deeply connected to the characters throughout.
Part V thoughts
* Part V kept the tension high. August clearly has secrets that need to be shared with Wren, and the atmosphere grows ever more mysterious. The sincerity and depth in the writing continue to shine, especially through characters like Emilio, whose kindness and caring nature really stand out. There are several emotional moments—especially regarding Olivier—that hit hard. The plot twists were both shocking and satisfying, and I found myself completely invested in the outcome.
Part VI thoughts
* In Part VI, the challenges faced by the group reach new heights, and my feelings for the characters only grew stronger. The situation becomes increasingly dire, especially with Headmaster Silas’s actions and the threats to Emilio. The emotional stakes are sky-high, and the payoff is worth the journey. The story’s darker turns are balanced by moments of hope and connection, leaving me obsessed with the book by the end.
Final Thoughts: Immortal Consequences is one of the most engaging, emotional, and well-crafted stories I’ve read this year. Every part drew me in deeper—the characters are complex and memorable, the plot is intricate, and the dark academic atmosphere is executed perfectly. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves dark fantasy, found family, and stories that linger long after the last page. Easily a 5.0/5.0 read for me!
Author: I. V. Marie
Rating: 5.0/5.0
[[ Review WITH spoilers ]]
I absolutely loved Immortal Consequences and am giving it a solid 5.0 out of 5.0. This book hooked me from the very start and kept me invested through every twist and turn. Below, I share my thoughts on each part of the story, highlighting what made this such an outstanding and memorable read.
Part I thoughts
* The story starts off in a very intriguing way. Reading pages 9–10 reminded me of both Lightlark (for the trials and the recurring events) and Katabasis (for the dark academy vibe and the journeys through the underworld). Immortal Consequences stands out with its own twist, as key characters Wren and August are already dead, which adds a unique layer to the narrative.
Part II thoughts
* Part II continued to build the intrigue. I enjoyed getting to know more about each of the main characters, especially through their interactions and the magic exams. Irene and Olivier, in particular, shone in different ways, and the slow introduction of a mysterious male character kept me guessing about his relationship with Irene. The growing suspicion around Housemaster Silas added a great sense of tension. The part ends just as the Decennial ceremony begins, providing a perfect transition into the next section.
Part III thoughts
* Part III raised the stakes even higher. The first trial was intense and action-packed, revealing more about the true nature of several characters. I especially appreciated the third-person narration that shifted focus between characters, providing deep insight into their motivations and struggles. Irene, while not always likable, became a particularly sympathetic character as her past was revealed. The concept of some characters feeling freer in death was thought-provoking. The dark elements are balanced beautifully with the evolving friendships and emotional arcs.
Part IV thoughts
* Part IV brought back the mysterious boy, raising even more questions about his connection to Irene. The twist in this part was fantastic—I loved how his true intentions were finally revealed, and the payoff was incredibly satisfying. I continue to adore August and Wren, and the book’s dialogue is full of sincerity and depth, especially in passages like Emilio’s love for the library (which I really relate to!). This section was a whirlwind of emotion, and I felt deeply connected to the characters throughout.
Part V thoughts
* Part V kept the tension high. August clearly has secrets that need to be shared with Wren, and the atmosphere grows ever more mysterious. The sincerity and depth in the writing continue to shine, especially through characters like Emilio, whose kindness and caring nature really stand out. There are several emotional moments—especially regarding Olivier—that hit hard. The plot twists were both shocking and satisfying, and I found myself completely invested in the outcome.
Part VI thoughts
* In Part VI, the challenges faced by the group reach new heights, and my feelings for the characters only grew stronger. The situation becomes increasingly dire, especially with Headmaster Silas’s actions and the threats to Emilio. The emotional stakes are sky-high, and the payoff is worth the journey. The story’s darker turns are balanced by moments of hope and connection, leaving me obsessed with the book by the end.
Final Thoughts: Immortal Consequences is one of the most engaging, emotional, and well-crafted stories I’ve read this year. Every part drew me in deeper—the characters are complex and memorable, the plot is intricate, and the dark academic atmosphere is executed perfectly. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves dark fantasy, found family, and stories that linger long after the last page. Easily a 5.0/5.0 read for me!
A New Chapter at Midnight
⭐ 5/5 stars
Author: E. W. Andersen
Release date: July 13, 2026
Genres: Romance | Sci-Fi & Fantasy | Women’s Fiction
Spoiler-free review
A New Chapter at Midnight is the third and final book in the Midnights On the Square series, and what a perfect way to wrap up Aurelia’s story :)
The book’s main female character is Aurelia, who owns a small bookstore in London, previously owned by her aunt and other female relatives. Her bookstore is no ordinary one. At midnight, certain characters from classic novels come to life (sort of). Aurelia has kept this secret for years, even after Oliver, her now fiancée, moved in with her.
I loved the addition of Aurelia’s niece, Julia, who takes a big role in the story after visiting her aunt and spending time at the bookstore during the summer. She is young, fun, and spontaneous. All the interactions between aunt and niece are beautifully written and felt relatable and enjoyable to me. The main twist involving Julia and the bookstore’s secret fits the story perfectly and makes it just different enough from the other two books while still highly connected to them.
I also think author E. W. Andersen did a wonderful job sharing enough details from the previous books as a refresher or to introduce them to new readers without oversharing or feeling repetitive to those who have read the prior books.
The difficulties in Aurelia and Oliver’s relationship were navigated wonderfully. I also appreciated the life lessons shared with Julia, which can be valuable to anyone.
A New Chapter at Midnight by E. W. Andersen is the perfect book for those who enjoy magical realism intertwined with romance, contemporary and cozy settings, and even more so for those who appreciate classic books.
Thank you to NetGalley and author E. W. Andersen for the opportunity to read this wonderful story. I received an advance copy, and all opinions are my own.
Author: E. W. Andersen
Release date: July 13, 2026
Genres: Romance | Sci-Fi & Fantasy | Women’s Fiction
Spoiler-free review
A New Chapter at Midnight is the third and final book in the Midnights On the Square series, and what a perfect way to wrap up Aurelia’s story :)
The book’s main female character is Aurelia, who owns a small bookstore in London, previously owned by her aunt and other female relatives. Her bookstore is no ordinary one. At midnight, certain characters from classic novels come to life (sort of). Aurelia has kept this secret for years, even after Oliver, her now fiancée, moved in with her.
I loved the addition of Aurelia’s niece, Julia, who takes a big role in the story after visiting her aunt and spending time at the bookstore during the summer. She is young, fun, and spontaneous. All the interactions between aunt and niece are beautifully written and felt relatable and enjoyable to me. The main twist involving Julia and the bookstore’s secret fits the story perfectly and makes it just different enough from the other two books while still highly connected to them.
I also think author E. W. Andersen did a wonderful job sharing enough details from the previous books as a refresher or to introduce them to new readers without oversharing or feeling repetitive to those who have read the prior books.
The difficulties in Aurelia and Oliver’s relationship were navigated wonderfully. I also appreciated the life lessons shared with Julia, which can be valuable to anyone.
A New Chapter at Midnight by E. W. Andersen is the perfect book for those who enjoy magical realism intertwined with romance, contemporary and cozy settings, and even more so for those who appreciate classic books.
Thank you to NetGalley and author E. W. Andersen for the opportunity to read this wonderful story. I received an advance copy, and all opinions are my own.
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