top of page
Bella Heartwood Book Reviews
š 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! šāØ
The Swan's Daughter
ā 5/5 stars
The Swan's Daughter by Roshani Chokshi
Release date: January 6, 2026
Genre: RomanceĀ |Ā Sci Fi & FantasyĀ |Ā Teens & YA
Wow! What a fantastic journey this book was ā one that will linger with me for a long time.
The Swanās Daughter is a whimsical, magical, and richly imaginative YA fantasy that brings its world to life with vivid detail. From buildings that seem to breathe to characters shaped by powerful ancestral legacies, I was blown away by how much depth and wonder there was on the page.
I thoroughly enjoyed Demelza as the main character. Sheās a veritas swan and the daughter of a powerful and arguably evil sorcerer. Life has put her on a different path than her sisters, leading her to believe she has a ālesser purposeā because of how she was born. Sheās incredibly intelligent and capable, but thereās something key she feels she is missing ā until the story proves otherwise.
Demelza is forced to escape the only home sheās ever known, Hush Manor, and seek protection in Rathe Castle, the one place where her father cannot reach her. There, we meet Prince Arris, a sweet and earnest character dealing with a fate that feels predetermined and heartbreaking. He longs for true, lasting love, unlike what history has carved out for him.
The tournament to determine the princeās bride introduces a cast of secondary characters with unique personalities and motivations. Through this, Demelza and Arris enter a mutual agreement that takes them both on a journey of self-discovery, growth, and quiet courage. The romance between them is gentle and slow to build, but it works beautifully within the story. For me, it wasnāt the central focus ā their internal journeys and the way they shape each other are what truly shine.
I have to admit, when I first started reading, I was a bit confused. I blame this partly on beginning the book while juggling several others, and partly on adjusting to Chokshiās writing style, which is different from what I typically read. Once I returned to it with more focus, I became absolutely hooked. The lyrical, almost poetic prose and the immersive worldbuilding became highlights, and the book turned into a true page-turner for me.
Beyond the fantasy elements, I found the exploration of themes incredibly wholesome and meaningful: parenthood, love, adulthood, uncertainty, vulnerability, choice, and understanding oneself and others. These are handled with nuance and care, and they stay with you long after reading.
Overall, Iām giving this book 5 stars because I think it is an exquisite, imaginative work that deserves to be experienced with attention and presence. I donāt think itās a book for everyone ā especially if you prefer fast pacing or straightforward prose ā but I highly recommend giving it a try, particularly if you enjoy lyrical YA fantasy with emotional depth and a gentle romance.
Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin's Press (Wednesday Books), and Roshani Chokshi for the advance copy. I received an eARC, and all opinions are my own.
The Swan's Daughter by Roshani Chokshi
Release date: January 6, 2026
Genre: RomanceĀ |Ā Sci Fi & FantasyĀ |Ā Teens & YA
Wow! What a fantastic journey this book was ā one that will linger with me for a long time.
The Swanās Daughter is a whimsical, magical, and richly imaginative YA fantasy that brings its world to life with vivid detail. From buildings that seem to breathe to characters shaped by powerful ancestral legacies, I was blown away by how much depth and wonder there was on the page.
I thoroughly enjoyed Demelza as the main character. Sheās a veritas swan and the daughter of a powerful and arguably evil sorcerer. Life has put her on a different path than her sisters, leading her to believe she has a ālesser purposeā because of how she was born. Sheās incredibly intelligent and capable, but thereās something key she feels she is missing ā until the story proves otherwise.
Demelza is forced to escape the only home sheās ever known, Hush Manor, and seek protection in Rathe Castle, the one place where her father cannot reach her. There, we meet Prince Arris, a sweet and earnest character dealing with a fate that feels predetermined and heartbreaking. He longs for true, lasting love, unlike what history has carved out for him.
The tournament to determine the princeās bride introduces a cast of secondary characters with unique personalities and motivations. Through this, Demelza and Arris enter a mutual agreement that takes them both on a journey of self-discovery, growth, and quiet courage. The romance between them is gentle and slow to build, but it works beautifully within the story. For me, it wasnāt the central focus ā their internal journeys and the way they shape each other are what truly shine.
I have to admit, when I first started reading, I was a bit confused. I blame this partly on beginning the book while juggling several others, and partly on adjusting to Chokshiās writing style, which is different from what I typically read. Once I returned to it with more focus, I became absolutely hooked. The lyrical, almost poetic prose and the immersive worldbuilding became highlights, and the book turned into a true page-turner for me.
Beyond the fantasy elements, I found the exploration of themes incredibly wholesome and meaningful: parenthood, love, adulthood, uncertainty, vulnerability, choice, and understanding oneself and others. These are handled with nuance and care, and they stay with you long after reading.
Overall, Iām giving this book 5 stars because I think it is an exquisite, imaginative work that deserves to be experienced with attention and presence. I donāt think itās a book for everyone ā especially if you prefer fast pacing or straightforward prose ā but I highly recommend giving it a try, particularly if you enjoy lyrical YA fantasy with emotional depth and a gentle romance.
Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin's Press (Wednesday Books), and Roshani Chokshi for the advance copy. I received an eARC, and all opinions are my own.
Assistant to the Villain
Author: Hannah Nicole Maehrer
Narrator: Em Eldridge
Rating: 5/5 āļø
Audiobook spoiler-free review š§
When I decided to listen to Assistant to the Villain, I had seen this book everywhere online, but honestly didnāt know much about it beyond the hype. Oh boy, am I glad I finally gave it a chanceāand even happier that I chose the audiobook format. This ended up being the first audiobook Iāve completed in a long time, if not ever, and it absolutely reignited my love for listening to stories.
Evie Sage had just lost her job after an undesirable situation that she, thank goodness, got out of, but she couldnāt afford not to have a job. Her father and sister needed her. After certain sad and tragic situations happened in the past, Evie found herself as the main provider for her family. So, naturally, when she happened to cross paths with Rennedawnās most infamous Villain and he offered her a job as his assistant, she had to accept. Even if the job itself was questionable and there was risk embedded with associating herself with the Villain.
As months go by with Evie working as the Villainās assistant, something sketchy starts happening at her job where someone is clearly trying to sabotage her boss and everything heās built, and people at the castle can feel the tension. So Evie and the Villain work together to find out who the culprit is. All of this while Evie develops a possibly inconvenient and unexpected crush on her boss ā yes, the same man who is mean and evil and supposedly without a heart?
The story itself is wonderful, suspenseful, fun, chaotic in the best way possible, sad, and so much more, and the beautifully done narration by Em Eldridge adds another layer of excellence to the story.
There is blood and murder and questionable job assignments, but nothing too graphic or gruesome, incredible character growth, brilliantly written secondary characters, fun and joy and feelings developed but secret, and the best part? Plot twists that you donāt see coming (at least I didnāt) and they work wonderfully.
I loved this audiobook so much that Iām planning to get my hands on a physical copy for my shelves, and Iāll definitely be reading the other books in the series. I canāt wait to dive back into Evieās world and see what comes next.
Genres: Fantasy | Romance | Romantasy | Fiction | Magic
Narrator: Em Eldridge
Rating: 5/5 āļø
Audiobook spoiler-free review š§
When I decided to listen to Assistant to the Villain, I had seen this book everywhere online, but honestly didnāt know much about it beyond the hype. Oh boy, am I glad I finally gave it a chanceāand even happier that I chose the audiobook format. This ended up being the first audiobook Iāve completed in a long time, if not ever, and it absolutely reignited my love for listening to stories.
Evie Sage had just lost her job after an undesirable situation that she, thank goodness, got out of, but she couldnāt afford not to have a job. Her father and sister needed her. After certain sad and tragic situations happened in the past, Evie found herself as the main provider for her family. So, naturally, when she happened to cross paths with Rennedawnās most infamous Villain and he offered her a job as his assistant, she had to accept. Even if the job itself was questionable and there was risk embedded with associating herself with the Villain.
As months go by with Evie working as the Villainās assistant, something sketchy starts happening at her job where someone is clearly trying to sabotage her boss and everything heās built, and people at the castle can feel the tension. So Evie and the Villain work together to find out who the culprit is. All of this while Evie develops a possibly inconvenient and unexpected crush on her boss ā yes, the same man who is mean and evil and supposedly without a heart?
The story itself is wonderful, suspenseful, fun, chaotic in the best way possible, sad, and so much more, and the beautifully done narration by Em Eldridge adds another layer of excellence to the story.
There is blood and murder and questionable job assignments, but nothing too graphic or gruesome, incredible character growth, brilliantly written secondary characters, fun and joy and feelings developed but secret, and the best part? Plot twists that you donāt see coming (at least I didnāt) and they work wonderfully.
I loved this audiobook so much that Iām planning to get my hands on a physical copy for my shelves, and Iāll definitely be reading the other books in the series. I canāt wait to dive back into Evieās world and see what comes next.
Genres: Fantasy | Romance | Romantasy | Fiction | Magic
Pumpkin Spice & Everything Nice
Author: Katie Cicatelli-Kuc
Rating: 4.5/5 āļø
Pumpkin Spice & Everything Nice is a sweet, cozy fall YA story that I genuinely enjoyed from beginning to end šš§”
When I picked up this book, I knew nothing beyond the blurb on the backāand Iām so glad I went in that way. Itās very much a YA novel, and I think itās important to read it with that mindset, especially since it leans into being a āfeel-goodā fall read. With that in mind, the characters feel wonderfully crafted, and I really appreciated seeing Lucyās growth throughout the story.
Lucy, our sixteen-year-old main female character, has lived her whole life in the small town of Briar Glen. Outside of school, she helps her mom run their small, beloved coffee shop. She has a genuine passion for bakingānot just the doing, but the creative spark behind dreaming up flavors and experimenting, much like she does with coffee. Their cafĆ© has its steady stream of loyal customers, and everything feels familiarā¦ until a national coffee chain opens directly across the street. Not only is it a huge competitor, but itās famous for its pumpkin spice latteāa drink Lucy absolutely refuses to put on their own menu, convinced itās made with nothing but artificial ingredients.
As that new shop gets ready to open, a new student arrives at Lucyās school: Jack Harper. Heās cute and effortlessly charming, and Lucyās instant crush only adds another layer to the changes unfolding around her.
Thereās no major drama in this book, and honestly, I didnāt miss it. I was here for the āsmall but feels bigā moments that Lucy and her mom faceābecause through the eyes of a sixteen-year-old whoās only ever known a certain rhythm of life, those moments are big. Lucy overreacts at times, sure, but I could completely understand why everything felt so overwhelming to her. This story leans into small, heartfelt challenges rather than big twists, and I actually loved that. It suits the cozy, comforting tone perfectly, and I truly enjoyed following Lucy through every step.
The side charactersāmostly other teensāadd a nice charm and help the story move forward in a natural, engaging way. This was a page-turner for me, and I loved every chapter. Iāll definitely be reading more from this author.
Thereās little to no romance here, and thatās worth noting. This is a YA feel-good story that focuses more on Lucy herself and how she navigates the changes that shake up the world as she knows it.
Rating: 4.5/5 āļø
Pumpkin Spice & Everything Nice is a sweet, cozy fall YA story that I genuinely enjoyed from beginning to end šš§”
When I picked up this book, I knew nothing beyond the blurb on the backāand Iām so glad I went in that way. Itās very much a YA novel, and I think itās important to read it with that mindset, especially since it leans into being a āfeel-goodā fall read. With that in mind, the characters feel wonderfully crafted, and I really appreciated seeing Lucyās growth throughout the story.
Lucy, our sixteen-year-old main female character, has lived her whole life in the small town of Briar Glen. Outside of school, she helps her mom run their small, beloved coffee shop. She has a genuine passion for bakingānot just the doing, but the creative spark behind dreaming up flavors and experimenting, much like she does with coffee. Their cafĆ© has its steady stream of loyal customers, and everything feels familiarā¦ until a national coffee chain opens directly across the street. Not only is it a huge competitor, but itās famous for its pumpkin spice latteāa drink Lucy absolutely refuses to put on their own menu, convinced itās made with nothing but artificial ingredients.
As that new shop gets ready to open, a new student arrives at Lucyās school: Jack Harper. Heās cute and effortlessly charming, and Lucyās instant crush only adds another layer to the changes unfolding around her.
Thereās no major drama in this book, and honestly, I didnāt miss it. I was here for the āsmall but feels bigā moments that Lucy and her mom faceābecause through the eyes of a sixteen-year-old whoās only ever known a certain rhythm of life, those moments are big. Lucy overreacts at times, sure, but I could completely understand why everything felt so overwhelming to her. This story leans into small, heartfelt challenges rather than big twists, and I actually loved that. It suits the cozy, comforting tone perfectly, and I truly enjoyed following Lucy through every step.
The side charactersāmostly other teensāadd a nice charm and help the story move forward in a natural, engaging way. This was a page-turner for me, and I loved every chapter. Iāll definitely be reading more from this author.
Thereās little to no romance here, and thatās worth noting. This is a YA feel-good story that focuses more on Lucy herself and how she navigates the changes that shake up the world as she knows it.
bottom of page