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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
Good Spirits
ā 5/5 stars
Good Spirits by B.K. Borison
Release date: October 21, 2025
Genre: Romance | Christmas | Holiday | Fantasy | Paranormal | Fiction
āØ Spoiler-free review (premise details only).
Good Spirits is the first book Iāve read by author B.K. Borison and oh wowāit did not disappoint a single bit. Iām completely obsessed with this book and its main characters š
Nolan Callahan is the Ghost of Christmas Past, and heās been getting āassignmentsā for many years to help people during the holidays overcome something from their past and move on to the next Christmas ghost. But when he gets his new assignment, Harriet York, things donāt look quite as usual. As the story progresses and they spend time together, Nolan canāt quite figure out why he was assigned to Harriet. She is notāor doesnāt seem likeāa bad person that needs help to move on.
The concept of exploring the charactersā past by visiting memory after memory felt so original to me, and it was really well executed. A lot of the backstory is revealed in bits and piecesāalways just enough to help the reader care for the characters and understand who they are, and why they are the way they are in the present.
Nolan and Harriet not only connect with each other while exploring Harrietās past, but they also help each other navigate present situations and potential future scenarios that they werenāt able to face on their own. I love that thereās enough depth in both main characters that I was able to really feel for them, without losing the fun, intense interactions that make it so addictive š¤
The key factor of time running out due to a deadline for Nolan to āhand overā Harriet to the next Christmas ghost works perfectly to create high stakes, and I never felt that the story became rushed or overly tense because of the time aspect.
This story is sweet, magical, steamy at times, and absolutely wonderfully written. This book is an absolute page-turner!
A must-read for anyone who loves character-driven romance with tenderness, growth, and a touch of Christmas magic.
Good Spirits by B.K. Borison
Release date: October 21, 2025
Genre: Romance | Christmas | Holiday | Fantasy | Paranormal | Fiction
āØ Spoiler-free review (premise details only).
Good Spirits is the first book Iāve read by author B.K. Borison and oh wowāit did not disappoint a single bit. Iām completely obsessed with this book and its main characters š
Nolan Callahan is the Ghost of Christmas Past, and heās been getting āassignmentsā for many years to help people during the holidays overcome something from their past and move on to the next Christmas ghost. But when he gets his new assignment, Harriet York, things donāt look quite as usual. As the story progresses and they spend time together, Nolan canāt quite figure out why he was assigned to Harriet. She is notāor doesnāt seem likeāa bad person that needs help to move on.
The concept of exploring the charactersā past by visiting memory after memory felt so original to me, and it was really well executed. A lot of the backstory is revealed in bits and piecesāalways just enough to help the reader care for the characters and understand who they are, and why they are the way they are in the present.
Nolan and Harriet not only connect with each other while exploring Harrietās past, but they also help each other navigate present situations and potential future scenarios that they werenāt able to face on their own. I love that thereās enough depth in both main characters that I was able to really feel for them, without losing the fun, intense interactions that make it so addictive š¤
The key factor of time running out due to a deadline for Nolan to āhand overā Harriet to the next Christmas ghost works perfectly to create high stakes, and I never felt that the story became rushed or overly tense because of the time aspect.
This story is sweet, magical, steamy at times, and absolutely wonderfully written. This book is an absolute page-turner!
A must-read for anyone who loves character-driven romance with tenderness, growth, and a touch of Christmas magic.
Hot for Slayer
Author: Ali Hazelwood
Rating: 3.75/5 stars āļø
Narrators: Nina Yndis and Maxim Reston
Audiobook spoiler-free review š§
Iām a fan of Ali Hazelwoodās writing, and so far every book Iāve read by her has been a five-star experience for me. Because of that, I went into this novellaās audiobook expecting something similarābut unfortunately, it didnāt quite land for me.
Hot For Slayer follows a centuries-old vampire named Ethel (short for Aethelthryth) and her sworn enemy, vampire slayer Lazlo Enyedi. When Lazlo suddenly loses all memory of who he is and what his mission has been, he ends up relying on Ethelāopening the door to unexpected humor, forced proximity, and the possibility of something more between them (https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/241192694-hot-for-slayer)
There were definitely funny moments, and I enjoyed parts of the storyline as well as the two main characters, Ethel and Lazlo. However, I didnāt fully connect with their romance, if Iām being honest. I think my main issue is that while the novella is short, fun, and easy to get through, it might actually be too short. The length didnāt give the love story enough room to breathe, which made it hard for me to truly root for the relationship.
The premise itself is great and had a lot of potential. I love the enemies-to-lovers trope (itās actually my favorite), and paranormal romance is a big yes for me. That said, I didnāt particularly care for the ālosing memoryā aspect of the storyākey to the plotāeven though it adds to the setup.
I also have to mention that the main male characterās narration wasnāt my favorite. Iām not sure if it was the accentāwhich I understand makes sense within the context of the storyāor something else I canāt quite pinpoint, but it didnāt fully work for me.
Overall, I think this is a fun and enjoyable novella, especially for listeners who are looking for a quick paranormal romance audiobook.
While it didnāt fully resonate with me, Hot For Slayer may still be a great pick for romance fans who enjoy enemies-to-lovers, amnesia tropes, and paranormal audio reads that are light, quick, and entertaining.
Rating: 3.75/5 stars āļø
Narrators: Nina Yndis and Maxim Reston
Audiobook spoiler-free review š§
Iām a fan of Ali Hazelwoodās writing, and so far every book Iāve read by her has been a five-star experience for me. Because of that, I went into this novellaās audiobook expecting something similarābut unfortunately, it didnāt quite land for me.
Hot For Slayer follows a centuries-old vampire named Ethel (short for Aethelthryth) and her sworn enemy, vampire slayer Lazlo Enyedi. When Lazlo suddenly loses all memory of who he is and what his mission has been, he ends up relying on Ethelāopening the door to unexpected humor, forced proximity, and the possibility of something more between them (https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/241192694-hot-for-slayer)
There were definitely funny moments, and I enjoyed parts of the storyline as well as the two main characters, Ethel and Lazlo. However, I didnāt fully connect with their romance, if Iām being honest. I think my main issue is that while the novella is short, fun, and easy to get through, it might actually be too short. The length didnāt give the love story enough room to breathe, which made it hard for me to truly root for the relationship.
The premise itself is great and had a lot of potential. I love the enemies-to-lovers trope (itās actually my favorite), and paranormal romance is a big yes for me. That said, I didnāt particularly care for the ālosing memoryā aspect of the storyākey to the plotāeven though it adds to the setup.
I also have to mention that the main male characterās narration wasnāt my favorite. Iām not sure if it was the accentāwhich I understand makes sense within the context of the storyāor something else I canāt quite pinpoint, but it didnāt fully work for me.
Overall, I think this is a fun and enjoyable novella, especially for listeners who are looking for a quick paranormal romance audiobook.
While it didnāt fully resonate with me, Hot For Slayer may still be a great pick for romance fans who enjoy enemies-to-lovers, amnesia tropes, and paranormal audio reads that are light, quick, and entertaining.
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.
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