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Hearts and Stars
“If this is how I find out what unrequited love feels like, then so be it.” – Quinntessa Dawson, Hearts and Stars
Fitting into a new town is hard as a teenager. Fitting in as a bisexual teenager, when your father is a covert government agent, your loveable rescue dog is unstable, and you want to be the only girl on the football team? Hard doesn’t begin to describe it.
When Quinntessa Dawson moves to Coven, Indiana with her father, she wants to survive the year, help Scrabble stay out of trouble, and kickstart her professional sports career by joining the Styxton High football team. What she gets is trouble.
And trouble comes in the form of a spunky, pink-haired biker with a troubled past. Quinntessa’s distracting attraction to Quincy, her father’s erratic behavior, and the pushback from the school at her attempts to join the football team, all complicate life further.
Senior year in Coven may just dredge up long-buried secrets that could shake the entire town. Secrets that very well might turn Quinntessa’s life upside-down.
“There is never a right choice. I’m seventeen. I’m in between every major event of my life. You can’t just . . . You have to love me here in the present and stop thinking about if you can love me enough to trust I can get somewhere unknown.”
Hearts and Stars is the first book in The Coven Chronicles, a queer adult series.
What to look forward to?
💓bisexual romance
💓secret identities
💓ex-cheer captain
💓female football player
💓FBI agent's daughter
💓forbidden love
💓sapphic romance
💓queer rebel
💓mafia conflict / crime underworld
“One of my favorite lgbt reads of the year." — Kindle Vella Reviewer.
#1 in LGBT on Kindle Vella in July 2024.
#19 Top Fav on Kindle Vella in July 2024.
Fitting into a new town is hard as a teenager. Fitting in as a bisexual teenager, when your father is a covert government agent, your loveable rescue dog is unstable, and you want to be the only girl on the football team? Hard doesn’t begin to describe it.
When Quinntessa Dawson moves to Coven, Indiana with her father, she wants to survive the year, help Scrabble stay out of trouble, and kickstart her professional sports career by joining the Styxton High football team. What she gets is trouble.
And trouble comes in the form of a spunky, pink-haired biker with a troubled past. Quinntessa’s distracting attraction to Quincy, her father’s erratic behavior, and the pushback from the school at her attempts to join the football team, all complicate life further.
Senior year in Coven may just dredge up long-buried secrets that could shake the entire town. Secrets that very well might turn Quinntessa’s life upside-down.
“There is never a right choice. I’m seventeen. I’m in between every major event of my life. You can’t just . . . You have to love me here in the present and stop thinking about if you can love me enough to trust I can get somewhere unknown.”
Hearts and Stars is the first book in The Coven Chronicles, a queer adult series.
What to look forward to?
💓bisexual romance
💓secret identities
💓ex-cheer captain
💓female football player
💓FBI agent's daughter
💓forbidden love
💓sapphic romance
💓queer rebel
💓mafia conflict / crime underworld
“One of my favorite lgbt reads of the year." — Kindle Vella Reviewer.
#1 in LGBT on Kindle Vella in July 2024.
#19 Top Fav on Kindle Vella in July 2024.
690 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 1, 2024
61 people are currently reading
671 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
November 10, 2024
*•Big thanks to Phoenix Kathryn for providing me with an ARC•*
This book was such a happy surprise!! I absolutely flew through the first couple of chapters and was barely able to focus on my uni assignments because I was so eager to continue reading! This book has a perfect balance of romance and mystery, which keeps you on your toes anddd kicking your feet. Although there is a good bit going on, the author really does a solid job balancing all the different plot lines. Things are brought into the story with purpose and I felt like the whole mystery plot part of it was really well thought out. There was no time in which I felt more invested in either the romance or the mystery, which I think is very important in a book like this. The two plot lines feed into each other really well and I’m really curious to see what part two will bring us!!
The romance has such good tension.. I’m sorry there might be some corny nickname calling and banter moments but I loved it.. Not only are they both super interesting characters but they bounce off each other’s energy so well too! I’m really looking forward to see their story play out.
I felt like the last few chapters were a bit more rushed, which made some of the confessions and actions seem a bit hasty and therefore more unrealistic- however as this is an ARC I think that might be resolved in the final product. If not, the book is still very enjoyable and definitely worth reading!
This book was such a happy surprise!! I absolutely flew through the first couple of chapters and was barely able to focus on my uni assignments because I was so eager to continue reading! This book has a perfect balance of romance and mystery, which keeps you on your toes anddd kicking your feet. Although there is a good bit going on, the author really does a solid job balancing all the different plot lines. Things are brought into the story with purpose and I felt like the whole mystery plot part of it was really well thought out. There was no time in which I felt more invested in either the romance or the mystery, which I think is very important in a book like this. The two plot lines feed into each other really well and I’m really curious to see what part two will bring us!!
The romance has such good tension.. I’m sorry there might be some corny nickname calling and banter moments but I loved it.. Not only are they both super interesting characters but they bounce off each other’s energy so well too! I’m really looking forward to see their story play out.
I felt like the last few chapters were a bit more rushed, which made some of the confessions and actions seem a bit hasty and therefore more unrealistic- however as this is an ARC I think that might be resolved in the final product. If not, the book is still very enjoyable and definitely worth reading!
November 11, 2024
I’ve never cursed reading a book as much as I did when I finished reading Hearts and Stars. How dare the author to do this to me?! I remember writing down that the playlist (taste) and the content warning (very funny) were the early signs that I would enjoy myself greatly and folks… I was right!
This story is not all rainbows and sunshine even with a good amount of glitter and pink thrown around (insert a gif of Miss Fortune throwing out glitter saying “Happiness to everything”). My heart feels heavy thinking about Quintessa and everything she has to deal with from sexism, people lying to her and betraying her to fearing for her life. She is headstrong and a fighter but there is only so much someone can take. I won’t lie, I did shed some tears for her.
I have many thoughts about Quincy but, as I wait patiently (lie) for her side of the story, I will say that her heart is in the right place.
I’m usually not a fan of gang/mafia books but Hearts and Stars was a thrilling story that kept me wanting to read more. The characters weren’t your typical high school students but complex human beings that have a rough life and I loved how their lives get tangled together.
I also have some words for Quintessa’s father but I will keep them to myself. Both Quintessa and Quincy deserve better and I can’t wait to read about the rest of their stories.
This story is not all rainbows and sunshine even with a good amount of glitter and pink thrown around (insert a gif of Miss Fortune throwing out glitter saying “Happiness to everything”). My heart feels heavy thinking about Quintessa and everything she has to deal with from sexism, people lying to her and betraying her to fearing for her life. She is headstrong and a fighter but there is only so much someone can take. I won’t lie, I did shed some tears for her.
I have many thoughts about Quincy but, as I wait patiently (lie) for her side of the story, I will say that her heart is in the right place.
I’m usually not a fan of gang/mafia books but Hearts and Stars was a thrilling story that kept me wanting to read more. The characters weren’t your typical high school students but complex human beings that have a rough life and I loved how their lives get tangled together.
I also have some words for Quintessa’s father but I will keep them to myself. Both Quintessa and Quincy deserve better and I can’t wait to read about the rest of their stories.
July 26, 2025
This was such a good book!
Me and Quinn (Lightning McQueen Bersion) are so similar and I loved her a lot, she was a great character and I loved reading this book from her point of view.
I love that she keeps fighting for what she wants and believes in, even if she hesitates at first.
I also loved Quinn (Bubblegum Version) she had so much growth and I loved learning about her and her family, she has been through so much and definitely isn’t perfect, but she’s trying and she’s got a reason to keep trying.
I haven’t actually finished a book that’s this long so quickly all year, I was highly invested from the start.
What I also liked about this book is the slow feed of information and the drop of new questions every now and again to keep the reader guessing. Sometimes in a book it can come across as cheap and annoying, but in my opinion it was very well done in this book.
The high school setting also was well done in my opinion, some books can portray it as cheesy and unbelievable and the students are never in class, but this book didn’t do that and it was very well written, especially the car park rush in the mornings.
The storyline with the undercover police and the mob/gang was also quite good, I understand that’s being explained more in Quinn’s (Bubblegum Version) POV story, but at the same time I don’t know if many readers would read a whole other book of the exact same story just to read it from another characters perspective? I loved this book but I wouldn’t read it again just to get Quinn’s (Bubblegum Version) perspective, no matter how different it is. That’s just me though. I’m also just not a fan of the whole sleeping with every girl available but the one you’re in love with so I wouldn’t want to read that.
Me and Quinn (Lightning McQueen Bersion) are so similar and I loved her a lot, she was a great character and I loved reading this book from her point of view.
I love that she keeps fighting for what she wants and believes in, even if she hesitates at first.
I also loved Quinn (Bubblegum Version) she had so much growth and I loved learning about her and her family, she has been through so much and definitely isn’t perfect, but she’s trying and she’s got a reason to keep trying.
I haven’t actually finished a book that’s this long so quickly all year, I was highly invested from the start.
What I also liked about this book is the slow feed of information and the drop of new questions every now and again to keep the reader guessing. Sometimes in a book it can come across as cheap and annoying, but in my opinion it was very well done in this book.
The high school setting also was well done in my opinion, some books can portray it as cheesy and unbelievable and the students are never in class, but this book didn’t do that and it was very well written, especially the car park rush in the mornings.
The storyline with the undercover police and the mob/gang was also quite good, I understand that’s being explained more in Quinn’s (Bubblegum Version) POV story, but at the same time I don’t know if many readers would read a whole other book of the exact same story just to read it from another characters perspective? I loved this book but I wouldn’t read it again just to get Quinn’s (Bubblegum Version) perspective, no matter how different it is. That’s just me though. I’m also just not a fan of the whole sleeping with every girl available but the one you’re in love with so I wouldn’t want to read that.
November 9, 2024
This is my first time reading something by this author. I liked the book. It was written very well and story was interesting to me. I enjoyed reading this book
November 12, 2024
I absolutely loved this book! It strikes the perfect balance between heartfelt romance, intriguing mystery, and the high-energy world of football. From the moment I started reading, I was hooked by the lovable characters—each one has such depth and charm, making it easy to become fully invested in their journey. Quintessa is especially endearing, with her very relatable teenage emotions. I adore the girl’s dynamic, and I couldn’t get enough of their deepening connection.
The creeping mystery aspect was a delightful surprise. Just when I thought I had everything figured out, the plot took a clever turn that had me hooked until the very end. The author does a fantastic job of weaving in twists, all while building the perfect tension.
And then there’s the football—while it’s central to the story, it doesn’t overwhelm the romance or mystery. The sport feels like an authentic backdrop that adds to the book, without ever overshadowing the real emotional pull of the story.
I’m eagerly awaiting book 2 in the series. The peak given at the end of book 1 makes you want to immediately pick up the next! There are loose threads I’m excited to see explored, and I can't wait to dive back into the world the author has so skillfully crafted. If you're a fan of LGBTQ+ romances with a touch of mystery, football, and characters you can't help but root for, this series is a must-read!
The creeping mystery aspect was a delightful surprise. Just when I thought I had everything figured out, the plot took a clever turn that had me hooked until the very end. The author does a fantastic job of weaving in twists, all while building the perfect tension.
And then there’s the football—while it’s central to the story, it doesn’t overwhelm the romance or mystery. The sport feels like an authentic backdrop that adds to the book, without ever overshadowing the real emotional pull of the story.
I’m eagerly awaiting book 2 in the series. The peak given at the end of book 1 makes you want to immediately pick up the next! There are loose threads I’m excited to see explored, and I can't wait to dive back into the world the author has so skillfully crafted. If you're a fan of LGBTQ+ romances with a touch of mystery, football, and characters you can't help but root for, this series is a must-read!
November 16, 2024
I'm always on the look out for LGBTQIA+ authors to support, so when I found out about Hearts and Stars I immediately ran to the ARC sign up application. Quinntessa, the narrator/FMC of the story, is a bisexual, football player. She's carrying around A LOT of trauma, a FBI agent dad that's never around, and a very reactive dog when she moves into a house falling apart at its seems in Coven, Indiana. She's moved around so much she doesn't want to risk making friends just to leave them behind, and all she really wants is a spot on the losing football team.
I mean this in the best possible way, if I had found this on Wattpad when I was in high school it would've changed my life (who am I kidding it still kinda did and I'm in my mid-twenties now). I definitely would've realized I was queer way sooner than I did, because of Quinntessa's thoughts and feelings for ex-cheerleader, rebel with a cause Quinn. The way their feelings developed felt so honest. There's teasing, banter, stolen moments, and motorcycle rides. Another refreshing New Adult romance. I'm really looking forward to getting Quinn's POV in the next books to hear her thoughts.
This is dark and tough to read at times but so worth it. I can't recommend it enough! Such an amazing debut!!!
I mean this in the best possible way, if I had found this on Wattpad when I was in high school it would've changed my life (who am I kidding it still kinda did and I'm in my mid-twenties now). I definitely would've realized I was queer way sooner than I did, because of Quinntessa's thoughts and feelings for ex-cheerleader, rebel with a cause Quinn. The way their feelings developed felt so honest. There's teasing, banter, stolen moments, and motorcycle rides. Another refreshing New Adult romance. I'm really looking forward to getting Quinn's POV in the next books to hear her thoughts.
This is dark and tough to read at times but so worth it. I can't recommend it enough! Such an amazing debut!!!
June 11, 2025
You won‘t find a lot of romance books with over 500 pages, and I guess Hearts and Stars kind of shows why, because this is definitely not just a normal romance book. It has a bunch of different plotlines that get drawn out quite a bit, which sometimes wasn‘t really noticeable because the plot was quite interesting, but other times just made it feel like nothing was really happening.
The whole crime family business at the beginning and the end of the book was so intriguing, and I would have loved to see more of it throughout the story.
Quin and Quincy are both interesting characters, and you see quite a lot of different facets of both of them. I am glad Quin ended up pursuing a different position than quarterback, though, because with her love for the end zone, running, and her catching skills, I doubt she would have been happy as a quarterback.
Even if I didn‘t really understand some character‘s actions, the book was an entertaining read, which could have profited from a slight edit regarding its length.
The whole crime family business at the beginning and the end of the book was so intriguing, and I would have loved to see more of it throughout the story.
Quin and Quincy are both interesting characters, and you see quite a lot of different facets of both of them. I am glad Quin ended up pursuing a different position than quarterback, though, because with her love for the end zone, running, and her catching skills, I doubt she would have been happy as a quarterback.
Even if I didn‘t really understand some character‘s actions, the book was an entertaining read, which could have profited from a slight edit regarding its length.
November 12, 2024
Thank you so much for this ARC!
"People here are closed-minded. Not everyone is... It's not normal. It won't be for a long time. Here. There. Everywhere."
"It won't stay like that. The world is a dark place, Quinntessa. It's been that way for a while, but kids with ambitions as high as yours can help change the world. Eventually, all these worries you have will be for nothing, because these people will get old and choke to death on their own hate."
Quinntessa and Quincy 🤣 I really liked that their names are kind of similar. I struggled a bit to get into this story because the girls were still in high school, but the secrets at the end were interesting. My heart went out to both of the girls because they both had things they were struggling with and to open up to someone while struggling is hard.
🖤 Saphic Romance
🖤 Secret Identities
🖤 Bisexual FMC
🖤 Anxiety/PTSD Rep
🖤 Mafia
🖤 Sports Romance
"People here are closed-minded. Not everyone is... It's not normal. It won't be for a long time. Here. There. Everywhere."
"It won't stay like that. The world is a dark place, Quinntessa. It's been that way for a while, but kids with ambitions as high as yours can help change the world. Eventually, all these worries you have will be for nothing, because these people will get old and choke to death on their own hate."
Quinntessa and Quincy 🤣 I really liked that their names are kind of similar. I struggled a bit to get into this story because the girls were still in high school, but the secrets at the end were interesting. My heart went out to both of the girls because they both had things they were struggling with and to open up to someone while struggling is hard.
🖤 Saphic Romance
🖤 Secret Identities
🖤 Bisexual FMC
🖤 Anxiety/PTSD Rep
🖤 Mafia
🖤 Sports Romance
November 20, 2024
**Thank you for the ARC !!**
Right from the acknowledgments saying Quinn Fabray was a Lesbian, I knew this book was going to be a hit. The humor right from the start made me know this was going to be a book for me.
I am always looking for queer stories, especially ones with a darker undertones such as this one. What can I say I love crime.
I will say some of the writing is corny, but also I love joy and whimsy, so it was easy to look past and enjoy the more "corny" parts especially when some of the darker storyline came into play.
I am excited to see how their story continues to develop over the next few books because their relationship had me !!!! at times.
The playlist is a banger (I love glee), I love Scrabble (The dog and the game) and this just felt like a very relatable read.
I am so excited to read more Phoenix and I want to be their best friend.
Right from the acknowledgments saying Quinn Fabray was a Lesbian, I knew this book was going to be a hit. The humor right from the start made me know this was going to be a book for me.
I am always looking for queer stories, especially ones with a darker undertones such as this one. What can I say I love crime.
I will say some of the writing is corny, but also I love joy and whimsy, so it was easy to look past and enjoy the more "corny" parts especially when some of the darker storyline came into play.
I am excited to see how their story continues to develop over the next few books because their relationship had me !!!! at times.
The playlist is a banger (I love glee), I love Scrabble (The dog and the game) and this just felt like a very relatable read.
I am so excited to read more Phoenix and I want to be their best friend.
November 19, 2024
I absolutely loved this book!
5/5 stars
From page one I was hooked on Quinntessa, her story and what was going to happen next. The
Glee references woven into the plot from the beginning are just *chefs kiss* purely amazing. Had me laughing from the first mention of the creepy Spanish teacher that didn't know any Spanish.
But when Quinntessa's path merges with Quincy? Makes it even better.
Then the added questions about Quinntessa's dad and the drama around trying to get on the football team makes this a gripping and thoroughly enjoyable read.
I highly recommend!
5/5 stars
From page one I was hooked on Quinntessa, her story and what was going to happen next. The
Glee references woven into the plot from the beginning are just *chefs kiss* purely amazing. Had me laughing from the first mention of the creepy Spanish teacher that didn't know any Spanish.
But when Quinntessa's path merges with Quincy? Makes it even better.
Then the added questions about Quinntessa's dad and the drama around trying to get on the football team makes this a gripping and thoroughly enjoyable read.
I highly recommend!
November 20, 2024
I wanna start off my thanking the amazing Phoenix Kathryn for providing me with this ARC!
I have to admit I was a little intimidated by this book at first because I usually don't read romance books that are 500+ pages, but as I kept reading it, I quite literally FLEW through it cause it was so good. It kept me on my toes the whole time and I absolutely cannot wait for the second book to come out.
(An extra point for the funny yet serious way the trigger warnings were written)
I have to admit I was a little intimidated by this book at first because I usually don't read romance books that are 500+ pages, but as I kept reading it, I quite literally FLEW through it cause it was so good. It kept me on my toes the whole time and I absolutely cannot wait for the second book to come out.
(An extra point for the funny yet serious way the trigger warnings were written)
December 31, 2024
I loved this book so much. The development and descriptions of the characters are beautifully in depth. It had some foreshadowing, but not too much so it still kept me guessing. The beginning was kind of confusing with the time jump, but once I figured out it wasn’t vital for me to know an exact date it was ok. I was engaged at every point of this story. The cliffhanger at the end caught me very off guard, and I can’t wait for the next edition.
March 10, 2025
**eBook on KU**
Rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
# Pages: 528
“Everything I’ve learned, everything I know, everything—I can’t possibly show you how much you mean to me. I can’t. I can’t fathom how to get past this, because I know in the end, I’m going to lose you! You are everything I’ve ever dreamed of. You’re all I ever dream about now. You’re all in my head. Why can’t you stay there?”
“Don’t let people take advantage of you. You’re sweet like honey. I like that about you.”
Rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
# Pages: 528
“Everything I’ve learned, everything I know, everything—I can’t possibly show you how much you mean to me. I can’t. I can’t fathom how to get past this, because I know in the end, I’m going to lose you! You are everything I’ve ever dreamed of. You’re all I ever dream about now. You’re all in my head. Why can’t you stay there?”
“Don’t let people take advantage of you. You’re sweet like honey. I like that about you.”
March 13, 2025
Very good book!
Oh, that was a good one. I really liked this book. It was so fun to read it. A mix between mystery and romance, flirty banter and difficulties in every day life. It is so well-written that it was so easy to read it. I basically flied through it. I did loved Glee references! Good playlist. I do not enjoy cliffhangers and it kind of took me by surprise. Good that I have just bought second book. I do hope it does not have another cliffhanger.
Oh, that was a good one. I really liked this book. It was so fun to read it. A mix between mystery and romance, flirty banter and difficulties in every day life. It is so well-written that it was so easy to read it. I basically flied through it. I did loved Glee references! Good playlist. I do not enjoy cliffhangers and it kind of took me by surprise. Good that I have just bought second book. I do hope it does not have another cliffhanger.
June 19, 2025
This book was SO good! The story line and character building was done do well and kept me absolutely hooked from beginning to end. What started as a story about a girl just trying to find herself and where she belonged and fighting to do what she loved despite the odds, and everyone, being against her.. turned into plot twist after plot twist of heartbreaking insanity that led to a really shocking cliff hanger ending. Salivating for book 2!
March 5, 2025
"I really read the book very quickly; the story was captivating, the characters were likable, and the relationship between them was very beautiful.
I didn’t expect the ending—actually, I think the entire last chapter surprised me, haha. I don’t think an open ending has ever left me this hooked before. I need the next book ASAP!
I didn’t expect the ending—actually, I think the entire last chapter surprised me, haha. I don’t think an open ending has ever left me this hooked before. I need the next book ASAP!
January 20, 2025
This was emotional and happy and lovely and tense and sad. I laughed, i suffered, i giggled and kicked my feet and i cried.
And then i cried again when i saw that i was finished. A really amazing book that you won't put down. Can't wait for the second part!
And then i cried again when i saw that i was finished. A really amazing book that you won't put down. Can't wait for the second part!
July 13, 2025
I really enjoyed reading this book though a few things bothered me about Quincy’s behavior but that’s also why I’m excited to read the second book but I’m also dying to know what happens next after this cliffhanger! I hope the second book will answer my questions and not just be the exact same story through Quincy’s eyes.
I also thought the book could be a little bit shorter with some descriptions dragging for a little too long though that wasn’t a major issue for me.
I also thought the book could be a little bit shorter with some descriptions dragging for a little too long though that wasn’t a major issue for me.
November 23, 2024
Thanks to the author for providing this ARC. This book has likeable FMCs, the story has lots of layers and took some twists and turns I did not expect.
December 23, 2024
Unexpected ending
I really enjoyed this book. Not what I expected at all. The suspense waiting for the next book is killing me.❤️
I really enjoyed this book. Not what I expected at all. The suspense waiting for the next book is killing me.❤️
November 23, 2024
An intriguing story that had sweet romance, tension and mystery as well as drama on the football field. Quintessa and her attraction to Quincy was engrossing and very moving. A great read that had me looking forward to the next book.
November 12, 2024
A fantastic read from new author Phoenix Kathryn!
The story flows well and definitely had me turning those pages well into the late night. The romance is filled with tension and banter but also incredibly sweet at times. This isn't just a typical romance read as we're also thrown into some mysteries, which definitely added an extra element into an already great story.
I can't wait to see what we get in the next book.
The story flows well and definitely had me turning those pages well into the late night. The romance is filled with tension and banter but also incredibly sweet at times. This isn't just a typical romance read as we're also thrown into some mysteries, which definitely added an extra element into an already great story.
I can't wait to see what we get in the next book.
December 2, 2024
Yes, Hearts and Stars by Phoenix Kathryn may has over 500 pages but I still read it in a relatively short amount of time. I received an ARC copy from the author and I’m very grateful!!
The plot is funny and intriguing and full of tension at the same time and I definitely enjoyed my time.
I absolutely loved the playlist, the songs really got me in the mood and they fit so well.
The characters were well written and I also loved the writing style a lot!! Quinntessa and Quinn definitely made their way to my heart.
I’m looking forward to continue the series, which I will do without a doubt and can only recommend this wonderful debut!!
The plot is funny and intriguing and full of tension at the same time and I definitely enjoyed my time.
I absolutely loved the playlist, the songs really got me in the mood and they fit so well.
The characters were well written and I also loved the writing style a lot!! Quinntessa and Quinn definitely made their way to my heart.
I’m looking forward to continue the series, which I will do without a doubt and can only recommend this wonderful debut!!
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews