What do you think?
Rate this book
Encryption of the Heart: An Eerden Romance
It was an attraction, no, a distraction she couldn't afford, and that was before she found herself coiled up in a blackmail scheme.
Olline Tavos is a brilliant software engineer. But that brilliance is suspiciously absent in her romantic life.
After a humiliating break-up, Olline does the only sensible thing she can think take a high-paying contract far from home and the emotional baggage she’d rather leave behind. With her specially grown houseplants and her earth magic to keep her company, Olline is determined to lose herself in work, and only work.
At least, that’s the plan.
Then a mysterious and dangerously handsome man attacks Olline outside her office. At best, she hopes he’s a jumpy security guard. At worst, a thief she’ll have to flatten with her magic. What she’s not expecting is for this man’s sudden appearance to reveal the conspiracy she is, unknowingly, at the center of. Schemes that can cost Olline not only her magic and life as she knows it, but the freedom of countless others as well.
Can Olline outwit the people looking to take advantage of her talent? And can she protect her fragile heart in the process? Olline has worked too hard to stand on her own and she won’t let someone’s vile corruption (or a gorgeous man who flirts as easily as he breathes) undo her hard work. But they’ll have to work together if they want any hope of outsmarting their common enemy.
Despite the danger, losing her heart may be the bigger threat.
"Encryption of the Heart", a stand alone romance where she keeps her magic, they save each other, some insta-lust, and a HEA, is perfect for fans of Crescent City, Minimum Wage Magic, and Baldur's Gate III (with a cyberpunk setting).
Olline Tavos is a brilliant software engineer. But that brilliance is suspiciously absent in her romantic life.
After a humiliating break-up, Olline does the only sensible thing she can think take a high-paying contract far from home and the emotional baggage she’d rather leave behind. With her specially grown houseplants and her earth magic to keep her company, Olline is determined to lose herself in work, and only work.
At least, that’s the plan.
Then a mysterious and dangerously handsome man attacks Olline outside her office. At best, she hopes he’s a jumpy security guard. At worst, a thief she’ll have to flatten with her magic. What she’s not expecting is for this man’s sudden appearance to reveal the conspiracy she is, unknowingly, at the center of. Schemes that can cost Olline not only her magic and life as she knows it, but the freedom of countless others as well.
Can Olline outwit the people looking to take advantage of her talent? And can she protect her fragile heart in the process? Olline has worked too hard to stand on her own and she won’t let someone’s vile corruption (or a gorgeous man who flirts as easily as he breathes) undo her hard work. But they’ll have to work together if they want any hope of outsmarting their common enemy.
Despite the danger, losing her heart may be the bigger threat.
"Encryption of the Heart", a stand alone romance where she keeps her magic, they save each other, some insta-lust, and a HEA, is perfect for fans of Crescent City, Minimum Wage Magic, and Baldur's Gate III (with a cyberpunk setting).
380 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 4, 2025
16 people are currently reading
2389 people want to read
About the author
C.E. Clayton
14 books275 followersC. E. Clayton is the author of young adult fantasy series, “The Monster of Selkirk”, the creator of the award winning cyberpunk Eerden Novels, and her horror short stories have appeared in anthologies across the country. By signing up for her newsletter, you'll immediately get a free novella set in the Eerden universe! She'd also be thrilled if you followed her on Instagram and liked her bookish and pet photos, and Amazon where you can get updates on her new releases. When she’s not writing you can find her treating her fur-babies like humans, constantly drinking tea, and trying to convince her husband to go to more concerts. And reading. She does read quite a bit.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
May 13, 2025
4.5 stars
Enemies to lovers? Check. Cyberpunk setting? Check. A silver-haired morally gray menace calling our heroine “Tav” like this is a Baldur’s Gate 3 fanfic come to life? Oh, you know my interest was peaked!
Let’s get one thing straight: C.E. Clayton knows how to build a world. Encryption of the Heart doesn’t just toss some wires and magic around and call it cyberpunk—it’s a fully realized, lived-in universe that hums with detail. The tech feels tangible, the magic is seamlessly integrated, and the whole setting feels like a plausible (and slightly terrifying) future that’s still totally accessible, even if you’re not fluent in sci-fi jargon.
And then there’s Casimir. Sweet motherboard, this man. If Astarion from BG3 waltzed out of the game and decided to moonlight as a tortured mercenary with a soft spot for clumsy software engineers… well, you’d get Cas. The way he calls Olline “Tav”? Yeah, that was the moment I knew I was INVESTED. Their dynamic was just chef’s kiss; charged stares, razor-sharp banter, and just enough mutual pining to short-circuit my Kindle.
The plot is tightly woven, with just the right mix of action, romance, and high-stakes conspiracy. My one tiny critique (and this is pure personal preference): the kidnapping-rescue sequence? A bit too swift for my drama-loving heart. I was ready for some extended angst, a little damsel-in-distress flavor, maybe even a stolen moment or two in a heavily guarded server room. But Casimir, being the efficient, brooding hero he is, got her out of there faster than you can say “unauthorized firewall breach.” Rude.
But honestly? That’s nitpicking. I had an absolute blast reading this. The pacing never dragged, the romance was AMAZING, and I already miss Olline’s self-conscious internal monologue. Clayton delivers a fresh, original spin on sci-fi romance that stands out in a crowded genre, and I cannot wait to see what she writes next.
Enemies to lovers? Check. Cyberpunk setting? Check. A silver-haired morally gray menace calling our heroine “Tav” like this is a Baldur’s Gate 3 fanfic come to life? Oh, you know my interest was peaked!
Let’s get one thing straight: C.E. Clayton knows how to build a world. Encryption of the Heart doesn’t just toss some wires and magic around and call it cyberpunk—it’s a fully realized, lived-in universe that hums with detail. The tech feels tangible, the magic is seamlessly integrated, and the whole setting feels like a plausible (and slightly terrifying) future that’s still totally accessible, even if you’re not fluent in sci-fi jargon.
And then there’s Casimir. Sweet motherboard, this man. If Astarion from BG3 waltzed out of the game and decided to moonlight as a tortured mercenary with a soft spot for clumsy software engineers… well, you’d get Cas. The way he calls Olline “Tav”? Yeah, that was the moment I knew I was INVESTED. Their dynamic was just chef’s kiss; charged stares, razor-sharp banter, and just enough mutual pining to short-circuit my Kindle.
The plot is tightly woven, with just the right mix of action, romance, and high-stakes conspiracy. My one tiny critique (and this is pure personal preference): the kidnapping-rescue sequence? A bit too swift for my drama-loving heart. I was ready for some extended angst, a little damsel-in-distress flavor, maybe even a stolen moment or two in a heavily guarded server room. But Casimir, being the efficient, brooding hero he is, got her out of there faster than you can say “unauthorized firewall breach.” Rude.
But honestly? That’s nitpicking. I had an absolute blast reading this. The pacing never dragged, the romance was AMAZING, and I already miss Olline’s self-conscious internal monologue. Clayton delivers a fresh, original spin on sci-fi romance that stands out in a crowded genre, and I cannot wait to see what she writes next.
January 30, 2025
This book! Guyssss.
If you like Astarion from Baldur's Gate you're gonna love this MMC. And Olline is a feisty little plant lady and if you love a soft girl with some bite, she's for you.
I read this book in early iterations and she was already absolutely amazing. Every update I've read since has been even better. If you like an enemies-to-lovers vibe but a little bit softer, an immaculate slow burn, and some delicious tension?
This. This book. GO.
If you like Astarion from Baldur's Gate you're gonna love this MMC. And Olline is a feisty little plant lady and if you love a soft girl with some bite, she's for you.
I read this book in early iterations and she was already absolutely amazing. Every update I've read since has been even better. If you like an enemies-to-lovers vibe but a little bit softer, an immaculate slow burn, and some delicious tension?
This. This book. GO.
April 26, 2025
**I received an ARC after winning MTMC Tour's giveaway.**
This book takes place in the same setting as Ellinor series (even though I haven't read it yet, but it's in my TBR). At least I'm not missing anything from the series since this is a seperate storyline. This seems like a slow burn with a hint of spicy romance in a sci fi/fantasy book, which seems like a good combo. I really enjoyed reading the book, even though I'm not a huge fan of the mushy romance and the spice. But I wanted to see what it's all about, and I'm glad I took the opportunity to read it, thanks to the host for gifting me the digital copy. I really like the back story with Casmir and Olline and the chemistry between the two. I can totally relate to Olline's heartache since I'd been there before.
Hope you give this book a try if you enjoy what I mentioned.
This book takes place in the same setting as Ellinor series (even though I haven't read it yet, but it's in my TBR). At least I'm not missing anything from the series since this is a seperate storyline. This seems like a slow burn with a hint of spicy romance in a sci fi/fantasy book, which seems like a good combo. I really enjoyed reading the book, even though I'm not a huge fan of the mushy romance and the spice. But I wanted to see what it's all about, and I'm glad I took the opportunity to read it, thanks to the host for gifting me the digital copy. I really like the back story with Casmir and Olline and the chemistry between the two. I can totally relate to Olline's heartache since I'd been there before.
Hope you give this book a try if you enjoy what I mentioned.
May 15, 2025
Encryption of the Heart is exactly the kind of scifi romance romp I love falling into. It has a cyberpunk setting with killer world-building, clever magic, and a ridiculous amount of yearning.
Olline is such a great (and unique) protagonist - smart, introverted, hyper-competent, and wielding the coolest plant and earth magic. I loved her. Her relationships with her family add so much to the story. And Casimir... Casimir is so Astarion-coded it’s wild. I have been craving another jaunt with Astarion from BG3 - and this hit juuuust right without another playthrough. If you’re into charming, morally gray, flirty disaster men who fall hard for the competent heroine, you’re gonna eat this up. Even if you’re not deep in the Baldur’s Gate fandom, he’s still a magnetic love interest who wears his obsession on his sleeve. The slow burn between them is just delicious. The scene in the club? I had chills. That kind of restraint-driven tension is just so good.
Now, I had some minor issues - the stakes felt a little low and the conflict never really pushed these characters as far as I wanted emotionally. There’s blackmail, danger, secrets—but it all feels like it resolves a little too cleanly. I would’ve loved a few more emotionally raw moments between them, something that made their bond feel a little more earned. Still, the vibes? Immaculate.
If you’re into soft-but-capable heroines, hot simping rogue boys, cyberpunk drama, and magic-meets-tech shenanigans - you’ve got yourself a weekend read that goes down like candy. I’ll absolutely be exploring more of this universe.
Thanks so much to Hidden Hollow Tours and the author for the complimentary copy. This review is voluntary and all opinions are my own.
Olline is such a great (and unique) protagonist - smart, introverted, hyper-competent, and wielding the coolest plant and earth magic. I loved her. Her relationships with her family add so much to the story. And Casimir... Casimir is so Astarion-coded it’s wild. I have been craving another jaunt with Astarion from BG3 - and this hit juuuust right without another playthrough. If you’re into charming, morally gray, flirty disaster men who fall hard for the competent heroine, you’re gonna eat this up. Even if you’re not deep in the Baldur’s Gate fandom, he’s still a magnetic love interest who wears his obsession on his sleeve. The slow burn between them is just delicious. The scene in the club? I had chills. That kind of restraint-driven tension is just so good.
Now, I had some minor issues - the stakes felt a little low and the conflict never really pushed these characters as far as I wanted emotionally. There’s blackmail, danger, secrets—but it all feels like it resolves a little too cleanly. I would’ve loved a few more emotionally raw moments between them, something that made their bond feel a little more earned. Still, the vibes? Immaculate.
If you’re into soft-but-capable heroines, hot simping rogue boys, cyberpunk drama, and magic-meets-tech shenanigans - you’ve got yourself a weekend read that goes down like candy. I’ll absolutely be exploring more of this universe.
Thanks so much to Hidden Hollow Tours and the author for the complimentary copy. This review is voluntary and all opinions are my own.
May 14, 2025
This book has the same setting as the Ellinor series that I have yet to read. But I still managed to get hooked. I loved this slow burn novel where you will be able to find spicy romance mixed with sci-fi/fantasy, which is a combination that I loved. I really enjoyed reading this novel, I wanted to know more and more. I really got into Casmir and Olline and the chemistry between them. I am so glad I was part of this journey. And I hope to read more and more... . I hope you read this book... It is really worth it
May 14, 2025
This book was thrilling and totally different for a fantasy book. I enjoyed the computer science integration with magic and fantasy characters. As someone married to a ComSci this was fun. Totally worth the recommendation.
May 25, 2025
I loved this book! I loved the whole cyberpunk vibe, the description of the city of Antal and the different characters.
May 13, 2025
∗ ࣪ ˖༺𝙱𝙾𝙾𝙺 𝚁𝙴𝚅𝙸𝙴𝚆༻˖ ࣪ ∗
📖𝙀𝙣𝙘𝙧𝙮𝙥𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙃𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙩: 𝘼𝙣 𝙀𝙚𝙧𝙙𝙚𝙣 𝙍𝙤𝙢𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚
📝𝘊. 𝘌. 𝘊𝘭𝘢𝘺𝘵𝘰𝘯
╰┈❥𝙰𝚅𝙰𝙸𝙻𝙰𝙱𝙻𝙴 𝙾𝙽 𝙺𝚄✨
❥𝙱𝙾𝙾𝙺 𝟷 𝙸𝙽 𝚃𝙷𝙴 𝙻𝙾𝚅𝙴, 𝚃𝙴𝙲𝙷, & 𝙼𝙰𝙶𝙸𝙲 𝚂𝙴𝚁𝙸𝙴𝚂
❥𝗚𝗘𝗡𝗥𝗘: 𝚂𝙲𝙸-𝙵𝙸/𝙵𝙰𝙽𝚃𝙰𝚂𝚈 𝚁𝙾𝙼𝙰𝙽𝙲𝙴
❥𝗥𝗘𝗟𝗘𝗔𝗦𝗘 𝗗𝗔𝗧𝗘: 𝙼𝙰𝚁𝙲𝙷 𝟺𝚃𝙷 𝟸𝟶𝟸𝟻
❥𝗣𝗔𝗚𝗘 𝗡𝗨𝗠𝗕𝗘𝗥: 𝟹𝟾𝟶 𝙿𝙰𝙶𝙴𝚂
➜𝙈𝙮 𝙏𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙨💭🧐
Thank you so much to @chelscey & @hiddenhollowbooktours for my #gifted copy of 𝙀𝙣𝙘𝙧𝙮𝙥𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙃𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙩! This review is comprised entirely of my own thoughts & opinions, & is based on the copy I received.
Ahhhh this was an awesome book! I’ve really been searching for something like this for a long time - a Romantasy AND sci-fi romance mix up, and let me tell ya, this one was perfect!! When I saw that it was like Crescent City but make it cyberpunk, I knew I had to read it, and it did not disappoint! This book does take place in the same world as C. E. Clayton’s Ellinor series - I haven’t read this series yet BUT it’s on my TBR! I didn’t feel lost or anything as this book can be read separately! Everything made perfect sense and it made me really excited to explore the other series!
Olline and Cas are just perfect! Now I’ve never played Baldur’s Gate but I’ve been told that Cas, the MMC, is VERY similar to Astarion! So if you’re an Astarion girlie then this is definitely the book for you! Cas was everything I love in a MMC and was just the right amount of broody! Olline is a great FMC - she has earth magic and is a total plant girlie and also loves all things tech - she’s so sweet and also so sassy which is my favorite kind of FMC. She and Cas were just amazing and the banter was everything! Their dynamic was perfect - I always love a black cat MMC and golden retriever FMC!
This book was super intriguing and I just really loved the blend of magic and tech, it was so unique! I loved every second of it and definitely recommend it!
➜𝘼𝙙𝙙 𝙩𝙤 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙏𝘽𝙍 𝙞𝙛 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚:
🩷She Keeps Her Magic
💚“Falling For You Wasn’t Part of the Plan”
✨They Save Each Other
🩷STEM Girl
💚Black Cat Boyfriend/Golden Retriever Girlfriend
✨Touch Her and Die
🩷Hidden Identity
─── ⋆⋅ ☾⋅⋆ ───
📖𝙀𝙣𝙘𝙧𝙮𝙥𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙃𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙩: 𝘼𝙣 𝙀𝙚𝙧𝙙𝙚𝙣 𝙍𝙤𝙢𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚
📝𝘊. 𝘌. 𝘊𝘭𝘢𝘺𝘵𝘰𝘯
╰┈❥𝙰𝚅𝙰𝙸𝙻𝙰𝙱𝙻𝙴 𝙾𝙽 𝙺𝚄✨
❥𝙱𝙾𝙾𝙺 𝟷 𝙸𝙽 𝚃𝙷𝙴 𝙻𝙾𝚅𝙴, 𝚃𝙴𝙲𝙷, & 𝙼𝙰𝙶𝙸𝙲 𝚂𝙴𝚁𝙸𝙴𝚂
❥𝗚𝗘𝗡𝗥𝗘: 𝚂𝙲𝙸-𝙵𝙸/𝙵𝙰𝙽𝚃𝙰𝚂𝚈 𝚁𝙾𝙼𝙰𝙽𝙲𝙴
❥𝗥𝗘𝗟𝗘𝗔𝗦𝗘 𝗗𝗔𝗧𝗘: 𝙼𝙰𝚁𝙲𝙷 𝟺𝚃𝙷 𝟸𝟶𝟸𝟻
❥𝗣𝗔𝗚𝗘 𝗡𝗨𝗠𝗕𝗘𝗥: 𝟹𝟾𝟶 𝙿𝙰𝙶𝙴𝚂
➜𝙈𝙮 𝙏𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙨💭🧐
Thank you so much to @chelscey & @hiddenhollowbooktours for my #gifted copy of 𝙀𝙣𝙘𝙧𝙮𝙥𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙃𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙩! This review is comprised entirely of my own thoughts & opinions, & is based on the copy I received.
Ahhhh this was an awesome book! I’ve really been searching for something like this for a long time - a Romantasy AND sci-fi romance mix up, and let me tell ya, this one was perfect!! When I saw that it was like Crescent City but make it cyberpunk, I knew I had to read it, and it did not disappoint! This book does take place in the same world as C. E. Clayton’s Ellinor series - I haven’t read this series yet BUT it’s on my TBR! I didn’t feel lost or anything as this book can be read separately! Everything made perfect sense and it made me really excited to explore the other series!
Olline and Cas are just perfect! Now I’ve never played Baldur’s Gate but I’ve been told that Cas, the MMC, is VERY similar to Astarion! So if you’re an Astarion girlie then this is definitely the book for you! Cas was everything I love in a MMC and was just the right amount of broody! Olline is a great FMC - she has earth magic and is a total plant girlie and also loves all things tech - she’s so sweet and also so sassy which is my favorite kind of FMC. She and Cas were just amazing and the banter was everything! Their dynamic was perfect - I always love a black cat MMC and golden retriever FMC!
This book was super intriguing and I just really loved the blend of magic and tech, it was so unique! I loved every second of it and definitely recommend it!
➜𝘼𝙙𝙙 𝙩𝙤 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙏𝘽𝙍 𝙞𝙛 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚:
🩷She Keeps Her Magic
💚“Falling For You Wasn’t Part of the Plan”
✨They Save Each Other
🩷STEM Girl
💚Black Cat Boyfriend/Golden Retriever Girlfriend
✨Touch Her and Die
🩷Hidden Identity
─── ⋆⋅ ☾⋅⋆ ───
May 14, 2025
What a blast this book turned out to be! I have a love/hate relationship with anything labeled cyberpunk because, more often than not, some gadgets pop up out of nowhere and that’s the extent of both the cyber and punk. Not with this one, my friends. This world was a perfect example of what a cyberpunk world should be — richly layered, dimensional, fully-realized with plenty of technology that all serves a purpose.
The characters were just as delightful as the world with each of them having compelling backstories that made you care about them. Also, I really enjoyed the romance between Olline and Casimir. Enemies-to-lovers with plenty of banter and eventual heat! Yes, please.
The pace was quick, the plot exciting, and there was plenty of action and danger involved. This is one of those books that took me completely by surprise and I’m overjoyed I took a chance and signed up for the review tour. This may be one of my favorites for the month, and I’ll definitely be following along with this series. Add this to your tbr if you enjoy:
⇢ She keeps her magic
⇢ “Falling for you wasn’t part of the plan”
⇢ They save each other
⇢ STEM girl
⇢ Black cat boyfriend/golden retriever girlfriend
⇢ Touch her and 💀
*Thanks to the author and Hidden Hollow Book Tours for having me on the arc tour!
The characters were just as delightful as the world with each of them having compelling backstories that made you care about them. Also, I really enjoyed the romance between Olline and Casimir. Enemies-to-lovers with plenty of banter and eventual heat! Yes, please.
The pace was quick, the plot exciting, and there was plenty of action and danger involved. This is one of those books that took me completely by surprise and I’m overjoyed I took a chance and signed up for the review tour. This may be one of my favorites for the month, and I’ll definitely be following along with this series. Add this to your tbr if you enjoy:
⇢ She keeps her magic
⇢ “Falling for you wasn’t part of the plan”
⇢ They save each other
⇢ STEM girl
⇢ Black cat boyfriend/golden retriever girlfriend
⇢ Touch her and 💀
*Thanks to the author and Hidden Hollow Book Tours for having me on the arc tour!
May 20, 2025
This was such a lovely read. I don't consider myself a romance reader, and I usually pick up this kind of book because I’m intrigued by the other elements of the novel, but I must say, in this one the romance was really good.
It’s not a slow burn, but the yearning is so well crafted that it feels like it. Screaming at the main characters because they weren’t kissing already? Done.
Despite my screaming, I loved the characters. Olline and Casimir are well-developed and nuanced. I loved Olline’s softness and sense of wonder, and Casimir’s moral ambiguity. He looks like the typical male main character, but he has a vulnerability that makes him a cinnamon roll (at least in my eyes).
Olline comes across as pretty naive in the first chapters, but we gradually discover how she really is—and we do this alongside her. She’s brilliant, and I loved reading about a female main character in the STEM field while still staying within the speculative genre.
The plot itself is intriguing, with unique world-building and lore. I appreciated that the author was able to deliver powerful messages and explore important themes, even though the blurb and early chapters suggested a lighter tone.
In conclusion, this is a highly recommended book for anyone who loves romance set in worlds with high-tech and magic. As for me, I can’t wait to dive into more of C.E. Clayton’s books soon!
I received an advanced reader copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
It’s not a slow burn, but the yearning is so well crafted that it feels like it. Screaming at the main characters because they weren’t kissing already? Done.
Despite my screaming, I loved the characters. Olline and Casimir are well-developed and nuanced. I loved Olline’s softness and sense of wonder, and Casimir’s moral ambiguity. He looks like the typical male main character, but he has a vulnerability that makes him a cinnamon roll (at least in my eyes).
Olline comes across as pretty naive in the first chapters, but we gradually discover how she really is—and we do this alongside her. She’s brilliant, and I loved reading about a female main character in the STEM field while still staying within the speculative genre.
The plot itself is intriguing, with unique world-building and lore. I appreciated that the author was able to deliver powerful messages and explore important themes, even though the blurb and early chapters suggested a lighter tone.
In conclusion, this is a highly recommended book for anyone who loves romance set in worlds with high-tech and magic. As for me, I can’t wait to dive into more of C.E. Clayton’s books soon!
I received an advanced reader copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 14, 2025
I was excited to be part of the review tour for ENCRYPTION OF THE HEART by C.E. Clayton hosted by the author and HiddenHollowBookTours. Thank you to both for inviting me along and for the gifted book. I thoroughly enjoyed it!
This is the first book I've read by this author, but I was immediately intrigued because it's described as a cyberpunk fantasy. I have never read any books with that description. I had to see for myself what kind of world cyberpunk lives in. I was not disappointed.
Olline (I love that name!) is a computer software genius.
She moves to a new town for a new job, and she couldn't be more excited to start anew.
Until she finds herself in the middle of a mysterious plot.
I love the banter between Olline and Casimir. Their relationship is a slow-burn romance. Olline is hesitant because she's been "unlucky" in that department before.
She didn't start her new life looking for a new partner.
If you love:
She keeps her magic
"Falling for you wasn't part of the plan"
They save each other
STEM girl
Black cat boyfriend/golden retriever girlfriend
Touch her and die
Hidden identity
Then you'll totally enjoy this book.
This is the first book I've read by this author, but I was immediately intrigued because it's described as a cyberpunk fantasy. I have never read any books with that description. I had to see for myself what kind of world cyberpunk lives in. I was not disappointed.
Olline (I love that name!) is a computer software genius.
She moves to a new town for a new job, and she couldn't be more excited to start anew.
Until she finds herself in the middle of a mysterious plot.
I love the banter between Olline and Casimir. Their relationship is a slow-burn romance. Olline is hesitant because she's been "unlucky" in that department before.
She didn't start her new life looking for a new partner.
If you love:
She keeps her magic
"Falling for you wasn't part of the plan"
They save each other
STEM girl
Black cat boyfriend/golden retriever girlfriend
Touch her and die
Hidden identity
Then you'll totally enjoy this book.
May 16, 2025
I want to see what other books are set in this world because I loved the worldbuilding and how the magic works!! Olline's ability to use her Earth Magic to also manipulate things on an atomic level was so cool and I wish there was honestly more of her doing that and developing more of her connection and manipulation of hardware. And being able to manipulate the soil too for her plant! Honestly her magic was so cool!! I also loved her as a character and I understood being scorned by Achan and not trusting anyone interested in her stuff but Casimir was so down bad so quickly that I wished she saw how cool her stuff was just based on how much he was fascinated by her earlier. But I get it and it did develop their connection more and make Casimir show his soft side.
Now.... for the other parts...... whoooowie it got so steamy and i loved the tension!!! When they were in the Club, O M G. And then when they finally do stuff it was really good. Honestly there wasn't anything I really didn't like about the book so I really do want to see what else could come do this as a series and what else happens in this world.
Now.... for the other parts...... whoooowie it got so steamy and i loved the tension!!! When they were in the Club, O M G. And then when they finally do stuff it was really good. Honestly there wasn't anything I really didn't like about the book so I really do want to see what else could come do this as a series and what else happens in this world.
March 13, 2025
I've been on the hunt for satisfying sci-fi romance recently and this one was a great mix of that and the romantasy that I know and love.
I haven't read any of the Ellinor series, which are set in the same world, but it didn't feel like I was missing out on any worldbuilding by coming in fresh with Encryption of the Heart. It felt like a good entry point for me!
Normally insta-love irritates me, but I don't know, here it was just really sweet! Casimir falls instantly and he falls hard for Olline. She's not much better, but she's a sweet soul so that's to be expected! As a massive gaming fan, I loved the Baldur's Gate 3 references, and I could definitely see the Astarion inspiration with Casimir but it was integrated so well with the sci-fi fantasy world that it was still very much its own thing.
I really enjoyed this one, and binged it in one go today. I did tear up at one point, so I'd definitely recommend this for anyone looking for a touching sci-fi fantasy romance.
Disclaimer: I received an Advance Reader Copy from MTMC Tours, but this is my voluntary and honest review.
I haven't read any of the Ellinor series, which are set in the same world, but it didn't feel like I was missing out on any worldbuilding by coming in fresh with Encryption of the Heart. It felt like a good entry point for me!
Normally insta-love irritates me, but I don't know, here it was just really sweet! Casimir falls instantly and he falls hard for Olline. She's not much better, but she's a sweet soul so that's to be expected! As a massive gaming fan, I loved the Baldur's Gate 3 references, and I could definitely see the Astarion inspiration with Casimir but it was integrated so well with the sci-fi fantasy world that it was still very much its own thing.
I really enjoyed this one, and binged it in one go today. I did tear up at one point, so I'd definitely recommend this for anyone looking for a touching sci-fi fantasy romance.
Disclaimer: I received an Advance Reader Copy from MTMC Tours, but this is my voluntary and honest review.
May 15, 2025
Encryption of the Heart was a fun and imaginative mix of cyberpunk, magic, and romance. It follows Olline Tavos, a talented software engineer who also happens to have earth based magical powers. After a tough breakup that leaves her embarrassed and upset, she starts a new remote job to clear her head, but things don’t go as planned when a mysterious (and very handsome) man attacks her outside her office, dragging her into a world of secrets and blackmail.
The story did a great job with blending technology and magic in a unique world that felt both futuristic and fantastical. Olline is a very relatable lead; smart, a bit socially awkward, and easy to connect with. Her relationship with the MMC has some great swoon worthy tension, and there are plenty of favourite tropes along the way.
Overall, I really enjoyed the fast pacing, witty dialogue, and the chemistry between the main characters. The world building was detailed without being overwhelming, and the magical programming concept was exciting to read about.
The story did a great job with blending technology and magic in a unique world that felt both futuristic and fantastical. Olline is a very relatable lead; smart, a bit socially awkward, and easy to connect with. Her relationship with the MMC has some great swoon worthy tension, and there are plenty of favourite tropes along the way.
Overall, I really enjoyed the fast pacing, witty dialogue, and the chemistry between the main characters. The world building was detailed without being overwhelming, and the magical programming concept was exciting to read about.
May 14, 2025
I'm so in love with this story! The way we are introduced to this world, and the wonderful mind of the FMC, Olline, made this read an absolute joy. Honestly, I don't read much sci-fi, but this book got me hooked with a world that blurred the line between extremely futuristic and current reality.
I loved that I never got bored with this book; the romance aspect and the action-packed plot were the perfect mix. I loved the relationship between the main characters. Casimir got my heart, the banter, the aesthetic, the NICKNAME!?! I love love love him. Olline is a great FMC; she is a plant lady, so I was obsessed with her from the first page. The tension between them was amazing, and their interactions were perfect!
This was an incredible read. It's set in the same world as the Ellinor series, which I'm definitely going to read now that I discovered that C.E. Clayton writes amazing stories. Thank you, Hidden Hollow Book Tours and C.E. Clayton, for the advanced copy.
I loved that I never got bored with this book; the romance aspect and the action-packed plot were the perfect mix. I loved the relationship between the main characters. Casimir got my heart, the banter, the aesthetic, the NICKNAME!?! I love love love him. Olline is a great FMC; she is a plant lady, so I was obsessed with her from the first page. The tension between them was amazing, and their interactions were perfect!
This was an incredible read. It's set in the same world as the Ellinor series, which I'm definitely going to read now that I discovered that C.E. Clayton writes amazing stories. Thank you, Hidden Hollow Book Tours and C.E. Clayton, for the advanced copy.
May 14, 2025
🌺 She keeps her magic
✨ “Falling for you wasn't part of the plan"
🌺 They save each other
✨ STEM girl
🌺 Black cat boyfriend/golden retriever girlfriend
✨ Touch her and die
🌺 Hidden identity
For those of you that don't know l've become obsessed with Baldurs Gate 3 in the past couple months. We're not discussing the amount of hours l've plugged into it. All that to say if you're an Astarion girlie? This right here is for you cause Casimir is highly coded in the same vein.
The characters dynamic with the banter and tension is fantastically written and you're turning pages quickly and kicking feet. The spice is pretty spicy but not over the top or excessively so.
I loved the world built as a cyberpunk style setting and every second of being invested in it.
Can't wait to see more from @chelscey and what else they turn out.
Thank you to the author for the gifted copy and @hiddenhollowbooktours for allowing me to join in on the tour/review team.
✨ “Falling for you wasn't part of the plan"
🌺 They save each other
✨ STEM girl
🌺 Black cat boyfriend/golden retriever girlfriend
✨ Touch her and die
🌺 Hidden identity
For those of you that don't know l've become obsessed with Baldurs Gate 3 in the past couple months. We're not discussing the amount of hours l've plugged into it. All that to say if you're an Astarion girlie? This right here is for you cause Casimir is highly coded in the same vein.
The characters dynamic with the banter and tension is fantastically written and you're turning pages quickly and kicking feet. The spice is pretty spicy but not over the top or excessively so.
I loved the world built as a cyberpunk style setting and every second of being invested in it.
Can't wait to see more from @chelscey and what else they turn out.
Thank you to the author for the gifted copy and @hiddenhollowbooktours for allowing me to join in on the tour/review team.
May 15, 2025
Open door romance (hard to skip) 18+
This book has SUCH an interesting premise with a futuristic world with magic, corruption, and cute "coworkers" it pulled me in immediately! I loved Olline my smart, kind, AND tough queen and I loved the STEM girlie rep in the way that she was brilliant with tech but she also loved her flowers! She was such a sweet main character and SO relatable (hello trust issues
P). And don't even get me started on Cas! The best personality description that I can think of is Flynn Rider but darker, adult-ier, and much more traumatized (my heart <).
Overall the storyline was really interesting but I wish it focused more on the plot and less on the sexual tension because the plot was REALLY good and the tension seemed unnecessary (I mean girl he's literally enslaved stay focused here!) But I would still 100% recommend this book to all my adult fantasy sci-fi romance readers!
This book has SUCH an interesting premise with a futuristic world with magic, corruption, and cute "coworkers" it pulled me in immediately! I loved Olline my smart, kind, AND tough queen and I loved the STEM girlie rep in the way that she was brilliant with tech but she also loved her flowers! She was such a sweet main character and SO relatable (hello trust issues
P). And don't even get me started on Cas! The best personality description that I can think of is Flynn Rider but darker, adult-ier, and much more traumatized (my heart <).
Overall the storyline was really interesting but I wish it focused more on the plot and less on the sexual tension because the plot was REALLY good and the tension seemed unnecessary (I mean girl he's literally enslaved stay focused here!) But I would still 100% recommend this book to all my adult fantasy sci-fi romance readers!
May 10, 2025
First, I want Olline’s talent with houseplants soooo badly (but definitely not her luck with love, sorry, girl)! I loved the cyberpunk setting, and the MCs were so much fun to get to know. I really felt bad for Olline’s bad luck, but loved watching her kick butt when it came time to. Also Casimir? Um... can I meet him irl please? I just love his attitude, and the tension and banter between him and Olline is just absolutely perfect. (Seriously, if nothing else, you’ll want to read this for that alone). The story has excellent pacing, and Clayton keeps you engaged with vivid imagery, and twists that hit at just the right time. If you like cyberpunk, magic, and amazing banter, then you need to read this!
May 14, 2025
The cover art is fantastic and really fits this book. Not to say that other books I've read don't, but the colors pop out and are some of my favorites.The world building in this is wonderful. A blend of magic and tech, everything works so well as this takes place in a major city. Olline and Casimir are lovable characters. The banter between them is amusing! The drama, suspense, action, everything kept me wanting to read instead of be responsible like sleep and work (which I did do😂 because I am responsible). I am so looking forward to the next one and definitely checking out the other books that this author has written.
Thank you to C.E. Clayton and Hidden Hollows Book Tours for the review copy.
Thank you to C.E. Clayton and Hidden Hollows Book Tours for the review copy.
May 10, 2025
"This freedom you have given me, it tastes like ashes without you here, with me.”
This book surprised me! It had me intrigued from the very first page and it held that level of intrigue for me throughout the entire book!
This has everything you could want from a sci-fi romance and the character vibes are the best!! Casimir = Astarion and I’m 100% here for it!
This was definitely a good read! And for my sci-fi lovers it’s a must!
✨She keeps her magic
✨“Falling for you wasn’t part of the plan”
✨They save each other
✨STEM girl
✨Black cat boyfriend/golden retriever girlfriend
✨Touch her and 💀
✨Hidden identity
I was gifted a review copy from HiddenHollowBookTours all thoughts are my own!
This book surprised me! It had me intrigued from the very first page and it held that level of intrigue for me throughout the entire book!
This has everything you could want from a sci-fi romance and the character vibes are the best!! Casimir = Astarion and I’m 100% here for it!
This was definitely a good read! And for my sci-fi lovers it’s a must!
✨She keeps her magic
✨“Falling for you wasn’t part of the plan”
✨They save each other
✨STEM girl
✨Black cat boyfriend/golden retriever girlfriend
✨Touch her and 💀
✨Hidden identity
I was gifted a review copy from HiddenHollowBookTours all thoughts are my own!
May 11, 2025
𝑰𝒕 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒂𝒏 𝒂𝒕𝒕𝒓𝒂𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏, 𝒏𝒐, 𝒂 𝒅𝒊𝒔𝒕𝒓𝒂𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒔𝒉𝒆 𝒄𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅𝒏'𝒕 𝒂𝒇𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒅, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒃𝒆𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒆 𝒔𝒉𝒆 𝒇𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒅 𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒆𝒍𝒇 𝒄𝒐𝒊𝒍𝒆𝒅 𝒖𝒑 𝒊𝒏 𝒂 𝒃𝒍𝒂𝒄𝒌𝒎𝒂𝒊𝒍 𝒔𝒄𝒉𝒆𝒎𝒆.
🖤 She Keeps Her Magic
🖤 They Save Each Other
🖤 STEM Girl
🖤 Touch Her And ☠️
🖤 Hidden Identity
🖤 Plant Lady
If you are into coding or stem at all this book is for you. Even the characters names and the towns were a play off of tech. Our FMC Olline not only has earth magic but is extremely gifted with tech. She even uses her earth magic in her tech.
Casimir was just a delight. I loved his attitude and banter. He was just the right amount of broody.
Thank you to the author and HiddenHollow for the gifted copy.
🖤 She Keeps Her Magic
🖤 They Save Each Other
🖤 STEM Girl
🖤 Touch Her And ☠️
🖤 Hidden Identity
🖤 Plant Lady
If you are into coding or stem at all this book is for you. Even the characters names and the towns were a play off of tech. Our FMC Olline not only has earth magic but is extremely gifted with tech. She even uses her earth magic in her tech.
Casimir was just a delight. I loved his attitude and banter. He was just the right amount of broody.
Thank you to the author and HiddenHollow for the gifted copy.
May 15, 2025
This Cyberpunk Sci-Fi/fantasy. It's a standalone book which I was delighted about. So many books these days are duologies, trilogies or a series that goes on forever🫣
It was an absolute blast to read.
The main female character Olline Tavos was feisty and very likeable. Casimir was a great foe for Olline to bounce off. This enemies to lovers, slow burn banter was so much fun to read. With the pacing spot on, the story felt really fresh with plenty going holding my attention throughout.
The world setting is vibrant and the secondary characters all add to the story in such a great way.
The author on the whole has done an amazing job and I look forward to reading more from them.
It was an absolute blast to read.
The main female character Olline Tavos was feisty and very likeable. Casimir was a great foe for Olline to bounce off. This enemies to lovers, slow burn banter was so much fun to read. With the pacing spot on, the story felt really fresh with plenty going holding my attention throughout.
The world setting is vibrant and the secondary characters all add to the story in such a great way.
The author on the whole has done an amazing job and I look forward to reading more from them.
May 16, 2025
Encryption of the Heart is a cute cyberpunk sci-fi, fantasy, and romance amalgamation. It's not a mix you typically see, but it works!
The world is well built and intriguing.
Olline is such a sunshine character. Her magic is interesting. She has magic that can integrate with technology and manipulate it. Definitely not something I've seen done before personally. I love that Olline just likes to see the best in people.
Casimir is definitely the grump in this romance. And with his backstory and what he's been through, you can't blame him for it.
Olline and Casimir are a cute match. I definitely enjoyed their interactions.
The world is well built and intriguing.
Olline is such a sunshine character. Her magic is interesting. She has magic that can integrate with technology and manipulate it. Definitely not something I've seen done before personally. I love that Olline just likes to see the best in people.
Casimir is definitely the grump in this romance. And with his backstory and what he's been through, you can't blame him for it.
Olline and Casimir are a cute match. I definitely enjoyed their interactions.
January 30, 2025
So this book is everything!
I've always been a big fan of cyberpunk settings, and when you add romance? UGH KILLER.
Encryption of the Heart takes us back to the world of Eerden (more of which can be found in her Ellinor series, which is also SO good), and omg it's been amazing to be back. I love this high-tech, magical, glittery world. It's the perfect setting for the high-stakes romance that is Casimir and Olline's story.
I was so lucky to read an early version of this book,, and I can't wait to reread it. If you love sci-fi romance, this is 100% the book for you!
I've always been a big fan of cyberpunk settings, and when you add romance? UGH KILLER.
Encryption of the Heart takes us back to the world of Eerden (more of which can be found in her Ellinor series, which is also SO good), and omg it's been amazing to be back. I love this high-tech, magical, glittery world. It's the perfect setting for the high-stakes romance that is Casimir and Olline's story.
I was so lucky to read an early version of this book,, and I can't wait to reread it. If you love sci-fi romance, this is 100% the book for you!
May 13, 2025
This was an incredibly unique story. Definitely a new genre for me. But no less entertaining than the dark romances I continually read.
Right from the start the incredible world building instantly transported me to this unique cyberpunk world. The pacing of the storyline was perfect.
It was filled with action, suspense, drama, danger, slow-burn romance and some amazing chemistry and banter between the main characters.
I am not a huge gaming fan, but this story kept me captivated and entertained the whole way through.
Right from the start the incredible world building instantly transported me to this unique cyberpunk world. The pacing of the storyline was perfect.
It was filled with action, suspense, drama, danger, slow-burn romance and some amazing chemistry and banter between the main characters.
I am not a huge gaming fan, but this story kept me captivated and entertained the whole way through.
December 13, 2025
So this book is everything!
I've always been a big fan of cyberpunk settings, and when you add romance? UGH KILLER.
Encryption of the Heart takes us back to the world of Eerden (more of which can be found in her Ellinor series, which is also SO good), and omg it's been amazing to be back. I love this high-tech, magical, glittery world. It's the perfect setting for the high-stakes romance that is Casimir and Olline's story.
I was so lucky to read an early version of this book,, and I can't wait to reread it. If you love sci-fi romance, this is 100% the book for you!
I've always been a big fan of cyberpunk settings, and when you add romance? UGH KILLER.
Encryption of the Heart takes us back to the world of Eerden (more of which can be found in her Ellinor series, which is also SO good), and omg it's been amazing to be back. I love this high-tech, magical, glittery world. It's the perfect setting for the high-stakes romance that is Casimir and Olline's story.
I was so lucky to read an early version of this book,, and I can't wait to reread it. If you love sci-fi romance, this is 100% the book for you!
February 23, 2025
Well, author, you're getting your wish. These characters will definitely be living in my head rent free. I love Ollie and Cas so much and while I'm glad they got their whole story told in a single book I am not ready to say goodbye to them.
I really love the magic aspect of this high-tech world, and how Olline uses her earth magic in her computer programming and hardware manipulation, but also makes such beautiful plants just because she wants to.
I really love the magic aspect of this high-tech world, and how Olline uses her earth magic in her computer programming and hardware manipulation, but also makes such beautiful plants just because she wants to.
May 20, 2025
Ugh I love these two so much. Olline (FMC) is so relatable with wanting more for herself but pushing past self doubt at every turn. She is DEF a bada$$ as well! Casimir (MMC) is the shameless flirt but underneath it all is a vulnerability. This story was so good with its unique magic system also the technology! I love how the technology blended in so well with Magic. Plus seeing Olline’s love for plants and life was such a great feeling. I love my plant babies so much! I def recommend the read!
March 21, 2025
I'm so thrilled that my novel "Encryption of the Heart" is available in ebook and paperback! But, just as a reminder, that gorgeous steamy black and white art print you may have seen around? Yeah that's ONLY in the paperback version, friends! I wanted to make something very special for you, and I think my designer definitely did Olline and Casimir right by it! Happy reading!
September 10, 2025
TENSION, CONSENT, NERDY
I LOVED this book! The tension was delightful, the consent from both sides I was living for. I loved the nerdy cyberpunk world that was built here. Tech, mixed with magic, mixed with love, mixed with passion (not just for each other but for their hobbies) was so dang good.
I LOVED this book! The tension was delightful, the consent from both sides I was living for. I loved the nerdy cyberpunk world that was built here. Tech, mixed with magic, mixed with love, mixed with passion (not just for each other but for their hobbies) was so dang good.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews