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The Storms We Inherit
HOW MUCH OF YOURSELF WOULD YOU DESTROY TO PROTECT YOUR FAMILY’S LEGACY?
In the heart of Boston, where privilege meets ambition, cousins Evander and Norris Vass are top students at the prestigious Boston Institute of Research and Study. But as the semester begins, their carefully constructed lives spiral into chaos. Beneath their polished exteriors lies a dark family secret: their success is intertwined with a hidden dimension known as the Second Plane—a realm now teetering on the brink of collapse.
Desperate to reclaim their family’s legacy, the Vass cousins hatch a daring plan to stabilize the Second Plane using ruthlessness, sacrifice, and science.
But bleeding hearts often leak over best-laid plans, and sometimes, the secrets families choose to bury can change everything.
Content Warnings: The Storms We Inherit is an Adult Romance Fantasy book that contains many adult and sensitive topics. For a full list, please visit the author's website.
In the heart of Boston, where privilege meets ambition, cousins Evander and Norris Vass are top students at the prestigious Boston Institute of Research and Study. But as the semester begins, their carefully constructed lives spiral into chaos. Beneath their polished exteriors lies a dark family secret: their success is intertwined with a hidden dimension known as the Second Plane—a realm now teetering on the brink of collapse.
Desperate to reclaim their family’s legacy, the Vass cousins hatch a daring plan to stabilize the Second Plane using ruthlessness, sacrifice, and science.
But bleeding hearts often leak over best-laid plans, and sometimes, the secrets families choose to bury can change everything.
Content Warnings: The Storms We Inherit is an Adult Romance Fantasy book that contains many adult and sensitive topics. For a full list, please visit the author's website.
- GenresFantasy
278 pages, Paperback
Published February 22, 2025
7 people are currently reading
112 people want to read
About the author
Rachael Leigh
1 book14 followersRachael Leigh is a fantasy and romance independent author who debuted her first novel in 2025. She currently lives in Virginia with her husband, their English Springer Spaniel, and their rescue cat. When she’s not writing, her hobbies include hiking through the mountains of Virginia and gardening.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
February 20, 2025
The Storms We Inherit | Rachael Leigh
🖤🖤🖤🖤/5 stars
"Despite the storms you've endured, never forget the light you've become."
From the halls of Boston's elite academic world to the windswept shores of Barra Island, Rachael Leigh's debut novel masterfully blends dark academia with coastal fantasy in a tale that I’ve fallen in love with, and I don’t care who knows it.
This story follows brilliant cousins Evander and Norris Vass, students of the prestigious Boston Institute of Research and Study, as they wield an intricate web of lies in order to guard their family's connection to the mysterious Second Plane. As this parallel dimension begins to destabilize, the cousins make a desperate attempt to stop their carefully constructed lives from unraveling and preserve their legacy through science and sacrifice (but they’ll need physics student and FMC, Lucia Auclair to do it).
With the opulence the Vasses flaunt, how can Lucia not be impressed, enamored and insanely curious about their world? While the first third of the book has a slower pace, it delivers a constant uptick in tension with the turning of every page. From STEM representation at the Institute to celebrating Samhain at the Vass family estate on Barra Island, this book covers a LOT of ground. But this story’s greatest strength lies in its seamless integration of scientific theory with magical elements, particularly in its exploration of the Second Plane. Leigh has a meticulous attention to detail that somehow never sacrifices the story's emotional resonance for science.
As soon as the characters reached Barra Island, my love for this story grew exponentially. The coastal setting of Barra Island resonated deeply with my own childhood memories, making every word feel so personal. Leigh's atmospheric prose captures the essence of coastal life - the rhythm of the waves, the salt-tinged air, and the close-knit community that becomes an integral part of the story's emotional core. The island's inhabitants are masterfully crafted, each one contributing so much warmth and depth that they feel like sunshine on a breezy day.
Now, I’m going to be vague here when I say this but: the man with the steel gray eyes and sharp wit that cuts deeper than the Atlantic waves, is MY MAN. Remember this when you're reading TSWI and start to fall for him…he's mine. Mine mine mine mine.
You'll be swept up by this book if you love:
🏫 Dark academia
🌊 Coastal fantasy
💗 Enemies to lovers
✋🏼Forced proximity
🔥Slow burn
🤟🏼 Found family
🧭 Multiple Realities
You can get lost in this beautiful world of science, magic and spice when The Storms We Inherit debuts on February 22, 2025.
🖤🖤🖤🖤/5 stars
"Despite the storms you've endured, never forget the light you've become."
From the halls of Boston's elite academic world to the windswept shores of Barra Island, Rachael Leigh's debut novel masterfully blends dark academia with coastal fantasy in a tale that I’ve fallen in love with, and I don’t care who knows it.
This story follows brilliant cousins Evander and Norris Vass, students of the prestigious Boston Institute of Research and Study, as they wield an intricate web of lies in order to guard their family's connection to the mysterious Second Plane. As this parallel dimension begins to destabilize, the cousins make a desperate attempt to stop their carefully constructed lives from unraveling and preserve their legacy through science and sacrifice (but they’ll need physics student and FMC, Lucia Auclair to do it).
With the opulence the Vasses flaunt, how can Lucia not be impressed, enamored and insanely curious about their world? While the first third of the book has a slower pace, it delivers a constant uptick in tension with the turning of every page. From STEM representation at the Institute to celebrating Samhain at the Vass family estate on Barra Island, this book covers a LOT of ground. But this story’s greatest strength lies in its seamless integration of scientific theory with magical elements, particularly in its exploration of the Second Plane. Leigh has a meticulous attention to detail that somehow never sacrifices the story's emotional resonance for science.
As soon as the characters reached Barra Island, my love for this story grew exponentially. The coastal setting of Barra Island resonated deeply with my own childhood memories, making every word feel so personal. Leigh's atmospheric prose captures the essence of coastal life - the rhythm of the waves, the salt-tinged air, and the close-knit community that becomes an integral part of the story's emotional core. The island's inhabitants are masterfully crafted, each one contributing so much warmth and depth that they feel like sunshine on a breezy day.
Now, I’m going to be vague here when I say this but: the man with the steel gray eyes and sharp wit that cuts deeper than the Atlantic waves, is MY MAN. Remember this when you're reading TSWI and start to fall for him…he's mine. Mine mine mine mine.
You'll be swept up by this book if you love:
🏫 Dark academia
🌊 Coastal fantasy
💗 Enemies to lovers
✋🏼Forced proximity
🔥Slow burn
🤟🏼 Found family
🧭 Multiple Realities
You can get lost in this beautiful world of science, magic and spice when The Storms We Inherit debuts on February 22, 2025.
February 22, 2025
This book follows cousins Evander and Norris Vass, students at the prestigious Boston Institute of Research and Study. On the outside, they may look like they have everything under control but their lives are quickly spiraling. An alternate reality called the Second Plane is on the brink of collapsing and the Vass family’s success depends on it. Evander and Norris will stop at nothing to preserve their legacy, even if it means sacrificing our FMC, Lucia Auclair.
Lucia was the obvious answer for the Vass family. She has no family— aka no one would miss her if she disappeared to another dimension and she knew about quantum physics after being pushed to study by her grandmother. She felt like she never belonged anywhere anyways so Barra Island on the Second Plane would be a perfect place for her.
This book was a JOURNEY. By the way Evander talked about the Second Plane, you think Lucia would have the absolute worst time but it was the exact opposite??? The first half of the book felt dark and lonely, kind of like our boy Evander. The second half of the book, which takes place in the Second Plane was filled with hope, found family, and happiness 🥹 ESPECIALLY when our gal meets Callen… the Vass cousin who’s stuck in the Second Plane and basically takes care of Barra Island.
I thought Evander was end game for Lucia even though I did feel like it was a lust-filled attraction that drew him in. I so so badly want him to redeem himself in the next book buuuuuuut Callen takes the cake. He is EVERYTHING I want for our FMC. He has the banter and sex appeal I want in a book bf (Adding him to my list) and I don’t even care that he’s from 1917!
This book was *chef’s kiss* from beginning to end. The way this book blended physics and magic together??? Stunning. If physics was this interesting, maybe I would’ve paid more attention in class years ago lol. I also think the multiple realities aspect was executed beautifully in this book. I loved the characters and even the flaws of the Vass family. I need the second book as much as I need water and I can’t wait to be back on the Second Plane again! Thank you Rachael for this masterpiece and letting me be on the ARC team!
Lucia was the obvious answer for the Vass family. She has no family— aka no one would miss her if she disappeared to another dimension and she knew about quantum physics after being pushed to study by her grandmother. She felt like she never belonged anywhere anyways so Barra Island on the Second Plane would be a perfect place for her.
This book was a JOURNEY. By the way Evander talked about the Second Plane, you think Lucia would have the absolute worst time but it was the exact opposite??? The first half of the book felt dark and lonely, kind of like our boy Evander. The second half of the book, which takes place in the Second Plane was filled with hope, found family, and happiness 🥹 ESPECIALLY when our gal meets Callen… the Vass cousin who’s stuck in the Second Plane and basically takes care of Barra Island.
I thought Evander was end game for Lucia even though I did feel like it was a lust-filled attraction that drew him in. I so so badly want him to redeem himself in the next book buuuuuuut Callen takes the cake. He is EVERYTHING I want for our FMC. He has the banter and sex appeal I want in a book bf (Adding him to my list) and I don’t even care that he’s from 1917!
This book was *chef’s kiss* from beginning to end. The way this book blended physics and magic together??? Stunning. If physics was this interesting, maybe I would’ve paid more attention in class years ago lol. I also think the multiple realities aspect was executed beautifully in this book. I loved the characters and even the flaws of the Vass family. I need the second book as much as I need water and I can’t wait to be back on the Second Plane again! Thank you Rachael for this masterpiece and letting me be on the ARC team!
February 19, 2025
Another ARC Review!
This one was about alternate dimensions & the complex physics that goes along with it.
Although I was often lost with the physics talk/explanations in this book, I still enjoyed the storyline!
To not give the story away, a wealthy family, the Vasses, are in danger of losing everything they have. In order to secure their future, they have to sacrifice Lucia, a physics student, to the Second Plane, the dimension that allows the Vasses to create Veils - which give them anything & everything they want.
There’s in depth physics, conflict, a little romance and found family. I gave this book 4⭐️! Would most likely have been 5 if I was more educated in the physics department! lol
This one was about alternate dimensions & the complex physics that goes along with it.
Although I was often lost with the physics talk/explanations in this book, I still enjoyed the storyline!
To not give the story away, a wealthy family, the Vasses, are in danger of losing everything they have. In order to secure their future, they have to sacrifice Lucia, a physics student, to the Second Plane, the dimension that allows the Vasses to create Veils - which give them anything & everything they want.
There’s in depth physics, conflict, a little romance and found family. I gave this book 4⭐️! Would most likely have been 5 if I was more educated in the physics department! lol
March 14, 2025
More books should be this good and fun
August 5, 2025
The Storms We Inherit TOOK ME SOMEWHERE I NEVER IMAGINED BEING, in the best way! It’s got that enemies-to-lovers energy but in a contemporary, we truly hate each other but don’t actually try to kill each other kind of way that just hits. The tension, while mild, was delicious!
We follow two wealthy cousins bound by the weight of legacy, expectation, and a family duty tied to maintaining a second plane of reality. No big deal, right? Except that second plane is collapsing, and it’s up to them to figure out how to stop it. Cue the chaos.
Enter the loner. No one will miss her. She’s easily swept up in the charm and danger of our rich, borderline reckless duo and finds herself in way deeper than she ever intended. She’s just desperate enough for friendship that it might be the very thing that destroys her. Reading and watching that unravel is equal parts heartbreaking and captivating.
Quantum physics plays a huge role in this book and is so smoothly woven into the plot, it never feels overwhelming. My only wish? I really wanted more from the background POV once their plan was set in motion. I really wanted to track if it was actually working as everything unfolded.
Of course it ends on a cliffhanger, and I cannot wait to see where this story takes us next.
This was such a great debut, unlike anything else I’ve read. I loved how it celebrated women in STEM, weaving intellect, curiosity, and power into the heart of the story without ever losing its emotional edge.
We follow two wealthy cousins bound by the weight of legacy, expectation, and a family duty tied to maintaining a second plane of reality. No big deal, right? Except that second plane is collapsing, and it’s up to them to figure out how to stop it. Cue the chaos.
Enter the loner. No one will miss her. She’s easily swept up in the charm and danger of our rich, borderline reckless duo and finds herself in way deeper than she ever intended. She’s just desperate enough for friendship that it might be the very thing that destroys her. Reading and watching that unravel is equal parts heartbreaking and captivating.
Quantum physics plays a huge role in this book and is so smoothly woven into the plot, it never feels overwhelming. My only wish? I really wanted more from the background POV once their plan was set in motion. I really wanted to track if it was actually working as everything unfolded.
Of course it ends on a cliffhanger, and I cannot wait to see where this story takes us next.
This was such a great debut, unlike anything else I’ve read. I loved how it celebrated women in STEM, weaving intellect, curiosity, and power into the heart of the story without ever losing its emotional edge.
February 22, 2025
I generally enjoy the books I read, but I RARELY devour them the way I devoured this book. In fact, I can count on one hand the number of books that have absolutely captured my attention the way this one did.
I have always enjoyed dark academia, but this book was next level. I absolutely adored how we were introduced to our three main characters: Norris, Evander, and Lucia. Rachael Leigh skillfully navigates the multiple POV's in a way that each felt unique (something I often find lacking in multi POV third person novels) and captured my attention instantly. Within the start of each characters chapters I knew what their goals were and what motivated them but still felt a curiosity toward learning more about them.
For Norris, I loved seeing her drive. Right off the bat it was clear how hard she would fight not just for her comfort and social standing, but for her family. It was clear to me that her family would come above all else. In many ways, I think we could relate to her. Her cousin, Evander, was perhaps even more relatable of a character. From the start of the book, he seemed to love a life of luxury from his cousin (and everyone else's) perspectives, but from his we quickly learn that there is more to him than meets the eye. And then we meet Lucia. Lucia is an outsider to the academic community though she has the brains to fit in. It is like stepping into another world (lol) when she is asked to join Evander and Norris' parties and social events.
Outside of the characters themselves, I found this plot to be VERY intriguing. The secret the Vass family is harboring is one that I LOVE when well executed. Fortunately, Rachael Leigh executed this mystery better than any other I have experienced. Between love and betrayals, this novel will certainly keep you on your toes (just be sure to check the content warnings before diving in!)
~Favorite Quotes!~
"Lucia didn't need her mind sharpened any more than it was. It felt like a weapon enough."
"Remove. Your. Hand." (No more context because *spoilers*)
"What was that for?" ... "I was forgetting how you felt against my lips."
"You're going to have to get over that, you know." "Make me." "I'm trying. Real damn hard."
"Every woman deserves to feel beautiful under the moonlight."
I have always enjoyed dark academia, but this book was next level. I absolutely adored how we were introduced to our three main characters: Norris, Evander, and Lucia. Rachael Leigh skillfully navigates the multiple POV's in a way that each felt unique (something I often find lacking in multi POV third person novels) and captured my attention instantly. Within the start of each characters chapters I knew what their goals were and what motivated them but still felt a curiosity toward learning more about them.
For Norris, I loved seeing her drive. Right off the bat it was clear how hard she would fight not just for her comfort and social standing, but for her family. It was clear to me that her family would come above all else. In many ways, I think we could relate to her. Her cousin, Evander, was perhaps even more relatable of a character. From the start of the book, he seemed to love a life of luxury from his cousin (and everyone else's) perspectives, but from his we quickly learn that there is more to him than meets the eye. And then we meet Lucia. Lucia is an outsider to the academic community though she has the brains to fit in. It is like stepping into another world (lol) when she is asked to join Evander and Norris' parties and social events.
Outside of the characters themselves, I found this plot to be VERY intriguing. The secret the Vass family is harboring is one that I LOVE when well executed. Fortunately, Rachael Leigh executed this mystery better than any other I have experienced. Between love and betrayals, this novel will certainly keep you on your toes (just be sure to check the content warnings before diving in!)
~Favorite Quotes!~
"Lucia didn't need her mind sharpened any more than it was. It felt like a weapon enough."
"Remove. Your. Hand." (No more context because *spoilers*)
"What was that for?" ... "I was forgetting how you felt against my lips."
"You're going to have to get over that, you know." "Make me." "I'm trying. Real damn hard."
"Every woman deserves to feel beautiful under the moonlight."
February 12, 2025
Get ready to dive into the mysterious,and mesmerizing world of the second plane's seafaring adventures!🌊✨️The Storms We Inherit by Rachael Leigh is a fast-paced romantasy that truly allows the reader to sea that change is something to learn from,and is not something to run away from.
The author Mrs.Leigh's writing style is poetically beautiful with stunning world-building that truly brings the hidden secrets of the story to life in a way that expertly applies the magic of time traveling by using the laws of physics.
The fmc is fierce, beautiful,and is a fighter that never gives up no matter the circumstances. She gradually learns to move on from the past,and allows herself to follow her heart towards the never-ending sea of change.
The time-traveling aspect throughout the story is well-executed,and pairs perfectly with the events of the story.The characters each have their own motives, and unique skills.
The Women in STEM representation is wonderful to see,and watching the fmc thrive in her element of physics is inspiring.✨️
The cute banter moments between the fmc,and a certain handsome man with steel gray eyes is so much fun to read.The romance in the story has the perfect balance of a little spice,banter,and a really slow slow burn.🔥
The Storms We Inherit by Rachael Leigh releases on February 22nd 2025,and reader's who love a good mystery romantasy with beautiful oceanic scenery should definitely add this beauty to their tbr.
Thank you Mrs.Leigh for the opportunity to read your beautiful,and inspiring story. I look forward to reading the sequel.🌊✨️
The author Mrs.Leigh's writing style is poetically beautiful with stunning world-building that truly brings the hidden secrets of the story to life in a way that expertly applies the magic of time traveling by using the laws of physics.
The fmc is fierce, beautiful,and is a fighter that never gives up no matter the circumstances. She gradually learns to move on from the past,and allows herself to follow her heart towards the never-ending sea of change.
The time-traveling aspect throughout the story is well-executed,and pairs perfectly with the events of the story.The characters each have their own motives, and unique skills.
The Women in STEM representation is wonderful to see,and watching the fmc thrive in her element of physics is inspiring.✨️
The cute banter moments between the fmc,and a certain handsome man with steel gray eyes is so much fun to read.The romance in the story has the perfect balance of a little spice,banter,and a really slow slow burn.🔥
The Storms We Inherit by Rachael Leigh releases on February 22nd 2025,and reader's who love a good mystery romantasy with beautiful oceanic scenery should definitely add this beauty to their tbr.
Thank you Mrs.Leigh for the opportunity to read your beautiful,and inspiring story. I look forward to reading the sequel.🌊✨️
February 15, 2025
I absolutely devoured this book, and I already can't wait for book two! (I was gutted when I had to stop, because the end was perfection)
I love Dark Academia vibes when done right, and this was the perfect amount of fantasy, romance, and dark academia for me. The writing was exquisite. It was one of those books you fall into and feel like you're there, because the descriptions are so immersive. Not to mention how beautiful the dialogue was between characters. "She’s got a light in her, one bright enough to outshine even your stubborn clouds" - I die.
I love a smart, fierce FMC so this appealed to me right away. I loved that all of the main female characters were depicted as smart, strong, and independent. Especially in an academic setting - who doesn't want to watch brilliant women do their thing?
My favourite thing about this book is the way the two halves of the book are written.
I love Dark Academia vibes when done right, and this was the perfect amount of fantasy, romance, and dark academia for me. The writing was exquisite. It was one of those books you fall into and feel like you're there, because the descriptions are so immersive. Not to mention how beautiful the dialogue was between characters. "She’s got a light in her, one bright enough to outshine even your stubborn clouds" - I die.
I love a smart, fierce FMC so this appealed to me right away. I loved that all of the main female characters were depicted as smart, strong, and independent. Especially in an academic setting - who doesn't want to watch brilliant women do their thing?
My favourite thing about this book is the way the two halves of the book are written.
February 27, 2025
Welcome to The Storms We Inherit by the talented @rachaelleigh_writes
A captivating story about our FMC Lucia, student at Boston Institute of Research and Study, where she studies physics!
I really enjoyed a lot about this book, from the different take on the math/physics to parallel universes! I loved the dark academia vibes this story has!
@rachaelleigh_writes writing is so beautiful! I enjoyed the attention to detail with the magical elements! i think that was my favorite!
I loved Lucia’s character development and the way she evolved through history! I think she’s the perfect FMC! Her cousins Norris and Evander were great supporting characters as well!
I’m a huge fan of sea ports, parallel universes, the ocean so this book is deff for you if you love that! The magic in this book was something super unique and i cannot wait to recommend this book to my friends! BRAVO!! 🎉🩷
Also —- “Despite the storms you’ve endured, never forget the light you’ve become.” HAD ME SOBBING! 😭
What you’ll find….
🌊Dark academia
👥Forced Prox.
🌊Coastal fantasy
✨Enemies to lovers
🩷Slow burn
✨Found Family
⏳Multiple Realities
A captivating story about our FMC Lucia, student at Boston Institute of Research and Study, where she studies physics!
I really enjoyed a lot about this book, from the different take on the math/physics to parallel universes! I loved the dark academia vibes this story has!
@rachaelleigh_writes writing is so beautiful! I enjoyed the attention to detail with the magical elements! i think that was my favorite!
I loved Lucia’s character development and the way she evolved through history! I think she’s the perfect FMC! Her cousins Norris and Evander were great supporting characters as well!
I’m a huge fan of sea ports, parallel universes, the ocean so this book is deff for you if you love that! The magic in this book was something super unique and i cannot wait to recommend this book to my friends! BRAVO!! 🎉🩷
Also —- “Despite the storms you’ve endured, never forget the light you’ve become.” HAD ME SOBBING! 😭
What you’ll find….
🌊Dark academia
👥Forced Prox.
🌊Coastal fantasy
✨Enemies to lovers
🩷Slow burn
✨Found Family
⏳Multiple Realities
February 17, 2025
Who knew STEM in a fantasy book could make for such a swoon worthy beginning to a series?? This book was great!! I loved that actual theories of Physics and math are brought into this book and beautifully done. The main character Lucia is thrown into a world she feels she isn’t a part of which ends up sending her to another dimensional plane. I was rooting for Evanders redemption and while I hope he can redeem himself in the next book, Callen is end game in my opinion. This book had some twists and turns I didn’t see coming and I can’t wait for the next book to see where the story goes. Also there is a part of me hoping something fires off with Adeem and Norris.
April 21, 2025
Wow. This book was everything I wanted. As a STEM girly from the northeast I felt a connection with this book I haven't felt with others. Also the fact that "magic" can be explained by physics it's actually so realistic it's scary. Lucia is one bad ass strong female character and I love how she navigated the challenges thrown at her. The slow burn was burning and the enemies to lovers was so satisfactory. Also one of the best and most realistic sex scenes I've ever read is in this book. I can't sing enough praise for Rachael Leigh. This book is amazing and worth the read. The slight cliffhanger at the end has me wanting the next book ASAP.
February 20, 2025
Wow! The Storms We Inherit, by Rachael Leigh, is a mesmerizing romantasy! I love how this book illuminates the transformative power of embracing change and the idea of self-discovery. Rachael Leigh’s ingenious application of the laws of physics to facilitate time travel adds a layer of authenticity, though at time a bit complex for the average reader such as myself.
The FMC is resilient and determined; her journey a testament to the a person’s capacity to overcome adversity and emerge stronger and I ate it up!
I would definitely recommend to fans of fantasy romance
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️
The FMC is resilient and determined; her journey a testament to the a person’s capacity to overcome adversity and emerge stronger and I ate it up!
I would definitely recommend to fans of fantasy romance
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️
February 22, 2025
ARC reader here! I was not given a book in exchange for a review.
Okay, starting into this book, I wasn’t so sure. This book is split pretty evenly 50/50 between two dimensions. EXTREMELY slow burn in the first half that turns into a slight slow to medium burn. I ended up really liking this book, especially being a book based in the modern world with some little fantasy sprinkled in, aka less hard fantasy than I usually read lol.
If you like dark academia, slow burn (but still some 3/5 spice scenes), found family, FMC who finds her strength - pick this book up!!
Okay, starting into this book, I wasn’t so sure. This book is split pretty evenly 50/50 between two dimensions. EXTREMELY slow burn in the first half that turns into a slight slow to medium burn. I ended up really liking this book, especially being a book based in the modern world with some little fantasy sprinkled in, aka less hard fantasy than I usually read lol.
If you like dark academia, slow burn (but still some 3/5 spice scenes), found family, FMC who finds her strength - pick this book up!!
February 24, 2025
This book is officially on my 2025 TOP 10 reads and its only February!
What you can expect:
- Slow Burn
- Dark Academia
- Multi-Reality
- Forced Prox.
Rachael Leigh gives us smooth writing, beautiful details, romance, betrayal, unlikely friendships in this STEM meets fantasy dark academia toned story. Lucia has hit every educational milestone to appease her Grandmere. Arriving to BIRS, She meets 2 cousins who have an ulterior motive to their friendship and a sticky generational past. Will she be the light that saves the Second Plane of reality or will it combust?
What you can expect:
- Slow Burn
- Dark Academia
- Multi-Reality
- Forced Prox.
Rachael Leigh gives us smooth writing, beautiful details, romance, betrayal, unlikely friendships in this STEM meets fantasy dark academia toned story. Lucia has hit every educational milestone to appease her Grandmere. Arriving to BIRS, She meets 2 cousins who have an ulterior motive to their friendship and a sticky generational past. Will she be the light that saves the Second Plane of reality or will it combust?
February 20, 2025
I cannot express in words how much I LOVED this book…but I’ll try!
First, the standard is impeccable. The writing, the characters, the plot, this book is super polished and more professional than the majority of trad published books I’ve read.
Second, I am obsessed with the entire tone of this book. Dark academia, morally grey characters, second plane of existence, physics based magic (that is easy enough to follow but also super smart and scientifically believable), and it’s such a smooth, intricate, cosy read. I loved the Boston setting, the description of academics, and the main characters relationship to those things. But I especially loved the second half of the book (vague for no spoilers), and the world the author created.
Third, there is romance to die for. Seamlessly written into the intricate plot, it’s super realistic and satisfying (with a few fun plot twists!).
I 100% recommend reading this if you like dark/light academia, modern fantasy, physics, slow burn romance, and atmospheric settings.
I can’t wait to read more!
I received an arc of this book and am leaving an honest review.
First, the standard is impeccable. The writing, the characters, the plot, this book is super polished and more professional than the majority of trad published books I’ve read.
Second, I am obsessed with the entire tone of this book. Dark academia, morally grey characters, second plane of existence, physics based magic (that is easy enough to follow but also super smart and scientifically believable), and it’s such a smooth, intricate, cosy read. I loved the Boston setting, the description of academics, and the main characters relationship to those things. But I especially loved the second half of the book (vague for no spoilers), and the world the author created.
Third, there is romance to die for. Seamlessly written into the intricate plot, it’s super realistic and satisfying (with a few fun plot twists!).
I 100% recommend reading this if you like dark/light academia, modern fantasy, physics, slow burn romance, and atmospheric settings.
I can’t wait to read more!
I received an arc of this book and am leaving an honest review.
May 1, 2025
This novel was so compelling that I read it in two days. The story is quite cleverly imaginative, but the characters are drawn so realistically that you forget it is fantasy sometimes. The mystery of it sucks you in like a vortex. I eagerly anticipate the sequel, especially after the cliff-hanger ending!
Rachael Leigh has a great future as an author.
Rachael Leigh has a great future as an author.
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May 23, 2025I usually do not read romance novels however, Rachael presents a thrilling story which combines the creative sci-fi mind of Dean Koontz with the romantic brilliance and sensitivity of Nicholas Sparks...I could not put this book down and am eagerly looking forward towards the release of Book II...A must read
February 8, 2025
The descriptors in this book were so detailed that I truly felt like I had traveled to Barra Island myself. Perfect amount of spice without feeling forced. I need the next book in my hands right now!
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