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Breath of Mist #2
Heart of Torment
Betrayal, forbidden longing, and the inescapable pull of fate collide in a dark and seductive journey through a world of magic and ancient power.
When Ariana draws the attention of Clause, a powerful figure known for collecting those with rare gifts, she’s offered a choice that feels more like a command. What begins as a forced agreement quickly unravels into a tangled web of manipulation, secrets, and power.
As Ariana navigates the shifting rules of her new reality, Erik wrestles with his growing desires. Control is his currency, but Ariana refuses to be owned—and she’s becoming the one thing he can’t dominate.
When Clause whispers dangerous truths, will she trust him?
When Ariana takes the lead, will Erik follow?
How far will they go before everything burns?
When Ariana draws the attention of Clause, a powerful figure known for collecting those with rare gifts, she’s offered a choice that feels more like a command. What begins as a forced agreement quickly unravels into a tangled web of manipulation, secrets, and power.
As Ariana navigates the shifting rules of her new reality, Erik wrestles with his growing desires. Control is his currency, but Ariana refuses to be owned—and she’s becoming the one thing he can’t dominate.
When Clause whispers dangerous truths, will she trust him?
When Ariana takes the lead, will Erik follow?
How far will they go before everything burns?
- GenresFantasy
360 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 10, 2025
9 people are currently reading
73 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
December 13, 2025
My oh my what a fantastic 5 star read. This is just going to grab you from page one and hold on to you tight to the last word.
This has twists and turns and just when you think you figured it out time for a 180. Say what! She can do, that without missing a beat. This has romance, magic, spice, amazing storyline and characters your going die for.
But, oh nowe are left at a cliff hanger and your going to have to wait like the rest of us.
This has twists and turns and just when you think you figured it out time for a 180. Say what! She can do, that without missing a beat. This has romance, magic, spice, amazing storyline and characters your going die for.
But, oh nowe are left at a cliff hanger and your going to have to wait like the rest of us.
November 20, 2025
Oh I freaking loved this book. From the very beginning, I was completely pulled in with the mystery, the tension, that relentless anticipation of what is going to happen next? It had me turning pages like a woman possessed. I genuinely couldn’t stop reading.
Clause? What a villain. He’s that perfectly layered kind of antagonist, you hate him, but you can’t look away because the depth of his character is fascinating. One of those “I despise you but narratively I am obsessed” situations. Every time he appeared, I braced myself.
Arianna is such a good soul, the kind of true heroine whose strength comes from her compassion and heart of gold. I loved how she stayed rooted in who she is even when everything around her turned dark.
Erik? Perfection. I adore how he lets her be herself and never tries to control or limit her. He supports her quietly, respects her strength, and stands beside her instead of in front of her. Their dynamic felt so healthy and powerful.
And IVER. Look. I am crazy about his character. Every scene with him had me absolutely hooked, his presence is magnetic, intense, and layered in a way that makes you crave more. I need so much more of him in book three. POVs? Extended scenes? I will take anything. I am unwell about this man.
This book had fantastic pacing, great battle scenes, high stakes, and an incredible expansion of the mythology and world building from book one. It took everything I loved previously and made it bigger, smarter, and even more addictive.
An absolutely phenomenal second book. I am both excited and emotionally unprepared for what comes next. Thanks to the author for the gifted ARC.
Clause? What a villain. He’s that perfectly layered kind of antagonist, you hate him, but you can’t look away because the depth of his character is fascinating. One of those “I despise you but narratively I am obsessed” situations. Every time he appeared, I braced myself.
Arianna is such a good soul, the kind of true heroine whose strength comes from her compassion and heart of gold. I loved how she stayed rooted in who she is even when everything around her turned dark.
Erik? Perfection. I adore how he lets her be herself and never tries to control or limit her. He supports her quietly, respects her strength, and stands beside her instead of in front of her. Their dynamic felt so healthy and powerful.
And IVER. Look. I am crazy about his character. Every scene with him had me absolutely hooked, his presence is magnetic, intense, and layered in a way that makes you crave more. I need so much more of him in book three. POVs? Extended scenes? I will take anything. I am unwell about this man.
This book had fantastic pacing, great battle scenes, high stakes, and an incredible expansion of the mythology and world building from book one. It took everything I loved previously and made it bigger, smarter, and even more addictive.
An absolutely phenomenal second book. I am both excited and emotionally unprepared for what comes next. Thanks to the author for the gifted ARC.
December 10, 2025
From breaking my heart into tiny pieces at the end of Breath of Mist to healing parts of my soul in Heart of Torment and playing with my heart throughout every chapter - Leona has truly taken up residence in my heart, brain, and SOUL with these characters.
Erik. Iver. Kole. Ariana. Old Onion. Clause. They all live in my head rent free. I think I’ve found out I’m a sucker for “the villain” … but also like IS HE THE VILLAIN?! Yeah, he probably is and I’m suffering from a case of the “I can fix him”s. It’s okay to love the villain. Sarah, I’m looking at you now! It speaks to how much of a great writer Leona is.
Ariana is separated from her people and her love, in a case of forced proximity THAT I AM HERE FOR. Sure, maybe Clause is old, bossy and a bit trig.ger happy, but we all have flaws.
There are plot twists that I didn’t see coming. There’s hilarious banter. There’s moments of swooning. I was immersed and hooked from page one. The last few chapters had me on the edge of my seat. There were tears - there was lots of deep breathing to regulate my emotions - at times I was riddled with anxiety — I loved every moment of this book and I think you will too. There’s some spice sprinkled into this Romantasy that’s full of plot.
I can’t wait for the final book in this trilogy. Thank you for sharing this story and allowing me into your inner circle, friend. Ten of ten, no notes. Xoxo.
Erik. Iver. Kole. Ariana. Old Onion. Clause. They all live in my head rent free. I think I’ve found out I’m a sucker for “the villain” … but also like IS HE THE VILLAIN?! Yeah, he probably is and I’m suffering from a case of the “I can fix him”s. It’s okay to love the villain. Sarah, I’m looking at you now! It speaks to how much of a great writer Leona is.
Ariana is separated from her people and her love, in a case of forced proximity THAT I AM HERE FOR. Sure, maybe Clause is old, bossy and a bit trig.ger happy, but we all have flaws.
There are plot twists that I didn’t see coming. There’s hilarious banter. There’s moments of swooning. I was immersed and hooked from page one. The last few chapters had me on the edge of my seat. There were tears - there was lots of deep breathing to regulate my emotions - at times I was riddled with anxiety — I loved every moment of this book and I think you will too. There’s some spice sprinkled into this Romantasy that’s full of plot.
I can’t wait for the final book in this trilogy. Thank you for sharing this story and allowing me into your inner circle, friend. Ten of ten, no notes. Xoxo.
November 9, 2025
Oh man! I ATE THIS UP! Leona’s writing and storytelling is so freaking good. She somehow manages to surprise me even if I figure a different part out which I love! This story not only has action, plot, spice, and thought out strategy; it has comedic relief which I love. Kole, Iver, and the found family are always a favorite for me.
Open Door Romance (handful of scenes)
Open Door Romance (handful of scenes)
December 11, 2025
Wow! This was even better than the first and that was also a 5 star read! I absolutely loved the continuation of this story and the character growth was amazing! Love watching our FMC grow into her power and love the unique magic system. The love the MMC has for our FMC is chef’s kiss. Our villian Clause was a character I loved to hate but kept wanting more from him and his presence intrigued me. Another beautifully written book by Leona!
December 1, 2025
If you’re looking for a book that keeps you on the edge of your seat from start to finish, this is an absolute must-read. From the very first page, this story grabs you and doesn’t let go. The tension is palpable, the suspense so thick you can practically feel it in the air. I was hooked the entire time, unable to put it down even for a second.
The angst is real, and the emotional stakes are high, but what truly sets this book apart is the depth of its characters. The FMC is a fierce, badass heroine that every reader will root for. She’s strong, vulnerable, and impossible not to love. Honestly, she’s the kind of woman we all need as a role model.
As for the MMC - wow. Just wow. He’s everything you could want in a book boyfriend. He’s complex, supportive, and undeniably sexy. He embodies the character of what a real man should be—loyal, honorable, and ready to fight for the ones he loves. I couldn’t help but fall for him right alongside the FMC. Their chemistry is electric, and the emotional connection between them is so beautifully written that it feels incredibly real.
The writing itself is stunning—immersive in the best possible way. The world-building pulls you right in, and the story flows with such intensity that you’ll find yourself turning pages long into the night. The mystery that unfolds is unpredictable, and just when you think you’ve got it figured out, the twists hit you like a ton of bricks. The action-packed scenes are balanced perfectly with moments of heart and depth, making for a story that never slows down.
And the ending? I’m left with a craving for more. The way the story closes has me desperate for the next book, and I truly can’t wait to dive back into this world.
If you’re looking for a book that has it all—suspense, action, romance, and characters you’ll fall head over heels for—then this is the one. I need more, immediately. Highly recommend!
The angst is real, and the emotional stakes are high, but what truly sets this book apart is the depth of its characters. The FMC is a fierce, badass heroine that every reader will root for. She’s strong, vulnerable, and impossible not to love. Honestly, she’s the kind of woman we all need as a role model.
As for the MMC - wow. Just wow. He’s everything you could want in a book boyfriend. He’s complex, supportive, and undeniably sexy. He embodies the character of what a real man should be—loyal, honorable, and ready to fight for the ones he loves. I couldn’t help but fall for him right alongside the FMC. Their chemistry is electric, and the emotional connection between them is so beautifully written that it feels incredibly real.
The writing itself is stunning—immersive in the best possible way. The world-building pulls you right in, and the story flows with such intensity that you’ll find yourself turning pages long into the night. The mystery that unfolds is unpredictable, and just when you think you’ve got it figured out, the twists hit you like a ton of bricks. The action-packed scenes are balanced perfectly with moments of heart and depth, making for a story that never slows down.
And the ending? I’m left with a craving for more. The way the story closes has me desperate for the next book, and I truly can’t wait to dive back into this world.
If you’re looking for a book that has it all—suspense, action, romance, and characters you’ll fall head over heels for—then this is the one. I need more, immediately. Highly recommend!
January 22, 2026
4.5
Erik is officially a top tier book boyfriend. Broody protective and completely devoted I am obsessed. The way he shows up for Ariana every single time just hits.
Ariana is still growing into her full power and while I am impatient to see her unleash her strongest self I love watching her evolution.
Now let us talk about Iver because hands down one of the best side characters in the series and what we learn about him in this book had my jaw on the floor.
And then there is Clause I still loathe him but I cannot deny I have a tiny soft spot now. He is pure evil yet there is so much more going on with him and I need to know what he knows.
The betrayal in this one was brutal. My heart actually hurt.
This series continues to deliver and I am fully locked in I cannot wait to see what chaos heartbreak and power awaits in the next book.
Erik is officially a top tier book boyfriend. Broody protective and completely devoted I am obsessed. The way he shows up for Ariana every single time just hits.
Ariana is still growing into her full power and while I am impatient to see her unleash her strongest self I love watching her evolution.
Now let us talk about Iver because hands down one of the best side characters in the series and what we learn about him in this book had my jaw on the floor.
And then there is Clause I still loathe him but I cannot deny I have a tiny soft spot now. He is pure evil yet there is so much more going on with him and I need to know what he knows.
The betrayal in this one was brutal. My heart actually hurt.
This series continues to deliver and I am fully locked in I cannot wait to see what chaos heartbreak and power awaits in the next book.
December 6, 2025
Holy cow... this book takes off running and doesn't let up. Among all the action you still have the quiet, meaningful moments that show you the depth of these characters. This book has great found family, and big enemies. There are twists in this book that will have you shaking your head. The writing is beautiful and the story amazing. I absolutely NEED the 3rd book, like what the heck!
October 30, 2025
Brilliant. I absolutely am loving the adventures that we are taken on in this book. The love and war. It is all so captivating. I couldn’t put it down. These books have me sitting on the edge of my seat. The unanswered questions of where this will go and who to trust is going to keep me intrigued and wanting more. What is to come of this story? This is a series of you have not started, you need to.
November 2, 2025
I read this book as an ARC reader. It was a bit hard for me to get into at first but once I did, I couldn't put it down. Leona Welch is a fantastic writer.
October 23, 2025
Well, Leona has done it again! I was so excited I had the honor of reading this book early. Breath of Mist was one of my fave reads and I could not wait to jump back into this world. This book made me feel so many emotions. One minute I’m happy, then sad, then angry, then happy again. Leona really does know how to bring it out of me. I will say this book has a slower start compared to the first one but I didn’t mind that. It kept me interested the whole time wondering what was gonna happen to our main characters next. There were some new characters that I got to love, new ones I got to hate. I absolutely loved being back with Arianna and Erik and after the ending this book had, I can’t wait to see how it will all wrap up in the last book. Great job again Leona!
October 10, 2025
The first book blew me away and this one continued to blow me away! This book is so captivating! The ending i never saw coming and i tried my best to see it happening. I love books that i don't feel bored when i am reading and this one i was never bored not even for a moment. The wanting to know more for me was worth it. She is now in enemy territory and so much around her is changing. She is learning more on who she is and what she can do with her conjuring. While learning more on her biggest enemy. Why is he being so nice? Something is definitely fishy going on. but will you find out just what it is? 😈
December 10, 2025
What an incredible follow up to Breath of Mist!
The writing is eloquent and so beautifully done, the story is exquisitely crafted and even better than the first one (how is that even possible?!) and the character development and growth is top notch.
I don't want to share too much in this review because you've got to experience it for yourself - the twists and turns throughout the story, the tension, the betrayals, THE REVELATIONS!!!
I am ready to dive head first into book 3!!
Leona, please keep writing - because you have such a gift.
The writing is eloquent and so beautifully done, the story is exquisitely crafted and even better than the first one (how is that even possible?!) and the character development and growth is top notch.
I don't want to share too much in this review because you've got to experience it for yourself - the twists and turns throughout the story, the tension, the betrayals, THE REVELATIONS!!!
I am ready to dive head first into book 3!!
Leona, please keep writing - because you have such a gift.
January 10, 2026
This is book 2 in a trilogy. I absolutely loved both books so far. I devoured them. The character development is amazing. Everyone has distinct personalities that flow well together. The plot is intriguing and has a very nice pace. This feels like a real story about real people you might know if only you lived in a land where there was magic.
December 10, 2025
Oh. My. Goodness!! What a wild ride this book was. There were so many twists and turns...I may even like it a smidge more than Breath of Mist, and that one was an enthusiastic 5-star read!! Thank you so much to Leona for giving me the chance to ARC read Heart of Torment.
Heart of Torment begins right where Breath of Mists ends, with Ariana coming back from her trip to the Sidhe territory and meeting with the mysterious Clause. From there, we hit the ball rolling with her preparing for an impossible choice that causes her to question everything she's ever known.
I absolutely loved this book. There's so much mystery and truths that are revealed, and I literally had no clue what was going to happen from one chapter to the next. Each of our main characters is truly tested in more ways than one. We also get a glimpse of Ariana and Erik's growing connection, and I am so here for it!! I love their relationship and how Erik is there for her, whatever she needs.
Iver remains my favorite character. He's so chaotic and crazy, and I love that he's the comedic relief that everyone needs sometimes. We also get to learn a bit more about him in book two! I'm hoping he continues to be my favorite in book three. He exudes main character energy in my opinion! I even ship him with a certain character, and I really hope things develop between the two of them.
Something I love about Leona's writing is how she can make the morally grey villain a bit relatable and cause readers to feel sympathy for him. We get Clause's backstory, and it's a sad one. I'm genuinely conflicted about how I feel about him even when the book is finished. His upbringing was so horrible, but he lets those feelings of resentment fester instead of learning how to process them and is unapologetic about his actions in Heart of Torment.
I truly loved reading Heart of Torment. Leona is so talented and created this amazing world that is so different from the fantasy books that are being written nowadays. We see more of a focus on the plot instead of just the romance between Ariana and Erik. While it may be there, and delicious, it's not the entire focus of the book. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants amazing world-building, unique tribes and peoples, and a touching story that you'll devour from start to finish.
Heart of Torment begins right where Breath of Mists ends, with Ariana coming back from her trip to the Sidhe territory and meeting with the mysterious Clause. From there, we hit the ball rolling with her preparing for an impossible choice that causes her to question everything she's ever known.
I absolutely loved this book. There's so much mystery and truths that are revealed, and I literally had no clue what was going to happen from one chapter to the next. Each of our main characters is truly tested in more ways than one. We also get a glimpse of Ariana and Erik's growing connection, and I am so here for it!! I love their relationship and how Erik is there for her, whatever she needs.
Iver remains my favorite character. He's so chaotic and crazy, and I love that he's the comedic relief that everyone needs sometimes. We also get to learn a bit more about him in book two! I'm hoping he continues to be my favorite in book three. He exudes main character energy in my opinion! I even ship him with a certain character, and I really hope things develop between the two of them.
Something I love about Leona's writing is how she can make the morally grey villain a bit relatable and cause readers to feel sympathy for him. We get Clause's backstory, and it's a sad one. I'm genuinely conflicted about how I feel about him even when the book is finished. His upbringing was so horrible, but he lets those feelings of resentment fester instead of learning how to process them and is unapologetic about his actions in Heart of Torment.
I truly loved reading Heart of Torment. Leona is so talented and created this amazing world that is so different from the fantasy books that are being written nowadays. We see more of a focus on the plot instead of just the romance between Ariana and Erik. While it may be there, and delicious, it's not the entire focus of the book. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants amazing world-building, unique tribes and peoples, and a touching story that you'll devour from start to finish.
January 24, 2026
I immediately jumped into HoT when I finished book 1 - cause how could I not!! We jump right back in - and oh-my-gosh - idk how it is possible but I love this more than book 1.
Found family is always one of my absolute favs - and this did not disappoint. Learning more about this magic system and this work - love - our badass FMC - amazing - the tension and twist - screaming.
Yet again we have another cliffhanger - so I will just be here (I’m)patiently waiting!!
Leona- thank you for this incredible story - I cannot wait to see how this ends!
Found family is always one of my absolute favs - and this did not disappoint. Learning more about this magic system and this work - love - our badass FMC - amazing - the tension and twist - screaming.
Yet again we have another cliffhanger - so I will just be here (I’m)patiently waiting!!
Leona- thank you for this incredible story - I cannot wait to see how this ends!
November 18, 2025
4.5 ⭐️ My first ARC ever! So lucky that this was such a good one!! I truly didn't know where this book was gonna take me but the turn of events shocked me. I was kinda rooting for you know who until the chapter 27!! I fear I don't think I could ever forgive that. Ooooo and Iver and Kiore I NEED their POVs in the next book PLZ 🙏🏻
December 23, 2025
Ooh I loved this story !!! Small bit of a cliff hanger but definitely ready for book 3 !! PS I think Prince Iver is my favorite character!
December 15, 2025
This picks up right after the first book and boy is it a ride. Buckle up buttercup because this book will have you on the edge of your seat. I was ready to go to war with one character. And the plot twists had me in a “wth” moment. The character development and growth was perfect. I am loving these characters and I am invested in this story. Iver is my book boyfriend and I love him so much. The banter between characters is enjoyable and you feel like you are there in the story with them. I love the writing style and I can’t wait for book 3. 5 star read!
January 25, 2026
4,5⭐️ severely underrated books! Can’t wait for book 3
Love that you cannot seem to see where the story is going between Ariana and Clause. Rooting for Erik but still not sure about Claus even though he is a prick.
She is one of my favourite fmc’s. And love the magic!
Love that you cannot seem to see where the story is going between Ariana and Clause. Rooting for Erik but still not sure about Claus even though he is a prick.
She is one of my favourite fmc’s. And love the magic!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 26, 2025
What a way to continue this series!! I have not felt so many emotions. How can you hate a villain with a passion and then feel bad for him all at the same time?!?!
I this book we follow Ariana to the Sidhe kingdom and learn more about the mysterious Clause and the way he rules. There are so many secrets surrounding Clause but he is also pushing Ariana to learn more about their world and the magic they carry. This book puts a strain on the very new relationship between Ariana and Erik. Will they be able to survive Clause's manipulations?
I loved the change in the tone of this book and how it further develops the series and the characters as a whole. I can't wait to see where book 3 takes us.
I this book we follow Ariana to the Sidhe kingdom and learn more about the mysterious Clause and the way he rules. There are so many secrets surrounding Clause but he is also pushing Ariana to learn more about their world and the magic they carry. This book puts a strain on the very new relationship between Ariana and Erik. Will they be able to survive Clause's manipulations?
I loved the change in the tone of this book and how it further develops the series and the characters as a whole. I can't wait to see where book 3 takes us.
December 18, 2025
Heart of Torment is an excellent sequel and book 2 in the series! If time had allowed, I would have read it much faster. I especially loved seeing Ariana & Erik’s relationship, iykyk! 🔥 The interactions between Kiora & Ariana and all the girl talk had me giggling! 🤭 We see Ariana holding up her bargain with Clause even though it scares her. She has unyielding dedication towards her people & shows bravery in all she does. My jaw dropped at the shocking twists in this book. There are multiple & you don’t see them coming! If book 3 was released I would have jumped right back into this story. I can’t wait for the next book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 21, 2025
I did not think I would admire Ariana anymore in this book than I already did in the first… I was so wrong. Ariana is so full of poise and grace, her confidence is unmatched and no one can withstand her powers when she puts her all into it. This book is filled with all kinds of revelations that I was not expecting. The trials she faces.. the mating? The secrets and lies? Every page was another twist or turn. I was blown away with the way this story played out and then the ending just sent my mind in a thousand different directions. I’m hanging on by a thread waiting for the 3rd. This book was everything I waited for and more!
December 31, 2025
Thank you to Leona for an advanced copy! It didn't impact my review.
This 2nd book came out SWINGING. Even better than Book 1. I can't figure out what trope ultimately this series is going to hit but here's my best guesses:
Enemies to lovers
Broken fated mate bond
She's actually the villain?!
Why choose? Kingdom ruling thrupple.
Rejected chosen one
The fact that this could go so many different exciting ways is a testament to where the story currently is. And there isn't a version in my head that I wouldn't be excited to read!
This 2nd book came out SWINGING. Even better than Book 1. I can't figure out what trope ultimately this series is going to hit but here's my best guesses:
Enemies to lovers
Broken fated mate bond
She's actually the villain?!
Why choose? Kingdom ruling thrupple.
Rejected chosen one
The fact that this could go so many different exciting ways is a testament to where the story currently is. And there isn't a version in my head that I wouldn't be excited to read!
December 11, 2025
I absolutely LOVED this book! The hurt, the love, the betrayal and the POWER loved it all!
January 1, 2026
Simply amazing! I. Can’t. Wait. For. The. Next. One.
January 28, 2026
YOU CAN NOT LEAVE ME ON A CLIFFHANGER LIKE THAT!!!
January 31, 2026
This book is a direct continuation of book one. Despite having a slow pace, it doesn’t lack in action. Don’t get attached to anyone because you never know who will last or who can be trusted.
February 3, 2026
Never been torn between two male leads before
December 13, 2025
Y. E. S.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews