Landsome Ruins

by Rebecca M. Zornow

Dottie’s finally done what every fantasy reader yearns for—escape to the world of their favorite book series. Dottie's Fairy Bookmother has whisked her away to the magical, romantic Queendom of Landsome, where she's tasked with fixing the series' lackluster finale.

While fixing the story ending is high on Dottie’s to do list, her number one goal of making the hero of Landsome fall in love with her is off to a difficult start. Not only is Ironclaw different than he reads on the page, he seems to have secrets even the original author didn’t know. And then there’s the problem of Dottie kissing the queen’s solicitor and Ironclaw’s cousin, the handsome but arrogant Lord Draw.

Hoping for a book-worthy romance, Dottie must fix the series ending botched by a ghost writer and bring the story to a close that will satisfy fans. Yet what Dottie doesn’t realize is that the true danger within the Queendom of Landsome is closer than she thinks…

192 pages, Hardcover

Published February 3, 2026

Reviews

[Magpiebookreviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the opportunity to ARC read both books in this series and was genuinely surprised by how invested I became. Despite their shorter length, each novella is exceptionally well crafted, delivering a complete and engaging story without sacrificing depth or detail. The pacing is intentional, the storytelling feels full, and every chapter serves a purpose. These books drew me in completely and left me eagerly anticipating the next installment.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Was given the opportunity to receive an ARC copy of this book.

Another fantastic installment in the world of Landsome!

We get the chance to see characters grow and relationships blossom. I love that we get to see some different sides to characters that usually get left in the background in standard roles with the assumption thats all that there is to them.

What a surprising twist linking to a pivotal event in the first book. Interested in seeing the repercussions of something Dottie had no control over.

Even more in this book, then in the first book, I love Lord Draws stead accepting presence (Am I ruined when it comes to what I absolutely expect in a relationship because of this character? Probably...🤷‍♀️)

Can not wait to see where things go from here!

[Alyssa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC copy of this sequel. Overall it was a lovely, easy, enjoyable read. The story picks up perfectly from Landsome Roads, with a few good reminders of the storyline without it being bogged down. I loved the detail in the story which made it easy to picture each scene. The heroine, Dottie, is becoming more and more confident in herself and her own abilities as the road goes on. For such a likable character that I've been rooting for-this was nice to see. Lord Draw gets more scenes which I am sure all Landsome fans are excited about. I can't wait to see what the next installment brings.

[Zanna Bear · Rating 5 out of 5]

Landsome Ruins was a lovely cosy read that I enjoyed very much. I got into the spirit of this novella better than the first, now that I understood the idea behind it.
I love Lord Draw. He's such an awesome portrait of good masculine energy. He’s the kind, warm presence Dottie – and with her a lot of women – needed. The way he is used as a positive role model to contrast past negative romantic/social issues Dottie struggles with when it comes to intimacy is flawless.
I really do hope there's more about Ironclaw in the next instalment, because he still seems like a caricature/cardboard cut-out to me.

Major props to the author, though, for describing actually somewhat historically accurate what campaigning with a host of people was like in older times. The boredom, the days of travel and pitching tents. Such a relief after all the romantasy authors that get the historic bases of their fantasy world wrong. (Yes, this is pet peeve, and no, I’m never letting it go.)

[Bookie_Vickie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I received an ARC from the author's ARC Team in exchange for an honest review.

I continued to enjoy the world building and plot idea of this story. I just wish Dottie was less insufferable. She is transferred to this world yet seems to have no respect for these people’s lives. Even though Landsome has shown her that way more is happening in the world than what she read on the page, she just can't seem to comprehend that? She also seems to think that the answer to everything is sex and that she can accomplish anything if she sleeps with the right person. There was a lot more battle strategy and political talk in this book which I also didn't really enjoy. I liked seeing Dottie and Draw's relationship expand, but it seems so fast. I will be reading book three but I’m only willing to continue because it was such a light easy read. I do really NEED to know how this series ends.

[Ashley Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

These cliffhangers man….I love them but dangggggg

I love Dottie’s relationship with Draw. The way her life is playing out in Landsome is everything she needs.

While life back in the “real world” is paused - other than her family, is there anything there she really wants to go back to.

The way things played out in this story were enjoyable - it’s easy to read and you get more character development. I feel like Ariana is going to end up being one of my favorites! And Bee….hows that going to play out!?

Thank you Rebecca Zornow for the early read! Now I need book 3 ASAP 😂 all opinions are my own.

[Brittany Dempsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to the author for the ARC of this book! This was a short but fun book with a few spicy scenes! It was a good follow up to Landsome Roads.

[Mary Argetsvell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Much like Landsome Roads, there were parts of this story that I really enjoyed, and parts that I didn't particularly care for. In this novella, we continue following Dottie through the world of her favorite book series. I enjoyed the deviations the world takes from her expectations. This installation explored differences that we are told have been introduced by writers for a TV show adaptation of the story. One thing I did not care for was how much of the novella was focused on the sexual tension between, and the intimate acts of, Dottie and Lord Draw. While this is meant to be fantasy-romance, I wish there was more of an emphasis on the plot of story progressing and a bit less time devoted to "spice."

[Alina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked that the book was short to be honest. There weren't any fillers and it was cute.

I liked that Dottie finally realized her feelings for Ironclaw were very fantastical and she had to step back a bit.

Instead I really enjoyed seeing her relationship with Draw bloom and the time they spent together.

Looking forward to the third book and seeing how it will end. :)