A Heart of Stone

by Harper A. Burge

Meeka, a refugee living in the harsh North, is born with the same cursed hair that got her Ma killed. When a handsome stranger comes to her hidden village, Meeka is kidnapped and taken back to her homeland, where her magic and memories return. A Heart of Stone is a YA romance fantasy novel.

280 pages, Paperback

Expected publication February 1, 2026

Reviews

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a surprise little YA fantasy gem 🩶✨

Meeka hooked me straight away, she’s our silver haired outcast with a messy past, soooo stubborn and just trying to survive in the North. And then suddenly she’s kidnapped, dragged back to the homeland she barely remembers and everything gets chaotic real fast.

Ajax is soft but also morally grey enough to make me raise an eyebrow. I loved the memories returning, the secrets, the family mess and the whole ✨lost princess finding her place again ✨ vibe felt classic but so good!

It’s YA, so it’s lighter than what I normally read, but I still loved it sm.

⛄️ winter setting
✨ hidden identity
🪨 cursed fmc x prince
🔥 kidn@pping
💫 found family
💞 lost memories
🏹 the chosen one
🌲 northern fantasy setting
🔥 slow burn

If you like fast YA fantasy with secrets, magic, and that slow thawing of a heart of stone this one is super fun.

Parts that weren’t for me: A few moments felt too easy or fast, like I wanted a little more struggle/growth before things clicked and I wanted more magic! The world is cool and I wished it went deeper BUT don’t let this deter you from reading it, it still was really good and my opinion is my own 💞

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Even after 10 years of living in their northern village, Meeka and her family are considered outsiders from The Old Country. They're barely scraping by to put food in their bellies and her Pa's a mean drunk.

Meeka's life has been full of struggle and heartbreak until a handsome stranger comes into their midst. Who is this Johnny Pullver, and what are his intentions when he kidnaps Meeka? On her journey, she discovers family secrets that turn her whole world upside down, a little magic she never knew she had, and maybe even love.

This book has
✨magic,
✨adventure,
✨love,
✨deception, and an
✨underdog you root for.

It's a perfect standalone fantasy read for YA.🙌

[Viking Jam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review: This was the biggest piece of YA garbage I have ever read. Then why did I like it so much? The only way is to break this novel down into component parts of what is good and what could have been better.

First off, this author has some crazy talent. I think they are either super lazy or new to writing and have not quite plumbed the depths.

The MC is pure fun. She notices the hunks around her while kicking them in the shins or head butting those that deserve it. Heck, she likes the woods and trapping. 10/10

For some reason, Meeka's constant thrills down her spine and the warmth of his hands and emerald eyes, does not impale you with romanticy vibes. She turns those inner thoughts quickly into other interests that involve a larger picture. In short, she is not dependent.

What could have made this novel one of the best in this genre is to transition from easy story line development into something that drives character development and movement. When Meeka falls in the river, that is the split. Hunky Prince finds her easily and down the easy writing path we go. What should have happened is that once her magic speaks to her, she survives on her own (as she has the skills) and develops her magic and memories, slowly growing into a badass. Every character needs some serious grindage to become believable and get the readers rooting for you. As it is, this was just too easy, all the time.

I received this ARC for an honest review.

4.4/5

[Brandice Walton · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you love emotionally charged romance with depth, longing, and characters that feel real, A Heart of Stone will absolutely wreck you in the best way. Harper A. Burge delivers a story that’s raw, tender, and beautifully painful. This isn’t just a romance; it’s a journey through guarded hearts, buried trauma, and the slow, agonizing process of learning how to trust again. The characters are layered and flawed, carrying wounds that shape every decision they make, and watching those walls crack is incredibly satisfying.

The writing is immersive and lyrical without feeling heavy, pulling you straight into the emotional core of the story. The slow burn is chef’s kiss—every glance, every almost-touch, every moment of vulnerability hits harder because it’s earned. When the emotions finally spill over? Be prepared. Your heart will not survive unscathed.

A Heart of Stone is perfect for readers who love:

Slow-burn romance with emotional depth

Broken characters finding healing through love

Angst, yearning, and beautifully written intimacy

This book doesn’t just tell a love story it makes you feel it. If you want a romance that lingers long after the final page, add this one to your TBR immediately.

[Kiki · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kidnapped and brought back to a country she fled, memories flooding back, what happens next?

Thank you Netgalley and Harper A. Burge for the ARC of this book for free. I am leaving a review voluntarily.

I really enjoyed this book. I felt it could have been made into a series, but I am also glad it isn't. We open the book with Meeka and John, and they seem to be kind flirty and cute. But then Meeka is kidnapped, and finds out John isn't who he said he was. She is brought back to her birth land, and as her memories come back she realizes her life isnt what she thought it was. Then we follow her as she navigates trying to get her footing and figure out what is happening.
I enjoyed the plot and subplot of this book. I also loved the love story unfolding, it was a bit of a slow burn which was great. I am excited to read more from this author.

What I liked:
-Ajax 🥵 his confession at the end!
-The plot of regaining memories to find out a massive secret.

What I didnt like:
-Meeka, to me, wasnt all that likable. She doesnt listen for her own safety, and that bothers me.
- Pa .. honestly, couldve killed him off way sooner 😂

[Chloe · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a digital ARC of this book for my honest review.

I had high hopes for this book based on the description. I assumed that there would be some common YA fantasy/romance tropes mixed with fresher ideas.

This book was close to a DNF for me. I feel like the author has a lot of potential that just wasn't met. The writing was bland; descriptions that failed to evoke images or emotions and dialogue that seemed stiff. Many of the passages made me feel like the author was bored with writing the book. I think there is something worthwhile in this book, but it definitely needs more polishing.

I gave this book three stars because I do think there are unique points in this book that I haven't seen in YA in a bit. The FMC was enjoyable as a character - she wasn't whiny or annoying, properly independent for the setting, and her actions evoked humor and confidence in the abilities the reader is told she has. I also enjoyed that the romantic aspects of the book don't come across as sappy or unrealistic.

[Susan Murphy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This compelling tale drops us into Meeka’s world at a moment of brutal loss—her mother’s execution and her father’s unraveling leave her hungry, alone, and determined to escape the bleak future her village promises. Rather than settling into misery, Meeka dreams of a life filled with adventure and freedom.

But adventure comes in a form she never expects. Kidnapped and dragged back to a homeland she barely remembers, Meeka soon realizes her story is rooted deeper than she ever imagined. Her forgotten past, her stolen heritage, and a mysterious magic simmering under her skin set the stage for a journey of identity, danger, and awakening.

As Meeka struggles to reclaim her memories and understand the power she carries, she’s forced to confront the truth about who she is—and who she is meant to become.

A gripping fantasy filled with hardship, courage, and emerging magic, this story promises a rich world and a heroine worth following. Perfect for readers who love transformation arcs, hidden histories, and a character whose strength rises from the ashes of her past.

[Rachel Lowrie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is my full review.

First, I want to thank the publishers and NetGalley for access to this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

A Heart of Stone follows a main character (Meeka) who knows nothing except how to survive in the cold and that she doesn’t belong in her village because of her hair. Her mom has died and her dad regularly beats her. But everything is turned upside down when she meets the new stable boy. But when she’s taken from her family and brought back to her homeland, everything changes. Or, we are lead to believe everything changes.

I was highly invested in this novel but I don’t really know why. I think the novel needed 100-200 more pages (or maybe a second novel) to allow Burge to flush out more of the story and develop the plot line more. The novel needed more world building and character development as Meeka never really learned anything. I also found the ending frustrating and a little too perfect.

I think it was a fun read, but I am left with more questions than answers (but I don’t think I care enough to ask them.)

[Skipabbeat · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to netgalley for this ARC and providing my honest feedback. While this story started off at a slower pace for me, I think it was needed for where it needed to go. Meeka, our FMC, was an enjoyable character POV to read in. She had me laughing at her interactions with the MMC throughout, and their love story was belieavable. I also love that she finds her place and also grows into her own by the end of the story. There was a touch of magic explored in this and it fits into the story setting well.

While it is a book that had wrapped up nicely from start to finish... I found, for me, personally, I was only invested in the main characters and wanted more glimpses into the side characters to feel for them a lot more by end. This book didn't do that for me and so I rated it 3.5 stars for that reason.

Still give this book a chance as you may come to love it in a way that I haven't.

[Armando Ramirez · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Heart of Stone by Harper A. Burge was an interesting and emotional read. It tells the story of Meeka, a poor girl forced to hide her true identity, marked by her hair that reveals who she really is. From being kidnapped twice to rising above her circumstances, this story feels like a rags-to-riches journey with a magical twist.What stood out most to me was Meeka’s resilience and the way her memories slowly return after she finds her way back to her homeland. The mystery and world-building kept me hooked, and the pacing was just right.However, I wasn’t a fan of the relationship between Meeka and the prince. His character came off as juvenile and distracting from Meeka’s powerful arc. Honestly, if the romance subplot were removed, this would’ve been a 5-star read for me.Overall, A Heart of Stone is a beautifully written and intriguing novel with a strong heroine at its core, definitely worth reading, even if the prince made me roll my eyes a few times.

[Jessica Mullins · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good YA book for those that like fantasy, adventure, love, and HEA. A young girl who must learn to navigate life and how to survive without the love of a parent after her mother is hung after slapping a young boy, the mayor’s son, for making fun of her silver hair. Her Father resents that she reminds him of her mother, beating her, the town ostracizing her and her family. Finding out after she is handed over by her Father and kidnapped by the stable boy, who turns out to the Prince Ajax of Skirsgard, that she is a Princess and a lot are depending on her.
The journey to the Old Country brings challenges and dangers while fighting her attraction and feelings of betrayal by Prince Ajax and learning of her rightful place. Attempted murder, a bogus marriage which turns real, several death attempts, war, and thawing heart of stone.

[S.T. Dire · Rating 5 out of 5]

After years of going through a reading slump, A Heart of Stone has completely revitalized my love for picking up a new book and getting lost in an adventure.
At times I wanted to manifest in the story and shake the main character, Meeka! But I only needed to backtrack a moment to remind myself of the intense and believable character development she was going through in such a short time. To my shock, the last scene on the battlefield brought me to tears. It was truly a moment that moved me and one that I could picture vividly.
As an adult who loves ACOTAR and Twilight, I can attest that A Heart of Stone can be enjoyed by anyone who enjoys fantasy, romance, and adventure. Thank you, Ms. Burge, for vitalizing my desire to read. I pray you write many, many more.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Nichelle Langford · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was very good, but had the potential to be so much more. The beginning was built on strong bones with excellent world and character building. As the story progressed, it started to feel rushed like the author was running out of usable space to write. Multiple chapters were used to describe Meeka's kidnapping from the north, but as soon as we reach the south the story is sped up to hyper speed. It felt like we went from I lust you but hate you to your my soul mate I the blink of an eye. The big battle for the crown was rushed and crammed into 1 chapter. It feels like this story should have spanned 2-3 books to make it feel complete and not rushed. Overall a good read, but could have been so much better if it wasnt so rushed in the middle and end parts.

[Hannah Garcia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received A heart of Stone as an ARC. My honest thoughts about the book, In the beginning when I didn’t know where things were going I was confused and almost wanted to dnf but I wanted to at least give it a chance. As the story went on it seemed more interesting and I noticed I was reading faster.. I read it in one sitting. Is it the best YA book out there? No, however it was good I just wished it was a bit longer so there wasn’t a need to rush towards the end. If you want a quick fantasy book as an in between give it a shot.

[Vianna Kolene Pangelinan · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨ARC Review✨ I am pleasantly surprised with how much I enjoyed and how hooked I was into this YA Fantasy read. And while I was preparing myself for the shock of Ajax being a traitor, I kept thinking this is it the ultimate betrayal, but boyyyyyy was I wrong and I’m glad I was wrong. I’m such a romantic and sucker for love and I love their story, while raised in different social rankings they were both tortured and dealt with much of the same growing up. A short read but packed with so much plot twists, it was hard to pause on reading!

[Brianne Hersey · Rating 5 out of 5]

while this is lighter than my normal reads, I loved it!! its such a wholesome story about figuring out who you are and finding your way.

meeka is smart, witty, and stubborn while Johnny/prince ajax is morally grey, he does stuff for the right reasons and the attraction between the two is palpable throughout the story.

if you are looking for something light, funny, and heartwarming, I would 10/10 recommend this book

[Peter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fantasy fairy tale with a perfectly, soft hearted centre. Just smooth warm hugs, no stone heart here. Perfect for teens, YA and adults too.

This is a complete book, but I hope I will be able to read more stories about these characters.

Thank you to H + H Publishing House LLC and NetGalley for the ARC. The views expressed are all mine, freely given.

[R Dawson · Rating 4 out of 5]

[eARC]This was a solid YA fantasy book. I enjoyed watching Meeka uncovr the truth about her past and her magic.

The adventure and magical elements kept the plot moving, and the romance was a slow burn that felt natural without taking over the story. I also enjoyed the character interactions and friendships along the way.

[Rune Pages · Rating 4 out of 5]

Whilst some chapters had a writing style and word choices that weren’t entirely to my taste, I still found the book captivating and ended up reading it in one sitting. The story itself had such strong momentum — the characters, emotions, and unfolding events pulled me in completely.

[Krissi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Meeka and Ajax forever! This was a great and captivating story. Meeka and Ajax (Johnny) pulled me right in. When you read this story, be prepared to fall in love with two young adults with one powerful mission.

[Püppët · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨I loved this! Started a little slow, but this is definitely an adventure I would re-read in the future! With a Cinderella-like feel, it would be an awesome short read for Valentine’s Day✨
✨If you’re looking for a story full of surprises, this is for you! I couldn’t put it down 🤗✨

[Sabrina Gage · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good, quick read. Not too heavy, an easy read that kept me locked in. If you enjoy fantasy & romance, you will enjoy this