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The Heart of Faerie
Not yet published
Expected 19 May 26A story for anyone who has ever wanted to lose themselves in a good book, and for those who have needed to rediscover themselves again the same way…
When Alastair, playboy fae prince and bisexual disaster, and his stoic, snarky bestie Killian travel to the human realm to retrieve the prophesied Chosen One, they abduct Vivi Pierce to save their home from a sinister, ancient curse. Vivi may be a nineteen-year-old college student, but fortunately for Faerie, she’s eager to save the world. In fact, she's pretty sure that she could ride a dragon or help perform a coup, should the need arise. She has, after all, read every romantasy novel she’s ever gotten her hands on. She knows every trope in the book.
The only problem? Vivi isn't actually the Chosen One, and this kidnapping isn’t the meet-cute that she thought it was. It turns out the Chosen One is actually her middle-aged mother Jenn, and the fae men grabbed the wrong woman. Now, instead of leading the charge to save the world, becoming inexplicably good at combat through a quick training montage, and getting seduced by a sexy, impossibly-old fae love interest, Vivi has to contend with the fact that her mother may be the real Main Character in this story. Worse yet, it looks like Jenn has known about the existence of Faerie for years, and purposely hid that knowledge from her daughter. It seems that maybe Vivi's books have gotten more than a few things terribly wrong…
A loving but humorous homage to the genres of romantasy and portal fantasy, The Heart of Faerie is the first book of the Broken Tropes trilogy. This trilogy, meant for adult readers 18+, includes a Happily Ever After for all main characters by the end of the trilogy and wraps up at least one HEA in each individual book. It is a first person, dual point of view story that includes the POVs of both Vivi and Jenn (who, unfortunately, isn’t nearly as boring as Vivi thought she was).
When Alastair, playboy fae prince and bisexual disaster, and his stoic, snarky bestie Killian travel to the human realm to retrieve the prophesied Chosen One, they abduct Vivi Pierce to save their home from a sinister, ancient curse. Vivi may be a nineteen-year-old college student, but fortunately for Faerie, she’s eager to save the world. In fact, she's pretty sure that she could ride a dragon or help perform a coup, should the need arise. She has, after all, read every romantasy novel she’s ever gotten her hands on. She knows every trope in the book.
The only problem? Vivi isn't actually the Chosen One, and this kidnapping isn’t the meet-cute that she thought it was. It turns out the Chosen One is actually her middle-aged mother Jenn, and the fae men grabbed the wrong woman. Now, instead of leading the charge to save the world, becoming inexplicably good at combat through a quick training montage, and getting seduced by a sexy, impossibly-old fae love interest, Vivi has to contend with the fact that her mother may be the real Main Character in this story. Worse yet, it looks like Jenn has known about the existence of Faerie for years, and purposely hid that knowledge from her daughter. It seems that maybe Vivi's books have gotten more than a few things terribly wrong…
A loving but humorous homage to the genres of romantasy and portal fantasy, The Heart of Faerie is the first book of the Broken Tropes trilogy. This trilogy, meant for adult readers 18+, includes a Happily Ever After for all main characters by the end of the trilogy and wraps up at least one HEA in each individual book. It is a first person, dual point of view story that includes the POVs of both Vivi and Jenn (who, unfortunately, isn’t nearly as boring as Vivi thought she was).
562 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication May 19, 2026
13 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
Did Not Finish
April 1, 2026DNF @ 8% ☹️
Truthfully, only because there was SO MUCH trope shoved in, and I understand that it’s satire, and what I did read was actually really fun and well written, but for me personally, it’s just a bit much. On the other hand, I don’t really read quirky and cute romcoms, so it stands to reason that this one wasn’t really for me.
I feel in my bones that this book will be perfect for the right person, and I truly hope that it does well ♥️
Truthfully, only because there was SO MUCH trope shoved in, and I understand that it’s satire, and what I did read was actually really fun and well written, but for me personally, it’s just a bit much. On the other hand, I don’t really read quirky and cute romcoms, so it stands to reason that this one wasn’t really for me.
I feel in my bones that this book will be perfect for the right person, and I truly hope that it does well ♥️
Review of advance copy received from Author
Really sorry to say I did not vibe with this book at all. I was graciously offered an ARC by the author, and was really hoping to like this book based on the description and the beautiful cover. DNF @ 28%
Unfortunately, the emphasis on tropes got tiring for me pretty much the moment it started. One of the MCs literally mentioning the “broken” tropes every chapter felt incredibly wink-wink, nudge-nudge fourth wall-breaking, in a way that kept me from getting into the story. All the more because I found this character so immature and superficial, the meta reflections felt very out of place.
The writing overall wasn’t my jam. The story was quite predictable (I did skim ahead) and the characters were tired copies of archetypes we’ve seen countless times. There was a lot of telling, not showing going on, too. All in all, for a book about breaking conventions, it was a pretty conventional romantasy.
It was easy reading and I could see others enjoying the snarkiness and mother/daughter dynamic enough to keep being engaged, but this was a miss for me.
Unfortunately, the emphasis on tropes got tiring for me pretty much the moment it started. One of the MCs literally mentioning the “broken” tropes every chapter felt incredibly wink-wink, nudge-nudge fourth wall-breaking, in a way that kept me from getting into the story. All the more because I found this character so immature and superficial, the meta reflections felt very out of place.
The writing overall wasn’t my jam. The story was quite predictable (I did skim ahead) and the characters were tired copies of archetypes we’ve seen countless times. There was a lot of telling, not showing going on, too. All in all, for a book about breaking conventions, it was a pretty conventional romantasy.
It was easy reading and I could see others enjoying the snarkiness and mother/daughter dynamic enough to keep being engaged, but this was a miss for me.
Review of advance copy received from Author
As one who enjoys romantasy reads, I enjoyed the humor and "Broken Tropes" concept in The Heart of Faerie. The main thing that drew me in was that the protagonists were a 40-year old mom (Jenn) and her teenage daughter (Vivi). I really liked how this ended up being a mother-daughter story more than anything. Bonus points for the pretty book art as well!
The chapters are written in dual-POV. I related to Vivi's character, as I'd probably react the same way upon learning of a broken trope. Unlike others, it didn't bug me that broken tropes were point out a lot, but more like some of them fell flat on why they were "broken".
The writing was hit or miss for me as it felt much longer than it needed to. The journey itself was interesting as they moved from one place to another introducing us to the world of Faerie, but there were a lot of dragging internal monologue and sentiments that were repeated way too much across several chapters that almost led me to DNF the book.
Since this is an ARC copy, I hope there's also time to fix repetitive wording (e.g. "I don't know how they did it for twenty years" immediately followed by "I don't know how they did it for so long"). Also might be a "me" issue, but the book's timeframe did not math for me at some points (although that part is a bit easier to gloss over).
Overall, I'd say it's an entertaining read that delivers on its main concept. I'd love to see this series succeed and will likely read the next installment as well.
The chapters are written in dual-POV. I related to Vivi's character, as I'd probably react the same way upon learning of a broken trope. Unlike others, it didn't bug me that broken tropes were point out a lot, but more like some of them fell flat on why they were "broken".
The writing was hit or miss for me as it felt much longer than it needed to. The journey itself was interesting as they moved from one place to another introducing us to the world of Faerie, but there were a lot of dragging internal monologue and sentiments that were repeated way too much across several chapters that almost led me to DNF the book.
Since this is an ARC copy, I hope there's also time to fix repetitive wording (e.g. "I don't know how they did it for twenty years" immediately followed by "I don't know how they did it for so long"). Also might be a "me" issue, but the book's timeframe did not math for me at some points (although that part is a bit easier to gloss over).
Overall, I'd say it's an entertaining read that delivers on its main concept. I'd love to see this series succeed and will likely read the next installment as well.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received an ARC of this book from the author.
This book has a really fun premise. It takes all the romance/ romantasy tropes and turns them on their head. There are a couple places, especially early on, where it is almost over the top. One of the main characters is a 19 y.o. book obsessed human woman who loves the idea of Faerie and her internal monologue talks about tropes a lot. Its funny and endearing at times. She gets kidnapped into Faerie by two men who mistake her for her mom, who theyd traveled faerie with two decades before.
It takes a lot to surprise me these days, and often when a book does, it comes across as over the top. This one did the former without doing the latter. I didn't see all the plot points coming and I was pleasantly surprised.
This book is refreshing in a lot of ways. Yes there is romance, but this time its the 40-something year old woman, while her daughter is actually allowed to still be a young adult. The two POVs are mother and daughter, which is also a new one for me. As a late 30s woman, I love to see rep of 30 and 40 year olds. :)
Also. Killian and Alastair make me swoon.
I really cant wait to see where the author takes book 2. Im a converted fan!
This book has a really fun premise. It takes all the romance/ romantasy tropes and turns them on their head. There are a couple places, especially early on, where it is almost over the top. One of the main characters is a 19 y.o. book obsessed human woman who loves the idea of Faerie and her internal monologue talks about tropes a lot. Its funny and endearing at times. She gets kidnapped into Faerie by two men who mistake her for her mom, who theyd traveled faerie with two decades before.
It takes a lot to surprise me these days, and often when a book does, it comes across as over the top. This one did the former without doing the latter. I didn't see all the plot points coming and I was pleasantly surprised.
This book is refreshing in a lot of ways. Yes there is romance, but this time its the 40-something year old woman, while her daughter is actually allowed to still be a young adult. The two POVs are mother and daughter, which is also a new one for me. As a late 30s woman, I love to see rep of 30 and 40 year olds. :)
Also. Killian and Alastair make me swoon.
I really cant wait to see where the author takes book 2. Im a converted fan!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
The Heart of Faerie is a hilarious and heart-warming take on romantasy tropes - everything you'd want in a beautifully satirical homage
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
It's playful and fun, full of banter and heart, with tons of whimsy (and a little bit creepy), action and adventure, training montages, found family, true love, a chosen one prophecy, and so much more.
I absolutely LOVED the dual POV with mother and daughter 👩✨👧 I've never read a book where it's just these two, and it was awesome. Vivi and Jenn are both well-developed and it was so much fun to see their different perspectives on everything.
Killian and Alastair are perfect fae kidnappers trying to save the world - I'd definitely be more Vivi than Jenn about them 🤷♀️🔥
The world building was great - it's fleshed out in a fun way, some things you expect as a fantasy reader, and some are perfect broken tropes. ⚔️
Once I started reading, I had a hard time putting it down. It's easy to get sucked into this world and these characters.
Good plot, solid pacing, 10/10 no notes. Absolutely loved it!
Thank you so much to Rowan Parker for the advance copy - I LOVED getting to read this book early
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
It's playful and fun, full of banter and heart, with tons of whimsy (and a little bit creepy), action and adventure, training montages, found family, true love, a chosen one prophecy, and so much more.
I absolutely LOVED the dual POV with mother and daughter 👩✨👧 I've never read a book where it's just these two, and it was awesome. Vivi and Jenn are both well-developed and it was so much fun to see their different perspectives on everything.
Killian and Alastair are perfect fae kidnappers trying to save the world - I'd definitely be more Vivi than Jenn about them 🤷♀️🔥
The world building was great - it's fleshed out in a fun way, some things you expect as a fantasy reader, and some are perfect broken tropes. ⚔️
Once I started reading, I had a hard time putting it down. It's easy to get sucked into this world and these characters.
Good plot, solid pacing, 10/10 no notes. Absolutely loved it!
Thank you so much to Rowan Parker for the advance copy - I LOVED getting to read this book early
Review of advance copy received from Author
You know how you start reading a book and everything just clicks with you, and you just KNOW it's going to be something special? That's THIS book. Absolutely 5 stars. This, for me, is a masterpiece.
I love the characters, the world-building, the sheer DEPTH. I love how adoringly the author pokes fun at some of our favorite romantasy tropes. The mom and daughter POV combo? Love it. I was afraid I wouldn't, but Jenn is delightfully stabby and totally the kind of mom I'd aspire to be if I were suddenly kidnapped into Faerie. I love that there's a backstory that we are slowly piecing together and learning alongside Vivi, who is just as curious as we are. Alastair and Killian are beautifully swoon-worthy and imperfect and flawed and so, so lovable. I even loved Ginger, the pony.
Honestly I just don't think I can stress enough how much I enjoyed this book and how much I can't WAIT for the next one!! I was lucky enough to read an advance copy, but that doesn't affect my review in the slightest.
I love the characters, the world-building, the sheer DEPTH. I love how adoringly the author pokes fun at some of our favorite romantasy tropes. The mom and daughter POV combo? Love it. I was afraid I wouldn't, but Jenn is delightfully stabby and totally the kind of mom I'd aspire to be if I were suddenly kidnapped into Faerie. I love that there's a backstory that we are slowly piecing together and learning alongside Vivi, who is just as curious as we are. Alastair and Killian are beautifully swoon-worthy and imperfect and flawed and so, so lovable. I even loved Ginger, the pony.
Honestly I just don't think I can stress enough how much I enjoyed this book and how much I can't WAIT for the next one!! I was lucky enough to read an advance copy, but that doesn't affect my review in the slightest.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Baby's first ARC! The Heart of Faerie is a love letter to the romantasy genre, complete with a little good-natured elbow jab here and there. Vivi is a stand-in for so many of us who love the genre, and her dialogue feels like it's pulled straight from the notes on my highlighted Kindle passages.
In my most Stefon voice, "This book has EVERYTHING: prophecy, portals, fae rules, fated mates, one bed, enemies to lovers, yearning, found family..." It's trope-dense done intentionally, and it's a ton of fun.
I think this is where it didn't quite feel right at a full five stars, though—I was too busy clocking tropes and romantasy inside jokes (you know, among the tight circle of literally all of Bookstagram 🤣) to feel fully immersed in the story and characters.
The ending, though? Heart pounding, holding my breath... And it felt like the appropriate length for it, which was especially welcome. I often feel like there's a ton of build-up and then the story just wraps abruptly in like 3 pages. This felt weighty and exactly right for the build-up.
All in all, I'm so thankful to have received this ARC and can't wait for the next book to come out! Definitely recommended.
In my most Stefon voice, "This book has EVERYTHING: prophecy, portals, fae rules, fated mates, one bed, enemies to lovers, yearning, found family..." It's trope-dense done intentionally, and it's a ton of fun.
I think this is where it didn't quite feel right at a full five stars, though—I was too busy clocking tropes and romantasy inside jokes (you know, among the tight circle of literally all of Bookstagram 🤣) to feel fully immersed in the story and characters.
The ending, though? Heart pounding, holding my breath... And it felt like the appropriate length for it, which was especially welcome. I often feel like there's a ton of build-up and then the story just wraps abruptly in like 3 pages. This felt weighty and exactly right for the build-up.
All in all, I'm so thankful to have received this ARC and can't wait for the next book to come out! Definitely recommended.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I would like to start by thanking the author for the opportunity to read The Heart of Faerie, in exchange for an honest review.
This book, although very cringe at the beginning, was a pleasant surprise!
I honestly had no idea what I was getting into, but I’m very happy I got to read it!
Not only was the cover absolutely beautiful, but the content was fun, engaging, and the details were lovely.
First of all, I loved Alastair! Oh he was my favorite little himbo, and my all time favorite character. Although he is a little dumb, it’s clear to see that his smokin 'hot bod and witty charm are not all he has to offer.
Vivi was a little annoying and painful to listen to at the beginning, but her character arc is beautiful. She is a kind, adorable, funny little lady and deserving of a HEA.
The romance aspect was very sweet, and I love how it played into the prophecy so nicely.
There were some times where it was a little slow, or a little too wordy for me personally, but overall I had such a fun time reading it!
I’m excited to see where their story goes in the next book!
This book, although very cringe at the beginning, was a pleasant surprise!
I honestly had no idea what I was getting into, but I’m very happy I got to read it!
Not only was the cover absolutely beautiful, but the content was fun, engaging, and the details were lovely.
First of all, I loved Alastair! Oh he was my favorite little himbo, and my all time favorite character. Although he is a little dumb, it’s clear to see that his smokin 'hot bod and witty charm are not all he has to offer.
Vivi was a little annoying and painful to listen to at the beginning, but her character arc is beautiful. She is a kind, adorable, funny little lady and deserving of a HEA.
The romance aspect was very sweet, and I love how it played into the prophecy so nicely.
There were some times where it was a little slow, or a little too wordy for me personally, but overall I had such a fun time reading it!
I’m excited to see where their story goes in the next book!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I think that satire-filled romantasy might becoming one of my favorite genres! The mocking of tropes had me cackling the whole way through. And as a reader who is NOT 19 years old, I so very appreciated having one of the FMCs be a whole a** woman who has lived a full life and is a mom (and not afraid to vocalize her frustrations with words...or daggers)
AND THAT LAST PAGE
*gasps*
*sits (im)patiently waiting for book 2*
4/5 ★
Thank you to Rowan Parker for an eARC of this book, this is my honest review and all opinions are my own. Looking forward to book #2 and continuing to support this author through the series!
AND THAT LAST PAGE
*gasps*
*sits (im)patiently waiting for book 2*
4/5 ★
Thank you to Rowan Parker for an eARC of this book, this is my honest review and all opinions are my own. Looking forward to book #2 and continuing to support this author through the series!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Hi readers! Thank you so much for taking the time to check out The Heart of Faerie! I am obviously biased on my rating here but I truly do love these characters and this world and I am so excited to finally be getting to share it all with you when The Heart of Faerie releases on May 19, 2026! Despite the humor involved in this book, it is one that is very close to my heart and is truly my love letter to romantasy, fantasy, and storytelling in general. Thank you for coming on this journey through the portal with me!
Review of advance copy received from Author
absolutely beautiful! this book was the perfect mix of heartwarming, action packed, & romance! perfectly represented trauma & its struggles. love the dynamic through the whole book I just couldn't put it down. I ended up reading the whole thing in one sitting and can't wait for the next book to find out more about Alistair & see more of Vivi's life!
Review of advance copy received from Author
The beginning was hard to get into but later on I really enjoyed it.
The banter was amazing and funny. The characters are loveable and you can really connect with them. I loved the fact it breaks normal tropes and does it in a hilarious way. Some of the twists were shocking and I loved learning so much about faerie.
We also all love yearning men of course, especially ones that have been loyal for years and ache for the love of their lives
The banter was amazing and funny. The characters are loveable and you can really connect with them. I loved the fact it breaks normal tropes and does it in a hilarious way. Some of the twists were shocking and I loved learning so much about faerie.
We also all love yearning men of course, especially ones that have been loyal for years and ache for the love of their lives
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received an ARC copy of this book. This is not my usual genre but I totally enjoyed this book. I became totally immersed in the Faerie world. I loved the main characters and can’t wait to read more about them in the second book.
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