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Hearts of Legend and Loyalty: Elven Legacy: Laesornysh
Not yet published
Expected 16 Oct 26Legendary elves, loyal friends, and a love that might heal or destroy them.
Adriana Laesornysh, the half-elf daughter of a legendary warrior, longs to walk in her famous father’s footsteps. Yet she’s currently sidelined at the elven capital city, training and guarding the treasures of the elves, while her father and brother fight on the front lines of the war. When her brother and his best friend both crash, Adry confronts the realities of war for the first time.
After losing his leg in a devastating crash, half-elf aeroplane pilot Merrik Loiatir is sent home to the capital city of the elves to recover, leaving behind his best friend, his squadron, and the war that nearly stole his life. Healing his body is only the beginning of his journey, and he finds himself leaning more and more on Adry, his best friend’s little sister and the only girl Merrik has ever loved even if he doesn’t dare show it.
But war is relentless, destroying all in its path. Together, these childhood friends will cultivate healing, face war, and perhaps forge a romance strong enough to stand the tests before them.
Warrior elves wield legendary magic, steampunk-style technology runs on magic, and an all-consuming war threatens the peace they hold dear in Elven Legacy, a no spice fantasy romance series of standalones.
Adriana Laesornysh, the half-elf daughter of a legendary warrior, longs to walk in her famous father’s footsteps. Yet she’s currently sidelined at the elven capital city, training and guarding the treasures of the elves, while her father and brother fight on the front lines of the war. When her brother and his best friend both crash, Adry confronts the realities of war for the first time.
After losing his leg in a devastating crash, half-elf aeroplane pilot Merrik Loiatir is sent home to the capital city of the elves to recover, leaving behind his best friend, his squadron, and the war that nearly stole his life. Healing his body is only the beginning of his journey, and he finds himself leaning more and more on Adry, his best friend’s little sister and the only girl Merrik has ever loved even if he doesn’t dare show it.
But war is relentless, destroying all in its path. Together, these childhood friends will cultivate healing, face war, and perhaps forge a romance strong enough to stand the tests before them.
Warrior elves wield legendary magic, steampunk-style technology runs on magic, and an all-consuming war threatens the peace they hold dear in Elven Legacy, a no spice fantasy romance series of standalones.
- GenresFantasy
420 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication October 16, 2026
About the author
Tara Grayce
36 books887 followersBorn and raised in Michigan, I enjoy traveling to new adventures that inspire my writing.
Growing up, I read just about every book I could get my hands on, especially fantasy. I currently write YA fantasy and romantic fantasy filled with lots of humor, spunky and tough leading ladies, and broken heroes.
When I am not writing, I enjoy spending time with my chocolate lab, Miss Kisses.
Growing up, I read just about every book I could get my hands on, especially fantasy. I currently write YA fantasy and romantic fantasy filled with lots of humor, spunky and tough leading ladies, and broken heroes.
When I am not writing, I enjoy spending time with my chocolate lab, Miss Kisses.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
Review of advance copy
I received this book early after I participated in the kickstarter for this book to get a special edition trade paperback (along with the entire Elven alliance series).
I have not read the War of the Alliance series but I have read the Elven Alliance series. With that level of knowledge, I found I could sink rather well into this story. Grayce drops you in to the action and then gives you enough background to learn about the new characters but I will say my knowledge of the Elven Alliance added a lot of richness and ease of following along. I personally loved all the character cameos from the prior series and seeing how they interacted with the next generation and how things had altered moving forward.
The story does have a lot of action, the cost of war, etc. but I also found that this story (unlike the War of the Alliance samples I’ve tried) also has more romance and people dynamics which are what I really enjoy. It’s not quite as much as the Elven Alliance which I adore but I found this story to still grab me and I know I’ll revisit it and continue reading other installments in this series to check in on everyone.
Adry was a believable strong heroine, especially knowing who her parents are and Merrick was a nice beta hero who had an even more defined arc than Adry. He had always followed but then had a tough recovery and new situations where he found he was strong enough to lead too. He fully supported Adry and I enjoyed his interaction with Farrendel enormously. Their romance had some awkward starts as they transitioned from childhood friends to something more which made them seem super young but it evolved into something deeper through the course of the book.
Tara Grayce has become a top fave for me and I find myself dancing around between her books, unable to read something by someone else. She has an excellent blend of characters, suspense, and a coziness even amidst the hard times that I find I never want to leave her world. I highly recommend this book but I do think you’d benefit/connect with the characters more if you’ve at least read another of the series she’s written in this world first.
I have not read the War of the Alliance series but I have read the Elven Alliance series. With that level of knowledge, I found I could sink rather well into this story. Grayce drops you in to the action and then gives you enough background to learn about the new characters but I will say my knowledge of the Elven Alliance added a lot of richness and ease of following along. I personally loved all the character cameos from the prior series and seeing how they interacted with the next generation and how things had altered moving forward.
The story does have a lot of action, the cost of war, etc. but I also found that this story (unlike the War of the Alliance samples I’ve tried) also has more romance and people dynamics which are what I really enjoy. It’s not quite as much as the Elven Alliance which I adore but I found this story to still grab me and I know I’ll revisit it and continue reading other installments in this series to check in on everyone.
Adry was a believable strong heroine, especially knowing who her parents are and Merrick was a nice beta hero who had an even more defined arc than Adry. He had always followed but then had a tough recovery and new situations where he found he was strong enough to lead too. He fully supported Adry and I enjoyed his interaction with Farrendel enormously. Their romance had some awkward starts as they transitioned from childhood friends to something more which made them seem super young but it evolved into something deeper through the course of the book.
Tara Grayce has become a top fave for me and I find myself dancing around between her books, unable to read something by someone else. She has an excellent blend of characters, suspense, and a coziness even amidst the hard times that I find I never want to leave her world. I highly recommend this book but I do think you’d benefit/connect with the characters more if you’ve at least read another of the series she’s written in this world first.
September 5, 2026
Friends to lovers is my all-time favorite romance trope. And I’ve been itching to read Adry and Merrick’s story since I met them in the first War of Alliance book and knew they had it bad for each other.
To me, the turn from “he sees me as a sister” and “she sees me as a brother” to “let’s court” came too swiftly. I would have liked a few moments of wondering if they saw something more and then shaking it off as wishful thinking. I hoped to get a deeper glimpse into Merrick’s life in Tarenheil. We really don’t know much about his family and home life, and I wanted him to step out of the shadows there as he did with the squadron.
Although we knew the final war outcome, I was invested to see Adry’s journey to become Laesornysh. It was Interesting to see how she leaned into that identity. Unfortunately, I didn’t feel her journey in the way I experienced Merrick’s. I would have enjoyed a few more father-daughter scenes as we experienced between Fieran and Farrendehl in the previous War of Alliance book. It all seemed rushed, and I wanted to have time to relish each moment.
I enjoyed the book. But my expectations kept it from being a story I adored from start to finish and didn’t want to end.
To me, the turn from “he sees me as a sister” and “she sees me as a brother” to “let’s court” came too swiftly. I would have liked a few moments of wondering if they saw something more and then shaking it off as wishful thinking. I hoped to get a deeper glimpse into Merrick’s life in Tarenheil. We really don’t know much about his family and home life, and I wanted him to step out of the shadows there as he did with the squadron.
Although we knew the final war outcome, I was invested to see Adry’s journey to become Laesornysh. It was Interesting to see how she leaned into that identity. Unfortunately, I didn’t feel her journey in the way I experienced Merrick’s. I would have enjoyed a few more father-daughter scenes as we experienced between Fieran and Farrendehl in the previous War of Alliance book. It all seemed rushed, and I wanted to have time to relish each moment.
I enjoyed the book. But my expectations kept it from being a story I adored from start to finish and didn’t want to end.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Adry and Merrick are amazing together
I loved the War of the Alliance series, and when I saw the Kickstarter launched for Hearts of Legend and Loyalty, I backed it. Adry and Merrick were two of my favorite side characters in the series, so I couldn't wait to read their story. I stayed up half the night reading the book as soon as it arrived in my inbox.
Adry is like young Farrendel, eagerly wanting to join the war but protected by her family. Merrick has already suffered from the war and has to learn to put himself back together after losing his leg. I thought his recovery process was handled well. The way they support each other and help each other grow without becoming codependent made them a perfect pairing. Once Adry is sent to war, their relationship only continues to grow and deepen.
The few scenes that overlapped with the previous books offered a new perspective, and it was interesting to see what Merrick was thinking when it came to Fieran. While the time skips sometimes pushed the pace a little fast for me, I felt that this story added much more to the original story. If I had one small regret from the ending of the war before was that we didn't get to see what happened with the Half-Breed Squadron while Fieran was gone, but this book changed that. Knowing both sides of the story now, I am even more satisfied with the conclusion. I look forward to seeing what's next with Pretty Face and Louise in future books. As far as this one is concerned, I am in love with Adry and Merrick's story!
This book is clean in language and no spice. Highly recommend!
*I received an early release copy from the author's Kickstarter. All opinions are my own.
I loved the War of the Alliance series, and when I saw the Kickstarter launched for Hearts of Legend and Loyalty, I backed it. Adry and Merrick were two of my favorite side characters in the series, so I couldn't wait to read their story. I stayed up half the night reading the book as soon as it arrived in my inbox.
Adry is like young Farrendel, eagerly wanting to join the war but protected by her family. Merrick has already suffered from the war and has to learn to put himself back together after losing his leg. I thought his recovery process was handled well. The way they support each other and help each other grow without becoming codependent made them a perfect pairing. Once Adry is sent to war, their relationship only continues to grow and deepen.
The few scenes that overlapped with the previous books offered a new perspective, and it was interesting to see what Merrick was thinking when it came to Fieran. While the time skips sometimes pushed the pace a little fast for me, I felt that this story added much more to the original story. If I had one small regret from the ending of the war before was that we didn't get to see what happened with the Half-Breed Squadron while Fieran was gone, but this book changed that. Knowing both sides of the story now, I am even more satisfied with the conclusion. I look forward to seeing what's next with Pretty Face and Louise in future books. As far as this one is concerned, I am in love with Adry and Merrick's story!
This book is clean in language and no spice. Highly recommend!
*I received an early release copy from the author's Kickstarter. All opinions are my own.
Want to Read
September 10, 2026Yay!!!
I’m so excited to return to the world of Escarland and Tarenheil!
While I would love more Essie-and-Farrendel-focused content, I understand if Mrs. Grace/Mingerink has moved past their story. (Though I’m still working through my grief.)
I am interested in seeing Adri and Merrick’s side of the W.o.t.A story, though—even if it isn’t about Essie and Farrendel.
(Personally, I liked their love story more than Pippak and Fierandel’s. 🫣.)
note: what if we start a petition to return to Essie and Farrendel’s side of the story? Am I the only one who’s wondering what was going through Essie/Farrendel’s head during most of W.o.t.A.?
note two: don’t mind me…I’m just a little bit obsessed…I definitely don’t have a notebook of questions I have about W.o.t.A….and I definitely don’t have hand-made E.A. baubles sitting on my designated E.A. bookshelf…and I definitely don’t set aside a week or two every February for an E.A. reread. nope. not me. 🙃
o.k. I might be obsessed, but just with Essie and Farrendel.
but I’m still excited…
I’m so excited to return to the world of Escarland and Tarenheil!
While I would love more Essie-and-Farrendel-focused content, I understand if Mrs. Grace/Mingerink has moved past their story. (Though I’m still working through my grief.)
I am interested in seeing Adri and Merrick’s side of the W.o.t.A story, though—even if it isn’t about Essie and Farrendel.
(Personally, I liked their love story more than Pippak and Fierandel’s. 🫣.)
note: what if we start a petition to return to Essie and Farrendel’s side of the story? Am I the only one who’s wondering what was going through Essie/Farrendel’s head during most of W.o.t.A.?
note two: don’t mind me…I’m just a little bit obsessed…I definitely don’t have a notebook of questions I have about W.o.t.A….and I definitely don’t have hand-made E.A. baubles sitting on my designated E.A. bookshelf…and I definitely don’t set aside a week or two every February for an E.A. reread. nope. not me. 🙃
o.k. I might be obsessed, but just with Essie and Farrendel.
but I’m still excited…
Review of advance copy
I received an early copy of this eBook when I backed the Kickstarter on a whim when another author talked about it. And I am so glad I did! I was intrigued by the premise. I am finding that I am increasingly loving disability representation in fantasy romance books.
This book leans very heavily into the character development; the war and action is more of a backdrop except where/how it affects the characters. That being said, the character arcs are excellent and while the epic fantasy lover in me wanted more of the world, the characters carry the story beautifully. The conflict resolution was almost too healthy lol but I loved that there was no pointless drama. This was my first book from this author and I definitely could tell that I was getting thrown into the middle of a something (the legacy if you will), but it nothing was confusing or overexplained. I plan to go back and read her backlist but that is more curiosity and enjoyment of the author's style than feeling like I HAVE to in order to get this book.
This book leans very heavily into the character development; the war and action is more of a backdrop except where/how it affects the characters. That being said, the character arcs are excellent and while the epic fantasy lover in me wanted more of the world, the characters carry the story beautifully. The conflict resolution was almost too healthy lol but I loved that there was no pointless drama. This was my first book from this author and I definitely could tell that I was getting thrown into the middle of a something (the legacy if you will), but it nothing was confusing or overexplained. I plan to go back and read her backlist but that is more curiosity and enjoyment of the author's style than feeling like I HAVE to in order to get this book.
Review of advance copy
I always wanted more of Merrick's POV, struggles, healing, and romance, and this book delivered it in spades! Adry's POV was the bonus that I didn't know I needed! Merrick's struggle to feel whole again after his plane crash was realistic and hard. Adry's swooping in in a very Essie like fashion to start pulling him out of his depression was perfect. She was no nonsense and never treated Merrick any differently...which is what was needed. This story spans the end of book 3 of The War of the Alliance series through the end of book 5. So it is definitely one of her longer books and it had everything I wanted in it!
I've been following Essie and Farrendel's families since 2024 and I can't get enough of them! As long as Tara writes about them I will be one of the first in line to purchase these books.
I've been following Essie and Farrendel's families since 2024 and I can't get enough of them! As long as Tara writes about them I will be one of the first in line to purchase these books.
Review of advance copy received from Author
A wonderful story from the perspective of Merrik and Adry!
I always wondered what had happened while Frieren and Pip were away, and this book gives the full perspective, from Merrik's recovery to Adry taking the front lines.
Their romance was sweet, and they seemed like two good partners. Basically, two seemingly opposite personalities fall in love, but they balance each other out well. I especially loved one of the ending scenes that I cannot spoil.
I would not recommend reading this book until you've read the others. Otherwise, it doesn't have as much emotional impact.
Content Warnings: kissing, descriptions of war, including gore, blood, and combat.
I always wondered what had happened while Frieren and Pip were away, and this book gives the full perspective, from Merrik's recovery to Adry taking the front lines.
Their romance was sweet, and they seemed like two good partners. Basically, two seemingly opposite personalities fall in love, but they balance each other out well. I especially loved one of the ending scenes that I cannot spoil.
I would not recommend reading this book until you've read the others. Otherwise, it doesn't have as much emotional impact.
Content Warnings: kissing, descriptions of war, including gore, blood, and combat.
Review of advance copy
This book is everything I was hoping it would be, and more! I was laughing and giggling, and also having my heart wrenched out with the family moments between Adry and Merrik as well as them with their parents. If you have found yourself in love with the Elven Alliance world, this isn’t a book you want to miss out on, as it continues the story just as spectacularly as the others! Thank you Tara Grayce!
September 2, 2026
5⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ = It was Amazing
🧯🔥= Glimpses and kisses: Meaningful glances and perhaps a kiss or two, but no sex on or off page.
I really loved this book. Adry and Merrick's relationship was perfect for a friends to lovers storyline. Adry's desire to fight and protect her homeland followed by the realities of what that meant was done so well. Merrick's growth as a character, and was beautiful to watch.
I appreciated that the 'repeat scenes' (scenes that also appeared in the War of the Alliance books) were few and were scenes that built Adry and Merrick's romantic relationship as well as combining their social circle a bit more.
This story had less romance than the Elven Alliance series but more than the War of the Alliance series. It felt well suited to the story being told.
Received book early by backing the Kickstarter campaign that ran in early August 2026.
🧯🔥= Glimpses and kisses: Meaningful glances and perhaps a kiss or two, but no sex on or off page.
I really loved this book. Adry and Merrick's relationship was perfect for a friends to lovers storyline. Adry's desire to fight and protect her homeland followed by the realities of what that meant was done so well. Merrick's growth as a character, and was beautiful to watch.
I appreciated that the 'repeat scenes' (scenes that also appeared in the War of the Alliance books) were few and were scenes that built Adry and Merrick's romantic relationship as well as combining their social circle a bit more.
This story had less romance than the Elven Alliance series but more than the War of the Alliance series. It felt well suited to the story being told.
Received book early by backing the Kickstarter campaign that ran in early August 2026.
Review of advance copy
I loved this book so so very much! There were so many sweet moments between Merrick and Adry. I just loved it a lot.
Review of advance copy received from Author
*I received an advance copy as a Kickstarter Backer*
I absolutely loved this story. I'm enjoying reading about the next generation of the Alliance, and Adry and Merrick were such a great couple!
I absolutely loved this story. I'm enjoying reading about the next generation of the Alliance, and Adry and Merrick were such a great couple!
September 2, 2026
I absolutely loved this book!
While this Hearts of Legend and Loyalty: Laesornysh shows the latter part of the war from Merrik and Adry’s points of view, it doesn’t just rehash the previous books with a new POV. The majority of this book is completely new material.
I loved Hearts of Legend and Loyalty: Laesornysh, and can’t wait for more books in this world!
While this Hearts of Legend and Loyalty: Laesornysh shows the latter part of the war from Merrik and Adry’s points of view, it doesn’t just rehash the previous books with a new POV. The majority of this book is completely new material.
I loved Hearts of Legend and Loyalty: Laesornysh, and can’t wait for more books in this world!
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews