This book was a unique story with a heck of a cliffhanger (which means I will be on edge until book 2 comes out!). This book had a lot of interesting things going on that kept you intrigued and wanting to keep reading, the characters were amazing. I really liked that our FMC wasn't some 19 year old, after reading so many romantasies - that gets old after a while. Overall, I really enjoyed this book. It was slow burn but worth it!

4 stars! 🌶️🌶️!

This was a great read - urban fantasy, slow burn, love triangle with a hint of forbidden love/physical intimacy. The story was incredibly unique, and the pacing was very easy to go along with. At first, it was a little hard to see where the story was going/I was confused but I soon latched on and didn’t look back!

I really enjoyed this book and the main characters - I found the MMC to be relatable and really appreciated that she isn’t 21!!! The ending was straight emotional wreckage, and I hope the wait for book 2 isn’t very long!

Thank you to Blair M. Shadows, Leblon Publishing, and NetGalley for the eARC of this book. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review after reading.

In Shadows' Crystal Iris, the mundane meets the mystical. Its a spellbinding blend of romance, fantasy, and self-discovery that is hard to resist. From the outset, Shadows hooks us with a captivating tale centered around Professor Iris De Loughery, a Harvard art history professor whose life takes an unexpected turn on her thirtieth birthday. Iris's journey begins with an enigmatic gift from her estranged father, opening doors to a world rich with mystery and possibility. The backdrop of art history not only adds depth to Iris's character but also beautifully intertwines with the spectral unknown she is about to explore.
The Shadows masterfully crafts Iris as a strong female lead, who is not only relatable but also imbued with complexity. As she grapples with her new reality and the responsibilities that come with it. The introduction of Hoyt, another prism possessor, adds a delicious layer of tension and romance to the story. The dynamic between Iris and Hoyt is electric, filled with undeniable chemistry and a touch of danger, making it impossible to put the book down.
This book is definitely a must-read. It tantalizes with its unique premise while delivering a fast-paced plot and well-drawn characters that linger long after the last page is turned.

A touch of urban fantasy, magic, intertwines with family drama, betrayals, lies, secrets, and relationships both old and new. Characters and family histories that grab you, and of course a bit of romance threads through it all. Ends on a big cliff, not so patiently awaiting the next!

This is a perfect fit for readers who crave a slow-burn romance, magical realism, and supernatural elements, and are looking for a tantalizing and addictive story with a strong female lead, swoon-worthy love interests, and a dash of mystery and adventure.

Crystal Iris immerses readers in a richly detailed world, blending magic and mystery with a strong, relatable protagonist. The story unfolds slowly, taking its time to develop its intricate lore and build tension. While the pacing may be a bit gradual for some, the magical elements and high-stakes action keep things engaging. However, some character relationships and plot feel underdeveloped, preventing the story from reaching its full potential.

Thank you NetGalley and Leblon Publishing for this eCopy to review

Crystal Iris follows Professor Iris De Loughery, a Harvard art history professor whose life takes a dramatic turn on her 30th birthday. Her estranged father reappears after seventeen years, bringing with him a mysterious necklace and a letter from her deceased mother. This necklace, a prism, begins to exhibit strange powers, lighting up and transporting Iris to another place where she encounters a dark-haired man. This man, Hoyt, turns out to be another prism possessor, and despite Iris being engaged, she feels an undeniable connection to him. Together, they embark on a journey to uncover the secrets of their necklaces, navigating a world filled with magic, mystery, and danger.

Crystal Iris is a masterfully crafted romantasy that seamlessly blends elements of mystery, modern conflicts, and supernatural intrigue. Blair M. Shadows has created a rich, immersive world that kept me captivated from start to finish. The plot is filled with unpredictable twists and turns, making it a true page-turner.

Iris is a strong, relatable character whose journey of self-discovery and personal growth is both inspiring and engaging. The romance between Iris and Hoyt is a slow burn, but it feels authentic and deeply satisfying. The chemistry between them is palpable, and their relationship adds a layer of emotional depth to the story.

The themes of betrayal, love, and empowerment are woven seamlessly into the plot, making it a compelling read. It’s a beautifully written, addictive fantasy that will appeal to fans of magical realism and paranormal romance. If you enjoy stories with strong female leads, mature themes, and plenty of spice, this book is a must-read. I can’t wait for the next instalment in this mesmerizing series

Let me begin by saying I really wanted to love this book. The idea was new and exciting and I was really looking forward to reading it. I had to force myself to finish it. There were some excellent moments but overall, the book fell flat.
Iris- she’s an educated Harvard professor and yet, she acts like a teenager for the majority of the book. The constant back and forth over her relationship with Aaron was annoying. Especially since we weren’t shown anything about how they were as a couple.
The grammar- ALL OVER THE PLACE! First person and third person is used interchangeably throughout the story. Past and present tense are mixed up sometimes even in the same sentence. And don’t get me started on all the “word… word” happening. Nobody talks that way! When there’s a “…” I pause for a moment (like you are supposed to) and it just reads horribly. It’s almost every other sentence.
Lara- I’m not sure how I was supposed to feel with that twist but if the author wanted us to feel angry or betrayed, then she should have spent time building up that friendship in the story.
The pacing- certain things were rushed while other things (like her day to day at work) were dragged out. Don’t get me wrong, art is fun but it didn’t move the story along.
Overall, a great concept that was ultimately hit and miss throughout the whole book.

Not sure this ever really got going for me. Not a massive fan off the build up on the necklace and the MFC fiance.

This story. Amazing.

Amulet. Bonded. Power

Hoyt & Iris

Oh Aaron you're not a bad guy

Once I got into this book I couldn't stop reading it. The slow burn was so rough. It took forever for them.

Wasn't sure I'd like this read initially as I don't read romantasy genre. But it was a great read. I'm definitely hooked the ending left me wanting more. Can not wait for the next installment in this series.

Thank you NetGalley for this opportunity to read this book.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️

If you’re a fan of impossible love, slow-burn romances, love triangles, and a sprinkle of magic, Crystal Iris is the book for you! This romantasy blends the perfect mix of tropes: a billionaire boyfriend, an academic backdrop, a touch of spice, and a mysterious magical necklace that ties the story together.

The story follows Iris, a 30-year-old woman navigating her path to self-discovery while juggling the weight of childhood trauma, family loss, and betrayal. Her life takes an unexpected turn when she inherits a magical necklace from her late mother on her 30th birthday—a gift that holds more secrets than she ever imagined. As Iris begins to uncover the necklace’s mysteries, her world is turned upside down by two very different men: one who seems like her perfect match on paper and another who stirs something deep within her soul.

The slow-burn romance is captivating, full of tension and longing, as Iris struggles to choose between what feels safe and what her heart truly desires. The love triangle is perfectly executed, keeping you guessing and rooting for your favorite suitor. The academic undertones add depth to the story, while the billionaire boyfriend trope adds a touch of escapism that romance lovers will adore.

What I loved most about Crystal Iris is its message: being 30 doesn’t mean you have everything figured out. It’s never too late to take risks, follow your heart, and embrace change. The added layer of fantasy—woven through the magical necklace—adds intrigue and mystery, giving this romance a unique edge.

The pacing is spot-on, allowing the story to unfold naturally. As secrets are revealed and emotions come to a boil, you can’t help but get swept up in Iris’s journey of self-discovery, love, and courage.

This is a perfect read for anyone who loves cozy romance with a hint of spice, mystery, and magic. Curl up with Crystal Iris on a rainy day, and prepare to fall for its irresistible charm—and maybe, just maybe, find your new book boyfriend too.

Sorry, I won’t be able to review this. I’ve gotten a quarter of the way in and the writing is just too choppy and jumps from one thing to another with random phrases in italics. It’s also super weird to keep calling a necklace a prism, and why would you check out math books for it? It’s just too odd of me overall.

Iris' estranged dad brings her a prism necklace for her 30th birthday, that's from her deceased mother. Why at certain times does is start to glow with a violet light?

This book is a lot of world and myth building to end with a cliffhanger, and a lot of un answered questions. I will definitely be reading the next one to hopefully get many of my questions answered, although I wish more was wrapped up or shared in this first book.

This book had an incredibly slow start, which made it difficult for me to engage with the story. Right from the beginning, I found myself feeling bored and disinterested in the main character, whose journey didn’t capture my attention as I had hoped. I was drawn in by the blurb, which promised an exciting narrative filled with intriguing plot twists, but unfortunately, the actual story lagged behind those expectations. The pacing felt sluggish, and it took a significant amount of time for the book to align with the captivating premise presented in the blurb. As a result, I struggled to stay invested, waiting for the narrative to pick up and deliver the excitement I was anticipating.

I received an arc of this book in exchange for an honest review

After reading this book I immediately wanted to know when the next book comes out! I really wanted to know what comes next for Iris and Hoyt! The concept of the pendants was very interesting. Will they ever be able to touch each other? Are they really cursed? Is there a positive to the pendants? Where are the other pendants? I must know!

Hmm… okay. I have mixed feelings about this book. The description made me think that this was going to be a book that would solidly fall into the fantasy category. As I read on however, it felt like a contemporary storyline about a woman falling out of love and back into love due to some occult artefact.
And once I came to accept this, it threw me a curve ball with the revelation of the mother’s letter.

The books and authors mentioned in the description don’t feel relevant. If I had to compare this to a different book, I would compare it to “What the river knows”; except it is more about contemporary love than adventure.

THE AUTHOR IS SENDING ME AN UPDATED COPY ADDRESSING THE TENSE ISSUES. THIS REVIEW IS ON HOLD PENDING THE UPDATED COPY. I WILL KEEP THE ORIGINAL UP TO PRESERVE MY INITIAL THOUGHTS.

As interesting as I found the premise of this book I unfortunatley found myself 3 pages in and already at my limit of incorrect tense usage. I don't mind reading books in third or first person, but the editor and author failed to determine which tense they were using and it switched back and forth multiple times over in just a few short pages. I would love to give this book another chance after a thorough second editing process.

I like the concept, however, I think I was just wanting a little more oomph in the opening of the book.

I have a hard time finishing if the book I’m reading doesn’t captivate me from the beginning.

Maybe I’m just in a reading funk, but I definitely plan to revisit this book soon.

Goodreads:

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Being with someone for too long can change your way with love. That sentiment is the beating heart of Crystal Iris by Blair M. Shadows, and it's beautifully explored through Iris, a Harvard art professor whose world is upended by unexpected emotions and an enigmatic necklace.

The story delivers a compelling mix of intrigue and romance, with a slow-burn dynamic that feels authentic and deeply satisfying. I especially appreciated the lack of a third-act breakup—it's refreshing to read a romance that leans into growth and resolution instead of unnecessary drama.

The pacing is just right, keeping you hooked without feeling rushed. Shadows skillfully builds tension, both emotional and plot-driven, ensuring there’s never a dull moment. The mysterious necklace woven throughout the narrative adds an extra layer of intrigue that kept me flipping the pages.

If you're looking for a slow-burn romance with a touch of mystery and a promise of more to come, Crystal Iris is definitely worth picking up. I can’t wait to see where Shadows takes us next in this series!

Instagram Instagram Review

✨📖 Book Review: Crystal Iris by Blair M. Shadows 📖✨

4/5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

"Being with someone for too long can change your way with love..." And that’s where Iris’s journey begins. As a Harvard art professor, her life is upended by a whirlwind of new feelings and a mysterious necklace she can't quite explain. Add in a perfectly paced slow-burn romance (no third-act breakup, yay!) and an undercurrent of mystery that keeps you hooked from start to finish.

This one kept me on my toes the entire time! I loved how the romance felt natural yet thrilling, and the plot's unique twists made it hard to put down. If you’re into slow-burns with a touch of intrigue, Crystal Iris is for you!

💡 Have you read this one yet? Or are you adding it to your TBR? Let me know in the comments!

#BookReview #CrystalIris #BlairMShadows #SlowBurnRomance #BooksOfInstagram #BookLovers

4.7/5
I really wanted to give it a perfect 5, at some points in the begging I didn't understand. Or was a bit bored in. But it's not the fault of the book, I just kept thinking about what was going happening next and was getting impatient for that "turn".

I was just expecting to read this over the next few days. Start very late in the night and before e knew it, I was done. Because I kept wanting to get to that turning point, it kept me engaged. The tension between the MCs and how Iris is going to get out of these predicaments. I want MORE!

I have no complaints about this book!
I loved how the author connects the FMC art lesson with the plot of each chapter, of what's going in the book during that time. If you truly understand art, I feel you would understand a good amount of the connections that were made.

The tension between Iris and the MC, was whew!!! The way the MC took take of Iris and helped her find herself was so cute!

Iris
We loveeeeeee an educated boss! Don't get her being shy confused with being timid! I loved how she always spoke up for herself and how she always tried to come up with a solution. Seeing grow was truly admirable, and not in a way that's child like. Or as is if she was never allowed to do things, we see more her understanding how restricted she's been within herself and letting go of that. Which is something I personally relate to.

✨The MMC✨
A MAN! Can definitely see right away how much he cares for Iris. Through out we also get to see how much he adores her. He's protective, a leader, caring, and the epitome of action > words. I can't wait to learn more about him and see how they connect with each other more.

For those interested, the smut. It's a good balance of giving something for the readers, but not taking away from the story line. It's a good 3/5 spice level, combined of how much and what the MCs do.