First let me say thank you to netgalley, the publishers, and C.L. Mecca for the chance to read this amazing story early!

Rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice:🌶️

This is the first book I’ve read by C.L. Mecca and I can confirm I will definitely be back for more because I simply could not put this book down! I fell in love with the world building, the magic systems, the slow burn, enemies to lovers romance, the characters both main and side, the hilarious banter, and still I am left with questions that have me counting down the days till book two is released! A time travel, medieval romance you won’t be able to put down! After twenty eight years of no answers and her mother telling her that some things are better left in the past Mev is determined to figure out who her father is, what her background is, and if maybe just maybe finding him might fill in the gaps she feels missing in her heart. So when she finds a strange ring and a photo of he mom outside some strange pub, Mev and her best friend decide to go on a trip to York to see if they can’t hunt down some answers. After a thorough search of every pub and more than one side eye from annoyed bartenders and pub owners Mev has accepted that maybe her longing to find her father truly never will be fulfilled. That is until her and Clara (the bff) walk into the Crooked Key, a pub whose owner spins a fanciful tale of a wild world outside our own that happens to be connected by a portal that was shut and sealed years ago. A portal that when shown to Mev she feels an undeniable draw to. And when she touches it transports her to a new world, a world that seems to be trapped in the medical time with a few modern amenities. Before she even has a chance to get her wits about her though Mev is whisked away by the enemy Prince Kael. What follows is a twisting and turning plot full of mystery, action, slow burn, enemies to lovers romance, a sprinkle of spice and a few secrets and betrayals that may or may not be the downfall of Mev and Kaels budding romance if they can’t put aside their differences and believe in the truth of their love. If that’s the kind of story you’re looking for then don’t hesitate to grab a copy of Whispers of War and Storms today!

This genre is not my usual reading fare, and it took me a little while to get into the book as I found the names and places confusing, probably because I was initially unable to relate to them. However, once I got into the plot, I found myself caught up in the magic, the descriptions, and the relationship between Mevlida and Kael. The novel is the beginning of a new interconnected series of books, and thus the story does not end in the closing chapter, nevertheless, I found that this adventure into hidden realms is well-written and there were no loose ends. I received a copy of this enjoyable novel as a gift through NetGalley and this is my honest and voluntary review.

Mevlida grew up with her mom. 28 years ago her mum arrived back in US being pregnant and without much memory about her time in York. All this is changing when Mev finds a ring with strange symbols on it and a picture showing her mum in front of a pub.
With her best friend she is flying to York in hope finding the pub and what once happened to her mum.
What she finds is for sure not what she expected. She learns that her dad is a king from another world who created the portal which was closed after her mum came through it. When she touches this portal she is activating and ends up in the other world and must learn that magic exists there, immortals rule and that not all is as it seems. Political games are played, the tension between two kingdoms are so strong that we are at the verge of war. So when a man is capturing Mev and she finds out he is Prince Kael, no other than the son of the one person responsible for closing the gate, she knows she can´t trust him and most importantly not tell him who she really is.
Kael has sworn to protect his people so he is determined to bring the person who could re open the gate to this father so they can find out how this was possible and to make sure no more humans are able to enter their world. When he finds out she is the long lost princess and must accept the feelings she is awakening in him he knows for sure he can´t bring her to her farther who hates humans. He must decide on what side of this fight he stands.


This is a really good start into a new fantasy series.
I really like the writing style and the mix between our world and one which is similar to ours but on the other hand so totally different. The idea that a human person wants to find out what once happened to her mum, who her father is and then steps via a portal into another realm and a totally different world is well written.
The setting in this world, how the magic abilities changed due to the region they settled, that also human abilities are changed by the magic is a good idea and I liked how the world is built.
Also the characters are well created. I really liked that there is friendship even so they are on different sides.
Also the secrets which get revealed and that there is so much more behind what once happened than was known so far is interesting and was surprising.

Mev is very well adjusting to the fact that she ended up in another realm and this is what I liked most. They way she is acting right from the start, that she is true to herself and how bit by bit she learns and accepts new things about herself is nicely written.
Kael loves his people. He is working hard to make sure they are safe, stands with his father and brother but he is not seeing all the way his dad wants it. Instead he is also making his own decisions even so this can cost him a lot.
When both meet each other they should not trust each other or have feelings but during their journey they can´t ignore the feelings for each other. I really like how they act together, how they learn more about each other, how they feelings change.

For me a really good start into a new fantasy series with the perfect combination of love, secrets, magic, friendship and a realm on the brink of war.

Whisper of War and Storms
Cecelia Mecca

Ms. Mecca has created a world of majestic scenery and beauty so captivating it’s almost unimaginable. Within these surroundings live immortal characters to who possess magical abilities. This planet has three kingdoms and a closed portal blocking humans from traveling through. The peace between the kingdoms is extremely tentative. Into this fragile environment steps a human woman. She is looking for her father who she doesn’t know and has very little to go on. Enter the hero, prince in one of these kingdoms, who promptly abducts her. He hates humans but is undeniably attracted to this one. Their journey is fraught with dangers of all kinds. But ultimately they accomplish their goal and find her father. Ms. Mecca built an exquisite fantasy to travel through. Have fun and enjoy the ride.

A Whisper of War and storms
By C. L Mecca

Rating : 3.5/5 stars ⭐⭐⭐

This was a unique story that followed the protagonist Melvida who lives in our world and is on a mission to find out information about her father. Her search leads her to an old pub in york, England where she discovers an outlandish story about parrellel universes and portals. It's unbelievable until she goed through the portal and gets stuck in Elydor. She now has to navigate an unknown world and it's politics while developing feelings for her supposed sworn enemy.

This was a fast paced, interesting read. The world building was okay and the magic system was reminiscent of the last Airbender series. The characters were also likeable and the romance itself wasn't overdone. Overall it was a good setup book for a series and I look forward to
seeing how the story will progress.







***Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers of this book for an Arc in exchange for an honest review basex on a personal reading experience ***

Whisper of War and Storms by C.L. Mecca is an enthralling fantasy filled with magic, political intrigue, and forbidden romance. Mevlida Brennan’s life is upended when she discovers she’s the long-lost princess of Aetheria, a kingdom of immortals. Thrust into a world on the brink of war, Mev faces a perilous journey with the brooding Kael, whose loyalties challenge her fate. As her powers awaken and dark forces rise, Mev must navigate a treacherous path between duty and desire. With vivid world-building and complex characters, this captivating tale keeps readers hooked until the last page.

First I want to thank C.L. Mecca and Netgalley for an arc of this book.

I really wanted to like this story, but a few things kind of fell flat in this. The writing was a little sloppy at times and there was no good descriptions. When I read books I need the world building and description of places and people to picture them in my head. With this book there was some, but it wasn't enough to keep me engage and remember what those places looked like.

I'm not sure if the author was rushing her story, but I think with a few good edits and a little more time this story could turn out with more potential! I really hope the writer see's she has a great story her and will be able to development more in her future writings!

2.5 Stars

Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC of Whisper of War and Storms.

It was a fun, quick read with a good storyline which was simple enough to follow which meant I could fly through it! But still really enjoyed the story & the relationship development between the FMC and MMC.

Loved the dual worlds aspect, enemies to lovers, giving touch her and die vibes... ending with a quest that we're going to have to go on for three artifacts in the next book! I'll definitely be reading the second one when it becomes available! Loved it!

Thank you NetGalley, and Boldwood Books for an e-arc of this book.

Whisper of War and Storms by C. L. Mecca has a cozy fantasy vibe that came just at the right time for me as a good in-between read. This is a portal fantasy that whisks our main character, Mevlida, into a magical world where she searches for questions about herself and her family. The banter between Mevlida and Kael, our MMC, was my favorite part of the book.

You will find:
-Enemies to Lover
-Forbidden Love
-Portal Fantasy
-Fae and Elves
-Magic
-Hidden identity
-Low spice

The foundation of a great story is here—the idea, the world, and the characters. I would love to see a bit more character development and engaging storytelling.

❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋💋

A really good read from Cecelia, a new genre and a new direction that I think will pay off for this wonderful writer.

I will admit to not being a fan of fantasy romances, but I quite enjoyed this and found it very readable. I’m a big fan of her other work so decided to give it a go .
Good characters and a great storyline helped me stay focused on the plot and I would read more from this author. Not quite a convert yet but on my way .

I received an Arc copy of this book and chose to post this review

Thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for this ARC!

Overall, I enjoyed the book but it was very rough at times and it definitely has room for improvement. The dialogue would be my biggest criticism; the use of modern terminology and slang just felt out of place and forced kind of taking me out of the story itself. The characters were well developed and the dual POV did help strengthen the plot. I was very excited to learn about this other world and the politics of the Kingdoms. The slow burn romance was a bit predictable but the characters had good chemistry. I would recommend this book and will definitely check out the next in the series!

Thank you NetGalley and Boldwood Books for this eCopy to review

As a lover of romantasy novels, Whisper of War and Storms by C.L. Mecca was a delightful read that kept me hooked from start to finish. This book is a captivating blend of romance, magic, and adventure, set in a world filled with secrets and dark magic.

The story follows Mevlida Brennan, who discovers her true heritage as the long-lost princess of Aetheria, a kingdom of immortals and magic. Her world is turned upside down when a forgotten ring reveals her royal lineage, thrusting her into a realm on the brink of war. Mev must navigate a dangerous political game and uncover the truth about her destiny while dealing with her newfound powers.

Kael, the brooding prince, stands in her way as he is sworn to protect his people, even if it means kidnapping Mev to keep her from uncovering the truth. As dark forces rise and Mev's dormant powers awaken, trust becomes a luxury neither can afford, yet their hearts may leave them no choice.

C.L. Mecca's writing is both lyrical and engaging, making it easy to get lost in the story's intricate web of relationships and events. The world-building is exceptional, with vivid descriptions that bring the fantastical landscapes and cultures to life. The blend of elemental magic, political intrigue, and forbidden romance creates a multifaceted narrative that appeals to a wide range of readers.

Whisper of War and Storms is a highly engaging and immersive read that I would recommend to any fan of romantasy. It's a book that left me eagerly anticipating the next instalment in the series.

Thank you to NetGalley, Boldwood Books and C.L Mecca for a copy of the ARC.

4 stars! Whisper of War and Storms is a fast paced dual point of view romantasy featuring a woman journeying to another world via a Narnian style portal where she unravels her past. Throw in an immortal prince, with a kingdom full of elemental magic, and you have a fun, light and enjoyable story with easy world building and lots of humorous banter and a touch of steam. You aren’t left on a giant cliffhanger, but the story is left open easily allowing for a sequel!

“Never, in all the years I have been alive, have I kissed a woman and felt the very ground beneath me settle in contentment, as if it were at peace.”

🗡️ Enemies to Lovers
🔥 Forbidden Love
🪄 Elemental Magic
✨ Narnia Style Portal

“But sometimes, love simply wasn’t enough.”

“Whisper of War and Storms,” by C. L. Mecca

I loved this book. Solid plot with tons of good tropes and themes like portal fantasy, fae/ elves, magic, hidden identity, enemy to lover, forbidden love, insta lust, slow burn, etc. The characters were perfect, and I was glued to the pages to see what would happen next. Portal fantasies aren’t always my thing based on how the author writes them, but this book was done so perfectly that I need to find more portal fantasies that are like this one.

I’m definitely going to be reading more books by C. L. Mecca. This book was so good, 5 out of 5 stars, wouldn’t change a thing.

-Portal Fantasy
-Fae/ Elves
-Magic
-Hidden Identity
-Enemy To Lover
-Forbidden Love
-Insta Lust
-Multi POV
-Slow Burn

Thank you for the ARC, Netgalley.

This is a new romantasy series by an author that I have read in multiple genres. Like all of her works, this is well written with interesting characters. It is not a high epic. There is just enough detail and world building to let you know you are not on Earth but not enough to distract you from the story. There is no cliffhanger but it is also not the end of the story. I was rapidly pulled into the story, read it quickly and am now eagerly waiting for the next book.

When you compare a book to the likes of the biggest names in fantasy at the moment, you better be ready to deliver on the same scale. Unfortunately this one doesn't. The concept is great and there are some good bones here, but they are picked clean of any meat. To me this story just kind of meandered and didn't have a ton of direction or urgency/purpose. I appreciate the author's effort here but it failed to give me the same feeling as the books it is referred to.

Thank you NetGalley and Boldwood Books for access to the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

⭐ 1 Star

I wanted to love this book—the premise had so much potential. A portal romantasy with political intrigue and a unique magic system? Sounds great. Unfortunately, the execution fell flat.

The writing was simplistic and clunky, with a lot of telling instead of showing. Scenes lacked depth, transitions were abrupt, and dialogue often felt unnatural. The plot was predictable, which wouldn’t have been an issue if the storytelling had been more engaging. Instead, I found myself struggling to stay invested. Oddly, mundane details were over-explained, while world-building and character development felt undercooked.

With more editing, this could have been something special. As it stands, it just didn’t work for me.

Mev is searching for her past because
she doesn't know her father. While visiting York, she finds herself accidentally stumbling through a gate to a different world. Kael, who is a Prince, finds her and has to decide whether he helps Mev or takes her back
to his clan where his Father will make the decision on her fate.
This book is a very fast-paced romantasy with enemies-to-lovers and forced proximity.
Not only is the world.building very easy to understand, but the plot is super interesting too!
The romance is pretty fast and I usually prefer a slow burn romance, but I still really liked it.
Overall a very cozy and cute romantasy and I would definitely recommend! ☺️

This book combines a fairy world with the normal world. When Mev lands in the fairy world, I really liked that she had to find out evrythign on her own, because Kael was no help at all.

This was a good slow burn, because Kael kept her at arm's length even though he felt strong feelings for her.

I'm excited to read the rest of the series, especially to see what the deal is with Rowan. He acts really weird.

This was an intriguing romantasy. Nice and short. I look forward to seeing what happens in the next book.