Iris’s life changed when her dad gave her a gift from her dead mother on her 30th birthday. Little did she know that the necklace was going to change her life forever.

Iris’s prism lead her to love at first sight, Hoyt a rich rancher. Hoyt also has a prism of his own with a different color. The obstacle they face is they cannot touch.

After Iris returned home from her summer with Hoyt. The unthinkable happened. Now she is on the run with the one person she does not want to be with. And she has to make Hoyt believe there is nothing between them so he stays away from her to be safe.

This was a great book. Slow burn, magic and a mystery.

Audiobook Review- First thing is the narrator did a great job. It took me a little bit to get use to her voice and I noticed a lot of breathiness in the beginning but I think that was just a me thing. She fully encompassed the character and did an amazing job with this. I will be purchasing the next book as an audiobook as well because it really was beautifully done.

The story… wow. It was not what I was expecting and I was so in love with this. It was a beautiful love story between adults. The maturity and the anguish that comes how was very real. It has some beautiful magic moments with the prisims. They are suppose to be the star of the show but the relationship between our main characters and what they go through is what truly shines. I would absolutely recommend this book especially in the audio format!

I waited to write my review on this book because I really needed to let it sink in after that ending. I am still thinking about this book to date! The magic system in this book is intriguing and unique. I also liked the characters and their dynamic. I listened to the audiobook version, and the narrator did a fantastic job! I recommend picking this book up. Great urban fantasy with magic and spice! I look forward to the next book in the series. Thank you NetGalley and Leblon Publishing for providing me an ALC in exchange for an honest review.

I heard a lot of about this book on social media and I was really excited to read it. It was advertised as a romance book with magical aspects and was under listed under some fantasy genres.

I did enjoy the narrator, I think they both did a great job! However the book itself just didn’t do it for me. It read like a spoiled “pick me” girl who always wanted something different settled for a great guy who adores her and she doesn’t even love him.

Then she stars essentially emotionally cheating on her fiancé for some hot stranger who is known as a real douche and a promiscuous rich guy. The fantasy element involves a magic necklace that both MMC and FMC have to probably save the fairy world?

It wasn’t my worst read, but It didn’t feel unique.

I thought this was very good and I will have to add this to the shop shelves. Thank you for the chance for us to review.

I had to listen to this audiobook at double speed because I feel it was slow moving and had poor pacing. I finished the book but it really could have been trimmed down. I was interested in the characters but the filler and drip feeding really got in the way of me getting into the book.

I was not originally going to review this book as I had DNFd it at 50% however I have a book group connected to my IG and was being asked questions about it so decided to finish it. I wish my opinions had changed as I am always sad to not enjoy a read. Luckily it does not happen often, but I am an honest reviewer who reviews every book I finish!
First, the cover is definitely not a good fit for the book, but I originally requested this as it was described as a magical urban slow burn paranormal romance.
What I got was a FMC (Iris, the flower on the cover) who is a cheater and highly unlikeable. There was no need and zero excuse for the cheating as she could have dealt with that early in the book. I don't like cheating with the main characters in my books so it was already on the back foot.
The only thing paranormal was the pendants, nothing had happened by 50% and it continues to be extremely slow. It was odd that the spice could only take place in water due to the pendants and honestly I did not enjoy it. Definitely no book hangover as promised im the synopsis.
I'm not one to be completely negative in a review and always try to point out what's not for me but who it might be for. This one I just don't know.
Regardless I still feel there are no bad books and an author put their time and love into this book. So whilst it was not for me, I know there will be people that enjoy it. I recommend reading lots fo reviews and gather your info as it may have tropes you personally look for.
I read the ALC from netgalley, sorry this one was not for me.

Crystal Iris: Book I is a compelling start to a romantasy series that blends mystery, modern conflicts, and self-discovery with a touch of magic realism. With a strong female lead, a simmering romance, and an intriguing supernatural element, this book is a slow but captivating read that keeps you invested until the very last page—only to leave you desperate for the next installment.
The story follows Iris De Loughery, a Harvard art history professor whose life is upended on her thirtieth birthday. A mysterious gift from her estranged father challenges everything she knows about reality, launching her into a journey of self-discovery and spectral intrigue. As she struggles to unravel the mystery of the gift, she also finds herself drawn to Hoyt, another possessor of a prism with abilities beyond understanding. Balancing the growing tension between them and her own evolving sense of identity, Iris must navigate an unfamiliar world while reclaiming what it means to truly live for herself.
While the story moves at a slower pace, it’s intentional and well-crafted, allowing the reader to savor Iris’s transformation. The mix of personal growth, magical elements, and emotional depth makes for a rich reading experience that never rushes to the finish but gives just enough to keep you hooked. The mystery surrounding her father’s gift adds an extra layer of intrigue, seamlessly woven into Iris’s personal journey.
By the end, the stakes are high, the fallout is intense, and I’m already eager for the next book.

I really enjoyed the authors writing. But I did struggle to get into this book. I’m glad was able to listen to this book, I think the narrator did an amazing job. I couldn’t stand the characters. iris was just the worst, very immature. If I had read the book, I probably would have been able to get through it.

Thank you NetGalley, Blair and Leblon Publishing for the E-ARC!

Rating: ⭐️⭐️
#NetGalley #Crystalirisbook

Crystal Iris by Blair M. Shadows was a twisty, thrilling tale with some romance and a little bit of spice mixed in. Definitely a slow burn. I had trouble putting this story down - waiting to see what happened next for Iris and Hoyt. It ends on a major cliffhanger leaving you wanting more. Rachael Franco’s narration only added to the enjoyment.

I received the audiobook here and was sent the ebook with voracious readers so I listened and read them at the same time.
I had a hard time getting into it at first but after a few chapters I enjoyed it. I didn’t love it but it was a decent story.

I really wanted to like this one. But it was hard to get into. So much was happening at once and took me out of the story. I tried so so so hard. I didn’t like the characters very much. I don’t like the cheating trope so that really didn’t help.

I really enjoyed this book! It was like a romantic suspense with a touch of magic and paranormal elements, which is right up my alley!!

I loved that Iris was an older than typical FMC, and that she's accomplished with a solid career as a Harvard art history professor. I loved art history classes when I was in school so I really enjoyed the bits with Iris' lessons.

The slow burn romance lead to some great spice, loved the chemistry! And I loved the mystery elements, it left me wanting more! After that ending, I can't wait for the next book!!

Tropes:
•FMC - 30yo Harvard art history professor
•book boyfriend 1 - finance guy
•book boyfriend 2 - ranch owner and one hell of a good cook
•Academia - Harvard
•Impossible love
•Love triangle
•Spicy spice
•City & Country setting

Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for this ARC of the crystal iris. This is going to be my honest opinions… and I think 2 stars is being generous.

I’m not sure where the whole infidelity story line came into everything. But all it did was serve to make me dislike the FMC, I also wasn’t exactly rooting for the two of them together. I really don’t like infidelity tropes at all.

And they love each other? Really?

The descriptions said ‘magical’ but the only thing that was remotely magical was this glowing necklace she had that stopped her from touching the MMC without being in pain. Other than when they’re both in water, which is the only time they get freaky with each other.

All leading to her getting kidnapped for the necklace, getting out, and breaking up with the MMC to ‘protect him’ as there are 7 necklaces & the people who kidnapped her are after them all.

It was honestly such a long story, for very little pay off. Not the magical, gripping, fantasy that the description promises.

I absolutely loved Crystal Iris! The romance was beautifully written, the magic added so much depth and wonder to the story, and the twist at the end completely blew me away. It kept me hooked right until the last page. Now I’m counting down the days until book 2—can’t wait to see where the story goes next!

Crystal Iris is marketed as new adult, romance, sci-fi and fantasy... I think sci-fi and fantasy are a stretch, I'd consider this more of a modern romance with a bit of mysticism/magic sprinkled in. I can imagine that the next book will be more sci-fi in nature based on the ending of this book.
I wanted to love it! Unfortunately this book fell flat for me, all the way up until the last 10-15% of the listen. The narrator did a great job, but the story itself bounced all over the place and lacked fluidity for me. There were scenes that drug on and on, and I found myself realizing I had no idea what had happened at several different points early on in the book. I had a hard time keeping motivated to listen except that last 10-15%. I feel like this book could have been condensed down to about 50% or less of what it is now and flowed much better and with quicker pacing. I liked some aspects of the main character, Iris but there were aspects of her character that I did not connect with or enjoy, like her poor communication skills and her wild clubbing even on work nights as a Harvard professor... Not that professionals can't let loose and have fun, but she seemed too wise for a lot of her actions. I did not care for her fiance/childhood sweetheart or his family, but I did love her best friend and eventual love interest Hoyt. There was a disconnect for me from Iris' life in Boston and the part of the book that took place in Montana. Like I said, I did want to love it, and based on the ending I would be interested in reading the next book with hopes that some of the pacing and flow issues are resolved because it is an interesting story overall! I'm rooting for you, Blair!!

Mystical, mysterious, and magical romance that was short and entertaining ! Love a good urban fantasy.

Iris is a Harvard art professor who is engaged to Aaron? Her long time best friend. She received a gift from her estranged father that’s an heirloom from her late mother. The necklace seems to be calling to her and pushing her towards a new mysterious man.

A love triangle ensues as Iris tries to understand what is going on and reveal the secrets of her family. Good balance of romance and plot !

Narration was great.

Thanks to NetGalley and Victory Editing for the ALC in exchange for an honest review.

📿 ARC REVIEW 📿

CRYSTAL IRIS by Blair M. Shadows
3/5 🌟
Pub date 🇺🇸 : Already out!

I'm not sure that this book was for me, but I can see how other people would like it. I wasn't sold on the main character's...well...character. However, I was curious how the story continues and the answers she's seeking around her crystal.

The book follows Iris, a Harvard art professor, as she prepares for her wedding with her best friend that she's not totally in love with. She puts on her mother's necklace, and that's when strange things start to occur. Please read if you like the following:

🌸 Mysterious relics with great power
🌸 Love finding characters, even when they dont want it to
🌸 Montana and horses

Thank you to Netgalley and Leblon Publishing for the review copy!

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I really struggled to get into this book. The writing was great but the main part of the book just wasn’t for me. As a romance book it was good but the magic in this book didn’t really get explained until the last two chapters. However saying that the last two chapters really changed my mind about it and I now really want to find out what happens next so I’ll definitely be reading book 2.

I listened to the audio book, and I enjoy every minute of it. The narrator, Rachael Franco, did such an amazing job! This was an intriguing romantic suspense filled with magic. The following elements are in this novel:
- slow burn romance
- Love triangle
- Magical Fantasy
- Spicy Scenes
- Betrayal
The magical parts of this book, as well as the romance, kept me listening. I had to know more because the author did such an excellent job with the mystery surrounding Iris and Hoyt. This was such a well plotted roller coaster ride filled with suspense and adventure! I will admit that I can’t wait for the next one to see what happens!

Thank you Net Galley, Leblon Publishing, and Blair M. Shadows