Unfortunately I ended up DNFing this book at 14%.

I thought that the premise would be along the lines of Once Upon a Broken Heart by Stephanie Garber, and while there are SOME similarities it just doesn’t hit the way I thought it would.

It’s hard for me to connect to the characters. Our FMC seems … just naive and jaded. I mean sure, I understand her plight in the way that if she falls in love and gets her heart broken she dies. That would make anyone not want to get close to people, but it just didn’t translate well. She seemed a bit flat and one dimensional.

Her guardian was even worse. I honestly don’t know how our FMC hasn’t slapped this little spirit sprite thing halfway across the room. You can protect someone without being an absolute b.

I do love the emails though between the supernatural characters. Gave me some honest laugh out loud moments and it’s a unique way to help tell the story!


Regardless, while the plot did seem to be moving pretty quickly, I couldn’t really get into the book. I wish this author the best of luck and hope it finds the right audience!

What a lovely, slow burn romantasy. I thoroughly enjoyed this read, and struggled to put it down. It was an easy, comforting read which was just what I needed.

The beauty of the storytelling only exceeded by the character development. An excellent read.

A really sweet slow burn romance that I think romantasy fans, cozy fantasy fans and historical fiction fans alike will be able to embrace and enjoy. Istanbul is as much of a character as our protagonist Sare, rendered in lovingly vivid detail. Usually I'm not a fan of first person point of view, but Sare was pretty immediately likeable.

If you liked Harvest of Hearts earlier this year, I think you might connect with this one.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for this early copy in exchange for my honest review.

I didn't expect to like this book as much as I did! It was emotional and funny!
I loved the relationship between Leon and Sare and the slow-burn romance!
I would definitely recommend this book!

Thank you NetGalley for the arc!

I thought this book was super interesting and original in a good way. I loved the take on the love curse and the consequences that develop when the FMC becomes too close to those in her life. I liked all of the characters, though I didn't feel super connected to them. I did think that they felt well thought out and complex, even the side characters. The setting was a major reason why I was drawn into this book, and the combination of the vibrant setting and the mystical vibes was so much fun to read. The writing style was very nice and didn't feel too basic or too extra.

Parts of the book, especially when it came to certain aspects of the FMC's heritage and the magic system. The romance also could have been a bit more drawn out to be more realistic, in my opinion, as it did feel a bit insta-lovey (even saying that as someone who does like a good insta-love situation).

Overall though, this was a very cozy fantasy that did a good job at exploring the themes of heartbreak, independence, and romance!

I really enjoyed the magical writing style and setting of this book! The story of the Maiden's Tower was fascinating, and I love how the story was constantly shifting and changing. Istanbul was the perfect setting for the story and the author's imagery and writing brought the setting to life.
While the narration was excellent, I struggled to connect with the characters. The romance between Sare and Leon was also more of an insta-lust situation and lacked depth and chemistry.
Overall, I think fans of Laini Taylor and Margaret Rogerson would love the intricate magic systems and whimsical setting of this book. Thank you so much to NetGalley and Alcove Press for the eARC!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

The Book of Heartbreak is a compelling and emotional read, perfect for YA fans who love a story filled with tension, growth, and a slow-burn romance. Our main characters start off at odds, but who doesn’t enjoy watching a love story unfold from initial friction to something deeper? Their journey felt authentic, with moments of vulnerability and warmth that made their connection all the more satisfying.

The emotional depth in this book is where it truly shines. It explores heartbreak—not just in romance, but in friendships, family, and self-discovery. The writing beautifully captures the highs and lows of young love, making it easy to root for the characters as they navigate their feelings.

Overall, this is a heartfelt and engaging YA read that delivers on both angst and romance. Fans of slow-burn relationships and character-driven stories will definitely enjoy this one!

3.75⭐️
thank you Alcove Press for the e-ARC!

this was very interesting! the storytelling was beautiful and i just wanted to give Sare a big hug the whole time.. some parts got a little slow and dragged out, but if you enjoy folklore/urban fantasy this might be for you :)

The Book of Heartbreak is filled with adventure and kindling romance. I originally went into this book thinking it might have Once Upon a Broken Heart by Stephanie Garber vibes, but I was completely wrong- in a good way. We follow the main character, Sare, whose heart can only break 5 times before she turns 18, or she will permanently die. But here’s the catch: even if she makes it to 18 and breaks the curse, she will never be able to love again. Leon is a seer, good looking, and a potential threat to her heart. Although this book does get points for originality, I had a hard time connecting the dots at parts. While I do think that there were parts that were explained well, a lot of the information around the family and the curse were hard to put together.

Features -
- Reluctant allies to lovers
- Romantasy
- Fate
- Curses
- She’s grumpy, he’s sunshine
- Family issues

The plot was engaging and full of surprises, keeping me hooked from beginning to end. I felt like I was right there in the middle of the action.

What a fun book! It's a bit outside of my norm, but I enjoyed it. This story had a lot going on, but at the end, it was all neatly connected. It took a while to get in the groove with the email segments, but once you knew the characters better, they were a decent addition. The main female character had to grow up before a child should (partially due to her curse, partially due to her mom/lack of adult support.) While I generally like more romance, Sare is only 17 for much of the book, so I was fine with what occurred. She has a lot thrown at her but her development still made sense. I'm glad she gets an HEA (hope that isn't too spoiler-y). The only thing I personally did not like was how everyone was against her finding the truth. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity.

This was a fun fantasy! I loved the relationship between Leon and Sare. The setup and premise for this story was one that set the stakes high from the start. It had me gripping my seats in anxiety worrying about when things would go wrong. Forbidden love in the absolute sense of the word, no bigger consequence than death itself. I’ve never quite read anything similar to this, and honestly that was for the best. This could just exist as its own thing with no references to hold it to. The plot was fun, the romance was believable, and the characters were all well written as well.

Thank you NetGalley and Alcove Press for the e-arc!

This was such a delightful story. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Reading a book set in somewhere as vibrant and oriental as Istanbul felt wonderfully refreshing. The romance between the FMC and MMC was sweet, the mystery elements were satisfying, and the ending wrapped it up beautifully!

Oh man.. where to start?!

This book was so beautiful. I truly had no idea what I was in for when I started reading.. the journey this book took me on was magical, fast-paced and very emotional.

The book starts us off in London but transports us to Istanbul in which the author did such a BEAUTIFUL job at describing. The descriptions of the city were so vivid and detailed, I could picture everything so clearly in my mind.

The title of this book is SO fitting because my heart broke for Sare, the FMC, over and over again. In her 17 years of life she has been through so much already, so much more than the normal person should ever be able to endure in their lifetime, but she is SO strong, brave, and courageous and you can't help but cheer for her.

The book was fast-paced but in the best way, so many twists and turns and mysteries!! Although it may take an emotional toll on you throughout, the ending was SO satisfying and was SO worth the read.

It took me a bit to connect to the main character. But once I did, I could not put the book down. I loved the characters, the world, and the stories. Once the book hooked me, I didn't want stop. The writing was beautiful and kept pace wonderfully. I did not go into this book knowing the mythology, but I enjoyed it just the same.

If you are looking for a cozy fantasy that has emotional depth, I would recommend this to you. With Istanbul as it's back drop and a 1,000 year old curse being bothersome, this book is addictive.

I am going to miss being in this world!

Thank you to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for the advanced copy!

*Thank you Crooked Lane Books/Alcove Press for providing me an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review*

I thought this book was really good and I loved the writing style. I am always a little skeptical when a book says that it is for fans of books that I loved, but this one did a really good job of meeting my expectations.

The Book of Heartbreak? More like the book that mended my heart.

What a surprise this book turned out to be. It felt like curling up with a warm cup of tea on a rainy day, yet at the same time, it whisked me away on a fast-paced, emotional, and utterly magical journey. From the very first page, I was completely immersed—not only in Sare’s story, but also in the vivid, enchanting streets of Istanbul.

As a born and raised İstanbuliot, maybe I am a little biased. But because of that, my expectations were also sky-high. Istanbul is more than just a backdrop in this book—it’s alive, breathing, and woven into every word. Ova Ceren took a well-known tale and piece of mythology that almost every local knows by heart, and reimagined it so beautifully, giving it her own magical twist. Following Sare as she unravels her past, we get to discover not only hidden parts of herself but also some of the most gorgeous, historical, and mystical corners of the city. And let me tell you, I never wanted her story to end… but I also didn't want her to suffer anymore (the struggle was real haha)

The writing is smooth and fast-paced, yet still atmospheric. It’s not heavy, but it leaves an emotional weight on you in the best way. It’s cozy yet poignant, fantastical yet grounded in very real feelings of loss, love, and self-discovery.

What I loved about this book:

⭐️ Atmospheric, cozy yet fast-paced writing that keeps you turning pages without realizing how quickly time passes.
⭐️ The magical realism elements blended seamlessly with everyday life.
⭐️ A fresh twist on Istanbul's well-known mythology, making it feel familiar yet new.
⭐️ The vivid, loving portrayal of Istanbul itself—the buildings, the hidden streets, the local texture—it almost becomes a character.
⭐️ Sare’s emotional journey—raw, real, and relatable.
⭐️ Short chapters & tight pacing that keep the momentum going while giving room to breathe.
⭐️ That bittersweet feeling of not wanting the book to end, but also wishing happiness for the characters.

If you're someone who loves cozy fantasies wrapped in magical realism, stories steeped in culture and mythology, and settings so vivid they feel like they’re breathing—this book is for you. Especially if you hold a special place in your heart for Istanbul (or want to get to know the city through a magical lens), this will easily become a new favorite. Fans of character-driven journeys, where the emotional arc feels as important as the plot itself, will also find something to love here. It’s a perfect read when you’re craving something fast-paced yet soul-soothing, familiar yet fresh, heart-wrenching yet healing.
Highly recommend!

Huge thanks to Ova Ceren, the publisher, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this magical story early. I can’t wait for everyone else to experience it once it's out!

This spellbinding romantasy weaves together myth, magic, and emotion in a breathtaking journey of love, fate, and defiance. Sare’s cursed existence—where too much heartbreak will literally kill her—creates an irresistible tension that lingers on every page. Her quest to uncover the origins of her curse is both thrilling and deeply personal, blending historical intrigue with celestial forces that feel as vast and unknowable as love itself. The setting, particularly the evocative landscapes of Istanbul, adds a rich, immersive quality that enhances the novel’s atmospheric storytelling.
At its heart, this is a story about resilience—about daring to challenge destiny and embracing love, even when the risks feel insurmountable. The slow-burn romance with Leon crackles with tension, their connection both dangerous and undeniable. The lyrical prose and poignant themes of grief, longing, and hope make for an emotional rollercoaster, ensuring that every heartbreak and triumph is deeply felt. Lush, haunting, and utterly captivating, this is the kind of novel that lingers in the soul long after the final page.

This was such a cool story I really loved it and the authors writing style, really glad I took a chance on this arc!

This book was so good I couldn't put it down! I've been home sick for the week and devouring books left and right; this one did it for me!! I was rooting for the characters and loved the writing style!