Norcliff is such a beautiful story about Erin's tragic loss, she goes through so much yet she shows resilience and truly becomes a force to be reckoned with. Packed full of action and adventure.

K.A. Connolly has done a great job with writing in the era it is based in as well as being descriptive without overdoing it where it takes away from the story.

Besides a kiss there is no spice so it would be suitable for your teen readers. It is a riveting read!

Thanks for giving me the opportunity to read the ARC!

Norcliff was a captivating read, skillfully intertwining a well-crafted plot with characters that truly left their mark on me. Erin, the main protagonist, emerged as an exemplar of strength and resilience, embodying the essence of female empowerment throughout the narrative.

Among all the characters, Madame Neigley captured my interest with her unwavering confidence and strength of character, leaving me eager for further exploration of her backstory, if possible.

For those who love fantasy, royalty, and thrilling battles, I highly recommend Norcliff as a journey into a world of enchantment and intrigue. Thank you for the opportunity to read this ARC!

This book has me feeling everything; the tension, the fear, the betrayal, the grief, the loss. Everything that the characters felt was only heightened by the imagery. It’s a perfect read for those wanting a NA fantasy with minimal romance, but all of the tension and emotion of a full-blown romance.

Norcliff was very fun to read. I enjoyed seeing Erin find her strength after going through such a devastating loss

K.A. Connolly did a great job being descriptive and setting the scenes for the era the book is set in

The balance between fantasy and romance is amazing especially for those who like romance books but don't care for it being thrown in their face every page

All in all Norcliff is a nice short read for those who are just diving in fantasy romance or those who already love it. I'd even say teens could read and enjoy the book as well

Thank you K.A. Connolly for allowing me to read the ARC!

Beyond its compelling storyline, the book stands out for its insightful commentary on the human condition, weaving philosophical questions into the fabric of its narrative. The author's skillful use of language not only enriches the text but also elevates the reader's experience, offering new perspectives on familiar themes. Whether it's the intricate dynamics of relationships, the exploration of identity, or the confrontation with ethical dilemmas, this book tackles complex issues with sensitivity and intelligence. It's a testament to the power of storytelling to illuminate the nuances of life, making it a valuable addition to any book lover's collection. Regardless of genre, this is a work that resonates on multiple levels, affirming the enduring impact of well-crafted literature. In essence, much of the content is easy to relate with.

DELIGHTFUL. Norcliff had absolutely everything I was looking for - a strong emotional center, romance that sweeps me off of my feet, action and adventure, and fantasy elements that swept me away. It scratched a Princess Bride itch that I've had for quite awhile, and I'm so glad I found it!

Oh, I loved this! A thrilling and captivating story with several twists I didn't see coming. I loved the strong female lead, Erin is a true badass and she is not to be meddled with.

I could hardly put this book down, and I would LOVE a physical copy.

My compliments to the writer. You're going places!

I was enamored from the beginning. The characters were all done so well and the twists were unexpected and had me shocked. 10/10 recommend.

Title: Norcliff by K.A. Connolly

Release date: December, 1st, 2024

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Stars

A Thrilling Tale of Resilience and Romance!

"Norcliff" by K.A. Connolly is a captivating adventure that swept me off my feet from the very beginning!

Erin Hart's journey, marked by devastating loss and fierce determination, is beautifully crafted and left a lasting impression on me.

Erin's world shatters when she loses her fiancé and parents on what should have been the happiest day of her life. With her parents held hostage by the ruthless Mortons, Erin faces an impossible choice: bow to their demands or gather allies and fight for her freedom. Ardent Morton’s sinister proposal adds another layer of tension, making Erin’s fight for Norcliff all the more compelling.

Connolly masterfully blends a rich, historical setting with vivid descriptions that draw you into Erin’s tumultuous journey. As she travels to seek aid from King Ulrich and the nobles, the looming threats of bandits and political intrigue keep you on the edge of your seat.

What truly shines in "Norcliff" is Erin's character.

Despite the immense pressure and grief, she emerges as a resilient and formidable heroine. Her growth and determination are inspiring, making her a character you can't help but root for.

Whether you're new to fantasy romance or a seasoned fan, "Norcliff" is a delightful short read that delivers on all fronts.

Its well-woven plot and memorable characters make it a must-read.

Even teens will find themselves enchanted by Erin’s story of courage and love. Highly recommend diving into this enchanting tale!

Thank you to The Author K.A. Connolly & NetGalley for an advanced reader copy (ARC) in exchange for my honest review.

Norcliff was an engaging book, expertly weaving a well-crafted plot with characters that actually left an impression on me. Erin, the primary character, developed as a symbol of strength and resilience, expressing the essence of female empowerment throughout the story.

Madame Neigley, out of all the characters, piqued my interest with her unwavering confidence and strength of character, making me anxious to learn more about her past.

Norcliff is a must-read for anybody who enjoys fantasy, nobility, and exciting warfare.

I had the pleasure to read this ARC through NetGalley, so thank you!

A gorgeously detailed, endearing and heartwarming adventure with a lovely romantic heart.

Thank you to the author and publisher for the chance to read the ARC.

"Norcliff" by K.A. Connolly is a gripping tale of loss, resilience, and fierce determination. The story plunges you into Erin Hart's world as she faces unimaginable tragedy on what should have been the happiest day of her life. Connolly's portrayal of Erin's grief and subsequent resolve is both poignant and inspiring, drawing you into her struggle against the oppressive Mortons. The antagonist, Ardent Morton, is deliciously detestable, and his demand for Erin's hand in marriage adds a layer of tension that keeps you on the edge of your seat. As Erin navigates treacherous political waters and seeks aid from King Ulrich, the stakes feel palpably high. The looming threat of bandits only intensifies the urgency of her mission. Connolly's writing is vivid, bringing the world of Norcliff and its challenges to life with rich detail and emotion. The blend of political intrigue, personal struggle, and looming danger makes "Norcliff" a compelling read. Erin's journey is one of empowerment and courage, making this book a must-read for fans of strong, determined heroines facing insurmountable odds. Highly recommended for those who enjoy tales of medieval struggle and triumph!

"Norcliff" by K.A. Connolly is a captivating tale of loss, resilience, and determination. The story centers on Erin Hart, who faces an unimaginable tragedy when she loses her fiancé and parents on her wedding day. To save her parents, Erin must navigate the demands of the oppressive Mortons, with Ardent Morton insisting on marriage to seize control of her home, Norcliff.
Connolly's portrayal of Erin's grief and strength is both poignant and inspiring. Erin's journey to seek aid from King Ulrich and the nobles at court is fraught with peril, with the threat of bandits adding urgency to her mission. The antagonist, Ardent Morton, is a compellingly detestable character whose machinations keep the tension high throughout the story.
The writing is vivid and immersive, bringing the world of Norcliff to life with rich detail and emotion. The blend of political intrigue, personal struggle, and looming danger makes "Norcliff" a compelling read. The archaic tone of the dialogues adds an authentic medieval feel, enhancing the overall experience.
The romance in the story is well-crafted, with a natural and deep connection between the characters. The power balance is equal, and the relationship develops organically without resorting to common tropes.
"Norcliff" is a highly enjoyable read. It feels like one of those classic, epic ballads, filled with adventure, emotion, and a strong, relatable heroine. Erin's journey is one of empowerment and courage, making this book a must-read for fans of medieval struggles and triumphs.
Thank you for the opportunity to read this amazing book. This review has also been posted on Goodreads and StoryGraph.

"a kiss for a kiss"

5/⭐
0/🌶️

The story:
A young woman's world collapses as her fiancé is murdered on her wedding day
And her parents are captured.
We follow Erin Hart as she tries to protect her people from the upcoming war.
.
What i loved:
The small prologue:
It was not really needed for the story but it showed the amazing heart of the Hart family

The love story is absolutely cute
It doesn't feel rushed and is so beautifully done !

The main character:
Erin is so beautifully written, she is relatable, kind but also very feminist
The way she stands up for herself and for others. The way she is equal or even more important in the story than any man

The cover:
This cover art 🥰😍 is stunning and totally fits the story this is Erin how i imagine her.

What i didn't like:

For starters, this book isn't in my home library yet 😉 and next to that ... I would love to see the backstory of Madame
But that means i just need a second book 😉

A beautiful book, with the right amount of tension, love and is easy to read i couldn't put it down ❤️

First I want to thank the author of this amazing novel, K.A. Connolly, for letting me read an eARC of Norcliff!

““You're a woman, Lady Erin. Your interests don't matter to society at large.””

I gave this book a total 4 out of 5 stars.

I dont even know where to begin.
Going into this novel I was scared that the main character would end up in a bad relationship or that actual murderers would be made out to be “the good guys”. Luckily, neither of these things happened! Instead this story follows our main character, Erin, as she navigates her new-found responsibility after a great loss, never giving up on herself and her people.

What I liked:

The main character
Even with the rise of fantasy novels staring strong fmcs, I often feel like they give up that role as soon as they meet their partner. Erin, on the other hand, is just incredibly strong in everything she does. She is an incredible, feminist warrior, who leads her people without letting mens assholery get her down. I can think of multiple times where she corrects peoples sexist comments, defying the patriarchy one person at a time.

The love interest
My personal experience was that the reader gets to fall in love with them at the same rate that the main character does. At first, I did not know what to make of him, but as the story progressed I found myself liking him more and more. This makes the love story feel a lot more realistic.

The Plot Line(s)
I obviously loved the main storyline in itself, but what I wanted to mention was that the love story is only a subplot, which I think is great. The main stroyline was so complex, which is why I think a stronger focus on the love story would have distracted from what this novel really is: a story about politics and fighting for what you believe in.

A Fresh Breath of Air
Yes, when I tarted this I thought I might stumble upon a dark romance, which, as I already mentioned, was luckily not the case. This book felt like a breath of fresh air, after spending so much time reading mostly “Booktok” books. It was feminist, smart and so complex that I actually had to focus while reading this.

What I did not like:

The Writing
Okay, that is not true. I loved the writing! Butttt it was a little exhausting over the course of an entire book. It was written in a way, that made you feel like you were thrown back in time by a few hundred years. But for me, as a non-native english speaker with summer-holiday brain, it was hard to focus on sometimes.

Liana
I just think she should have gotten a more important role. Thats it.

This review will be available on NetGalley, Goodreads and Storygraph!