A haunted prism sends Iris astray from her normal life as a history teacher by day, and anxious dancer by night, i loved the writing and how artistic the details are!

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.

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

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!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️

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.

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.

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

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.