Graceless Heart (The Spellbound History Quartet Book 1)

Amazon Customer

Ibañez never disappoints.

"I was excited when I found out there was a new book by Isabel Ibañez who has quickly become a favorite of mine. The hardcover is absolutely gorgeous, by the way. So why not give it five stars, you ask? Well, I honestly can't put my finger on it but there was something that felt a bit off. But let's start with the good stuff (which there was a LOT of). Ibañez didn't disappoint with her unexpected surprises (I love being surprised in a story), the lush historical background, the perfect weaving of real historical fact with pure fantasy, a real slow burn romance, the use of Italian in the chapter titles and in parts of conversations that added an extra deliciousness and veracity to the plot. Ravenna is a great character with a lot of spunk and her relationship with Saturnino was delightful to read. And he was a great morally grey character with a wonderful character arc. Some of the side characters like the Pope, the courier, and Saturnino's siblings were all well-developed and interesting. Now for what felt a little off-sync for me. I felt that the ending was rushed. Without spoilers, the fact that Ravenna, the main character, spends chapters and chapters working on something that at the end is done in a wink felt off. The abrupt changes in attitude of Saturnino in the first half of the book also rubbed me the wrong way. I thought they should have been more subtle or started later in the story. And let's talk about the sex scenes. Ibañez is obviously uncomfortable with them even though as spice goes the plot is pretty low on that scale (which I have absolutely no problem with) and she does a good job at showcasing the emotional side of intimacy (my favorite side). That said, I felt as if some of the scenes, which are mostly concentrated in the last quarter of the book, were a bit forced. Almost as if the author felt she HAD to add them to satisfy her readers. All of this said, I couldn't put the book down and looked forward to reading it every night. So, I guess its flaws did not deter at all from the fabulous plot. Ibañez remains one of my current one-click authors. ["

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February 7, 2026 Verified Purchase

Jenn

Meh.

"The book design is gorgeous. The story is decent. There were things I didn’t see coming and then there were some I could see miles away. The writing has issues. I found a handful of typos which I feel shouldn’t make it to publishing. I had to reread certain sentences multiple times to understand because she did not use complete sentences a lot or chopped them up. For dramatic flair. Like this. It got old. Annoying. Irritating. The author also uses the same similes and metaphors over and over again which also got really annoying. (Medici lions, bruise sunsets, pond green eyes, etc) I also hated that the author compared the sunset to a bruise many times in the book. Bruises are violent and ugly, sunsets are calming and beautiful. She also used the whole “the world faded away and it was just us two” line multiple times. Using once is kinda cringe but using it like 3 times? She set it up for another book but I don’t think I’ll be reading it. ["

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March 10, 2026 Verified Purchase

Yasemee

Good Read but very violent

"I’ve read all of her books and this one was enjoyable but I did not enjoy all the gore and violence, I also think if you’re catholic probably just don’t read it 😅 but I enjoyed the mystery, the plot twists, the Italian essence woven throughout it so palpably (she always really does her homework and brings the cultures to life), and as always the unique blend of magic, fantasy, romance, and world building that is her trademark! ["

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April 28, 2026 Verified Purchase

Val

Beautiful story!

"Spellbinding! Bewitching! I had such a wonderful time reading this book. If you're a Reign fan, you'll love it, I'm sure! A historical romance book set in the Italian Renaissance with a plot filled with magic. Florence, where the Luni family live to protect the Medici, who are both in favor of magic. Volterra, where magic is banished, and people are against it. The Pope Sixtus IV, who wants to unleash war against all magic, but the one used by himself. Ravenna, a sculptress from Volterra who enters a competition held by the Luni family, in order to save her brother from death, but in a turn of events, the Luni family have other plans for her as a sculptress. Saturnino, a knight of the Luni family who hides a family secret. Lorenzo di Medici, on his own, has a surprise as well. There are glimpses of the Fae lands and their powers, "vampyres", witches and wizards, and also an amazing cat that will steal your heart. You'll also read about outstanding historical figures such as Leonardo da Vinci. You'll encounter an interesting magic system that comes with a glossary of the “Pietra Magiche” from the Fae lands (Sunspire, Seaweaver, Shadowglass, Nightflame, Moonhaze, Lodestar, and Echostone). At last, but not least, the incredible plot twists will keep you hooked until the end! Beautiful design, layout and cover! Overall, one of the best books I've read this year so far! ["

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January 21, 2026 Verified Purchase

Anonymous

Beautiful historical fantasy

"I really enjoyed this historical fantasy romance. The plot was interesting, and I felt like it was well paced. The author took historical characters and events and wove them with fantasy. I knocked off 1 star because there are fae in this world but you learn almost nothing about them despite one of them playing a big part. Also, I wish we could have learned more about the FMCs magic and see her develop it more. I found it refreshing that the FMC wasn't a trained assassin or some female that can beat every man in a fight. She has weaknesses and fears and freezes in danger but also sometimes fights back. The romance was very back and forth. You could tell that the MMC is struggling with his attraction to the FMC and his acceptance of his dismal fate. Another reviewer was upset about the timing of the intimate scene but seeking comfort and physical intimacy after a traumatic event is actually extremely common. ⚠️ Pope portrayed as a morally corrupt figure. This could be upsetting to some readers. 🌶 1.5 of 5 - some kissing, an almost intimate scene, and a descriptive intimate scene. ✨️Magic Beautiful setting 📖🪄Historical characters mixed with fantasy elements ["

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April 4, 2026 Verified Purchase