Sadly, I felt like this book was very rushed and didn’t give the appropriate time to really get invested in it. So many characters were introduced and then vanished off the face of the earth. There were some publishing errors such as editing mistakes and double spaces between words, as well as the prince being called majesty. This is not correct, only a king can be called this, maybe a lack of research prior to writing the book? Wasn’t the best book I’ve ever read nor the worse.

This book was a good intro to a fantasy type book although there was not a magic system the clan setup was something that I recognized and is common in fantasy books. It was a simple and easy read that I finished in almost one sitting.

"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!

I received this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This was a fantasy with romance. It felt a bit rushed with some gaping plot points that would've created a more immersive story. Nice for a quick read!

An interesting fantasy is a good way to describe Norcliff. It was quite enjoyable and I really liked the characters and the story overall. It did feel a bit rushed in some parts, but otherwise it was a good book. Erin was a very relatable character and it was fascinating to see how she chose to work towards saving her family and how she overcame the challenges along the way, including the grief in the beginning. It was an easy read and I like the author's writing style.

2 stars, DNF.
Norcliff is set in a fantasy medieval world where we meet protagonist Erin who on her wedding day she arrives to find her parents kidnapped and her fiancé dead.
I got half way through the book before I gave up on this, the main plot points sounded promising and the book was cohesive but I felt that there was not enough fleshing out of the book.
I feel that the book could have done with a few changes before it is published;
1. The language at times is very modern for a book set in a fantasy medieval world.
2. The relationship between the characters is very informal for a book where a class system is introduced.
3. The MC is supposed to be a Lady and yet she appears not to know any etiquette or social decorum usually associated with these roles.
4. In two very short chapters we go from coming to the capital to have an audience with the King and then leave the capital, the book contains politics and yet it's glossed over very quickly.
That's not to say that this was terrible, in my opinion it's a short quick story for those who was a taste of fantasy and historical but without it being an epic. It just wasn't for me!
Thanks to K.A Connolly and Netgalley for the chance to read this.

This book features a strong heroine whose life is thrown into turmoil very early on in the story, she rises above, taking charge and assuming a confident, powerful disposition. The story progresses around her quickly, leaving little time to wonder. I appreciated the pacing but felt that it seemed stilted at times, the dialogue fitting the time period but making the interactions between characters seem awkward. I also found that I didn’t feel a connection to any of the characters as a result, combined with very minimal backstory. This book overall is enjoyable, I just struggled to connect with it and sadly don’t feel it left an impression on me.

Thank you to the author and NetGalley for providing me with an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

A beautifully written book about the tragedies of love and loss and overcoming against all odds. Our heroine, Lady Erin, finds herself on a journey to freeing her the parent's that have been kidnapped and finding the answers she seeks about the fiance she's lost. This romance adventure did not disappoint. The read was fun and easy and I loved the strong characters and the relationships Connolly is able to establish throughout the book. The spice level is YA, but the action reads adult and is well constructed and thoughtful. Overall, Norcliff is a well-written engaging novel that will appeal to fans of epic battles, historical based fantasies and atmospheric storytelling.

I enjoyed this book. It's a good, quick read.

Erin is a good heroine, but sometimes I wanted her to be as strong in her conversations with people as she was on a battlefield. I do, however, understand it probably fits with the era it is set in.

Also, we never get much of an insight/backstory into any of the main characters apart from a fleeting mention for each. It doesn't delve deep enough for me. I wanted to know more about Jax and what had happened to him before he met Finley. What was Erin and Lianas childhood like etc.

I liked Erin and Hugos' relationship and the slow realisation of feelings. They were lovely together.

In summary, I enjoyed this book but wanted more. Would recommend.

DNF 17%
Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for an e-ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I almost dropped this book in the prologue, but told myself I'd give it an honest go. I made it until partway through the third chapter and couldn't get any further. I wanted to like the book - the cover is gorgeous, the plot sounded intriguing - but the writing was flat and juvenile, and it desperately needed an editor. The pacing was off - there wasn't time for any of what should have been an emotional scene to develop, and what little development there was is told rather than shown to us.

Ultimately it might be something I try again when I have more patience, but at the moment I'm dropping it.

The premise sounds very interesting but unfortunately I did not connect with any of the characters and felt there was minimal world building to bring the reader into the plot. All the scenes felt rushed and lacking depth so I was not invested in the story. Unfortunately not one I would recommend.

"Norcliff" is a wonderful and romantic fantasy. It has all the elements that we all love about romantasies: a strong female main character, lots of fighting, epic battles, and sweet romance and banter in between.

Erin is a solid character who has to go through loss and betrayal before she finds inner peace. After her fiancé is brutally murdered and her parents kidnapped, Erin is faced with two choices. Either she gives in to the demands of her kidnapper, who is demanding her hand in marriage, or she chooses her own individual path. Raised as a fighter, Erin shows steadfastness despite having to deal with new situations and finds new allies and enemies on her path to justice.

My highlight of the story was actually the romance between Erin and Hugo! The two are very sweet and take it slow, which is exactly what Erin needs after the traumatic events. I also really enjoyed learning more about the meanings of the flowers, which was very special in itself! It was such a sweet moment and created so much cuteness! I also loved the other romance in the book, which was also a sweet surprise!

Besides the main characters, which I really liked, I have to admit that I felt the story lacked some structure, (sometimes) logic and a main plot. The author has a wonderful writing style that transports you to another world, which is truly wonderful, but the plot suddenly takes a different direction and events that were so important at the beginning are picked up again in the last 10 percent of the book. The enemies seemed superficial to me - especially the prince. The ending scene was a little disappointment because it was over in two minutes. I just hoped for a strong and empowering moment, but it felt so flat.

All in all "Norcliff" is a adventurous romantasy,which is a perfect book for in between.

"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.

"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!

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.

I would give the book 4.5 but I rounded up because I really really enjoyed it! Overall, the book felt like reading one of those good, old, epic ballads! Highly recommend.

Thanks to NetGalley and publishers for letting me read this book in exchange for an honest review!

Norcliff was a cute book with a courageous female protagonist. It is a quick read, but that may be to the detriment of the story as interesting plot points are brought up and discarded or resolved very quickly. The story is interesting, but moves almost too quickly. Overall an enjoyable, but forgettable read.

This book is a good read for an early teen reader who wants an intro to speculative fiction romances. There is a couple of darker themes but they are covered at a high level so a younger audience would likely be okay reading them.

Things I liked about this book
- Erin is a strong, resilient character
- The message of not judging people from their past
- Erin’s friendship with Jax & Liana


Things that could be improved
- Middle-grade / Young adult genre would be a better fit than New Adult
- I got quite thrown off by the timing as at the end Erin mentions it's only been "days" since she's met Hugo but they have done a lot of travelling & fought multiple battles in that time.

I've given this 3 stars based on recommending it for a teenager, not an adult.

Thank you K.A. Connolly for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

A beautifully written tale of love, loss, and triumph. Norcliff starts out with so much pain for our Heroine Erin Hart losing both her betrothed and her beloved parents. Through Erin's epic journey, she not only finds strength in her self, but in the community she builds to help her along the way.

I thoroughly enjoyed Norcliff and am happy to see what K.A. Connolly has in store for us next!