4.5 stars

This book was worth the read. I wish I had not left it until the last minute to read but it was so good once I got started I just couldn't stop.
This book had banter, magic, adventure and delved deeply into both the main characters emotions and self-beliefs.

I don't think I knew enough about the characters in the next to want to add it to my always growing TBR but I would definitely get this book for myself and view it as a standalone.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you Netgalley for this amazing book!
Urban fantasy done very perfect and really good! Eagerly waiting for the second book !!

Thank you C.E. Higgins and Sweet Lemon Press for the ARC of A Shadow So Sweet. This book has a beautiful balance of adventure and romance. The struggle between inner demons from both the FMC and MMC causes a tension both in their relationship and in outside relationships has you rooting for them both to find peace. Higgins does an excellent job with character and relationship building that has you truly falling in love with them. I am very excited to learn more about Belmara and the other karthans as this series continues to grow!

While this book was a little insta-lovey, I had a lot of fun reading it. It's highly entertaining and I really enjoyed Elle and Blake's adventure. As much as I love enemies to lovers it was refreshing to read a romantasy where the MMC is nice to the FMC all the way through (well almost). I also enjoyed that both families and most of the side-characters were built out enough, but didn't overpower the story. The more emotional scenes were really well done, and while we're introduced in the middle of Blake's story you could only want the best for him. Some of it's a bit predictable and I'm sure others would like to see the world built out a bit more, but if you're in the mood for a "go with the flow" fantasy then I say give this one a shot. I wouldn't say no to seeing these characters again!

This was a strong start to the Elemental Hearts series, it had that element that I was looking for and enjoyed the feel of this. C.E. Higgins was able to create a strong story that I was expecting and thought the characters worked overall. It left me wanting to read more in this series and was glad I read this.

Set in a mystical land with a mix of modern technology, the story follows Elle, a Keeper whose sole mission is to find a cure for her sister’s disease, and Blake, a weaver of shadows, as they navigate a tangled web of alliances and personal longing. The romance at the heart of the story is sweet, built on stolen moments between death defying missions and funny, bumbling exchanges, which show just how into each other both characters are.

The worldbuilding is great but I wish it went more into details about both the geography and the history. I felt a lot of it was rushed through, but I am also fully aware that a lot of readers tend to get bored when you delve further than a few lines for a description.

While the narrative sparkles with magic, the pacing occasionally slows, dwelling on introspection that may not suit every reader’s taste. Yet, these quieter moments also deepen the characters and provide a sense of intimacy.

*thank you to netgalley and the publisher for an early copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*

What a mesmerizing debut. The story beautifully blends an enchanting world with relatable characters, drawing you into a tale of love, courage, and self-discovery.

The romance is both sweet and powerful, with a connection between the leads that feels genuine and deeply moving. Higgins' lyrical writing and carefully crafted plot make it impossible to put down.

If you’re a fan of romantic fantasy with heart-pounding stakes and tender moments, this book will sweep you away.