An Enemies-to-Lovers Historical Fantasy
Graceless Heart
The Spellbound History Quartet, Book 1
Historical Fantasy, Action & Adventure Fantasy, Romantic Fantasy
Saturday Books
January 13, 2026
Ebook, Hardcover, Audiobook
488
She was never meant to be seen. Now she’s a weapon the world can’t ignore.
As a sculptress, Ravenna Maffei has always shaped beauty from stone but she has a terrible secret. Desperate to save her brother, she enters a competition hosted by Florence’s most feared immortal family, revealing a dark power in a city where magic is forbidden.
Now a captive in the cutthroat city of Florence, Ravenna is forced into a dangerous task where failure meets certain death at the hands of Saturnino dei Luni, the immortal family's mesmerizing but merciless heir. But as he draws her closer, Ravenna realizes the true threat lies beyond Florence’s walls.
The Pope’s war against magic is closing in, and Ravenna is no longer just a prisoner but a prize to be claimed. As trusting the wrong person becomes lethal, Ravenna must survive the treacherous line between a pope's obsession and the seductive immortal who might be the end of her — or surrender her power to a city on the brink of war.
Graceless Heart by Isabel Ibañez is a romantic fantasy that delivers all the best enemies-to-lovers tropes readers crave—morally gray villains, a brave and magical heroine, forced proximity, and even a “good girl” thrown in there. While those familiar elements shine, what impressed me most about this new release was Ibañez’s ability to still surprise and delight, even within a well-loved framework.
Set in Renaissance-era Florence, the story unfolds as the city teeters on the brink of war between those loyal to the Pope and those who fight against his tyranny. Ibañez’s vivid writing brings Florence to life, capturing both its breathtaking beauty and its darkest moments as political unrest escalates. The tension between warring factions is woven into the plot through multiple characters. I loved watching Ravenna navigate the dangerous, intricate dance of alliances with the powerful dei Luni family while resisting efforts to turn her into a pawn. Her strength and self-possession make her a standout heroine.
The magic system is unique, and despite a few unanswered questions I had about some elements of it, the midway reveal about Saturnino and his family was a delightful surprise that made the book memorable. While I liked the characters—particularly Ravenna and Saturnino—and their slow-burn romance, the pacing felt slightly uneven. My engagement fully clicked into place during the second half, which is fast-paced, action-packed, and ultimately well worth the wait.
I recommend Graceless Heart to readers who love:
- Enemies-to-lovers romance
- Political intrigue and courtly drama
- Whimsical, descriptive prose
- Fantasy worlds inspired by real historical settings
Celeste is a woman who is unwavering about certain things in life; three of those being books, cats, and cold brew coffee. If she can enjoy all three at the same time, it’s going to be a good day. Her favorite genres are fantasy or sci-fi romance, historical romance, and historical fiction but every few books she likes to mix it up with contemporary fiction, a good psychological thriller, or an inspiring memoir. She has a busy schedule working full-time for an online university but she makes sure to unwind each day with stories, either by reading to her elementary school-aged daughter or tucking herself in bed with her Kindle or the latest book she picked up at a local book store.
