rating 3.75/5

To start off; I really enjoyed this one and will be buying a physical copy for my bookshelf.
I liked the story, I liked how it dissected this romanticized idea of love and I liked how while the first love interests absolutely can be criticized for their actions, they also weren't "the bad guys" who had to be demonized because things didn't work out.
I loved the narration for the audiobook, both narrators did a great job and i felt like the voices were a great match for the characters.

Some critiques I have though is that some parts were very repetitive, several sentences are repeated by different characters multiple times which felt entirely unnecessary. Almost as if the author didnt trust the reader to understand the point if she just mentioned it once or twice.
There are plot points that in my opinion were a weird choice such as how the trials ended (specifically how they the main characters were conveniently released from killing each other at the perfect time), i wish that one had been worked on a bit more to hold the tension a while longer.
last but not least, the MMC is named Theodore, that could have been fine if it werent for the fact that everyone calls him "Teddy".

I received an eARC from NetGalley and below is my honest review.

4.5⭐️ 3.5-4🌶️

Well this is one for romantasy lovers everywhere. What do you get when lifelong rivals/enemies accidentally find themselves heart-bonded to one another and in a deadly game of trials? This book. Full of hilarious banter, tension, high stakes trials, and just a lot of fun.

I have not read the prequel series (Legacy of Gods) and while I do feel it would have added some depth to some of the moments of the book, I didn’t feel lost at all reading this as a standalone.

I really enjoyed the depth of characters and amount of character development that the author was able to bring in a single novel, and it makes me want to read more from her.

A solid read! Would recommend!

The audio narration was fantastic too. I enjoyed both narrators and the emotions they brought to their characters.

The biggest thank you to Netgalley and Dreamscape Media for an ARC of this book!

Holy #$#@ $#& &©%@ !! .. This is a good book. Ahhummm.. yeah, if you see my name on a missing poster, do me a favor and throw it away. I didn't know it was possible to be kidnapped by a book. But yet here I am, and ya know what? I'm cool with it.. like I am tied up in the back of the windowless van, happily singing along to the music, asking if we can swing by McDonald's, level of cool with it.

At first I wasn't going to read this. Because it states that it stems off another series and might have spoilers. Normally when that happens, I like to go all the way back to the beginning, I don't like feeling as if I missed anything.

But the millisecond I started listening to this I just couldn't turn it off. Everything about this book was absolutely captivating. I did feel as if I was missing out on a bigger picture. But the story in front of me was so engrossing, I hardly noticed.

This did it all for me and then some. My jaw was on the floor, the ugly crying, the chills, the goosebumps.. I diddddd wanna sucker punch Stella at one point, homegirl REALLY knows how to kill a moment lol

Needless to say I recommend this book especially if you love fantasy with,
Games/trials
Jaw dropping twists
Fated bonds
Great one-liners

This is my review which as of today can be found on the following platforms:
Tiktok
Goodreads
Fable
StoryGraph
Bookmory

If Sheila writes it, I’m going to read it. If Sheila comes out with an audiobook, I’m going to listen to it. That’s it. The end.

I absolutely love The Lost God series and when I found out this story was in the same realm, I knew I had to read it. I love following along with the characters after their stories are finished, and to get to read a story between Stella and Teddy was just spectacular.

I love that even though we got glimpses of their parents, this was absolutely Stella and Teddy’s story. They were able to make their own way in the world and be the center of attention while our faithful characters from previous books were able to be amazing side characters, both helping our heroes, but also letting them tell their own story.

It is absolutely impossible to not fall in love with Stella and Teddy.

From the very beginning you are drawn in and feel at home in this world. These characters come to life in the audio version as well, bringing a whole new depth and direction to the story. I really hope we got more legacy stories from Sheila. What am I saying? Any story for Sheila is worth reading

A very special thank you to the author for an ARC of not only the book, but the audio version. Also a very special thank you to Dreamscape Media for the audio ARC.

#bookstagram #bookstagrammer #bookish #bookishinbaltimore #booksbooksbooks #bookworm #booklover #booknerd #readingtime #readinglist #readingaddict #momswhoread #teacherswhoread

This one is marked as a stand alone, but I honestly felt like I would have likely enjoyed it more had I read the previous series. I felt like the new kid in a group that has been left out of a huge history of inside jokes, That being said, the story itself was pretty good and the narrators did a great job. I just didn't feel as epic as I thought it would, and it is a little too much "I choose me" for a romance. (It is a romance for someone who doesn't seem to want him much less need him).

A Legacy of Stars is a tense escape into a Regency-esque time in a vivid fantasy world that takes you through a deadly game full of unique magic and various types of bonds and love.

🎧 The narrators do an excellent job really bringing Sheila's fantastical world to reality. Their tonal changes and inflections are used beautifully and make it such an immersive read. I rated the physical book 4.5 stars but the audio 5 because I had 0 complaints. In fact, I couldn't even remember what the couple of tiny things I didn't love were.

"There’s wisdom in choosing battles you know you can win."

Themes: Rebellion, Sexism, power, the right to choose, prejudice

Tropes: Unique Magic, Dual POV, Rivals to Lovers, Deadly Games, Fierce Demigoddess FMC/Broody Prince MMC, Magical Bonds, One Bed, Political Intrigue, Wound Tending, Dirty Talk, Banter, Slow Burn

"A woman was judged on every nuance and flaw while men were applauded for simply being respectful."

Stella (FMC) and Teddy (MMC) are the children of characters from The Lost Gods series. Stella and her partner, Arden, go see the Goddess of love in an attempt to be bonded. Separately, Teddy and his partner, Grace, also decide to go see the same goddess. On the same day. In a twist of fate, or gods playing games, Stella and Teddy wind up bonded to one another - even though they've disliked one another for many years. In one final, desperate attempt to have a choice in who they marry, both Stella and Teddy sign up for the Gauntlet Games - the winner of which is granted a favor from the gods. But there can only be one winner and if the games themselves weren't dangerous enough, the other players are allowed to attack and even kill one another. Oh, and a rebel group threatening their lives.

✨While this is a standalone, and does stand strong on its own, I do recommend reading The Lost God series first for the strongest impact. I didn't read TLG prior and feel that's why A Legacy of Stars didn't quite punch me in the feels as hard. I meant to, but forgot until I was finishing this book. It still made me feel, but not quite as viscerally as I prefer. You don't need to read TLG series to understand the world, ALOS truly stands on its own, to be clear.✨


📝 I found the plot to be interesting and draws you into the story pretty immediately. I appreciate the way Sheila is able to weave dual first person POV and a layered plot together into an epic journey through a magic infused deadly competition. The stakes are high and make sense for the world.

“Sometimes we all just need a hand to hold when we’re close to breaking.”

There are potentially sensitive topics (see ⚠️ at end for list) and Sheila handles them with sensitivity and grace, in my opinion. This in an area I feel Sheila excels in - showing vulnerability in sensitive topics in a positive, healthy manner.

“[Redacted] is lovely and your affection for her is clear, but that’s unwise. You don’t want to give her the wrong idea.”
Teddy: “The idea that I value her and she’s an important part of my life?”

✍🏼 Descriptively and clearly written, ALOS was a pleasure to read and picture. The tone changes just slightly enough between POVs that you're able to feel the difference but not so much that it's jarring to the reader.

“I’m not drunk. I’m just not sober, strictly speaking.”

🗨️ I found the dialogue to match the characters beautifully and feel it reads smoothly. I especially love the banter between the MCs, as well as the sibling/friends banter. That was so much fun I couldn't help but smile. I chuckled out loud a few times reading the banter between Stella and her BFF, Kate - especially the Kate's thirsty jokes about Stella's dad. 😂

"What was a spell if not something woven from vision and words and will?"

🗺️ The world is fully fleshed out and makes sense The politics made sense and I appreciate the real world parallels. I love that Sheila managed to make a world that's different while not being confusing or difficult to understand how things work.

I was in love with this Regency-esque time period fantasy world and need more asap.

"...for the sake of [redacted]'s reputation, Teddy didn’t want her to be caught alone with him."

"You’re young. You should have your fun... I hope you’re being careful and using your monthly preventative spell so you don’t have any rosebuds of your own before you want them."

⏳Well paced, on the quicker end of medium (maybe the slow end of fast), I would say. It uses multiple strategies to push the plot along, which I appreciate.

"It was unclear whether affinity was influenced by personality or vice versa."

🔮 I found the magic to be fun and interesting, well developed and explained. It makes sense, it has a cost. I really enjoyed the memory magic and that for certain types of magic to be "bound" when kids are too young to safely control them (then unbound when they're older and have more control). I love Sheila's magical twist on nature vs nurture.

👥 I freaking love that A Legacy of Stars gives us a diverse cast. 🙌🏼 If you're looking for a book with brown MCs - and they're royalty (some are Godesses/Gods), check ALOS out. 🫅🏿

The characters are well developed and show a lot of growth. I love the look into the various ways characters interact and are impacted with others and the various types of love.

“Oh, thank goodness. I thought I sensed a dark, brooding energy in the temple. I was worried there was a haunting, but your presence explains everything.”

💞 I thoroughly enjoyed their will they/won't they, how they both pined for others and the way they ended up pining for one another. I found the start of their relationship to be fun and unique.

🌶️ Open door with 3+ full, detailed scenes. I would say it's a bit of a delicious slow burn.
(🪾🛖 Scene 🥵) If you enjoy a dirty talking MMC, especially a repressed heir than only seems to come alive and into his own between the sheets - you're gonna love Teddy.

⚠️ TW/CW: violence, death, mild gore, anxiety attacks, fire, drowning, misogyny, cutting of the palm for a magical exchange, and explicit sex.


Thank you @sheilareadsandwrites @dreamscape_media and @netgalley for the ALC. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

This book was sooooo good. I liked the previous series but you don’t have to read it. It definitely makes this book more enjoyable to know the history of all the parents though. But the games and trials and the enemies to lovers was just delicious. The character growth was just outstanding. I can’t even explain how good this book was. The audio was so good as well! The narrators nailed this one. Everything was so clearly stated and easy to follow and understand. The different voices were consistent and also done well. 5/5 overall for everything. Spice was spicy but not overbearing. This story is plot driven with spice as a nice little addition. Perfect!


I have posted my review on Goodreads and Amazon. I am also going to post on audible. I will update with my audible and amazon links once they post!

A Legacy of Stars: The Lost Gods Legacies

💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕

I have to say I love the way Sheila Masterson wrote this story so eloquently and heartfelt. She took hard topics and put them in a soft meaningful way with respect. The love she shows to her characters brought them to life.

A fight with oneself for true love…
If true love is what one grew up seeing from their parents… How could you not hope for the same… what the kids do not see is the behind the scenes… the adventure in how the parents got to that point…profound and heartfelt.

An accidental overly sure encounter to have the Gods blessings… Backfired and created the hot mess that became the best thing that happened to them all… even if they all were all rebelling in their own rights…
What came next was a truly unexpected true love ❣️
The bond between Teddy and Stella (Meña) is🔥…. So inescapable as much as they fought it…the spicy 🌶️ romance that enthralled 🔥🔥🔥🔥

Stella so stubborn hardheaded…fighting her very own beauty and truly believing that she deserved to be loved the way she wanted!!!

Teddy always trying to appease everyone so much pressure to be the future king…

What started out as I thought I knew what was happening… keep me engaged to keep listening for
what actually happened!!

The Narrators: James Fouhey; Emily Woo Zeller
really really did awesome with the characters. For me it was like watching a really good spicy romance action packed kinda movie 🎥


I truly loved this read so much and can’t wait to read more from Sheila Masterson!!!

Thank you @NetGalley @DreamscapeMedia for making this read possible!!

I haven’t read The Lost Gods series but, I want to after listening to this. I loved the characters in this story and the world building. The twists, the gauntlet, the political rebellion, and all the chaos from those things kept my attention. A bit of a slow burn but, worth it. The tension and chemistry between Stella and Teddy was so good. I enjoyed the banter between them and how it had me giggling at times.

The narration performed by James Fouhey and Emily Woo Zeller was really good. They did a great job voicing the characters.

Thank you Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to this ALC!

One of my favorite reads of the year, A Legacy of Stars by @sheilareadsandwrites , is now out on audio and ready for your listening pleasure!!

The narrators, Emily Woo Zeller and James Fouhey, did a fabulous job bringing Stella and Teddy to life. They perfectly encompassed the tension, banter, and control issues these two faced and it was a joy to experience ALOS all over again.

As for the story itself, there are no words to describe the literal perfection that this book is. The way we see the nostalgia of TLG mixed with the promise of a brighter future for their children in ALOS… what a legacy indeed!

I highly recommend this book in any and all formats!!!

I love myself a book with deadly trials. This whole idea and plot of this book was very good and interesting. I loved the writing style of the author and I was interested throughout the whole book.

Okay, this book had me strapped in from page one…gods being petty, magical tournaments with deadly stakes, and a heart bond with literally the last person you’d want to be stuck with? Yes, please.

Stella McKay is a total romantic at heart, raised on fairy tales and desperate for her own epic happily ever after.

Enter: Prince Arden. Sounds dreamy, right? Until, oops, he’s betrothed to someone else. (Rude.)
Cue a goddess with a wicked sense of humour linking Stella’s soul not to her prince, but to Teddy Savero; the walking definition of “no, thank you.” And from there… the deliciously reluctant allies-to-lovers chaos begins.

The Gauntlet Games were chef’s kiss, a blend of puzzles, wisdom trials, and magical peril that gave me serious Hunger Games meets mythology vibes.

The stakes were high, but what I really loved was how the emotional stakes between Stella and Teddy got higher with every round. The “I can’t stand you…but also why do I want to kiss you?” tension was perfection.

Audiobook wise? James Fouhey and Emily Woo Zeller knocked it out of the park. Their narration made the world feel cinematic. The banter crackled, the quiet vulnerable moments hit even harder, and the goddess scenes? So much fun to listen to.

The pacing dragged a bit in the middle, and Stella’s fairy tale tunnel vision occasionally had me yelling “girl, open your eyes!” But overall, this was an addictive romantasy that gave me banter, spice, political intrigue, and all the reluctant soul bond goodness.

Thank you to Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for providing me with an audio ARC of this book! All opinions are my own.

This was a solid read with an interesting plot and lively characters, with great progression throughout. I loved that the story kept moving — there was always a lot happening at once, and the characters stayed true to themselves. Stella, our FMC, can be a bit annoying at times, but she has a good heart, even if she’s impulsive and a little immature. In the end, her intentions are pure. I also really loved her family, which deepened my connection to her even more. And I appreciated how love was a focal point in this story, even though the games took the spotlight sometimes.
The ending was a bit too long for me, but that’s just my preference.

I’d definitely recommend this one as a next read for anyone.

Overall rating: 3.75 stars

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you NetGalley for the ALC of A Legacy of Stars by Sheila Masterson, narrated by Desiree Ketchum.

This romantasy hooked me right away with its mix of heart bonds, deadly games, and meddling gods. Stella’s journey was equal parts emotional and brutal, and the reluctant ally-to-lover tension kept me invested. Desiree Ketchum brought the story to life beautifully—her narration made the bonds and betrayals hit even harder.

At times the pacing dragged a little in between the action scenes, but overall this was a fresh and entertaining next-gen spinoff that fans of epic romance and magical tournaments will devour.

I really enjoyed this book from start to finish! The narrators were good and easy to listen to! The storyline was unique and had lots of action, swoony romance and interesting trials. I look forward to reading more books from this author!

There are really no words. I am so sad this world has come to a close, but it was done in the best way! Sheila has a way with writing, making all her books un-put-down-able. I’m still in denial that it’s over!

22 years after the original series takes place, Stella McKay, the daughter of the most epic love story of their time, tries to find hers. But when the prince in her own love story is unexpectedly betrothed to another, Stella finds herself seeking the assistance of the Goddess of Love to grant her deepest desire.

But what would a love story be without absolutely nothing going to plan?

Stella finds herself in a backfired series of events, leading herself to becoming heart bonded to her least favorite person -Teddy Savero. And the only way to win back her prince and drop Teddy, is to enter the Gauntlet Games; where she must win in order to ask a favor from the Gods.

⚔️ Magic
⚔️ Games and trials
⚔️ One bed
⚔️ “Hands off my woman”
⚔️ Strong willed FMC
⚔️ Banter for DAYS
⚔️ He aims to please 😏

I laughed. I cried. I shook my head. A lot. But I was so happy to be back in this world again.

Wow—what a ride! This was my first Sheila Masterson book, but definitely not my last. After finishing this, I HAVE to dive into The Lost God Legacies -- Immediately!

If you love fantasy romance with high-stakes trials, banter-filled rivalries, and that delicious slow-burn tension… this one delivers. 🔥

Tropes & Themes

*Slow Burn (the yearning is real)
*Rivals to Lovers
*Accidental fated mates
*One bed (!!)
*Trials / Games
*Consent❤️
*Dual POV
*Standalone (no cliffhanger stress!)

Huge thanks to NetGalley, Dreamscape Media, and Sheila Masterson for the ALC!

A Legacy of Stars by Sheila Masterson is the first book in The Lost God
Legacies. Have you ever started a book and from the first chapter you are hooked and mesmerized? This was ALOS for me, it grabbed me, hooked me and made me fall in love with the world. The amazing character development and absolutely amazing plot will keep you on the edge of your seat. This is a book with deadly trials, heart bonds, and amazing adventures!
This book has been a surprise read for me, Sheila is an amazing storyteller, and I'm so happy I have discovered her world. I would love to go back to the older generation stories and get even more in-depth. However, not reading them I haven't felt I’ve been missing any information and this book has an amazing backbone on its own. For our, FMC we have Stella who is everything you want. She’s a strong, cunning, intelligent, adept, fierce, and outspoken woman. Teddy is our MMC, and of course, what can you pair with an FMC like that? Just a broody, growling, stoic, protective and a teddy bear in his heart MMC.
The story, love, and the plot is unique and kept me guessing at every corner and kept me immersed the entire time. This book is a big YES as I have yelled, pinned, swooned, ached, and cheered!
Audiobook: performed by Emily Woo Zeller and James Fouhey and they did an amazing job bringing this story to life!
Thank you very much Sheila, Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for this amazing ALC!

The narrators absolutely brought this book to life. I was moved when I read it, and even more so when I listened to it! The voices fit the characters SO well, and I had an absolute blast reliving this book through narration!

So even though this is a stand alone I really think you should probably read the other series to get everything out of it. I have not read The Lost God series and was a little confused with who everyone was, which is my fault. So I did like the games that were played but I thought the ending was too quick and ended way too easily. I would say the narrators did seem slow and I needed to speed it up a bit, however, I did enjoy the dual narration.