Stella is in love with a prince and she knows they are meant to be together, but his family has other plans for him. Teddy's life is not his own, he will be king and so he isn't free to make choices like others. But he knows he is in love and wants to marry. Stella and Teddy both come up with he same plan to visit the temple and move they are heart bonded to their significant other. But when Teddy and Stella both visit separately they find out they are actually heart bonded to each other.

Stella and Teddy can't stand each other, they have known each other since they were kids and they know more than the goddess who heart bonded them together. But once you enter the temple you agree to the outcome. Now the only way to set everything right is if they both enter into the tournament and one wins and asks for their love lives to be set straight. The tournament isn't an easy thing, many die and the only way out is through. As Teddy and Stella spend more time together they learn they both had many misconceptions about the other and they have more in common than they ever could have thought. The games aren't the only trial Stella and Teddy face, a rebellion is rising up trying to dethrone the king and make a new order in the kingdom, and if that isn't enough Teddy and Stella might think the goddess didn't make the biggest mistake of their lives.

this was a really fun book, I loved the world building and the idea of the heartland and the contest to "fix" everything. Stella was a great heroine and Teddy was her perfect hero. I will say I hated Prince Arden(who Stella walks into the temple with) he is selfish and has no backbone, he pretends to love Stella but he's just a selfish person. I also didn't like who Teddy walked in with. I didn't detest her as much but she wasn't mush better than Prince Arden. I'm so glad Stella and Teddy got their moment and just as happy we don't see the other's happy ending, I couldn't have carried less. This is the first book I have read from this author and I know it's a spin off, now I really want to read the series that started this all.

*Thank you Netgalley and Dreamscape Media for this ARC

Excuse me!!! The audiobook for this is amazing!! I was able to do a re-read with the audiobook over the course of the last week and it was just so perfect! The voice actors did a great job bringing Teddy and Stella to life.

In regards to the story itself, There is a reason that Shelia is an auto-buy author for me. With each book she writes she pulls me in more and more. I became so completely immersed that it felt like I snapped my fingers and I was already finished.

This is a standalone so anyone who has not read The Lost God series can read this book BUT I feel that you are doing yourself a disservice by not reading The Lost God series, 1) it’s just simply an amazing series but 2) It does give you another layer to A Legacy of Stars. Again, it’s not needed to understand the book, but on an emotional level provides a depth and appreciation for the characters.

Shelia has caused me to cry with just about every book she has written but honestly that is a testament to her writing skills and how perfectly she captures and conveys the characters emotions. Our main characters here, Teddy and Stella, have such immense emotions that when there is a heartbreaking, tender or funny moment you can’t help but to also feel exactly what they are feeling. I loved the banter between Stella and Teddy but really between Stella and anyone. I think some of her quick quips and remarks were a defensive mechanism hiding her deeper seeded insecurities but who doesn’t use sarcasm as their emotional response? And don’t get me started on the spice. You need to experience that on your own 😉.

The story centers around two characters who just want to freedom to be with who they love. But really it’s so much deeper than that. These are two people that scrutinized at every turn and want just one thing that they can control. We are taken through quite the journey and I was all in for the bumps and turns along the way. By the end Sheila had be eating out of the palm of her hand.

There are definitely a few side characters that I would not mind seeing more of in the future (Alex most defiantly and I am quite intrigued by Nathan and Fionn).

I would 10/10 recommend this book to any lover for fantasy romance!! I’m so sad it’s over but already can’t wait to read it all over again.

I want to Thank Sheila Masterson again as well as NetGalley for an early listen to my Very First Full "Listen" through of this book. The narration was amazing and I really didn't want it to end. I've never listened to audio books previously because I believed that I wouldn't have been able to pay much attention to them. This was a complete learning experience as I now am able to follow along without having to see the words on the page, which is really a big thing for me. After listening to this I recently read a new small piece based on this book...I heard the narrators in my head as I was reading it. This book and now the audio book are at the top of my favorites of all time. They will be read and heard so many more times.

Thank you NetGalley and Dreamscape for the audio ARC of The Legacy of Stars!

Sheila has done it yet again with this beautifully written story.

Emily and James brought Stella and Teddy to life. What beautiful performances that let me get lost in Olney again.

5 Star read that is an absolute must for everyone.

Thank you so much to Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for this ALC of A Legacy of Stars.

Wow, wow, WOW! I loved this book! I was hooked from the start. The pacing was perfect. The games and constant threats made this heart-racing. The romance was great. I did not want it to end! I would not change a single thing about it. I cannot wait to read more from this author.

I listened to the audiobook and the narrators did such a good job.

I absolutely loved this story. I haven’t read any of Sheila’s other stories, but I wasn’t confused at all. This was a great standalone fantasy romance with a little spice, A LOT of yearning and tension, and even some battles. Absolutely loved the narrators, too!

Thanks to Dreamscape and NetGalley for this ALC. This was an audio reread for me and I loved every minute of it as much as I did the first time I read the book. James Fouhey and Emily Woo Zeller's performances were just perfect, they really brought the characters to life. This listen was a treat!

As far as my opinions on the book, I'll just paste my previous review here because I still stand by everything I've said then:

As expected from any Sheila book; I laughed, I gasped, I screamed, I cried. And then cried some more.

This was a beautiful standalone. It set up the world so well without feeling too repetitive even for someone who already read the The Lost God series but it still delivered such a gripping and neatly wrapped up story in a single book.

I loved getting to see all the characters I loved from TLG series be so settled and happy in the lives they set up for themselves. And I loved getting to know the new generation and seeing what they each took from their parents and how they started to write their own stories.

I fell in love with Teddy from the first chapter. His banter with Stella was so fun and watching them discover the person behind the masks and their own prejudices while also discovering themselves was so satisfying. I read this book during a high-stress period and it left me feeling so peaceful and happy.

This was already one of my favourite books of the year and now after listening to the audio, it is THE favourite! The narrators did such a good job! They were able to capture the complexities of both main characters perfectly and they also did a fantastic job with the side characters. I laughed, I cried, I raged, I want to listen 100 more times!

This was my first experience with Masterson’s writing, so I came in blind. You don’t need to read the Lost God Series to enjoy or fully appreciate this spinoff, though you’ll probably want to afterward. I had the first book reserved on Libby before I was even halfway through A Legacy of Stars.

We follow Stella McKay and Teddy Savero, who couldn't be more different in personality but share the crushing weight of their parents’ legacies. At its heart, this is a love story, but it’s equally about carving out an identity when the world insists on defining you.

I really enjoyed this world and these characters. I found myself restless when I wasn’t listening, inventing errands just to sneak in another chapter. That’s how you know you’re hooked.

The dual narration was a treat (my favorite format!), though I always prefer when narrators stick to voicing their own characters across POVs. My only quibble was pacing. It felt a little slowed down. I almost never adjust playback speed, but here I was perfectly comfortable at 1.5x or 1.75x.

If epic love stories, deadly games, and impossible choices are your jam—which, SAME—you’ll want this one on your list.

Thank you to NetGalley, Dreamscape Media, and Sheila Masterson for this advanced audio copy!

I've been on a dark romance kick for a minute and did not realize how much I needed some romantasy in my life. I really enjoyed this book! I liked how imperfect both Stella and Teddy were, yet still super likeable and you rooted for them. The plot was fast paced, and the spice was well done. This is connected the author's Lost God series but can be read as standalone. I read the first book in series a few months back and never got around to finishing, but I definitely need to now!

I listened to this as an ALC, the narrator for Sheila was occasionally not my favorite, but I'm not super picky about narrators so I got used to it. Thank you to Dreamscape Media for the ALC, in exchange for an honest review.

I am struggling to find the words to describe how absolutely amazingly perfect this story is. It has everything I love in a fantasy romance. Stella, the FMC, is the embodiment of that wild child bad ass just trying to find love and acceptance with herself. Teddy, oh man do I relate to this man, perfectionist people pleaser who puts all kinds of pressure on himself (it me). Watching the journey of these two in learning to trust and believe in themselves was magical. And the spice is 10/10. I was so happy to be back in Olney with a cast of characters I have come to love, yet this story is truly its own. One does not need to read The Lost God Series to thoroughly enjoy and fall in love with this book. The narrators did an absolutely amazing job bringing life to these characters.

Highlights:
✨Standalone Fantasy Romance
✨Rivals to Lovers
✨Deadly Tournament
✨A Heart Bond Gone Wrong
✨One Bed!!

Favorite Quotes: (it was hard to choose only a few tbh) “Love was something people thought of as soft, but love could have claws and sharp edges and a desperate desire to protect.”

“I’m willing to risk it because if I have to choose between losing him and losing myself, I will always choose myself.”

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

“All great love stories started with a little adversity.”

Thank you to the author, Dreamscape, and Netgalley for this advanced copy. My opinions are my own.

I went into this book not knowing much outside of the first few sentence of the summary being intriguing to me. This turned out to be a delightful and fun read! I really enjoyed the development between our two main characters Stella and Teddy both individually and together! I'm a sucker for a trope where people are bonded to one another and I really appreciated how it didn't feel like insta love or where one party was always in love with the other. I liked how we could see the relationship bloom and develop all while playing a high stakes games.

4.75

Oh I LOVED this! What an amazing fantasy book and while I haven’t read the original series, this second generation standalone was certainly enough to hook me.

A Legacy of Stars was a fantastic read. From page one, it sucked me in with a force and I loved the intense emotions it evoked. This story has everything I want out of a fantasy book and I am so grateful for having read this.


PLOT
First off, let me say that while I got an idea of what happened in the original series and there were some details that are likely spoilers, I didn’t mind that one bit. If anything, it made me more curious for it.

I obviously can’t judge this from the perspective of someone who knows the Legacy of Gods books, but I was incredibly happy that everything made sense or was at least clear enough to deduct the necessary context. Not once did I feel lost, even thrust into what is obviously some very intricate lore.

The plot surely followed a lot of the common fantasy arcs and was thus not unexpected in general. Nonetheless, this book had me hooked and on the edge of my seat early in with its intensity and strong emotional pull.

While I always immerse myself into books as much as possible, this one basically yanked me out of real life and thrust me right into a movie I didn’t want to end.

A Legacy of Stars came with some of the best tropes (list at the end) and generally had everything I want from the kind of fantasy book that grips me and holds onto me long after I finish it.

There were moments when I was unsure how this could be resolved without being rushed, how this could be concluded to become the standalone promised. I was pleasantly surprised by the twists and turns the author used to achieve that and the pace was perfect in my opinion.


CHARACTERS
The dedication was enough to let me know that I would find parts of myself in this book and while this didn’t turn out to be exactly the way I thought it would, I still easily connected to the characters and felt incredibly seen.

Both the FMC and MMC were amazingly crafted with all the necessary layers and nuances. They clearly had their journeys to make, their lessons to learn and believes to question and I loved watching them do just that.
The literal chemistry that happens when two characters land in each other’s orbit and impact each other is something I always love and it was so perfectly executed here.

And this is not so much about changing each other as it is about making the other want to face their own truth and reality and potential, regardless of how uncomfortable that might be. So they can uncover what was hidden and grow into themselves. A Legacy of Stars does such a great job of this and for that alone deserves a ton of love in my opinion.

The intense emotions that I had during this were absolutely tied tothe amazing main (and some of the side characters) and I was so invested in how their relationship evolved.


WRITING
I think there were MINOR things I stumbled over but nothing worth mentioning specifically. Overall, I really liked the very obviously well developed writing style. I feel like especially the conversations were so well done and overall, the tone and writing were incredibly smooth.

I did personally have a bit of a problem with the female narrator but I can’t pin point why, she just triggered my hypersensitivity a bit. HOWEVER, this is INCREDIBLY subjective and taking a step back, I can say with absolute certainty that she is doing a great job. And I obviously loved the book enough not to be deterred.


Tropes:
- Very reluctant enemies to lovers
- Touch him/her and die
- Accidental fated mates
- One bed
- Accidental aphrodisiac consumption
- Magical tournament
- He gives her a nickname but won’t tell her what it means
- Forced proximity (sort of)
- Meddling deities
- Incredible spice
- Oldest child syndrome
- Banter
- Dual POV
- Second generation

Thank you to NetGalley, Dreamscape Media and Sheila Masterson

Oh my goodness, I just finished A Legacy of Stars and I am completely obsessed! 🌟✨ This book is an absolutely perfect blend of fairy-tale magic, intense competition, and swoon-worthy romance that kept me hooked from start to finish. 💖👑

Stella McKay is such a relatable and inspiring heroine—she’s brave, clever, and has this sweet dream of finding her own legendary love story, just like her parents had. I loved her determination and how she navigates all the chaos of the magical world around her. When she thinks she’s finally found her prince charming in Arden, I was totally rooting for her! 🥰💍 But then, bam! The unexpected twist with Arden being betrothed to someone else really threw me for a loop. That’s when things got even more exciting! 😱💘

The goddess of love linking Stella to Teddy Savero was such a clever twist—talk about a complicated heart bond! 💔💞 I felt all the feels watching Stella struggle with her emotions and trying to break free from a connection she didn’t want. Teddy is such a fascinating character—mysterious, a little rebellious, and totally intriguing. Their chemistry was undeniable, and I loved watching their relationship evolve amidst all the chaos. It’s a reluctant enemies-to-lovers vibe that just hits all the right spots! 😍🖤

The Gauntlet Games themselves sounded so epic and action-packed—think fierce magical feats, clever puzzles, and nerve-wracking tests of wisdom and strength. 🧙‍♀️🔥 I loved how Stella had to push herself to her limits and outwit both gods and men, all while trying to stay true to her heart. The stakes felt so high, and I was on the edge of my seat every time she faced a new challenge. The stakes weren’t just about winning the game—they also had huge implications for her future, her family, and her own happiness. The tension was real!

Plus, the world-building was absolutely gorgeous—rich, layered, and full of political intrigue, rebel factions, and complex sibling relationships that added so much depth to the story. 🌹✨ I loved how the story wove together magic, rebellion, and romance, creating a vibrant and immersive universe. And the emotional moments? They really hit me in the feels—wound-tending, loyalty, betrayal, and hope all mixed together beautifully.

Overall, this book was a rollercoaster of emotions—spicy, adventurous, and full of heart. 💫 If you love stories where strong heroines fight for love and justice, with a touch of mischief and a dash of danger, then *A Legacy of Stars* is totally for you! 📚🌟 It’s a standalone with so much depth, but I’d definitely read more from this universe because I’m already craving more of Stella’s journey.

Highly recommend for anyone who loves romantic fantasy with a little spice, a lot of magic, and a whole lot of heart! 💖🔥✨

Revisiting this world and these characters was insanely emotional for me. Obsessed love it I want to live there someone give me some memory magic and drop me into the cottage by the sea!!!!! The new characters and their journey was AMAZINGGGGG. I ate this up so quickly it was so much fun the entire time the pacing the laughs the sex the character growth I cannot recommend it enough!!!!! Me 🤝Kate

This was funand adventurous book. The narrators where really good at bringing Stella and Teddy to life. They had good enemies to lovers chemistry. I would definitely listen to them again.

Especially enjoyed the perfect amount of mystery tossed into this enemies to lovers novel. Though this is part of a series, it stands alone as well.

Full review at https://app.thestorygraph.com/reviews/b7a2ad92-68e1-419d-ac61-609e342e48f4

Absolutely fantastic narration. Emily Woo Zeller and James Fouhey were phenomenal and embodied the characters so well. The performances brought so much depth to the story.

This audiobook was fantastic! The narrators did such an amazing job bringing this story to life. I would highly recommend not only this book but specifically the audiobook edition because I never wanted to stop listening.

Stella and Teddy are such great characters. I love how multifaceted they are. They both grew up in the shadow of famous and powerful parents, but they had different experiences and expectations of their lives. So when they are given a heart bond by a goddess, they have to take time learning and understanding one another. Then, let's add in a deadly competition, and this turns into an amazing adventure.

I really enjoyed the balance of humor, heart, and action in this book. It's definitely one that I could visit again and again. I would definitely recommend A Legacy of Stars.

Epic godly games, a mischievous love goddess, and a heart bond with the last person you’d want 💔➡️💞 This was fun, adventurous, and full of magic, rivalry, and slow-burn tension. The Gauntlet Games were a cool mix of danger and clever challenges, and the banter between Stella and Teddy kept me hooked. 🎯 The narrators really brought the wit and emotion to life 🎧. Perfect for fans of competition tropes, reluctant allies, and a dash of divine chaos.