With Hearts of Flame (Deluxe Limited Edition): A Dark Academia Romantasy Novel of Vampires and Dragons Featuring Stenciled Edges and Illustrated Endpapers (Bloodwing Academy, 4)
Briar Boleyn
A Polar Expedition: and Other Stimulating Research Opportunities: A Cozy, Gaslamp, Bear-shifter Monster Romance (Shades of Sanctuary Book 1)
by Kass O'Shire
About this book
Sirin is a researcher with a mission: track down the fading source of magic before it vanishes forever. Expelled from her guild and mocked by her peers, she ventures into the unforgiving Arctic alone, armed only with her sharp intellect and a stubborn refusal to quit. She believes she is trekking through the frozen taiga solo, but she is being watched by something far more dangerous than the cold.
Berne is a powerful polar bear shifter tasked with guarding a thousand-year-old secret, but his focus shifts the moment he spots the bossy, plus-sized scientist trudging through his territory. What begins as a protective, light stalking mission quickly spirals into a desperate attraction. Berne is a cinnamon roll at heart, yearning for a domestic life, but when his instincts take over, he settles on a permanent solution: a mating bite that claims Sirin as his own.
This unique paranormal romance blends high-stakes adventure with cozy, high-heat tension. With its clever use of hilarious, informative footnotes and a dynamic between a sassy, brilliant heroine and her devoted, monstrous protector, this story redefines the shifter genre. If you are looking for a spicy, monster-filled escape, this expedition is exactly the research you need.
- Publication Date
- May 25, 2026
- ASIN
- B0BV7H2664
Reader Reviews
July 17, 2023
This read as a fantasy romance AND an informational guide to the world. I haven’t read a fictional novel with cute little footnotes I think ever and it was so original and hilarious and sometimes heartwarming. This is a slow burn, like last 1/4th and the epilogue slow burn- but it was freaking WORTH IT. Quality over quantity for me everytime. We’ve even got primal play and shifted form play. Plus size POC FMC which is an absolute standout for me, there can never be enough inclusivity IMO. This...
June 26, 2024
I think that I built this one up a bit in my head. I had really high hopes, and this was VERY good. But it wasn't what I was expecting. I love the footnotes. I love that Siri is this sassy little thing! She's so oblivious. It's pretty adorable. She's so smart, and she's so good at research and field observations. But then she has to interact with people, and she has got nothing. Except some pretty cute snarks in the footnotes. Berne is also really funny. Such a gentleman. I'm looking forward to...
August 15, 2024
I laughed, cried, gasped, & clutched my non-existent pearls while reading this hilarious novel of arctic exploration. Sirin, is a headstrong scientist who is determined to find the source of all magic in her world by setting out on an expedition. Berne, is a burly polar bear shifter who has vowed to protect his people from being discovered. But, when Berne runs into Sirin, he finds himself battling with his loyalty to his people and his need to protect her. If you’re a fan of shifter romance...
April 25, 2026
First time reading this author. I loved this book from begining to end. It delivers on all its promises. Berne is such a cinnamon roll!! And Sirin is sassy and stubborn. The characters are so real and genuine. I will be reading all the other books in the series and already have her newest one (Tiny Tree) pre-order from her site! )
July 9, 2025
⭐️ 4.25 - the magic system in this was so fun and different from a lot of other books I've read! Sirin was so cute and driven by knowledge and I loved how the book was set up like her published findings! It was easy to follow, quick, romantic and a great start to a fun series! Berne had me giggling and blushing and I loved how smitten he was from the beginning. The resolution was solved very quickly and kinda pushed under the rug, but I also understand why, still cute regardless. )
