EDITOR’S CHOICE
A captivating blend of romance, magic, and tech with a fierce heroine and thrilling twists that keep you hooked throughout.
C.E. Clayton’s Encryption of the Heart blends fantasy, technology, and romance into a uniquely modern tale with magical roots. Olline Tavos, our smart yet emotionally bruised protagonist, is a software engineer whose earth magic and love of plants are as central to her character as her determination to avoid further heartbreak.
Fresh from a painful break-up, Olline escapes to a remote contract job, intending to bury herself in code and solitude. But that quiet plan quickly unravels when she’s attacked outside her office by a mysterious, dangerously attractive man. What follows is a twisty journey full of blackmail, conspiracy, and unexpected connection.
Clayton handles Olline’s internal struggles with care, and her world-building—infused with subtle magic and futuristic tech—is fresh and engaging. The romance, while sometimes predictable, is undeniably charming, and the chemistry between Olline and her reluctant ally is palpable. The pacing occasionally lags, particularly in the middle, and some plot threads could have benefited from deeper development, but the emotional stakes keep the story grounded.
The novel’s true strength lies in its heroine: clever, complex, and unwilling to give up the independence she’s fought for. Readers looking for a tech-meets-magic romance with a smart, fierce woman at its core will likely enjoy this promising start to the Love, Tech, & Magic series.
Encryption of the Heart doesn’t just flirt with fantasy—it codes it into every page. And while Olline might be reluctant to open her heart, readers will likely do so with ease.
