I'll read anything Jessie Mihalik writes. This second installment was more exciting than the first book in the series. Love the Cinnamon Roll and Mr. Grumpypants dynamic. Did overuse one common romance novel turn of phrase that made me roll my eyes a bit, but overall would highly recommend to romance/scifi readers. Early access provided by NetGalley and Harper Voyager.

3.5/5.

This is the second book in Mihalik's Starlight's Shadow series. I enjoyed this one more than the first. The main reason is that there was much less info-dumping. A lot of the universe-building had been done in the first book, so while there were still moments in this book to explain how things work to the reader, there was MUCH less of that. As a result, I felt like Kee, the narrator of this book, had her own voice and her characterization was able to shine throughout the narrative. It also allowed for more action, more development of the relationship between the main couple Kee and Varro, and the story really benefitted from that. The chemistry between Kee and Varro in my opinion was better and more believable than in the first book and I really loved them together (again, I think that all of this can be traced back to the fact that there was less info-dumping/exposition).

On the other hand, I still think the story could have benefitted from more consistency in pacing. There were moments while reading that dragged and I had to restrain myself from skimming. Depending on who the main narrator will be in the next book (hoping it's Lexi) then I may continue. Overall it's still a fun and easy read combining sci-fi and romance.

We are back in the Galaxy between the Federated Human Planets (FHP) and the Valovian Empire. Someone is stroking the winds of war. Kee thinks a vacation on Bastion will give her the space she needs to sort out her feelings for Varro. She will also do some hacking while she is there. Unfortunately for Kee, Varro is sent as her guard. Together they attend a fancy fashion show, save a Valovian Prince and a top fashion designer from the FHP. There is a very scarry space walk, a big shootout fight on a distant moon, and insight into the mind of a heroine with ADHD.

This book is non-stop action. So much action it made my head spin. The next step is catching a traitor. I have full faith that the good guys will win. That is why I read romance.


5 Stars

ARC review copy via NetGalley

Hunt the Stars was always going to be a tough book to follow, so while I did not love this book with the exuberance I loved its predecessor it doesn't diminish how much I loved being back with this characters. This time it is Kee and Varro's story and with it we get lots of longing which was great and lots of misunderstanding which was not so fun, Their romance isn't as balanced with all of the action in this book. There is way more action and danger and plotting which is exciting but left less time to truly develop their relationship outside of the need to protect each other. Really it was Kee's relationships with her crew mates that made my heart swell, The scenes with her and Eli and being supportive friends were especially touching and it was the crew and their found family that made this book shine for me. They were characters I never doubted would take a bullet for each other even as they kept being thrown (or throwing themselves) into dangerous situations. I am looking forward to spending more time with them all on their next adventure, which has been set up to be quite the doozy.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Another breakneck-paced space opera/romance from Jessie Mihalik…

I’m not an author, but it has always struck me that writing the middle book in a pre-planned trilogy must be pretty hard. An author gets to introduce the characters and the setting in the first book, and tee up the over-arching storyline. So everything is shiny and new. And then in the last book, they get to resolve all the problems, get rid of the villains in suitably gory ways, and fix any remaining relationship issues. So, again, some exciting stuff to write about. But in the middle book, the author somehow has to keep things interesting and move the story along, but without any of the extra little bits that can add some easy zing to the first and last books.

And Jessie Milhalik’s Eclipse the Moon, although definitely enjoyable to read, does suffer a tad from “second-book syndrome”. It’s not a fatal flaw by any means. The new lead characters, Kee and Varro, are a lot of fun. Kee’s superb hacking skills keep things going in the hunt for the villain, Frank Morten, while Varro’s 12-on-a-scale-of-10 mental capabilities are strong enough to give pause to even his own Valovian comrades. And the overall story is a pedal-to-the-metal space opera like Mihalik’s earlier books. But, against this rollicking background, Kee’s and Varro’s ongoing miscommunication may be a bit frustrating for readers, who may find themselves wanting to just bang the couple’s heads together, and tell them to each pay attention to what the other is saying.

Overall, though, I still had a lot of fun reading this book. (I want my own fluffy white burbu, just like Luna, and am harboring a secret hope that Luna may have a big surprise role coming up, and somehow help save the day in the end!) And after enjoying Eclipse the Moon, I am very much looking forward to the final book in the trilogy. Please keep in mind that I try to fight star-flation, and not give too many five-star ratings, so four-stars from me is a solid “read this book” recommendation. And finally, my thanks to the publisher, Harper Voyager, and to NetGalley for the review copy.

Oh man, oh man oh man. I absolutely loved the first book Hunt the Stars but this one really fell short for me.

I like how it just continued on where the first book left off but when it came to the storyline and the arcs of characters I felt like it was lackluster in a way.

I will still be continuing this series because of my love for the first book!

While I enjoyed the first book, the pacing and tropes in this one weren’t really for me. The characters were already into eachother so there wasn’t much to keep them apart besides miscommunication. I wasn’t interested in any of the space politics so the lack of a strong romance for me to root for meant I felt no urge to finish the book.

4.5 Stars.
This was one of my most anticipated reads after finishing Hunt the Stars. The beginning was a little slow but still an enjoyable sci-fi romance.

I enjoyed this story, but not as much as the first book- I didn't connect with Kee like I had with Tavi. Kee is way too emotional for me, plus whenever she got lost in the tech zone, it disconnected me even more so. Varro isn't nearly as talkative as Torran and that's saying a lot. In the first book, I wished that we had at least a few chapters from Torran's POV; I think this book would've been better with Varro's POV. Even so, it was well written and left me wanting to know more of these characters and their story. I especially liked the addition of Liang and can't wait to see where the author goes with him. I absolutely loved how Kee ends up modeling for one of the most sought after designers and looks like a fairy princess and how her dress interacts with some of the other outfits :) I'm dying of curiosity when it comes to Eli and who knows who else :)

Leaving reviews on goodreads and amazon.

Typical middle book. Lots of action and tension between the two mail characters. What is not present is a resolution to the main. Problem. More build up and a smaller problem solved. Stay tuned to sec what happens in the next book

I've definitely missed reading books set in space and now I need more. As soon as possible.

Varro feels so near and dear to my heart, he reminds me so much of Bellamy from the 100, in all the best ways possible and Kee was such a cool person to meet. Forced proximity, undying loyalty, intense connection, delicious.

Eclipse of the Moon reads like a movie, face-paced, and dramatic in the best ways possible. I need more.

Two soldiers with bad communication skills but saviour complexes get into Shenanigans and it’s brilliant. I love love loved this book to bits! Kee was a great character in the first book and this one fleshed her out so much more and added in new characters and nuances that just felt so natural to the story. I can’t wait to see where this goes next.

Thank you so much to the publisher for providing me with an ARC of one of my most anticipated reads!! I was truly so excited and it did not disappoint.
I loved everything about this sequel. It was so fun to see the same cast of characters from Book 1 and know that the couple from that book is still doing well:)
This was action-packed and so intriguing. I’m always impressed with how Jessie uses her computer science/technology knowledge to worldbuild. I loved how high the stakes were and the constant drama/intensity of it.
I really loved Varro and Kee🥰 he is so sweet and protective and that just really does it for me. Kee is really great also, and I loved the tropes we got (forced proximity, “I must protect you because I made an oath”, injuries/danger, etc). It was really fun to read!
I felt like the ending was a tiny bit rushed. Would’ve liked to see more resolution between the two of them or just more time together. But overall loved it. So glad I didn’t have to wait until July to read!
1 like

Amazing!

This is the second book in the Starlight's Shadow series. I do recommend you read Hunt the Stars before this book, as Eclipse the Moon starts right where Hunt the Stars ends, and the relationship between Kee and Varro is set up in the first book.

Kee is the computer expert on the starship Starlight's Shadow. After the events of Hunt the Stars, the crew is ready to find out more about the powers that want to start an intergalactic war. Kee uses her incredible hacking skills to dig deep on their suspects, and at the same time learns more about Verro, the grumpy alien weapon's expert who is avoiding her after his tactless behavior in book 1.

If you like grumpy/sunshine, competency porn, fancy dress, sweaty people wrestling, heists, only one bed, empathetic space cats, and telepathic love interests, then this book is for you!

I love all of Jessie Mihalik's books, and this series specifically. Hunt the Starts rocketed to the top of my favorites list, and I was so excited to read this second book in the series. It was amazing, and I can't wait for book 3!

I received an advanced copy of this ebook from NetGalley, and am so happy I did.

For some reason, I had thought that this was the first book in the series - and about that, I was definitely wrong. I'm going to go back and read the first one in the series (how did I miss it? I have no idea), as I can't say this entirely works as a standalone book. References to tertiary characters who don't appear in the action seem to assume the reader already has read book 1, which I wasn't very keen on, but it's the author's choice.

Overall, I enjoyed it a lot, despite being a bit behind the proverbial 8-ball when it came to that first book. It's a solid space romp with tons of pining on the heroine's behalf (it's all written from her POV). I felt like it could have been tighter, but that's a nitpick.

I was given an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I didn’t think I was going to like the different POV for this second installment, but I do. I also liked getting to know Kee and Varro a little better, and who doesn’t like that grumpy brooding Valorian.
What’s not to like with this..
space station fashion show ✅
close proximity troup ✅
I’m here to protect you ✅
other language endearments✅
the only ones who can prevent this war/chosen ones ✅
Lots of tech/hacking systems talk ✅
Grumpy sunshine trope ✅
Some romance and diet 🌶 spice ✅
Found family (mostly established in book one) ✅
Ticks many more boxes. Solid well done fast paced read. Would recommend the series.

* Received copy for review.*
I’ve said it before but it bears repeating, Jesse gets the balance between romance and action/sci fi elements perfect in her books.
This book is a slow burn and full of interruptions. I so wanted a ranger bang but we can’t always get what we want.
I loved this book and cannot wait fir the next in the series.

When I received this book, I decided that I would only read the first few chapters and then go to sleep (it was one in the morning). I ended up not being able to put this book down and I finished it five hours later. It was a great read! Kee is a great character and very relatable. It was the perfect balance of action and romance. I really loved the relationship between the characters and not just the romantic relationships. The themes of loyalty and conviction are nicely laced in with the plot.
While I enjoyed this book, there were a few things that I didn't completely love. I thought that we didn't need so much description of what Kee was doing. While I liked the technical aspect and how it revealed key information for the plot, I think that the narrative would have been just as good with a little less detail of this since she was working on this part of her job a lot. It started to feel a little repetitive. It would have been nice to have Varro's perspective. I know this has a lot to do with the perspective of the narrative and Varro's stoic nature. I wasn't always sure what his motivation was other than his cultural principles, especially in the last half of the novel. I think that I would have liked to know more about his struggle with that, other than what was shown through Kee's perspective. This also tied into the way that I felt Kee and Varro's relationship was resolved. It felt a little rushed to me towards the end.
Again, I did love this book. I love Kee's perseverance throughout the book and the way that this second book was resolved. I can't wait to read the next book!

I want to thank @Netgalley, @Avonbooks and @HarperVoyagerUS for the Arc of Eclipse the Moon. Expected Publication Date : 7/12/2022

Eclipse the Moon picks up where Hunt the Stars left off. The crew of Starlight Shadow is on a mission to try and stop another interstellar war.
Kee the crews hacker decides to stay on Bastion the next time they stop for supplies so she can hack into the bases system in hopes of finding out who could be behind everything. Varro a weapons specialist ends up coming along and they are forced to stay in a room together. Their romance is a little rocky because he is worried his ability might scare off Kee so he keeps his shields up. Kee on the other hand tells him how she feels and Varro takes a long time to figure everything out. I would have loved to see a POV from Varro because it’s hard to tell what he’s thinking and he is so stubborn and apologizes all the time for things Kee is telling him is ok. It’s definitely a grumpy/sushine trope.

This books plot has so much action in it. Lots of running around with weapons out. You learn a little more politics between the valoffs and humans, Kees hacking skills and some insights on how the valoffs are they way they are especially when it comes to making promises to their women.
Just like the last book I loved the banter between the characters and how they all come together to help fight. There’s also cookies!
This books ending sets it up for the search to continue and I can’t wait for the third book to come out!
#netgalley #eclipsethemoon

Sophomore books in a series sometimes slump but this one doesn't. Featuring the forced proximity/one bed trope; which is always wonderful. Kee was fascinating in book 1 and here we get to see how her mind works. It was fantastic, I enjoyed getting her insights into what is happening around her. Plus, there is the angst of having feelings for a certain weapons expert who you don't think likes you. And poor Varrow this guy has a reason for not reciprocating his feelings. And once the reader is let in on the reason, his behavior makes complete sense. This book moves the plot forward and I can't wait for the next one.