DNF at 20%. I thought These Hollow Vows was fun, but I just have zero desire to pick this one up. Putting a pin in it and might revisit it later but… probably not. While this didn’t work for me, I might just not be the targeted audience. I have a feeling younger (YA to NA) might enjoy this one a lot more. I also recommend reading These Hollow Vows duology right before because it’s been about 2 years for me and I felt very lost.

Thank you to the author and HarperCollins for the ARC!

I really enjoyed Lexi Ryan’s other books - and this one did not disappoint, either! I usually am not a big fan of dual POVs but really enjoyed hearing both Jas and Felicity’s stories and relationships.

At times I did have to refer back to her previous books in order to understand some of the background and world building, but overall I really enjoyed and cannot wait for the next one!

The book offers an intriguing premise but falls short in execution, earning it a three-star rating. The world-building is minimal, leaving readers with little sense of the setting's depth or uniqueness. Additionally, the lack of detail in key scenes diminishes the impact and immersion. Characters feel under-developed and fail to evoke strong emotional connections. There was a lack of foreshadowing that left me scratching my head at major plot point reveals. Despite these shortcomings, the plot maintains a steady pace, keeping the reader's interest to the end.

Overall rating: 3.75 (rounded to 4)

Favorite quotes:
“We don’t get to choose the burdens we bear, only how we bear them.”

“I don’t know what I fear more. Being the naive child I was before Mordeus destroyed that part of me or being so cold and callous that I never again see the humanity of my enemies.”

“Sometimes it is that which we readily sacrifice at our lowest that we wish for most ardently when we finally emerge from the darkness.”

Tropes:
-slow burn
-hidden identity
-found family
-one horse
-Who did this to you?


Although I believe this book can be read independently, I highly recommend reading the duology These Hollow Vows first, as most of the world-building takes place in those two books and the reader may feel a little lost on the history without that information. Having previously read the duology, I was able to jump right into this without any trouble.

First of all, I loved Felicity’s POV. I did not anticipate this storyline and it was so well-written and compelling. Felicity has such an interesting gift and I really feel such sympathy for her character.

I absolutely adore Misha. If you’re a sucker for cinnamon roll but badass MMCs, you’re going to fall in love with his character. Kendrick on the other hand, I struggled to like. He comes off as very charming but he seems very fixated on his goal and that always makes me uneasy. I hope he redeems himself in the end.

Jasalyn’s character is what disappointed me in this book. I had a really hard time rooting for her. I think her trauma was well-written, but her character was just all over the place. She very frequently acts like a petulant child and is completely ungrateful to the people around her who try to help her. I know her character is 17 years old, but after everything she has been through, I expected a little more maturity. I hope we see significant character growth in the next book.

I did not read the previous duology in which this book is a spin-off of but now I really want to! I enjoyed my time in this fantastical realm with the lovely, brave heroines Felicity and Jasalyn and their handsome, forbidden men, Misha and Kendrick. They all have a mission to complete, and the journey has been difficult and fearful but also very magical. This book has a lively cast of characters who have all experienced trauma and heartbreak, it’s full of mystery, allure, intrigue, secrets revealed, twists and turns, pain, healing, and romance. I can’t wait to see what happens next as these characters continue their journey to complete their mission while finding their true selves, friendship, and love along the way.

Thank you to NetGalley, Harper Collins/HarperTeen and Lexi Ryan for a copy of an ARC for an honest review.

- I really enjoyed returning to the world from These Hollow Vows and These Twisted Bonds. When I finished that duology I felt like I just wanted MORE and I’m so glad the author brought us back in again.
- I loved Felicity’s character and her time spent with Misha. Unfortunately a little more than 50% of the book is spent with Jasalyn and I had a hard time connecting with her character and didn’t really feel the chemistry between her and Kendrick.
- The first 60% of the book felt very slow. The world building felt a little clunky and it seemed as if many chapters went by without much happening. Once you get past this point things really start happening.
- I think we needed more time really getting to know the characters. It was difficult to form a connection with them and sometimes they felt kind of flat, like I didn’t really care about what was going on with them.
- The cliff hanger at the end was WAY to abrupt and felt like it came out of nowhere. I thought there would be at least a couple more chapters tying up the end of the book and setting up the next one but nope.
- I do want to see where the next book takes us and I am especially looking forward to reading more of Felicity and Misha’s story. I could’ve honestly just read a whole book about them.


📚Read if you like:
-forbidden love
-dual POV
-forced proximity
-hidden identity
-slow burn
-who did this to you
-🌶️

I enjoyed this YA fantasy novel set in the same world as Lexi Ryan's previous duology. I do feel you have to read the first duology in order to really understand the context. I was also glad that Misha, the King of the Wild Fae is more prominently present in this book - he was one of my favorite characters. The book is written from two perspective. The first one is Jasalyn's - sister of the Unseelie Queen, who is looking for revenge for all the torture she endured at the hands of king Mordeus. The second perspective is from Felicity who is impersonating Jasylyn while the latter is going on a quest. I did enjoy Jasalyn's perspective more. Felicity's chapters gave me a lot of anxiety since I constantly thought her ruse would be uncovered. I do see quite a few negative reviews on goodreads. I think this is a solid YA fantasy, but if you had not read the previous duology, you might be confused.

I absolutely loved this book from the moment I started reading.
I loved that it was a duo pov of two different main characters on the same mission but doing completely different things to achieve their goal. The flash backs with the trauma that one of characters experiences was beautifully written and makes you feel the hurt that the character went through. I loved how this was a fantasy focused book with the perfect amount of romance that didn’t over power the plot. The betrayal was also written perfectly and had my heart breaking for the character.
Overall this book was entertaining and each character had so many layers that flowed with the story.

One of the things I’m learning about myself as a reader is that I don’t especially enjoy books where the main characters are driven by lust for each other. If they’re in life-threatening situations or experiencing/re-experiencing trauma, going into lust mode in those moments feels false to me. Someone is trying to murder the protagonist, and she’s like, wow, I wish he would kiss me right now. That kind of reaction feels false to me. I’m not saying it couldn’t ever happen, but I find it disruptive and a barrier to connecting with the characters.

Beneath These Cursed Stars follows the perspectives of two main characters: Jasalyn and Felicity. Rebels kidnap Jasalyn and Felicity, gifted with shapeshifting magic, steps into her place. In each situation, the girls meet someone irresistible, and their focus becomes divided between trying to achieve their objectives and hoping to get some action with the guys they’re falling for.

If you like stories with a faster-paced, high level of longing, this book definitely delivers. The story also explores Jasalyn’s past trauma and its lingering effects on her, such as touch aversion and anxiety.

Several moments took me by surprise in this book, which I liked a lot. I definitely had a few moments where I stopped to appreciate how a reveal changed what I already knew or thought I knew about the story.

I think readers who enjoy fantasy stories with a heavy emphasis on romance elements will want to check out Beneath These Cursed Stars.

Lexi has done it again! I loved this story and all its twists amd turns! I loved having a closer look into the after of her first dulogy. Now we follow Jaslyn( love this name) Bre s sister as she deals with healing and what I am interpreting as some symptoms of PTSD. As in the duology I love Bre and Jas sister relationship and they love each other so much! Jas aversion to touch is something i do not think I ahve come across in a story and it really drives all the torture and anguish she survived. The many flashbacks we see. Felicity is a good strong character I love how although she is helping Jas and has her own motives, she does not want to tell too much because Jas secrets and traumas are not hers to tell. Misha is one of the best written MMC i have EVER COME ACROSS! I am totally and completely OBSESSED! I have not come across a lovable MMC in a good month or two so I was pleasantly surprised and how his personality and demeanor won my heart. Cunning and kind and wise he rules with love and respect for his people!

I was immediately pulled in by the cover and the title. I had heard good things about These Hollow Vows, but just hadn't got around to reading it yet.

While you do not need to read the These Hollow Vows (THV) duology prior to reading Beneath These Cursed Stars, it does take place in the same universe, the story picks up a few years after the THV #2, and has some of the same characters.

You may like this book if you enjoy: Romantasy, Dual POV, found family vibes, closed door spicy scenes, and a cliff hanger.

There is content relating to: Death, Torture/abuse, Betrayal, Not being able to control your own body

The story follows Jasalyn, the unseelie princess, who believes she is broken beyond repair from her traumatic past. As well as Felicity a shifter who needs to take different forms to keep safe while running from her own fate. While both girls are working towards the same goal, they each venture on a different path to complete tasks and secure the safety of their loved ones, their realms, and ensure King Mordeus and his followers do not return to power.

For me the beginning of this book started slow, which isn't uncommon because of world building, introduction of characters, and learning about what lead us up to the current point. Once plans were in motion and our characters were on their way I really looked forward to going on this journey with them. Maybe the stars aren't meant to align as twists and betrayals leave Felicity and Jasalyn unsure of who they can trust and what happens next.

The ending is action packed and very abrupt, leaving the reader asking what just happened, and how long do I need to wait to find out

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC.

I gave this book a 2.5.
Ok so this is my first foray into this world and the author Lexi Ryan. I was unaware that she did These Hollow Vows though they are high on my list.

As this is my first time reading this I felt like I had no idea who anyone really was and the world building was mediocre at best. I didn't understand how the characters really knew each other and who was friends from before. So I will say you should read the other series first. I will pick it up soon and then reread this and see if it changes my rating.

I did enjoy Felicity as a character. She's feisty and interesting. I love her sense of humor and how she is always willing to learn new things. She is a Fae Shifter and she is pretending to be Princess Jasalyn to find out where a certain door/portal to her home world is. King Misha is her love interest and the King of the Wild Fae where it's rumored this door is. He knows Jasalyn well so this is a very dangerous thing.

Princess Jasalyn is a traumatized princess of the Unseelie shadow court which her sister is Queen of. After she was rescued she never left her room and was just kind of a shell of herself. She has soul deep scars from the experience. Her need for vengeance really ends up hurting her more than helping her and after everything how is she so naive and trusting of people. This seemed out of character to me.

Every character in this seemed to be lacking something I just had a hard time caring about any of them except Felicity. This book is so character oriented to it just made it feel slow. Princess Jasalyn's story was so repetitive that I truly did not want to read from her POV.

Again I have never been in this world so to me there was no world building I didn't know much about who the Seven were or who was important or why so politics made no sense. Also I felt just kinda thrown into the deep end without any context so that made the beginning very hard to get into.

Overall enjoyable but I do recommend reading the other series first so you understand the story.

Thank you Netgalley and HarperCollins for the arc.

I initially was unsure of this book. I utterly adored the first duology in this world and this spinoff wasn’t vibing from the get go. It took me a while to relate to the new set of characters and become invested in their adventures. One of the driving things that kept me reading was seeing Misha’s interactions with the new characters. He was a favorite of mine from These Hollow Vows so it was great to see more of him. From there I began to adore Felicity and the struggles she faces emotionally as a shapeshifter falling for a male she is actively deceiving. Jasalyn’s story took longer to get me invested but by the second half and especially the final quarter of the book I was so happy I stuck with it. I am eager to read book two. Lexi Ryan shows that she can broaden her world and create new and exciting scenarios for her characters.

I give this a 4 star review.

Oh my gosh... I absolutely loved Beneath These Cursed Stars and I now have a new favourite author in Lexi Ryan! Ryan had me completely captured and caught up in Princess Jaslyn's story even without reading the previous two novels in the series. Seriously, I could not stop turning the pages, and from the beginning to end, the story just got more intense, more readable, more unputdownable, and when I did get to the end I couldn't wait to start reading the two prior novels. Not to mention I'm highly excited and truly looking forward to the 4th book and the rest of Jaslyn's story!!

Thank you to Netgalley and HarperCollins Children's Books for providing this ARC for an honest review.

An assassin, a princess, shifters. Fae, and kings combine to make this fantasy romance one to read. You’re drawn right away into the mystery that the story unravels chapter by chapter. Amazing world building that is detailed and imaginable. Fascinating characters that are well developed and diverse. The storyline is fast-paced and very well written, filled with magic, Fae, danger, death, politics, intrigue, and subterfuge. The plot thickens, the suspense builds, and the passion erupts! I can’t wait to read the rest of this series. I am voluntarily posting an honest review after reading an Advance Reader Copy of this story.

4.5 ⭐ 1 🌶

This was one of those books that takes twice as long to read the first 2/3 as it does to read the final 1/3 😅 It has an interesting, but slow start, however as we approach the cliffhanger at the end, I gobbled this story up so fast and I'm begging for more. I loved it so much.

After finishing These Broken Bonds I was hoping for Misha's story and I'm so happy Lexi is bringing it to us and in such a fun fashion. Instead of a love triangle, we're getting two love stories at once and I'm loving every moment. Kendrick and Jas, and Misha and Felicity are all amazing.

I'm loving the adventure and magic of this book. There's so much going on with having two main couples (which I think is part of why the first half read a little slow) but it's also so exciting.

There is so much deceit and so many complications coming up as this story ends and I have no clue where Lexi is heading with it. Both Felicity's and Jas' cliffhangers had me freaking out a bit. I need more and stat.

I know this book says it’s a stand alone but it really helps to have read the previous two.

This was a super cute book. It didn’t feel very high stakes and I enjoyed the vibes. The last 30 or so pages is when everything gets more intense and while some of it was a little predictable (still enjoyable tho!) some others twists got me for sure.

My jaw dropped when I turned the page to see “acknowledgments.” That cliffhanger !

The worst part of reading arcs is now I have to wait even longer for the next installment and that’s going to be absolute torture.

🤍 Thank you @harperteen for this amazing e-arc of Beneath These Cursed Stars by @writerlexiryan 🤍

This book pulled me out of a book funk and I seriously couldn’t get enough of this story!

I loved the two storylines woven together, the characters’ journeys, and the romances were all perfect. It was addictive, fast-paced, and it had this dark/mood atmosphere I loved.

I do think it is best enjoyed after reading the These Hollow Vows duology!

If you love:
• struggling but fierce heroines
• deadly kisses
• magic and fae
• cliffhangers
• friendship and romance 🔥🔥

This book comes out July 30th and I’m already dying for book two!
★ ★ ★ ★ ★/5
Steam: vague open door
TW: past torture and trauma, pg-13 level violence, moderate language

Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars (rounded up)

This one started out with a bang! I was quickly invested from the first line and found the writing intriguing and descriptive! The characters were engaging, well developed, and, for the most part, enjoyable to read and root for. I liked having both Jasalyn and Felicity to go between and get both points of view and see their unique stories unfold! The writing flowed well and the story kept a good pace throughout.

Where struggled was with the world and lack of exposition, and I’m aware this may be on me, but nonetheless it did detract from the book. I set it down a few times in frustration debating a reread of the duology but not having time to commit to that at the moment. While this is marketed as “in the world of” it wasn’t clear to be that it was necessary to have read the duology previously to understand so much of the plot, premise and world. I read and quite enjoyed the duology but it was some time ago and very much so struggled to remember plot points and characters that were referenced with little to no explanation. I understand if you’re reading this straight from the duology you likely wouldn’t want everything explained again, but then maybe this could be marketed with more awareness of the need to read it prior, or the inclusion of a thorough recap at the start that people could chose to read if needed.

To summarize, I thought the writing and prose were lovely, the characters and pacing enjoyable, but major plot pieces confusing and limited without a recap of the previous books in this world.

Thanks to Lexi Ryan, HarperTeen and NetGalley for an ARC of this book and the opportunity to give my honest thoughts on it!

Characters swapping lives!

Jasalyn is scarred inside and out by the torture and imprisonment she endured from Mordeus. Felicity is an Echo who has been prophesied as the killer of her birth father, Erith. Jasalyn needs to heal but also move forward with her princess duties so she’s sent to the Wild Fae King Misha to learn to protect herself. Felicity needs to find a portal to defeat Erith before he kills her. Jasalyn trades places with Felicity. Jasalyn will stay with Hale Kendrick, Felicity’s adopted brother while Felicity stays with King Misha and looks for the portal and pretending to be Jasalyn the entire time with her Echo abilities. Lives become even more complicated when romantic feelings arise.

Likes/dislikes: I enjoyed the fact that this book is the beginning of a new series but set a few years later in the same realm as These Hollow Vows duology by Lexi Ryan. The complexity of the two characters of Jasalyn and Felicity taking each other’s places is written well. The ending made me want the next book immediately.
Mature content: PG-13 for fondling.
Language: R for 29 swears, one f-word.
Violence: PG-13 for bloody stabbing.
Ethnicity: Ethnicity includes fair, olive, brown, ebony, pale, dark, golden, ivory, and light brown skin tones.