Thank you NetGalley for this arc!! I was hoping to review it prior to the release date but this series is the slowest of burns and is not a quick read lol

I will say I love the characters and they become more lovable as the story progresses and from hearing both POVs. I do feel like this series is very slow due to the plot building and political aspects (which is basically like when you first get into Star Wars so it makes sense) but it is definitely worth the read if you know going into it that it will take some time to get into.

I am very happy with the romance and am excited to see how it continues! This is the most enemies to lovers book I have ever read with the slowest burn…that is still trying to burn. And can we talk about the ending?!? Oh my gosh! I cannot believe I have to wait for this next book now…

So happy I got to read this and continue the journey. After reading The Hurricane Wars, this was definitely one of my most anticipated releases of 2024 overall, and it was worth it! The world building really expands even more in book two, which meant it took longer to figure it all out, but it was so worth it in the end.

There is so much suspense here, I feel like this is super hard to do when a book is way more character driven than plot driven, but it worked perfectly. I am so in love with both Talasyn and Alaric, and the tension between them is just amazing. Understanding more about them both as individuals, and together - their inner most thoughts and fears - gave so much more depth to the story overall.

This was PHENOMENAL. I love Tala and Alaric... The tension. The politics! The complete angst. I am in love with this story, and can't wait for book 3... Especially after THAT ENDING. 5/5 🐉🐲🐉🐲🐉

This was absolutely amazing!! Alaric and Talsyn had me in an absolute chokehold. The romance developed beautifully even more so than in book 1 and the individual character developments?? Absolutely PERFECT. And that ending?? I literally gasped so loud, I absolutely NEED book 3 in my hands asap, thea you better not hurt my babies!!

I don't know if it was because it was the second book in the series or if I was already somewhat familiar with the world but I felt like this book was easier to read and more enjoyable! Like many over reviewers have said, this second book does feature more romance than the first. the tension and yearning between Talasyn and Alaric is written so well. While it's still a slow burn, you get to see them interact and grow in their feelings and marriage throughout the book while having to navigate the political challenges that each heir faces. Need to read the third book so we know what happens after that cliffhanger ending!

Thank you to NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for the ARC!

Thank you to NetGalley and publisher for the arc in exchange for honest feedback. I loved this book, it was slow to start similar to the first book in that regard but I was racing through the last half. The tension between Alaric and talasyn kills me, I just want them to be happy together but the odds are looking slim. Also that cliffhanger?? Absolutely brutal to make us wait for the next book in the series.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️

This book was full of so much action and a crafted storyline that had me reeling at the end. It was definitely a love/hate relationship with this series.
Compared to book one I immediately noticed the change in romance and the long game of the flirting and 2 people not identifying with their feelings fully to just be happy with one another which I will say frustrated me throughout the book but in the end I knew where things stood with their relationship. I loved the action that was happening in terms of the facts that these Talasyn and Alaric have to work together in order to save their world and it pushes them even closer together. The introduction of dragons in this book in more detail also caught my eye and the fact that Talasyn was able to see visions of her predecessors was very interesting. I hope there will be more of this in the next book!

Spoiler alert: Huge cliffhanger at the end but it made me just want to read the next book which I am 100% sure there will be, even more.

Thank you to the author and the publisher for this advanced reader copy in exchange for a honest review. All opinions in this review are 100% mine.

Ah I loved this follow up to the hurricane wars!! And his was just what I was hoping it would be. I love this series! Definitely want to buy the sprayed edges now

I enjoyed this book (book 2) in The Hurricane Wars Series more than the first! My review switches between a 3.5 stars and a 4. There were aspects of this book that I just adore and ate it up whenever reading it. The humor in this book was just top notch and defiantly my sense of humor and had me giggling and laughing in those moments. Also the romance between Alaric and Talasyn was EVERYTHING! The tension and scenes between was the perfect version of slow burn and forbidden love. This book is spicier than the first but I truly loved it! It was a perfect amount and done so well! I also loved how much Talasyn felt like she grew in herself and her role to the point where they no longer felt like 2 different people (that was something I didn't like in the first book). Talasyn in this book was strong and confident and stood by who she was a lot and i supported a lot of the decisions she made.
However, the slow moments sometimes felt too slow. It felt that not much happened and sometime a little repetitive to the point in dragged at points. I also was a little upset at how only the last maybe 7% was what the books were building up for. It felt like a blinked and then it was over which sucked because I DEVOURED the last 25% of this book in like a hour or so.
The ending though!!! My jaw hit the floor, it was such a cliffhanger that I truly don't know if I can wait for the next book. I really want answers and things to be explained like today.
So Thea, please reach out to me and just tell me what the plan is or just drop the book today, I'll take either! :)
I truly love Thea Guanzon's writing, its so magical and also still able to follow along and not get confused on the world or politics.

If you're a fan of fantasy that is very political but also still has good romance and angst, I really recommend this series!

A Monsoon Rising is the sequel to The Hurricane Wars, which I loved. The first book was like if Star Wars and ATLA had a baby, but there were more expansive conversations had about colonization and political marriages.

Unfortunately, this book didn’t hit for me the same way the first one did. I know that first book was marketed as romantasy, but it felt more like a military fantasy that had some enemies to lovers sprinkled on top. A Monsoon Rising, though, felt romantasy through and through. Don’t get me wrong, there isn’t anything wrong with romantasy, but the tone changed so much that it felt like a different subgenre. Like if a slasher horror series suddenly made a switch to cozy horror — it’s a little jarring. (So jarring in fact, that I’m now questioning if past me can be trusted with my opinions.)

The characters and relationships aren’t as nuanced as they were in the first book. Given Talasyn’s understandable reticence in the first book to trust or like Alaric, the pace of their relationship development in book two was a bit off-putting. It also felt a little forced, with her laughing at jokes that weren’t that funny just for the sake of showcasing that they were growing closer. I didn’t really believe that Talasyn had an emotional struggle between her past/country/countrymen and developing feelings for Alaric because all she was thinking about was him.

Thank you to Avon and Harper Voyager, and to NetGalley for an arc of A Monsoon Rising in exchange for an honest review.

I have so many thoughts on this book! First, this second installment is much better than the first. My expectations for this book was really low and I was definitely impressed. The tension in between Alaric and Talasyn?? 10/10. The slow burn undeniable attraction had me on the edge for the whole book. They are fighting ultimately for the same cause but have two drastically different ways they think they are going to get there. This book really built on the momentum of the first and expanded the world beautifully. I really wish the letters exchanged between Alaric and Talasyn were shown on text. It really would have added validity to their chemistry and attraction to one another. It really took me out the story wondering if I missed something. Can we talk about THE DRAGONS?! Wowow. My biggest critique of the first book was I felt like the dragons were thrown in to just check a box and say they were there. They really served no purpose in the book. This book did not suffer the same fate. I was intrigued with the way the dragons were used in this and hope to see them apart of the plot more in the next one. A lot of questions were answered but so many more popped up which is a good place to be after a second book. The ending was so left field it should be criminal to have to wait for an explanation. I want. to be mad but it was so good! It makes me want to go back to do a reread to see if there are clues that lead to the ultimate reveal. Overall I am itching for the next book in this series to see Alaric and Talasyn's fate. I wonder if they will survive the secrets they are both keeping.

I thought this was a good follow up to Hurricane Wars. I liked the character development of Talasyn Alaric as well as their connection to each other despite being enemies in the past as they are not destined to work together to save both of their realms and still both hiding secret agendas from each other. The ending leaves you on a cliffhanger for a book 3.

An incredible follow up to The Hurricane Wars. Alaric and Talasyn are just trying to do their best. The ending has left me bereft and I need the next book asap.

5⭐️/3🌶️
An incredible continuation of the first book with equally as strong of writing from start to finish. Spicier than book 1 but still with tension and conflict and mystery. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and am now DESPERATE for book 3. I only wish I would have read this book later so the wait for book 3 didn’t feel so long! Thea Guanzon is a now must-buy author for me.

A Monsoon Rising did a great job continuing where we left off in the first book, The tension between both characters was still there but there was also a newfound appreciation for each other especially considering all they go through together in this book. I liked the characters and enjoyed learning more about the world and how their magic is affected or strengthened. Thank you to Harper Voyager and Netgalley for providing this eARC in exchange for our honest review. Overall I enjoyed this book and can't wait to see where it continues from here.

This novel keeps the sexual tension going between the protagonists even when they finally cave into their desires. The consistent overhanging threat that keeps bringing the two closer and closer allows for an emotional connection to the characters despite the underlying enmity that still exists between them. In this continuation of the series, there is still the feeling of action even though the characters are waiting for the majority of the book to face the great threat. The conclusion of this novel keeps the reader engaged and ready for the next book!

First of. Despite your feelings about the first book, y'all need to read this book!

So we have definitely moved on from the Reylo fanfiction realm of the first book. Talasyn and Alaric actually develop a personality and have feelings! The pacing also improves from the first book and I find myself staying up into the wee hours of the night reading.

In true enemies-to-lovers fashion, the two are still plotting against each other as the two countries they represent continue to connive against one another. But don't worry, we know the attraction between them is growing and the sexual tension keeps going.

The scene when Talasyn finally screams her frustrations at Alaric and the two come together in the rain is very reminiscent of the rain scene in The Notebook. It is so beautiful, that I end up rolling around squealing with glee. To make up for the lack of smut in the first book, it's like the floodgate opens after this rain scene. Don't worry, the story still continues as we near that apocalyptic world event. The two continue to plot against each other and you wonder how it will all turn out in the end especially as the romantic feelings between the two grow.

Well, since this is an ARC, you'll have to wait for this book to officially come out AND THEN wait for the next book. GAH *Throws Kindle down in frustration*

Review posted on Goodreads and Amazon

I’m…so sorry? I’m sorry?! THEA, WHAT?!

How is it possible this is better than Hurricane Wars?! The angst!? The longing?! The YEARNING?! MA’AM, please point me to the nearest AED!

And Thea, I’d like to talk about the ending?? Just for a second??

Listen I’m taking this book for what it is - a Reylo fan fic with a Na twist that is the authors debut series. It’s not the end all be all of political rivals turned marriage of convenience but it’s doing its damnedest to make its way into the list that you should read if that’s your thing!!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️{5}
🌶️🌶️🌶️{3}

Thea, you’re officially responsible for my next therapy bill after that ending cuz MY GOODNESS, that was a doozy 😰🥲

Okay okay, let’s talk about the book itself though! ‘Twas a masterpiece in my humble opinion. We get more trueeee enemies to lovers (and a lot more loverrrs this time around if ya know what I mean *wjnk wink*). Not as much world building in this one as we had in The Hurricane Wars, but I was okay with that because I feel like it was set up so well that it didn’t need much more. Of course we did get someee new info, cuz the plot had to move forward! But this one was a lot more character and relationship development which I adored! The banter, the pining.. were just 🤌🏻🤌🏻 And we got more dragons!! 🐉 The one thing I wish is that we got more time with the side characters (but that’s probs also just me selfishly wanting a found family trope to be thrown in cuz it’s my fave hahah). Overall, utter perfection and I need the next book like.. yesterday 😅🤣

𝓡𝓮𝓪𝓭 𝓲𝓯 𝔂𝓸𝓾 𝓵𝓸𝓿𝓮:
♥️ enemies to lovers
🖤 forbidden romance
♥️ reylo inspired
🖤 dragonssss
♥️ arranged marriage
🖤 light and shadow magic
♥️ dual pov

𝓕𝓪𝓿𝓸𝓻𝓲𝓽𝓮 𝓺𝓾𝓸𝓽𝓮𝓼:

“𝘐 𝘢𝘮 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘕𝘦𝘯𝘢𝘷𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘦 𝘓𝘢𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘴’𝘬𝘢, 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘢 𝘱𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘤𝘦𝘴𝘴… 𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘢𝘥𝘥𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘮𝘦 𝘢𝘴 ‘𝘠𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘎𝘳𝘢𝘤𝘦,’ 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘢𝘧𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘮𝘺 𝘤𝘰𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘢𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘕𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘌𝘮𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘴, 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘤𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘮𝘦 ‘𝘠𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘔𝘢𝘫𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘺.”

“𝘚𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘣𝘦 𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘰𝘪𝘯𝘨. 𝘓𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘴𝘩𝘢𝘥𝘰𝘸 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥𝘯’𝘵 𝘦𝘹𝘪𝘴𝘵 𝘵𝘰𝘨𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘥𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘰𝘺𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳.”

“𝘑𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘩𝘪𝘮 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘮𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘮𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘰𝘰𝘯.”

“𝘓𝘦𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘮 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸, 𝘣𝘦𝘺𝘰𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘚𝘩𝘢𝘥𝘰𝘸 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘴, 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘦.”

𝚃𝚑𝚊𝚗𝚔 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚝𝚘 @𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚊𝚐𝚠𝚛𝚒𝚝𝚎𝚜, @𝚑𝚊𝚛𝚙𝚎𝚛𝚟𝚘𝚢𝚊𝚐𝚎𝚛𝚞𝚜, 𝚊𝚗𝚍 @𝚗𝚎𝚝𝚐𝚊𝚕𝚕𝚎𝚢 𝚏𝚘𝚛 𝚊 𝚌𝚑𝚊𝚗𝚌𝚎 𝚝𝚘 𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚍 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝚎𝙰𝚁𝙲. 𝙰𝚕𝚕 𝚝𝚑𝚘𝚞𝚐𝚑𝚝𝚜 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚘𝚙𝚒𝚗𝚒𝚘𝚗𝚜 𝚒𝚗 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝚛𝚎𝚟𝚒𝚎𝚠 𝚊𝚛𝚎 𝚖𝚢 𝚘𝚠𝚗.

The second book in a romantacy series A Monsoon Rising offers a lot more of a focus on the romance between the two MCs and less on world building and the dualing kingdoms aspect that was offered in book one. I was eager to start book 2 as the first book left on a satisfying note but still a cliffhanger.

I am going to be honest about two things.
1. Was the book work reading? Yes, it was a fun read and worth it but...I found that this was not a binge worthy book. Instead it was a storyline that I enjoyed enough to finish, but it dragged and was missing the action, narration and development needed to make this a lasting read.
2. The spicy scenes-Were they necessary? No, it felt like there were added in because it is the vogue thing to do but didnt really add or make sense to the story.

In the end, I would recommend this book to a reader wanting a romantic romp in a fantasty world. But it fell a little flat of the previous offering in this series. It has left me doubting I will pick up book 3.