This was an amazing sequel to the Hurricane Wars! I felt it was really well paced and kept me wanting to know more! The Romance and the etiquette amount of spice is definitely a must-read recommendation. As a person who enjoys Romantasy books I still really enjoyed the dynamic and where it left off from the first.

This sequel. Oh my goodness, the things it has done to my sanity. I loved this book even more than the first. There were some times where the pacing felt a little bit slow, but it was quickly rectified within a chapter or two. And the ending has me absolutely reeling. I'll be thinking about it for months (or longer depending on how long it takes for the third installment to be released).

Talasyn and Alaric obviously made it through their wedding with minimal hiccups outside of themselves. Denying the attraction between the two of them is getting more difficult as they spend more time together. However, neither wants to get too close because of the secrets they harbor against each other. But emotions are definitely getting in the way of underlying politics in the best way possible.

I can't help but root for these two at every turn. They're both so lonely, so starved for affection, and so used by others that their honesty and unsurety is precious. I drink of every moment of it like my life depends on it. Obviously, their story isn't done yet. And I cannot wait to see how everything else unfolds around them.

AHHHH! Thea’s done it again. I knew she would. A Monsoon Rising is the PERFECT sequel to The Hurricane Wars. Our characters are even more rounded, the story had me on the edge of my seat. I’ve been obsessed and I stay obsessed. Chefs kiss.

Thank you to Avon Harper Voyager and NetGalley for the advance reader copy of A Monsoon Rising by Thea Guanzon.

I don’t often read Romantasy books but enemies-to-lovers and marriage of convenience…. say no more.

As we pick up with A Monsoon Rising, these two are very much still resisting each other. This book had the perfect balance of action for me (romance action and action action). I love these two - getting to see their thoughts and things left unsaid to the other is one of my favorite parts of this book. Even with the things left unsaid, these two further develop their relationship (Alaric has Talasyn giggling ya’ll!). Book two solidly takes us forward to the next phase of the story and now I settle in for the wait of the next book! Also, Thea Guanzon knows how to write some spectacular chapter endings!

A Monsoon Rising picks up where the first book left off - with Talasyn and Alaric married for political convenience yet also secretly (and not so secretly) lusting for each other while also attempting to save the world from the Void Sever in a whopping 4 months. I have some mixed feelings about this series in general. While the first one read a little YA, this second installment feels a bit more adult (a given with the more frequent spicy scenes) and a lot more romance heavy than politics heavy. It also felt as though the events weren’t high stakes: they are trying to save the world in 4 months from (essentially) a thousand-year-in-the-making explosion and they only practice together 4 times?! I get they needed the eclipses to make their magic stronger, but I think a little more prep would be warranted. Plus, the two did not really seem fazed by having to save the world. Also, the ending felt a bit rushed. We get this big scene while they are trying to save the world, a pretty big event happens, and then they move on to the masquerade party? And then more happens at the party that feels like it came out of nowhere. Despite all of these critiques, it was still an entertaining, fast read. I like the world and the magic system and I felt like we got some more background on our main characters that helped explain some of their decision making.

Thank you to Netgalley and Harper Voyager for this eARC in exchange for an honest review.

I really enjoyed book two. I feel like we got to see Alaric and Talasyn growing more together but with that said; I still just can’t stand Talasyn. I still feel like she’s very immature and I didn’t really see any character growth.

Now, Alaric; I love him. I liked him in book one and I love him in book two. I still feel like he’s too good for Talasyn but maybe book 3 will put me on her side.

I also didn’t see that ending coming and it makes me thrilled to see what happens next and to see how Alaric is going to react!!! I really just love him.

This is quickly becoming a favorite series of mine!!!

Thank you Harper Voyager for my gifted copy!

For reference, I am primarily a romance/romantasy reader so this book was definitely appealing to me.
When I received this ARC, I hadn’t read the first in the series so before I dove into A Monsoon Rising, I made sure to read Hurricane Wars. I have to be honest, I didn’t love Hurricane Wars, but again maybe it’s the romance and romantasy that I was seeking and that it lacked.
However, this book definitely made up for it a lot more. This book is higher in romance than the first in the series! We watch our two main characters brood over each other and we hear a lot more from our MMC! Good spice, good tension, overall a fantastic romantasy!

While I recommend this book, you most definitely need to read the first. Since I didn’t love the first one as much, it would be up to the reader if they’d like to dive into the series itself. You have to read a LOT of world building and multiple (it felt like) story lines before you get to this one.

This is a love letter to A Monsoon Rising.

Dear A Monsoon Rising,

You are amazing. You were everything I hoped you would be. Where your former self, The Hurricane Wars, was a lot of world building and the slowest burn of burns in the romance department, you were fast-paced and romantic and left me SWOONING. I am going to buy every special edition copy of you that is produced. Never change.

P.S. I simply cannot wait until the next book. I might die from the anticipation.

Love,

thatsalattebooks

5x1000000 stars

If you love romantasy, please go read the Hurricane Wars if you have not yet! You'll love this series.

Thank you netgalley for the e-arc!

“Oh, my sweet, guileless politician—what have you done now?”
I would like to begin this review with a tremendous thank you to HarperCollins for providing me the opportunity to read this novel in exchange for my honest thoughts. Congratulations also to Thea Guanzon on this publication and the success it has already earned!
“A Monsoon Rising” is the second installment in “The Hurricane Wars,” a Romantasy series that follows the enemies-to-lovers arranged marriage between a rebel warrior and the heir to the Empire. The former is a fiery, optimistic young woman, whereas the latter is a brooding, abused prince who is actually a *gigantic* cinnamon roll. Despite the tense backdrop of a brewing war (and possible world annihilation via natural disaster), much focus of the book rests upon the budding romance between our two newlyweds. Thus, readers should be aware—if you are ready for an indulgent romance, this book is perfect. If you want strictly high fantasy… I would keep this on the back burner until your mood swings toward romance, especially if you are a worldbuilding nut.
A huge strength of this book is the characters. Talasyn and Alaric are likeable and quirky, albeit a tad naïve. They possess tons of chemistry, and although each tries hard to hate the other, they cannot resist caring for each other. Talasyn and Alaric are the epitome of idiots in love, and I say that with fondness. There are plenty of moments that elicit laughter and amused groaning alike. Additionally, I like that this installation has portrayed more nuance to the conflict between the rebels and the Empire. Sometimes with this rebels-government dynamic, one side is clearly idealized as blameless and “good”, but not the case here—both sides have their winning moments, but both have committed atrocities. I found this much more satisfying and realistic, especially when I watched Talasyn and Alaric try to support each other while not sweeping their prior allegiances under the rug.
That said, Talasyn’s naivety can be a bit… frustrating. Yes, she was not raised in the royal life, but since serving under the tutelage of her grandmother and father, one would expect her to be more politically savvy or at least wary. Instead, she frequently accepts the words of politicians and potential enemies at face value—without question. She learns answers to the questions that burn within her through little effort, and both lead characters frequently ignore major red flags in the political situation around them—for example, if I was in their shoes, I would be *way* more concerned that the previous Emperor possessed enough strength to wipe out a whole warship. Although the romance is strong with this one, the political maneuvering is more aesthetic than substance. Additionally, this reader isn’t particularly fond of smut. The presence of smut in this book doesn’t make it bad (it’s totally a personal preference), but readers should be aware that this is an R-rated title.
In the end, I rated this book 3/5 stars—although I frequently had to suspend my disbelief, it was entertaining and cute, and I will pick up the next one!

Whoever said there wasn’t enough smut…did we read the same book!?

✨5/5✨
Cliffhanger 🫠
Romance with a nice helping of spice ✅
Shadow Daddy

I definitely recommend this book! 📚

I loved this book. So the funny thing is, I got this book before I read hurricane wars. I guess I just submitted an ARC request for vibes instead of actually knowing the series. The good news is I had hurricane wars on my TBR. And even better I wound up binging both books in the span of two days.

So I think the story was actually really well laid out and pretty unique about the love interest being on opposite sides of the war and while that can be pretty normal in the world of enemies of the lovers, I did just feel like it was unique in the way that they actually did like hate each other and still have issues with how things went down. It’s not like they fell in love and it’s all good and both had really good reasons for what they were doing. Honestly, both have really messed up reasons for what they’re doing.

I do think this story pushed the plot and romance along equally. No middle book syndrome here imo.

The only issue I have is that I don’t have the third book in my little hands. Especially after that cliffhanger. 😭😭😭

So……I loved the interactions between talasyn and alaric but it felt like something was missing. I still love them tho. I love their growth together and as individuals. While this book felt like it was kinda slow at times I really enjoyed it, although not as much I enjoyed the first book. Definitely a solid sequel and I can not wait for the next one.

4.5⭐️s

As much as I wanted to become as obsessed with this book as many of my friends are-- I just don't think it was meant to be. It was entertaining but as someone who enjoys romance as the subplot and not main plot, this was on me for not looking more into it and thinking the storyline would be the main plot, not the romance. And even then, the romance felt more like hormones raging rather than love or even liking.

Omg 😱
This book , wow , this book.
Let just said I loved the first one and the second didn’t disappoint.
Really strong start , loved the battles and the tension.
The middle there got a bit explanatory but I will said the tension between Alaric and Talasyn so worth it. So much comedy as well, like i was cracking up for easy 4 chapters.
Now the ending , im in shock like definitely didn’t expected at all. Wow way to have me now on edge until the next book is out.
100% will recommend. Loved it

I was so bored during this and so disappointed!! I made it halfway before i had to DNF. I loved hurricane wars so this was a big letdown after such a long wait

I did not see that ending coming!! That was a surprise. But besides the ending i enjoyed this sequel but I felt that it could of been better in some ways such as the romance between the main characters and some fighting scenes

Synopsis
A continuation of the first book in the Hurricane Wars. Alaric and Talasyn continue their adventure to prevent the night of the world eater to save the realm from destruction.
Book Review
When I first applied for the ARC of this book, I hadn’t yet read the first one, though I had it on loan from the library. I’ve been in a major reading slump for the past few months, but this series jolted me right back into reading. I rarely order a physical copy after reading an ARC, given the limited space in my library, but after finishing this book, I immediately ordered both the B&N US Special Edition and the Waterstones Special Edition. Now, I’m on the hunt for the special edition of the first book.

The first 30% of the first book was a bit hard to get into with all the new information and characters being introduced, but after that, I couldn’t put either of these books down. I read both in a two-day span. My only regret is starting another incomplete series and having to wait a year to find out how Alaric and Talasyn’s story ends.

Thoughts:

- Enemies to Allies to Lovers: I’m really enjoying this take on the enemies-to-lovers trope, where they come together as reluctant allies before growing into something more. The banter in the second book was elevated, and I loved seeing their playfulness throughout. The slow burn was absolutely worth it, especially with that monsoon scene—chef’s kiss.

- Character Building: Alaric and Talasyn gained more depth in this book, and I appreciated that Talasyn wasn’t immediately a super-strong heroine or good at everything, but instead had realistic thoughts and struggles. The side characters, especially Elagabi and Sevraim, were also a joy to get to know.

- Pacing: Some of the pacing felt a bit off for me. The big climax around the night of the world eater seemed to peak and then taper off before introducing a new plotline. I expected a bit more focus on this event, especially with the buildup across two books. That said, did I still devour this book in about three hours because I couldn’t put it down? Absolutely.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this ARC—thank you, NetGalley, for the opportunity to read this one!

Thank you Netgalley and Harpercollins for the ARC

Thea Guanzon continues the intense and romantic fantasy world of Hurricane Wars. A Monsoon Rising feels like a lot of plot build up for bigger events and tragedies to come. Does this mean it doesn't stand on its own? No. It is a good sequel that is continuing the world. I enjoyed this however I yet again must admit the plot build up for the future was a bit annoying at times. Obviously important but annoying slightly.

This book was absolutely phenomenal. Honestly? I wasn't expecting this book to be five stars for me. But it definitely is! I feel like it finally came into its own storyline and lore, and I. am. here. for. it.

I loved the flow of this book. It had and kept my attention from start to finish. The character dynamics and arcs were engaging and interesting. The romantic subplot was romancing*beautifully*. I love that they are secretly, and yet no so secretly, obsessed with each other.

This enemies to arranged marriage partners to reluctant allies to lovers romantic relationship progression is well done and believable. This book has trauma bonding, healing together, and learning and being mindful of each other's triggers. I love how they change each other's viewpoints and how what's most important to them shifts.

It's just a beautiful and wonderful book. If you struggled with the first book, I highly recommend pushing through so you can read this masterpiece 💕

Also that ending was mind boggling and so well done, and the next book cannot come fast enough.

Content: s*xy daydreams of their wedding night, m*sterbation, manipulation, off page torturing/experimentation of animal, major storm near unaliving and aftereffects of devastation, destroyed town by supernatural means

Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Voyager for the advanced reader copy of this book. This review is voluntarily written and the thoughts and opinions contained in this review are my own.

I really enjoyed this. It felt much more cohesive than the first book and I feel more tied to the world and its characters.

5⭐️

This is hands down one of my favorite reads this year. HURRICANE WARS had all my favorite elements in a romantic fantasy story: enemies to lovers, a strong FMC with a hidden identity, slow burn with a broody MMC, dagger to the throat, detailed worldbuilding, and so much more. Plainly, I loved it. Thea Guanzon really said “hold my beer” with A MONSOON RISING and delivered one of THE BEST romantic fantasies I’ve ever read.

One of the most delicious parts of this book is the *tension*. There is internal tension, between Tala/herself and Alaric/himself as they come to terms with their feelings. There is the looming tension of imminent betrayal between the two sides of the war that has now been hinted at for two whole books. And last but not least, there is juicy, delectable sexual tension between Tala and Alaric. Let’s just say that last one comes to fruition…more than once. Together, these elements drive the story forward and make this book utterly unputdownable.

The character development between book 1 and this is transformative. You feel like you watched Tala and Alaric grow into themselves. You see them reckon with old wounds that they’ve carried around for their whole lives and you see them help to heal one another. Their love and care for each other is palpable, even if they are in total denial about it (I eat that up).

Along with the exhilarating plot and deep character development, Thea weaves us into her world with her stunning writing. We are immersed in every raindrop, every ray of light that the characters observe. We feel the elemental nature of this world on every page. The ending really surprised me - I was not expecting it to go in that direction at all. So I’m extremely excited to see how the story develops in book 3.

This book is SPICY. I would not have guessed from the semi-tameness of book 1 but WEH. Yup, I enjoyed that very much thank you give me more please. And there is a masquerade ball. That is all I will say on the matter.

Lastly, I would recommend reading this book close to finishing book 1. There are many side characters in the story and details from book 1 that resurface and it’s important to keep them all straight. Enjoy this stunning sequel my friends. And thank you to NetGalley, Harper Voyager US, and Thea Guanzon for this early copy!