I'm speechless. I read this book in one day and it is absolutely, jaw-droppingly incredible. A Monsoon Rising picks up right where The Hurricane Wars left off, with Talasyn and Alaric newly betrothed and the threat of the moonless dark looming over them. They also have to contend with political turmoil between Kesath and Nenavar, rebel attacks, and the growing attraction between them in the face of all the secrets they are keeping from each other.

Seriously, this was an INCREDIBLE sequel. I was on the edge of my seat the entire time, the pacing was flawless, and I loved how Thea Guanzon weaved together all of the conflicts -- we get more insight into Alaric's relationship with his father, which was heartbreaking. Talasyn visits Kesath for her coronation and has to navigate a very treacherous stay, and it becomes all the more clear how precarious the alliance between the two empires are as both sides plot to overtake the other after the moonless dark.

Talasyn and Alaric are solidified as one of my all time favorite book couples. The enemies-to-lovers dynamic is ever present, with a constant push and pull between them even as they fall deeper into each other and pine for each other. The way that Alaric felt and acted towards Talasyn melted my entire soul. He would literally do anything for her. We get to see so many moments of extreme vulnerability between them, including multiple one-bed scenes and reverse "who did this to you" scene that I still haven't recovered from. They are two sides of the same coin, understanding each other as no one else does and utterly craving love. They are so heartbreaking and anxiety-provoking and beautiful together. I am so deeply invested in a happy ending for them (that is a threat)!!

This book drastically amps up tension and the stakes are so much higher, making this book un-putdownable. Thea Guanzon's prose is impactful and lush; she never wastes a single word on a page. And that ending... I simply cannot WAIT for the third book. I 100% recommend this book--it will pull you out of any reading stump. Wow.

Thank you endlessly to Avon, Harper Voyager and NetGalley for providing me a copy of this wonderful ARC!

Thank you NetGalley & Avon and Harper Voyage for this e-ARC of A Monsoon Rising.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️

Just, WOW! 🤯 I have been eagerly awaiting this follow up to the Hurricane Wars and it did NOT disappoint!

The second book of this series follows Talasyn and Alaric after their political marriage of convenience at the end of the Hurricane Wars. Both are keeping secrets of betrayal from one another, while also fighting their irresistible attraction to each other. Both dream of a better world, but scheme in different ways to achieve that goal.

The banter and the TENSION in this book was top notch. I was at the edge of my seat and giddy kicking my legs the whole time. The way Thea has written these two characters is just magnificent. They both come off as strong individuals but with the potential of being unstoppable together.

We do finally get some spicy scenes that did not disappoint! Like I mentioned earlier, the build up and tension for these two just made any spice a big pay off. It did not pull away from the story and only added to the tension in my opinion.

While I expected some sort of cliffhanger at the end, I did NOT see what actually happened coming. I thought I would be able to guess the ending but Thea came out of left field in the best possible way! I am only sad that now we will have to wait for the next book 😞

I thoroughly enjoyed the Hurricane Wars but absolutely fell in LOVE with A Monsoon Rising! I still can’t believe this is the debut series for Thea. Her writing is so well done and story telling is impeccable! Well done and 5⭐️!!

Thank you to Net Galley and Harper Voyager for the ARC. The beautiful cover really made me want to like this book, but I had the same problems as I had with the first book. The prose is way too purple, the action scenes lacking, and the romance was not it for me.

Thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins for this ARC in exchange for an honest review. Thea Guanzon continues to weave her magic in A Monsoon Rising, a captivating sequel to The Hurricane Wars. Picking up where the first book left off, we find Talasyn and Alaric navigating the treacherous waters of their newfound relationship while facing a looming threat to their kingdom.

I honestly expected this book to fall victim to second book syndrome but I'm pleased to report that is not the case. The author's ability to craft vivid imagery and complex characters remains a standout. Talasyn and Alaric's dynamic (the best part of this series) continues to evolve, their love story a tempestuous blend of passion and duty. The supporting cast, including the enigmatic Elagabi, adds depth, intrigue, and humor to the narrative.

Guanzon's world-building expands in Monsoon Rising, introducing new magical creatures and political intrigue. The pacing is well-executed, balancing moments of quiet reflection with thrilling action sequences. The climax, a climactic showdown against a formidable foe, is both exhilarating and heart-wrenching.

While some readers may find the pacing slightly slower than in the first book, Monsoon Rising offers a satisfying continuation of the series. I personally could not put it down (at the expense of my sleep) and will be falling over myself to read the next book.

Firstly, thank you NetGalley for this ARC, I was very excited for this one.

I am speechless with that ending! I absolutely loved being back in this world. The tension was absolutely perfect. I love love Talasyn and Alaric. This was the perfect second book.

I was definitely stressed but it was worth it. I can’t wait for the next book!!!

Thank you NetGalley and HarperVoyagefor this ARC!

What an amazing, all-consuming read! I couldn’t put this book down. Unlike the first in the series, the sequel grabbed me right away and immediately began exceeding my expectations.

This story definitely has more romance in it and is perfect for the people that went into this series for the “romantasy”. There was still political intrigue, but it felt a bit low-stakes (until the end) and more there to enchance the tumultuous relationship of the two MCs. Definitely not complaining as a romance enthusiast. The second book gifted us a story full of banter, tension and internal conflict between Alaric and Talasyn that I really enjoyed!

I also absolutely loved the imagery and magic that was sprinkled throughout. Guanzon has a beautiful way of immersing you in a unique world that you will long to explore. I can read several more spin offs just for a glimpse of the world the book is set in.

I’m curious with how the cliff-hanger is going to be addressed. As much as I loved the sequel for its romance, the urgency of the rest of the plot was lacking until the very last bit of the story and I’m interested to see how it will develop! Overall a fun read and excited to see what happens in the next one :)

~ Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review~
And thank you to Thea Guanzon for providing me with content for my new obsession. Everyone in my life will be hearing about this book nonstop- to be honest, they’ve already been hearing about it nonstop since before I started reading it.

This review was meant to come out last week, but Hurricane Helene had other ideas, so I am very excited to be able to share my thoughts on this book. And I have sooooo many thoughts. First of all, I love the pacing. It makes sense for the plot to have time flow the way it did in the book, and I think that Guanzon did a phenomenal job keeping the plot moving without it feeling surface level. We got some characters a little more fleshed out and the void sever plot? Loved it. I think it really helped me with understanding the magic system within the series to be alongside Talasyn and Alaric as they learned more about what was going on, and it had a great wrap up!

We also got MUCH more of Talasyn and Alaric, and boy oh boy am I happy for that. I really did sit there giggling and kicking my feet for multiple scenes of this book. We seem to be moving more and more away from enemies and closer to lovers, and I am absolutely here for it. I am 100% for Talasyn being with Alaric, and they had so many wonderful scenes together. I also thought the scene with Alaric and Elagbi was so cute, and I want to see more of them, I think they’re a cute duo. But seriously, Talasyn and Alaric are definitely hitting my list of top book couples of all time (they’re very near first at this point), I love them together. I just wish they would communicate better, but that’s the way enemies to lovers works. I’m very nervous about what Talasyn is going to do in the next book as far as her relationship with Alaric, and I really thought that Alaric was the one that I had to worry about. He still could be, but Talasyn is really starting to make me nervous.

I was really not expecting what happened at the end of the book, and I’m so upset it ended on that cliffhanger- mainly because I don’t have the next book already. I knew it was going to end on a cliffhanger, that’s just the ways of books in a series, but I didn’t expect my book hangover to be so bad. I’m not surprised, this series has been amazing and I think once the final book comes out I’ll cry at not having any more Talasyn and Alaric, but hopefully that is far from now. If this series happened to be five, ten, maybe even twenty books I don’t think I would complain at all, simply say “Thank you Thea Guanzon, I love your work,” but alas I fear twenty books is not likely. So for now, I will eat up everything about these books and be so happy I found them.

Alright, to keep this mostly spoiler free but still talk about a few things that happened in this book, I’m going to say a couple things that don’t make sense out of context but if you’ve read the book you’ll know what I mean

- “Water” has never made me want to cry before now
- Once you get to chapter thirty one- to be seen is to be loved, and I think these two need to realize that they are seen
- Mother of dragons
- KHAEDE (that’s directed at Thea Guanzon herself because I’m going insane over this, I need to know more, please I beg of you)

Okay…I don’t even know where to begin with this review honestly, because I can’t stay enough good things about this book and this series. This is by far one of my top reads of the year and Thea Guanzon has completely knocked this series out of the park! This is truly on of the most well done slow burns and truest enemies to lovers books that I have read. Talasyn and Alaric had such a beautiful story with purpose and I really enjoyed reading about the internal struggles that they are each facing while trying to navigate their individual alliances and political marriage. The character development and unique world building in this book was exceptionally well done. The pacing was superb and that cliff hanger!! I have fallen so deeply immersed in this story and invested in these characters that I cannot wait until the next book! I’m in a major book slump after reading this one, because I don’t see how the next fantasy romance story that I read would even be able to compare. I really enjoy reading stories that are unique and this book was so refreshing because I haven’t read anything else like it. In a market that is saturated with similar characters and plot lines, this story does such a good job of standing out! I truly appreciate getting an opportunity to read and review this ARC!

This was an entertaining read but I fear it suffers from second book syndrome. Overall, a solid 3/5 and I'll continue reading the authors work but I wish the plot was a little stronger

You're not just a weapon. Talasyn had told him that. He hazily remembered her words, spoken softly in the lamplight while she held him. You could be more.”

“Something soft and tentative broke across her features, and he was walking toward her before he even realized it, caught in a waking dream. Somewhere at the edges, the Nenavarene scurried aside and tugged one another out of his way, as though he carried the plague, but he knew only her”


With sequels I always feel like it’s a hit or miss but with A Monsoon Rising that was the opposite, this book did not disappoint. Thea Guazon knows how to keep you on your toes. Her writing is just so beautiful and it somehow got even better this book. I can’t get over the vivid and detailed world descriptions to the complexity of the characters and their relationships with each other!!


Talasyn and Alaric are in an arranged marriage and have to work together to keep the world from ending. The tension between Alaric and Talasyn was so amusing! Getting to see both of their POV’s as they have to spend time together, as well as their growing feelings that they are actively trying to fight, just leaves me dying for more! The banter with them is honestly top tier and in a contest with myself I highlighted how many times Alaric has said/thought “my wife” (it’s 46 times for anyone wondering). This book sucked me in and I am in desperate need of the third book. Thank you so much to NetGalley and HarperCollins for giving me this advanced copy.

*Monsoon Rising* by Thea Guanzon is everything I hoped for and more! After loving *The Hurricane Wars*, I knew this sequel was going to be a banger, and it truly delivered. The enemies-to-lovers dynamic between Alaric and Talasyn is even more intense, with their forced proximity as a married couple adding layers of tension and desire. Their chemistry is electric, and the slow build of emotions amidst the political intrigue had me hooked from start to finish.

The world-building is just as captivating, with new magical elements and the looming threat of the Moonless Dark raising the stakes. Alaric’s inner battle between his duty and his growing feelings for Talasyn kept me on the edge of my seat, while Talasyn’s struggle to balance her role as empress and her loyalty to her people was heart-wrenching. The merging of light and shadow magic was an epic twist, and the plot twists kept coming, making it impossible to put down. If you loved *The Hurricane Wars*, *Monsoon Rising* is an absolute must-read!

This series! These characters! I cannot get enough of it. More immediately, please! The writing is so lush, it’s such a joy getting lost in the imagery. The kind of book I just want to luxuriate in. Glorious!

The cliffhanger?!!!!!! I liked this so much more than the first book it was full of lore, tension, and steam. It picks up directly where the first book ends. I think the writer is very expressive with her words which can sometimes feel world-building heavy but there was less of this in this book and most of it was in the beginning of the book. I really enjoyed the enemies to lovers and the steamy hate scenes lol. I did think that there was so much miscommunication between them though. I do really like the main characters though and I liked the little sweet scenes we got between them. I liked the family politics, alliances, training, and getting more about both families, especially the fmc. Overall I think this was a good read and we finally get more romance and intimacy between the characters. Thank you Avon for this arc for an honest review.

Read if you like:
- Romantasy
- Diverse characters and worldbuilding
- Alliances and political intrigue
- Arranged marriage
- Betrayal and secrets

THEA! WHAT ARE YOU TRYING TO DO TO US WITH THAT ENDING?!?!?!
The ending was so intense that I was feverishly flipping the pages and I audibly yelled the word "NO" when I turned the page to find I reached the acknowledgements!

A Monsoon Rising picks up in the story of Alaric and Talasyn as they settle into their new married roles and learn to navigate the tides of their relationship and the politics that they are both embroiled in. The two are struggling to balance an undeniable passion for one another and their fealty to their side of the Hurricane Wars. Both Talasyn and Alaric are set to betray each other if they are able to stop the events of the Moonless Dark, but can their desire for one another overcome?

I could speak for ever on this book and my thoughts but I don't want to spoil this amazing book for others! Readers will not be disappointed in this next installment of the story of Talasyn and Alaric, but the wait for book 3 will be BRUTAL. I immediately finished the story and then preordered the physical copy of A Monsoon Rising on Amazon.

Thank you to NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for the opportunity to eARC read this book!

This was a bad case of second book syndrome. I had a lot of patience for The Hurricane Wars, despite feeling as though there was excessive info dumping throughout, because the world was immersive and the characters were interesting. A Monsoon Rising feels like a drag, with more info dumping, repetition, and convoluted subplots.

I think this book would have been much better if there was more focus on the romance and relationships, and not so many fantasy conventions. The story wants to be a romance first, and the magic and world building distract from the strongest parts of this book.

However I do think this will be a hit with readers who enjoy modern adult romantasy.

A Monsoon Rising delivers an enthralling magical fantasy journey told through the alternating perspectives of Alaric and Talasyn, who must unite to prevent an impending catastrophe. Their relationship, which begins as a political arrangement in a tense, enemies-to-lovers arc, simmers with palpable tension, slowly unraveling into a passionate and emotionally rich connection. The payoff is rewarding, though some scenes left me wishing they lingered a bit longer before fading to black.

The beginning took time to settle into, with characters and alliances taking shape amidst complex court politics, but once the groundwork was laid, the story gripped me. A summary or glossary would have been helpful to dive back into this world more seamlessly, especially for the many names, powers, and alliances.

Though there is a heavy focus on character development, especially revolving around the political maneuvering within the court, there was room for further exploration of the world itself and more intricate plot progression. Still, the pacing and the growing tension between Alaric and Talasyn kept me engaged. As the story explores their evolving roles as both leaders and lovers, it builds toward the monumental event known as The Moonless Dark, a looming threat only they can stop if they can truly combine their powers.

This book swept me into an enchanting journey through a world brimming with magic, political intrigue, and emotionally charged relationships. The evolving dynamic between Alaric and Talasyn, set against the backdrop of impending disaster, felt like watching a storm build, crackle, and ignite. With each page, the tension grows, and I’m eager to ride this whirlwind of magic and love straight into the next chapter of their story.

Thank you Netgalley for this advanced digital copy in exchange for my honest review. I eagerly look forward to more works from this author.

After falling in love with the first book in this series, you can bet every penny that I squealed when I got the notification on NetGalley that I was approved for this book. I love Thea Guanzon's writing, and this world with these characters - it was instantly my favorite. This is the second book of the series, so of course you know there's a lot that's going to happen and it really does keep you on your toes to the very end. I love the developing relationship between Talasyn and Alaric, even though it is frustrating sometimes. This book has everything you could want in a romantasy - dragons, fighting, spice, funny side characters (gotta show some love to Sevraim!), banter, betrayals. I could not get enough of this book, to the point I was multitasking work and reading. I didn't want it to end, and I need the next book ASAP!!!

Thank you again NetGalley and the publisher for making my day and letting me read this amazing book!!

I enjoyed the uniqueness of the storyline. The magic system and character traits are very different from what has been seen from the romantasy genre in the past. I did have problems were the plot seemed to get lost or forgotten over the romance. Also there were a few scenes where the romance felt forced or unnecessary. My biggest pet peeve is when it logically doesn’t make sense for a smut scene. Overall, interesting book but I don’t know if I’m attached to these characters.

I kept hearing about this series, and finally decided to give it a chance. I am so glad I did, this was probably my best 2 reads of the year. I had the ability to read The Hurricane Wars for the first time and dive immediately into A Monsoon Rising. I loved it so much that I finished them both in a week. Talasyn and Alaric have married and must train their magic to save the world from a uncontrollable magic that seeks to kill everything in its path. They both have to fight a growing attraction to each other as their priorities lie in the others ruin. The read was easy with so much plot and action, nothing felt forced and the story flowed so well. I was pleasantly surprised at the enemies to lovers and how true to the trope it continues to be. My only disappointment is that I will have to wait so long for the third in the series, but I am super looking forward and will definitely be placing my preorder for a hard copy! I received an ARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

4.5 stars...first off thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for this ARC of the book. I really enjoyed this sequel to The Hurricane Wars. Let's just say this book is NSFW. I loved the character growth and development. I loath Geharis. This book had it all: spice, banter, dragons, magic, mayhem, even some murder/assassination attempts. I definitely recommend this book if you enjoyed the first one.