I enjoyed the first book in this trilogy a lot, but I was a bit let down by Eclipse the Moon, even though it was still a great read. It just felt like their romance was already basically done in the first book, so there wasn't a lot of tension to really get me invested in this one. I still enjoyed it immensely! I just didn't LOVE it the way I was expecting to!

I was so into this!! I love a good found family trope book and this one delivers!! The romance was so so but I loved the plot and world building. I can't wait to read the next one in the series!!

This is probably one of the best space romances you will ever read. You are on a ride from beginning to end. All of the characters are engrossing, and it is highly enjoyable to read.

A wonderfully exciting, action-packed and suspenseful science fiction romantic adventure, this second in the Starlight’s Shadow series follows Kee Ildez, hacker and information guru and Varro Runkow, a Valovian weapons expert. Kee has fallen for Varro hard, but when she realizes he’s never going to respond to her flirting and is not interested, she decides to leave the ship to do more in-depth information gathering on the space station Bastion, where she hopes to find clues to find the traitor they are searching for after their last mission. Of course Varro follows her, the one person she’s trying to avoid, and they end up in close quarters where she starts to learn a little bit more about him. Valovians have a very different outlook on life and their customs aren’t always known to human Kee, so inevitably there are misunderstandings and miscommunication between them. Then an attack on the station leads them into danger and a rescue mission, and then the Starlight’s whole crew embarks on another rescue effort, which leads to more danger. The miscommunication between the two got a bit old, but they finally cleared the air somewhat and explanations of customs and honor made more sense of it for me. I also had a bit of trouble reading about some of the brutality and mistreatment by the traitorous Commodore Morton, and I sure hope he meets with a satisfying end at some point in the series. I enjoyed this story immensely and look forward to the next installment in the series.

It took me a bit to get into this novel. I feel like Jessie Mihalik, while writing truly entertaining reads, can sometimes feel formulaic to the point where the reader is not surprised by anything that happens as it is expected. In the end however it is still fun, and a breeze to get through. Very light Sci-fi/romance; for the fans of Ilona Andrews, I will still be picking ups this novel though, because with enough time given in between books you can definitely sink into the world quite comfortably; a truly cozy sci-fi read, with blasters and MCs that kick ass.

*** Thanks you to the Publishers and to Netgalley for providing with a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.***

While not the best so far in this trilogy, I really came to like Kee and Varro and rooted for them throughout the book. Plenty of steaminess and action, this was a decently quick read.

I've enjoyed this series far more than the Consortium Rebellion series. I loved getting to know Kee, spending more time with Tavi's crew, and I am looking forward to Lexi's story.

In other news, I want a Berbu.

Love Jessie’s books and this was no exception! Great sci-fi romance, while still leaning just enough into the sci fi world and world building.

I've said many times how much I hate "misunderstandings" in books. And I do. Except when I don't. This book is riddled with miscommunications and misunderstandings. Both of the main characters - Kee and Varro - make assumptions and choices that lead the other to make their own assumptions.

But. BUT. It works for me here.

Kee is the equipment specialist on Tavi's crew. She was with her in the war, and is really a electronics genius. She gets them intel, hacking into almost anything. She's incredibly relatable to me because I can feel the experiences that have shaped her doubts and assumptions. She sets multiple alarms for herself so she can remember to do things, she has to immediately note everything or she'll forget, she gets absolutely absorbed in her task to the point of ignoring her surroundings and everyone in them. And she's one-hundred percent all in when she loves someone.

That 'all-in' tendency - it's not always appreciated by partners or potential partners. Kee's been told and shown over and over again that she's smothering or moving too fast. So she makes conscious effort to be more deliberate and pull herself in. She feels that this ensures that she doesn't overstep boundaries that others have set, but it's also a protective measure to ensure she isn't devastated by someone she loves.

What I love about her is that once she finally breaks that first, big miscommunication between herself and Varro (and it's in the first third of the book), Kee makes every effort to think past her own insecurities and pain and talk about what's going on.

Varro, I had more trouble understanding - initially. But once I did understand why he was careful, I had a lot more sympathy for what this was like for him. First, valoffs are not human. They have their own customs and sometimes ... It's funny to me, because I would say that a vow to protect someone at any cost is typically shown as incredibly romantic in Romance novels. And I still think it is, but here we're shown the other side of that - the downsides, and consequences.

And how incredibly difficult it can be to accept, understand, and move past those consequences. I like the way that Kee and Varro navigate their growing relationship and develop into a team, partners, not just two people with each other.

Also, can I just say that I love that Kee's neurodivergency is never treated as a burden to the rest of the team. She's never admonished to be more "normal." She's accepted as she is, with accomodations and care from her team, and mechanisms set in place by herself to ensure that she sustained. She's loved for her.

I love this book. Which is what usually happens when an author manages to take something I hate and do it well. I'm incredibly excited for book three, Capture the Sun. Especially since I missed Lexi a lot in this book. But also, I sincerely hope that I get more of Eli, et al. Because I'm dying with curiosity.

This second book following the crew of Starlight's Shadow keeps its science fiction approachable, its action scenes zesty, and its romance front and center. Basically, it's a grumpy/sunshine romance in space. And it's got some classic miscommunication, but make it fun. Because having different cultural backgrounds means sometimes you are going to confuse the heck out of each other. The story follows Kee, she of the sunshine, hacking wizardry, and bisexual fabulosity persuasion, and Varro, he of the grumpy, silent but deadly, stops at the bakery to get you snickerdoodles as big as your head variety. They've shared a warm friendship, oblivious to one another's feelings until Kee secretly seeks some time off the ship away from her "unrequited" crush...only for the object of her affection to follow. While onboard the space station, Kee intends to hunt an enemy who threatens the fragile peace between humans and the Valovian Empire. And if Kee and Varro end up going to a glitzy fashion show as they poke around, they may as well enjoy it (I certainly did). Get ready for some down-to-the-wire hacking, telepathic trickery, kidnapping, blackmail, and a rescue mission. Plus a whole cute love story.

And let's talk about the romance. Because you know I'm on board with the tension when the characters stop in the middle of a time-sensitive, stealth-required mission to make out and I think "yes, good idea, carry on." My support of the main couple chased out logic and left no room for it to poop on the party. It's a nice change of pace. Kee and Varro complement one another well and share an easy camaraderie based on trust and respect. Whether they're trying to rein in their seemingly inconvenient feelings or merely held up by issues of intergalactic import, it amounts to a simmering slow burn. Lapses in communication also stall progress, but they're less frustrating than they could be given the cross-cultural root of the problem and the ways they address misunderstandings. It's satisfying when the speed bumps encourage growth rather than temper tantrums.

As a fun aside, I appreciated some quality representation in the book. In addition to Kee's casual bi identity, there's a crucial side character who uses they/them pronouns, and I would generally characterize the tone of the book as queer-positive. The vibe is that anyone's identity would be met with no-fanfare respect by the ship's crew. In fact, you can anticipate not having to deal with any broader social queerphobia in the book, either. In another arena, I believe Kee could be characterized as neurodivergent based on the way she explains her thought processes, though it's not explicitly labeled as anything.

In short, if this trilogy ends this year with no forthcoming spin-offs, etc. to keep me excited about life, I fear one of the less-beleaguered corners of my soul will perish. Every time a new character is introduced I love them and want to know "But when will ~they~ get the love story that they so clearly deserve??" So that's how my life's going. Thanks to Harper Voyager for my copy to read and review!

Brought to you by OBS reviewer Omar

Eclipse The Moon starts a couple of weeks after the events of Hunt the Stars. Kee Ildez has spent the last nights scouting over the net and trying to find any leads regarding FHP Commander Frank Morten and the kidnapping of the Valovian Empress’s grandchild, but all the research is coming blank. She is limited by the low information that she can get from the net while on board the Starlight’s Shadows, and by her low mental state due to the continuous rejections she is getting from the Valoff Varro Runkow.

Since the first time Kee saw Varro, she knew that she wanted him, and ever since her love for him has increased, but all the flirting has done nothing to make Varro see her. Now Kee needs some time alone and takes a small vacation at the Bastion station and hacked their systems. She just needs to get her Captain Tavi on board.

Now, in her tiny room on board the Bastion station, Kee has set her eyes on the upcoming Fashion Show showcasing a collaboration of FHP and Valovian’s designers. Kee is 100% sure it’s a front for something, but she just needs to find proof, if she can survive her first night.

We are back to the universe of Starlight’s Shadow series with our intrepid group of mercenaries trying to solve the mystery of who is trying to set both nations back on war. I liked this series; it has been fun and entertaining tagging along with the inhabitants of the Starlight ship and seeing how their relationship with the Valoffs has grown since that last book.

This time Kee is the main character of the story with Varro as the brave and aloof Valoffs that is falling in love with the human. I liked Kee and Varro as a couple, they are a good match and help each other with the other’s missing qualities. Both of them are very smart, but they still learn from each other, and it is nice to see Varro take care of Kee during her space out because of her research sessions.

Even with the mysterious group trying to restart the war, we can see that the everyday citizens of both nations don’t want it and are making efforts to create relationships between the two nations. The Fashion show is the first big event, and its success will show that a peaceful relationship is possible. I liked the description of the dress and suits that we see in the show, with Kee’s rainbow color changing to match other pieces.

While we have learned about commander Frank Morten in the previous book, we get to finally meet in person this time. I liked how Kee and even Tavi will fight back and make him angry to lose control or get distracted. Clearly, she is just a pawn for the group trying to restart the war, but he does have followers and new equipment that is making it harder for the Valoffs to fight against them.

In Eclipse the Moon, we see the whole crew of the Starlight, Tavi, Eli, and Anja, while also the Valoffs Torran, Havil, and Chira. At the same time, we get to meet the designers’ Anna and Siarvez, and the youngest Prince of Valovian, Liang Nepru. There are other characters in Bastion station who seem to be playing bigger roles if given the opportunity, and others that I hope we meet again, such as Nick the bodyguard.

The story had a good balance of funny, action, and romantic scenes. Bastion station was the main focus of the story, but we get to see the group travel to the stations and fight their way out.

Eclipse the Moon was a good story that keeps the readers hooked up with the impending war and the mystery of who is behind it. I do wonder, who will be the next couple who will be the main focus of the next book now that they are going back to Valovian territory.

If you are a fan of Jessie Mihalik and her work, then I recommend Eclipse the Moon.

I was soo excited to get this advanced copy because I absolutely adored Hunt the Stars. As soon as I saw there was another book coming out and it was Kee and Varro's story, I couldn't wait. I have become a huge fan of sci-fi romance and this book did not let me down. I loved Varro and his grumpy/broody demeanor and the fact that Kee was such a sunshine girl made me so happy. Watching their relationship evolve was beautiful and the continuation of the plot from Hunt the Stars was just too good. I can't wait for Capture the Sun!

An action packed, enjoyable sequel to Hunt the Stars. We get to stay with the same crew of people who are really becoming one cohesive group and we get a closer look at Kee and Varro's dynamics. You could tell from book one that these two had some chemistry and unresolved feelings between them and I was happy to see them work through it to their own HEA. They definitely hit some major roadblocks and this ended up leaning towards a slow burn because of it, but that didn't stop the heat from simmering between them and it helped them resolve some communication barriers along the way. I also enjoyed the furthering of the series plot trying to prevent a war between the humans and the Valovians and can't wait to see how this plot is furthered in the third and final book. I also appreciate the inclusion of queer characters as both the main character (Kee is either bi or pan though this is not a focus of her identity throughout the book) and secondary characters (we have a non-binary/gender fluid solider and the same bi/pan and gay characters teasing at a polyamorous relationship on the crew). While the representation is not focused on during the book, it is also just seen as natural and that was lovely to see.

This is the second book in the series, and I liked it. Jessie Mihalik's books just work for me, and I love a good sci-fi adventure. Kee is a cool character, but I just felt like I needed a little more about Varro. This is an example of heroine-only point of view leaving me wanting a bit more.

Jessie Mihalik never disappoints! I enjoyed this second entry into her Starlight's Shadow series just as much as the first book. Since her books came recommended via Ilona Andrews I am not surprised at how much I love her. Kee's story lives up to all the expectation built up in the first book and then some. Forced proximity for the win! I eagerly look forward to the next book!

Ok so I enjoyed this! i will say I didn't like it as much as the first book but it was still fun to read nonetheless. I really like Jessies writing style and how much sci-fi elements are actually in this verse just a basic alien-esk romance. If you love books like the Lux series, The expanse and the Aurora rising saga then this definitely would be up your ally. 4/5 stars

A good space opera is the perfect escape and Mahalik is an expert at providing an entertaining story with enough detail to be accurate but not overwhelming. Eclipse the Moon is the second novel in the Starlight Shadow series and follows the adventures of Kee Ildez and Valdovian weapons expert, Varro Runkow as they work together to prevent and interstellar war. Face paced and fun. I have purchased this for my collection and recommend to patrons. 4 stars.
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of the novel in exchange for my honest review.

This book is part of a series, and I haven’t, unfortunately, read the rest. But this book has me looking to get the rest from the library, because I enjoyed it more than I thought I would.

The mystery and action aspects of this book are top notch. The romance is sweet, resolved without a lot of will-they-won’t-they angst, and the pair are able to hold a conversation that isn’t about their relationship, and can handle their work despite their feelings. These are all aspects of a very good story, where romance and sex doesn’t overwhelm the plot.

I’m glad that we’ve progressed to the point where we can have science fiction stories where the science doesn’t overwhelm. I’m not fond of long-winded explanations of how the science might work, purely for the sake of science. The fact that the choices make sense for the narrative and are consistent is really all that I need to know. This book doesn’t let the science get in the way. We get what we need for the story to progress, and nothing extraneous.

I’m giving it 4 stars and putting the rest of the series on my TBR shelf.

I am fully invested in this series. I love the crew of the ship and the world-building. I thought the action in this installment was great. The romance was light and if you didn't read book 1, a reader would be completely lost, but that's okay!

I can't wait for book 3.

Thank you to Avon and NetGalley for this eARC for review. All opinions are my own.

Picking up where Hunt the Stars left off, Eclipse the Moon follows sunshiny hacker/bounty hunter Kee Ildez and gruff weapons expert Varro Runkow as they team up to try to prevent an interstellar war between the Valovians and the FHP. Determined to keep things platonic after Varro does not reciprocate her attempts at flirting, Kee leaves their ship, Starlight’s Shadow, to seek additional information about a rogue FHP commodore and to give herself time and space to deal with her feelings for Varro. Varro comes after her to provide additional protection, and, when their temporary base finds itself embroiled in a battle between the two federations, they must work together to make it off the base alive and to stop the galaxy from plunging into war.

Eclipse the Moon was a fantastic read and lived up to the amazing start Hunt the Stars made in this series. I loved Kee and Varro as characters, and their on-page respect and chemistry as they fought to survive and developed their relationship was excellent. The writing was tight, compelling, and well-plotted, and I was sucked in from the first page. For lovers of romance, science fiction, or romantic suspense, this series is a must-read and will go down as one of my personal favorite reads of 2022. We have purchased this title, and it has made a great addition to our collection. Already looking forward to book 3!

5 stars.