This was a great romance driven book with fantasy elements. The writing was easy to latch in to and the world building worked really well with it.

I’ll start off by saying that I liked this book, and enjoyed the time I spent reading it. It’s wildly trope-y, so if you like all of the romantasy tropes all in one place, this series is the series for you! It was kind of hard to follow what exactly was going on and all the stuff with her being the star maiden and what all of that means, but that may just be me and it may be fine to other people. I am invested in their relationship though and in how they are going to make things work (IF they can make it work!) and I will be reading the third installment in the series.

The Night Is Defying by Chloe C. Peñaranda is a gripping and atmospheric fantasy that explores themes of resilience, mystery, and the unknown. Set in a world where darkness and light collide, the story follows characters on a journey filled with danger and self-discovery. Peñaranda’s writing is immersive and evocative, drawing readers into a haunting and emotional narrative. It’s an engaging read for fans of dark fantasy and stories that push the boundaries of light and shadow.

Thank you so much for the opportunity to read this book. Unfortunately, I’ve decided to DNF at 30%. While I don’t DNF often, I found myself struggling to stay engaged with the story.

I had hoped this installment would resonate with me more than the first, especially after hearing from friends that it improved, but I found similar challenges here. The writing style felt a bit cliché to me, and the banter between the main characters didn’t quite land the way I hoped. I also struggled to connect with the FMC, as her actions and decisions often left me frustrated. Additionally, the dynamic between the FMC and MMC felt more toxic than romantic, which made it difficult for me to root for their relationship.

I truly appreciate the chance to read and review this title, and I’m sorry it didn’t work for me. I know every book has its audience, and I’m sure others will enjoy it more. Thank you once again for the opportunity.

4.25⭐️ The first book in this series was pretty good, but this one was even better! I felt like I was way less confused and got a lot of answers and backstory. There were a couple moments during this one that had me gasping! Thank you for the ARC and audiobook arc. This was so good and the audiobook was done so well! Now I’m sad I have to wait to long for the final book 😩😆

(Sorry this is so delayed! I was new to NetGalley and only posted my review on GR not realizing I could post here as well!)

This book has everything I didn’t know I needed. Mystery, magic, betrayal, and a love story that creeps up on you in the most unexpected way. Astraea’s journey to uncover her past is filled with twists that keep you guessing until the very last page.
The world building is immersive without being overwhelming. And the romance is a perfect slow burn. And the book is absolutely gorgeous. With that cliffhanger, I’ll be waiting for book 3!

If you love:
✨ Slow-burn romance
⚔️ High Stakes
🖤 Forbidden Love
🥰 Found Family

Honestly, a good sequel. The star-crossed lovers trope may be one of my overall favorites! The romance is just... heart-wrenching with Astraea trying to unlock her memories and the dual POV. I enjoyed the continued world-building but I especially loved Astraea and Nyte's romance- we love a do-anything-for-the-girl-hero/enemy and I never found myself not wanting to root for them. But my biggest problem would have to be the overwhelming similarities to Rhysand from ACOTAR- I felt that he and Nyte may as well be LITERALLY the same character, which... no thank you. I really struggled to get past that, similar to book one.

So overall, a good book, but...questionable, I guess. I can't fall in love with a copy and paste MMC.

So I love the book! It definitely got better with each chapter. The end though blew me away. There were so many plot twist at the end it reminded me of throne of glass. I love the diversity push in the book, beautifully written!

I was a bit confused at first, but as the story unfolded, everything started to make sense, and I found myself more engaged. While it took some time to click, I still enjoyed the journey. A solid 3.5/5 ⭐!

The Night Defying by Chloe C. Peñaranda is a captivating blend of mystery, romance, and suspense. Set against a hauntingly atmospheric backdrop, the novel follows a protagonist caught in a web of secrets and danger, pushing the boundaries of courage and love. Peñaranda’s writing is both lyrical and gripping, with well-developed characters and a plot that keeps you hooked from start to finish. The story's emotional depth and unexpected twists make it a thrilling read, perfect for fans of dark romance and complex storytelling. If you’re looking for a book that combines tension with heartfelt moments, The Night Defying is definitely worth picking up!

Great addition to the story. It was very interesting to see more of Nyte and Astraea's story (past and present) unfold. Can't wait for the next book.

This book was really good, and I had high hopes for it going in. While the beginning was slower than I usually prefer, the second half completely pulled me in and kept me intrigued. Nyte was such a standout character, and I loved some of the themes woven throughout the story. There were a few parts that felt drawn out, but overall, I’m so glad I read it. I can’t wait for the next one!

This was a fantastic ending to the series and I really love the way that the main female protagonist grows in this one! It's a great read and I think fans of fantasy romances will absolutely devour this one!

The first book didn't really grip me or stand out if I'm being honest, but this was a huge improvement! I got sucked into the story right away and really invested in the lore of the world. I love Nyte and Astraea's star-crossed romance, and I LOVE how obsessed Nyte is with Astraea. I feel like Astraea really started to grow and come into her own in the book. I really enjoyed the flashbacks into their history and the depth that it added. The writing is very poetic and romantic, which I can see bugging some people, but I quite enjoyed it!

the action packed sequel to The Stars are Dying did not disappoint! I love when sequels pick up right where the first book ends and this was exactly that. I don't remember breathing the entire book, I just kept going. I love this story and cannot wait to see where it goes!

The world-building is detailed and imaginative, with a unique magical system and a compelling cast of characters. The pacing is well-balanced, with a mix of action-packed moments, quiet moments of introspection, and humorous interludes.

I thought this was very good and I will have to add this to the shop shelves. Thank you for the chance for us to review.

I enjoyed these books way more than I expected to. The first book had a bit of a rocky start, I was a little confused and unsure where the story was going. But once I got into The Night is Defying, in true romantasy fashion, everything started to fall into place. Astreas’s growth from book one was incredible. She went from being uncertain and afraid after escaping her prison to becoming a strong, determined woman on a mission to save her realm, recover her lost memories, and fight to save a love that everyone believes is fated to destroy their world. And don’t get me started on Nyte. This dark dangerous villain who everyone fears yet says all the right things, and is absolutely feral for Astrea? I needed more, and I definitely cannot wait for the third book!

This was the perfect sequel to The Stars are Dying. The yearning and heart wrenching romance made this book top tier! Star-crossed lovers is one of my favorite tropes...it makes the story more special in a way. The story at times dragged on but I loved seeing the character growth. Can't wait for more from this author.

I'm such a big fan of this book series! It can be a bit cheesy sometimes with how over the top some of the things the main characters say, but I still enjoy it. The back and forth between the timelines had me occasionally confused, but at the end I think it pulled off both storylines. The ending really took me by surprise as I didn't see it coming. I listened to the audiobook for this read, but I also purchased the STUNNING sprayed edges hardcover version. Can't wait for the next one!