Even though it has been awhile since I read book 1, I had no trouble getting right into the sequel. This expanded on the world and the relationship between the 2 main characters. This was so enjoyable and I can't wait to read the next one.

Thank you to the publishers for a copy of the ebook and the audiobook in exchange for my review.

This doesn’t happen very often, but in this case, I enjoyed the second book in this series more than the first! Guanzon did something very special here in that the world building was done SO WELL in The Hurricane Wars that she could really focus on the relationships and characters in A Monsoon Rising. I felt like I had such a good hold on the magic and political climate so that when we dove into this book, I didn’t feel lost or confused.

Wow. The growth our beloved Alaric and Talasyn have in the book is *chef’s kiss*, both as a couple and individually. I absolutely loved their time on page together. This is truly an example of enemies to lovers done right, and oh man, did it work for me. The Hurricane Wars felt more of a fantasy heavy in political intrigue where this book felt very much like a Romantasy from start to finish. If you enjoyed book one and craved more of Alaric and Talasyn, then you are going to LOVE this one.

And that ENDING?! Prepare to shut this book and instantly be begging for more! I can’t wait to see what is in store next in this series.

LOOOOOOOOOOOVED IT!
One of the biggest complaints (from other readers) I saw about the series was that the world building in the first book was very dense and they were anticipating a more character centered story. This isn't a view I shared personally, however, I will say for those that felt like the first book didn't have enough Talasyn and Alaric this book was definitely more character driven. All that build up in the first book really lead to an enormous ;) pay off in the sequel. The chemistry was captivating as we watch Talasyn really struggle with her internal conflict between falling in love and needing to be the queen and leader her people need.

One of my favorite parts of the book were the blink and you'll miss them political scheming behind the scenes, Talasyn and Alaric are so focused on the Moonless Dark that they don't even notice the sinister intentions of those within their enter circle leading up one of the most epic battles scenes.

That ending was uncalled for and amazing, how dare you, give me more.

overall I enjoyed this book, but not quite as much as I enjoyed Hurricane Wars. I felt like the plot was very well driven in the first book but just sort of fell flat in this second book. luckily the character development and romance kept this book afloat. The slow burn and chemistry between the characters were what kept me motivated to continue.

A great follow up to Hurricane Wars! I'm really excited to see where this series goes. The romance is the perfect mix of angsty and passionate - all while being couched within a rich fantasy setting. The balance of worldbuilding and romance is perfect. I'm looking forward to the next one!

Alaric and Talasyn are back with their tension filled marriage they’re trying to sell to everyone and themselves. Their worlds are still not at peace and they’re going to have to come together to save them.

These books have been so packed with action there was never a dull moment! I wasn’t sure if book one would stick in my mind enough to grab book two so long after but the characters came right back to me. The writing style is super engaging and I really really loved these characters!

Thank you so much to Netgalley, Thea Guanzon, and Harper Voyager for providing this free ARC. This is my honest review!

A Monsoon Rising is the second book in The Hurricane Wars series and continues the tumultuous relationship between Alaric and Talasyn. The two enemies are now married and have to figure out if they can truly trust each other, while also working behind the scenes to ruin the other. Now they have to work together to stop the Moonless Dark - something only they can prevent due to their magic.

The Hurricane Wars was such a thrilling fantasy romance story for me and I had high hopes for this one. Unfortunately it fell a bit flat for me. Overall I still enjoyed the story: the tension between Talasyn and Alaric, the behind-the-scenes plotting, THE LAST CHAPTER. But I found myself struggling to pick it up and continue. I am unsure if it was just me and my brain not being able to stick with the story, but I felt as though not much happened until the last third of the book. Guanzon does do a great job leaving this book in a place where you are salivating for more. I am still interested to see how this story ends and cannot wait to read the next book in the series!

A solid 3.5.

The world-building in this series is amazing, and when the characters actually step outside of their own heads for two seconds, they can be a lot of fun. While this was a major step up from the first book, I still felt it lag until the last couple of chapters. And the cliffhanger was absolutely diabolical! I am intrigued enough to want to see where this series is going, and the world-building and overall concept are amazing. I just keep thinking that it needs a little more of something else. I am hoping I will know by the time the next one comes out. The author is brilliant in their own right, and I cannot wait to read more from them!

If Thea Guanzon writes it, it's safe to say that I'm going to absolutely love it and A Monsoon Rising was no different. This book was just as magical as the first book. The way that the plot for this one comes together will draw you in and keep you wanting to burrow within the pages as the story continues to unfold all the way up until the last page. When I finished this book, I was rendered speechless and am absolutely desperate for book three.

The world that Thea Guanzon has built is one of the most beautiful ones that I have read about in a long time. The way that she describes each location and scene leaves a vivid picture of it in your head as you’re reading and helps you fully immerse into the world as Talasyn and Alaric are moving through it. That same descriptive writing is used when talking about the unique and impressive magic system that I’m still obsessed with, especially after a certain major scene in this particular book.

The enemies to lovers trope carries on throughout this book but in a different sort of way. There are a lot of secrets and a lot of them holding themselves back because of these secrets until they finally reach that moment of "screw it". The stakes are high and you can feel it all throughout A Monsoon Rising. I still don’t think anyone can top the complicated and history-worn relationship, the ebbs and flows between Alaric and Talasyn, and I love the fact that this book continues to have both of their points of view because it really allows us to see the complexities of their feelings as they navigate each step and how they orbit each other. It continues to be a delicious slow burn full of banter and epic levels of pining that will leave you feeling every single emotion that you can possibly imagine.

I love this series and I always worry that the second book won’t live up to expectations of the first book but this book was amazing and I think it was even better than the first.

Really the best thing about this book was the romance, I feel like the plot was a little lost but who am I to judge.

4/5⭐️

I LOVE this series so far, A Monsoon Rising is my favorite of the series so far and I cannot wait to read the rest to come! Really got me back into my Fantasy reading

This book was AMAZING!! I loved the fantasy setting in this book, the world building was wonderfully done! The characters were well done, and the interactions was flawless and kept me interested the whole book! I would highly recommend this book!!

I loved the continuation of this storyline. The intrigue of what was going to happen next had me at the edge of my seat. Alaric and Talasyn are nothing but pawns in the pending war between their countries, but the chemistry these two have (even though they fight it) makes it all the more worth it.

I can't wait for what's next. I need to see these 2 stand on their own and fight against the forces that are using them. I think if they do, they'll be a force you do not want to reckon with.

Unfortunately, I will not be continuing this series. Book 1 was not compelling and I did not feel like the world building was good and the magic system lacking. It felt like a barely formed fantasy book.

Ugh, the will they/won’t they is getting annoying but I love it!! Enemies to lovers is slow going!!! Alaric and Talyasin are enemies forced to marry, they are able to create a shield with their magic together so both families think it’s a good idea for an alliance of sorts. War is going to happen, but hopefully they can help save lives.

Thank you, Harper Voyager for the e-arc!
Unfortunately, I really struggled to keep going in this series! Tried picking this back up a few times, but I think it is time to call. I liked the first book, but I struggled to get back into the storyline and connect again with the characters. The romance was good, and I liked the premise/magic system, but I think this ended up just not being for me.

I am so incredibly grateful for the opportunity to have received a review copy of A Monsoon Rising from the author, and Avon and Harper Voyager! 🫶

A Monsoon Rising truly has such beautiful and incredible world building! 🥹💕 I truly was blown away by the level of intricacy and details of how the author paid attention to every single detail. Also, the romance is truly *chef's kiss* and I loved it!

4.5 ⭐ Solid continuation of the series! So much relationship development and I was not disappointed with the yearning and actual physical moments! I was screaming and shocked! Thea really brought her A Game with this installment! I love how the story progressed and each moment the Main Characters were together was so much fun to read! I want to see more of that in the next book!

The world building is unique with a magic system that is combined with combat that I enjoyed! I was surprised in moments in the books that tie to the whole over arching War that is currently going on.

I can't wait to see how this story will end!

I received an advance reader copy of this novel in exchange for a fair review. Unfortunately, I didn't care for this novel as much as I enjoyed the "Hurricane Wars" debut by Thea Guanzon. I know sequels can be challenging for many authors, and in this case I felt the characters were far more difficult to engage with than in the first novel. The sex scenes felt a bit over the top, and I also didn't enjoy the plot devices as they developed. Overall the novel is a solid sophomore effort, but a bit of a let down following the Hurricane Wars. Many fantasy & romantasy readers will enjoy this novel, but it wasn't a big success with me.

Fantastic sequel! Really love the development of the story, the character's journey, and how rich this world is. This is such a great series.