4/5 ⭐️

I loved loved loved this book.

The first book, not going to lie, I struggled to read. There was so much context and not a lot of dialogue in my opinion throughout the first one, but understandable because Guanzon had to set up this giant elaborate world.

But THIS BOOK, wow. It had me hooked from start to finish and in my opinion was definitely better than the first. Guanzon really found her stride in this book. Such a great second book and I already can’t wait for the third one 😭

Thank you to NetGalley for this arc in exchange for my honest review!

I ate this book UP. Wasn't expecting to love this book more than The Hurricane Wars, but happy to report the sequel had everything I could want and more. It's faster paced, the quips are dialed up to a 10, and the romance is hot-hot-hot.

We get a second helping of that delicious enemies-to-lovers tension Thea is so good at writing, intoxicating LONGING, hilariously feisty banter, and numerous extremely well done steamy scenes. I freaking love Alaric and think he's perfect. He and Talasyn complement each other so beautifully!

The cultural depictions of Nenevar had me smiling and chuckling—I was overwhelmed with some familial nostalgia of my own.

And DRAGONS. I love the turn the series took with the gorgeous lore!

THIRD BOOK WHEN?? 😩

While I enjoyed The Hurricane Wars, I LOVED A Monsoon Rising. I’m a huge fan of political machination reads when they’re well done and Guanzon has nailed that in A Monsoon Rising. There’s so much as stake between the Moonless Dark and both Talasyn and Alaric having their own agendas. The plot pacing was well balanced in A Monsoon Rising, and it kept me thoroughly engaged where I did not want to put it down. I also loved the relationship development between Talsyn and Alaric. There was so much chemistry in the first book, and it further blossomed in A Monsoon Rising. We’re given the opportunity to really see their enemies to lovers romance in full force. They were delightfully awkward together, and it made for an entertaining read as they navigated what worked for them. Alaric also really shined in this book with his dry sense of humor. This book ends on a jaw dropping cliff hanger that will have readers including me desperate for the next book. I can’t wait to see where Guanzon takes us in the final installment.

<i><b>"Let them know, beyond the Shadow and the turning of the stars, that you are mine."</b></i>

That ending! This sequel did not disappoint & was unputdownable. Thea G. knows how to weave a beautiful world, all while giving us stunning prose. Everything from the political intrigue, secrets, tension, and new revelations had me on the edge of my seat. The secrets being kept from each other added another level of tension and impending doom.

The romance and banter was upped even more in this sequel. Talasyn & Alaric's dynamic is electric and I was loving every moment between them. Also, the twists and a few revelations towards the end had my jaw on the floor. I cannot wait to see what unfolds in book 3, especially after that brutal cliffhanger!

Thank you NetGalley & Avon/Harper Voyager for an eARC.

A thrilling second installment to the series! As usual Thea's writing sparkles with rich, immersive imagery, and the enemies-to-lovers tension continues to be exquisite. The worldbuilding is fantastic and unique. And the cliffhanger, ahhhh! I can't wait for the third book!

A MONSOON RISING was a perfect follow up to the world that Thea Guanzon created. I enjoyed The Hurricane Wars, but I really enjoyed this book. With its tensions, increased world building, character development, and trope heavy romance, I thought this was a perfect romantasy book.

I loved how in this book, we finally get to see more of the world that the author is creating and how it is a fun blend of magic mixed with technology. It almost felt steampunk, but in a fantasy world. It felt more fleshed out and complex. The world finally started opening up more and we get to see how it functions.

And the stakes are high in this novel. As the story progresses, so does the tension and the character development. We see these characters start to come into their own and they begin to evolve and change, question themselves and their ideals. Its a refreshing take from the last book where the characters were dominated by their own opinions. It created great tension, but in this book, it was more about their evolution into their own people. And I enjoyed that immensely.

And because this is such a romance centered novel, it was great to see these characters develop in the context of their relationship. The largest issue I had with the first book was that it was a slow burn romance in the extreme. Nothing moved forward in their relationship. This was not the case here. There were multiple times where I was kicking my feet in anticipation. And, to me, their interactions were some of the best parts of the novel.

Overall, I really enjoyed this novel and there were several times where I stayed up late to read it. if you love enemies to lovers, arranged marriage, one bed, force proximity, "my wife," touch them and die, slow burn romances, and world building, this book should be for you!

Thank you to Harper Avon and NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!

I gave The Hurricane Wars a generous 3/5 stars because I was frustrated with the slow burn, immaturity of the characters, and singular jarring chapter of spice. THIS BOOK somehow took the same characters and elements and made me love it.

Following the events of book 1, including Talasyn and Alaric's wedding and wedding night (don't get me started on that), they have to begin preparing for the Moonless Dark which threatens to destroy everything. They reluctantly work together even though they both have their plans and vision for life if they succeed while navigating their marriage of convenience.

I loved how the yearning and tension really amped up and even though I may have cringed at just how virgin they both were, their intimacy was developed really well. I was also happy that they had time both together and separately to explore their feelings for each other.

My last fave thing that that the Moonless Dark is the conflict in this book and is fully resolved(ish) before the end. I won't spoil what it is or how it happens but I'm glad they can focus on other conflicts like Alaric's father, the rebellion, and if Talasyn is going to stick to her promise to herself that she will kill Alaric now that they are done.

Book 2 immediately starts off from book 1. A Monsoon Rising focuses more on the new political marriage alliance and puts Tala and Alaric’s romance in the foreground. We get to watch the development of their relationship and their own personal struggles with their chemistry and attraction towards each other. These two are both in denial 😂. They get to experience the impact of outside influences on their relationship as well. Also get to dive a little deeper and learn more about the MCs which helped me connect with them more.

I would’ve liked to see the voidfell plot played out more. As both books lead up to that point, it was slightly underwhelming when it came to stopping it from destroying the world. I felt that the stakes were too high but were not taken too seriously. I also would’ve liked to have spent more time at The Night Empire.

Overall this ᴠ ᴇ ʀ ʏ slow burn, enemies to lovers is my cup of tea and I had a fun time reading it. I felt like I understood the world better than the first one. It has tension, romance, good pacing, political intrigue and a 𝙢𝙖𝙟𝙤𝙧 cliffhanger. Will Tala and Alarics secrets finally spill? Will there be a big sacrifice? I also have a couple of theories. Hoping book 3 delivers.

𝙥𝙪𝙗 𝙙𝙖𝙩𝙚 12/10/24

*𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙠 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙉𝙚𝙩𝙂𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙚𝙮 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙃𝙖𝙧𝙥𝙚𝙧 𝙑𝙤𝙮𝙖𝙜𝙚𝙧 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙚𝘼𝙍𝘾*

Absolutely amazing! If you want enemies to lovers... you are gonna get enemies to lovers. This was mapped out perfectly. I love that the romance didn't take away from the plot. I can't wait for book 3!

"The Lachis'a needs to improve her focus," Alaric drawled. "She's still so easily distracted."
"And the Night Emperor needs to be knocked down a peg or two," Talasyn spat.
'It's very confusing because you both sound like you're talking to me, but you just keep staring at each other," Sevraim said mournfully.

The Hurricane Wars was a wonderful book that showcased Thea Guanzon's storytelling and world-building abilities. This one showcases her growth as a wordsmith. Perhaps because they don't spend the first half of the book in active physical combat, or because there is less world building required of a sequel, but this one is noticeably funny throughout. The first certainly had its humorous moments and one liners, but A Monsoon Rising had me regularly highlighting laugh out loud moments and the perfectly witty and evocative turns of phrase. Which makes the heart wrenching and dramatic moments all the more effective. Alaric in particular was a delight to read - the grim stoicism with which he interacts with the world is in hilarious juxtaposition to the drama queen/theatre kid energy of his internal monologue. "He'd throw himself off the balcony, he really would."

The relationship between Alaric and Talasyn is the heart of this book, and it is wonderfully developed. The spice takes a notable uptick from the first one, as they navigate their marriage and all of the larger political machinations that surround them while they prepare for the Moonless Dark and Voidfell.

And then that ENDING. I really thought I knew where the ending was going to leave us, and boy was I wrong. We are set up for SUCH an intriguing sequel, and all of my expectations have been uprooted.

'I'll never be the same... I will always remember this.... Just him and me and the monsoon.'

Rating: 5/5
Spice: 3/5

Tropes:
- Enemies to lovers (or really, enemies ~while~ lovers)
- Arranged marriage
- Reylo vibes
- Dragons
- One bed
- "Who did this to you" but SHE says it
- Forced proximity
- Shadow daddy
- SE Asian-inspired culture
- "My wife"
- Touch him/her and die
- Masked MMC
- Flying warships

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for providing me with this ARC. All opinions are my own.

3.5⭐️ 3🌶

A Monsoon Rising is the sequel to The Hurricane Wars by Thea Guanzon. The transition into book 2 was seamless.  Talasyn's growth in confidence and authority as Lachis'ka was evident.

I'm here for the banter between Alaric and Talasyn. Their chemistry was palpable, and I really enjoyed the push and pull surrounding their relationship and their sexual tension.

Imagery and world-building were very heavy. There were many times I felt myself getting bored because of soo much description. I just wanted to get on with the story.

I was quite surprised by the ending. I am intrigued to see how everything plays out in book 3.

SCREAMING cause this was the most brutal ending.
it took me a hot minute to actually pick this up and start reading this, but i binged this entire book in a day. it took me a second to get back in the swing of things in this universe, but once i did i tore THROUGH this book.
“it would be so easy to love you in another life”
i love alaric & talasyn and i just want so much more for them. i spent so much time screaming in this book because i NEED more for them. soft alaric?? i actually can’t get enough of it.
i’m super thankful for this arc i enjoyed it and i NEED book 3 STAT !!

Asdekljfl this book makes me feral. All of the emotions were felt. I laughed, I gasped, I squealed. The action scenes were absolutely epic and had me holding my breath and sitting on the edge of my seat. I'm so obsessed with these characters and this story, from Talasyn and Alaric's angst and banter finallyyyyyy turning into more on an emotional and physical level, to the love Talasyn's parents have for her, to the friends that behave more like family than the MC's actual family. Ugh it makes me want to cry just reading about it. Elagbi and Hanan's love for Talasyn is such a bright, shiny thing and brought me so much joy to read about. Alaric is the sweetest, most ridiculously overprotective cutie, while also maintaining the most perfect sarcastic banter with Talasyn. AND THE ENDING, WHYYYYYYYY and HOWWWWW am I supposed to wait for book 3?! I'm so honored to have gotten the e-ARC of this book! Thanks Netgalley!!

Thea has once again managed to capture an enemies to lovers romance in the best way possible Alaric and Talasyn walk the line or will they won’t they do well. Their chemistry is one of the most compelling parts of their romance; although both have come into the marriage with ulterior goals, as we find out in conversations with Alaric and his father, their chemistry and tension binds them together. But then we have the whole plot moving them and their worlds as well, two lovers on opposite sides of an ever widening rift that they must build between if they ever want to be together in an honest way. And we really start to see that in this second addition to the hurricane wars!

The second chapter in the Hurricane Wars fantasy series finds Alaric as the Emperor and master of the Shadowforged Legion and Talasyn, his Empress from his enemy rival nation, navigating their new reality as spouses and trying to find their way through powerful political machinations behind the scenes. They are forced to work together as Shadowforger and Lightweaver to overcome a threat to both their countries that only they can vanquish.

I’m really enjoying the world-building, the dynamics between the two leads as well as the dichotomies between their countries and the vulnerabilities and strengths they share and strive to overcome.

A really good follow-up.

My sincere thanks to the author, NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for providing the free early arc of A Monsoon Rising for review. The opinions are strictly my own.

DNF at 40%.
No. No not for me. It also didn't help that someone compared this to a Reylo fanfic. I have no idea if it was supposed to come off that way, but I can't unsee it now. I was already dragging my feet on this book, and I HATE Star Wars. This was the final straw.

A SEQUEL THAT DELIVERS! I was on the edge of my seat this entire book and could not put it down. Thea Guanzon has done what most authors fail to do — create a sequel that lives up to its expectations.

Monsoon Rising by Thea Guanzon is a captivating continuation of the Hurricane Wars series, blending political intrigue, slow-burn romance, and immersive world-building. Alaric and Talasyn’s forced marriage, meant to symbolize peace, only deepens their tensions as they navigate conflicting loyalties and simmering attraction.

The Southeast Asian-inspired world is vividly detailed, with the looming threat of the Moonless Dark adding urgency to their uneasy alliance. Guanzon allows Alaric and Talasyn’s relationship to evolve naturally, balancing moments of trust, conflict, and undeniable chemistry. Their connection feels genuine, grounded in shared struggles and reluctant respect, making their romance all the more compelling.

Though the pacing leans slower, the deliberate focus on character growth and the intertwining of romance and political schemes make the payoff worth it. When Alaric and Talasyn finally act on their feelings, it’s both intense and bittersweet, adding to the layered conflicts surrounding them.

Guanzon excels at combining epic fantasy with heartfelt romance, creating a story where both the characters and the world feel fully realized. Monsoon Rising is a satisfying sequel that leaves readers eager for the final installment.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book.

OH MY GOODNESS!!! I have found one of my new favorite stories to ever exist! This book had me laughing, crying, and blushing!! Guanozon is a stand-out author, and one of my new favorites. The writing style is incredible. I have not felt compelled to highlight so many lovely quotes and sentences in a long while, and this book had me constantly noting things so I can go back and appreciate the tale. Alaric is steadily and quickly making his way up my list of top male main characters. His growth, and Talaysn’s growth, are written incredibly well. The plot is immersive and it’s put together beautifully. This book is spicy but the way Guanzon writes it is intimate and special. The enemies to lovers plot line is insane!! I thought all the intimate scenes painted a great picture of their relationship developing and I really felt like it adds to the story, even with those great descriptions;)! Truly a work of art!! And the end!!! Ma’am I need the next book YESTERDAY!!!

The Hurricane Wars was my top read last year, so I had high expectations for A Monsoon Rising, and it did not disappoint! A Monsoon Rising is one of the rare cases where the sequel is even better than the first (which is saying a lot here)!

As they adjust to their lives as newlyweds with the conflict of being heirs to two volatile nations, they must also learn how to trust each other as they train to stop an event that would devastate both of their lands. This forced proximity creates a delicious tension as both Talasyn and Alaric navigate with their conflicting feelings, political ambitions, and orders.

What makes this book so good, in my opinion, are the individual character growth journeys of both Talasyn and Alaric. Talasyn really steps into her role as a leader of her nation, learning how to build alliances, navigate politics, and look after her people. While both Talasyn and Alaric have their prior beliefs challenged, Alaric, in particular, begins to question the motives and actions of his ruler and government as his own prejudices are brought to light.

I only wish this book had included more of the supporting cast, as this would have provided a broader view of the current situation of the world. It sometimes felt that the supporting characters were afterthoughts. However, this was likely a stylistic choice by Guanzon to demonstrate how caught up in each other our two potential lovebirds were.

A Monsoon Rising is the perfect blend of romance, betrayal, political intrigue, and character growth. I would recommend this for any Romantasy fan who enjoys a slow burn, true enemies-to-lovers story with heart.

A big thanks to Avon and Harper Voyager, Netgalley, and Thea Guanzon for the digital ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own and this review was posted voluntarily.