Thank you so much to Thea Guanzon, Netgalley, and Harper Voyager for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review. 

In a world where book trilogies can suffer from the infamous second book syndrome, I’m more than thrilled to see that A Monsoon Rising enhanced all that was established in its predecessor.

AMR immediately follows up from the conclusion of The Hurricane Wars. From there, the story continues as Talasyn and Alaric prepare for their marriage to be legally official, as well as their preparations for saving their respective lands from the Moonless Dark. 

While THR did suffer from a slow start, in retrospect, the amount of world-building, character interactions, and political intrigue did its job with allowing this book to focus more on developing Talasyn and Alaric’s relationship. There were numerous on-page scenes with them together compared to THR, and I still smile when I think about the classic “stranded somewhere alone with your nemesis” arc that I loved watching in Filipino dramas growing up. But, by far, my favorite part of this installment in the trilogy was how deeper the politics of the world went. Due to having both Talasyn and Alaric's perspectives, we get to see their respective, albeit reluctant, scheming to bring each other's downfall.

My only gripe is wanting more out of Alaric’s connections with other people aside Gaheris. While I'm fascinated by the level of trauma that Gaheris inflicts on Alaric, I think there weren't enough scenes spent with developing Alaric's own group of friends. I'm hoping this will be addressed in book 3 since I did like what I managed to get out of Sevraim (best smug wingman by the way).

Overall, if you loved The Hurricane Wars, then you'll more than likely love A Monsoon Rising as well. Especially for a certain "who hurt you?" moment that I ate up every second of.

ABNSJDHDJDJDJDJEN I KNEW IT WOULD END SOMETHING LIKE THAT BUT IT STILL MADE ME GASP 😭. I had no real expectations from this book and was just going into it knowing I loved the first book. This book is absolutely one of my top books this year no doubt!! Watching the individual growth of both Talasyn and Alaric as well as the shifting of their relationship as they’re gradually forced together and put in situations that place them solidly as enemies and some how draw them closer?? I was hooked from the very beginning and was flabbergasted when the book ended because I don’t think I’ve been this frustrated at a cliffhanger ending since Mark of Athena came out (both are beautifully done but now I have to wait 🫠). I cannot wait to see how the story progresses and I will absolutely be rereading this soon!!

I enjoyed it but I could not tell you why.

For some reason I just can’t get a firm grip on the world building or keeping track of multiple political people, so big reveals and plot twists were lost on me.
I enjoyed doing the audio for the first book, so this might be a “me problem” having done this one not on audio where it helps me more with names and places.

The main relationship between Alaric and Talasyn is so frustratingly back and forth that it's gripping, it’s the one thing that does keep me hooked.

Unfortunately, even since book one, both their personalities have felt very YA to me and that just doesn’t sit well especially with how spicy book two got.

Overall there’s just enough hiding somewhere between the pages that keeps me reading. The pacing is pretty good and seeing what happens to Alaric and Tala keeps me intrigued.
So I’m hoping whatever happens in the next book will solidify if I’ve actually loved all of it or not!

Talasyn and Alaric are back, and they’re messier, angrier, and hotter than ever! Their dynamic is the epitome of enemies-to-lovers done right. The tension is palpable, the banter is sharp, and their growth as individuals and as a couple is beautifully handled. Watching Alaric shed his father’s influence while Talasyn learns to make decisions for herself was like watching two broken pieces fit together…not perfectly, but compellingly. They push and inspire each other while still holding onto that I could kill you energy. Soulmates? Maybe. Frustrating as hell? Absolutely.

The romance is, without a doubt, the highlight here. The push and pull, the undeniable chemistry, the moments of raw vulnerability…it’s everything I wanted and more. We get all the classic tropes, from one bed moments to soul stirring confessions.

Plot wise, this sequel amps up the action, throwing Alaric and Talasyn into situations where everything else is trying to kill them, forcing them to work together (and get closer) in the process. The stakes are higher, the pacing is tighter, and the conflicts (both personal and political) are more intense. Talasyn navigating the treacherous waters of Kesath while Alaric wrestles with his loyalty to his father is gripping. And that ending? What even happened? Absolutely bonkers. I’m still reeling.

As much as I loved the romance (and I did love it), the fantasy plot sometimes felt like it was playing second fiddle. While the overarching fantasy plot (particularly the voidfell) felt secondary at times, the lush world-building still delivered immersive moments. I just wish the political intrigue had matched the emotional stakes. This series leans harder into romantasy than epic fantasy, so adjust your expectations accordingly.

And let’s be honest…the ending will throw you for a loop if you were expecting a tidy conclusion. This is not a duology, folks. We’re in for a trilogy, and Guanzon is making sure we feel the wait for book three.

A Monsoon Rising is a true storm of a sequel, filled with angst, steam, and characters who are as flawed as they are fascinating. It balances action-packed scenes with intimate moments, giving us a story that’s as addictive as it is emotional. Thea Guanzon has crafted a romance that feels raw and real, set against a backdrop of war, magic, and betrayal. If you’re a fan of slow-burn romance, dynamic characters, and stakes that will keep you on edge, this book is for you.

Is it perfect? No. But unforgettable? Absolutely. Bring on book three, this storm isn’t over yet.

Thank you to Netgalley and Harper Voyager for providing me an advanced readers copy of A Monsoon Rising, in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This story just got even better!! Omg! I am so excited for this publication and I hope that I can get the beautiful first edition. I will certainly need a trophy for my shelf. This book is just as beautiful as the first! Inside and out.

A Monsoon Rising is a fast paced and exciting sequel to The Hurricane Wars.

Talasyn is headed back to the Night Empire to take her place as Empress beside Alaric. But a lifetime of war has left them both scarred, and neither is willing to fully trust the other. And for good reason. Talasyn won’t give up on her allies, and is secretly plotting to help them to overthrow the Kesath empire from the inside. Meanwhile, Alaric’s father still hates the Lightweavers, his new daughter-in-law included. With stolen Nenavar technology, he wants to use Talasyn to save them from the Moonless Dark, then rid her of her light forever. As much as Alaric and Talasyn desire each other, they can never fully overcome being on opposite sides of a long war.

I really enjoyed this book. There was a lot of action that moved the plot forward and introduced us to more of the world. Additionally, we get to see more of Talasyn and Alaric as individual characters trying to fit into their new roles and together in their relationship. It was nice to see how their relationship developed, but I’ll admit it was incredibly frustrating as a reader to see how little they trusted each other, especially how Talasyn was still convinced that she needed to betray Alaric, despite her growing feelings for him. Talasyn struggles with her growth and opening up to Alaric, even seeing that he would be a good ruler, but still can’t reject the ideals she held during the war. Meanwhile, Alaric wants to trust Talasyn, and knows how much her magic is intrinsic to her very being, but still has a deep distrust of lightweavers, so he struggles with his father’s plan. There were definitely times I wanted to chuck the book across the room because of these stubborn characters. But again, this is the middle book in a series which is a tough place to be in order to keep the tension high, but still move the plot along towards the next book. The ending was quite surprising and left me absolutely gasping. I can’t wait for the next book in this series!

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Harper Voyager for the advanced copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

I have so many opinions that would be spoilers and I try so hard to not have spoilers in my reviews. By the end of this book I was screaming. Alaric and Tala put me through it. First they wouldn't kiss, which ahhh, then they did kiss and now they won't admit their feelings to each ofher?! -screams- and not to mention there is a war and everyone is betraying everyone else. The wait for the 3rd book is going to be the longest of my life.

Absolutely stunning sequel!

Where to even begin? This book had my attention from page one. The romance, the battles, and the energy was addicting!

Holy buckets! I have not found myself that taken with a book in a while. This book was by no means a sleeper sequel. Now yes, it was written a little differently than book one, but I think it worked to elevate this story. Unlike book one, this one focused one the lovers and the building of that spice and romance between them, and I was living for every minute of Tala and Alaric. They might be my favorite bookish couple right now. This book was giving so much, and I was here for it. And I didn't mind the dual POV this time around. Having both Tala's and Alaric's POV felt very essential and beneficial to the book.

Now was this book flawless, almost...but not quite. The pacing was iffy in a couple of spots. The third part seemed the most off-kilter. I wanted a little bit of a higher staked ending. The ending wasn't bad or flat by any means, it just didn't feel like it was this huge plot twist that I was expecting.

Overall, this book went above and beyond my expectations. I think anyone who enjoyed/loved book one will really enjoy this book. I can't wait to see where book three will take us!

I would like to give a big thank you to the author, the publisher, and to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Rating: 5/5

I’m completely obsessed with this series at this point. I absolutely loved the first book and the second book didn’t disappoint! I love the character development, the atmospheric writing style and I love the romance!! The spicy scenes are 🤌🏻🌶️
I sincerely hope that the third book is already being written because that cliff hanger is going to be killing me inside until we all get some answers. Would recommend this series. Thank you to netgalley for having me as an arc reader in exchange for my honest review.

When I say I ran, I dropped everything to read this book! It did not disappoint!

In book one we experienced lots of angst between Tala and Alaric in their enemies to kind of lovers.
In book two, they've married and are rather reluctant about the relationship. They know they have to work together to prevent the Moonless Dark and spend months shuttling back and forth between their respective countries practicing their shield while also dealing with the problems in their respective countries.
Alaric is now emperor, but in name only as his father still makes the decisions. Alaric is torn while Gaheris hides a Sariman and conducts experiments in an attempt to discover how to take Tala's magic from her.
Tala still hides the Sardovian refugees, but as she comes to know Alaric, she sees his humanity and desire to create a better world. She wonders if she could win him to her side rather than betray him as planned.
Meanwhile, their attraction for one another grows. This book is far more spicy than the last as they finally acknowledge the physical attraction for them. But who are they kidding? We all know it's not just physical.
Be warned, this book does end on a doozy of a cliffhanger!!

Thank you to Thea Guanzon for making this book so horny!! After the tantalizing slow burn in book 1 combined with heaps of world building, Guanzon rewards readers in Book 2 with a romance focused plot. The story picks up shortly after the conclusion in book 1, leaving Alaric and Talasyn to face their arranged marriage. These enemies from opposing kingdoms are situated into some good old fashion forced proximity, only one bed, and ‘that’s my wife’ action that is brilliantly executed. While I adore Talasyn and her stubborn ferocity, Alaric really steals the show for me with his intense yet unproblematic stern shadowdaddy vibes. These two lovebirds fought so darn hard against their mutual physical attraction, and watching them give in was a delight. (I’m still not over that closet scene, or the mirror scene! IKYK).

Guanzon also provides for character growth in this book as both MCs work together to blend their magic in an attempt to prevent Moonless Dark from destroying their homelands. Descriptive prose brings this Southeast Asian inspired fantasy world to life from the foods, flora, fashions, and other cultural traditions. And while there are still hints of political tension, impending war, and exposure of both their secrets from one another, this middle book of the trilogy allows readers to fully give in to the beautiful romance story. There is a jaw-dropping cliffhanger foreshadowing that Book 3 will unleash the action and high stakes drama from the opening book.

Thank you to Harper Voyager for my e-ARC in exchange for my honest review. Now bring on the final installment ASAP!

Cliffhanger!!!!! Book 3 is too far away. lol.
Hurricane wars was so full of action and mommies to lovers build up I was hoping for similar with Monsoon rising but alas, this story was much more romance based. This is not a bad thing but I was looking forward to all the action and political build up to occur. Still a good book and that ending!!!

This sequel to The Hurricane Wars elevates the series to new heights, delivering a perfect storm of action, intricate world-building, and character development that will sweep you off your feet!

At the heart of the story, the relationship between Alaric and Talasyn crackles with tension and unresolved feelings. Their enemies-to-lovers dynamic is expertly crafted, with each interaction fraught with both passion and conflict. Alaric's character, in particular, shines in this installment, revealing a darker, more complex side that will have readers swooning and shuddering in equal measure.

This book is a must-read for fans of romantasy, political intrigue, and masterful storytelling. Thank you to Netgalley, Harper Voyager, and of course the brilliant Thea Guanzon for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review!

A Monsoon Rising picks up shortly after the Hurricane Wars and continues the story of Talasyn and Alaric as they navigate their arranged marriage. They are forced to work together to stop the death magic of the Void Sever while still supporting the opposing factions of the Hurricane Wars. Can they fight their growing attraction to one another without betraying those they love most?

Guanzon knows how to write impeccable sexual and romantic tension between the two main leads. Talasyn and Alaric are both interesting characters on their own and they make sense as a couple. Like with many romantasy books, the plot takes a back seat to the romance. However, I'm okay with that since the romance in this case is well developed and mostly unproblematic. I am aware that the genre is being inundated by shadow daddies but, to be honest, Alaric is probably my favorite of the bunch. He's not toxic and clearly is always trying to do the right thing (with the caveat of being raised by an abusive prick who manipulated his world view).

With that being said, I felt that the last 10% of this book was written by a completely different author and came from a completely different series. (Not in a good way!) I will try to minimize spoilers going forward.

A major twist regarding the magic system is revealed and then literally glossed over so we can talk about the main characters having babies. Despite the plot and politics already being fairly complicated, the book ends on a new complication being added that was completely unnecessary and required Talasyn to randomly become an idiot. As stated above, I found Alaric refreshingly nontoxic and for some reason in the last few chapters, he suddenly becomes irrationally possessive? Why are we indulging in overdone and stupid tropes? Again, I felt like I was reading a lesser quality romantasy book and was highly disappointed.

I'm on the fence about whether or not I'll continue the series based upon how this book ended.

Fable review went live on 11/30. Goodreads and storygraph reviews going live on 12/3. Will upload Tiktok review on pub date.

Oh wow i definitely liked this one more than the first one! The tension between the two was well written and I feel like the authors writing developed more compared to the first. I will definitely continue to read more books by this author!

And that cliffhanger 😭😭😭

This was a very good follow up to a great first book. I personally loved that this book was more romance focused than the first and I loved getting additional historical background and world building. BUT the miscommunication went on for so, so long and it was pretty repetitive. I was ready for them to admit their feelings - gosh dangit! BUT that ending? Are you freaking kidding me? I need book 3 like I need air to breathe.

Thank you so much to Thea Guanzon, HarperCollins, and NetGalley for a chance to read this in exchange for an honest review!

Thea writes some of the most devastatingly romantic lines, and the entirety of A Monsoon Rising was no different. I've been in a large book slump due to mental health but what I was able to read was mostly this book, and it's such an incredible ride. Book one sets up the political intrigue, character building and an enemies to lovers romance so well. Book two is able to capitalize on what's already been built and go full steam ahead.

As someone who has Never Seen Star Wars And Doesn't Know Anything About Reylo I surprisingly enjoyed Hurricane Wars! It felt like a good balance between romance and politics that I like in my romantasy, and it was a beautiful book to boot lol. This one felt a bit more unbalanced on those scales, far more romance than politics, and the plot felt more dragged along than the first. I feel like this story is a trilogy because 1. trilogies sell and 2. star wars also releases in sets of 3 and it matches the inspiration. But I really feel like we could've removed half the romantic tension (SO MUCH!!!! I LOVE TENSION BUT THERE WAS SO MUCH) and advanced the plot more and turned it into a duology, but I respect the trilogy and will dutifully read the next because I gotta know how my lovers end up! 3.5 stars rounded up to 4

I was not disappointed by the sequel. There was more romance in this book than the first and I genuinely loved it.

I will say the build up and build up to what we got was disappointing. It was like that’s it?! The ending had a cliff hanger and I do hope he causes chaos in book 3,

Thanks to netgalley for this ARC! I liked this better than the first one, but still found it a bit slow. The last 1/4 was excellent.