I enjoy the structure of the world and the interesting play of mafia families with the addictive Sun Rose. With the references to the stars in the fictional religion, I always had the impression that this book could have been written in an intergalactic environment rather than on a single world, especially due to the drastic weather differences between the Capital and their city.

I read the first book in order to read the second book’s ARC. In general, the author writes well with clear prose and the characters are distinct in their personalities. I thought it clever to add Ezra in the second book. Where this book and the first could improve is I felt as if there was a lot of passive world building. It is a creative concept, but it feels as if everything is a form of foreshadowing leaving gaps for the reader to eventually fill. This is distinct from setting a solid foundation in the world and allowing it to grow outward from there using foreshadowing. Predominantly, the writing describes the environment using the character’s thoughts or through their conversations, rather than using scenes where the reader experiences the conflict, the discrimination, the necessities of having an arbiter, or the addictive elements of the Sun Rose. There are still some gaps between how the characters are motivated and the actions that result. Overall, it was a creative idea with clear writing.

Thank you to the author, Shoshana Rain, and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for the ARC.

If The Desert Heiress lit the spark, The Rogue Heiress throws it into a full blown wildfire. Shoshana Rain doesn't just build on the foundation she laid in book one, but deepens it, sharpens it, and lights it ablaze with higher stakes, hotter chemistry, and even more tangled emotions.

This story picks up with the betrothal of convenience still intact but on shaky ground. Healing old wounds, rebuilding trust, and learning to function as a team isn’t just a personal journey for the main characters it’s essential to the survival of their communities. Outside forces are circling, and the characters must learn to fight not just for each other, but with each other. Their mission becomes both personal and political, with everything from their hearts to their homes on the line.

The world of the Seven Star Empire also expands significantly in The Rogue Heiress, and so do the dangers. The action scenes are emotional and intense, with gunfights, and knife battles that have you on the edge of your seat. The sunrose trade storyline becomes even more intriguing as the characters dive deeper into the shadows of smuggling, distillation, and innovation. The unraveling of corruption within the centralised sunrose system is a slow burn subplot that promises major revelations in book three, and I am so here for it!

Book two dives headfirst into a bold, sultry, and emotionally charged “why choose” arc, crackling with jealousy, longing, reconciliation, and deepening bonds. The emotional tension simmers and the chemistry is off the charts as the spice level kicks up several notches. However, the addition of a fifth betrothed an unexpected addition, adds a whole new layer of complexity to an already strained dynamic.

Rain’s skill in juggling character dynamics shine through as relationships twist, evolve, and unravel in ways that feel both raw and earned. Trust is fragile, power constantly shifting, and yet, amidst it all, genuine connection begins to spark. The Rogue Heiress proves that this series is only just getting started.

This book just got better and better as you read. Lis ends up with not three but FOUR husbands, and with their new positions as council of the city, they work hard to come to terms with their new arrangement when a message is received from Elemi saying that the horrific Company will be coming soon. The rush to put plans in place to secure their future.

This book is action packed, well written fantasy. A few mildly spicy scenes as well. It’s been an enjoyable read I couldn’t put down and I hate I have to wait until 2026 to read it!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Enemies to lover
Political intrigue
Slow burn
Touch her and d!e
RH

Really enjoyed this second book!! Loved where the plot was headed, and looking forward to book 3! The spice definitely increased in this one, so I’m intrigued to see the spice level in the next one- maybe a spicy MFMMM scene??

Spicy MMMF romance! Absolutely loved this! When Deo, Filip, and Adrian decide Lis is going to marry them, their interests will all be tied together permanently. Insanity ensues, with each member of the betrothal trying to protect the others, the Company on their tail, and love burgeoning across the entire betrothal. Highly recommend!

I just finished the second book in The Seven Star Empire series by Shoshana Rain, and wow — I am absolutely buzzing with excitement! While I enjoyed the first book, the second one completely blew me away. It delivered everything I was hoping for and more, leaving me eagerly craving the next installment. The pacing, the stakes, the character development — everything felt tighter, richer, and more immersive.

One of my favorite aspects of this book was how it gave off major Ocean's Eleven vibes. There was this thrilling, clever heist energy woven throughout the plot, full of scheming, teamwork, and unexpected twists. The way the main characters collaborated, strategized, and learned to trust one another was deeply satisfying. Their bond grew stronger through every challenge they faced — and let me tell you, there were plenty of hardships. Yet, no matter the danger or emotional turmoil, they stuck together and pushed forward, even when the cost could have been their lives. That kind of loyalty and growth made me so much more invested in every single one of them.

Another major highlight for me was the addition of a new male main character to the relationship dynamic — Ezra. What a phenomenal addition! He’s a brilliant, bookish scholar who carries himself with such a shy, humble demeanor that it’s downright adorable. He doesn’t realize the effect he has on others, which just makes him all the more endearing. Ezra brought a calming, intellectual balance to the group that felt like the perfect contrast to the more intense personalities around him. His presence not only rounded out the cast but also added new layers of emotional depth and romantic intrigue that I loved.

This book also amped up the action and the spice in the best possible way. The stakes were higher, the battles fiercer, and the chemistry between characters more intense than ever. I was completely immersed in this vibrant, dangerous world from start to finish, and I didn’t want to leave.

Shoshana Rain has outdone herself with this installment, and I can’t wait to see where she takes us next. Book three can’t come soon enough — and fingers crossed for some special editions, because I need more of this universe on my shelf. If you haven’t started this series yet, run — don’t walk — and get your hands on it. You’re in for a wild, emotional, and totally unforgettable ride.

Thank you,NetGalley and ARC provided by Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for sending an ARC of this book. I actually got accepted for the ARC of this book and the first one on NetGalley!

All I can say is, I am ready for the third book. I need to know what happens. If you enjoyed book one, you are definitely going to enjoy this one!! This book picks off right where book one ends and at least for me. There was no waiting. I binged both books!! Now we have fallen into a marriage of convenience with some of our guys, which I’m not opposed to. I love a good marriage of convenience and then with some of the guys it’s like an enemies to lovers vibe going on. There was a curveball throne with our marriage of convenience and we’re adding someone new to the mix, Ezra. He’s literally like a shy sweetheart and you just wanna protect him. I definitely am looking forward to seeing more of his character in the third book. Lis, Deo, Filip and Adrian are still trying to work things out, and now Ezra is being added into the mix. There’s a lot more betrayal and deceit happening than people realize so we dive deeper into that. There’s still a little mystery around the Widow and what her endgame is going to be. I’m definitely ready for this big reveal because she sets a lot of things in motions and I just wanna see what it was all for. We also had a lot of character development from various people and I really enjoy that cause it gives you a different outlook on their characters and then a better understanding. I honestly flew through this book and it left me wanting more and I know the third book isn’t coming out until 2026 but I’m hoping that with some miracle wish, it could come out during 2025 because I need to know what happens!!