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Member Reviews

I was fortunate to receive an ARC copy through NetGalley

From the first paragraph, I was dropped into Elara's life and swept away.

This book grabbed my attention from the very beginning. Just when I thought I had things figured out, the plot would twist and prove me wrong. I devoured this book in 2 days!

The main characters drew me in, but also had my brain wondering what they were hiding. I love when there is an air of mystery!

It's a fast-paced fantasy with a truly unique magic system,. The plot is filled with intrigue and dangerous secrets .

Enemies to Lovers
Betrayal
He falls first
FMC that finds her strength
Burnt cinnamon roll MMC

All in all an excellent debut by Jennifer L Adams!

I definitely will read book 2!

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"Where Enemies Burn and Lovers Bloom"

Under the Cygnet Moon by Jennifer L. Adams is a compelling enemies‑to‑lovers fantasy romance that mostly delivers on its promises: magic, tension, danger, and complicated hearts. The premise is strong — a world where divine or supernatural powers collide with human vulnerabilities, two characters forced into proximity despite mistrust and hurt, and a rising threat that demands they overcome their differences. Adams builds a setting with interesting lore, vivid scenes, and emotional stakes that draw you in.

One of the novel’s biggest strengths is its characterization and romantic tension. The leads are both flawed, and the push‑pull between them feels authentic: mistrust, secrets, desire, maybe betrayal, all woven in. Their emotional arcs are satisfying: seeing how their perspectives shift, how their walls come down, and how trust is earned makes many of their interactions feel earned. The magic system and worldbuilding are engaging; Adams doesn’t dump everything at once, instead revealing bits of the mystical and the dangerous gradually, which helps maintain suspense.

However, the book isn’t without its drawbacks. Sometimes pacing wavers: the middle stretch at points feels slower, where world‑detail or internal conflict takes center stage at the expense of plot momentum. Some plot threads take longer to resolve than the reader might prefer, and there are moments when the enemies‑to‑lovers arc’s tension slackens because the conflict becomes repetitive. Also, while many secondary characters are memorable, some blend into the background, lacking distinctive enough voices or stakes so their fates or contributions don’t always feel fully meaningful.

Also, there are occasional tonal shifts that feel abrupt — a serious magical consequence, then a romantic flirt, then danger — sometimes these transitions pull you out of immersion. I also wished for a bit more clarity early on in some of the magical rules; certain stakes or constraints seem implied but not well established until later.

Verdict: Under the Cygnet Moon is a strong, satisfying entry in the fantasy romance space. It hits many of the marks — emotional tension, good worldbuilding, romantic payoff — while also showing places where tightening might elevate it further. I give it four stars: definitely worth reading for enemies‑to‑lovers lovers, romantasy fans, and anyone who enjoys magic plus moral complexity.

Enemies‑to‑Lovers 🥀➡️🌹 — Two leads who begin in conflict or mistrust but develop romantic feelings.

Slow Burn Romance ⏳❤️ — Attraction builds gradually, with tension, misunderstandings, secrets, etc.

Secret Identity / Hidden Truths 🤐 — One or both characters have secrets or hidden sides (magical lineage, powers, past hurts) that are revealed over time.

Magic / Supernatural Elements ✨ — Fantasy setting, magic, supernatural stakes.

Dual Point of View / Shifting Perspectives 🔄 — Likely switching between the two romantic leads’ viewpoints to show internal conflict / misunderstandings.

Intrigue / Political / Social Power Struggle ⚔️ — Given the fantasy setting, probably conflicts beyond just romance: rival houses, societal expectations, magical balance, etc.

Protective Male Lead / “Dangerous Attraction” 🛡️🔥 — One lead may be more hardened, dangerous or morally grey, nature of protecting vs being drawn to risk.

Trauma / Healing 💔➡️🕯️ — Emotional wounds, past betrayals or losses that affect characters’ behavior, and their journeys include healing.

Found Family / Supporting Cast Loyalty 👥 — Secondary characters who serve as confidants/allies; loyalty outside romance matters.

Forbidden Magic or Taboo Powers ⚠️🪄 — Magical powers or actions that are risky, outlawed, or with heavy consequences.

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Elara is a sheltered princess forced into a marriage with her enemy. She falls for Caelan even though she isn't supposed to...

Love the enemies to lovers story. The story is fascinating and romantic. The characters are charismatic and easy to like.

Thanks to the publisher for the arc.

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