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!

Under the Cygnet Moon by Jennifer L. Adams

I was incredibly fortunate to receive an ARC copy of this book. Thank you to the publishers.

You can consider my Flabber well and truly Gasted by the final scenes in ‘Under the Signet Moon’. I was left with my jaw dropped and my eyes bugging: This is a novel to really stick with until the end.

Elara Eversong is heir to the throne and is thrust into deadly politics and a race against time to save everything she holds dear, and boy, do the twists and turns along the way really have you reading “just one more chapter” until the very end. After a slow start, I wasn’t convinced I was going to click with the characters, which is important to me in a book; however, I persevered through the first 1/3 of the book, and I’m delighted that I did, because those twists and turns that came soon after had me devour the final 2/3 of the book in one afternoon! The book's theme deals heavily with grief and loss, which takes on many forms throughout, and you see each of the characters, in various depths, dealing with this in their own way. For readers who may be sensitive to some of the loss or those who have dealt with a loss of any kind, I recommend reading a trigger warning list before diving into this journey.

This definitely rates a 3.5 - 4 star read for me, and I look forward to continuing this saga in future instalments!

Enemies to Lovers
Mystery/Hidden Truths
Magic
Slow Burn Romance
Trauma/Grief/Loss
Betrayal

#UndertheCygnetMoon #NetGalley #ARC #bookreview #newadult #romance #fantasy

This is the sort of book that builds, and you have to stick with it to get into the plot twist and then you’ll be hooked.

Elara enters into an arranged marriage with Caelan, and she falls for him… and here begin the twists and turns. The story is gripping and leaves you in need of the second book!

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.

Review of Under the Cygnet Moon by Jennifer L. Adams

⭐️⭐️⭐️½

Under the Cygnet Moon is a unique spin on the enemies-to-lovers trope. Jennifer L. Adams creates a magical system that feels fresh and original ✨—definitely one of my favorite parts of the book. The romance leans on forced proximity, with plenty of tension 🔥, mystery 🌙, and twists to keep you guessing. I also loved that the characters are flawed. It makes them feel real and relatable 💖, which is always a big plus for me.

That said, the pacing slowed down for me in the middle ⏳. It has hints of a slow burn, though the MMC falls first (and fast 💘), making it obvious from early on that they’re drawn to each other. The plot is full of surprises and shifting directions, but the romance itself didn’t fully land for me.
The FMC is strong and determined 💪, and the MMC carries that “branded soul in need of saving” vibe 💔—but their transition from enemies to lovers felt a bit off for me. I just didn’t feel the chemistry between them, even though I admired them as individuals.

So why the 3 to 4 stars? ⭐ While the romance didn’t totally click for me, the book is still very well written and packed with originality. I think a lot of readers will fall hard for this couple ❤️. If you’re a fan of enemies-to-lovers and want something with mystery, magic, and a fresh twist on the trope, this one is worth checking out! 📖✨

4 🌟
This book is extremely fast-paced and bingeable, you can finish it in one sitting. I am grateful to have received the ARC for it. Our FMC, Elara's character development was organic and believable. She does not magically become overpowered overnight - instead, she gradually discovers her abilities and grows as a person through her experiences and decisions. You will identify with her when you are in her POV.

Our morally grey MMC, Caelan, carries the first 40% of the novel. The dialogue is hilarious, you will be giggling at 3am in the morning. The banter is great.

There's political intrigue - it gives off Cruel Prince vibes, lots of plotting, scheming, training and some action/fights. There is also telepathic communication with animals, if you are into that! It is also a multiple POV - we love to see this!

🩷 Romance:
Enemies-to-lovers/Forbidden romance with trainer-trainee trope - The progression from enemies to allies to lovers is well paced and realistic. The romance develops in a refreshingly realistic and grounded way that sets it apart from many typical romantasy books. Instead of the usual instant attraction or rushed passion, these characters get to know each other in a very human way, that the fantasy genre currently lacks. The FMC and MMC have meaningful conversations, and genuinely get to know each other as people - it is authentic.

You'll actually believe in their connection because it's built on genuine understanding and shared experiences.

🌶️ Spice:
Closed door - Fade to black

Perfect for readers who want their romantasy with emotional depth and realistic relationship development! I am definitely invested, and would love to read Jennifer's next book.

🎶The Serendith Saga Playlist
Castle Crumbling – Taylor Swift
Florida!!! – Taylor Swift & Florence + The Machine
Everybody Wants to Rule the World – Lorde
Who’s Afraid of Little Old Me? – Taylor Swift
Princesses Don’t Cry – Aviva
Warriors – Imagine Dragons
Nightshade – The Lumineers

“I have a proposal for you. In exchange for your family’s lives, you will wed my son”

This book was … such a sweet and action packed and politically intriguing fantasy to read !!! I’m so glad I had this chance. There’s something about the force’s marriage between two people who suddenly become allies that always draws me in in books and this one was no exception. I felt engaged, going through Elara and Caelan’s story and I didn’t want to stop reading. The way their story unfolds is captivating and the complication of their dynamic with the constant doubts and uncertainty of trusting one another … definitely entertaining. The magical aspect of her heritage and the powers and prophecies in the book made the atmosphere even better both in terms of it being a fantasy book and in terms of themes. And, as it happens the romance blossoming is always an appreciated journey in the story. I cannot wait for more in this series!!

“You’re my responsibility now, Elara. Mine. I’ll help you”

“I don’t want to be alone anymore”
“You’re not alone. I’m here - you’ll never be alone again”

Absolutely devoured this book! Could not put it down, managed to read it in just over a day! Enemies to lovers, forced proximity, fantasy, romance, what’s not to love? I loved every single element of this book and am beyond excited for the next one to come out!

This book was a wild ride, the kind that makes you lose track of time, forget your to-do list, and maybe even question your emotional stability just a little. For me, this was an easy 4 star read, and honestly, I’d give an extra half star just for how beautifully messy and empowering it made me feel.

From the very first page, Jennifer L. Adams dropped me into a world that felt like moonlight and fire had collided; ethereal yet fierce. She built a realm that doesn’t just exist on paper; it hums beneath your skin and at the heart of it all? Elara.

Elara. This woman isn’t just a heroine, she’s a force of nature. She’s strength wrapped in vulnerability, power tangled with purpose. Watching her unravel and rebuild herself through every trial felt like watching the moon wax and wane, beautiful, inevitable, and full of aching truth. She isn’t perfect (thank the gods), but she owns every scar, every choice, every spark of her evolution. She’s who I wish I could be on my best day and who I am on my hardest ones.

And then there’s Caelan. Broken and beautifully human despite his power. I swear, this man has “I’ll burn the world for you” energy, but not in a toxic way, in a he finally knows his worth kind of way. His story hit me in the chest because he didn’t just fall for Elara; he rose for her. Sometimes love isn’t about being saved and it’s about being seen, and that’s exactly what Elara and Caelan did for each other.

Their romance started off rocky (aren’t all the best ones a little dangerous?), but it bloomed into something so pure and fiery that I found myself whispering, “Please don’t let this end.” Together, they redefine strength and not as dominance, but as devotion.

Jennifer L. Adams.… I bow to your world-building sorcery. You crafted a universe so intricate yet so emotionally grounded that I could taste the starlight, feel the battles, and ache with the characters. Every word was placed with purpose; every emotion felt earned. She doesn’t just write fantasy; she writes truth dressed in moonlight and magic.

By the time I closed the book, I wasn’t the same person who’d opened it. My heart felt full, my brain was spinning, and my soul whispered, “Read it again.”

Final Thoughts:
If you crave stories that make you feel seen, that blend fierce love with unflinching self-discovery, Under the Cygnet Moon is your next obsession. Jennifer L. Adams gave us a world worth getting lost in and a heroine who teaches us that sometimes, the strongest thing you can do is be yourself under the moonlight. 🌙✨