"I will always remember this. Just him and me and the monsoon."

Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Collins for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I was lucky enough to also ARC read "The Hurricane Wars," and I was over the moon when I got the email to say that I had been accepted for "A Monsoon Rising."

Let me start off by saying that the world building and political intrigue so intricately created in the first book of the trilogy is excellent. Diving headfirst into the heart of the Monsoon, it was easier to plunge straight into the story, already having a firm idea of the different factions and powers in play.

"A Monsoon Rising" picks up almost immediately after the end of "The Hurricane Wars," finding Alaric and Talasyn apart and pining for each other. "A Monsoon Rising" is rich in its enemies to lovers regency, proving that the heart really is a battlefield while the two MCs battle with their forbidden attraction while the Moonless Dark steadily approaches, and Alaric and Talasyn fight to quell the raging tempest within themselves.

In short, "A Monsoon Rising" was an absolute masterpiece. I wasn't sure how Thea was going to pull off a sequel to rival "The Hurricane Wars," but she has really outdone herself. I eagerly await the next installment.

In A Monsoon Rising, is an exciting follow-up to *The Hurricane Wars*. Talasyn and Alaric used to be enemies, but now their personal goals and government duties are putting a strain on their fragile relationship. The unhappy queen Talasyn plans against Alaric's rule in secret while the Moonless Dark gets stronger. As the danger gets closer, they must work together to save their world, but Alaric's love-loyalty struggle makes its own storm.

This book is very emotional because it has high-stakes political drama, hot romance, and beautiful magical world-building. The beautiful writing of Guanzon takes you to a bright dream world. Fans of fantasy and romance will love this story full of conflict, power, and love between likeable characters. If you liked "The Hurricane Wars," you'll love this follow-up.

Unfortunately, I did not enjoy this book due to the level of spice. There was a lot more, compared to book 1.

Wow. A masterclass in grumpy/grumpy romance. I love Talaysn and Alaric so so much! This book is a massive improvement on Hurricane Wars. But the ending!!!!! I need book three now!

Thea Guanzon's A Monsoon Rising, the highly anticipated follow-up to The Hurricane Wars, exceeded my expectations in every way. This sequel features even more captivating writing, a richly imagined universe, and deeper, more compelling character dynamics. Set against a Southeast Asian-inspired world of magic and political intrigue, it focuses heavily on the complex relationship between Talasyn and Alaric, the once-sworn enemies forced into an uneasy alliance through marriage.

The heart of the book is the evolving bond between Talasyn and Alaric. As they navigate their personal histories, we see them slowly shed their preconceived notions and come to understand each other in heartbreaking yet amusing ways. The slow burn of their enemies-to-lovers romance is masterfully handled, with expertly built tension that is incredibly satisfying when they finally succumb to their feelings. Alaric, in particular, shines in this installment; his character development is the strongest, as we see him grapple with his responsibilities, his father’s dark plans, and his growing desire for Talasyn.

The plot is filled with magical adventures and political schemes, but it never feels overwhelming. While the couple faces external threats, such as the looming Moonless Dark, which only they can stop by merging their light and shadow powers, the real tension lies in the emotional and moral dilemmas they face. The stakes are high, both for their world and for their relationship.

However, the ending left me reeling—Guanzon delivers a cliffhanger that is sure to drive readers mad with anticipation. With so many unresolved plot points and unanswered questions, I’m desperate for the next book in the series.

Overall, A Monsoon Rising is a beautifully written, emotionally charged sequel that deepens the world and relationships introduced in The Hurricane Wars. Fans of magical fantasy and enemies-to-lovers romance will find much to love in this gripping continuation.

The Lord and Lady doth protest too much. 😏 Another slow burn grumpy/grumpy romantasy masterclass from Guanzon against a backdrop of heart pounding peril!

What to expect? Quippy banter, political moves and counter moves, and a fair bit more spice than the first book.

The action really steps up in this book, with higher stakes and many many more secrets between our reluctant lovebirds. I'd strongly suggest a reread if it's been a while since reading the Hurricane Wars as cast involvement is expanded on in the Monsoon Rising. This is a highly engaging world you can definitely reread over and over and keep picking up Easter eggs each time.

Conclusion: have your tabs ready when you read this book, you're going to want to make notes and write down your unhinged theories. You're also going to end up shipping Talaric HARD. Prepare yourself for internal and external screaming.

I don't have enough words to describe just how much I enjoyed being back in the company of Alaric and Tamsyn. Thea Guanzon has done an excellent job continuing this series, A Monsoon Rising is fast paced, exciting, swoon worthy at times and above all, a refreshing and spectacular book.

A Monsoon Rising lets us experience even more detailed worldbuilding, throwing you back into a world full of light, darkness, dragons and war. I particularly enjoyed the character development of Alaric in this book, we see a lot more of him and I feel like readers get better knowledge of what goes on inside his head, and his empire.

The relationship between Tamsyn and Alaric develops quite rapidly, once they are forced to spend more time with each other and I am so here for it. Their squabbles throughout the first book definitely transform into something delicious. I can't wait for other readers to enjoy the progression as much as I did.

A Monsoon Rising is one of my top reads from this year so far, I have never been so caught up in a book that I finish it within a day. I can't wait for the next installment!

Thank you so much for the E-arc NetGalley and Harpervoyageruk and Harpercollinsuk!
Where should I start? How should I start?!
This book exceeded everything I wanted from the second volume!
The world building, the politics, the magical realm and of course the romance between Talasyn and Alaric.
Their relationship is as fragile as it is strong and grows stronger and more unforgettable with every page turned!
Quite literally a monsoon of emotions and being torn between one side and the other you really feel you belong to!
There were scenes where I laughed, almost cried and really rooted for them. Scenes that will stay with me for a long time. A certain library scene definitely did!
Not only Talasyn and Alaric have grown on me, but also characters like Sevraim with his charm and his constant antics and sayings, Elagbi with his fatherly protective instinct and and and!
I’m down for them! I really, really like them and I think I’ll just read everything Thea writes!
If you already liked „The Hurricane Wars“, you will be thrilled by „A Monsoon Rising“!

💫Enemies to Lovers
💫Shadow and Light
💫Political Marriage
💫Dragons

I can’t wait for you guys to read the book! I loved it and the release date is getting closer and closer!
On 05.12.2024 the time has finally come!!!

Oh, I liked this a lot more than the first one! I felt a lot more chemistry between the couple and unlike the first book, in this one I didn't feel bored at any point (quite the opposite actually). I was super curious to read this sequel bc I *knew* the story had potential and I was so right. I honestly loved that it focused more on the romance than on the politics bc in the first book I couldn't connect much with them but in this one it was top tier 🤌🏻

LOVED IT LOVED IT LOVED IT

1000000/10 Thea you really went hard on book 2 and my man Alaric was THE BOSS.

Talasyn and Alaric are so cute together 😊 I loved that it was both their first time 🌶️

Prince Elagbi is so endearing and I also really enjoyed Sevraim.

I loved the romance progression and the world building was still intriguing. The only reason I couldn't give 5 stars is because of the pacing, all that build up for a very quick resolution. Although that ending has got me craving the next book. I can't wait to see what lengths Alaric will go to 🥰

Thank you to Netgalley, the author and publisher for an eARC copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

First of all thx to the publishers for an E-ARC of this book! This was one of my most anticipated reads of this year and it did not disappoint. The plot of this book was soooo well done and kept up the political intrigue which made the plot so intriguing and soooo engaging.

Ok now for one of my fav book couples. God their tension and chemistry was soooooooooooo gooood and addicting. I just loved every scene with both of them and their banter is well done. Def kept up my expectations from the first book.

I adored the first book in this series, so I was so excited to be able to also read this one early!
And it did not disappoint, I love Talaysn and Alaric so so much!
This story is just everything I wanted it to be and I can't wait for more!

While I still find the world a little confusing, I absolutely love Talaysn and Alaric, and following their story. These characters are now so close to my heart and all their tumultuous emotions and chemistry really does make me giggle and gasp and kick my feet. But THAT ENDING ?! Without the third book even announced !!! Screaming. Crying. Throwing UP.

I loved this book so much, it was everything I needed and wanted it to be. The tension between Talasyn and Alaric is crackling but they have the sweetest moments in between their bickering. The politics were great in this book and the extra world building we got. I’d love for some more Kesath continent because we know how Talasyn’s people handle being around Alaric but it would be nice to have more vice versa. Lastly, the dragons 💕

I loved the first book; it was refreshing, exciting and actually interesting. This book did live up to my year long dreams, but the love / hate went on just a little too long and the night of the moonless dark was very anticlimactic. After two books preparing for this event, it was clear that it was not the focal point of the plot, so it got lost.

This book was beautifully written in my eyes and I eagerly await book 3. I just hope that their love (finally) comes to fruition so that the story can develop into the full potential that I know it has.

Honestly, Thea smashed it again.

I was so excited to get my hands on this book! I could be more grateful for this arc, THANK YOU NETGALLEY.

This is one of my fave books of the year, I knew I would love it because I cannot get enough of Alaric and Talasyn anyway. But the plot was so thick and the tension was so realistic, it was just brilliant. The pain in Alarics life hurts me and the battle Talasyn is fighting in her head kills me.

I love it, I cannot wait to see where it goes

I absolutely loved it, it was even better than the first book, which was so so good. This story has lots of Alaric and Talasyn and I LIVE for them, I loved every single chapter where they discover each other, where they fight the attraction, where they get better at being with each other. The ending was URGGHHHH. This book isn’t even out yet and I already need the next one, pleaaaaase

A few days have passed since I finished this book, and I still find myself at a loss for words beyond simply: I loved it. The ending left me speechless, making it nearly impossible to gather my thoughts, let alone write a coherent review. How am I supposed to survive that cliffhanger?!

As I mentioned in my review of The Hurricane Wars, despite the mixed opinions on this series, it has become one of my favorite romantasy releases in recent years:
• Thea’s writing is expressive, painting a vivid, lush world that feels both unique and immersive. Whether we’re in the Continent or Nenevar—two strikingly distinct settings—I can picture everything clearly. Her world-building is beautifully done, and though it subtly echoes Star Wars, it stands apart in its own right. And the food descriptions? Absolutely mouthwatering. My senses are always fully engaged when I read her books.
• Enemies-to-lovers is a well-loved trope, but it’s often driven by miscommunication rather than genuine conflict. That’s not the case with Talasyn and Alaric. These two are true enemies, standing on opposite sides of a brutal war with vastly different perspectives. Their attraction, while quick, feels natural, deeply rooted in how they were raised and the things they have in common, which outweigh their divisions.

Monsoon Rising picks up immediately after the events of the previous book, and our beloved couple is now drowning in emotions they shouldn’t feel for each other, and that go against their families, allies, and their very worlds. While there’s some political intrigue in the background, the focus here is primarily on their evolving romance, their training, and the melding of their magic in preparation for the looming threat of the Moonless Dark.

The action scenes are intense, and the romance is beautifully developed. When they finally consummate their relationship (thank you, Thea!), it’s handled perfectly, and the intimacy feels right for their journey.

While I’m not usually a fan of long internal monologues, in this case, I found myself enjoying them. The internal struggles Talasyn and Alaric wrestle with add depth to their character development, and you can feel their growth with each chapter.

From start to finish, this book kept me on edge, anxiously wondering how everything would play out and how their fragile relationship could possibly survive, leaving me wholly unprepared for the ending.

The book only loses one star for me because the Moonless Dark didn’t fully meet my expectations, and I would’ve liked to see more political intrigue woven into the plot. Hopefully, the third book will dive deeper into some loose threads that need to be handled, and cannot be addressed if the story solely focuses on the romance. I am eagerly counting down the days until the next release (and this one is not officially out yet 😅), as I want to see confirmed one big revelation on the third book and the couple’s reaction to it.

<i>I would like to thank HarperCollins UK, HarperFiction | HarperVoyager and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.</i>

A Monsoon Rising picks up exactly where The Hurricanes Wars ended, with Alaric back in Kesath awaiting the arrival of Alunsina for her coronations as the Night Empress, and the undergoing preparations for the Night of the World-Eater.

This book, like the first, is packed full of action, intriguing magic, delicious bickering, gorgeous pining, and a swoon-worthy amount of fighting and/or flirting and I thoroughly enjoyed it. There was no second book syndrome here, it wasn’t merely a filler, but a continuation and development of everything that was set up in The Hurricane Wars. The union of two strong nations hinging on enemies who are reluctantly softening towards each other while still holding a world of secrets between them, along with a brewing rebellion that threatens to shatter the fragile trust that Alaric and Talasyn have managed to scrape together.

Everything in this book is setting up to rip this unlikely couple apart, with betrayal forming on every side, new enemies unfolding from the shadows and old ones holding strong. With the number of things building up between the two, I’m aching to know if Alaric and Talasyn can withstand all that’s coming for them and if they can finally be true and embrace the feelings that have slowly grown between them. I can’t wait to find out what happens in the next instalment.