A Kingdom of Stars and Shadows: Stars and Shadows, Book 1

Magical. Completely and utter romantic fantasy magic! Holly's most creatively inspired work to date! Breathtaking, captivating, and completely mesmerizing, The Kingdom of Stars enchants and seduces from the first page to the last. Brimming with alluring world building, fantasy world drama, and a deliciously angsty romance, Holly dives into the world of fantasy with so much energy and passion. But she also imbues her first fantasy romance with everything that makes her stories such an addiction- emotional tension, dynamic chemistry, and all of the raw and gritty erotic sensuality. It’s creatively different, yet also everything I want in a Holly book. This is a story both bewitching and steamy, and I am desperate for more!Secret time- I don’t love fantasy. Phew, now that this is off my chest, let’s talk about how I LOVED this one. Holly so perfectly balances world building with the romance- we have just the right amount of fantasy architecture and fae canon to immerse me in the world of Citalali and the lore of the Starblessed but not so much that it’s oversaturated. And Holly keeps the real focus on her wheelhouse- the emotional tension between two characters who LONG for each other but just can’t seem to find a path to each other. Here, it’s the form of the Starblessed Adara and the edgy and mercurial fae Prince Evren- the brother to her betrothed. The angst is even smokier than the magic, y’all! Sexual and emotional tension galore. Holly lives and breathes the forbidden vibes here, and we see these two grapple with their growing need for one another. And the dirty mouth on this naughty prince- holy mother!The characters are also so mysterious and alluring. Adara, the resentful Star Blessed, strong and resolved in her quest for vengeance and her thirst to path her own path, but vulnerable in her humanity, trapped in a world where she’s in constant danger. And Evren- HOlly’s hottest leading man! He’s a dangerous alpha, but also protective and good. Stoic in his duties, mysterious in his intentions, but passionate with Adara. Both of these characters are so guarded, so their character journeys like their romance are a bit of a slow burn, neither is revealing TOO much of their cards, both afraid to be too vulnerable and open. But they call to each other in undeniable ways, and I’m so excited to see how this scorching chemistry translates into a deepened emotional bond. They have some real star crossed vibes, . Each has evident flaws, but flaws that are clearly the impact of the conditions of the world around them- that whole nature vs. nurture tension.I'm obsessed with these characters and their world- the secrets, the forbidden romance, the sexual tension, the steam. And with that cliffhanger ending, clearly the game is going to change yet again. What does this mean for our wayward prince and the reluctant princess? Ah, I can’t wait to find out!

From beginning to end, A Kingdom of Stars and Shadows is completely enthralling. Renee never ceases to astound me, but this one-of-a-kind new fantasy world she's created is a true testament to her talent.Fantasy requires a special talent because the author has freedom that is not possible when creating a story within a "human" world, and Renee took that liberty to a whole new levelAdara is forced into a role she despises, and while she can't seem to get out of it, she isn't going to bow down to anyone. She was fierce and strong, and her personality was magical. She had been led to believe certain things, but we get a front-row seat as she embarks on a journey to discover who she truly is.Renee is the deity of possessive alpha book boyfriends. Evren was a possessive, dirty-talking, and protective god. He effortlessly transitioned from ovary exploding swoony to panty melting alpha. He was as enticing as he was addictive..Adara and Evren's chemistry could be felt in the air before they ever met. The moment they were near each other, you could feel the intensity they shared. As their connection grew stronger, there was an electricity that could be felt pulsing through the pages.This is a "cancel real life" book. As you become immersed in this world, the storyline is truly enchanting. Renee's storytelling skills allow reality to fade away, immersing you in the magical world she's created. You'll want to devour every word in order to see how everything unfolds, but you'll also want to slow down and savor every word in order to avoid reaching the end.The story of A Kingdom of Stars and Shadows is unlike anything I've read in a long time. Renee infused each word with her own brand of magic. An enthralling blend of electrifying chemistry, a fierce heroine, a possessive AF alpha, tantalizing twists and enchanting turns, and steam, all set inside a world as magical as the world itself. Renee instilled a tremendous sense of awe in me with each turn of a page..**Side note. Clearly this is fantasy, but whether a book is set inside a human world or one where an author takes hold of creative liberties and creates an entirely made up story in order to become immersed in the story I find that in order to do so I need to believe what the author is telling me. The author has to follow the “rules” they set out for their world. Especially in the case of fantasy, I need to feel as though the story before more is “plausible” in the world it’s set in.Renee proves her creative talent is endless. This world is unique and she’s made it her own in every way. I’ve never read anything like it. None of my words will do justice to the extent of Renee’s talent or this amazing world she’s created.

This is so unlike any vampyre or far fantasy read I have come across in a while. The tension between the two courts sets this story up in a dynamic way. The writing is exquisite and incorporates many details that I feel will come into play later in the series.Evren is the perfect dark, broody, anti- hero we all know and love! He gives off the ‘touch her and die’ vibes and I’m here for it! I love the trading and care he has for Adara.Adara is a strong yet conflicted young women who is struggling to come to terms with her fate. As a starblessed, her birthmarks indicate she is meant to marry the Fae King’s first born son. I appreciate that Adara tries to accept this role as a way to help the people of the kingdom that are struggling but also rebels against the notion that destiny will control her.This book does end with several big reveals but not at all is yet know. I’m moving on to book 2 ASAP to find out what happens next!!

This story had me from the moment I picked it up!!Every page had me on the edge of my seat!! I don’t usually go for the fantasy type romance but I have to say I cannnot wait for the next book to find out where this story goes!!Holly Renee has done an amazing job with this world and I’m completely in awe of her writing. She has brought everything you expect and added in a little magic to bring us Adara and evrans story.There’s magic, adventure, a sprinkling of naughty and one seriously dirty mouthed love interest.I cannot wait for everyone to read this one

Wow wow wow!! Holly Renee has done it yet again! I am left speechless by this fantastic magically journey Holly Renee took me on!As soon as I started this story I just could not put it down! Holly Renee has mesmerised me with her creativity in this story and it’s definitely her steamiest to date!If you love fantasy romance with tonnes of spice then I highly recommend you one-click this beauty. I am now dying to get my hands on book 2HIGHLY RECOMMENDFIVE STARS ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Enjoyable but nothing amazing. I will continue to read the series but I find that they circle around each other a lot in the book and it continues like that to the end. A bit predictable I feel but my friend said she did not see the ending coming so I guess it depends on the person.

A good balance between spice and plot, although definitely on the spicy side. Forbidden love, sexual tension, magic. I really enjoyed it and I’m looking forward to book 2.

I really loved the world building and the (always happening) arranged marriage but love someone else line.Really nice intro book to what's going to keep happening. I can't wait for the next one!