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Stars Ascending
What if your nightmares of love and death were real?
Thunder cracked overhead, angels flew through the air, Gods battling on a field. Her best friend dead in front of her beside her mother’s cold body. Ice blue eyes pleading with her, a sword protruding from her chest.
Carolynn Starr always felt like a freak, being abandoned at birth, reading minds, and speaking to animals wasn’t normal, but her life was. That is until she met Donnie, a stranger that came into her life just as she started having the same repeated nightmare. Now she can’t escape him, he’s around every corner, consuming every thought. She can’t help the pull she feels towards the man she just met, but what does he have to do with her dreams? Facing threats against her life, a prophecy, and a world she never knew existed, she wonders who she can trust, including herself.
Thunder cracked overhead, angels flew through the air, Gods battling on a field. Her best friend dead in front of her beside her mother’s cold body. Ice blue eyes pleading with her, a sword protruding from her chest.
Carolynn Starr always felt like a freak, being abandoned at birth, reading minds, and speaking to animals wasn’t normal, but her life was. That is until she met Donnie, a stranger that came into her life just as she started having the same repeated nightmare. Now she can’t escape him, he’s around every corner, consuming every thought. She can’t help the pull she feels towards the man she just met, but what does he have to do with her dreams? Facing threats against her life, a prophecy, and a world she never knew existed, she wonders who she can trust, including herself.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
November 30, 2023
This book was such a great change of pace for me that I was a goner within the first few chapters. The dark and dangerous world Carolynn is throw into had me on edge waiting for the next twist. The instant connection between her and Donnie should have left scorch marks on the pages because.the.HEAT. Fast paced and action packed it didn’t disappoint. Oh and the ending? The cliffhanger? Ya. I stared at the wall for a good 30 minutes but at least I didn’t feel like crying anymore.
*I received this as an Arc but my opinions are my own*
*I received this as an Arc but my opinions are my own*
December 2, 2023
If you like mythology and coming-of-age fantasy in a modern world setting with animal sidekicks then this book is for you!
𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄: Okay everyone, this book is dedicated to Damon Salvatore so you KNOW it’s going to be good 😉
I LOVED this book! Carolynn is our strong, sassy FMC and Donnie is our morally grey, shadow wielding MMC. The supporting characters were also lovable and well-developed. There was so much good banter in this book between several characters. The world was interesting and immersive, especially the prophecy and mythology. Carolynn can telepathically communicate with animals, which leads to some Violet and Tairn snarky vibes. Overall, this book reminded me a lot of the Crescent City series, but much easier to digest. There were several moments in this book that broke my heart. This book ends on a cliffhanger, and I cannot wait for the next book, which is scheduled for May 2024!
Thank you to the author and RR Book Tours for providing me with a copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄: Okay everyone, this book is dedicated to Damon Salvatore so you KNOW it’s going to be good 😉
I LOVED this book! Carolynn is our strong, sassy FMC and Donnie is our morally grey, shadow wielding MMC. The supporting characters were also lovable and well-developed. There was so much good banter in this book between several characters. The world was interesting and immersive, especially the prophecy and mythology. Carolynn can telepathically communicate with animals, which leads to some Violet and Tairn snarky vibes. Overall, this book reminded me a lot of the Crescent City series, but much easier to digest. There were several moments in this book that broke my heart. This book ends on a cliffhanger, and I cannot wait for the next book, which is scheduled for May 2024!
Thank you to the author and RR Book Tours for providing me with a copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
November 26, 2023
I can not even comprehend how much I loved this book. The story was phenomenal. I was confused in the beginning with figuring out who's perspective the story was coming from at times, but I figured it out.
I went into this book blind as I typically do and read it based on the cover alone. The story was without a doubt worthy of this beautiful cover.
There were so many times when I was grinning and even laughing, and then there was a part that I was sobbing. This book emotionally wrecked me in the best way possible.
I would absolutely recommend this book. My book hangover is going to be intense.
This is great for fans of
• Romantasy
• Shadow Daddy
• Strong FMC
• Family bonds
• Magical powers
• Who did this to you?
• Touch her and ☠️
• Posessive MMC
• Coming of age
• Gods and Angels
• Talking animals
• Animal friends
I went into this book blind as I typically do and read it based on the cover alone. The story was without a doubt worthy of this beautiful cover.
There were so many times when I was grinning and even laughing, and then there was a part that I was sobbing. This book emotionally wrecked me in the best way possible.
I would absolutely recommend this book. My book hangover is going to be intense.
This is great for fans of
• Romantasy
• Shadow Daddy
• Strong FMC
• Family bonds
• Magical powers
• Who did this to you?
• Touch her and ☠️
• Posessive MMC
• Coming of age
• Gods and Angels
• Talking animals
• Animal friends
December 9, 2023
Thanks to R&R booktours and the author for this eARC! This is an honest review.
This story is a coming-of-age story about Carolynn, a young woman (and horse girl) with magical powers of telepathy whose world turns upside down when her recurring nightmares are more than they seem. Carolynn is adopted and her powers are a bit of a mystery. I loved that there is an adoption narrative. It grounds Carolynn's journey in a little realism despite it being a fantasy novel. When she turns 18, she has a chance encounter with Donnie, a handsome stranger whose mind she strangely can not access. Her life soon spirals into a realm of uncertainty, danger, and unforeseen revelations.
The author incorporates aspects of Greek/Roman gods alongside biblical angels in the world-building, which creates a rich and intriguing backdrop in a unique blend of mythologies. The character development, especially in the male love interest, proved to be surprising and kept me engaged. My expectations flipped on their head as I was reading! The inclusion of gods and demigods, animal companions, and the magic system adds depth and elevates the fantasy elements.
"Stars Ascending" sometimes delves into unexpected areas, including loss and a more intense than anticipated romance. This has a strong female protagonist, a side-toxic romance that resolves nicely, fated mates, KITTEN pet name, and an age-gap romance. I'm not super into the age gap, so it fell slightly short for me personally. It's more difficult to ignore when it's contemporary for some reason. But readers who DON'T mind that, will adore this one.
Overall, Heather Smith's writing delivers a well-crafted and engaging story.
This story is a coming-of-age story about Carolynn, a young woman (and horse girl) with magical powers of telepathy whose world turns upside down when her recurring nightmares are more than they seem. Carolynn is adopted and her powers are a bit of a mystery. I loved that there is an adoption narrative. It grounds Carolynn's journey in a little realism despite it being a fantasy novel. When she turns 18, she has a chance encounter with Donnie, a handsome stranger whose mind she strangely can not access. Her life soon spirals into a realm of uncertainty, danger, and unforeseen revelations.
The author incorporates aspects of Greek/Roman gods alongside biblical angels in the world-building, which creates a rich and intriguing backdrop in a unique blend of mythologies. The character development, especially in the male love interest, proved to be surprising and kept me engaged. My expectations flipped on their head as I was reading! The inclusion of gods and demigods, animal companions, and the magic system adds depth and elevates the fantasy elements.
"Stars Ascending" sometimes delves into unexpected areas, including loss and a more intense than anticipated romance. This has a strong female protagonist, a side-toxic romance that resolves nicely, fated mates, KITTEN pet name, and an age-gap romance. I'm not super into the age gap, so it fell slightly short for me personally. It's more difficult to ignore when it's contemporary for some reason. But readers who DON'T mind that, will adore this one.
Overall, Heather Smith's writing delivers a well-crafted and engaging story.
November 28, 2023
✨📚ARC BOOK REVⵊEW📚✨
Stars Ascending by @heathersmithauthor
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 stars
𝐏𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: 𝐃𝐞𝐜 𝟏𝐬𝐭
𝑀𝑦 𝑇ℎ𝑜𝑢𝑔ℎ𝑡𝑠；
First off thank you @rrbooktours and @heathersmithauthor for this ARC of Stars Ascending.
Are you looking for your next coming of age Adult fantasy? Then look no further. I honestly didn’t know what to expect when I picked up this book but I was not disappointed. This book follows Carolynn Star a newly 18 year old that can read people’s mind and talk to animals. She’s just trying to get through life with her badass bestie and her adoptive mom. Except nothing is as it seems when she turns 18, starts having the same recurring nightmare, her powers grow daily, and there is a new guy in town that seems to be everywhere she is.
This story has it all, death, heartache, deception, animal side kicks, Gods, Goddesses, love, spice and adventure. The story stays consistent from start to end, it’s keeps you engrossed and constantly asking what’s next. Carolynn, I feel for her, after everything she went through and everything she’s going through she kept her head held high and never gave up. The love interest Donnie, you just can’t not love Donnie. He’s our next Shadow Daddy. Being the giant mystery that he is, seeing his character arc and what he did and went through in his past just makes you love him more. These two were so perfect for one another. They literally balanced each other out, darkness and lightness. Beth, the best friend, was written perfectly. She’s the perfect mixture of badass sass and caring. The side characters all of them are immaculate. The ending…the ending ends on an insane cliffhanger and I’m ready for book two already!
If you’re looking for a fast paced story, that involves Gods, Shadow Daddies, talking animals, betrayal, love, loss and found family…this book is for you!
Stars Ascending by @heathersmithauthor
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 stars
𝐏𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: 𝐃𝐞𝐜 𝟏𝐬𝐭
𝑀𝑦 𝑇ℎ𝑜𝑢𝑔ℎ𝑡𝑠；
First off thank you @rrbooktours and @heathersmithauthor for this ARC of Stars Ascending.
Are you looking for your next coming of age Adult fantasy? Then look no further. I honestly didn’t know what to expect when I picked up this book but I was not disappointed. This book follows Carolynn Star a newly 18 year old that can read people’s mind and talk to animals. She’s just trying to get through life with her badass bestie and her adoptive mom. Except nothing is as it seems when she turns 18, starts having the same recurring nightmare, her powers grow daily, and there is a new guy in town that seems to be everywhere she is.
This story has it all, death, heartache, deception, animal side kicks, Gods, Goddesses, love, spice and adventure. The story stays consistent from start to end, it’s keeps you engrossed and constantly asking what’s next. Carolynn, I feel for her, after everything she went through and everything she’s going through she kept her head held high and never gave up. The love interest Donnie, you just can’t not love Donnie. He’s our next Shadow Daddy. Being the giant mystery that he is, seeing his character arc and what he did and went through in his past just makes you love him more. These two were so perfect for one another. They literally balanced each other out, darkness and lightness. Beth, the best friend, was written perfectly. She’s the perfect mixture of badass sass and caring. The side characters all of them are immaculate. The ending…the ending ends on an insane cliffhanger and I’m ready for book two already!
If you’re looking for a fast paced story, that involves Gods, Shadow Daddies, talking animals, betrayal, love, loss and found family…this book is for you!
December 2, 2023
Definitely a must read
Thank you to the author and RRbooktours for allowing me the opportunity to read and join amazing booktour. I received a complementary ebook. In return for my honest thoughts and review. I really went in this book not knowing anything. The cover alone drew me in. I haven’t read any other of Heather Smith books before. Definitely after reading this book. That’s going to change. The characters and the writing style amazing. It’s almost like I wasn’t reading but watching this story play out like a movie. The god and angel’s and magic. I honestly got half way through this book.
Knew I needed a finished copy.
My emotions couldn’t handle so parts of this book.
The sexy time was Omg 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️ intense.
Carolyn is a strong young woman learning new things that’s been in hidding from her. Until her 18th birthday. Having strange dreams about her mother and her best friend. Not understanding these weird near death experiences happening to her. Having a love interest with Donnie my goodness. At times I hated him and then couple of chapters would go by. felling for him even more. I am definitely animal person. For Carolyn to have friends that are animals loved. This is a book I would plan on rereading again in the future. A 2023 favorite for sure. That ending had my heart. When I thought my heart couldn’t take anymore from this book. The ending. Which I am super glad there is going to be a book 2!!!
Thank you to the author and RRbooktours for allowing me the opportunity to read and join amazing booktour. I received a complementary ebook. In return for my honest thoughts and review. I really went in this book not knowing anything. The cover alone drew me in. I haven’t read any other of Heather Smith books before. Definitely after reading this book. That’s going to change. The characters and the writing style amazing. It’s almost like I wasn’t reading but watching this story play out like a movie. The god and angel’s and magic. I honestly got half way through this book.
Knew I needed a finished copy.
My emotions couldn’t handle so parts of this book.
The sexy time was Omg 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️ intense.
Carolyn is a strong young woman learning new things that’s been in hidding from her. Until her 18th birthday. Having strange dreams about her mother and her best friend. Not understanding these weird near death experiences happening to her. Having a love interest with Donnie my goodness. At times I hated him and then couple of chapters would go by. felling for him even more. I am definitely animal person. For Carolyn to have friends that are animals loved. This is a book I would plan on rereading again in the future. A 2023 favorite for sure. That ending had my heart. When I thought my heart couldn’t take anymore from this book. The ending. Which I am super glad there is going to be a book 2!!!
November 26, 2023
Stars Ascending is a YA, coming of age, romantasy. With a snarky and strong FMC and a shadow wielding, morally grey MMC.
Carolynn has always been different but on her 18th birthday she wakes from a nightmare with new power coursing through her. All of this happens at the same time that a mysterious man who seems to be clothed in shadows appears in her life. She can’t help but be drawn to Donnie, but she also can’t help but wonder if that’s wise. Soon everything she knows will be thrown into question. And she will be left questioning everyone and whether or not they are friend or foe.
I enjoyed this book. It was a unique take on some familiar mythology. I liked Donnie as a MC but sometimes struggled with Carolynn’s likability. Sometime I really liked her and sometimes she annoyed me. And I also think there could have been a little less foreshadowing used because I often saw the twists coming before they were actually revealed (though not all of them!)
Still, overall, the book was enjoyable. It kept my interest and it was fast paced. The ending definitely left me wondering what will happen next.
I would suggest this book for anyone who likes romantasy, mythology, and shadowy MMCs
Thank you to Heather Smith and R&R Book Tours for an ARC of this book! My review is voluntary and my honest opinion
Carolynn has always been different but on her 18th birthday she wakes from a nightmare with new power coursing through her. All of this happens at the same time that a mysterious man who seems to be clothed in shadows appears in her life. She can’t help but be drawn to Donnie, but she also can’t help but wonder if that’s wise. Soon everything she knows will be thrown into question. And she will be left questioning everyone and whether or not they are friend or foe.
I enjoyed this book. It was a unique take on some familiar mythology. I liked Donnie as a MC but sometimes struggled with Carolynn’s likability. Sometime I really liked her and sometimes she annoyed me. And I also think there could have been a little less foreshadowing used because I often saw the twists coming before they were actually revealed (though not all of them!)
Still, overall, the book was enjoyable. It kept my interest and it was fast paced. The ending definitely left me wondering what will happen next.
I would suggest this book for anyone who likes romantasy, mythology, and shadowy MMCs
Thank you to Heather Smith and R&R Book Tours for an ARC of this book! My review is voluntary and my honest opinion
December 2, 2023
First and foremost, I thought this story was phenomenal. It's one of those books that you keep telling yourself one more chapter and then 3 chapters later you're mad again cause you have to set it down and adult.....This book made me want to stay in the world and be surrounded by the characters that Heather Smith created. The flow of the book made it super easy to stay engulfed into everything that was unraveling. My heart on the other hand was a tad upset with certain things that happened. By the time I finished this book I believe I felt every emotion a few times and even teared up a couple times....
Carolynn is something else that's for sure. I really enjoyed following her path as she maneuvered all the havoc and trauma she gets put through. The poor girl is sent through the ringer and when you think she's finally hit her breaking point she bounces right back more fiercely than before. I love her love and need to protect her family, her animal companions, and her adopted parents. Shadow and Tempest were my favorites of the animal companions although I wish we would have gotten more time with the dragon. Beth is a hoot and I don't think anyone would be a better fit as a best friend than Beth. Donnie....well I leave that to your imagination cause I am still trying to recover from certain scenes that unfolded. I can't wait to read the next book in the series!!
Carolynn is something else that's for sure. I really enjoyed following her path as she maneuvered all the havoc and trauma she gets put through. The poor girl is sent through the ringer and when you think she's finally hit her breaking point she bounces right back more fiercely than before. I love her love and need to protect her family, her animal companions, and her adopted parents. Shadow and Tempest were my favorites of the animal companions although I wish we would have gotten more time with the dragon. Beth is a hoot and I don't think anyone would be a better fit as a best friend than Beth. Donnie....well I leave that to your imagination cause I am still trying to recover from certain scenes that unfolded. I can't wait to read the next book in the series!!
November 28, 2023
I was provided an early copy of this book and am leaving this review voluntarily. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Heather Smith, madam, my hat is off to you, because you DID something here. Stars Ascending is an absolute stunner, cover to cover.
Our FMC Carolynn sets out on an emotionally stirring journey of self-discovery following the progression of her abilities and emergence of new power within around the time of her 18th birthday— and learns a thing or two about the past and the truth with the help of some friends, both new and not so, over the course of the adventure.
This coming of age romantasy tqle is an extremely fast-paced read that will take hold and keep you captive until its jaw-unhinging final pages.
Tropes including but not limited to:
Romantasy
Mqgic
Shadow daddy
Morally grey MMC
Touch her and Unalive
Slow-ish burn > spice
Strong FMC
Angels and gods
Animal companions / talking animals
Love and loss
Secret identities
Found family
Journey of self discovery
This book seriously has SO much to offer, and I will be eagerly (and not so patiently) awaiting the chance to get my hands on its continuation!
Thank you to the author and R&R Book Tours for the breathtakingly stunning gifted hardcover copy + swag!
Heather Smith, madam, my hat is off to you, because you DID something here. Stars Ascending is an absolute stunner, cover to cover.
Our FMC Carolynn sets out on an emotionally stirring journey of self-discovery following the progression of her abilities and emergence of new power within around the time of her 18th birthday— and learns a thing or two about the past and the truth with the help of some friends, both new and not so, over the course of the adventure.
This coming of age romantasy tqle is an extremely fast-paced read that will take hold and keep you captive until its jaw-unhinging final pages.
Tropes including but not limited to:
Romantasy
Mqgic
Shadow daddy
Morally grey MMC
Touch her and Unalive
Slow-ish burn > spice
Strong FMC
Angels and gods
Animal companions / talking animals
Love and loss
Secret identities
Found family
Journey of self discovery
This book seriously has SO much to offer, and I will be eagerly (and not so patiently) awaiting the chance to get my hands on its continuation!
Thank you to the author and R&R Book Tours for the breathtakingly stunning gifted hardcover copy + swag!
November 29, 2023
Stars Ascending by Heather Smith
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Carolyn Starr has always been able to read minds and talk to animals. She doesn’t know where these powers came from as she was left at a fire house as a baby and doesn’t know anything about her birth parents. When she turns 18, she has some new, dangerous abilities that are hard to control and begins having a nightmare all the time. She also meets a mysterious man, Donnie, who she has an instant chemistry with in an over 18 bar she goes to with her best friend, Beth. Suddenly she sees him everywhere and she isn’t sure if she can trust him. On top of that, she learns of a world she never knew about that is where she is from, and a bunch of gods, goddesses and a prophecy that she doesn’t understand.
I love this book. It kept me engaged from beginning to end. The characters were well developed. The writing style was easy to read. It had great world building. Carolyn and Beth were there for each other through everything which I loved. Donnie was an intriguing character who I felt had many layers. I highly recommend and I can’t wait to read more from Heather Smith!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Carolyn Starr has always been able to read minds and talk to animals. She doesn’t know where these powers came from as she was left at a fire house as a baby and doesn’t know anything about her birth parents. When she turns 18, she has some new, dangerous abilities that are hard to control and begins having a nightmare all the time. She also meets a mysterious man, Donnie, who she has an instant chemistry with in an over 18 bar she goes to with her best friend, Beth. Suddenly she sees him everywhere and she isn’t sure if she can trust him. On top of that, she learns of a world she never knew about that is where she is from, and a bunch of gods, goddesses and a prophecy that she doesn’t understand.
I love this book. It kept me engaged from beginning to end. The characters were well developed. The writing style was easy to read. It had great world building. Carolyn and Beth were there for each other through everything which I loved. Donnie was an intriguing character who I felt had many layers. I highly recommend and I can’t wait to read more from Heather Smith!
November 30, 2023
I'm gonna be honest, the first half was not great. I considered DNFing it several times, and I ended up skimming to a little before the midway point - and I'm so glad I decided to try and keep going bc that ending was AMAZING. and I feel like I needed the next one yesterday 🤣
the last half felt non-stop and I couldn't look away. I warmed up to the MMC at about the middle point too (he's not only an angel of death, but he's got sensitive wings AND shadow powers).
so overall, this was okay. like I said, the beginning was rough, but it got really good later in the story. so, I'm not sure if I'd recommend it? maybe? this might have just been me, but if you have felt that the rest of my reviews seem on point with what your opinion is then it might be the same for you, and if you do try it, try and stick it out to about half way bc then you get sucked in. one thing that I thought was consistently good was the world building and the magic system were both really interesting and cool to read about!
the last half felt non-stop and I couldn't look away. I warmed up to the MMC at about the middle point too (he's not only an angel of death, but he's got sensitive wings AND shadow powers).
so overall, this was okay. like I said, the beginning was rough, but it got really good later in the story. so, I'm not sure if I'd recommend it? maybe? this might have just been me, but if you have felt that the rest of my reviews seem on point with what your opinion is then it might be the same for you, and if you do try it, try and stick it out to about half way bc then you get sucked in. one thing that I thought was consistently good was the world building and the magic system were both really interesting and cool to read about!
November 27, 2023
A magical, devastating story of an independent, courageous girl on a journey to find out who she is and what she is destined to be.
•••
I loved Carolynn's wolf and owl companions, they made the book feel whimsical, which I love! Carolynn is so fierce and goes through so much in this book, I had tears in my eyes multiple times while reading, just wanting to reach through the pages and give her the biggest hug. She pushes through and is so inspiring! I caught myself feeling what she was feeling and really connecting with her journey, which I feel speaks to how well her character is written.
The plot is fast, action packaged, deadly, and full of twists and turns! And the shadow daddy, morally grey "touch her and die" love interest really added an exciting, heated spark to this story!
The ending absolutely wrecked me and had me staring at the book in utter shock 😭 It's going to be so difficult to wait for book 2, which I just know is going to be just as amazing!
•••
I loved Carolynn's wolf and owl companions, they made the book feel whimsical, which I love! Carolynn is so fierce and goes through so much in this book, I had tears in my eyes multiple times while reading, just wanting to reach through the pages and give her the biggest hug. She pushes through and is so inspiring! I caught myself feeling what she was feeling and really connecting with her journey, which I feel speaks to how well her character is written.
The plot is fast, action packaged, deadly, and full of twists and turns! And the shadow daddy, morally grey "touch her and die" love interest really added an exciting, heated spark to this story!
The ending absolutely wrecked me and had me staring at the book in utter shock 😭 It's going to be so difficult to wait for book 2, which I just know is going to be just as amazing!
November 29, 2023
“Life is cruel, but it’s also wonderful and beautiful. When you love and allow yourself to be loved, you accept that loss is inevitable, because it is, and that’s okay.” ⠀
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Heather Smith, Stars Ascending⠀
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Stars Ascending is an Adult Fantasy Romance by Heather Smith that I'm giving 5 stars! This story was a masterpiece brimming with unique mythology, spine tingling romance, and an epic battle of good versus evil. ⠀
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I adored all of the characters from Carolynn and Donnie to Shadow and Spot. I feel like I really got to see each ones personality shine and I was completely invested in all of their individual stories. The world building was wonderful and as a Florida girl myself, I loved the little touches of our "hotter than Satan's ballsack" locale. Aros was magical and I can't wait to read book two of this series next year. ⠀
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Heather Smith, Stars Ascending⠀
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Stars Ascending is an Adult Fantasy Romance by Heather Smith that I'm giving 5 stars! This story was a masterpiece brimming with unique mythology, spine tingling romance, and an epic battle of good versus evil. ⠀
⠀
I adored all of the characters from Carolynn and Donnie to Shadow and Spot. I feel like I really got to see each ones personality shine and I was completely invested in all of their individual stories. The world building was wonderful and as a Florida girl myself, I loved the little touches of our "hotter than Satan's ballsack" locale. Aros was magical and I can't wait to read book two of this series next year. ⠀
December 25, 2024
Plot - 1/5🌟
Spice - 1/5🌶️
So, Stars Ascending came into my life as this super fancy special edition. I was pumped to read it but literally got to page one, saw it was in third person, and immediately DNF’d. Not gonna lie, I didn’t read the blurb before I bought it, so I had zero clue what was going to happen—angels, gods, mind-reading? Sure, sounds cool, but I’ll never know. Third person is just not my vibe; it feels like I’m reading someone else’s dream journal, and I’m not about that.
From the skimming I did, though, it seems like it would be solid for people who like big chosen-one-energy stories with mysterious prophecies, supernatural powers, and a guy who’s lowkey stalking but also maybe hot? Couldn’t tell you how it all plays out, but the vibes seem interesting if third person doesn’t make you want to slam the book shut like it did me.
Spice - 1/5🌶️
So, Stars Ascending came into my life as this super fancy special edition. I was pumped to read it but literally got to page one, saw it was in third person, and immediately DNF’d. Not gonna lie, I didn’t read the blurb before I bought it, so I had zero clue what was going to happen—angels, gods, mind-reading? Sure, sounds cool, but I’ll never know. Third person is just not my vibe; it feels like I’m reading someone else’s dream journal, and I’m not about that.
From the skimming I did, though, it seems like it would be solid for people who like big chosen-one-energy stories with mysterious prophecies, supernatural powers, and a guy who’s lowkey stalking but also maybe hot? Couldn’t tell you how it all plays out, but the vibes seem interesting if third person doesn’t make you want to slam the book shut like it did me.
November 28, 2023
From whimsical sidekicks to a touch her and die love interest, this book has it all! Smith delivers a winning combination of self-discovery, mythology, magic, and romance all wrapped in a story as beautiful as its cover. I loved Carolynn’s journey of personal growth, understanding her powers, and overcoming the many trials thrown her way. It was fast-paced and gripping while constantly pulling at my emotions—seriously, I experienced it all from heart-wrenching to swooning to what-just-happened?!—and don’t get me started on that epic ending. I was initially drawn in by its cover and mind-reading abilities, but what I got was SO much more, including the huge book hangover. If you’re looking for your next romantasy read, this is it!
November 30, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ // 4 stars
this was a quick read for me because it was seemingly fast-paced & well-written, immediately grabbing my attention from the mysterious-feeling start. the storyline just worked for me, although i didn’t always care for our FMC, carolynn, 🫣 and my favorite part was the communication with the animals! 🐺✨🦉
read if you like:
🩵romantasy
🐺convos with creatures
🩵mysterious MMC
🦉strong FMC
this was a quick read for me because it was seemingly fast-paced & well-written, immediately grabbing my attention from the mysterious-feeling start. the storyline just worked for me, although i didn’t always care for our FMC, carolynn, 🫣 and my favorite part was the communication with the animals! 🐺✨🦉
read if you like:
🩵romantasy
🐺convos with creatures
🩵mysterious MMC
🦉strong FMC
November 27, 2023
I love a good find yourself kind of story. It can be exciting and scary at the same time. There were so many emotions going on in this book. I really enjoyed the whimsical parts especially the wolf and owl companions. Also how can you say no to a book with a love story that involves touch her and 💀
November 29, 2023
From the moment I read this book bio I was immediately intrigued now that I’ve read it I can honestly say I’m obsessed. Stars Ascending was a Romantasy with mythology inspired characters. The characters were well developed and the spice was just right. I can’t wait for the next book in this series to see what’s next for Donnie and Carolynn.
November 30, 2023
This contemporary fantasy romance has such an intriguing plot! The chemistry between Donnie and Carolynn was fun to read and is great for the fantasy romance readers out there. Most of the action took place towards the half back of the book and left us with a pretty big cliffhanger. What will happen to Donnie and Carolynn? This reader would like to know!
December 1, 2023
Can we just take a moment to admire the cover? It is SO pretty and it is what drew me into this read. A prophecy and threat against her life in a world she never knew, Carolynn Star is in for a bumpy ride in this fantasy romance. The plot starts off well and continues to delve into a story that I could not get enough of. I really enjoyed this one and hope to read more from this author.
December 5, 2023
I loved this mashup of mythology. Carolynn abandoned as a child is just trying to figure out her place in the world. She meets Donnie and her whole world spins upside down and then some. A lot of things came to life in this book and I really enjoyed reading it. it ended on a cliff hangar and I can’t wait to see what happens next.
December 7, 2023
Stars Ascensing
3/3.5
-morally grey MMC
-angels
-Gods and DemiGods
-prophecy
-cool powers
-soulmates
-chosen one vibes
I enjoyed the original take on the mythology of angels and gods. It was an intriguing fast-paced story.
3/3.5
-morally grey MMC
-angels
-Gods and DemiGods
-prophecy
-cool powers
-soulmates
-chosen one vibes
I enjoyed the original take on the mythology of angels and gods. It was an intriguing fast-paced story.
November 29, 2023
This was such a fun read. I love mythology and getting to see a new lore with all new gods was super cool. It hooked me immediately and I am really excited for book two. The ending almost killed me.
April 20, 2024
“Even when the last star winks out of existence and darkness comes for us all, I will find you.”
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐.5 / 5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️ / 5
We've got ourselves a new Shadow Daddy! 🖤
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐.5 / 5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️ / 5
We've got ourselves a new Shadow Daddy! 🖤
December 15, 2023
Entertaining read! This was definitely a romantasy for newer fantasy readers. Easy to understand world building with fun twists, even with animal side kicks!
Carolynn was always a little different until her 18th birthday when things all start to change…in comes our MMC Donnie. Shadow magic Donnie. Mysterious Donnie waltzes in and things start going from there.
There’s some well known mythology with a new take that was enjoyable. Took a little bit for me for the pace to kick in but was great once it started.
Carolynn was always a little different until her 18th birthday when things all start to change…in comes our MMC Donnie. Shadow magic Donnie. Mysterious Donnie waltzes in and things start going from there.
There’s some well known mythology with a new take that was enjoyable. Took a little bit for me for the pace to kick in but was great once it started.
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