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Star-Crossed #1
Star-Crossed Enemies
A love written in the stars… and rewritten by a curse.
My friends know I’m an angel. I never told them the full truth. Cast from the ranks, doomed to spend my eternity on Earth, and that’s not even the worst of it. Orion, the only man I ever loved, died at my own hand. I tried to hide his soul in the stars to keep him safe, but fate—and Apollo—had other plans.
Jealous of my enduring love for a mere mortal, Apollo cursed us to meet again and again. Each time my wings grow back, I know we’re due to cross paths. Though I recognize Orion on sight, he has no memories of me. What little time we have together always ends in him dying yet another brutal death.
Now in modern-day Chicago, our futures once again collide. This time there is an added twist—my love has fallen in with the vampires. Orion craves the immortality they can offer, but I know such a gift comes with a price.
But if I want to break the cycle and reclaim the life we were meant to have, I’ll have to defy fate, and stop Orion from making a deadly mistake.
My friends know I’m an angel. I never told them the full truth. Cast from the ranks, doomed to spend my eternity on Earth, and that’s not even the worst of it. Orion, the only man I ever loved, died at my own hand. I tried to hide his soul in the stars to keep him safe, but fate—and Apollo—had other plans.
Jealous of my enduring love for a mere mortal, Apollo cursed us to meet again and again. Each time my wings grow back, I know we’re due to cross paths. Though I recognize Orion on sight, he has no memories of me. What little time we have together always ends in him dying yet another brutal death.
Now in modern-day Chicago, our futures once again collide. This time there is an added twist—my love has fallen in with the vampires. Orion craves the immortality they can offer, but I know such a gift comes with a price.
But if I want to break the cycle and reclaim the life we were meant to have, I’ll have to defy fate, and stop Orion from making a deadly mistake.
229 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 18, 2025
14 people are currently reading
1088 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
February 9, 2025
I was excited to see this series opener by an author I like, so I jumped into it as soon as I could. I really like Angel, and I’m really sad at everything she’s gone through, and the things she goes through in this. We meet some interesting characters throughout, and I’m curious to see how some of them will playout in the next book. One thing, though, is that I really didn’t like Ryan once in a while in this book. By the end of the book, though, he seemed much better. Good start to a new series. Recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.
February 16, 2025
This book was a fantastic read and it was great being back into Morgan's and now Angel's world. Angel was an intriguing character back in the Dealer's Choice series and while you don't necessarily have to have read that series, I would recommend that you do as it explains some of the background of who the characters are and how they got be where they are as well.
Angel's background story is a lot more painful than I expected it to be. She has been cursed to relive the same event over and over for millennia. When her wings return and her powers start to diminish, she knows it is time to go through it all once more. Only this time, she doesn't feel like she can do it - she just cannot face doing it all again! But the fates will ensure that this event will happen, even if it is very different this time round. There's no breaking this curse either, as the consequences will be dire for everyone!
Alongside this, Angel, Morgan and Macey have a drug dealer to find and deal with. This is not any normal drug that they are dealing with though - the effects are instant addiction and a way for the demons doing so to gain souls, something that Morgan as Queen of Hell has kind of put a stop to! The demons are not happy, but Morgan needs to stop them before things get too out of control.
I loved seeing more into Angel's character. In Dealer's Choice, she came across as a little cold and unfeeling, but this book gives us all the explanation behind that persona! There's so much more to Angel and she really does care about her friends even if she finds it hard to share those feelings!
It was great seeing Morgan and Macey again, along with some of the other side characters too, but the most surprising, of course, was Ryan. I did expect him to remember at one point and maybe not go through with his ascension, but that would have been far too easy and ended the story too quickly!
Thank you to Liz for this ARC copy of this book. It was a great read and I cannot wait for the next book in Angel's series. This review is my own, honest one!
Angel's background story is a lot more painful than I expected it to be. She has been cursed to relive the same event over and over for millennia. When her wings return and her powers start to diminish, she knows it is time to go through it all once more. Only this time, she doesn't feel like she can do it - she just cannot face doing it all again! But the fates will ensure that this event will happen, even if it is very different this time round. There's no breaking this curse either, as the consequences will be dire for everyone!
Alongside this, Angel, Morgan and Macey have a drug dealer to find and deal with. This is not any normal drug that they are dealing with though - the effects are instant addiction and a way for the demons doing so to gain souls, something that Morgan as Queen of Hell has kind of put a stop to! The demons are not happy, but Morgan needs to stop them before things get too out of control.
I loved seeing more into Angel's character. In Dealer's Choice, she came across as a little cold and unfeeling, but this book gives us all the explanation behind that persona! There's so much more to Angel and she really does care about her friends even if she finds it hard to share those feelings!
It was great seeing Morgan and Macey again, along with some of the other side characters too, but the most surprising, of course, was Ryan. I did expect him to remember at one point and maybe not go through with his ascension, but that would have been far too easy and ended the story too quickly!
Thank you to Liz for this ARC copy of this book. It was a great read and I cannot wait for the next book in Angel's series. This review is my own, honest one!
February 20, 2025
Star-Crossed Enemies by Liz Cain
ASIN: B0CWPM9WYJ
Publisher : Rogue Mirage LTD (February 18, 2025)
Publication date: February 18, 2025
The Queen of Hell, a lavender-winged Archangel, and a happy-go-lucky Nymph walk into a bar filled with Vampires. Yep, you guessed it. We are back in the Dealer's Choice world, and only now will we learn about Angel and the cross she must bear through millennia.
The first book in Liz Cain's new series, "Star-Crossed Enemies," sets a brisk pace from the very first chapter. Our MC, Angel, gets a lot of help from two well-developed supporting characters: Morgan, the Queen of Hell, and Macey, a Nymph. Our Male MC is Ryan (Orion), whom Angel has loved for millennia. I’ll leave the author, Liz Cain, to fill you in on their tragic love story, as it is the rock this story is built upon.
I like how Ms. Cain delivers the information we need about location, clothing, background events, and so on without pausing the action.
I highly recommend "Star-Crossed Enemies" and look forward to the next book.
I was given a free ARC, and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
ASIN: B0CWPM9WYJ
Publisher : Rogue Mirage LTD (February 18, 2025)
Publication date: February 18, 2025
The Queen of Hell, a lavender-winged Archangel, and a happy-go-lucky Nymph walk into a bar filled with Vampires. Yep, you guessed it. We are back in the Dealer's Choice world, and only now will we learn about Angel and the cross she must bear through millennia.
The first book in Liz Cain's new series, "Star-Crossed Enemies," sets a brisk pace from the very first chapter. Our MC, Angel, gets a lot of help from two well-developed supporting characters: Morgan, the Queen of Hell, and Macey, a Nymph. Our Male MC is Ryan (Orion), whom Angel has loved for millennia. I’ll leave the author, Liz Cain, to fill you in on their tragic love story, as it is the rock this story is built upon.
I like how Ms. Cain delivers the information we need about location, clothing, background events, and so on without pausing the action.
I highly recommend "Star-Crossed Enemies" and look forward to the next book.
I was given a free ARC, and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
February 16, 2025
Angel - Is an actual angel who fell in love with a human, a love that caused a life time of pain! A pain that was caused by Apollos dealing with the Devil and his own jealousy.
Angel and Orian were cursed, she has to watch Orian not know who she is, the only time he remembers her is before he dies. Angel has to live in that purgatory over and over again.
When Angel gets her wings she knows it's time that she will find orian, he doesn't know her, they fall for each other, he remembers her and dies.
Orian - Fell in love with an angel, he was cursed to forget the woman who he loves until his dying moments each time he remembers her.
Orian came back this time as a human who wants to become a vampire, he meets Angel and feels something for her.
They are on a mission to find who's selling drugs and whilst on that mission Angel is trying to find away to stop the purgatory hell she keeps reliving!
This is a beautifully written supernatural novel, one where you are hooked from the start! It catches you hook line and sinker. It will keep you on your toes needing more!!
This is the first novel of this authors I have read and it most certainly will not be the last!
If you are looking for a new fantasy read, then this book is for you!
The attention to detail of this story is amazing! Especially the description of Angels appearance! Purple angel wings are my new favourite thing!
This is book #1, I cant wait to see what book #2 brings from this amazing fantasy series!
Angel and Orian were cursed, she has to watch Orian not know who she is, the only time he remembers her is before he dies. Angel has to live in that purgatory over and over again.
When Angel gets her wings she knows it's time that she will find orian, he doesn't know her, they fall for each other, he remembers her and dies.
Orian - Fell in love with an angel, he was cursed to forget the woman who he loves until his dying moments each time he remembers her.
Orian came back this time as a human who wants to become a vampire, he meets Angel and feels something for her.
They are on a mission to find who's selling drugs and whilst on that mission Angel is trying to find away to stop the purgatory hell she keeps reliving!
This is a beautifully written supernatural novel, one where you are hooked from the start! It catches you hook line and sinker. It will keep you on your toes needing more!!
This is the first novel of this authors I have read and it most certainly will not be the last!
If you are looking for a new fantasy read, then this book is for you!
The attention to detail of this story is amazing! Especially the description of Angels appearance! Purple angel wings are my new favourite thing!
This is book #1, I cant wait to see what book #2 brings from this amazing fantasy series!
February 18, 2025
What a great beginning to this spin-off of Liz’s Dealer’s Choice series!! It’s Angel’s story, and what a story it is!! She was a character that jumped out during the earlier series, so I was thrilled to learn we were finally getting to see how she came to be. The tie-in with greek mythology was so interesting, definitely a fresh twist of an old story and I loved it! Loved to see so many familiar faces show up in this book and I can’t wait to read what happens next!!
February 9, 2025
This was read as an arc- it was more amazing than I expected it to be.
I don’t think I’ve come across a book that has the devil, arch angels, nymphs, sirens, werewolves, vampires, humans and the gods in before. I can say that I absolutely love it. Having all kinds of supernatural creatures mingling together in a star crossed lovers tale is fab. Plus the joint story of selling the soul for a high with the release of lucifer and a broken curse is one of the most unique blend of character story arcs I’ve read in a long time.
Angel is an arch angel and fallen following lucifers defection and is cursed to relive her heartbreak over and over thanks to Apollo’s jealously and the deal he made with the devil. Orion is re incarnated over and over and is currently in the form of Ryan a human who wishes to ascend to be a vampire. Morgan the current queen of hell and marcey an exiled nymph are there to try and support Angel through this whilst the same time are trying to figure out who is behind the demon drug that humans are willingly selling their souls for.
I devoured this book in 3 hours and cannot wait to read more!
I don’t think I’ve come across a book that has the devil, arch angels, nymphs, sirens, werewolves, vampires, humans and the gods in before. I can say that I absolutely love it. Having all kinds of supernatural creatures mingling together in a star crossed lovers tale is fab. Plus the joint story of selling the soul for a high with the release of lucifer and a broken curse is one of the most unique blend of character story arcs I’ve read in a long time.
Angel is an arch angel and fallen following lucifers defection and is cursed to relive her heartbreak over and over thanks to Apollo’s jealously and the deal he made with the devil. Orion is re incarnated over and over and is currently in the form of Ryan a human who wishes to ascend to be a vampire. Morgan the current queen of hell and marcey an exiled nymph are there to try and support Angel through this whilst the same time are trying to figure out who is behind the demon drug that humans are willingly selling their souls for.
I devoured this book in 3 hours and cannot wait to read more!
February 17, 2025
This was my first Liz Cain book, and I really enjoyed it! I haven’t read her Dealer’s Choice series, which ties into this book, but it wasn’t necessary to follow along. I was immediately interested in a star-crossed lovers trope and I felt like the story was well-paced and kept me engaged. I can’t wait to find out what happens next!
February 18, 2025
This is Angel’s story. We met her during the siren, Morgan’s books. I’ve been waiting patiently for her story. Her story is painful but as you read we see why.
OMG before you start this first in a trilogy make sure you have your tissues ready as I was sobbing throughout.
A millennia ago, Angel lost her love, Orion. Every so often he comes alive in a different form. When her soulmate is near she becomes her true self. She starts to lose her powers and becomes more human. She can’t fall in love with him again only to lose him again. She has been cursed to relive this over and over.
With this Angel & Morgan alongside Macey they have to deal with a drug lord.
She also meets Ryan. He’s seen with the vampire family. Angel feels something familiar with him.
The ending has me wanting more.
OMG before you start this first in a trilogy make sure you have your tissues ready as I was sobbing throughout.
A millennia ago, Angel lost her love, Orion. Every so often he comes alive in a different form. When her soulmate is near she becomes her true self. She starts to lose her powers and becomes more human. She can’t fall in love with him again only to lose him again. She has been cursed to relive this over and over.
With this Angel & Morgan alongside Macey they have to deal with a drug lord.
She also meets Ryan. He’s seen with the vampire family. Angel feels something familiar with him.
The ending has me wanting more.
February 16, 2025
We have met Angel as a side character in Cain’s other series, Dealer’s Choice, but this is a full series dedicated to the angelic being, not only some of her past, but it follows on from the events in Dealer’s Choice.
You can read this series without having read Dealer’s Choice, but you will get more out of it if you do.
Angel is an angelic being, created by the gods as a warrior to do their bidding, but when Lucifer was cast down, several of the angels were cast out with him, including Angel.
On earth, Angel was paired with her brother angel Apollo, to protect humans, but she fell in love with a human. Apollo, scorned by the fact that Angel loved another and not him, tricked her into killing her love, thus bringing down a curse on multiple players, including Angel, her love Orion, Apollo and Lucifer himself.
As a part of the curse, Angel has had to spend the ages repeatedly finding her love, falling in love with him, he not knowing who she is initially, but just as he remembers, he is killed, and then the cycle repeats.
At the start of the Star Crossed series, we find Angel with her friends, Morgan and Macey. A new drug is on the market, one that is being given to humans, and is so addictive, that after one taste, people are willing to sell their souls to get another go. Morgan, having become the Queen of Hell just recently, has put a ban on demons taking human souls to protect them, but the demons appear to have found a way around it.
Meanwhile, Angel feels a familiar tug, and realises that it is that time again, where Orion is about to come into her life for another cycle. As they are investigating the drug deals, Angel comes across a man called Ryan, and is taken aback when she realises it is actually her Orion in a new iteration.
Unfortunately, he has become caught up with vampires, having been adopted by one at an early age, and is now only days away from his ascension, an event that is slated to occur on his 27th birthday.
Angel finds herself caught up in Ryan, the curse taking effect and starting to sap her angelic powers, and her love for him returning in full strength the more time she spends with him. Ryan also seems to find himself attracted to Angel, and he can’t understand the desperate pull he feels towards her, but regardless of his feelings, he is also dead set on going through with his ascension.
Once Ryan ascends, he will become a vampire, and that will make him a sworn enemy of Angel, who, having watched a former vampire clan torture and murder a past iteration of Orion, went on a vengeance rampage, and slaughtered the entire clan. She has a feared reputation amongst the vampires now, but a tenuous peace also.
This is the story of Angel, we get to learn that she is now Angel, but was formerly Artemis, one of the six fallen. This is also a follow-on to the Dealer’s Choice series, as we get to see more of Morgan and Macey, and as the curse unfolds, this series is going to see the battle for Hell unfold, as demons, angels and sirens collide.
The character work is outstanding as we watch the usually stoic Angel begin to fall apart in this series. Her calm, somewhat emotionless demeanor is torn away as she comes across the version of Orion. Unsure if she can deal with all of it again, we see her begin to crack. Morgan, Macey and even Terry are unsure how to deal with this changed Angel. It is fascinating to watch as she tries to deal with the unfolding events.
Morgan is hilarious as always, and is a good counter to the tragedy that is unfolding in Angel’s life.
This is an epic tale, one told over thousands of years, following one of the best characters to come out of the Dealer’s Choice series. If you want to know all about Angel, as well as see more of Morgan in action, if you loved the Dealer’s Choice series, or if you just love a fantastic Urban Fantasy series – then this is a must!!
You can read this series without having read Dealer’s Choice, but you will get more out of it if you do.
Angel is an angelic being, created by the gods as a warrior to do their bidding, but when Lucifer was cast down, several of the angels were cast out with him, including Angel.
On earth, Angel was paired with her brother angel Apollo, to protect humans, but she fell in love with a human. Apollo, scorned by the fact that Angel loved another and not him, tricked her into killing her love, thus bringing down a curse on multiple players, including Angel, her love Orion, Apollo and Lucifer himself.
As a part of the curse, Angel has had to spend the ages repeatedly finding her love, falling in love with him, he not knowing who she is initially, but just as he remembers, he is killed, and then the cycle repeats.
At the start of the Star Crossed series, we find Angel with her friends, Morgan and Macey. A new drug is on the market, one that is being given to humans, and is so addictive, that after one taste, people are willing to sell their souls to get another go. Morgan, having become the Queen of Hell just recently, has put a ban on demons taking human souls to protect them, but the demons appear to have found a way around it.
Meanwhile, Angel feels a familiar tug, and realises that it is that time again, where Orion is about to come into her life for another cycle. As they are investigating the drug deals, Angel comes across a man called Ryan, and is taken aback when she realises it is actually her Orion in a new iteration.
Unfortunately, he has become caught up with vampires, having been adopted by one at an early age, and is now only days away from his ascension, an event that is slated to occur on his 27th birthday.
Angel finds herself caught up in Ryan, the curse taking effect and starting to sap her angelic powers, and her love for him returning in full strength the more time she spends with him. Ryan also seems to find himself attracted to Angel, and he can’t understand the desperate pull he feels towards her, but regardless of his feelings, he is also dead set on going through with his ascension.
Once Ryan ascends, he will become a vampire, and that will make him a sworn enemy of Angel, who, having watched a former vampire clan torture and murder a past iteration of Orion, went on a vengeance rampage, and slaughtered the entire clan. She has a feared reputation amongst the vampires now, but a tenuous peace also.
This is the story of Angel, we get to learn that she is now Angel, but was formerly Artemis, one of the six fallen. This is also a follow-on to the Dealer’s Choice series, as we get to see more of Morgan and Macey, and as the curse unfolds, this series is going to see the battle for Hell unfold, as demons, angels and sirens collide.
The character work is outstanding as we watch the usually stoic Angel begin to fall apart in this series. Her calm, somewhat emotionless demeanor is torn away as she comes across the version of Orion. Unsure if she can deal with all of it again, we see her begin to crack. Morgan, Macey and even Terry are unsure how to deal with this changed Angel. It is fascinating to watch as she tries to deal with the unfolding events.
Morgan is hilarious as always, and is a good counter to the tragedy that is unfolding in Angel’s life.
This is an epic tale, one told over thousands of years, following one of the best characters to come out of the Dealer’s Choice series. If you want to know all about Angel, as well as see more of Morgan in action, if you loved the Dealer’s Choice series, or if you just love a fantastic Urban Fantasy series – then this is a must!!
February 13, 2025
Liz Cain knows how to keep a story moving at a pace that never slows down from page 1.
This is the first book in the Star-crossed series of hers. However it is worthy to note that there are multiple tie ins from her Dealer’s choice series. It is not crucial to read that series but I would suggest reading all three books before jumping into this one since there are spoilers to that story.
This book however follows Angel, who is an angel, and she has been cursed to see her lover reborn again and again throughout time in which they meet and fall in love again and just before he dies he remembers who she is. (It has some basis in the Artemis and Orion myths, along with other mixes of other mythology) However when Orion is reborn this time it is different because it could break the curse but at great cost to the rest of the world.
A quick fun read with quirky characters and a fast paced story.
This is the first book in the Star-crossed series of hers. However it is worthy to note that there are multiple tie ins from her Dealer’s choice series. It is not crucial to read that series but I would suggest reading all three books before jumping into this one since there are spoilers to that story.
This book however follows Angel, who is an angel, and she has been cursed to see her lover reborn again and again throughout time in which they meet and fall in love again and just before he dies he remembers who she is. (It has some basis in the Artemis and Orion myths, along with other mixes of other mythology) However when Orion is reborn this time it is different because it could break the curse but at great cost to the rest of the world.
A quick fun read with quirky characters and a fast paced story.
February 20, 2025
If you have already read the Dealer choice series, you’ve already been introduced to Angel. Angel is just that- a fallen angel with a tragic backstory… Destined to meet her soulmate over and over to love him yet lose him all over again once he remembers her. To change their story is to change her curse and that would unleash something worse and Angel doesn’t want that to happen. What’s a girl to do? Liz ties this spinoff very well and I can’t wait to read more!!
February 18, 2025
This story was so full of tension! It was neat seeing more story from a character in Liz's other series, and this book still felt very unique from that series. If you love books having a huge variety of fantastical races, this one may be for you!
February 11, 2025
"My entire existence was one of loss."
We are back in the Dealer's Choice world, only this time we are seeing things through Angel's POV. This is after all the events from that series and Morgan is now the ruler of Hell. We find out that Angel has been cursed to live a life of loss. She was one of the original Fallen. Going by another name at that time, her "brother" had fallen in love with her and she did not reciprocate. After falling in love with another, she sets a chain of events in motion that will impact her for centuries. Now she is in one of her cycles where she finds her star-crossed love, only to watch him be lost to her. Not only does she have to deal with all the emotional fallout from this, but there is also a demon giving out a highly addictive drug to try to steal souls. Angel, Morgan, Macey and now Ryan/Orion must stop this demon as well.
I was so excited to dive back into Morgan's world! And not just Morgan's world, but Angel's now as well. And of course, there is a crossover from the Portals of Science and Magic as well. Morgan is still the same with her lack of planning and love of chaos. Angel is the perfect balance to her. She is levelheaded and keeps her emotions in check. Well, mostly! After we get some background on her, there is a whole other side of her that you could not have even imagined existing. She puts on a cold, clinical front but beneath that facade is a fierce warrior. She is also so weary and tired of the same torture many times over. Her coldness is her way of trying to keep from getting her emotions run over.
The tension between Angel and Ryan (Orion) is so thick! He has no idea why, but he is just drawn to her. And Angel must hold herself back or risk scaring him. He's definitely a complicated character, knowing how he feels but not wanting to give up his life that he has worked for. There is definitely some behind the scenes sneakiness going on and there are some characters I am not sure if I can trust just yet. And the surprises at the end with the source of the demon drugs and then with a big reveal of who is pulling Ryan's strings with the vampires are shocking! I mean I really did not see either of those coming!
This was a wonderful start to a spin-off series. It has angels, demons, vampires, nymphs and more. There is plenty of action, suspense and emotions. The side plot was solved and now we have a larger main issue than we realized! And everything is about to get crazy for Angel! I can't wait to find out what will happen in the next book!
We are back in the Dealer's Choice world, only this time we are seeing things through Angel's POV. This is after all the events from that series and Morgan is now the ruler of Hell. We find out that Angel has been cursed to live a life of loss. She was one of the original Fallen. Going by another name at that time, her "brother" had fallen in love with her and she did not reciprocate. After falling in love with another, she sets a chain of events in motion that will impact her for centuries. Now she is in one of her cycles where she finds her star-crossed love, only to watch him be lost to her. Not only does she have to deal with all the emotional fallout from this, but there is also a demon giving out a highly addictive drug to try to steal souls. Angel, Morgan, Macey and now Ryan/Orion must stop this demon as well.
I was so excited to dive back into Morgan's world! And not just Morgan's world, but Angel's now as well. And of course, there is a crossover from the Portals of Science and Magic as well. Morgan is still the same with her lack of planning and love of chaos. Angel is the perfect balance to her. She is levelheaded and keeps her emotions in check. Well, mostly! After we get some background on her, there is a whole other side of her that you could not have even imagined existing. She puts on a cold, clinical front but beneath that facade is a fierce warrior. She is also so weary and tired of the same torture many times over. Her coldness is her way of trying to keep from getting her emotions run over.
The tension between Angel and Ryan (Orion) is so thick! He has no idea why, but he is just drawn to her. And Angel must hold herself back or risk scaring him. He's definitely a complicated character, knowing how he feels but not wanting to give up his life that he has worked for. There is definitely some behind the scenes sneakiness going on and there are some characters I am not sure if I can trust just yet. And the surprises at the end with the source of the demon drugs and then with a big reveal of who is pulling Ryan's strings with the vampires are shocking! I mean I really did not see either of those coming!
This was a wonderful start to a spin-off series. It has angels, demons, vampires, nymphs and more. There is plenty of action, suspense and emotions. The side plot was solved and now we have a larger main issue than we realized! And everything is about to get crazy for Angel! I can't wait to find out what will happen in the next book!
February 18, 2025
Underneath Angel's cold and emotionless exterior is a woman who is stuck in a cursed cycle and hasn’t had the chance to properly grieve for everything she has been through. For Angel went by another name back in the day and everyone knows the stories of her that have become myth. Angel's past is about to resurface and she knows another cycle of heartbreak is coming. When her powers return so does the soul of her great love, both cursed by a jealous brother. This time is different though for many reasons. Foremost, she has Morgan with her who is being frustratingly cryptic and enjoying the role reversal way too much. But Morgan swears things will work out which gives her hope, something she hasn't had in a very long time. And when she finally finds this version of Orion, named Ryan in this life, he is involved in the dangerous world of vampires. The more she tries to reach him and remove him from that world, the more he resists even though he feels an unexplainable attraction to her. However, the part of Angel that has been through this before doesn’t want to believe in the hope that Morgan created but she is tired of this curse. But Angel knows the consequences of breaking it and they aren't something she willing to let happen.
We get the history and story of one of Liz's most mysterious and cryptic characters from the Dealer's series. It was fun delving into the history of Angel to see why she is the way she is. I found the take on mythology and the cross between different myths interesting and making sense, especially with beings who are basically immortal. Watching Morgan enjoying herself but also still being the stubborn siren we know was fun. And it was nice to see the characters not being drastically different between series, that Morgan and the gang are still growing themselves. I'm looking forward to more and can't wait for the next installment, especially with how this left off.
We get the history and story of one of Liz's most mysterious and cryptic characters from the Dealer's series. It was fun delving into the history of Angel to see why she is the way she is. I found the take on mythology and the cross between different myths interesting and making sense, especially with beings who are basically immortal. Watching Morgan enjoying herself but also still being the stubborn siren we know was fun. And it was nice to see the characters not being drastically different between series, that Morgan and the gang are still growing themselves. I'm looking forward to more and can't wait for the next installment, especially with how this left off.
March 3, 2025
**ARC Reader, All opinions are my own**
Angel, as she’s been called for millenia, has been on this earth of ours for thousands of years. She and her kind predate humanity and initially were the beings tasked with keeping our world in check. For Angel and her "siblings," the job was the point, the goal, and the one focus; there was no room for anything else. Once, long ago, she met a man, a human man, and she fell in love. When her brother found out, after she had refused him, he tricked her into killing her human, setting in motion a curse that not only had her repeating her love-drenched pain but also had Lucifer himself bound in the deepest pits of hell.
Every time her one true love is reborn, the cycle repeats, with Angel and he falling in love and then with her losing him again. And again. And again. Angel has kept her emotions close, staying stoic, staying removed, because feeling anything is only pain. But she’s found friends in her life in Chicago. She’s found people she loves and cares about. It must be time for another rebirth cycle…
“Star-Crossed Enemies” is the long-awaited first novel in one of the “Sirenverse’s” favorite side characters, Angel. It’s heartbreaking, emotionally charged, and the story none of us expected but all of us needed. The prose is on point, the story pulls you in, and the characters are, as always, impossible not to love. With fantastic cameos from some of Liz’s other series and a strong place within the “Sirenverse” and Morgan’s epic adventures, you won’t be able to put it down! Enjoy a new splash into the world of Dealer’s Choice, now focused on everyone’s favorite Angel.
I received a free copy of this ebook and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Angel, as she’s been called for millenia, has been on this earth of ours for thousands of years. She and her kind predate humanity and initially were the beings tasked with keeping our world in check. For Angel and her "siblings," the job was the point, the goal, and the one focus; there was no room for anything else. Once, long ago, she met a man, a human man, and she fell in love. When her brother found out, after she had refused him, he tricked her into killing her human, setting in motion a curse that not only had her repeating her love-drenched pain but also had Lucifer himself bound in the deepest pits of hell.
Every time her one true love is reborn, the cycle repeats, with Angel and he falling in love and then with her losing him again. And again. And again. Angel has kept her emotions close, staying stoic, staying removed, because feeling anything is only pain. But she’s found friends in her life in Chicago. She’s found people she loves and cares about. It must be time for another rebirth cycle…
“Star-Crossed Enemies” is the long-awaited first novel in one of the “Sirenverse’s” favorite side characters, Angel. It’s heartbreaking, emotionally charged, and the story none of us expected but all of us needed. The prose is on point, the story pulls you in, and the characters are, as always, impossible not to love. With fantastic cameos from some of Liz’s other series and a strong place within the “Sirenverse” and Morgan’s epic adventures, you won’t be able to put it down! Enjoy a new splash into the world of Dealer’s Choice, now focused on everyone’s favorite Angel.
I received a free copy of this ebook and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 7, 2025
I have been looking forward to Angel’s story for a long time, but I still couldn’t have guessed just how much of an impact it would have - boy does it pack a punch! Enigmatic Angel was always going to have a past that would that would pull on the heartstrings, as that calm and distant facade had to be hiding heartache, but oh my goodness - the depths of that pain…the torment she suffers!
Angel shares her story with her friends Morgan and Macey, when she realises events are about to unfold and Morgan is already aware she will be needed. Morgan is now Queen of Hell and is more powerful than ever, but can she help Angel break a curse and mend her heart?
The story is cleverly woven, using a spin on Greek mythology, ancient rivalries, curses and betrayals, love and loss. I love the crossover elements included and the way all the threads of this story are drawn together, as the tapestry of Angel’s torment is told.
The world building is excellent, the characters so well drawn that you feel as if you know them. You are drawn into Angel’s agony and desperation, wanting to grab hold of someone and shake sense into them so that they ease her pain. Alongside this you also have the theme of strong friendship and loyalty, and the lighter, humorous moments, that only Morgan could provide, in her unique and wonderful way.
As the tension builds and emotions are high, you are so invested in this tale, wanting Angel to be happy with the one she loves, racing through the pages, gripped by a need for a conclusion that sets the world to rights. All I can say is, I need book 2 in this series and I need it now!
Angel shares her story with her friends Morgan and Macey, when she realises events are about to unfold and Morgan is already aware she will be needed. Morgan is now Queen of Hell and is more powerful than ever, but can she help Angel break a curse and mend her heart?
The story is cleverly woven, using a spin on Greek mythology, ancient rivalries, curses and betrayals, love and loss. I love the crossover elements included and the way all the threads of this story are drawn together, as the tapestry of Angel’s torment is told.
The world building is excellent, the characters so well drawn that you feel as if you know them. You are drawn into Angel’s agony and desperation, wanting to grab hold of someone and shake sense into them so that they ease her pain. Alongside this you also have the theme of strong friendship and loyalty, and the lighter, humorous moments, that only Morgan could provide, in her unique and wonderful way.
As the tension builds and emotions are high, you are so invested in this tale, wanting Angel to be happy with the one she loves, racing through the pages, gripped by a need for a conclusion that sets the world to rights. All I can say is, I need book 2 in this series and I need it now!
March 5, 2025
We are back in the world of Morgan and her people. Angel is fallen from times past. She has visions that render her incapacitated. Remember when she visited Morgan during her stint in Hell? Now, it is time to come to fruition. Macey is talking to Angel when things start happening. She receives wings, purple ones! This means she has returned to what she once was.
So, what does this mean exactly? She is cursed! Lucifer is locked up until the curse breaks. Angel has to relive one occurrence for the rest of her life, unless they figure out a way to break the curse, the circumstances are deadly if they do. Morgan and the humans will be the first to suffer.
Morgan is the Queen of Hell now. The drugs that were circulating prior, is still making an appearance everywhere. Angel, Macey, Morgan and several others will team up to find those distributing, what is in it, make an antidote, and most of all…how to help Angel navigate what is happening. The world building of characters is epic! Each character brings their own layered personality to the table, which makes them a family. I resonate with Morgan the most, but Angel is one character many can relate to. Each time I pick up a book in this series, I am like grrr…HAVE to wait to find out what is next…they are that good! The book ends on a cliffhanger. Be prepared to learn Angel’s history, what happened, and what is yet to come!
March 10, 2025
2025:
I have been eagerly awaiting Angel's book for some time and was so excited when it finally dropped in my inbox. I didn't know what to expect but I was not at all, disappointed!
Star-Crossed Enemies surprised me - the sheer amount of mythology which crossed between different cultures...It shouldn't have worked. But it did. It was fantastic, and I think, my favourite part about the story. Liz Cain has done a phenomenal job on that aspect and I can't wait to see how this element is developed through the series.
Angel is the FMC for this series and her character ARC was fantastic. You finally get to see behind the impenetrable shield she puts in place and you start to get an understanding of why she is the way she is.
Ryan is the MMC in this series and he just fits in perfectly with the rest of the slightly unhinged group. His interactions with Macey and Morgan, not knowing quite what to make of them, had me grinning more than once.
It was great to see characters from the Dealer's Choice series be continuted with the underlying story progressing in the background.
The Star-Crossed series is set to absolutely go off the rails, and I for one, can't wait for the ride!
But be prepared...Star-Crossed Enemies has a cliff hanger ending, that is to die for...
I have been eagerly awaiting Angel's book for some time and was so excited when it finally dropped in my inbox. I didn't know what to expect but I was not at all, disappointed!
Star-Crossed Enemies surprised me - the sheer amount of mythology which crossed between different cultures...It shouldn't have worked. But it did. It was fantastic, and I think, my favourite part about the story. Liz Cain has done a phenomenal job on that aspect and I can't wait to see how this element is developed through the series.
Angel is the FMC for this series and her character ARC was fantastic. You finally get to see behind the impenetrable shield she puts in place and you start to get an understanding of why she is the way she is.
Ryan is the MMC in this series and he just fits in perfectly with the rest of the slightly unhinged group. His interactions with Macey and Morgan, not knowing quite what to make of them, had me grinning more than once.
It was great to see characters from the Dealer's Choice series be continuted with the underlying story progressing in the background.
The Star-Crossed series is set to absolutely go off the rails, and I for one, can't wait for the ride!
But be prepared...Star-Crossed Enemies has a cliff hanger ending, that is to die for...
February 11, 2025
An absolutely STUNNING start to this new series
We first met Angel in Morgans books and had a brief glimpse of her past, but in this book we get to learn so much more about her. She is not the emotionally distant supernatural she has always seemed, but a woman who has meeting and losing her soulmate in more heart shattering ways.
Now she is going to meet him again, but this time things feel different. This time he has a life and a goal to pursue, this time - he may not choose her. But not choosing her will release an enemy that no one is sure how to destroy.
I absolutely LOVED this story and can't wait for the next one
We first met Angel in Morgans books and had a brief glimpse of her past, but in this book we get to learn so much more about her. She is not the emotionally distant supernatural she has always seemed, but a woman who has meeting and losing her soulmate in more heart shattering ways.
Now she is going to meet him again, but this time things feel different. This time he has a life and a goal to pursue, this time - he may not choose her. But not choosing her will release an enemy that no one is sure how to destroy.
I absolutely LOVED this story and can't wait for the next one
February 14, 2025
This series starts Angel's story, with the same character gang, in the same world as the Dealer's Choice series, highly recommend reading them first. A truly brilliant book that takes you through the past that relates to who Angel is now, and her true identity, plus her lost love and the demon deals that got us to today. Then ride the roller coaster of emotions as the current day events unfold that look like changing the outcome. This book had me enthralled, I could not put it down, and enjoyed at least as much as the previous series, if not more. Beware the cliffhanger, I was reduced to actual tears, and can't wait for the next instalment to see what happens.
February 16, 2025
Wow! This author has a special talent when writing emotive scenes, Angel is quite subdued in Morgan’s series and in this book you really feel the pain behind her front. As Angels story unfolds you get to learn about Orion and what history keeps repeating. Morgan brings the humour as always and has her own issues to deal with as the queen of hell, trying to keep the demons in check but they found a loophole after she banned them making deals for souls. This book goes from pulling on your heart strings to making you laugh and I can’t wait for the next addition to Angels series!
February 22, 2025
I really enjoyed reading the story of Angel and Orion. I don't want to spoil it, but it's such a tragic back story, but it is told beautifully in the book and really captures your emotions. This does not draw away from the book being action-packed with other characters and also has some humour throughout. The book has a really good plot, and the ending opens up for the rest of the series. Be prepared for a real emotional ride at the end.
I received a free advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review
I received a free advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review
February 18, 2025
Aaah! Liz Cain does it again! Many characters will be familiar if you've read through Dealer's Choice series. Morgan, Macey, Larlac, Terry and Angel are back.
This story focuses on Angel's past. Why has she been so mysterious. Well, turns out Angel has a complicated past full of love and torture. I don't want to sat much more about the plot, but it is so good!
I will also say, I love Liz Cain's world building abilities! The way she crosses various mythologies never ceases to amaze me.
This story focuses on Angel's past. Why has she been so mysterious. Well, turns out Angel has a complicated past full of love and torture. I don't want to sat much more about the plot, but it is so good!
I will also say, I love Liz Cain's world building abilities! The way she crosses various mythologies never ceases to amaze me.
February 17, 2025
Another wonderful book from Liz Cain, following Angel, who we've met in the previous books about the siren, Morgan. This book is largely story building and character development with not a lot of action - but there is so much depth to it that it holds your attention until the last page. A great addition to this world, and I look forward to seeing where the story goes from here!
February 18, 2025
We now get the privilege of Angels story and boy does she get the short end of the stick. She has a lover that she gets to love over and over again just for him to die and for her to have to wait till he is reborn again. The story is very intriguing and definitely makes me want to know more. I loved it and of course seeing some of our other favorite characters. Need more.
June 18, 2025
What a way to start Angels book.
When you are an ARC Angel who has fallen for a human who keeps being re-incarnated and you still love him and as soon as he realise's he's he's in love with you he dies and it all starts again. What would you do?
The cliffhanger on this book has me gripped and wanting to know more already.
When you are an ARC Angel who has fallen for a human who keeps being re-incarnated and you still love him and as soon as he realise's he's he's in love with you he dies and it all starts again. What would you do?
The cliffhanger on this book has me gripped and wanting to know more already.
May 3, 2025
Dnf at 4%
Wasn’t interesting enough to keep going.
Arc
Wasn’t interesting enough to keep going.
Arc
June 7, 2025
THIS was a book I was salivating over! Since I first encountered Angel, I knew I NEEDED to know her story! Right off the bat, the author pulled me in emotionally, I could already "feel" why Angel was so stoic and WHOA did I get my answers! So much more than I could have hoped for and then some! We get to find out who Angel really is, what she endured, why she goes through what she does and, most importantly, to see her stoic facade peel away, inch by inch. My delight held no bounds, even through the angst I was feeling for Angel, seeing Morgan, Macey, Layla and a few choice other characters I've come to adore was a joy, this story is rich, opulent and a gourmet's thrill at being presented with a lavish meal.
Angel is a proper angel, an angel who shouldn't be capable of emotions, like love, but she is, and does, with every fibre of her created self. She loved one man, centuries ago, which, by the fates didn't turn out that well! And that started her on a spiral of stoicism, cynicism, an unemotional facade, that is what she presents to the world. Feelings equate to pain so what better way to protect herself than to shove all and any emotions, so deep within, one would need a pick hammer to chisel away at it. Except, that ain't working so well either, she loves her friends fiercely. Shoot , with Macey and Morgan as her BFF's, Angel has the best of the best! Even if Morgan is a bit....unpredictably impulsive, she's solid, she's a good one to have watch your back. I loved the genuine relationship of trust, support and caring between these three awesome ladies! But THE time is fast approaching, and seeing Angel, feeling Angel going through the pain, physical pain, my heart was racing like a fleeing rabbit!
And sure enough, soon enough, HE appears but not as she expected. And here we go, me included, into a rollercoaster of emotions, events, lies and mystery. Masterfully created once more, I could not tear my eyes off the pages! Ms Cain is a phenomenal author, she captures my imagination with her vivid prose and I'm riding a high! Taking a tale, steeped in Greek mythology, and putting a spin on it, holy moly, THAT was brilliantly done! What too is ingenious is her play on names, Orion/Ryan. Neat, isn't it and so flipping clever! Which is precisely what this author is, so so clever in dropping her inspired prose, faultlessly. This story isn't only about fated lovers, destined to repeat the same history over and over again, heartbreakingly, it's also a tale with many different facets, of mysterious substances doing major harm to humans and supernaturals alike, as well as a hidden truth that when it spilled out, my breath hitched at the unexpected bombshells. A centuries long curse, and one deed, one unimaginable deed, forms the basis for EVERYTHING to unravel! Spectacularly! It opens up a can of worms that should never have been opened, worms the like if Lucifer, Apollo, Adam and the lives of all.
Oh gosh is Ryan a honey! So sweet, if somehow misguided in his determination to....well, no, I can't tell you but suffice to say, when nothing would sway his course of action, I wanted to jump into the book and shake him til his teeth rattled! So stubborn! Gah!!!!! It's a gift to be able to depict the characters as realistically as Liz does, to give them individual voices and personas I can relate to, as is the ingenious blending of two different worlds and characters, seamlessly.
Though it's a predominantly tense read, so palpable I can taste it, with me held so firmly in a vice, devised by this author's creation, there's some wonderful comic relief in the guise of madhatter wizard Larlac, who I adore, spandex not withstanding....and Morgan's quips, some, which, quite frankly, are snort worthy. And then there's the library! Oh heavens, during those scenes I was grinning like a Cheshire cat, chortling away. The ebb and flow of this book is astonishingly well tuned, like standing on the shores of a beach, the waves recede, only to come back and pound at me. And lordie lordie lord, DID they pound! Achingly! That final scene, OMG did I sob! Genuine, real tears...The depth to this story is unexpected, the events as they play out is unexpected, the characters are unexpected, the intrigue and intricacies are unexpected. What IS expected, I KNOW I will be glued to the book, I KNOW I'll get a fast paced read, I KNOW I'll get strong world building, I KNOW to expect magnificent characters. THIS author ticks every single box, THIS author captures more than a story SHE captures my soul with such ease and I'm putty in her hands. Exceptional read!
Angel is a proper angel, an angel who shouldn't be capable of emotions, like love, but she is, and does, with every fibre of her created self. She loved one man, centuries ago, which, by the fates didn't turn out that well! And that started her on a spiral of stoicism, cynicism, an unemotional facade, that is what she presents to the world. Feelings equate to pain so what better way to protect herself than to shove all and any emotions, so deep within, one would need a pick hammer to chisel away at it. Except, that ain't working so well either, she loves her friends fiercely. Shoot , with Macey and Morgan as her BFF's, Angel has the best of the best! Even if Morgan is a bit....unpredictably impulsive, she's solid, she's a good one to have watch your back. I loved the genuine relationship of trust, support and caring between these three awesome ladies! But THE time is fast approaching, and seeing Angel, feeling Angel going through the pain, physical pain, my heart was racing like a fleeing rabbit!
And sure enough, soon enough, HE appears but not as she expected. And here we go, me included, into a rollercoaster of emotions, events, lies and mystery. Masterfully created once more, I could not tear my eyes off the pages! Ms Cain is a phenomenal author, she captures my imagination with her vivid prose and I'm riding a high! Taking a tale, steeped in Greek mythology, and putting a spin on it, holy moly, THAT was brilliantly done! What too is ingenious is her play on names, Orion/Ryan. Neat, isn't it and so flipping clever! Which is precisely what this author is, so so clever in dropping her inspired prose, faultlessly. This story isn't only about fated lovers, destined to repeat the same history over and over again, heartbreakingly, it's also a tale with many different facets, of mysterious substances doing major harm to humans and supernaturals alike, as well as a hidden truth that when it spilled out, my breath hitched at the unexpected bombshells. A centuries long curse, and one deed, one unimaginable deed, forms the basis for EVERYTHING to unravel! Spectacularly! It opens up a can of worms that should never have been opened, worms the like if Lucifer, Apollo, Adam and the lives of all.
Oh gosh is Ryan a honey! So sweet, if somehow misguided in his determination to....well, no, I can't tell you but suffice to say, when nothing would sway his course of action, I wanted to jump into the book and shake him til his teeth rattled! So stubborn! Gah!!!!! It's a gift to be able to depict the characters as realistically as Liz does, to give them individual voices and personas I can relate to, as is the ingenious blending of two different worlds and characters, seamlessly.
Though it's a predominantly tense read, so palpable I can taste it, with me held so firmly in a vice, devised by this author's creation, there's some wonderful comic relief in the guise of madhatter wizard Larlac, who I adore, spandex not withstanding....and Morgan's quips, some, which, quite frankly, are snort worthy. And then there's the library! Oh heavens, during those scenes I was grinning like a Cheshire cat, chortling away. The ebb and flow of this book is astonishingly well tuned, like standing on the shores of a beach, the waves recede, only to come back and pound at me. And lordie lordie lord, DID they pound! Achingly! That final scene, OMG did I sob! Genuine, real tears...The depth to this story is unexpected, the events as they play out is unexpected, the characters are unexpected, the intrigue and intricacies are unexpected. What IS expected, I KNOW I will be glued to the book, I KNOW I'll get a fast paced read, I KNOW I'll get strong world building, I KNOW to expect magnificent characters. THIS author ticks every single box, THIS author captures more than a story SHE captures my soul with such ease and I'm putty in her hands. Exceptional read!
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