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Seventh Star #5
Truly Yours
Orphaned at a young age, Issadora Yearling has grown into a talented pianist and schoolteacher under the guidance of her dear grandmother. While credit has always been tight, Issa knows exactly how to make every last penny of her inheritance stretch as much as possible.
But Gran has a debilitating secret—she's accrued a large debt over the past decade, and now, the debtors have come calling. Desperate for a quick solution, Gran turns to a long-lost friend for help.
Soon, Issa must face a horrifying her grandmother's friend is none other than the Dowager Queen of the Seventh Star, and the doddering old lady is harboring a fugitive—Avani Brimwood, a notorious traitor and the Alpha who invoked a war to steal the throne from her older sister.
When Gran petitions the Alpha for a loan, Avani agrees, on one Issa will stay behind as collateral.
Surely her grandmother wouldn't agree to this... Would she?
*This is a lesbian omegaverse fantasy romance.
But Gran has a debilitating secret—she's accrued a large debt over the past decade, and now, the debtors have come calling. Desperate for a quick solution, Gran turns to a long-lost friend for help.
Soon, Issa must face a horrifying her grandmother's friend is none other than the Dowager Queen of the Seventh Star, and the doddering old lady is harboring a fugitive—Avani Brimwood, a notorious traitor and the Alpha who invoked a war to steal the throne from her older sister.
When Gran petitions the Alpha for a loan, Avani agrees, on one Issa will stay behind as collateral.
Surely her grandmother wouldn't agree to this... Would she?
*This is a lesbian omegaverse fantasy romance.
612 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 1, 2024
61 people are currently reading
216 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
June 8, 2024
This year I discovered Lily X with her story "Let Me Be Yours," the first in her series, and I have been hooked since then. Lily X is a godsend; she has made a trope (one of my favorites, to be honest) from AO3 available in mainstream literature, and I couldn't be happier. Her series has everything: drama, plot twists, and romance.
One of the first things that made me obsessed with the series was the characters. They all feel real—their pain, their love, their happiness, and their struggles. It's rare to find an author who can make you feel this deeply and make it feel so raw. At first, when I saw this was going to be Avani's story, I was conflicted because she was really a bitch in Ris' story. But, oh my god, I felt for her and Issa's romance, their struggles, and their fears.
This series is amazing, and I don't have enough words to describe how perfect it is. My only problem with these books and the series is that they aren't long enough. I need Lily X's books to be around 1,000 pages or more, and I need the series to be as long as "The Wheel of Time." Please, Lily X, give us more of this series and these books!
One of the first things that made me obsessed with the series was the characters. They all feel real—their pain, their love, their happiness, and their struggles. It's rare to find an author who can make you feel this deeply and make it feel so raw. At first, when I saw this was going to be Avani's story, I was conflicted because she was really a bitch in Ris' story. But, oh my god, I felt for her and Issa's romance, their struggles, and their fears.
This series is amazing, and I don't have enough words to describe how perfect it is. My only problem with these books and the series is that they aren't long enough. I need Lily X's books to be around 1,000 pages or more, and I need the series to be as long as "The Wheel of Time." Please, Lily X, give us more of this series and these books!
June 9, 2024
I started reading this book for its smut, but was pleasantly surprised by its depth of its story. An un-heroic figure who is touched by love, veered herself to the path of redemption.
August 15, 2025
Awesome, in a word. Well done, in two. Unexpectedly great book, if I’m using three words.
Reader beware; this novel has content warnings (that you should read and heed) and is also Omegaverse, which is kind of its own content warning for the uninitiated, lmao.
Lily X is a promise of consistent quality. I have read five of their novels now and I am shocked at how consistent (and high) the quality of these novels has been. I will be reading the remainder and also hoping that they continue to pump them out (but don’t rush or anything, quality first!).
The other thing I must remark on is the range this author demonstrates, particularly with this novel. This novel was much darker than the previous ones that I have read by this author, which were largely very sweet (even when it wasn’t somehow…), and I was pleasantly surprised that my skepticism was unfounded. I was nervous going into this novel given the content warnings, but Lily pulled it off exceptionally well. This novel flirted with the sort of territory I can find triggering but handled things in just the right way to give us the thrills without crossing the wrong lines. This sort of plotline and character arc is easy to bungle, and I am SO glad that they avoided the many (and easy to fall for) pitfalls.
This novel started in a dark place but that was necessary in order for the author to take us, and the characters, on the extensive journey that followed. This is ultimately a villain redemption story, and it was handled with the expertise that I have only previously witnessed with Lee Winter (if you know, you know). That is to say, this was among the best redemption arc’s that I have had the pleasure to read. The plotline was relatively simple; necessary I suppose to help move things along, however the characters were truly the point. Both of our protagonists had some considerable ground to cover in their character arcs, and it was a great journey. Avani’s arc speaks for itself, but I will say that Issa carried her own in this novel and was nearly unrecognizable coming out the other side (for the better).
This series is building a world that is extensive, creating, and captivating. It is fantastical while also remaining fairly accessible. The timeline is moving a lot faster than I would have expected (or probably chosen if it was up to me) but it honestly works very well for the stories that are being told. There is exactly the correct amount of interconnectedness in these novels where although they are best read together, they would be able to stand on their own as well. There is also certainly room left for some prequels, or novels to be slotted in between the timeskips, (hint, hint).
One question Lily, what happened to Issa’s grandmother, eh?
Reader beware; this novel has content warnings (that you should read and heed) and is also Omegaverse, which is kind of its own content warning for the uninitiated, lmao.
Lily X is a promise of consistent quality. I have read five of their novels now and I am shocked at how consistent (and high) the quality of these novels has been. I will be reading the remainder and also hoping that they continue to pump them out (but don’t rush or anything, quality first!).
The other thing I must remark on is the range this author demonstrates, particularly with this novel. This novel was much darker than the previous ones that I have read by this author, which were largely very sweet (even when it wasn’t somehow…), and I was pleasantly surprised that my skepticism was unfounded. I was nervous going into this novel given the content warnings, but Lily pulled it off exceptionally well. This novel flirted with the sort of territory I can find triggering but handled things in just the right way to give us the thrills without crossing the wrong lines. This sort of plotline and character arc is easy to bungle, and I am SO glad that they avoided the many (and easy to fall for) pitfalls.
This novel started in a dark place but that was necessary in order for the author to take us, and the characters, on the extensive journey that followed. This is ultimately a villain redemption story, and it was handled with the expertise that I have only previously witnessed with Lee Winter (if you know, you know). That is to say, this was among the best redemption arc’s that I have had the pleasure to read. The plotline was relatively simple; necessary I suppose to help move things along, however the characters were truly the point. Both of our protagonists had some considerable ground to cover in their character arcs, and it was a great journey. Avani’s arc speaks for itself, but I will say that Issa carried her own in this novel and was nearly unrecognizable coming out the other side (for the better).
This series is building a world that is extensive, creating, and captivating. It is fantastical while also remaining fairly accessible. The timeline is moving a lot faster than I would have expected (or probably chosen if it was up to me) but it honestly works very well for the stories that are being told. There is exactly the correct amount of interconnectedness in these novels where although they are best read together, they would be able to stand on their own as well. There is also certainly room left for some prequels, or novels to be slotted in between the timeskips, (hint, hint).
One question Lily, what happened to Issa’s grandmother, eh?
June 1, 2024
brilliant
Truly Yours is a wonderful continuation of the Seventh Star series I've grown to know and love.
I really liked the way it handled Avani's story - it felt like a realistic arc with characters who healed with therapeutic help in a very grounded way.
It's a great story and I loved reading it. Hence why I finished it in two goes.
Can't wait to share with all my friends on instagram and elsewhere so they can see how a good and healthy approach to what starts as a dark romance can be.
Truly Yours is a wonderful continuation of the Seventh Star series I've grown to know and love.
I really liked the way it handled Avani's story - it felt like a realistic arc with characters who healed with therapeutic help in a very grounded way.
It's a great story and I loved reading it. Hence why I finished it in two goes.
Can't wait to share with all my friends on instagram and elsewhere so they can see how a good and healthy approach to what starts as a dark romance can be.
November 2, 2024
Before starting this book, consider the CW seriously, some triggers can be rough for some people.
Through the first part, I was weary of the themes and where the story was being taken, it could be a disaster how some of elements could be mixed, but I was encouraged by the steady writing through the series and what I found was a very honest exploration of an abusive relationship and, to my surprise, a story about redemption and healing.
I tend to be very skeptic with redemption arcs of this kind, but the story threaded with care, left me wondering quite a lot after reading each part, feeling engaged in a way that left some patches of me feeling raw. Books like these are awesome like that.
Through the first part, I was weary of the themes and where the story was being taken, it could be a disaster how some of elements could be mixed, but I was encouraged by the steady writing through the series and what I found was a very honest exploration of an abusive relationship and, to my surprise, a story about redemption and healing.
I tend to be very skeptic with redemption arcs of this kind, but the story threaded with care, left me wondering quite a lot after reading each part, feeling engaged in a way that left some patches of me feeling raw. Books like these are awesome like that.
June 26, 2024
This was my favorite of the series. I was born with the horrible trait that I can have a lot of empathy for shit people once I understand why they are shitty. And usually in books my favorite characters are people I wouldn't like in real life (except for Yogi, she's the loml). Why did I love Avani? Because she is interesting, her story and internal struggles made the book interesting. Yes, I had to get through the initial parts where she showed no humanity because some things that happened in the beginning of the book were hard to swallow. But I knew that going in, so no complaining here.
Honestly, this book was emotionally raw and that's what I loved. There was a lot of great dialogue and we got glimpses of how sweet Vani can be even before she "turned good". I just had this urge the whole time to hug her and make all her pain go away, which means the book was written well and in the end that's what matters.
P.S "I can change her"
Honestly, this book was emotionally raw and that's what I loved. There was a lot of great dialogue and we got glimpses of how sweet Vani can be even before she "turned good". I just had this urge the whole time to hug her and make all her pain go away, which means the book was written well and in the end that's what matters.
P.S "I can change her"
Read
June 9, 2024I can't forgive just yet....Issa is truly an angel, but my my anger at Avani....is just....great series
July 2, 2024
I wasn't too sure how I'd feel about this book due to how Avani comes across in the last book but I really enjoyed it!.
September 1, 2025
My soul is divided…
When does a person become a monster? How does a person become evil? When does a person stop being a monster? Can a person stop being evil? Is there a capacity to change from evil to good? Once evil, always evil? Can someone that has been evil ever become more than what they’ve done that is evil?
When I met Avani in “I’m Yours” I wanted to literally beat the crap out of her. But being honest, we didn’t really know a lot about her. We got a very brief glimpse of her when they returned from the border. What we did see was Aeryn loving on her daughter. We also see a bit of similarity of Avani to her Sire. I didn’t see much of what this creature could offer in the way of a story. I was remiss to read anything about her.
We met Dowager Amena in the first book, “Let Me Be Yours” and I had an instant dislike of her. She was brash, pushy, a firm traditionalist in the A/b/o hierarchy. And being an omega herself was very inhospitable to other omegas to include her own grandchildren. She was even seen as and known to be quite cruel. Take her relationship with Aeryn for example. There is one thing that will always stick out in “I’m Yours” is when Ris asked her, “How would you know? When have you ever spent anytime alone with me to get to know me?” Can you imagine a 22 y/o granddaughter soon to be the next Queen and you’ve never spent anytime along with her?
Now we meet the melding of minds of Dowager Amena who showed up with Princess Avani to take the throne of the promised Princess Amaris at court one day. And we see that they’re living together in hiding since that fateful day.
We meet Issadora a selfless nymph looking woman that is a teacher taking care of her aging grandmother that took her in after her parents died. There budget is meager and barely getting by. Then one day the grandmother changes and won’t tell about this friend they’re going to meet or why. They finally get there and all is revealed after the most horrific experience of Issadora’s life. And to make things worse, this is also the time that she finds out who or what her grandmother really is. This just kills Issadora. The life she once knew is over. And her grandmother knows what will befall her granddaughter, yet she allows it anyway for very obvious reasons. Everyone knows who Princess Avani is.
By page 14 this story is so freaking dark that I wasn’t sure I would be able to continue reading this story. How in the world can you reconcile what is happening and get to the part where it is said, “Truly Yours?” And Issadora is the recipient of this abhorrent person only seconds of meeting her. We meet a despicable, deprived, abhorrent, evil monster in Avani. And we meet two women in both Issadora and Avani’s life that watched/allowed it to happen.
The only thing that makes this somewhat debilitating scene to watch is that in it we read that this awakens something in Issadora that pulls her toward the very person she wants to get away from. Something in her Alpha spirit that awakens and understands what is happening and this Alpha.
And now the stage is set. And we the readers begin in the story of who the monsters actually are. This story deals with betrayal, hate, growth, redemption, remorse, love, trust and atonement. We dread about two people on different sides of a horrific situation and how it affects/affected them and what happens when such hurt and heartbreak can find a way to healing and possibly love.
One part of that horrible scene that told me a change was coming was when Avani said to Issadora after per bath and crippling fear, “Enough. Come to bed.” And then she pulls her flush to her body…I knew we’d get there. What I do love about this book is that we saw and could feel the changing tides in Avani. There was a lot of true and deep dialogue between Avani and Issadora. They were a lot of things revealed from Avani. She told us and showed us how she became a monster and how and when she was healed of it.
We saw in Avani someone that remained true. True to her word. True to the people she loved. And how truth can be skewed by someone that we love. She wasn’t born that way. That was nurtured into her by someone she loved and looked up to. Once the damage was done that person was helpless to right the wrongs. Nor did she really try until it was too late. The Frankenstein she built was irredeemable at that time.
A person like Orinces Avani needs a person like Baroness Issadora in order to achieve her greatest work…to love and not continue to be a true menace to society.
I am not sure how this author did it. But she helped me see the real Avani. She helped me to root for Avani. She helped me to see a truly changed Avani. That is a Herculean feat in itself. And this book became my favorite book of the series. If EVERYONE (King Artemis, High Consort Aeryn, Princess Amaris, Princess Aran, Yogi and Sage) thought Princess Avani a monster, she didn’t have a hair’s chance in anyone else believing she was capable of anything more.
When does a person become a monster? How does a person become evil? When does a person stop being a monster? Can a person stop being evil? Is there a capacity to change from evil to good? Once evil, always evil? Can someone that has been evil ever become more than what they’ve done that is evil?
When I met Avani in “I’m Yours” I wanted to literally beat the crap out of her. But being honest, we didn’t really know a lot about her. We got a very brief glimpse of her when they returned from the border. What we did see was Aeryn loving on her daughter. We also see a bit of similarity of Avani to her Sire. I didn’t see much of what this creature could offer in the way of a story. I was remiss to read anything about her.
We met Dowager Amena in the first book, “Let Me Be Yours” and I had an instant dislike of her. She was brash, pushy, a firm traditionalist in the A/b/o hierarchy. And being an omega herself was very inhospitable to other omegas to include her own grandchildren. She was even seen as and known to be quite cruel. Take her relationship with Aeryn for example. There is one thing that will always stick out in “I’m Yours” is when Ris asked her, “How would you know? When have you ever spent anytime alone with me to get to know me?” Can you imagine a 22 y/o granddaughter soon to be the next Queen and you’ve never spent anytime along with her?
Now we meet the melding of minds of Dowager Amena who showed up with Princess Avani to take the throne of the promised Princess Amaris at court one day. And we see that they’re living together in hiding since that fateful day.
We meet Issadora a selfless nymph looking woman that is a teacher taking care of her aging grandmother that took her in after her parents died. There budget is meager and barely getting by. Then one day the grandmother changes and won’t tell about this friend they’re going to meet or why. They finally get there and all is revealed after the most horrific experience of Issadora’s life. And to make things worse, this is also the time that she finds out who or what her grandmother really is. This just kills Issadora. The life she once knew is over. And her grandmother knows what will befall her granddaughter, yet she allows it anyway for very obvious reasons. Everyone knows who Princess Avani is.
By page 14 this story is so freaking dark that I wasn’t sure I would be able to continue reading this story. How in the world can you reconcile what is happening and get to the part where it is said, “Truly Yours?” And Issadora is the recipient of this abhorrent person only seconds of meeting her. We meet a despicable, deprived, abhorrent, evil monster in Avani. And we meet two women in both Issadora and Avani’s life that watched/allowed it to happen.
The only thing that makes this somewhat debilitating scene to watch is that in it we read that this awakens something in Issadora that pulls her toward the very person she wants to get away from. Something in her Alpha spirit that awakens and understands what is happening and this Alpha.
And now the stage is set. And we the readers begin in the story of who the monsters actually are. This story deals with betrayal, hate, growth, redemption, remorse, love, trust and atonement. We dread about two people on different sides of a horrific situation and how it affects/affected them and what happens when such hurt and heartbreak can find a way to healing and possibly love.
One part of that horrible scene that told me a change was coming was when Avani said to Issadora after per bath and crippling fear, “Enough. Come to bed.” And then she pulls her flush to her body…I knew we’d get there. What I do love about this book is that we saw and could feel the changing tides in Avani. There was a lot of true and deep dialogue between Avani and Issadora. They were a lot of things revealed from Avani. She told us and showed us how she became a monster and how and when she was healed of it.
We saw in Avani someone that remained true. True to her word. True to the people she loved. And how truth can be skewed by someone that we love. She wasn’t born that way. That was nurtured into her by someone she loved and looked up to. Once the damage was done that person was helpless to right the wrongs. Nor did she really try until it was too late. The Frankenstein she built was irredeemable at that time.
A person like Orinces Avani needs a person like Baroness Issadora in order to achieve her greatest work…to love and not continue to be a true menace to society.
I am not sure how this author did it. But she helped me see the real Avani. She helped me to root for Avani. She helped me to see a truly changed Avani. That is a Herculean feat in itself. And this book became my favorite book of the series. If EVERYONE (King Artemis, High Consort Aeryn, Princess Amaris, Princess Aran, Yogi and Sage) thought Princess Avani a monster, she didn’t have a hair’s chance in anyone else believing she was capable of anything more.
August 1, 2024
too much lack of consent/rape 🤮
June 8, 2024
Loved this dark, rough ride!
When you read a Seventh Star book, it’s like the pheromones just fly off the page and smother you. I’ve loved all the books in the series. This story won’t be for everyone but if you love the raw, feral power of the omegaverse, then you’ll love this book. Plenty of spice, non-consensual elements crafted with care, and growth arcs for both MCs. A definite must-read.
When you read a Seventh Star book, it’s like the pheromones just fly off the page and smother you. I’ve loved all the books in the series. This story won’t be for everyone but if you love the raw, feral power of the omegaverse, then you’ll love this book. Plenty of spice, non-consensual elements crafted with care, and growth arcs for both MCs. A definite must-read.
June 3, 2024
Another great one. So far I have read every installment in this series and every single one I’ve enjoyed and this was no exception. This book was definitely darker than its predecessors so please read the TWs before reading. I personally love a dark romance so this was right up my alley. There is something so satisfying about watching a mean and unloveable character change and grow. The spice level as always is high, so I give this 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ and I loved every single second of it.
As always, I can’t wait for the next one!
As always, I can’t wait for the next one!
June 3, 2024
Waiting finally over.
On how painful it was to wait for this book to arrive. Then slowed myself not to finish it the same day. A 5🌟 from the word go. Captivated, trauma, intense emotions with some heavy angs. Fates true mates fight for their love even when its a lost cause. Family feuds with criminal betrayel at every corner, one omega takes it all on her own and show true strength and leadership. Hope we don't wait so long for the next book too. 5🌟 all the way.
On how painful it was to wait for this book to arrive. Then slowed myself not to finish it the same day. A 5🌟 from the word go. Captivated, trauma, intense emotions with some heavy angs. Fates true mates fight for their love even when its a lost cause. Family feuds with criminal betrayel at every corner, one omega takes it all on her own and show true strength and leadership. Hope we don't wait so long for the next book too. 5🌟 all the way.
June 2, 2024
worth the wait
I’ve been counting down the days till this released and am thankful it lived up to my expectations! An excellent addition to the series and no regrets pre-ordering. A LOT darker than the others but it was expertly written to follow along as the characters made sense of their internal struggles.
I’ve been counting down the days till this released and am thankful it lived up to my expectations! An excellent addition to the series and no regrets pre-ordering. A LOT darker than the others but it was expertly written to follow along as the characters made sense of their internal struggles.
October 2, 2024
That's what I call dark romance, even though it was not advertised as such(I think) it hit all the right notes. IT WAS REALLY GOOD.
So good reading that I had a really hard time putting it down to do other things in my life.
I couldn't help myself self but hate Avani and love and feel for Issa and her (transplanted) family, it's a tragedy in a way, since no one can undo the past and the consequence of some choices were for life. But by the end, even though I didn't fell in love with Avani the way I did for everyone else, I think she was able to redeem herself in a way that was very tasteful and made sense, considering all her crimes.
The smut was top notch as always, even though the dubious (I know it's a stretch) consent made my skin crawl and my teeth grind, it added layers to the tell. But it also made my lower parts strangely agitated, if you get my drift and I didn't like having this reaction to it one bit. Lol
Lily just keeps getting better. I really enjoy her writing.
So good reading that I had a really hard time putting it down to do other things in my life.
I couldn't help myself self but hate Avani and love and feel for Issa and her (transplanted) family, it's a tragedy in a way, since no one can undo the past and the consequence of some choices were for life. But by the end, even though I didn't fell in love with Avani the way I did for everyone else, I think she was able to redeem herself in a way that was very tasteful and made sense, considering all her crimes.
The smut was top notch as always, even though the dubious (I know it's a stretch) consent made my skin crawl and my teeth grind, it added layers to the tell. But it also made my lower parts strangely agitated, if you get my drift and I didn't like having this reaction to it one bit. Lol
Lily just keeps getting better. I really enjoy her writing.
August 16, 2025
SPOILERS (Kinda) - I have way too many mixed feelings about this book. There is so much romanticism of SA for starters, even if it eventually all becomes consensual in the end. Issadora is such an innocent character, and watching her being treated the way Avani did and still forgiving her will forever confuse me.
Avani was a character I thought I would never see brought back in this series, but I enjoyed it more than I thought I would - and the dynamics of her family, even if not fully resolved, were nice to read. So many characters brought back, and seeing more of Zephr was beautiful. The friendship between Issadora, Petra, and Zephr was amazing chemistry. I was kinda rooting for Issadora to forget about Avani and get with them, but I knew that wouldn't happen. But again, I am giving this book 3 stars because of the SA aspects and how I was too easily accepted in this book. It truly shocked me how dark this book got, compared to all the other sweet books in this series.
Avani was a character I thought I would never see brought back in this series, but I enjoyed it more than I thought I would - and the dynamics of her family, even if not fully resolved, were nice to read. So many characters brought back, and seeing more of Zephr was beautiful. The friendship between Issadora, Petra, and Zephr was amazing chemistry. I was kinda rooting for Issadora to forget about Avani and get with them, but I knew that wouldn't happen. But again, I am giving this book 3 stars because of the SA aspects and how I was too easily accepted in this book. It truly shocked me how dark this book got, compared to all the other sweet books in this series.
March 5, 2025
As a dark romance enthusiast, I enjoyed almost the entirety of this book. The character development of Avani and even the epilogue made sense, considering the amount of trauma and hurt on both sides (Avani’s and her family’s). I also found Issadora’s compassion and forgiveness both believable and endearing.
I removed one star just because I didn’t like how the Grandmother got away (d-word) unscathed. Still, hat’s off to Lily X, this was spectacular.
I removed one star just because I didn’t like how the Grandmother got away (d-word) unscathed. Still, hat’s off to Lily X, this was spectacular.
October 2, 2024
I can't get enough of Lily X. Every book takes you through something just to come out on the other side feeling so sated with a thoroughly well done story. Avani and Issa were just... it was just what my little dark romance heart wanted. That's all I'll say. It fit Avani's character as seen from previous books and Issa was her "light" she desperately needed. Perfection.
February 24, 2025
NO.
Df I can’t do the rapist getting her happy ending I skipped this book. I just can’t do it too much
Df I can’t do the rapist getting her happy ending I skipped this book. I just can’t do it too much
March 1, 2025
Even in my dreams, she used me. Took me hard.
After reading the first installment in this series and immediately skipping to this one, I nearly had whiplash from how different this was. If this is someone's first foray into the series, just know that this is not at all how the remaining books are structured.
LilyX has written many female alphas, ranging from soft, sweet and even, to an extent, submissive, but Truly Yours stands out in the entire series for being utterly sinful. Truly Yours takes the deepest violence of the omegaverse and creates an immoral fantasy. Huge warning for sexual assault as stated in the author's blurb.
Had I imagined Issadora’s soft laughter? Had I misconstrued her gentle caresses and heart-rending endearments?
Issa (Issadora) is a woman of poor means but content with her life of honest hard work and the care of her grandmother and pet dog. But her grandmother turns out to be a heartless woman who has not only driven them into the ground with the debts she has accrued, but chooses the easy way out by selling unsuspecting Issa to an alpha who promises only cruelty.
[...] put the idea into her head that she should overthrow her sister. I planted that little seed of rebellion, but I didn’t know it would grow into a tree so large with roots so deep that it ruined all our lives.
Avani, the second born daughter and only alpha born to the King and Consort of the kingdom, is convinced that she deserves the throne, now held by her omega elder sister. She will fight to the bitter end for it and Issa is nothing to her, merely a means for her own rutting.
And the rutting is scrumptious, ruthless. It has such a dark, brazenly feral energy which is rare in books, omegaverse or otherwise. But it's not that Avani is a fiend in the first half of the story and miraculously comes around in the second half. No, her conflict with herself is there from the very beginning. For her selfish greed, for hurting her mothers and siblings just for the throne, and eventually for hurting Issa.
Issa's innocence and honesty, the softness that remains in her despite every hardship, her compassion even for her aggressor, is a strong force against Avani's hateful fire. The story progression involves that of Avani from her path of rampage to grappling with sorrow for her crimes; simultaneously Issa grows from wearing her heart on her sleeve to a stronger, braver woman with an even larger capacity for forgiveness.
As always I'm marvelled at how LilyX manages to worldbuild in just a few sentences. This is one of the longer ones in the series but given the subject matter, it's really a testimony to the amazing authorship.
February 17, 2025
Another banger from Lily X and the Seventh Star series!
I am a sucker for a good redemption arc, after meeting Avani in book 3 and seeing how angry and bitter she was at her family and what she did, I was intrigued to read this book to see if/how she could redeem herself...I had to strap in for the ride.
At the core of it, Avani was groomed and filled with poison by her grandmother from a young age, while it does not excuse her actions, I think Lily X did a really good job in both book 3 and this book to give us the "why".
Then Issadora came along and further showed us what Avani could be if someone believes in her, sees her for who she is deep down and who has the potential to be. But man, Avani can be such a dumbass.
Some of the initial scenes between Issa and Avani can be hard to read, but as others have said, Issa's journey to healing was handled with care and Lily X did not pull punches with addressing the abusive nature of the relationship. Avani finally having to face up to all that she has done and deal with the guilt and shame was handled well.
Issa deserves all the good things in the star, she is has such an open heart, so full of love and optimism no matter what life throws at her.
Now onto the horrible grandma duo, we never really got to know what happened to Issa's grandmother but I didn't really care, I am glad Issa didn't have to see her again or forgive her for what she did. But Amena...death by natural causes was a mercy for her...I have so many thoughts on her...how did the maman who raised Art end up creating the monster that was Avani...all in the name of alpha superiority?
I love the exploration of the morally grey MC, I think Lily X does a really good job of navigating her redemption so that it felt earnt.
I loved the second epilogue and the family finally mending, my heart still pains for Aran who got the shortest stick of the Brimwood siblings.
I am a sucker for a good redemption arc, after meeting Avani in book 3 and seeing how angry and bitter she was at her family and what she did, I was intrigued to read this book to see if/how she could redeem herself...I had to strap in for the ride.
At the core of it, Avani was groomed and filled with poison by her grandmother from a young age, while it does not excuse her actions, I think Lily X did a really good job in both book 3 and this book to give us the "why".
Then Issadora came along and further showed us what Avani could be if someone believes in her, sees her for who she is deep down and who has the potential to be. But man, Avani can be such a dumbass.
Some of the initial scenes between Issa and Avani can be hard to read, but as others have said, Issa's journey to healing was handled with care and Lily X did not pull punches with addressing the abusive nature of the relationship. Avani finally having to face up to all that she has done and deal with the guilt and shame was handled well.
Issa deserves all the good things in the star, she is has such an open heart, so full of love and optimism no matter what life throws at her.
Now onto the horrible grandma duo, we never really got to know what happened to Issa's grandmother but I didn't really care, I am glad Issa didn't have to see her again or forgive her for what she did. But Amena...death by natural causes was a mercy for her...I have so many thoughts on her...how did the maman who raised Art end up creating the monster that was Avani...all in the name of alpha superiority?
I love the exploration of the morally grey MC, I think Lily X does a really good job of navigating her redemption so that it felt earnt.
I loved the second epilogue and the family finally mending, my heart still pains for Aran who got the shortest stick of the Brimwood siblings.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 21, 2025
Complicated Feelings on this one… Tread carefully
My rating and overall feelings on this on are complicated. Based on the general writing, this book is a 5. setting asides my personal feelings, this book is very well written but I just couldn’t, in the end, give this book 5 stars because I didn’t agree with the ending. This book is extremely complicated and thought provoking but I just couldn’t reconcile a HEA for the two MCs after everything Avani did. IMO, her redemption story can’t justify what she did to both her family and to Issa. I believe in forgiveness, but as someone who is a SA survivor, I just felt like there wasn’t enough weight given to her abuse of Issa. If you are someone who is triggered by sexual abuse, rape or non-consent, tread carefully because, for me, it was triggering and harmful to see Issa convince herself that what she went through was, even for a single moment, consensual or not abuse. Not once is it ever stated that what she went through was rape (and that may haven been a choice, this is an AU, so to speak) but I also think that the author didn’t want to use such an trigging word because it would have truly given the abuse the weight and severity it was due. its hard for women to forgive their rapist but not calling it what it was doesn’t change the facts. At the end of the day, as much as I felt the writing was strong, I was disappointed in the ending because I couldn’t root for them as a couple - Avani deserved to pay for her crimes, all of them and she got off with what amounted to a slap on the wrist and a secluded extended vacation with her mate and pups.
My rating and overall feelings on this on are complicated. Based on the general writing, this book is a 5. setting asides my personal feelings, this book is very well written but I just couldn’t, in the end, give this book 5 stars because I didn’t agree with the ending. This book is extremely complicated and thought provoking but I just couldn’t reconcile a HEA for the two MCs after everything Avani did. IMO, her redemption story can’t justify what she did to both her family and to Issa. I believe in forgiveness, but as someone who is a SA survivor, I just felt like there wasn’t enough weight given to her abuse of Issa. If you are someone who is triggered by sexual abuse, rape or non-consent, tread carefully because, for me, it was triggering and harmful to see Issa convince herself that what she went through was, even for a single moment, consensual or not abuse. Not once is it ever stated that what she went through was rape (and that may haven been a choice, this is an AU, so to speak) but I also think that the author didn’t want to use such an trigging word because it would have truly given the abuse the weight and severity it was due. its hard for women to forgive their rapist but not calling it what it was doesn’t change the facts. At the end of the day, as much as I felt the writing was strong, I was disappointed in the ending because I couldn’t root for them as a couple - Avani deserved to pay for her crimes, all of them and she got off with what amounted to a slap on the wrist and a secluded extended vacation with her mate and pups.
July 13, 2025
This one was hard to start.
I was conflicted about reading this book, but that stems from what happened in "I'm Yours" between Avani and her family.
And then also about how she went about having Issadora. That was slightly uncomfortable to read, but in the end I think they both knew on a subconscious level that they were meant to be together as mates.
What the grandmother's did to Avani and Issadora, it's unbelievable to think how others can ultimately shape or change your life with out it really being obvious.
On to the next book.
I was conflicted about reading this book, but that stems from what happened in "I'm Yours" between Avani and her family.
And then also about how she went about having Issadora. That was slightly uncomfortable to read, but in the end I think they both knew on a subconscious level that they were meant to be together as mates.
What the grandmother's did to Avani and Issadora, it's unbelievable to think how others can ultimately shape or change your life with out it really being obvious.
On to the next book.
May 17, 2025
Todavía no me gusta Avani, no se merece a Issadora. Lo único que me mantuvo leyendo el libro fue ver si la familia podía recuperarse y si Issa podía salir adelante, no esperaba un final feliz. No sé cómo sentirme al respecto. Me enamore de Zepyr (no se bien como se escribe) y pensé que ella sería ideal para Issa, pero bueno.
June 4, 2024
**Read the CW first before delving into this book.**
As a reader who has some dark fantasy shit, I can still distinguish between the problematic ones and the ones that fulfill your fantasies. And I think Lily X always delivers the latter. Because oh boy, this was good!!
As a reader who has some dark fantasy shit, I can still distinguish between the problematic ones and the ones that fulfill your fantasies. And I think Lily X always delivers the latter. Because oh boy, this was good!!
February 11, 2025
i n t e n s e. the growth and change the characters goes through happens naturally and doesn’t feel rushed or ingenuous like I was worried I was going to get Stockholm syndrome vibes for a sec but Issa is a. bad. bitch. and stood on her business. Execution of this trope: straight fire
November 13, 2024
I was not looking forward to this book, seeing more into Avani, read the triggers skipped the content.
The descriptions of the characters still very much loved it, it just wasn’t my favourite.
The descriptions of the characters still very much loved it, it just wasn’t my favourite.
Read
November 27, 2024*sigh* I don't know how I feel. I need time to think.
January 20, 2025
holy shit
May 31, 2025
Beauty and The Beast but in this case the Beast is also a beauty (and redeems herself)
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