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Defying the Stars #1
Burning Daylight
From #1 New York Times bestselling author Emily McIntire comes the first interconnected standalone in an all new contemporary romance series.
Juliette Calloway lives in a world of luxury, legacies, and lies. The daughter of Rosebrook Falls’ most powerful family, her life is a carefully crafted performance, and she’s tired of being polished to perfection.
Roman Montgomery doesn’t exist. Not officially, anyway. He’s a shadow, a hidden weapon, the secret heir to an empire soaked in danger and a generations-old feud.
When their paths cross, sparks fly.
No names.
No pasts.
Just reckless smiles and an undeniable chemistry neither of them can shake.
Roman is charming. Mysterious. Infuriatingly flirty.
And Juliette? She’s simply…his.
When Roman is called back to claim his place as heir to the Montgomery empire, the truth crashes down: Their families are sworn enemies, and Roman’s very existence is a threat. Their love isn’t just forbidden, it’s impossible.
Now, every kiss feels like a betrayal. Every stolen moment a risk. And in a town built on secrets and blood, their passion might just be the most dangerous thing of all.
*Burning Daylight is a Contemporary Romance. It features mature themes and content that may be triggering for some. Reader Discretion is Advised. For a full list of content warnings, check the author's website.*
Juliette Calloway lives in a world of luxury, legacies, and lies. The daughter of Rosebrook Falls’ most powerful family, her life is a carefully crafted performance, and she’s tired of being polished to perfection.
Roman Montgomery doesn’t exist. Not officially, anyway. He’s a shadow, a hidden weapon, the secret heir to an empire soaked in danger and a generations-old feud.
When their paths cross, sparks fly.
No names.
No pasts.
Just reckless smiles and an undeniable chemistry neither of them can shake.
Roman is charming. Mysterious. Infuriatingly flirty.
And Juliette? She’s simply…his.
When Roman is called back to claim his place as heir to the Montgomery empire, the truth crashes down: Their families are sworn enemies, and Roman’s very existence is a threat. Their love isn’t just forbidden, it’s impossible.
Now, every kiss feels like a betrayal. Every stolen moment a risk. And in a town built on secrets and blood, their passion might just be the most dangerous thing of all.
*Burning Daylight is a Contemporary Romance. It features mature themes and content that may be triggering for some. Reader Discretion is Advised. For a full list of content warnings, check the author's website.*
494 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 30, 2025
2572 people are currently reading
56087 people want to read
About the author
Emily McIntire
24 books27.9k followersEmily McIntire is a #1 New York Times and #1 Sunday Times bestselling author whose stories serve steam, slow burns, and seriously questionable morals. Her books have been translated in over a dozen languages, and span across several sub-genres within romance.
A stage IV breast cancer thriver, you can find Emily enjoying free time with her family, getting lost in a good book, or redecorating her house depending on her mood.
Sign up to Emily's VIP List and never miss a New Release! -> https://mailchi.mp/emilymcintire/sms-...
Upcoming Release
Burning Daylight
Latest Release:
Hexed
Find Emily!
Newsletter sign up -> https://mailchi.mp/emilymcintire/sms-...
Reader Group -> https://www.facebook.com/groups/mcincult
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X -> https://www.x.com/authoremilym
Website -> https://www.emilymcintire.com
A stage IV breast cancer thriver, you can find Emily enjoying free time with her family, getting lost in a good book, or redecorating her house depending on her mood.
Sign up to Emily's VIP List and never miss a New Release! -> https://mailchi.mp/emilymcintire/sms-...
Upcoming Release
Burning Daylight
Latest Release:
Hexed
Find Emily!
Newsletter sign up -> https://mailchi.mp/emilymcintire/sms-...
Reader Group -> https://www.facebook.com/groups/mcincult
Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/itsemilymci...
TikTok -> https://www.tiktok.com/@authoremilymc...
X -> https://www.x.com/authoremilym
Website -> https://www.emilymcintire.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,508 reviews
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September 6, 2025 BURNING DAYLIGHT COVER AND BLURB REVEAL!
📅 RELEASING SEPTEMBER 30
→ Pre-order: geni.us/bdpaperback
(Use code BLOOM25 on B&N for a discount)
→ Signed paperbacks: geni.us/SignedBD
→ Submit preorder proof to get bonus digital content! https://airtable.com/appHs2n848ELpKVx...
BLURB
Some loves are powerful enough to rewrite history.
Juliette Calloway lives in a world of luxury, legacies, and lies. The daughter of Rosebrook Falls’ most powerful family, her life is a carefully crafted performance, and she’s tired of being polished to perfection.
Roman Montgomery doesn’t exist. Not officially, anyway. He’s a shadow, a hidden weapon, the secret heir to an empire soaked in danger and a generations-old feud.
When their paths cross, sparks fly.
No names.
No pasts.
Just reckless smiles and an undeniable chemistry neither of them can shake.
Roman is charming. Mysterious. Infuriatingly flirty.
And Juliette? She’s simply…his.
When Roman is called back to claim his place as heir to the Montgomery empire, the truth crashes down: Their families are sworn enemies, and Roman’s very existence is a threat. Their love isn’t just forbidden, it’s impossible.
Now, every kiss feels like a betrayal. Every stolen moment a risk. And in a town built on secrets and blood, their passion might just be the most dangerous thing of all.
📅 RELEASING SEPTEMBER 30
→ Pre-order: geni.us/bdpaperback
(Use code BLOOM25 on B&N for a discount)
→ Signed paperbacks: geni.us/SignedBD
→ Submit preorder proof to get bonus digital content! https://airtable.com/appHs2n848ELpKVx...
BLURB
Some loves are powerful enough to rewrite history.
Juliette Calloway lives in a world of luxury, legacies, and lies. The daughter of Rosebrook Falls’ most powerful family, her life is a carefully crafted performance, and she’s tired of being polished to perfection.
Roman Montgomery doesn’t exist. Not officially, anyway. He’s a shadow, a hidden weapon, the secret heir to an empire soaked in danger and a generations-old feud.
When their paths cross, sparks fly.
No names.
No pasts.
Just reckless smiles and an undeniable chemistry neither of them can shake.
Roman is charming. Mysterious. Infuriatingly flirty.
And Juliette? She’s simply…his.
When Roman is called back to claim his place as heir to the Montgomery empire, the truth crashes down: Their families are sworn enemies, and Roman’s very existence is a threat. Their love isn’t just forbidden, it’s impossible.
Now, every kiss feels like a betrayal. Every stolen moment a risk. And in a town built on secrets and blood, their passion might just be the most dangerous thing of all.
November 9, 2025
ˏˋ°•*⁀➷ 3.25/5
I know I haven't been writing long reviews these days, but I just haven't been in the mood lately, so this is kind of short.
This was basically a modern take on Romeo and Juliet with dark romance vibes. Although, at one point, it turned into a halloween-style slasher horror movie. Fitting for the time of year it is, not so much in the whole grand scheme of the book. I think there was just too much going on at the end and it felt like it wasn't properly concluded. I still have to say that it was an engaging plot line and I still did enjoy it for the most part.
Anyways, I low-key liked the romance. It's been a while since I've truly enjoyed the romance in a romance book (says it like she reads any genre other than romance). The banter was actually cute and for the first time in a very long time, I didn't completely mind the lust-y feelings because I could kind of see the underlaying chemistry.
Anyways, if you were waiting to read this, I think you'll be able to have fun with it. The vibes were pretty good and I kind of grew attached to the characters. I also have some theories and I gotta wait till the rest of the books in this series to release to see if they check out.
A huge thank you to ashlyn for buddy reading this with me.
-------
pre-read: everyone's been praising the chemistry and if that doesn't excite me, I don't know what will...the cover? the description? the characters? omg and the vibes so far 😮💨
buddy read with ashlyn.
“That sketchbook’s the east,” he whispers. “And you, Juliette, are the sun.”
I know I haven't been writing long reviews these days, but I just haven't been in the mood lately, so this is kind of short.
This was basically a modern take on Romeo and Juliet with dark romance vibes. Although, at one point, it turned into a halloween-style slasher horror movie. Fitting for the time of year it is, not so much in the whole grand scheme of the book. I think there was just too much going on at the end and it felt like it wasn't properly concluded. I still have to say that it was an engaging plot line and I still did enjoy it for the most part.
Anyways, I low-key liked the romance. It's been a while since I've truly enjoyed the romance in a romance book (says it like she reads any genre other than romance). The banter was actually cute and for the first time in a very long time, I didn't completely mind the lust-y feelings because I could kind of see the underlaying chemistry.
Anyways, if you were waiting to read this, I think you'll be able to have fun with it. The vibes were pretty good and I kind of grew attached to the characters. I also have some theories and I gotta wait till the rest of the books in this series to release to see if they check out.
A huge thank you to ashlyn for buddy reading this with me.
-------
pre-read: everyone's been praising the chemistry and if that doesn't excite me, I don't know what will...the cover? the description? the characters? omg and the vibes so far 😮💨
buddy read with ashlyn.
October 16, 2025
Well this hurts, but DNF @ 40%.
I have lost my patience to make myself read stuff that just isn't enjoyable. This has legit put me into a slump. I’m tired.
This book is straight up lust and cringe. At first I thought whatever, it is what it is and I could be happy to keep reading this because it's an easy, silly time but as it progressed on I just couldn't care less about any of the characters, so I started to get irritated. The problem isn't even that the MC's relationship was built on lust, more so that there was no deeper development as it went on. So like, why do I even care about these people? I don't.
Now, I fear I am about to over explain myself here, sorry..
But, for example, some of their first thoughts about each other were based on attraction and sexual desires. Which I am just tired of the MCs meeting in books and this being the first impression. I don't expect them to be having deep and profound thoughts off the bat but I guess I just don't care how much your core aches for him or how hard you feel about her when I have barely read 50 pages.
Not to mention the MMC is immediately possessive over her after one meeting - I fear there is a way to make this fun and a way to make your eyes roll out your head, this was the latter.
Also this girl keeps saying she hates him but like, why? To try create some banter that doesn’t exist.
He literally says his life isn’t worth living without her? Because you met a handful of times and had your hands down her paths. Be for real bro.
I’ve read a few books in the past that are really lusty but they’ve been so fun, so you roll with it, but this managed to be boring on top of everything else.
When it comes to the plot, there was a lot going on but I just felt no emotional tie to it, to the point where it started to feel like a hot mess. A few of the storylines explored heavier themes but somehow they managed to have no depth or impact.
There are also so many side characters, to the point where I didn't know who was who? I was so confused about where everyone fit in.
I truly wasn't going into this expecting something groundbreaking but I wanted to have a fun vibe read - instead I just got dumb characters, a bucket load of bad lust & really cheesy 'flirting' with zero tension.
One more thing… the nicknames. No.
I guess at least the book is cute??? I paid for it in May so it was free anyway #girlmath
Also more than happy to have supported this author so that’s a plus!
_________
Pre-read: So here's the thing, I have to love this book because I paid $57 for the stunning B&N special edition and waited 3 weeks for it to ship here & now it’s is, I obviously need to read it right away.
Let’s ignore I barely read 20% of my other current read before jumping ship. It’s none of my business actually 🤭
I have lost my patience to make myself read stuff that just isn't enjoyable. This has legit put me into a slump. I’m tired.
This book is straight up lust and cringe. At first I thought whatever, it is what it is and I could be happy to keep reading this because it's an easy, silly time but as it progressed on I just couldn't care less about any of the characters, so I started to get irritated. The problem isn't even that the MC's relationship was built on lust, more so that there was no deeper development as it went on. So like, why do I even care about these people? I don't.
Now, I fear I am about to over explain myself here, sorry..
But, for example, some of their first thoughts about each other were based on attraction and sexual desires. Which I am just tired of the MCs meeting in books and this being the first impression. I don't expect them to be having deep and profound thoughts off the bat but I guess I just don't care how much your core aches for him or how hard you feel about her when I have barely read 50 pages.
Not to mention the MMC is immediately possessive over her after one meeting - I fear there is a way to make this fun and a way to make your eyes roll out your head, this was the latter.
Also this girl keeps saying she hates him but like, why? To try create some banter that doesn’t exist.
He literally says his life isn’t worth living without her? Because you met a handful of times and had your hands down her paths. Be for real bro.
I’ve read a few books in the past that are really lusty but they’ve been so fun, so you roll with it, but this managed to be boring on top of everything else.
When it comes to the plot, there was a lot going on but I just felt no emotional tie to it, to the point where it started to feel like a hot mess. A few of the storylines explored heavier themes but somehow they managed to have no depth or impact.
There are also so many side characters, to the point where I didn't know who was who? I was so confused about where everyone fit in.
I truly wasn't going into this expecting something groundbreaking but I wanted to have a fun vibe read - instead I just got dumb characters, a bucket load of bad lust & really cheesy 'flirting' with zero tension.
One more thing… the nicknames. No.
I guess at least the book is cute??? I paid for it in May so it was free anyway #girlmath
Also more than happy to have supported this author so that’s a plus!
_________
Pre-read: So here's the thing, I have to love this book because I paid $57 for the stunning B&N special edition and waited 3 weeks for it to ship here & now it’s is, I obviously need to read it right away.
Let’s ignore I barely read 20% of my other current read before jumping ship. It’s none of my business actually 🤭
September 25, 2025
Idk how to start this review, so I’ll start by saying that I ate this book up!! The trope of star-crossed lovers was so freaking on point in this book that there were so many moments I was screaming like JUST BE TOGETHER 😭💔 I know what you’re thinking... “oh, it probably just has a bit of back and forth and that’s it.” NONONO. This has angst, betrayal, jealousy, and SO MUCH TENSION 🫠🔥. Like a lot.
If you’re a tension girlie like ✨me✨ and you just love when it finally breaks, trust me this book is for you! The best part is the small-town rivalry family drama (who doesn't love drama) that makes everything even better, because we all know in a small town everyone knows everyone 👀
By the end of this book you may have more questions than answers, but that’s the point Emily laid the trap, we got caught, and now I need the rest of the series ASAP ‼️ ESPECIALLY WITH ONE COUPLE that if they’re not part of the series I WILL THROW HANDS 😤
ANYYYWAYYY. Roman and Juliette since the moment they met, you already know they’re destined for each other. Sadly, being from different families makes it basically forbidden to be together… but does that stop them? Especially him? I think notttttt 😮💨🔥. Each character has such a different past and made them so complex when it comes to deciding their 'fate', which is how I definitely clicked with both and loved every second of it. I also loved how there were multiple things happening besides their love story, which made this book so entertaining. All forehead kisses to Emily McIntire for this book 😚💫
I’ll end my review with two notes:
1. This is not a dark romance, it just tackles darker topics 🖤 so please, as always, check trigger warnings ⚠️
2. If you’re a fan of Romeo and Juliet 🎭, then you’ll love this modern take!!
tropes
🖤 star-crossed lovers
🖤 rival families
🖤 small town
🖤 he falls first
🖤 dual pov
🖤 spicyyyyyyy
⋆. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁⋆.⋆. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁⋆.
➳ 𝗽𝗿𝗲-𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱｡ꪆৎ ˚⋅ I am beyond grateful to have received this eARC, this apparently is a retelling of romeo and juliet where both families hate each other aka forbidden love aka gimme
Thank you Emily McIntire team for giving me the opportunity to eARC
If you’re a tension girlie like ✨me✨ and you just love when it finally breaks, trust me this book is for you! The best part is the small-town rivalry family drama (who doesn't love drama) that makes everything even better, because we all know in a small town everyone knows everyone 👀
By the end of this book you may have more questions than answers, but that’s the point Emily laid the trap, we got caught, and now I need the rest of the series ASAP ‼️ ESPECIALLY WITH ONE COUPLE that if they’re not part of the series I WILL THROW HANDS 😤
ANYYYWAYYY. Roman and Juliette since the moment they met, you already know they’re destined for each other. Sadly, being from different families makes it basically forbidden to be together… but does that stop them? Especially him? I think notttttt 😮💨🔥. Each character has such a different past and made them so complex when it comes to deciding their 'fate', which is how I definitely clicked with both and loved every second of it. I also loved how there were multiple things happening besides their love story, which made this book so entertaining. All forehead kisses to Emily McIntire for this book 😚💫
I’ll end my review with two notes:
1. This is not a dark romance, it just tackles darker topics 🖤 so please, as always, check trigger warnings ⚠️
2. If you’re a fan of Romeo and Juliet 🎭, then you’ll love this modern take!!
tropes
🖤 star-crossed lovers
🖤 rival families
🖤 small town
🖤 he falls first
🖤 dual pov
🖤 spicyyyyyyy
⋆. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁⋆.⋆. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁⋆.
➳ 𝗽𝗿𝗲-𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱｡ꪆৎ ˚⋅ I am beyond grateful to have received this eARC, this apparently is a retelling of romeo and juliet where both families hate each other aka forbidden love aka gimme
Thank you Emily McIntire team for giving me the opportunity to eARC
November 18, 2025
4⭐️
This book was everything I needed and more. Whenever I pick up an Emily McIntire book, I know I'm gonna love it and this is no exception!!
With this being a Romeo and Juliette retelling, I think it was done phenomenally well. This was spicy and fun and thrilling and gripping at the same time. If Emily does one thing extremely well, it's this: retellings. The characters were extremely lovable and they had so much depth and substance to them and I definitely expected that for a romance book this long. I kid you not I was genuinely blown away by the chemistry between Roman and Juliette. They were such a powerhouse couple and I really enjoyed their crazy, chaotic love story.
Both Juliette and Roman had shining qualities individually in this book too. We get a glimpse into their rough past and deep personalities and we see them grow throughout the rest of the story. Juliette was very much a push over and it was actually pointed out several times throughout the story and by the end she really came into her own. Family relations and love played a strong part and it showed that even those who are related to you by blood aren't always your family; it's the love and care that shines through.
What I really wasn't expected but really enjoyed was the plot. You could not have paid me a million dollars to guess where this book was going. I thought it was gonna be your run of the mill forbidden love story but the 80% mark? BLOWNNNN AWAY. This felt like a romance with thriller elements and I can't lie...I really love that in books.
Overall, Miss Emily McIntire delivered along banger and I am always impressed and love her books. There's yet to be a book of hers that I've read that I haven't enjoyed. I can't wait for the next book to come out in this series cause you best believe I'll be at Barnes at 10AM sharp on release day!! Let this be your sign to read one of her books cause they're genuinely so fun and addictive. Yes, they're on the longer side but it's so worth it, trust me.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
𝓟𝓻𝓮-𝓡𝓮𝓪𝓭: 👑🕊️🩷
A Romeo and Juliette retelling by one of my favorite authors??
Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes.
This book was everything I needed and more. Whenever I pick up an Emily McIntire book, I know I'm gonna love it and this is no exception!!
With this being a Romeo and Juliette retelling, I think it was done phenomenally well. This was spicy and fun and thrilling and gripping at the same time. If Emily does one thing extremely well, it's this: retellings. The characters were extremely lovable and they had so much depth and substance to them and I definitely expected that for a romance book this long. I kid you not I was genuinely blown away by the chemistry between Roman and Juliette. They were such a powerhouse couple and I really enjoyed their crazy, chaotic love story.
Both Juliette and Roman had shining qualities individually in this book too. We get a glimpse into their rough past and deep personalities and we see them grow throughout the rest of the story. Juliette was very much a push over and it was actually pointed out several times throughout the story and by the end she really came into her own. Family relations and love played a strong part and it showed that even those who are related to you by blood aren't always your family; it's the love and care that shines through.
What I really wasn't expected but really enjoyed was the plot. You could not have paid me a million dollars to guess where this book was going. I thought it was gonna be your run of the mill forbidden love story but the 80% mark? BLOWNNNN AWAY. This felt like a romance with thriller elements and I can't lie...I really love that in books.
Overall, Miss Emily McIntire delivered along banger and I am always impressed and love her books. There's yet to be a book of hers that I've read that I haven't enjoyed. I can't wait for the next book to come out in this series cause you best believe I'll be at Barnes at 10AM sharp on release day!! Let this be your sign to read one of her books cause they're genuinely so fun and addictive. Yes, they're on the longer side but it's so worth it, trust me.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
𝓟𝓻𝓮-𝓡𝓮𝓪𝓭: 👑🕊️🩷
A Romeo and Juliette retelling by one of my favorite authors??
Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes.
December 23, 2024
I DON'T EVEN KNOW WHAT THIS IS ABOUT
BUT I'M SO EXCITED
BUT I'M SO EXCITED
November 4, 2025
I definitely went into this one with sky high expectations, and maybe that’s on me but WOW, this did not help with my fall slump. The first half had me thinking, “okay, we’ve got something here!” and then the middle started… dragging? Sprinting?? I honestly couldn’t tell. By the end, it turned into a full-blown dumpster fire roller coaster… rushed, chaotic and I was just holding on for dear life.
Pre read: buddy read with aira SO SO SOOOO excited to read this, star crossed lovers trope never disappoints🤭
HELLO THE COVER?? 😍😍
Pre read: buddy read with aira SO SO SOOOO excited to read this, star crossed lovers trope never disappoints🤭
HELLO THE COVER?? 😍😍
October 1, 2025
Thoughts
⭐️♾️!! Nobody does retellings/reimaginings like Emily, I enjoy this genre in general but there's something about Emily's writing that pulls you in -- obsessed level -- in full transparency it wasn't from the first pages hence why I mentioned I was convinced this read would be a solid 4 but oh boy was I wrong .. The star crossed lovers trope, dialogues between Roman and Juliette, the drama/ feud between both families .. I ATE IT UP! Yes there were a handful of characters mentioned but I mean what good is chaos in a corrupt small town without that?? Come to think of it if you're a fan of chaos, secrets, tension and just all round messy this book is for you! I hope we won't be waiting too long for the second book I need it like yesterday 😩
Read if you like
▪︎ Star crossed lovers
▪︎ Rival families
▪︎ Corrupt small town
▪︎ He falls first
▪︎ Romeo and Juliet
▪︎ Family drama/Feud
▪︎ Secret heir
▪︎ Dual POV
Plot Summary
Juliette Calloway has been raised in privilege, her life polished to perfection by a family built on power and deceit. Roman Montgomery, hidden from sight, is the secret heir to a dynasty steeped in danger and an old feud with her own.When their worlds collide, the spark is immediate—reckless, irresistible. As Roman steps into his inheritance, the truth threatens to tear them apart. In a town ruled by secrets and blood, their love isn’t just ill-fated…it could be their undoing.
My Bookstagram
⭐️♾️!! Nobody does retellings/reimaginings like Emily, I enjoy this genre in general but there's something about Emily's writing that pulls you in -- obsessed level -- in full transparency it wasn't from the first pages hence why I mentioned I was convinced this read would be a solid 4 but oh boy was I wrong .. The star crossed lovers trope, dialogues between Roman and Juliette, the drama/ feud between both families .. I ATE IT UP! Yes there were a handful of characters mentioned but I mean what good is chaos in a corrupt small town without that?? Come to think of it if you're a fan of chaos, secrets, tension and just all round messy this book is for you! I hope we won't be waiting too long for the second book I need it like yesterday 😩
Read if you like
▪︎ Star crossed lovers
▪︎ Rival families
▪︎ Corrupt small town
▪︎ He falls first
▪︎ Romeo and Juliet
▪︎ Family drama/Feud
▪︎ Secret heir
▪︎ Dual POV
Plot Summary
Juliette Calloway has been raised in privilege, her life polished to perfection by a family built on power and deceit. Roman Montgomery, hidden from sight, is the secret heir to a dynasty steeped in danger and an old feud with her own.When their worlds collide, the spark is immediate—reckless, irresistible. As Roman steps into his inheritance, the truth threatens to tear them apart. In a town ruled by secrets and blood, their love isn’t just ill-fated…it could be their undoing.
My Bookstagram
November 2, 2025
Full RTF. While this was decent; nothing about this book was remarkable. I haven’t read a McIntire book in a long time & I haven’t missed much. I was drawn to the beautiful cover page & premise—I’m a sucker for the classics and Romeo & Juliette is one of my favorites.
Content was very juvenile, insta lusty, surface level issues/plot, felt a bit gangster to me.
It packed on so little in a 500 page book. Why do contemporary romances have so much unnecessary filler??
Content was very juvenile, insta lusty, surface level issues/plot, felt a bit gangster to me.
It packed on so little in a 500 page book. Why do contemporary romances have so much unnecessary filler??
Read
November 4, 2025જ⁀➴ no rating₊˚⊹🌼 𝟙𝟘/𝟛𝟙/𝟚𝟝—𝟙𝟙/𝟘𝟛/𝟚𝟝
too much insta-love, too many side characters, too many pages, too many random side plots!!
not saying this is a bad book, but I’m in too much of a slump to continue this, and i only read 50%, but it’s just not a book for me right now. i might come back to it later, but for now it’s going is as a dnf (still in my reading goal though as I spent 4 days and 250+ pages reading it)!
𝒑𝒓𝒆𝒅𝒊𝒄𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏: 𝟒.𝟐𝟓
𝒇𝒊𝒏𝒂𝒍 𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒖𝒍𝒕: no rating 🌄
╰┈➤ what to expect!!!
🌄romeo and juliet retelling
🌅star-crossed lovers
🌄rival families
🌅small town romance
🌄forbidden romance
🌅HEA ending
₊˚⊹ ᰔ 𝐩𝐫𝐞-𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝:
please please PLEASE be a good book!! i feel myself slowly getting out a reading slump so I’m hoping this delivers!!
romeo and juliet retelling sounds so fun 👀 and i’ve heard the angst is amazinggg.
too much insta-love, too many side characters, too many pages, too many random side plots!!
not saying this is a bad book, but I’m in too much of a slump to continue this, and i only read 50%, but it’s just not a book for me right now. i might come back to it later, but for now it’s going is as a dnf (still in my reading goal though as I spent 4 days and 250+ pages reading it)!
𝒑𝒓𝒆𝒅𝒊𝒄𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏: 𝟒.𝟐𝟓
𝒇𝒊𝒏𝒂𝒍 𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒖𝒍𝒕: no rating 🌄
╰┈➤ what to expect!!!
🌄romeo and juliet retelling
🌅star-crossed lovers
🌄rival families
🌅small town romance
🌄forbidden romance
🌅HEA ending
₊˚⊹ ᰔ 𝐩𝐫𝐞-𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝:
please please PLEASE be a good book!! i feel myself slowly getting out a reading slump so I’m hoping this delivers!!
romeo and juliet retelling sounds so fun 👀 and i’ve heard the angst is amazinggg.
October 24, 2025
Oh my god! I absolutely devoured this book! Emily McIntire is an auto-buy author for me and holy hell this book was good. I was super invested in it, it had a bunch of twists and turns and I could not put it down.
This is also the first series I’ve read that isn’t already complete and now I understand the pain of waiting for the next release, cause I need the next book like now!
This is also the first series I’ve read that isn’t already complete and now I understand the pain of waiting for the next release, cause I need the next book like now!
October 12, 2025
a wasted potential for star crossed lovers trope.
December 23, 2024
IN MOTHEEERRRR WE TRUUSSST !
October 7, 2025
''If she was the sun, then he was every constellation in the sky. For never was a bond the stars could show, As boundless as Juliette…and her Romeo.''
⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
🌶️🌶️
My second book by Emily McIntire, and I am definitely a fan of her writing! This had some amazing dialogue between the two characters that had me gasping and kicking my feet! The first 50% of this was fabulous! The drama and tension was super well done, and I loved all the side characters. I can't wait to get their stories in the next books! I loved the tug and pull of the romance. It kept the story interesting, and we got a good amount of depth in the characters' personal lives, which was great.
That titanic inspired drawing scene...... Wow, chef's kiss! 😘
This lacked some plot dynamics regarding the town's drama, although I feel that we will learn more about what is happening in the town and behind the scenes in the next character's books, as this couple wasn't heavily involved in the town's drama. I am looking forward to exploring this world in greater depth in the next books!
⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
🌶️🌶️
My second book by Emily McIntire, and I am definitely a fan of her writing! This had some amazing dialogue between the two characters that had me gasping and kicking my feet! The first 50% of this was fabulous! The drama and tension was super well done, and I loved all the side characters. I can't wait to get their stories in the next books! I loved the tug and pull of the romance. It kept the story interesting, and we got a good amount of depth in the characters' personal lives, which was great.
That titanic inspired drawing scene...... Wow, chef's kiss! 😘
This lacked some plot dynamics regarding the town's drama, although I feel that we will learn more about what is happening in the town and behind the scenes in the next character's books, as this couple wasn't heavily involved in the town's drama. I am looking forward to exploring this world in greater depth in the next books!
November 22, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and to Emily McIntire for giving me this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Actual rating 4.5 ⭐️
25 BOOKS IN 2025 CHALLENGE: 22/25
I absolutely loved this story!!! Might even be my favorite after Wretched!!!
Finished it in 3 very busy days and I was sooo entertained throughout that it was sooo hard for me to put it down when I needed to! After this I adore the star-crossed lovers trope, the way Emily did it was amazing!!! The tension, the angst, the banter, the sweet moments.... the spice!!! Perfection!!! And that plot twist at the end literally left me speechless! Can't wait for book two!!!
Actual rating 4.5 ⭐️
25 BOOKS IN 2025 CHALLENGE: 22/25
I absolutely loved this story!!! Might even be my favorite after Wretched!!!
Finished it in 3 very busy days and I was sooo entertained throughout that it was sooo hard for me to put it down when I needed to! After this I adore the star-crossed lovers trope, the way Emily did it was amazing!!! The tension, the angst, the banter, the sweet moments.... the spice!!! Perfection!!! And that plot twist at the end literally left me speechless! Can't wait for book two!!!
October 2, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ (4.5 stars)
Listen, anything Emily McEntire writes? I’m going to read and absolutely adore. She can do no wrong. She nailed the longing and angst between the FMC and MMC once again, and I was hooked from start to finish.
Roman and Juliette are written as the perfect star-crossed lovers, but with all the sharp, clever takes of modern times. I don’t usually gravitate toward retellings of classics, but I devoured this one. Every chapter left me needing to know what happened next, and I was rooting for them the entire way through.
Now I’m left with so many questions, and I cannot wait to see what the next book in this series will be. Will it be another retelling? If it is, I’m already counting down.
Listen, anything Emily McEntire writes? I’m going to read and absolutely adore. She can do no wrong. She nailed the longing and angst between the FMC and MMC once again, and I was hooked from start to finish.
Roman and Juliette are written as the perfect star-crossed lovers, but with all the sharp, clever takes of modern times. I don’t usually gravitate toward retellings of classics, but I devoured this one. Every chapter left me needing to know what happened next, and I was rooting for them the entire way through.
Now I’m left with so many questions, and I cannot wait to see what the next book in this series will be. Will it be another retelling? If it is, I’m already counting down.
November 2, 2025
3.5⭐️
It’s the month of retellings it would seem! Burning Daylight was an intricate retelling of Romeo and Juliet sans the tragic ending. There was deep and devious political intrigue, at times confusing but definitely rich enough to set up the world for future books to come.
Juliette Calloway is about to return home to Rosebrook Falls and her controlling family after being away in California for college. Before leaving she attends an art show where she runs into a ghost from her childhood, a boy she’s never been able to get out of her head. Their chemistry is undeniable, but she leaves him behind again, no name and no idea if she’ll ever see him again. Roman Montgomery is the “dead” illegitimate son of the other big family in Rosebrook Falls and soon that life is coming back to take him whether he’s ready or not. Roman must find his place among the wealthy elite in order to keep his family safe but in doing so he has to admit that his family is the sworn enemy of Juliette. Will their love survive or are there bigger forces at play that even their destined love cannot overcome?
This story takes the bones of Shakespeare’s play and makes it into something modern, new and exhilarating. Even though the book crests 500 pages, I thought the story stayed engaging. I liked all the different levels of intrigue that were at play, even if I did get confused a little at the end. The tabloids intermissions were a fun add to the story as well. Emily McIntire also did some beautiful integration of famous lines/ parts of lines from Shakespeare’s work just to give the reader little glimmers of the famous scenes at play. Overall I had a really good time with the story, recommend, and look forward to the next book in the series.
“I love you like I was made to love you. Like I came into this world just so you could carve out my heart and leave yourself inside it.”
It’s the month of retellings it would seem! Burning Daylight was an intricate retelling of Romeo and Juliet sans the tragic ending. There was deep and devious political intrigue, at times confusing but definitely rich enough to set up the world for future books to come.
Juliette Calloway is about to return home to Rosebrook Falls and her controlling family after being away in California for college. Before leaving she attends an art show where she runs into a ghost from her childhood, a boy she’s never been able to get out of her head. Their chemistry is undeniable, but she leaves him behind again, no name and no idea if she’ll ever see him again. Roman Montgomery is the “dead” illegitimate son of the other big family in Rosebrook Falls and soon that life is coming back to take him whether he’s ready or not. Roman must find his place among the wealthy elite in order to keep his family safe but in doing so he has to admit that his family is the sworn enemy of Juliette. Will their love survive or are there bigger forces at play that even their destined love cannot overcome?
This story takes the bones of Shakespeare’s play and makes it into something modern, new and exhilarating. Even though the book crests 500 pages, I thought the story stayed engaging. I liked all the different levels of intrigue that were at play, even if I did get confused a little at the end. The tabloids intermissions were a fun add to the story as well. Emily McIntire also did some beautiful integration of famous lines/ parts of lines from Shakespeare’s work just to give the reader little glimmers of the famous scenes at play. Overall I had a really good time with the story, recommend, and look forward to the next book in the series.
“I love you like I was made to love you. Like I came into this world just so you could carve out my heart and leave yourself inside it.”
September 27, 2025
1⭐️|1.5🌶️
You ever read something so bad it physically lowers your IQ? Yeah. That was me after Burning Daylight.
The dialogue? Cheesy and immature to the point where I thought, okay fine, they’re teens right now, maybe it’ll get better when they grow up. Spoiler: it didn’t. It actually got worse. By chapter three I was basically begging for bleach as eye drops.
And the plot—if you can even call it that. If someone put a gun to my head and said, “explain what happened in this book,” I’d tell them to just pull the trigger. There are about 5,000 characters, none of whom serve any real purpose. Merrick, for example, shows up just to dramatically yell “A plague on both your houses!” like he’s auditioning for a high school Shakespeare play—and honestly? That was still one of the more coherent contributions in the entire book.
The villains? Straight-up Saturday morning cartoon energy. Evil for the sake of being evil, with motives that make zero sense. And why are two families at WAR out here using the same lawyer?? Like, did they get a 2-for-1 deal on shady legal representation? And the fact that nobody questioned his loyalty—hello??
And the ending… whew. Frederic shoots Tyler in front of multiple witnesses, yet somehow everyone just goes along with his “Roman did it” fanfiction. Then Roman finds out Frederic killed his dad, tried to frame him for murder, literally tried to shoot him in the head—all while Merrick is bleeding out at his feet after being shot by Tyler. And Roman’s grand response? To sneak into Juliette’s room and have sex with her while still covered in Merrick’s blood. Sir… that is not romantic. That is unsanitary.
And then a random kidnapping subplot gets duct-taped onto the story like a last-minute science fair project. Nothing connects. Nothing flows. It’s chaos in paperback form.
This book is like forcing puzzle pieces together with a hammer until your table breaks. 0/5 stars. I want financial compensation for the brain cells I lost.
You ever read something so bad it physically lowers your IQ? Yeah. That was me after Burning Daylight.
The dialogue? Cheesy and immature to the point where I thought, okay fine, they’re teens right now, maybe it’ll get better when they grow up. Spoiler: it didn’t. It actually got worse. By chapter three I was basically begging for bleach as eye drops.
And the plot—if you can even call it that. If someone put a gun to my head and said, “explain what happened in this book,” I’d tell them to just pull the trigger. There are about 5,000 characters, none of whom serve any real purpose. Merrick, for example, shows up just to dramatically yell “A plague on both your houses!” like he’s auditioning for a high school Shakespeare play—and honestly? That was still one of the more coherent contributions in the entire book.
The villains? Straight-up Saturday morning cartoon energy. Evil for the sake of being evil, with motives that make zero sense. And why are two families at WAR out here using the same lawyer?? Like, did they get a 2-for-1 deal on shady legal representation? And the fact that nobody questioned his loyalty—hello??
And the ending… whew. Frederic shoots Tyler in front of multiple witnesses, yet somehow everyone just goes along with his “Roman did it” fanfiction. Then Roman finds out Frederic killed his dad, tried to frame him for murder, literally tried to shoot him in the head—all while Merrick is bleeding out at his feet after being shot by Tyler. And Roman’s grand response? To sneak into Juliette’s room and have sex with her while still covered in Merrick’s blood. Sir… that is not romantic. That is unsanitary.
And then a random kidnapping subplot gets duct-taped onto the story like a last-minute science fair project. Nothing connects. Nothing flows. It’s chaos in paperback form.
This book is like forcing puzzle pieces together with a hammer until your table breaks. 0/5 stars. I want financial compensation for the brain cells I lost.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 29, 2025
2.5 rounded up
honestly i dont really know where to start with this review or what to even say… going into this book i had absolutely no idea that it was a romeo and juliet retelling, had i known that i probably wouldnt have read it because im very hit or miss when it comes to emily’s retellings.
in all honesty this book is 1) entirely too long. there was truly no reason for it to be almost 550 pages and 2) there are too many characters. it got to a point where i stopped trying to differentiate who was in what family and i gave up caring who was who. while were on the topic of characters everyone is extremely immature no matter their age and it was pretty ridiculous lol.
the plot was fine, again it could have been way shorter but thats pretty much my only complaint as far as plot it concerned.
over all the book was just fine. it wasnt memorable or particularly fun but it wasnt terrible by any means.
honestly i dont really know where to start with this review or what to even say… going into this book i had absolutely no idea that it was a romeo and juliet retelling, had i known that i probably wouldnt have read it because im very hit or miss when it comes to emily’s retellings.
in all honesty this book is 1) entirely too long. there was truly no reason for it to be almost 550 pages and 2) there are too many characters. it got to a point where i stopped trying to differentiate who was in what family and i gave up caring who was who. while were on the topic of characters everyone is extremely immature no matter their age and it was pretty ridiculous lol.
the plot was fine, again it could have been way shorter but thats pretty much my only complaint as far as plot it concerned.
over all the book was just fine. it wasnt memorable or particularly fun but it wasnt terrible by any means.
November 5, 2025
4 ⭐️ ngl the last 30% had me fucking sweating and screaming at everyone to WATCH OUT
November 21, 2025
2.5 ⭐️ This book has way too many characters, and I swear they all irritated the hell out of me. And I’m sorry, but Baz Luhrmann already did this retelling thirty years ago and he did it better.
December 24, 2024
I NEED TO READ THIS!!!! PUBLISH QUICKLY
Read
October 23, 2025It’s not the book - it’s me. I am SO not one for angsty family feuds and I didn’t realize that’s what it was about until I started listening.
Family feuds seems so completely unrealistic to me so it didn’t grab my attention. HOWEVER - there are a ton of people who love that trope and SHOULD try it!
- Lots of angst
- Main couple in their early 20s
- modern day Romeo and Juliet retelling
Family feuds seems so completely unrealistic to me so it didn’t grab my attention. HOWEVER - there are a ton of people who love that trope and SHOULD try it!
- Lots of angst
- Main couple in their early 20s
- modern day Romeo and Juliet retelling
not-published-yet
March 21, 2025THE RELEASE DATE IS MY BIRTHDAY?!
Mrs Mcintire, if this book was for me, just say that 😌
Mrs Mcintire, if this book was for me, just say that 😌
December 2, 2025
Oh I freaking loved this book!! Modern day crime families meets Romeo and Juliet!! And Everytime there was a quote from the original, I got goose bumps! Roman had my heart in his grip and I hurt for him several times! Juliet grows a spine and finally puts her family in their place and she takes control of her own life. What also made this book great is that they are adults and not teens and they get a happy ending this time!! Definitely recommend!
October 4, 2025
What an affront to Romeo & Juliette.
Perhaps it was the audio. The narrators were abysmal. The FMC sounded AI. The MMC sounded like an over-the-top cartoon character. There were sooo many characters and neither narrator changed their tone to distinguish any difference, so a lot of the time I lost track of who was speaking. Was that Paxton or Preston? 🤨🙄
The spicy scenes were among the most cringy I have ever listened to. Every cliche line was in this book. It was like the author wanted to do some weird mash up of a classic combined with smut. It didn’t work out.
The plot was ok, but eventually I stopped absorbing what was happening because the dialogue was silly. Maybe it would’ve been better if I hadn’t listened to the book, but I would say if you are thinking of picking this up, just admire the pretty colors on the cover and keep walking. 🫣
Perhaps it was the audio. The narrators were abysmal. The FMC sounded AI. The MMC sounded like an over-the-top cartoon character. There were sooo many characters and neither narrator changed their tone to distinguish any difference, so a lot of the time I lost track of who was speaking. Was that Paxton or Preston? 🤨🙄
The spicy scenes were among the most cringy I have ever listened to. Every cliche line was in this book. It was like the author wanted to do some weird mash up of a classic combined with smut. It didn’t work out.
The plot was ok, but eventually I stopped absorbing what was happening because the dialogue was silly. Maybe it would’ve been better if I hadn’t listened to the book, but I would say if you are thinking of picking this up, just admire the pretty colors on the cover and keep walking. 🫣
October 27, 2025
This is a modernized dark romance Romeo and Juliet retelling - star-crossed/forbidden lovers, rival mafia families in a corrupt town, he falls first, dual POV and so many touch her and die, possessive MMC vibes!
This is the tale of Roman and Juliette. Their families are sown enemies. Sparks fly from the moment they meet. Soon the two find themselves in a forbidden romance where every moment spent together is tainted by secrets, betrayal and the underlying corruption of both their families.
The tension, angst and banter between Roman and Juliette was so good. This was such a fun, modern dark romance retelling. I can’t wait to see where Emily goes next with this series.
This is the tale of Roman and Juliette. Their families are sown enemies. Sparks fly from the moment they meet. Soon the two find themselves in a forbidden romance where every moment spent together is tainted by secrets, betrayal and the underlying corruption of both their families.
The tension, angst and banter between Roman and Juliette was so good. This was such a fun, modern dark romance retelling. I can’t wait to see where Emily goes next with this series.
September 29, 2025
Nope.
This didn't work for me at all.
Not sure if it's because I've never been a fan of Romeo & Juliet, and this was too on the nose, or if the story just didn't work in general for me.
Either way, not for me.
Thanks NetGalley & Dreamscape Media for the ALC.
This didn't work for me at all.
Not sure if it's because I've never been a fan of Romeo & Juliet, and this was too on the nose, or if the story just didn't work in general for me.
Either way, not for me.
Thanks NetGalley & Dreamscape Media for the ALC.
October 17, 2025
Emily wrote it. Immediate five stars…I don’t make the rules
October 27, 2025
Devoured this in one day! It was so good!
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