Broken Star

by Michelle Madow

Magic. Romance. Adventure. Twists.

After an arrow from the god of love twists her fate, Sapphire Hayes’ feelings for the fae prince she once loved—Riven Draevor—have been warped beyond recognition. Every time he touches her, pain rips through her body. Every time he speaks, she wants to strike him down.

But she’s trapped. Bound to him by an unbreakable deal and forced into an alliance between the Summer and Winter Courts.

As if that isn’t enough, Riven traded his love for Sapphire away in a ruthless fae bargain—turning him into something colder than the ice he wields. Now, he’s nothing but a calculating prince playing a deadly game of politics.

And Sapphire? She’s his pawn.

But when fate drags Sapphire and Riven into a high-stakes battle against the Night Court, they’ll have to fight side by side—even as their emotions threaten to shatter them both. Because in a world where love and hate are two sides of the same blade, Sapphire must decide whether to fight her fate… or embrace it.

Even if it means destroying the man she loved in the process.

Perfect for fans of slow-burn enemies-to-lovers romance, heart-pounding action, and dark fae romantasy, Broken Star by USA Today bestselling author Michelle Madow is an unputdownable installment in the Fae Bound series that readers of Rebecca Yarros, Sarah J. Maas, and Cassandra Clare will love!


What readers are

“Another hair-raising, nail-biting adventure in this magical world!”
—Music Geek

“Wow. That was... wow. I’ll shout from the rooftops for people to read Fae Bound! Highly recommend!”
—appleblossoms

“The world-building is so vivid and cinematic — it’s effortless to fall into this magical, dangerous realm. If you crave fast-paced fantasy packed with romance, peril, and unforgettable characters, pick up the Fae Bound series.”
—Linda S

“Such an amazing, beautiful, and heart-wrenching journey — every twist and turn feels like you’re living it alongside these incredible characters.”
—Amanda Bailey

“Wow. With everything Sapphire and Riven endure, you physically can’t put this book down!”
—Merry, Vero Beach FL

Genres: Romance, Fae

308 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 24, 2025

About the author

Michelle Madow is a USA Today bestselling author of fantasy romance novels filled with forbidden love, elemental magic, and epic twists that readers never see coming. With over three million books sold and translations in multiple languages, her addictive stories have captured hearts around the world.

She wrote her first novel in college and never looked back. Now, with 50 books published (and counting), she spends her time dreaming up magical realms and devastating romances that keep readers hooked from page one.

Originally from Maryland, she spent nearly two decades in Florida before a brief chapter in NYC—and now she’s back in the Sunshine State, where golden days fuel her creativity and moonlight sparks her imagination.

When she’s not writing, she’s likely getting lost in the magical world of reading, plotting her next big twist, or reminiscing about her travels to all seven continents.

Reviews

[Myria · Rating 5 out of 5]

With all the hardships and trials that Sapphire and Riven have been through lately one of the hardest is dealing with the loss of Rivens love and the outcome from Eros shooting the arrow through her heart it's so messing with Sapphire’s emotions so it’s easier to lash out at Riven than deal with her confused feelings that seem to be magnified each time with Rivens touch.
Why would someone who professes love for you give it up so easy obviously it’s all been a lie so its easier to just be angry with Rivens choices!
After arriving at the Summer Court and meeting with Queen Lysandra finding out that not only is Sapphire royalty from the summer court with Lysandra her birth mother that her father is the King of the New York City Vampires.
This is alot to deal with but then the last thing Sapphire ever expected to hear from Riven after he let the dryad steel his love is the request for a union of marriage between them yes it may strengthen the courts against the war to come but it hurts cause this should be happening under different circumstances one of love not connivence.
Can they find their way back to each other emotionally while dealing with the perilous journey they have to make to not only save Zoey who’s dealing with her own problems being held captive by the Night fae but they also have to find the Star Disc in order to save the fae courts and the mortal relm from the dangers of night fae who can turn fae into vampires and are a grave danger to both the relms of the mortals and the fae

[AndreasBookFinds · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sapphire’s hatred for Riven grows with every breath. The pain she endures at his touch takes her breath away when she remembers each moment of Riven’s past cruel words.

Riven can’t feel his love for Sapphire, cruelly taken away in exchange for a single potion ingredient. His cold heart chills even further with each of Sapphire’s harsh words.

Will they be able to work together to get the final potion ingredient to save Riven’s father? Will they be able to save Zoey from the Night Court?

Michelle Madow takes you on a wild adventure into the fae realms of the Star Touched Universe. After the cliffhanger of book 3, I was so anxious to get to book 4 and it didn't disappoint! Expecting a (hopefully happy) ending for book 4, I was left mouth agape only to realize we’re not quite done yet! I’m very much looking forward to what book 5 brings for Sapphire, Zoey and Riven!

[Renee Marski · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a good story! After being struck by Eros' hate arrow, Sapphire and Riven end up in front of the Summer Court Queen. And she's Sappbire's mother. Sapphire is the result of an affair with the Vampire King and was hidden away for her protection. To get the duskberry, the queen makes their marriage a requirement. So they do it and in the water their love comes back. Because water has memory. Then its a quest to get the weapon made just for her. A mysterious girl helps them. And the cosmic tides show them futures they cant just ignore.

Meanwhile, Zoey is falling hard. She's not as in control as she thought. And someone else is killed but Zoey isnt the target she thinks she is. The Night court is dangerous and she has to survive, by any means necessary.

Cant wait for the next book!

[Geff Ratcheson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This has been a great series. For some reason I thought this book would be the last, but it's definately not!

This book mostly moved towards tying up loose ends from book #3, though it left all of them for book #5 (coming soon).

Will Saphire be able to convince the much in magically forced love that Zoey she's been played? Will Riven & Saphire work through the evil magic that destroyed their relationship? Will R & S free Zoey from the Fae Vampires? Will R & S enable Riven's dad (the king) to recover from an illness so he can fight an import war?

Stay tuned, all to be revealed!

I received an advance Reader's copy at no charge & am leaving an unbiased review.

[Aisha Sarfraz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my God, this book...I was not prepared for the emotional turmoil I would face.The intensity between Sapphire and Riven was amazing. The yearning, the lingering touches, the tension. Out of this world. And the final chapter...They chose each other (let me cry). The story played out smoothly with them both working hard to save the King, a journey that now seems useless after what they witnessed in the Tides. Zoey is still working things out with Aerix and there's been a new twist that has me excited. Undeniably, the best book in the series so far. Can't wait for the next one.

[Marina · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series has been on going adventure. This book talk about the challenges Sapphire faces in the begining her true love for Riven. As things go one they are now "forced" to get married and towards the end they must fight together.

"We face every choice together".

[Camille Blais · Rating 5 out of 5]

What. A. Ride. I am left speechless after reading this book because holy moly this was intense. I have to admit that i was kind of a fan of the way Sapphire and Riven were interacting together and I was kind of scared to see where things were gonna go at the end of the previous book but… hot damn was I no disappointed!! The angst is as good as the love. I cannot wait for the next book. I freaking love this series !!!

[Liz · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was like watching a child throw an hours long tantrum

Insults, blame, pouting, over-reactions, bad decisions, self-absorbed teens and petty temper tantrums. That’s this book summed up.

It’s literally like being stuck in a room with a 13 y.o. Girl throwing the mother of all temper tantrums. With a side of “you’re not the boss of me!”, and an extra helping of preteen bullying behavior thrown in for good measure.

Seriously, middle school level. Nothing to offer for actual adults who aren’t into petty drama, “I hate you’s” and oversized egos.

Sapphire lacked the ability to be rational in the previous books. Now she’s just lost the plot after the arrow. Riven didn’t help things with his cold act. But it’s not like she believed him anyway. Her character is stunningly insecure. About everything. But particularly his feelings for her.

I would have much rather dealt with their weird insta-love than her nonstop pity parties and finger pointing.

[Debbie Eyre · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one intense and emotional addition to this incredible series. Sapphire and Raven have a lot to work through as if being struck by Eros' hate arrow and Raven not remembering their love for each other wasn’t enough! We find out Sapphires parentage and that she is actually royalty as Queen Lysandra from the summer court is her mother and her father is the King of the New York City Vampires! Say what now!! And then to top it all of they (Sapphire and Raven) are forced to get married!! Oh and let’s not forget Zoey who is still stuck in the night court and could be falling for her captor!! The world building continues to draw you in and the storyline continues to captivate and enthral as twists and turns are thrown in the path on this dangerous and unpredictable journey to save the winter king and Zoey, and I for one cannot wait for the next instalment !

[Merry Chapman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! with so much going on in this 4th book of the Star Touched Fae Bound series, I couldn't put it down! Sapphire and Riven are still trying to get the last ingredient of the cure for the King even though Riven now can't remember that he ever loved Sapphire and she was struck in the hard by a cruel god of love struck her with a cursed arrow that turned heartbreak into pain. And then there is the need to rescue Zoey from the Night Court while she seems to be falling for her captor. Stockholm Syndrome? Add to that and we find Sapphire is royalty and has to marry Riven. Wow, with all this going on and the dangers Sapphire and Riven have to go through, you can't put this book down. I highly recommend this series and this book is a great addition. I received an ARC of this book but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.

[Sheri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, Michelle, that was... wow. I'm trying to form words.

At the end of the last book, I was left shaken and broken. How in the world will Riven and Sapphire recover from that? This book is the aftermath and continuation of their journey. It isn't over. Nothing is hopeless.

Meanwhile, Zoey is still trying to survive and maybe thrive in the night court.

I'm a huge Michelle Madow fan. I've loved all of her books and I'm pretty sure I've read and own every single one. I'm honored to be able to arc read this series. It's a wonderful, emotional, crazy ride. Each book picks up where the previous left off. This one is my favorite so far.

I'll shout from the rooftops for people to read this! Highly recommend!

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Broken Star by Michelle Madow is a great continuation in the Star Touched Fae Bound series. The worldbuilding is super vivid and cinematic — it’s so easy to get pulled into this magical, dangerous world.

Sapphire and Riven continue to struggle with the loss of his love. But wait until you see what happens any time they are under water!

I also loved the side plot with Zoey. She’s still stuck in the Night Court, treated like a pet, and yet seems to be falling for her captor… it’s wild and kind of heartbreaking, and I’m so curious to see where that goes.

There were so many twists I didn’t see coming — every time I thought I had it figured out, something else would happen! If you’re into fast-paced fantasy with romance, danger, and great characters, definitely check this one out.

[Gabrielle Hashimoto · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sapphire and Riven are a step away from the potion they traded everything for, but the price of the final item is steep. The Summer queen who controls the item demands a political marriage between Sapphire and Riven, throwing their relationship into even further turmoil. In the Night Court, Zoey is playing a dangerous game for power but is she really pulling one over on the fae prince or is she only fooling herself?
The stakes are high in this fourth book of the series and there was so much emotional turmoil. The story was often so heartbreaking with some sweet moments that will have you hanging on tight as you read this emotional roller coaster of a ride. This is definitely the best book so far and I can’t wait to see what comes next!

[Shanley Roach · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m feeling an even 3 ⭐️ for this one. It didn’t hit as hard as book 3 but did live to carve out my heart. I think the structure of the book was much easier to follow than book 3. Like the title says, we are pretty fucking broken emotionally for most of this book with brief painful moments of light. But mostly darkness lol this book did reveal a few things impactful for the larger story but overall this book felt very “filler travel episode except you’re emotionally being pummeled while you’re at it.” Not my favorite of the series just because I felt like very few things happened and we just floated in the same emotions most of the book. But where we leave the ending makes me excited for book 5, fingers crossed for emotional growth!

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

More Tension. I like how each story builds from the prior novel. This author loves her cliffhangers and shocking reveals. She doesn’t disappoint with the chaos of Sapphire’s receiving Eros’s arrow and Riven losing his love to the Dryad. Their interactions are attention-grabbing. We learn Sapphire’s parentage. More shocking reveals as these two continue their quest to stabilize The Winter King’s madness and then save best friend Zoey. All the while we read about Zoey and her shocking encounters. I became absorbed from the beginning. I received a free copy of this book via BookFunnel and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kathy Brenzi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series just gets better and better.

Thanks to the dryad and Eros, Sapphire and Riven no longer have the same connection. However, they still had quests to finish, so they continue. Sapphire eventually learns her complete family history, which really shocks her, but also gets some unexpected help. They must carry on if they are to fix his father and rescue Zoey, but the things they have to do get more and more difficult.

[June McKibben · Rating 5 out of 5]

You will have all kinds of feels in this book with Saphire and Zoey. Saphire deals with a lot in this book with Riven not remembering he loves her. She learns some truths about her self and needs to save Zoey. She still needs to also save the fae and earth realm. I love the story line and the characters have captured me so deeply that I just want more. This world has sucked me in from the very first book and need more.

[Tina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good yet can be annoying at times

I love all these books so far in this series, but this one annoyed me at times. I get that she was hit with the bad arrow, but it so got annoying with ask the hate commentary constantly. I wish more had been written in Raven's viewpoint during parts because I really needed a break at times from hearing the constant grinding negativity from Sapphire.
The story, though, was still a very good read, and I can't wait for the next book.

[Steve · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, is this an emotional and intense tale or what. I was absolutely engrossed in it from start to finish, I enjoyed every single word. This is a cracking series about the trials and tribulations that people go through. What on earth is the next one going to be like I wonder, cannot wait to find out. Highly recommended.

[Chiya · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVED IT!

One of Michelle's best work yet, this book made me cry every single time Sapphire remembered her past or seeing Zoey struggle with knowing what's true and what isn't. Sapphire's new title is amazing, and I love how Riven always wants to make sure anyone and everyone they meet know it.

Also, I don't know why, but I feel like Zoey IS Kallista? Maybe she's also star touched, but it just hasn't activated yet?

Either way, super excited for the next one, June can't come soon enough.

[Leahmichelle3 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was very concerned with how I would enjoy this book with the choices that the main character made in the last novel (cough cough, Riven). But overall, it was well written and didn’t cause as much frustration as anticipated. I am so excited for the next book and can’t wait to find out more about Zoey!

[Marci Jackson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Broken…

This next installment of Zoey and Sapphire’s stories is a must read. Fate is playing games again…Will they figure out a path to save…well, everyone? Pick it up and find out!

[Breanne Chapman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cliff hanger

A true love story with a turn every step of the way, action drama, and everything else you can imagine between two people who only want to be with each other but are being forced apart by forces they created!

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Star Touched: Fae Bound

OMG talk about leaving cliffhangers I am glad I decided to read the full series from the first book to the last one after the next without have to wait for the next book to come out I am loving this series as much as I have all of your books so far .

[Judy Sescil · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another cliffhanger in this great series. Riven and Sapphire are on a journey to find ingredients for potion to cure the King so that they can unite kingdoms to fight and save Zoey!

[Bobbie Ullom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, just wow!!! This book was non-stop edge of the seat reading! CLIFFHANGER URG! June can't get here soon enough.

[Robyn's Triple R Rescue · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love it but I hate it!

Left us hanging again! I can’t wait for the next book!! I need to know what happens next. That’s the sign of a good author.

[Cassandra Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was alright. It answered some question but the emotions were somewhat exhausting.

[Jen Allison · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am obsessed with the Star Touched series and I cannot wait to see all of them together!

[Dschaper54 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh My Goodness

I didn’t think those series could get any better but it does. This book toteat my heart strings but gave me hope. What a great time to delve into an amazing series.