Burn Bright (Standard Edition)

Cobalt Empire #1

by Krista Ritchie, Becca Ritchie

Love burns hottest when it's blue.

Ben Cobalt is number six. Not sixth place—in fact, he’d be considered at least third draft pick for the NHL if he didn’t quit hockey during college. And he’s not sixth-in-line for any throne. Though, most consider his larger-than-life, billionaire family American royalty.

He is the sixth-born Cobalt.

Out of a normal family of seven, he might get lost in the shuffle. But being the black sheep of the Cobalt Empire comes with its own intense spotlight. After he hits a major low at college in Philly, his four older brothers convince him to move in with them in New York City. Transferring to Manhattan Valley University—piece of cake.

Living in an apartment with all of his brothers while harboring a giant secret among a family who’s more tight-knit than a secret society—total effing chaos.

He has to find a way out of the tense living arrangement, especially as he clashes with his oldest brother Charlie. Ben turns to an unlikely source for help. A grumpy, punk-rock girl with a troubled past who's already pissed off one Cobalt brother.

So when an undeniable attraction ignites, Harriet Fisher is expecting the flames to die out. Except…what happens when they don’t? Falling for a Cobalt brother with secrets might be a Shakespearean tragedy she can't rewind.

BURN BRIGHT is the first book in the Cobalt Empire series, a new adult romance series about legacy, loyalty, and love.

Genres: Romance, Friends To Lovers, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, College, Found Family, College Romance

688 pages, Paperback

First published September 2, 2025

About the author

NYT & USA Today Bestselling Authors Krista & Becca Ritchie are identical twins—one a science nerd, the other a comic book geek—but with their shared passion for writing, they combined their mental powers as kids and have never stopped telling stories. They love superheroes, flawed characters, and soul mate love.

To stay up to date on new releases, bonus content, and more, sign up for Krista & Becca's Newsletter: www.kbritchie.com/newsletter

Quick note: We don't check Goodreads, so we don't respond to messages here. But if you want to connect with Becca or me, you can reach out to us on our social medias or at our website: www.kbritchie.com

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Fans of Krista & Becca's Books:
♥ Join Krista & Becca's Fizzle Force Facebook group.
♥ Inspiration for the Addicted series can be found on their Pinterest boards.
♥ Find playlists for all of their books on Spotify
♥ Check out all of their extras! Including: bonus scenes, character interviews, fun posts and more on their Extras page.

Reviews

[Maddy ✨ ~The Verse Vixen {AFK brb} · Rating 5 out of 5]

"In whispered nights where shadows sigh,
Their hearts ignite, and sparks fly high."ּ⭑

Some stories blaze, some stories glow… and then there’s Burn Bright.. Sometimes, the best love stories are born from the hardest battles. A love story stitched together with pain, hope, and quiet healing. There’s something about this book that feels like a quiet hug—like the kind of story that whispers, “Stay. There’s warmth here.”It’s not fireworks-and-chaos love. It’s the kind of love that seeps in like light under a door. Familiar. Inevitable. External. This book didn’t just tell a story—it bled, it healed, and it left fingerprints on my soul!

I still can’t believe I got this book early! Kiss the Sky had me last month, and now I’m in deeper than ever.
From the very first page, I was pulled into a world where family legacies clash, hearts ignite, and every glance feels like sparks threatening to set the sky on fire. This isn’t just a story—it’s a wildfire of love, chaos, and unforgettable characters that leave a mark on your soul.

Burn Bright is for the dreamers, the romantics, the people who know friendship is sometimes the most dangerous kind of love. Because once you cross that line—you don’t go back. And Ben & Harriot? They didn’t just cross it, they sprinted.It’s not just a book—it’s a beautiful tragedy wrapped in ink, daring you to love the pain it brings.Love, lies, and the kind of chaos that leaves bruises—this story had it all.

“Welcome to the Cobalt chaos, where sparks fly faster than secrets, and falling in love is just part of the family drama.”

✦🏷️ Dedication Moment

💠“For anyone who has ever felt like they don’t quite belong. You belong here.”
➝ If that doesn’t already tell you this book will shred us in the best way possible, I don’t know what will.

ᯓᡣ𐭩Heartline of the story...

🏒 Ben Cobalt

Our finance trust-fund, 6’5 blue-eyed guy!! Described by Maximoff Hale himself as “the most free-spirited Cobalt boy” — and honestly, it fits.
But here’s the paradox: being the sixth-born in a family of seven, Ben is also the black sheep of the Cobalt Empire. He isn’t Charlie with his fire, or Eliot with his sharp edges, or Maximoff with his unshakable loyalty. He’s Ben—the boy with a smile that hides storms, the jock who walked away from the NHL spotlight, the free spirit trapped under the crushing expectations of legacy.

“So many times, I feel like I'm too many conflicting things at once.”
(Same, Ben. Same. 🫠)

Most Likely To: pop off, wreck a car, fight with Charlie Cobalt, go barefoot in the woods, save animals, and defend a short punk-rock girl named Harriot (and yeah… probably befriend you too).

Search History Energy: how to survive living with four older brothers in one apartment, how to protect a punk-rock girl I keep running into, and how to keep my little sister from following me to NYC. (Protective much!?)

Vibes: big heart, impulsive choices, soft stares when no one’s looking (especially at her), and a knack for making a mess of things but somehow making you love him for it.

“I want her to experience love that never leaves you cold. To not just look up and see a constellation, but to be among those eternal stars.”

Tell me this boy isn’t pure gold I dare you!!
He’s reckless, protective, messy, yet so full of light that you almost forget how much he’s carrying underneath. And that’s what makes him so magnetic. He’s lighthearted and tender, but also lost in a way that makes you want to protect him, even when he’s the one doing the saving.And honestly?? He’s the kind of guy who’ll scream “HEY, LET HER GO!” when someone is bullying a girl.. across a frat party when everyone else stays quiet. That’s MY man. 🫠🔥

“Cars fly past us. City lights flicker in the misty night, but I’m only staring at her.”
"Fisher"
"Friend"...

"I have never fallen for any frien-- F****!!!!"

“Because I’m mad. Maddened for those I love. Maddened by their pain. Maddened by life. Your agony is my plight. Your torment, my war. Your love, my triumph"



˚🦋⋆ Harriet Fisher

Sharp edges, punk-rock energy, and a softness she doesn’t show easily—Harriet is the storm Ben didn’t expect but the calm he didn’t know he needed. She didn’t just challenge him; she saw him.She is the kind of heroine who doesn’t beg to be loved—she makes you earn it. Her edges are sharp, but her heart? Bruised, guarded, but so, so real. I loved how her loneliness contrasted with Ben’s sunshine. Social butterfly x loner has never worked this beautifully. And the way she looked at him—as if his existence itself was extraordinary—made me ache in the best way.

“Why is he looking at me like that? Am I looking at him the same way too? It’s the depth. Like he’s reaching into me, even though we’re not two pieces of metal welded together. We’re two separate entities. Aren’t we?”

“How long have you been the sun?” … “Out of an entire Empire of stars, you’re the brightest in the sky.”
(me: absolutely feral 🥹🩵)




✦ The Romance

Tender. Warm. Heart-shattering and healing all at once.

"No star shines brighter than a Cobalt, especially one in love"

Ben Cobalt is a rich jock with a tender heart, Harriet Fisher is a punk-rock nerd with sharp edges—and together they’re everything I didn’t know I needed.opposites on the outside, but deeply alike in the ways they’re both broken and searching for belonging.
I’m defending Harriot and Ben with my whole being. Anyone who talks trash? Consider yourself challenged. 🤺

“Sometimes life isn’t about where you go but who’s going with you, and where I want to be at the end of the world is beside her.”

"Just touching one person’s life is enough, Friend. you’ve made mine better. For whatever that means to you.”

My family’s fierce devotion—it’s everything she’s never had growing up, and I want her to experience love that never leaves you cold. To not just look up and see a constellation, but to be among those eternal stars

This book is the beginning of something epic: the Cobalt Empire. It’s college chaos, family pressure, secret-keeping, and the kind of first love that sets your veins on fire.
Their love felt like poetry threaded into every page.

I highlighted SO many lines, but this one owns me:

"I don’t know how to dim when I love you, Har-riet. I only know how to burn bright.”
𐙚-The title drop >>>>>> chills...

Their banter gave me life, their yearning broke me, and their devotion healed me.

“How very un-Harriot of you.”
“How very un-Cobalt of you.”
“Ah, you’re not Cobalt yet—I haven’t proposed, friend.”
Because nothing says we’re already in love but refusing to say it like roasting each other mid-heartbreak.

“And there is something so devastating about his blue eyes, about the way he looks at you. Like you’re his whole… entire… world when I know it’s not true.”



⋆✮˚.⋆My Fav Moment PERIODT!!!

POV: That pool scene deserves its own fan club!!!YESS THAT ICONIC POOL SCENE!!

Scene Drop: Nerd girl’s glasses fog up, heart pounding,You know the one where she’s about to be thrown in like some frat-party sacrifice? and BAM! Hot boy dives in like a hero in a cologne ad.

Replay:
‘HEY!! Let go of her! What the hell are you doing?' … Sir, you just won Best Entrance of the Year.”
-One of those legendary moments where water isn’t the only thing simmering.

"Stay behind me.. Yeah!" Me, on the couch🫣: Kicking my legs, screaming into a pillow, and booking therapy because HOW DARE fictional boys set the bar this high?!I am sucker for such scenes!!!
“I’m a Cobalt. That cost is low.”


🧿 Connar Daddy Cobalt and Mommy Rose!!

I swear, one of my favorite parts of Burn Bright was seeing Connor Cobalt and Rose Calloway not just as the legendary power couple we’ve always known, but as parents. Like… MOM & DAD mode ACTIVATED!♡

Like… can we talk about how Connor Cobalt & Rose Calloway literally gave birth to an entire football team?? 🤭🔥 Seven kids. SEVEN. Exactly what they wanted. Exactly what they planned. Because of course the most strategic man alive and the most iconic queen alive said, “let’s build a dynasty” … and then actually did it.

Connor, with his endless patience and razor-sharp wisdom, still manages to drop lines that break me into tiny shards:

“It doesn’t matter which direction your mind takes you, you’re still a Cobalt. You’re still my son.” - SCREAMING DADDY COBALT!!!

Tell me why I was SOBBING😭 He’s still the same calculated, brilliant man, but with even more depth now that he’s guiding his children through the empire.

Meanwhile Rose?? She hasn’t lost her edge for a second. She’s a mom of seven but still struts like she owns the planet (because she kinda does). She’ll cut you with a glance, protect her kids with her life, and still give us those Queen Rose moments that make me scream.

My life-it would be dull and gray without you, mon fils courageux." My brave son. "You paint my world with color, and I could not bear to lose you. Just as I couldn't bear to change who you are."

Together? They’re the empire’s backbone. And honestly?? Watching them in their mom & dad era felt like coming home. 💙


✦The Siblings -

Daddy Cobalt didn’t just have kids—he built a whole empire 🤭💥: twin boys, two sisters (one a hopeless romantic, one a math-loving cat lady), a hockey player, a lead singer, and an actor… talent overload! 💙🔥PERIODT!!

"It’s the love. The loyalty. The unfailing, undying, unblistered power of family. It’s how there’s light in each of my siblings so bright that it’s not a question of whether they can illuminate the night sky. They just do. Being around them is like finding a way out of darkness, a way home."

The interactions with the entire Cobalt family were pure ✨gold✨. Showing that bond and connection between siblings while keeping that one-of-a-kind family essence alive? Priceless.

✦ The Cousins

The mentions of them?? I was feral. Every time one of the next-gen kids popped up—whether it was just a nod, a line, or a memory—I SCREAMED. Like yes, inject me straight back into this universe.

“Because,” Ben says, slipping the pen back behind his ear. “My parents love Shakespeare, but they love my Uncle Loren more. They let him name me.” -YESS UNCLE LOREN!!

✦ The Cobalt Empire 💸

What I adore is how the book leans into the mythos of the Cobalts. The way the world sees them as if they’re carved out of marble, larger-than-life, spawns of Zeus. And yet behind all that polish, they’re still just siblings who fight, love, break, and build each other back up.Cobalt family interactions? Chef’s kiss. The loyalty, the banter, the quiet moments that remind you why this universe feels like home—it’s all there, and it hits hard.

“Entrance into my family is like finding a golden ticket in a Wonka Bar—only to be battle-tested in a Colosseum. Death is more likely than victory.”

୨ৎWednesday's are for Cobalts!୨ৎ

“All of them matter as pillars of elegance and intelligence and power. That is the mythos of the Cobalt Empire.”

Almost 700 pages and I still wanted more. More of Ben, more of Harriet, more of the brothers, more of this world that feels like a home built from paper and ink.

✦ The Writing: PURE POETRY!!⋆｡‧˚ 🩵ིྀ ˚‧｡⋆

Gorgeous. Ethereal. Sometimes mythic (Ovid’s Golden Age reference?? my jaw dropped). Perfect blend of witty banter, heart-squeezing family moments, and lyrical romance lines that will haunt me forever.

“She’s become the quiet rustle of leaves. She’s become the soft soil beneath my feet. She’s the cold air that awakens my lungs… She is the planet I’ve adored and tried to care for, and when I look ahead and see her, I see my entire world.In all it's peaceful beauty..”
𐙚-I melted into a puddle.

🦋 And can we talk about that cover of my arc? The blue butterflies on the side panel? 🦋 Sprayed edges with blue butterflies 😭💘 Gorgeous. Ethereal. Already framed in my mental gallery.


⋆.˚✮🎧 Playlist:✮˚.⋆

📌 "Youth" – Daughter
 ➝ For the ache of growing up Cobalt, always under a spotlight, always carrying a name heavier than your heart.

📌 "It’s Nice to Have a Friend" – Taylor Swift
 ➝ For the quiet beginnings — childhood moments, growing up side by side, laughter that turned into comfort, comfort that turned into love

📌 "Somewhere Only We Know" – Keane
 ➝ Secret smiles, unspoken history, the love story that bloomed in the background until it was undeniable.BFF things!

📌 "Slow Dancing in a Burning Room" – John Mayer
 ➝ The tension, the push and pull, the fear of ruining what’s always been theirs.

📌 "Electric" – Alina Baraz ft. Khalid
 ➝ For the spark that’s always been there—gentle, glowing, undeniable.

📌 "Like Real People Do" – Hozier
 ➝ Their first real kiss, the quiet realization that nothing will ever be the same.

📌 "Can I Be Him" – James Arthur
 ➝ Ben’s inner monologue every time she talks about love like it belongs to someone else.(Ben’s POV, screaming)

📌 "Delicate" – Taylor Swift
 ➝ Harriot’s heartbeat every time she wonders: is this fragile or is this forever?

📌 "Blue" – Yung Kai
➝ For the dreamlike, bittersweet love that feels like it could be forever.For the love that lingers in your chest, the one you can���t stop thinking about… this is Blue.

📌 "Until I Found You" – Stephen Sanchez
 ➝ For Ben & Harriot’s soft collapse into something inevitable—the kind of love that’s been brewing in silence all along.

📌 "Home" – Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros
 ➝ Because no matter how big the family, how bright the empire, they’re each other’s safe place.


🎯 𝗥𝗘𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗗𝗘𝗗 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗙𝗔𝗡𝗦 𝗢𝗙:


-Windy City series — sports, grit, found family, and romance that punches you in the gut 🏙️

-Saving 6-Boys of Tommen — all the angst, slow burns,and friendships that become lifelines

-Better Than the Movies — swoony, cinematic chaos where love hides in plain sight 🎬(for the nostalgia + yearning)

-A Thousand Boy Kisses — for readers who want their hearts shattered into stardust 💔✨

-A Million Kisses in Your Lifetime — rich kids, aching romance, and a love story dripping in intensity 💋

-The Deal by Elle Kennedy — hockey boys, sharp banter, and romance that sneaks up on you 🏒💫

-People We Meet on Vacation — because who doesn’t love messy bonds, longing stares, and trips that change everything!(friends-to-lovers ache with banter)

ᥫ᭡ Final Thoughts:

⭐ 4.5 shining, burning stars-Because love really does burn hottest when it’s blue.7 cafeteria breakdowns, 1 ruined mascara moment, and an eternal wish that I had a Ben Cobalt waiting outside my lecture hall with coffee.

Because being a Cobalt doesn’t mean being perfect. It means loving hard, standing tall, and finding your way—even if it feels like you’re lost.And Ben Cobalt? He might be the sixth-born, but he’s first in my heart..🩵ིྀ🦋

This book was a comfort and a heartbreak at the same time. Some pages felt like a hug, others ripped me open—but all of it reminded me why I adore this world.laughter, chaos, heartache, and healing—woven into a love story that feels like destiny. Harriet and Ben’s love was tender and raw, but what really stole the show was the way it wove in the entire Cobalt legacy.This is my new comfort read. I love these people so much 🩵 and I cannot wait to live in the rest of the siblings’ POVs. I’m hoping hard it’s Beckett or Eliot's book next🤞🏻💙✨the way this book made me feel like I was living inside a hurricane with glitter and heartstrings!!

If Some Kind of Perfect made you cry for Rose & Connor’s final chapters, this book will send you flying off a cliff—but you’ll land in a meadow full of bluebirds and butterflies. 🦋

It’s about being authentic, being loved for exactly who you are, and choosing to shine anyway.

Be authentic. Be loved. Burn Bright✨ִֶָ

꒦︶ ๋ ࣭ ⭑꒷꒦ . ..𓂃 ࣪ ִֶָ🦋་༘࿐꒷꒦︶꒷꒦︶ ๋ ࣭ ⭑꒷꒦꒷꒦︶꒷꒦︶ ๋ ࣭ ⭑꒷꒦𓂃˖˳·˖ ִֶָ ⋆🌷͙⋆ ִֶָ˖·˳˖𓂃 ִֶָ

-Its The beginning of an Empire!!
Thank you KR for the ARC!!

[Iqra]

I have to wait till October for my book to arrive 😭😭 the anticipation is paining meeeee

***

Update: 4/3/24 — THE BOOKS ABOUT BEN AAHHH AND THAT COVER IS SO PRETTY !!

‘Ben Cobalt moves to New York for the first time—called there by his four older brothers in a new series about legacy, loyalty, and love.

The Cobalt Empire awaits.
Love burns hottest when it’s blue.’

***

17/12/23 — Aahhhhh I’m so mfing happy I’m literally bouncing off the walls rn 🤸🏻‍♀️🏌🏻‍♀️ COBALLOWAY IS COMING HOME 🥹

[Phuong ✯ · Rating 3 out of 5]

screaming crying shaking throwing up i've been waiting for the Cobalt Empire series since Some Kind of Perfect and after years of waiting my prayers have been heard 😭

Coballoway girlies we won <3 all the Cobalt family crumbs in this book were everything. Not going to lie.. I read this book mainly for all the Cobalt scenes, but Ben and Harriet had some cute scenes.

I can't believe we will get Tom and Audrey and probably every other Cobalt sibling books first before Charlie Keating Cobalt finds the love of his life 😭

[Fairuz ᥫ᭡. · Rating 3 out of 5]

𐙚⋆˚✿˖° BURN BRIGHT – LET’S GET INTO IT
⭐️ 3.5 stars (honestly…idk what to rate it but here we are)
──★ ˙🧷 ̟ !!

Okay…so I picked up Burn Bright and immediately remembered why KBR books are like comfort food that’s also kinda messy. I had mixed feelings going in because I’ve read the Addictive series and parts of the Calloway Sisters series, and tbh, I loved some bits, hated others, and the hype always has me slightly suspicious. BUT the family dynamics? 10/10. Honestly, if the Cobalts were real, I’d move into that apartment in a heartbeat. It felt like home, but also…ugh, so messy. Like, I wanted the romance to actually breathe, and it just didn’t. 750 pages later, I’m sitting here like…what just happened? The romance felt like a side dish at a buffet that’s entirely family drama.

And don’t get me started on the mess. Ben’s OCD stuff? Confusing at first, okay maybe slightly realistic, but his decisions to cut off family members? STILL unexplored. We barely scratch the surface on the “why” behind it. Like…hello? That could have been juicy character development but nope. And Harriet…girl, you had so much trauma, so much darkness, and we barely got any of the depth that you deserved. Your backstory is wild, intense, and could have been the core of this book, but instead we get a lot of filler, random Cobalt worship, and constant reminders of how rich and perfect the family is. Stop flexing, KBR. I love the Cobalts but girl, they literally did nothing except be born rich.

The constant “Cobalts are gods among peasants” energy…😑 yeah, it got old. Every. Single. Line. Every chapter. I get it, they’re rich. I get it, the family is legendary. But you don’t need to remind me every 30 seconds. I’m here for Ben and Harriet, not a lecture on how amazing the Cobalts are. Like, eat the rich, please.

──★ ˙🧷 ̟ !!

First impressions / vibes:

✦ Picked it up during a slump & still devoured it.
✦ Family dynamics = wholesome. Legit, I wanted 80% more of siblings than BenHarriet. Protective, messy, warm, and dramatic.
✦ Romance? Meh. Slow burn barely burned. Friends-to-lovers is usually my jam, but here it felt like two roommates who occasionally smile at each other. Cute sometimes, but lacking chemistry at the start.

Characters:

✦ Ben Cobalt 💙: soft, sensitive, messy in a tragic way. Like, he’s supposed to be the main character but the brothers steal his spotlight half the time. Still…can’t lie, he eventually won me over with his soft heart & kindness.

✦ Harriet Fisher 🖤: grumpy, punk-rock, girlie. Initially, I hated her vibe. One-note, strong-not-like-other-girls energy, but she slowly grew on me. Her trauma was underexplored, which sucks, but her smarts and stubbornness? Cheeky perfection.

✦ Cobalt family 👑: Charlie = annoying, Beckett = pure love, Eliot = manwhore, Tom = confusing, Audrey = Victorian child vibes, Rose & Connor = cute crumbs. Basically, the family stole most of my attention and heart.

─── ౨ৎ˚⟡˖ ࣪

Little chaotic, messy moments I loved:

✦ Sibling banter. I could’ve read 300 pages of just the brothers teasing each other.
✦ Ben being genuinely soft & awkward. Like…bubble wrap this boy immediately.
✦ Harriet standing her ground, showing small cracks of vulnerability only around the people who earned it. Loved her character growth a little even if it wasn’t explored enough.
✦ Random family traditions or moments of affection sprinkled throughout. Pure comfort vibes.

Big issues though:

✦ 750 pages and the romance doesn’t get breathing space. Filler is real.
✦ Trauma gets brushed off. Harriet had so much potential for depth, but nope.
✦ Cobalts = insufferable rich people energy constantly shoved down your throat. Stop. Just stop.
✦ Lack of resolution on key family conflicts (Vada, Xander).
✦ Alaska storyline kinda messy, Audrey storyline unnecessary drama.

𓇼🌊⋆★ Closing thought: This book felt like comfort food that was a little burnt on the edges. Family dynamics = amazing, romance = kinda meh, pacing = uneven, rich-people-worship = exhausting. I genuinely enjoyed reading it, laughed, cried a little, and felt invested in the Cobalt family—but as a romance, it was lacking. Would I reread? No. But did I have a fun time? Absolutely. Burn Bright is messy, chaotic, comforting, slightly infuriating in its own way.

──★ ˙🧷 ̟ !!

[ʚ turtle ɞ (v. busy) · Rating 5 out of 5]

September 7, 2025 (5/5 ⭐️)

˖⊹ "For anyone who has ever felt like they don’t
‎‎ ‎‎ ‎‎ ‎‎ ‎‎ ‎‎‎‎ ‎‎quite belong. You belong here." <𝟑 .ᐟ

From the dedication to the very last page, this book had my whole heart 💌!! If there was a way I could give it a million stars, I’d do it! Easily my favorite book of the year and I’m 100% sure no other book is going to top it. I honestly wish I could experience reading it for the first time again, but either way you’ll probably catch me rereading it soon lol 🤸🏻

Just a heads up: this review isn't spoiler-free! 🚨

I loved the pace and I loved how long the book was, yet it still didn’t feel like enough. I swear I could’ve read a thousand more pages and been perfectly happy. The day I pick up a Krista & Becca Ritchie book and don’t absolutely love it still hasn’t come, and I really hope it never does.

› Ben; it broke my heart a million times reading his POV and seeing how he views himself as the black sheep, thinking he didn’t belong with the rest of his family. I cried every time he went into his OCD spiral and started having those thoughts, blaming himself for everything bad that happened (still not over how Charlie was the one to catch and diagnose it first 🥹). I constantly wanted to scream at him (with love, obv) that these things are not his fault, that he’s done nothing to cause this! But I also get him and relate to him so much, which made it hurt even more.

- ⤿ "Stay? I need to stay, but how can I when staying just hurts everyone around me. Either way, I inflict some kind of pain. There is no victory inside my head. But I can’t be here. I can’t stay and destroy them. It’s a nagging, suffocating panic I can’t shake. I will never be rid of this monster looming over me until I’m miles away. Until I’m certain they’re all safe."

My babyyyy 🥹😭 Living through Ben’s relationships with his siblings (especially ml Beckett <3), his parents, cousins, and Ryke was honestly one of my absolute favorite parts!
Experiencing the whole fallout with Xander and Winona from his POV was heartbreaking, and I was so glad we finally got to see them fix it. Also, him having the closest relationship with Becket, and then realizing after his diagnosis that they had even more in common than they thought, was so sweet! But what really got to me was watching his bond with Charlie grow, and how much they clearly care about each other even if they don’t always know how to show it. I mean, Charlie and Beckett literally saved Ben’s life. I don’t think I need to say anything else 🫶🏼

‎‎“Ensemble.” Together. My eyes sting, and there is no question, no hesitation, no reluctance inside me. I grab Charlie’s hand— my oldest brother; the brother I might always disagree with but will always love. “Toujours,” I promise. Always. My smile ignites my whole soul on fire. “Ensemble.”

One of my favorite scenes in the whole book 🥹💗

› Harriet; I love how well KBR wrote her character! She was so easy to love, strong, funny, and even though her life was fucked up she never gave up. I love how she never tried to change just to fit in with the Cobalts, she stayed 100% herself the whole time. Her chemistry with Ben was insane, it was fireworks every time they interacted, and it felt so natural. They balanced each other perfectly. The whole The Charlie Cobalt Blow Job Combustion, as she called it, was horrifying, and the fact that this was her first thought to offer is heartbreaking. Her parents failed her so badly. I was so glad we got to see her stand up for herself against her dad, and I wish we could have seen the same with her mom. On the other hand, her relationship with Ben’s brothers (especially her back-and-forth with Tom 🤭) was so fun to read and watch grow! I loved how they were willing to go to battle for her, to be there for her, and how they accepted her like she was part of their family all along (which they don’t usually do). And her bond with Ben’s parents (especially Rose), was also so heartwarming. I’m 100% sure she’s going to be their favorite daughter-in-law, and no other future girlfriends of the Cobalt boys will ever replace her 🙂‍↕️ and honestly, I would feel the same, because in her own way she also saved Ben’s life! I was just so happy she finally found the family she always dreamt of, and nobody writes found family the way KBR do.

- ⤿ “Maybe I'll finally be a part of a family.”

Tears streaming 🥹

› Charlie; my favorite Cobalt boy! 🧎🏻‍♀️‍➡️ I cannot wait for his book, and I just know it’s going to be my absolute favorite. I have a thing for mean, misunderstood, suffer-inside characters, so it’s not really a surprise he’s become my favorite! <3

- ⤿ "The truth about Charlie? He has no real empathy for anyone outside of his twin. His unconditional love for Beckett is the best thing about him. It’s the only thing I relate to, but it’s never been enough."

- ⤿ "Charlie stares so deeply into me; it almost overwhelms me to sudden, scalding tears as he says, “You feel everything. I feel nothing.”"

- ⤿ "Charlie says, “One last thing. For Beckett.” It’s irritating that he can’t just be nice to me without doing it for Beckett. But I’m too drained to say something about it."

I just love him so much, and I cannot wait to get inside his head, see how he thinks, and experience everything from his POV!

Honestly, the only thing I was a little disappointed about in this book was that we didn’t get to see Harriet attend a Wednesday family dinner. My favorite part of Jane’s books was when she introduced Thatcher there, so I would've loved to see something similar here. I also suspect it'll always be my favorite part of the Cobalt Empire books, so I’m really hoping we get to see it in the upcoming ones.
I’m so excited for all the books to come in this series, but the ones I’m most intrigued about rn are Becket’s and Charlie’s! Becket having double enemies-to-lovers with both Leo and Jo is going to be my future favorite thing ever 🤭 I just know it.

KBR have really built one of the best universes ever with the Addicted/Calloway world, and I’m forever grateful they gave it to us. The bond between the Hales, Meadows, and Cobalts is one of the most beautiful things ever written in books, and no one can convince me otherwise <3!

˖⁺. ⟡ › Quotes that I can't get out of my head:

- ⤿ "There is something so devastating about his blue eyes, about the way he looks at you. Like you’re his whole entire world, when I know it’s not true. His world is massive and illustrious. I’m small and dull inside it."

- ⤿ "Why am I obsessed with the idea of him practically suffocating me?"
Soaked by Shy Smith was randomly playing during this scene, and I found it so fitting, I couldn’t get the moment out of my head! 🙂‍↕️

- ⤿ “No one is dying tonight or tomorrow or ever.” She points a matte black painted nail around at us. “You all shall live for centuries.” “In mind and spirit,” Dad clarifies. “For the world will forever know your names alongside ours.” “In body,” Mom argues with him. “For I’ll make sure they are all immortal.” We drum the table together.
My loves 🥹 You could crack open my heart right now and you’d probably find this book and the Cobalts nestled inside (literally) 🫶🏼

- ⤿ "I am so deeply in love with her. She’s become the quiet rustle of leaves. She’s become the soft soil beneath my feet. She’s the cold air that awakens my lungs. The gorgeous light bending through the trees. She is the planet I’ve adored and tried to care for, and when I look ahead and see her, I see my entire world. In all its peaceful beauty."

- ⤿ "“Je t'aime comme les arbres aiment la terre, ma petite sœur,” I murmur from the depth of my soul. I love you like the trees love the earth, my little sister. “Toujours.” Always. “Toujours,” she repeats. “Et je t’aime comme les étoiles aiment la nuit, mon frère préféré.” And I love you like the stars love the night, my favorite brother."

- ⤿ "“Your heart is your strength,” Jane says fiercely. “It also may be the very thing that brings you to your knees, but it can be the very thing that makes you stand. Don’t give up on yourself, Pippy.” She hugs me closer to her side with warmth I crave."

- ⤿ “I’d rather sit on this rooftop with you for a billion years than not have you in this world at all.”

- ⤿ "Courage doesn't exist without fear. We all have to confront things that scare us at some point."

- ⤿ “The existence of me is more harmful than the absence,” I say what has kept cycling in my head for so long. Charlie’s eyes redden. “The loss of you is the most catastrophic event our family will ever endure. You could explode on another planet, and we’d all still feel the impact like you’re a single inch away. We will grieve you for the rest of our lives. You will have irreparably changed us all.”

- ⤿ “I’m irrational. Sensitive. Naïve. Overly emotional." I say. “Passionate, vulnerable, generous, self-sacrificing. These aren’t flaws, Ben. My life—it would be dull and gray without you, mon fils courageux.” My brave son. “You paint my world with color, and I could not bear to lose you. Just as I couldn’t bear to change who you are.”

- ⤿ “You can give me the entire rainforest, your entire family, your money, your clothes—but nothing will ever compare to you. Just you, Ben.” 

They’re a lot, I know! 🧍🏻 But I would’ve literally quoted the entire book if I could, so this is me downplaying it lol 😭


P.S. Biggest thank you to Abigail for buddy reading this with me!! <3 This was honestly one of my favorite reading experiences, and she made the whole thing 10x better. I had the best time with her <3 ily my girl 💜


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₊˚⊹⟢ Pre-read:
My most anticipated release of 2025 is finally here 🤸🏻
and I just know it’s going to be the absolute best!!!! 🙂‍↕️
›› Buddy read with my love Abigail 🫂 <3

┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈
⟡ › (August 26, 2025) Pre-release: ᝰ.ᐟ

⤿ ♯ "𝙄'𝙫𝙚 𝙬𝙤𝙣𝙙𝙚𝙧𝙚𝙙 𝙞𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙢𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩. 𝙒𝙖𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙬𝙝𝙚𝙣 𝙨𝙝𝙚 𝙜𝙤𝙩 𝙞𝙣 𝙢𝙮 𝙝𝙚𝙖𝙙? 𝙒𝙖𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙬𝙝𝙚𝙣 𝙄 𝙘𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙𝙣'𝙩 𝙚𝙭𝙘𝙞𝙨𝙚 𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙛𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝙢𝙮 𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙨? " <𝟑 .ᐟ

ONLY ONE MORE WEAK 💥 I'm so excited I could cry 🥹!

[veerali · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 ★

okay, okay, I KNOW a lot of y'all are hyped for this release, and like, i get it. rose and connor stans go hard, and reading about their kids must be iconic. but PLEASE, for the love of all things holy, don't come at me for not loving this book. your girl has a right to express her opinions. my takes are my takes, and we're not gatekeeping disappointment over here.

real talk, i'm someone who had never picked up a KBR book before. this was my first foray into their world, and lowkey, i'm kinda gloomy it ended up being this one. to be honest, i was pretty disappointed, and let me tell you why.


── ★ ˙🧷 ̟ characters

𖣠 harriet fisher

look, harriet. my girl. i had my issues with her character. she's giving very strong not like other girls energy, which annoys me right off the bat. she hates talking to people, hates making friends, which, relatable sometimes, but when it's her whole personality, it's a bit much for me. and the constant emphasis on her being very tiny and short but having very big boobs was just a lot. the descriptions felt a little, dare i say, almost wattpad-ish in their intensity. initially, i couldn't stand her AT ALL. she felt a bit one-note, and i was struggling to connect. HOWEVER, and this is a big, however, as the book went on, she did start to grow on me a little. the layers eventually peeked through, and i started to see past the initial quirks. so, i guess that was a winning part about this book, the fact that she eventually redeemed herself in my eyes, even if it took a minute. it wasn't love, but it wasn't hate by the end.


𖣠 ben cobalt

ugh. i wanted to like him so bad, you guys. like, so bad. i was ready to simp, i was ready for the main character energy. but unfortunately, he just didn't hit the mark for me here. he was, to put it mildly, so boring here. his whole deal felt hin. and his reasons for cutting off some of his family members just to "save" them? that logic was so weird, almost bordering on delulu. it didn't make sense. i don't even know what else to write about him because there was more of his brothers mentioned in this book than there was of him. where was the ben of it all? he felt like a supporting character in his own story.


── ★ ˙🧷 ̟ plot and writing

now, let's get into the nitty-gritty: plot and writing. we'll talk about the writing first, because it was a whole thing. the writing was giving serious wattpad/2010s fanfiction vibes, and not in the nostalgic, cute way. it made me cringe so bad sometimes. the prose felt clunky, and some of the dialogue was just oof. i was so bored, y'all. this book is around 600 pages, which is a commitment, and it felt like 600 pages of back and forth, unnecessary drama, and descriptions that didn't really develop anything meaningful. it was a slog. a literal slog.

but my main, MAIN issue? i absolutely hate the cobalt family. i genuinely dislike them. why do they talk like they're the actual GODS? like they're so superior amongst everyone because they're rich and happen to be the kids of rose and connor (who, again, i've never read, so the hype was lost on me anyway)?! fuck me sideways, that attitude was insufferable. they're billionaire kids who are fucking celebrities, and they genuinely think everyone worships the ground they walk on. it was so off-putting and made it impossible to root for any of them.

and speaking of the cobalt family, this book was supposed to be about only ben and harriet. instead, we get so many characters shoved in here it felt like a family reunion i didn't get an invite to but was forced to attend. first of all, there's so much unnecessary description about the brothers, their cousins, and so on. man, i want to read about you, ben, not your entire damn bloodline, mate! also, there were characters that were mentioned but never even made an on-page appearance. what was the use of that?! just to make the world feel bigger?

on the topic of the brothers, charlie is the most annoying character here. aside from tom being tom (whatever that means, again, no context for me but he sounded annoying), and elliot being a complete manwhore, everyone else was just annoying. the only brother I actually liked was beckett. he was super sweet to ben here, and honestly, the only one who didn't give me that i'm a cobalt and therefore better than you vibe. he was the sole beacon of light here.

now talking about the romance. this is a friends-to-lovers trope, and honestly, i expected so much out of them. friends-to-lovers can be amazing, full of slow burn, mutual respect, and deep understanding. but ben and harriet's chemistry was so boring. it was non-existent, actually. i didn't feel there was an actual LOVE happening here. maybe they're just two people who got used to each other. ben and harriet as a couple just annoyed me. sorry, not sorry.

finally, when i'm reading a book and there are characters who carry trauma, i expect to know what caused it and why they are shaped that way as a person. i want to see the journey, the healing, the genuine growth. but here, while we do get an insight into their pasts, i don't think they were developed properly as characters because of that trauma. yeah, scars remain and all that poetic stuff, but this book dangerously tells us that love fixes everything. NEWSFLASH: NO, it doesn't. love can be a part of the healing, but it's not the entire solution. we go to therapy. we work through our trauma. we don't just find a partner and boom, all fixed!

so yeah, that's my honest review. thank you for coming to my ted talk. i said what i said.

── ★ ˙🧷 ̟ tropes

─ social butterfly x loner
─ friends to lovers
─ first love
─ college romance
─ opposites attract
─ black sheep of family

thank you valentine pr and literary management for the e-arc. all thoughts are my own!

[aleksandra]

am I dreaming? If this is a dream, I don't want to wake up

[Christy · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars

"I don't know how to dim when I love you, Harriet. I only know how to burn bright."

Burn Bright is the first book in the Cobalt Empire series, but still part of the larger Addicted universe, and as always, I’m here for anything set in this world! Honestly, I can never get enough. Krista and Becca have done it again! I was completely obsessed with this book!

I’ve always had a soft spot for all the characters in the Addicted world, but I’ll admit, the Cobalts weren’t my top pick. I’m a Hale girl through and through. However, this book really made me appreciate this band of brothers so much more.

I’ve always been drawn to Ben Cobalt above the others. He’s the youngest brother, a vegan, a hockey player, and feels a bit different from the rest of his siblings. We first met his love interest, Harriet Fisher, in Lunelly’s books, and I was thrilled to see her again here.

Ben and Harriet’s friends-to-lovers romance was absolutely delightful. I adored the grumpy-sunshine dynamic between them. And honestly, getting so much of Xander Hale made me so happy! As a whole, this book had everything I love- romance, emotional depth, and so many feels. It’s definitely going to be one of my favorite reads of 2025!

Sometimes life isn't about where you go but who's going with you, and where I want to be at the end of the world is beside her.

[Haley · Rating 5 out of 5]

August 2025 reread
Yup, just as amazed and just as emotional during the reread. This book is truly everything. I might go reread it every month until we get the next book.

Infinity stars.

Be here.

I can’t believe we’re finally here. It’s the start of the empire. The Cobalt Empire.

I finished Burn Bright about a week ago and I’m still sitting with this review, trying to articulate why this book means so much to me, how it touched such tender parts of my heart. And all without spoiling any of it.

As the second youngest Cobalt, and the youngest Cobalt boy, Ben Cobalt has watched all of his older brothers leave Philly and move in together in New York City. After a rough time in Philly, his brothers urge him to join them in New York, living with them in their apartment. He’s reluctant but he does so, and also transfers to Manhattan Valley University. There he runs into a familiar face, Harriet Fisher. She may have found herself on the bad side of one Cobalt brother already, but the chemistry between her and Ben is undeniable and impossible to ignore.

If you’re new to Krista & Becca’s work, I think this is the perfect introduction to their universe of characters. This book carries all the hallmarks of their writing: complex family dynamics, emotional character growth, and all the found family vibes.

If you’ve read Krista & Becca’s books already, this is the perfect addition to the Addicted Universe. Everything that you’ve come to know about the Cobalts up to this point is all there but heightened. There’s so much more lore to uncover about the family of lions in this book and I can’t wait to continue learning even more as the series continues.

The Main Characters:
Ben has been buried deep in my heart from the very moment I met him in Some Kind of Perfect. At surface level, he’s different from the other Cobalt siblings, but that doesn’t change the fact that Ben also possesses the same loyalty and fervor for the things he’s passionate about. He truly feels like the best Cobalt to start the series. Because Ben always feels like he’s on the outside of his family, he provides the most honest look into all the family dynamics, how all the siblings interact with each other. He paints the best picture of who the rest of the Cobalts are.

Harriet is more of a mystery for us readers, and it was so fun really getting to know a brand new KBR character. Krista and Becca have written well over thirty character POVs and every one of them carries a unique voice and Harriet is no different. Her inner dialogue and history made her more of a surprise than I was expecting. It was definitely in a good way and I was so eager to reach her chapters to continue learning more about this punk rock science nerd. Plus, I loved getting an outsider’s perspective on the Cobalts in addition to what Ben knows about his siblings.

The Plot:
I can’t say much about the plot with spoiling, but Ben is keeping a massive secret from his family. It makes his living situation with his brothers even more tense, so Ben is seeking a way out. It comes in the form of thr punk rock, smarty pants, Harriet. What the secret is, and how Harriet becomes such a big help to Ben is too much to reveal, but it was honestly such a surprise to me. This book has some super sweet scenes between these two, and laugh out loud interactions with the Cobalt brothers, but it also delivered plenty of OMG and what the heck is going on moments that really had me flying through the book to find answers.

The Romance:
Ben and Harriet. These two. From the very first scene, Ben and Harriet are so gentle and kind with each other. There is a deep level of understanding that exists between them that intensifies their relationship. They start out as the sweetest of friends, but there’s an attraction and tension that was simmering beneath every interaction they shared. And Ben and Harriet’s flirting and banter was top tier. I found myself highlighting full conversations they had because I couldn’t stop smiling. But on top of the cute, giddy moments these two had, were these deep, tender moments as well. They just get each other; in the big gestures and the tiny actions they make. They found peace and solace in each other’s company.

The Cobalts:
There are two love stories in this book. The first is obviously between Ben and Harriet. But the second is the love story the Cobalt siblings carry for each other. Loyalty, legacy, love - it bleeds through the pages of Burn Bright. As I’ve mentioned, Ben feels like a weak link in the family, that he doesn’t live up to the Cobalt™ standard. But it’s so evident through all their actions how much his brothers love and care for Ben. Between Ben and Harriet’s POVs, you get such an insight into who each of the Cobalt brothers are. I’ve always loved the bonds these siblings share, steeped in the traditions and secrets the Cobalt family shares. It felt like it was on another level in this book.

All this to say…
This has become my new comfort read. If Rose & Connor’s final chapters in Some Kind of Perfect moved you at all, then this book will shove you off a cliff, but you’ll land in a soft meadow full of bluebirds and butterflies. Being with Ben and Harriet for nearly 700 pages just felt like the biggest hug. They were a comfort to each other, and they were a comfort to me. Their love story was just so tender and warm.

I also didn’t think I could love the Cobalts more than I did before starting, but my love for them has grown exponentially. This was the perfect taste of what to expect in the rest of the series, and I’m so very excited to be in the rest of the siblings POVs.

Burn Bright is about understanding and accepting yourself. That there are people out there that love you for exactly the person you are. Be authentic, be loved, be here.

Thank you, KB, for an early copy of this book. It means everything!

[anmol · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.75 ⭐️

“For anyone who has ever felt like they don’t quite belong. You belong here.”

i don't know how many people i've told this, but 'addicted to you' was one of the first romance books i read when i got back into reading. so this universe and the characters have been more like a family to me. and this is why i was so surprised but literally elated when i saw that i got the ARC, my very first ARC , for this book. it's literally a full circle moment for me 😭

reading this book, meeting my fav people again felt literally like coming home like thats actually my family and im forever gonna hold them tucked in a special corner of my heart. ☹️❤️‍🩹

was i still worried that i'm not gonna like it? kinda yeah even tho i know i have never read a KBR book i didn't love. but i shouldn't have worried bc i loved this book 😭

“I’d thought that I was the runt they dragged along because they loved me, because they wouldn’t cut any of us loose, but I never thought my father valued me. Not for my beliefs, not for my vulnerabilities, not for my differences—I thought, if anything, I was a negative cost. A sort of liability of the Cobalt Empire.”

“I never believed I could be an asset or a gift. I simply made peace with the fact that I was the worst of us.”

ben cobalt, my favourite bolter 🙂‍↔️ i love him so much omg ! maybe it was because i was already very charlie beckett biased and didn't notice anyone else or maybe it was ben being one of the younger ones, but i never really thought much about him. but he won my heart in seconds.

ben might me the goodest (i know it's not a word but let me still use it pls) KBR boy ever. he might actually be one of the best ones of them all. such a green flag he kept triggering my trust issues bc there should be something wrong. but there wasn't. he was just so perfect and made me giggle and scream and sob into my pillow so much too. i don't wanna be with him bc i rather like him with harriet and i don't even wanna be him bc I'M ALREADY HIM.

“So many times, I feel like I’m too many conflicting things at once.”

ben 🤝🏼 mol

“There is so much agony inside my body, and I can’t verbally translate even an ounce.”

he kept wanting to bubble wrap sm people but i just wanna bubble wrap him my baby this boy needs to be protected at ALL COSTS 🫵🏼

“what if they judge me? Hate me? What if I do something wrong to mess it all up? Or worse, what if they’re amazing friends, and they start wanting more from me? So I’d have to start sharing about my life and get into my past, and all that sounds so incredibly taxing that I’d like to just fling myself into a dilapidated cabin in the South Pole where no one can find me.”

if harriet fisher and ben cobalt ever procreate, the result would be yours truly. i'm sure of it. she's so precious and so soft but also so strong she reminds of sieun (mol don't talk about weak hero challenge FAIL) in the way you look at them and you think they're so detached from everyone and don't need anyone but then you really look at them and you realise they're just scared to give the parts of themselves they've protected so well to anyone and only sunshine jocks and certified simps can get past their tough exterior. 🙂‍↔️☝🏼

she's also so smart i wanna be her when i grow up i'm sick of being a loser dear god academic comeback when 😔

“I don’t know how to dim when I love you, Harriet. I only know how to burn bright.”

i'm not gonna lie, friends to lovers is not my thing. so again, i was not expecting much from the romance. but the way they both love each other? bruh me when. and i'm not even talking about the romance because that is just a plus for me.

“I am so deeply in love with her.
She’s become the quiet rustle of leaves. She’s become the soft soil beneath my feet. She’s the cold air that awakens my lungs. The gorgeous light bending through the trees. She is the planet I’ve adored and tried to care for, and when I look ahead and see her, I see my entire world. In all its peaceful beauty.”

“How do you even describe someone who’s become your best friend, the person you ache to share every aspect of your life with because their mere presence just fills your soul?”

this is the whole point.

to have someone who understands you, who loves you as you are, who you can talk to about anything knowing they'd listen. that's the point. and that's what made ben and harriet so special to me. y'all they knew how to talk. 😩

what i mean to say is had they not been in love with each other and were just friends it wouldn't have made much difference to me.

“Your heart is your strength. It also may be the very thing that brings you to your knees, but it can be the very thing that makes you stand. Don’t give up on yourself, Pippy.”

the best part about this book though? the cobalts, especially the cobalt brothers i was loving them so much omg i need more of them. 😭 they did overdo it at times but it's ok i'm too used to it now to find it cringe. the family dynamics have always been what pulled me to KBR books and burn bright was no exception. i cannot wait for the next books aaaaaaa 😩😩😩

[carolina · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Because I’m mad. Maddened for those I love. Maddened by their pain. Maddened by life. Your agony is my plight. Your torment, my war. Your love, my triumph. I don’t know how to dim when I love you, Harriet. I only know how to burn bright.”

5 ⭐️

This truly marks the beginning of the Cobalt Empire. Even though there will only be six books, I know this era will live on forever. Ben was the perfect choice to kickstart the series because who better than him to open the doors to the Cobalt home and show us what goes on in their lives? The Cobalts are creatures of myth and legend— gods among men —but they’re also human, and the more you get to know them, the more you’ll love them.

❝People talk about them like they’re spawns of Zeus—godly, some full of hubris, but so unbelievably mighty. Like if you run into one, your whole world will spin on its axis. You’ll be changed.❞

This is not just a romance, and if you’re familiar with the Ritchie Sisters' books, you already know that. It’s a story about authenticity, loyalty, bravery, family and love. Burn Bright taught me that my voice matters; that there’s no shame in being soft and compassionate; and that the right people will love and support me for who I am without wanting to change me.

I felt everything so deeply: a warm rush of love; joy so intense that I couldn't wipe the smile off my face; and pain and heartache that threatened to break my heart in two. This story is alive— it whispers and shouts; it begs to be heard and felt. It feels real, which is something I’ve experienced with every book in the Addicted series, and that makes it impossible to entertain the idea that the characters only exist on paper.

「 Ben Cobalt 」

Ben feels like a black sheep among lions; an outsider within the Cobalt family. He’s a social butterfly and the sun that shines light on everyone’s lives, yet he doesn’t feel seen or understood. To him, his qualities are flaws. Reading his story was painful at times, but it also had a profound impact on me. He’s incredibly kind, empathetic, selfless and brave. I saw so much of Rose and Connor in him. How could he not see that he fits perfectly into the Cobalt family? He embodies all their best qualities. In a world where everything wants to break you and push you down, remaining gentle and compassionate is a superpower , not a weakness.

❝“How long have you been the sun?”
He cups my cheek. “I’m not the sun.”
“You are, Ben. Life can’t wither and die when you’re around. Nothing can go cold. Out of an entire Empire of stars, you’re the brightest in the sky.”❞

Ben was fighting an internal battle, and his mental health issues were portrayed realistically. The way Harriet and his brothers helped him see himself in a different light was beautiful. Chapter 57 (iykyk) in particular is one of the best and most emotional chapters I have ever read; it was an immensely cathartic scene.

「 Harriet Fisher 」

Harriet stole my heart so quickly; I just couldn’t help but love her fiery spirit. She’s a breath of fresh air! She’s so true to herself, and I loved how she never changed who she was just to fit in better with other people. Despite having very different backgrounds and experiences, some aspects of her story mirror Ben’s, with them both feeling lonely and out of place. Harriet is intelligent and resilient, and the kind of person who will carve her place in the world, even if she has to do it with her bare hands. She almost always has a scowl on her face, but she has the sweetest heart.

❝My family’s fierce devotion—it’s everything she’s never had growing up, and I want her to experience love that never leaves you cold. To not just look up and see a constellation, but to be among those eternal stars.❞

I’m getting emotional writing this because I can’t stop thinking about how she found the family she’s always wanted. She fits in beautifully with the Cobalts, as though she’s always been part of the family.

𓍯𓂃♡ ben + harriet

The Ritchie sisters excel at writing friends to lovers romances, and Harriet and Ben’s love story was stunning. Once again, I feel compelled to emphasise that being seen and understood is the ultimate goal. The chemistry between Ben and Harriet was explosive and off the charts. There was a familiarity between them; a kinship and a sense of belonging. They fit together perfectly, like pieces in a puzzle.

❝She’s become the quiet rustle of leaves. She’s become the soft soil beneath my feet. She’s the cold air that awakens my lungs. The gorgeous light bending through the trees. She is the planet I’ve adored and tried to care for, and when I look ahead and see her, I see my entire world. In all its peaceful beauty.❞

The Cobalt brothers' presence in this book is felt with enormous force. It’s impossible to remain indifferent to them; they demand your attention without uttering a single word . To me, they are the beating heart of this book, and I imagine the rest of the series too. Each of them has a distinct personality and they all shine in Burn Bright. The indestructible bond they share and the love that binds them all together is a force to be reckoned with. I love all of them, but it's undeniable that Beckett and Charles's presence jumps out of the pages. I cannot wait for their books!

❝ It’s the love. The loyalty. The unfailing, undying, unblistered power of family. It’s how there’s light in each of my siblings so bright that it’s not a question of whether they can illuminate the night sky. They just do. Being around them is like finding a way out of darkness, a way home. ❞

I don’t know what else to say except that I loved every part of this book and will cherish it forever. It’s a reminder to be here. To love out loud. To make yourself heard. To feel everything and embrace all that makes you who you are. Sometimes, what we see as flaws are actually our greatest strengths. So embrace the chaos, flutter your butterfly wings and fly.

I want to thank Valentine PR and the Ritchie sisters for the arc, you’ve made me so happy 🩵🦋

↪ [If you’ve never read anything by the Ritchie sisters, Burn Bright is a great place to start. However, I do recommend reading at least the Addicted series first, because I believe it makes the reading experience 10x better]

────୨ৎ────

It’s the beginning of an empire.
😭🩵🦋

I have no words to describe the whirlwind of emotions that went through me as I read this book. It was everything and more!

[. · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book way more than I thought I would initially, I went in with very low expectations because as a long time fan of the series, ben and harriet didn’t necessarily catch my attention all that much, not in the crumbs we got of them as separate characters nor in their interactions as a potential couple.

My biggest issue with KBR at the moment, and it’s something I’ve been noticing since (probably) kitsulletti’s books is that they don’t fully develop their main characters storylines in an equal way, and characters that might have really strong potential end up having lackluster arcs.

Sadly the fmcs are usually the ones that end up missing development, because they don’t fully explore their feelings, their aspirations or the impact their struggles might have in their day to day, sometimes their traumas end up being brushed off or are very superficially addressed.

Harriet was no exception to this, her background was advertised and built up quite a bit, and even though I’m glad that kbr didn’t further traumatize her for the sake of saying she has a backstory (because a lot of writers give their characters multiple traumas and call that a backstory) I don’t think they explored the depth her character could’ve had, they focused in her career aspirations not realizing we as people have so much more to offer than a major. And she clearly had a lot of unresolved issues that were not addressed properly imo.

The saddest part of this to me, is that as a person that has read their entire backlist, I know that they’re capable of writing fully fleshed out arcs, they used to do much better justice to their fmcs (Lily and thora are great examples of this) and I wholeheartedly wish that in the future they go back to focusing on both main characters with equal care and love.

The highlight of this book for me were the family moments. I’ve always liked the cobalts, although I’m more partial to the hales myself, but I enjoyed their very dramatic banter, their love for each other and the want to support one another as much as possible. Ben having a stronger support system was definitely the best outcome of this book.

Might be personal bias but I’ve always thought KBR are at their best writing friends to lovers, and these two were no exception, when they were announced as a couple I didn’t expect them to fall into this trope; but it somehow worked and they were really lovely, I love this type of comforting/ tender kind of love. And I love that they now have each other.

The crumbs for the next potential couples are always so much fun to read, I enjoyed every single one of them and I actually can’t wait for their next projects in this universe.

Overall I enjoyed it a lot more than some like us books, maybe I’m judging it too harshly since they don’t have that much experience writing standalones and there’s only so much they can do with a limited amount of pages, but I really need them to start focusing more on their fmcs for their upcoming projects.

[Shannon Farley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I almost have no words. This was fabulous! 🔥💖The writing and depth in this was everything! She is a thick book, but man, every page is so worth the ride!

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐💫
🌶️

The world/empire that is being created throughout this whole book was amazing. We have a lot of interactions with all the Cobalt siblings and the family dynamic, so you feel super set up for the whole series and what's to come. How these authors were able to handle so much character dynamics with the level of trauma and depth, but also keep the reading experience from being overwhelming, was magical!

I love that we started out with Ben's story! Harriet and Ben were so perfect together. So much genuine, honest love! A friendship that naturally built into an unbreakable trusting partnership. Incredible tension and character development throughout. I was on an emotion rollercoater with these to in such a good way!💞 I can't wait to see more from them as the series continues. There wasn't a whole lot of spice from this couple, but with how their relationship was built and their personalities, the amount seemed fitting. However, I do think we will see a lot more in the coming books from some of the other siblings 🔥😉I can not wait to see whose story we will be getting next!

[angela · Rating 1 out of 5]

the irony of this book being advertised as rich jock x punk rock nerd when he's neither a jock or rich

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Burn Bright kicks off the highly anticipated Cobalt Empire series and y'all are not ready. KB have returned to their angsty roots like they never left.

This story follows Ben, a wealthy jock, who just moved to NY to be with his brothers, and Harriet, a grumpy, punk-rock nerd who just transferred to Manhattan Valley University to follow her dreams of becoming a doctor. What follows is a steamy, epic romance that'll have you going through every emotion you could possibly feel.

I won't be able to state it enough how much I love Ben and Harriet together. Ben Cobalt is a real yearner, a real lover, I've never seen a person so down bad for another... except maybe Harriet with him. These are two people absolutely obsessed with each other and it's impossible not to feel giddy while you read their romance. They truly compliment each other in the best ways, complete opposites but perfect for each other.

For anyone reading for the family dynamics don't worry, you get that in heaps. Each brother has their moment to shine. You get to see their relationships with Ben but also Harriet. If there's any brother you haven't fallen in love with before now, you will by the end of the book. And of course, no Cobalt Empire is complete without the sisters, who also get their time to shine. I desperately need Audrey to join her brothers in NY, the chaos she would bring them is too good to pass up.

Burn Bright blended the romance and family drama so perfectly. Like every KB book, there are twists that'll leave you shocked and scenes that'll leave you devastated. The Cobalt family and Harriet have my entire heart and I can't wait for everyone to read it because there's a lot more to discuss. This is the perfect story for Ben and Harriet.

---

Ben Cobalt this is your time to shine

[marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The sun isn’t the brightest star. It’s not even the hottest, but I still burn.” His thumb caresses my cheek. “Because I’m mad. Maddened for those I love. Maddened by their pain. Maddened by life. Your agony is my plight. Your torment, my war. Your love, my triumph. I don’t know how to dim when I love you, Harriet. I only know how to burn bright.”

✧˖*°࿐ 5 stars ࿐°*˖✧

it's no secret that addicted is one of my favorite book series ever, but also it's no secret that i didn't read like us series because of some pretty polarized reviews. so i guess starting this book felt like a big risk for me, you know? still, when cobalt empire was announced, i knew that i had to read these books because the cobalt kids made such a strong impression in the epilogue book. i'm not saying that i didn't enjoy moffy, luna or sully cause i did enjoy them, but the part where all of them are falling for their bodyguards sounded pretty unrealistic to me, and i knew that it was going to take some good convincing for me to dive into their series. for the cobalts though? i don't know, i already spoiled some of their love interests, and i feel like their stories are going to be interesting. especially knowing that these are books about rose and connor's kids. like guys, of course these books are going to hit different!

so i didn't have high expectations when i started this book, i actually was quite scared that i wouldn't enjoy it, but oh how wrong i was! i enjoyed every single bit of this book, i enjoyed the characters, i enjoyed the plot, i enjoyed the narration, and most importantly, i enjoyed the feeling of coming home that this book brought me. i love the addicted universe, and even though the main characters from there — lily, lo, rose, connor, daisy and ryke — were in this book only briefly [i think the on-page appearances were only from rose, connor and ryke], i still felt this tremendously strong sense of home that they gave me in their ten books. the cobalt brothers really continued the legacy, and i'm not even surprised knowing who their parents are, how loyal both rose and connor are to their closest people. the same goes for their kids — they are loyal to the core. they show love in different ways, but they still love fiercely, just like their parents.

“You aren’t responsible for the creation of everything,” he says. Emotion stings my eyes. “The same way that you won’t be responsible for its destruction.”
“I really must be your son,” I say. “Believing I have the power to impact the whole world. I, alone, am the cause of bad things happening around me.” I nod strongly to myself and laugh lightly. “Then in the reverse, I can’t even accept my self-importance. I am a real conundrum.”
“A paradox,” he grins. “You don’t have to fit into any box, mon fils. Ordinary is boring.”

☙.·::·. ben cobalt ⭒˚｡⋆

to be fair, at first i was kind of surprised that the first cobalt brother to get a book was ben. i have no hate towards ben, don't get me wrong, but i really thought that the ritchie sisters would start with beckett and end cobalt empire on charlie, as the twins are fan-favorite characters. still, when i started reading this book i realized how important it was for the ritchie sisters to portray ben's story first. in some ways, he was kind of isolated from his brothers for having different beliefs, and being the youngest, he was always closer with the girl squad — kinney, audrey, winona and vada — with his bond with xander being his priority. but being isolated is not a cobalt thing. it's not a ben thing either.

seeing ben's growth, seeing how he dealt with his anxiety and his mental health while also being there for harriet, his brothers and audrey was everything. i feel like people who were saying that ben is so different from the other connor and rose kids have to read this book immediately, because ben is a perfect representation of his parents. his love is so strong and fierce, his brain is beautiful, and his mind is even more perfect. he's fire, and ice, and everything else in between. he's unique, and it's his greatest quality. i loved how ben was slowly getting to know himself throughout this whole book, how he finally started seeing himself as an integral part of his family and not an outsider. his story in this book was literally perfect — i can't even count how many times i wanted to rip through the pages and hug him, because he deserves to be held and treated with care.

ben is such a pure soul that has to be protected at all costs. and i love him for it!

“Fuck you for thinking I’m Hope. I’m not her. I’m not even you. I am Harriet fucking Fisher. I’m the girl who was smart enough to skip fifth grade. The girl who’s brilliant enough to get a full ride to an Ivy. The girl who’s proud enough to say I don’t need you. I never needed you to succeed one single day of my life, and I won’t need you to become a doctor. I will do that with the support of people who actually care about me, and thank you for reminding me it’s not you. So fuck you.” I wipe an angry tear away. “And you might hate Hope. You might think she’s the worst person in the world. But look in the fucking mirror. Because you’ve never been any better.”

☙.·::·. harriet fisher ⭒˚｡⋆

she's such a softie! i love harriet, and seeing how her journey unraveled really made me so emotional! she just wanted to be seen and understood, and she found this not only with ben, but with all members of the cobalt family. she reminded me of lily in a way, and i guess that's why i wasn't surprised when rose was immediately in love with harriet. harriet is so fiery and fierce, she knows what she wants, and she's doing everything in her power to achieve those goals. she's so cobalt, you see? maybe in a few years!

her story of fitting in and rediscovering who she really wants to be was so beautifully executed. i loved every single bit of how resilient and determined she was, and how no matter what circumstances were thrown in her way, she was able to find the internal strength to move forward. it's really incredible how much she changed from the beginning of this book, and at the same time, how she stayed true to herself by the end. she finally found her place, found her people — people who would do anything for her, who would stay with her in a bathroom when she's having a mental breakdown, who would check on her every day, who would turn up at every party just so she could feel safer around other people.

i actually can't wait to see glimpses of her with our characters in the next books. i crave a harriet/tom friendship duo 👀

“You can give me the entire rainforest, your entire family, your money, your clothes—but nothing will ever compare to you. Just you, Ben.” 

“I am so deeply in love with her. She’s become the quiet rustle of leaves. She’s become the soft soil beneath my feet. She’s the cold air that awakens my lungs. The gorgeous light bending through the trees. She is the planet I’ve adored and tried to care for, and when I look ahead and see her, I see my entire world. In all its peaceful beauty.” 

☙.·::·. ben & harriet ⭒˚｡⋆

i don't want to say too much here cause i have to avoid spoilers, but if you know the ritchie sisters, you know that they excel at writing friends-to-lovers stories, and ben and harriet are no exception. the way their bond slowly developed from friendship to something more was so masterfully executed. i was in awe of their relationship throughout the whole book, as both of them just wanted to be understood, to be seen, and to be loved for who they are. and they found that safe harbor with each other, they found what they were looking for, and they won't ever let that go.

the slow burn was really burning bright, and i felt such an emotional connection to both harriet and ben through it all.

“The existence of me is more harmful than the absence,” I say what has kept cycling in my head for so long.
Charlie’s eyes redden, his gaze tunneling in me. “The loss of you is the most catastrophic event our family will ever endure. You could explode on another planet, and we’d all still feel the impact like you’re a single inch away. Our parents will never recover. Our mom will grieve you for the rest of her life. You will have irreparably changed us all.”

☙.·::·. cobalts ⭒˚｡⋆

now, my favorite part of this whole book — the bond between the cobalt brothers! i'm not excluding jane and audrey, so i really want to emphasize that the truest love, the brightest one, is really the love of the family. still, as this book mainly focuses on the brothers, i think i fell in love with each and every one of them even more. i know that a lot of people might dislike charlie, but i honestly love him the most. he's so tortured and misunderstood, he's hiding behind that demeanor and using it as a coping mechanism. and i honestly see a mix of connor and lo in him, so of course he stood out the most for me. i love how, in the end, it all came down to the bond between ben and charlie — how charlie was the first one who really saw ben, who was really able to get to him. and i love how it was beckett who was always there for ben, it was beckett who was pushing ben to stay, and it's going to be beckett who will push ben to accomplish bright things later.

i can't say much about tom and eliot, but i loved how loyal they both were, how determined they were to make ben want to stay. their love for their siblings is so pure but fierce. honestly, all the kids got the best from connor and rose and tripled these qualities, cause they simply are perfect.

i'm so so down for all of them, and i can't wait to read the next book. my prediction is that it's going to be tom's, as we kind of see some foreshadowing at the end of this book. but if not tom, i feel like we might see either eliot [with how conveniently connor mentioned that rochesters are buying celebrity crush] or beckett [with so many joanna and leo references in this book]. i feel like charlie's book is going to be the last one in the series, so i don't expect him to get the next book.

“I grab my oldest brother’s hand—the brother I might always disagree with but will always love—and I rise with him.
“Toujours,” I promise. Always. My smile ignites my whole soul on fire. “Ensemble.”

this book was a breath of fresh air for me, it was everything and even more. it felt like coming home, and i missed these characters so much! i'm now really in the mood to reread the addicted series, so who knows, maybe that's what i'm going to do soon!

‎ ‎ ‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎‎✧˖*°࿐°*˖✧✧˖*°࿐°*˖✧✧˖*°࿐°*˖✧

🦋 finished 14/09:
wow! just wow!

addicted universe has the special place in my heart, and this book is no exception. i looooooved it! harriet and ben’s bond in this one was so pure and sweet, they made me fall in love with their love 🥹

but the bond between cobalt brothers? it was everything i could’ve wished for! i loooved every bit of this book and i can’t wait to see more of cobalts in the next books

💎 started 07/09:
i’m so excited to be back in my favorite universe ever with my favorite found family 🥹
i haven’t read like us series and i don’t think they it’s my cup of tea, but i just can’t skip cobalt empire as i loved every single cobalt kid in some kind of perfect, so here we go with ben’s story 💙

[EmBibliophile]

I was so not prepared for this! Cobalt empire aesthetic already activated! Coballoway forever.🥹♥️

[౨ৎ✧˚ a's reading corner ˚✧౨ৎ]

I got the ARC!! 💙💙✨ I can’t wait to be back with my babies 🥹🥹🫶🏻

[annie]

Only because of Rose and Connor 🥹

[Sid]

FORGET ROMAN EMPIRE THIS IS THE ONLY EMPIRE THAT MATTERS

[Allyn Hamrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

BE HERE

I’ve been trying to write a review for days, even posted one this morning only to take it down because it just didn’t feel right. Didn’t feel worthy. Putting what this book meant to me into words feels nearly impossible, but I’m going to try. This story deserves it & at the very least, this story taught me that I deserve to be heard, even if it’s not the most eloquent or put together.

There’s truly so much I could say about what makes this book unforgettable – the unhinged Cobalt moments, the sweet love story, the times it had me sobbing on the couch. But this story gave me something deeper than I can really explain – a sense of being seen. Of healing. Of hope. This book flayed me open and made me take a look at the deepest, most vulnerable parts of myself and then somehow helped me stitch them back together.

Yes, this book is a romance. But describing it as a romance alone doesn’t do this book justice. It’s about love in every form – romantic love, yes, but also the unshakable love of family. It’s about loyalty, legacy, about finding the courage to be fully known and fully loved in every sense of the word.

The romance: Ben and Harriet’s story is a soft, slow sort of love. It’s two people who desperately need to be seen and loved finding that in the arms of each other; it’s two people who become best friends throughout the course of the story before falling fully, deeply, completely in love. Their relationship is proof that being with your best friend is the epitome of love – perhaps the truest kind. The kind that’s rooted in trust, in knowing and being known, in showing up every day. It’s not flashy – it’s real.

It's exactly the way my husband and I fell in love, and Ben & Harriet’s love will always be so special to me because of that.

The family: The Cobalt Empire is formidable and steadfast. The bond between these brothers is the heartbeat of the story, breathing life into every page. Watching Ben’s dynamics with his brothers, his sisters, his parents—it's fulfilling in a way that feels like coming home. It continues a legacy that began years ago with Addicted to You and has only grown stronger through decades of stories.

Burn Bright doesn’t shy away from pain, from grief, from the broken parts of life. But it doesn’t dwell there either. It offers light. Growth. Transformation from the inside out. It made me forget I was reading fiction—because it felt like something I’d lived. Something so real.

Krista and Becca Ritchie have always had this remarkable ability to write stories that feel both epic and intimate. Whether this is your first KBR book, your 33rd, or somewhere in between, Burn Bright is the perfect place to be. It welcomes you in, holds you close, and reminds you what it means to be here.

So yes, I still might not have the exact words for what this book gave me. But I know I’ll carry it with me. And I hope you will too.

[a. · Rating 2 out of 5]

my whole review is gone 😭 but i just have to say audrey deserved better than being dragged into everything, close to the end, to push ben to his limit.

[maría fernanda &#x1f31f; · Rating 5 out of 5]

♾️💙♾️💙♾️💙♾️💙

it’s happening!!! the Cobalt Empire has begun!!🦁

I am speechless!! without a doubt, Burn Bright has earned a spot in my top five Krista and Becca Ritchie books!! it shines with everything I love about their world: heart, connection, family, and love. i just know i’ll be carrying Ben and Harriet’s story with me forever!!

Burn Bright kicks off the Cobalt Empire series by following Ben Cobalt, the youngest brother, as he moves to New York City to live with his older brothers and transfers to MVU. the story dives deep into Ben’s internal battles, secret he’s keeping from his family, and the complicated, messy, and beautiful bonds between siblings!! it’s raw, emotional, and full of hope. watching the Cobalt family come together felt powerful!! they truly are built on loyalty, connection, and love.

at the heart of it all is Ben and Harriet’s story!! their friends to lovers dynamic had me hooked from their very first interaction!! the way their relationship unfolded felt so natural, honest, and completely stole my heart. every scene between them made me fall harder and blush like crazy!!

and while this was Ben’s story, the other Cobalt siblings made just as much of an impact!! they all shine in their own ways through out the book. the glimpses we get of their personal lives, their sibling chaos, and the love they share left me even more excited for each of their stories. i’m already making theories on who the next book will be about!!

whether you’re new to the Addicted Universe or a longtime fan, Burn Bright is the perfect place to dive in! it brings together everything I love about Krista and Becca’s books: complex family dynamics, emotional growth, and found family, all while expanding the world in unforgettable ways!!

⋆｡°✩ playlist for burn bright ✩°｡⋆
- the prophecy by taylor swift
- dreams by the cranberries
- the sound by the 1975
- sweet creature by harry styles

thank you so much valentine pr & krista and becca ritchie for the eARC ❣️

[zaraa]

the cobalt empire’s plane is finally about to land after making me wait for 87 years. 🫨

[Mia · Rating 4 out of 5]

KRB still got it, especially when it comes to Cobalt family dynamics. I hope other brothers get more than one book because the relationship between Ben and Harriet needs more breathing space. Otherwise, they are cute. I will write more detailed reviews when the book is out, but otherwise, I really loved this.

[ash ౨ৎ · Rating 5 out of 5]

no star shines as bright as a Cobalt, especially a Cobalt in love.

be here.🦋 ♾️/10 stars 🌟

my sweet Cobalts. this is just the start of the Cobalt Empire and i could not be happier for them to take the stage. once again, K & B’s words have taken my heart & soul to a sky full of the brightest stars.

the ache in my chest when finishing this book… top 3 KBR for sure. i don’t think i’ve ever cried more while reading something. Burn Bright rivals Nobody Like Us!!!!

it’s such a beautiful thing to have words within a page that you can call home. and that’s exactly what this whole book was to me. Burn Bright felt like walking through the doors of a home i’ve known since forever. it’s like saying hello to an old friend. and those friends just happen to be American royalty, kids i got to watch grow up, watch their parents fall in love.

Burn Bright is the perfect start for someone to enter the magical world of KBR, as it’s a stand alone romance, but also introduces you to the characters from both AddictedCalloway and Like Us.

This book follows the story of Ben Cobalt and Harriet Fisher, two college students transferring to MVU. the two of them go on an adventure of a romance together, both dealing with their own struggles. almost 700 pages wasn’t enough!!! these two completely captured my heart. and truthfully, i think Ben was the perfect Cobalt brother to kick off the series. This book was definitely needed in order to further explore the brother’s dynamics.

set in New York, the readers get insight into the mind of Ben and Harriet, the relationships between brothers and old friends, and more of a deep dive into the Cobalt Empire family dynamic.

there aren’t enough emotions to describe the feelings i had while reading this book. tears, laughter, smiles, heartache. Burn Bright did exactly what its title says. It burned brighter than i could ever imagine.

and its true, love burns hottest when its blue.

thank you K&B for this arc💙

[Elita ₊✩ˎˊ˗ · Rating 2 out of 5]

ˋ°•*⁀➷ pre-read: WE HAVE A COVER AND RELEASE DATE FOR THE COBALT SEQUEL!!!! SCREAMING, CRYING, THROWING UP!!!! MY FAVORITE COUPLE IN THE ENTIRE WORLD IS GETTING A SEQUEL FOR THEIR KIDS!!!!! I’M SO EXCITED AHHHH!!! I MISS CONNOR AND ROSE SO MUCH AND I’M GOING TO SEE THEM AGAIN!!! I CANNOT WAIT!!!!

[henrietta ✰ · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC READ — Oh boy, was this a ROLLECOASTER!

Burn Bright is the first instalment in the Cobalt Empire series, based on the children of Rose and Connor: two of six lead protagonists in the Calloway Sisters series. The book revolves around Ben Cobalt, the youngest son of the Cobalt family, who has recently moved into a shared apartment complex with his older brothers, and Harriet Fisher, a girl he meets at college with a troubling past.

Second-generation series are always difficult to review. I find myself constantly comparing them to their parents' books, especially considering how much I ADORE the core six. But I honestly REALLY enjoyed reading this. Ben and Harriet's relationship developed so organically and conveyed the natural development of two people falling in love. I especially observed similarities between their relationship and Lily and Lo's as they both portrayed this warm and wholesome bond.

Ben (bless his heart) was such a beautiful and kind male lead. It is such a rarity in this genre to find an MMC that is soft and sensitive without the author potentially "pandering" to the female audience. But Ben was written to perfection. His character conveyed the depths of a complex human being. One that appeared extroverted and bubbly yet was troubled inside. Such a personality was a perfect match for Harriet, who was presented as the "black cat" FMC. The consistency of her character was GREAT to read, as not every FMC needs a personality transplant within their storyline. Krista & Becca are amazing at writing romances that express how love truly is. Their writing style fully immerses you in the story to the point where their emotions are also YOUR emotions.

Despite Ben and Harriet being the main characters, we are thoroughly introduced to the other members of the Cobalt family. As someone who had never read the Like Us series, it was thrilling to be introduced to these new personalities, and it made a great foundation for when their books are released.

My only major flaw with this book is that I truly believe it could've been shorter, especially the first half. Found family books usually are quite long, but some scenes felt a little dragged out, especially considering the major plotline was only addressed in the last 20-30%. I would've loved to see MORE of Ben and Harriet after the resolution, as so much time was spent before the rising conflict.

Writing this review without spoiling anything is extremely difficult HAHA. But, I adored this book and know I will most likely love the series more as each new book is released. I feel VERY privileged to receive an ARC and can't wait to see what more comes out of the Cobalt Empire <3

[poppi ♡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

5☆
infinite, really.

i’m so sad i finished burn bright because i didn’t want it to end. i will never get enough of ben and harriet.

. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁.

when i tell you, burn bright was perfect, i would be telling zero lies. i could not put this one down and when i had to, it was all i could think about.

ben has been adorable since the first moment that his character was introduced, but he’s actually perfect. such a sweet and caring soul. he’s so selfless and constantly putting others before himself, even when he’s unwell, and when he should be thinking about his own health. it broke my heart to see his struggle with mental health/ocd because he wasn’t even aware of what it was. he was going through life thinking he inflicted pain on those closest to him, and it broke my heart. he deserves all the hugs and i wanted to just hug him so tight.

and harriet, the girl who has been through hell and back. no child should have to go through what she has. no 16 year old should be living out of their car and trying to make ends meet, having to resort to the things she needed to do in order to have a roof of her head. her parents deserve to be slapped and i would gladly deliver those myself. she’s smart, driven, goal-oriented, hardworking, compassionate, and so much more. no matter what she’s been through, she’s never let it stop her.

Sometimes life isn’t about where you go but who’s going with you, and where I want to be at the end of the world is beside her.

if there’s two souls who deserve their happy ending, it’s the two of them. i am so happy they found each other when they did. these two are truly made for one another, and the perfect example of opposites attract. the vegan jock who cares about the earth with the punk rock nerd going pre-med. beautiful.

── .✦

“It’s the beginning of an empire.”

i am so excited for the next book. i am obsessed with every brother, every cobalt family member. i cannot get enough.

[The Love Librarian · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolute top read of the year!

This book was EVERYTHING. After reading the Addicted/Like Us series, Burn Bright felt like coming home. Ben. Harriet. The Cobalt brothers. The little moments. The BIG moments. Like all of Krista and Becca's books, this was more than just a romance. This was about all types of unconditional love at a time when you need it the most.

Ben and Harriet were pure perfection for each other. I loved how much they were enamored with each other. They were each other's first love, and always held space for the other to be themselves, even at their lowest. Their connection was a quiet one that slowly blossomed, and each interaction brought them closer to the inevitable conclusion of them falling in love.

Romance aside - the Cobalt brothers were a pivotal part of Ben and Harriet's journey. I won't go into the details, but the love and loyalty of the Cobalt family rang true throughout Burn Bright. The unconditional love of siblings is something I can relate to, and each scene with Charlie/Beckett/Tom/Eliot brought my emotions to the forefront.

There are so many little things I could point out, but I think Burn Bright is a book best savored for the first time. While you CAN read it as a standalone, I think it hits differently when you've read the past series. There's so much family lore and connections you'll be able to make that elevate the reading experience. From that view, Burn Bright felt like I was returning home, but also heading into the start of a new journey as we get to learn more about the Cobalt brothers moving forward.

HIGHLY recommend.