A Game of Fallen Stars

by S.E. Berkeley

A Life-Changing Encounter with Magic, Romance, and Danger

Ethan is drowning in corporate burnout and heartache. Seeking escape, he retreats to the peaceful isolation of Parkfield, a quiet town in central California, hoping to heal. But his sabbatical takes an unexpected turn when a mysterious creature crashes into his front yard—Star, a being of pure magic, stranded in a world devoid of it.

With no memory of who—or what—she is, Star longs to become human. She forms a human body to live in and, with Ethan’s help, starts navigating this modern world. But the closer they get, the more their chemistry intensifies, leading to a heated pancake-making lesson and a flirtatious game of pool. As passion simmers, their fragile connection is put to the test when an ancient sea monster attacks their cabin, narrowly sparing their lives.

Suddenly, they find themselves trapped in a cosmic horror’s twisted game, with Star as the prey. As they flee, hunted by both mythical creatures and a shadowy secret society, Ethan and Star race toward San Francisco for answers. But time is running out. If they don’t survive, Star’s magic will be consumed by a brutal hunter, gaining unimaginable power.

Ethan faces an agonizing run and protect the woman he loves, or fight against impossible odds to save her and stop an ancient evil from rising.

This fantasy and paranormal romance blends magic, suspense, and high-stakes adventure in a heart-pounding journey of survival, love, and sacrifice. If you love fantasy with a dose of cosmic horror, intense chemistry, and supernatural creatures, this book is for you.

Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Fiction

352 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 30, 2025

About the author

S. E. Berkeley resides in California with her loving partner, feral children, and psychic cat. When she's not endlessly fetching snacks for small children, she enjoys hiking through her beloved state's wilderness and daydreaming of her next heart-pounding romantasy.

Reviews

[Samantha Bartlett · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've just finished reading this as an ARC and I admit I have mixed feelings about it.

I found it quite difficult to get into. I have never not finished a book and didn't plan to this time and boy am I glad I kept going.

When I got about 60% of the way through I found I couldn't put it down!

I would definitely recommend this if you're a fan of a slow burn.

[💕📚Cassie📚💕 · Rating 5 out of 5]

5⭐️Read 🌶️ 3.9

Romance + fantasy = my perfect read, this book nailed it! From the very first pages, it’s fast-paced, engaging, and had me hooked.

You meet Ethan, who’s so relatable in the way he keeps his distance & sets boundaries, yet still leaves you curious about him. Then there’s Star a one woman show full of growth, curiosity, and charm. She’s new to the human world, and Ethan’s the one who introduces her and teaches her how things work. Their interactions are honestly some of the cutest moments I’ve ever read. There were times I laughed so hard I had to stop & reread the scene!

Every chapter takes you deeper into their journey, full of emotions and possibilities. The author does a fantastic job of blending two worlds together into one unique, magical story with a twist that keeps you hooked.

Overall, it’s such a fun & heartfelt read i’d recommend it to all fantasy and romance lovers.

A Special thank you to The Nerd Fam & the author for the gifted eARC & allowing me to be part of this ARC team. I didn’t expect to get picked, when the email came in I shouted, OMG I got it! This will always be a special ARC memory for me. I’ll always remember the excitement I felt, especially after seeing the first post for A Game of Fallen Stars months ago.

Vibes I felt while reading:
Happy & funny
Romantic
Curiosity
Omg yes!
Awe that’s so cute!
What’s going on!
Emotional impact from the journey of the characters from all angles lol

[Selene · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book grabs you right away, excellent representation of that toxic parent and that type of relationship dynamic. Trauma and healing and one of the cutest sibling relationships. It starts out innocent cozy and peaceful and the it’s a wild ride def recommend. Thanks to the publisher, author and Netgalley for the advanced copy ❤️

[Balaun · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had me hooked from the first page and then completely feral by the end.

Ethan just wants peace after burnout and heartbreak, but instead he gets Star—an actual fallen star who crash-lands in his life with no memory and a desperate wish to be human. Their connection is instant and addictive (yes, the pancake scene made me kick my feet). But just when you’re swooning over the tenderness, Berkeley throws in sea monsters, hunters, and betrayals that make your jaw drop.

I loved how this story felt cozy and romantic one moment, then terrifying the next. Ethan’s quiet strength mixed with Star’s innocence and longing made their relationship messy, beautiful, and impossible to look away from. And the stakes? Absolutely brutal.

If you want a book that blends small-town vibes with cosmic horror, morally grey choices, and a romance that heals and wrecks at the same time—this is it. I finished the last page desperate for more.

[Savannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC of A Game of Fallen Stars by S.E. Berkeley and I loved it so much! It’s a refreshing and intriguing take on paranormal romance where she’s a being of pure magic who crashes into his life, literally.

Ethan agrees to help Star learn to be human and navigate the world. Star’s excitement over the simplest things was so cute and infectious 🥹 I loved how she brought Ethan out of his grumpy shell.

This book has the ultimate yearning, Ethan PINES for her so hard, and I was here for it 🙌🏼

But they find themselves caught in an age-old game hosted by a cosmic god and hunted by fish monsters and a secret society. The high-stakes was so fun to read and had my heart pounding along side Star and Ethan, wondering if they were going to escape.

I also loved the strong sibling bond between Andy and Ethan. It was so sweet to see how they cared for each other.

I highly recommend A Game of Fallen Stars! 🤩

[marie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks sm to Nerd Fam for letting me read this arc and taking me somewhere a bit out of my comfort zone. That being said, I didn’t love this one. I think I didn’t love this book because I had very different expectations than what the book was actually about. I was expecting an epic adventure with an alien and I thought I saw something about dark romance? But this is much more like a small town romance but the FMC just happens to be an alien and occasionally some cool fantasy stuff happens. Very much a slow burn and VERY romance heavy which just gets a bit boring and repetitive for me sometimes. I also just found Ethan relatively boring but mostly just cuz he’s not my kinda man not because he was poorly written. That being said, the slow burn is very good and if youre ready for something much more character and romance based than plot based, this isn’t a bad book by any means. It’s not poorly written and it doesn’t lack a few unique ideas. It just wasn’t for me

[Michelle J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay I didn’t expect to be teased this much but I forgive Berkeley because the story was dare I say . . . stellar! Siblings who really feel like actual siblings? A mother I desperately want to punch in the face? Cosmic horrors? Yes!

A Game of Fallen Stars has a whole new meaning once you dive into the lore of what the heck is after Ethan, Star, and Andrea and blending that with the real world made the stakes all the more spicy yet stressful 😩 and it does end on a cliffhanger, so you know I’m ready for book 2! The writing is so balanced and paced that once I started, I kept devouring the words. I can’t wait to see more of Berkeley’s work!

[Nicole Nagaki · Rating 5 out of 5]

S.E. Berkeley has such a way with words! Compelling characters with all the feels, and a propulsive plot I can’t stop reading 💙

[Rebel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had me from the very first chapter. Ethan’s burnout and heartbreak felt so raw and real—I could feel his need to just breathe again. And then? Boom. Magic literally crashes into his life with Star, and suddenly we’re swept from quiet California skies into a whirlwind of cosmic danger, sizzling chemistry, and secrets that refuse to stay buried.
I loved how Star wasn’t just some mystical being—she was vulnerable, curious, and determined to figure out who she was. The way she and Ethan fumbled (and flirted) through pancake lessons and a game of pool was both sweet and ridiculously steamy. And then—just when I thought I could relax with them—the story hit me with sea monsters, secret societies, and a chase that had my heart pounding.
The mix of romance, suspense, and cosmic horror was chef’s kiss. I was invested in Ethan and Star not just surviving, but actually finding each other in the middle of the chaos. That’s what made the story shine for me—the heart behind the danger.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – A wild, magical ride with heat, heart, and just enough horror to keep me up way past my bedtime. Cannot wait for book 2!.

[Vivien · Rating 3 out of 5]

A magical being, Star crashes into earth where Ethan, a tech executive is in the middle of a hiatus from his job and manipulative mother in the country. He falls in love with Star, who starts out as a creature/alien that morphs into a woman and becomes ensnared in the strange paranormal game where the contenders consume/prime her for her magic.

One of the main reasons it wasn’t a book for me was that Star is meant to be an ancient, magical being but came across as childlike and naive, making her romance with Ethan a bit creepy. The descriptions of her were very ‘blokeish’ so found it hard to get into being from his point of view. The writing was fine, I just wanted more depth to it rather than focusing on her physical appearance.

[Enelyae Is Reading · Rating 4 out of 5]

This read was pretty good. I liked Star and her energy and the super happy sunshine personality. The sister is definitely a force to be reckoned with! I wasn’t always happy with the choices she was trying to force on her brother…. But she is a lot a fun.

Ethan, well I like him but man he is also an idiot. He did my not favourite thing….he didn’t talk to Star. UGH I hate it when characters don’t talk. But anyway I did seriously enjoy the pining and the yearning….like OMG the yearning was so hardcore!

The plot was fun and cute. I will probably read the next one when it comes out. I am a little interested to see what happens.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 🌶️🌶️.5

[Mackenzie · Rating 3 out of 5]

ARC Review
A Game of Fallen Stars

On a remote ranch, Ethan’s quiet life shatters when a mysterious object crashes from the sky, leaving a massive crater outside his cabin. Inside it? Star — a celestial being who’s lost their memory. Taking on a stunning human form, Star becomes the target of a deadly game, with humans and monsters alike competing to claim her as their prize.

This book was a fun, fast-paced paranormal romance filled with action, high stakes, and some very spicy scenes. I loved Star as a character — luminous, intriguing, and the real heart of the story.

That said, a few things didn’t work for me:
1. Ethan’s sister Andrea drove me a little nuts, and Ethan himself felt kind of like a dud next to Star’s energy.
2. The subplot about Ethan’s narcissistic mother felt unnecessary and out of place, even though it was well written.
3. The Lophian monsters were fascinating but underdeveloped — I wanted a deeper dive since they’re such a big part of the game.

Would I recommend it? Yes — if you’re in the mood for a spicy, slow-burn paranormal romance with action and adventure.

Would I revisit or pick up a sequel? Probably not. But as a one-time read, it was definitely entertaining!

Thank you to The Nerd Fam for the gifted book!

[C.W. Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was recommended this book by a friend, and enjoyed it! It was well written, I loved Star as a character (and how cool is it that she’s literally a fallen star?!) and just wanted to hug her so many times. Andrea is the sister we all wish we had, and I enjoyed that the author sprinkled in POVs from the villain(s). The addition of the Lophians and their lore was so interesting and it made me want to know more about them.

This was such a unique read and I’m glad I discovered it!

[Chloe Rowley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was pure magic. The way the real world and the otherworldly elements blended together made me feel completely immersed in the story. Ethan and Star’s connection was so beautifully written, it was a joy to experience.

[Lola]

I DNF'd this one after the first chapter

I received a free copy from Tantor Audio and voluntarily reviewed it.

After the first chapter I knew I wasn't in the right mood for this one. There's a narcissistic parent and a pushy sister and I just was not in the right mood to read about that. Maybe I'll give it a try later, for now DNF.

[Dana Evyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

So glad SE Berkeley sent me this ARC! Loved reading this spicy Stardust, complete with immaculate yearning, whimsy, romance, coming into your own and finding your power. I’m also obsessed with Andy and the sibling dynamic as they help Star against impossible odds!

[Bookworm From Finland · Rating 3 out of 5]

Beautiful book cover!

This stood out as different (in a good way 🙂 ) from the paranormal romances I've read before. A fallen star, sea monsters, gods, and an ancient battle.

I liked the family drama brought by Ethan's character and the description of experiencing depression, but I would have liked more action, monsters, and more info how the magic works. Unfortunately, the love story was also a bit too insta love for my taste, so my reading experience remains 3 stars.

Thanks to the publisher City Owl Press and NetGalley for the early review copy!

[N.K. Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been waiting for this book for ages and it did not disappoint! The romance was beautiful, the spice perfect and the plot kept moving throughout.
A really great read. 5 *

[Angie Muellner · Rating 3 out of 5]

thank you The Nerd Fam for sending me an eARC of the book!

this was a very different and interesting book!

a “falling star” so to speak lands on earth where Ethan is staying on his sabbatical and when he discovers star; he feels this urgent need to protect and keep them safe.

modern day mixed with fantasy elements, this book will peak your interest and make you want to read till the end to find out what happens!!

[Jennie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I give this book 3 1/2⭐️ it was OK I didn’t love it. I just felt like they were focusing so much is on the STARS beauty body. That the whole plot was a sidenote but the writing was good and the story has potential

[Katrina · Rating 5 out of 5]

OKAY!!!!!! I loved this so much. I’ve never been able to get into books with the main POV being the MMC but it had me hooked from the very beginning. At no point did I feel like the plot dragged and it was easy to follow along. Everything from beginning to end was perfection: the tension, the spice, the characters and their growth throughout the book. PLS I NEED MORE!! And maybe more from Star’s POV in book 2?! Thank you to the author for an ARC of this absolutely incredible book!!

[Dayna Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

“A Star That Burns Through the Darkness”

I’m still reeling from A Game of Fallen Stars—S.E. Berkeley doesn’t just write magic and romance, she breathes it in, and by chapter two I was completely under her spell. This novel is everything I want in a romantasy: cosmic horror, found family, slow‑burn tension, deeply human wounds, and a heroine and hero who aren’t perfect—but whose imperfections make every victory, every confession, every stolen moment all the more earned.

From the first moments, when Ethan retreats to Parkfield hoping for peace and instead finds Star—a being of pure magic, memory lost, longing to be human—the emotional stakes are searing. Star’s longing is vivid; the ache she carries for identity and belonging is almost painful to witness. Ethan, bathed in burnout and regret, steps into this mess of magic and heartache, and you believe in him. Their chemistry crackles, not just in overt romantic moments (though there are some beautifully spicy pancake‑making and flirtatious game‑of‑pool scenes that made me blush and bookmark) but in the quieter moments: when Star learns what it means to live, when Ethan’s care for her layers over his own trauma. I’m obsessed with how Berkeley handles “ordinary kindness” in extraordinary circumstances—it’s often the softest parts that hit hardest.

The stakes are high, grotesque, magical, and terrifying in all the right ways. Cosmic horror creeps in (ancient sea monsters! hunters of magic! secret societies!) to remind us that this love story isn’t insulated. Danger is never far off, and Star is entirely too vulnerable—but also entirely too determined. The pacing, especially in the middle, occasionally dips—parts of the lore and backstory are lush, but sometimes they stretch things just a touch too long. I craved a bit more tightening there, fewer detours, just so that every second of tension remained sharp and unbroken. But even in those moments, my heart was invested, hanging in every sentence.

What truly makes this five stars for me is the emotional truth. The found‑family dynamic is rich: Star, Ethan, their relatives/friends, even secondary characters, all feel like people I want to root for (or yell at when they mess up). The wounds they carry—betrayal, trauma, grief—don’t disappear with a kiss; they shape choices, twist motives, make redemption feel hard‑won. The novel doesn’t shy away from letting them suffer for what they want. And the slow‑burn romance? Michelin‑star level: teasing, lingering, with payoff that made me want to read that moment again.

Still, no book is perfect. A few world‑building details could have been clearer earlier on—some of the mythic elements are gorgeous, but initially vague; I wanted more consistency in how certain magic or monsters operate. Also, while the secondary cast is strong, some of their arcs feel like seeds planted that I hope explode in future installments (I need more Andy! Need more backstory for certain side characters). And though the mix of horror + romance + magical realism is mostly well balanced, there are moments where the tone shifts a bit abruptly (from tender to terrifying, or vice versa) and I caught myself blinking, readjusting. But these are minor irritations in what is otherwise a nearly perfect blend of heart, horror, longing, and magic.

Verdict: A Game of Fallen Stars is a heart‑clawing romantasy gem. If you love slow burn, if you believe in obsession, if you want romance that scares you a little, this is the book. Five stars from me, no hesitation—this is going on the reread shelf, and I can’t wait to see where Berkeley takes us next.

[Kristin Sheppard · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good premise, but I wanted a little bit better execution.

When Ethan, a struggling tech executive takes a sabbatical from his job hoping to recover from the grind, the last thing he expected was a mystical being to fall out of the sky right in front of him. With no memories and no clue what she is, Star will need Ethan’s help to navigate life in a world without magic. As their relationship deepens, they will find themselves trapped in a game of survival where the stakes are high and failure means the resurgence of ancient evil.

I was really excited to dive into this one. The premise sounded amazing! Cosmic horror? Check. Eldritch gods? Check. Romance? Check check check! However, the execution of this story fell short for me. Over all, the writing is good and this story held my interest. I was most invested in the Game of Fallen Stars, the history of the game, and the beings involved but unfortunately it felt like that aspect took a bit of a back seat until the end.

A good portion of the story is our main character, Ethan, second guessing himself, beating himself up, and just all around getting in his own way. And unfortunately, our FMC Star...she was just too...childlike for me. I get that she had never been human before and had lost all her memories but her character just seemed way too young and shallow. I'd have liked some more depth to who she was. And when you're talking about a romance with spice, childlike isn't exactly a quality I want to associate with my FMC. However, I do think this is more about my own personal preference for my heroines than anything and if you enjoy a more innocent and wonderfilled heroine then this might be the book for you.

When it comes to the spice, I did enjoy those scenes. They were very well written and Berkeley took her time building up to it, making both the characters and the players really work for the romance. There were quite a few times I found myself saying, "JUST KISS HER ALREADY!" The slow burn was definitely slow burning.

Berkeley also sets us up nicely for a continuation of the series. I'm intrigued to see where it could go after the events of this book. Some elements of conflict were resolved, some were left open, but I still find it hard to guess her next move.

Overally, not a bad romance. I'll see what book two has in store!

Thank you so much to Owl City Press for the Advance Reader copy.

[Stina Bradley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I truly enjoyed diving into this book—it’s a beautifully written slow-burn, grumpy/sunshine paranormal romance that had me hooked from the very first page. The contrast between the MMC and FMC is so sharp yet compelling, and it’s impossible not to root for them as they navigate their way toward a well-earned happily ever after. I also really appreciated the thoughtful representation woven into the story—the FMC is midsize, and the cast includes LGBTQ characters. And I can’t go without mentioning the cover: it’s stunning and perfectly reflects the atmosphere and mood of the book.

The story begins with Ethan, our MMC, on the phone with his narcissistic mother, who berates him for his life choices. Having left behind a high-stress job to retreat to a remote cabin, Ethan is seeking peace and much-needed space from her constant criticism. With encouragement from his sister—and thanks to the boundaries he’s been working on in therapy—he finally manages to end the call. The quiet moment doesn’t last long, though; after his sister leaves, Ethan steps outside and witnesses something extraordinary plummeting from the sky.

What he finds is unlike anything he could have imagined: a glowing, humanoid figure with no memory of who they are or why they’ve come to Earth. As Ethan cares for them, this being slowly transforms from a mysterious, light-filled entity into Star, a curious and endearing woman who is both innocent to the ways of the world and eager to explore it. Their dynamic is captivating—Ethan, the loner trying to respect boundaries while struggling with his undeniable attraction, and Star, whose openness and wonder make her utterly lovable. The romance builds slowly, but the payoff is worth every single moment.

Beyond the central romance, the book shines with its rich lore and supporting characters, each of whom adds depth and nuance to the world. It’s clear the author put an incredible amount of care and detail into the story, making it feel fresh and original. The writing itself is both engaging and lyrical, and the character development was a real highlight for me.

Overall, this is a story that balances heart, magic, and romance in a way that feels truly unique. I’d love to see this expand into a series—I’m eager to learn more about the “stars” above us and the mysteries they hold.

[♡︎.ᐟજ⁀➴ Erie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Game of Fallen Stars
by S.E. Berkeley
⭐️ 4 stars
Thank you to City Press for the eARC!

🌌 “She fell out of the sky and into his kitchen. Fate said… flip the pancake.” 🌌

A Game of Fallen Stars is exactly my brand of chaos: small-town healing meets cosmic horror, with a romance that starts soft, turns scorching, and then sprints for its life. Ethan retreats to Parkfield to stitch himself back together, and instead a literal star-girl crash-lands in his yard. Star is light given shape, wonder in a human body, and her chemistry with Ethan is immediate and adorable. The pancake lesson scene… I was giggling and kicking my feet. And then the sea monster showed up. As in, ripped-the-roof-off showed up. We go from cozy to cataclysmic fast, and I ate it up.

What I Loved
• 💫 Found magic - a fallen star learning to be human without losing her wonder
• 🥞 Domestic swoon - cooking lessons, pool-hall flirting, soft intimacy before the storm
• 🌊 Cosmic menace - ancient things from deep places, and they are hungry
• 🧭 Pacing that escalates - sweet start, then high-stakes chase with real consequences
• ❤️ Ethan + Star - caretaking without caging, curiosity without cruelty

What Didn’t Work As Well
• 🧩 A touch of early wobble - the opening takes a minute to lock in before it sings
• 🕳️ Lore crumbs - some myth mechanics stay hazy when I wanted a little more bite
• 🧪 Side threads — a couple subplot teases felt underfed compared to the excellent core duo

TROPES / VIBES
• 🌲 Grumpy-recovering-cinnamon-roll x wonderstruck-otherworlder
• 🐚 Cosmic horror brushes your ankle in the dark
• 🏡 Forced proximity cabin vibes
• 🔍 Secret society on your tail
• 💥 Protect-the-precious at all costs
• 💫 “Teach me how to be human” tenderness
• 🌶️ Spice: 2.5 - sensual, flirty, emotionally charged rather than explicit

Final Thoughts
This one glows - part romance, part nightmare tide, all heart. It feels like The Shape of Water wandered into a starlit road-trip thriller and fell in love. If you want a story that starts with pancakes and ends with teeth in the dark, while still believing in mercy, add this to your TBR. I closed the last page already casting the sequel. ✨💖🌊

[Kelly Brewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Game Of Fallen Stars by S E Berkeley got me sitting here scratching my head wondering what I just read. Ethan’s life done fell apart like a broke lawn chair. His job wore him out, his heart’s a mess, so he packs up and runs off to some quiet town in California thinking he is gonna relax and maybe take a nap or two. Next thing he knows, something falls out the dang sky like a bad Amazon delivery and lands in his front yard. Out steps Star, and buddy, she isn't from around here.

Ethan’s trying to help her figure out how to act human, and you can tell neither one of them got a clue what they’re doing. She’s learning about eating and talking and wearing clothes, and he’s trying to keep up. Then they start making pancakes, and that turns into some kinda romantic disaster that had me laughing. After that they play pool, and it gets hotter than a busted air conditioner in July. You can tell they both falling hard but pretending they aren't, which just makes it funnier.

Then outta nowhere, this big sea monster shows up like it’s late to the party and tries to ruin everything. I about jumped out my chair reading that part. After that, it’s just pure chaos. They’re running, fighting, and dodging trouble left and right while some shady folks try to steal Star’s magic. The story doesn't ever sit still, and it keeps you hanging on like your last nerve. It’s got action, love, weirdness, and a bunch of moments that make you go, what in the world did I just read.

S E Berkeley knows how to mix up funny, scary, and sweet without missing a beat. The story feels big and wild but still down to earth, like you could bump into these people at a diner and not even know they been running from monsters all week. It’s messy, crazy, and I loved every bit of it. A Game Of Fallen Stars is wild, messy, and unforgettable, just like family reunions and bad decisions.

I give it 5 outta 5 catfish!

[Cece · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story is imaginative and emotionally layered, blending paranormal romance with cosmic horror in a way that’s definitely original. I appreciated the unique cinematic writing style and the quiet, tender moments between Ethan and Star. The concept of a magical being caught in a paranormal game peeked my interest, and the emotional tension between the two MCs had real potential, but, with that being said… their were several elements that didn’t fully connect for me. Star, who is described as ancient and powerful, often came across as emotionally undeveloped/immature like, which made her romance with Ethan feel kind of uncomfortable at times. Her portrayal leaned heavily into physical descriptions, and Ethan’s perspective felt more focused on her appearance than her inner world. I wanted more emotional depth and less emphasis on surface-level attraction.

Ethan himself felt flat next to Star’s energy, and his sister Andrea was a tough character to engage with. The subplot involving Ethan’s narcissistic mother, though well written, didn’t feel essential to the main arc and occasionally pulled focus from the central storyline. The Lophian monsters (fascinating and central to the paranormal game) were underdeveloped. I wanted a deeper dive into their mythology and role, especially given how much they shaped the stakes.

Overall, this was a one-time read for me. I probably wouldn’t revisit or continue with a sequel, but I’d still recommend it to readers who enjoy spicy, slow-burn paranormal romance with action, adventure, and a touch of cosmic mystery. It’s original, entertaining, and worth exploring if you’re in the mood for something outside the usual tropes.

*** Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this eARC in exchange for my honest review.***

[Lady Ky · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved diving into this book. It’s a slow-burn, grumpy/sunshine paranormal romance that had me hooked from the start. The dynamic between the MMC and FMC is so sharp and contrasting, yet you can’t help but root for them to find their happily ever after. I also appreciated the diverse characters: the FMC is midsize, and the story includes LGBTQ characters. Plus, the cover? Gorgeous. It perfectly captures the mood and aesthetic of the book.

The story opens with Ethan, our MMC, on the phone with his narcissistic mother. She is berating him for his life choices. Ethan has stepped away from his high-stress job to live in a remote cabin, hoping for peace…and some much-needed distance from his mother’s constant criticism. His sister keeps telling him to hang up on his mom. He finally succeeds in ending the call after recalling the boundaries he’s been working on with his therapist. Once the call ends, the two share a beer and she gently ribs him about how he masks his emotions...and his horrible beard.

After she leaves, Ethan steps outside to reflect… only to witness something plummeting from the sky. When he investigates, he discovers a glowing, humanoid figure with a head injury. Instinctively, he carries them inside to help, but his mind races with dozens of questions. Who are they? What are they? Why are they here? The mystery only deepens when the creature wakes…they have no memory of how or why they ended up on Earth.

Thank you to The Nerd Fam for the gifted eARC!

[Aura C · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was everything I want in romantic fantasy…lush, unpredictable, and full of heart. From the quiet opening in Parkfield to the explosion of light in the meadow and the strange, glowing being Ethan names Star, I was hooked. What begins as a story about a man on sabbatical quickly spirals into prophecy, cosmic power, and the kind of love story that feels fated yet impossible all at once.

Ethan is such a relatable lead. He’s messy, haunted by family and past mistakes, but also deeply human in the way he cares for Star when he could have just walked away. And Star…curious, radiant, and otherworldly, stole every scene. The moment she looked at Andrea and whispered, “I want to be woman. Please, Ethan. Can I be woman?” was such a breathtaking mix of innocence and power.

The story balances intimacy and epic scale beautifully. There are tender, cozy moments of teaching Star how to turn on a lamp or drink water, right alongside sweeping scenes of prophecy, sea creatures, and ancient orders preparing for war. By the end, it feels like both a small love story and the beginning of something much larger.

Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️ out of 5 (the tension and intimacy build slowly but hit hard)
Cozy: ☕☕☕☕ out of 5 (quiet domestic moments balance the chaos)
Chills: 👻👻 out of 5 (a touch eerie, especially with the sea creatures stirring)
Action: ⚔️⚔️⚔️⚔️ out of 5 (prophecies, battles, and high stakes keep the pace strong)

A sweeping and emotional start to what feels like a truly epic series. It left me with a full heart and a desperate need for the next book.

[CrysTellsReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Let's talk about what makes A Game of Fallen Stars by S.E. Berkeley such a win: (oh and that gorgeous cover)

Ethan just wanted peace after burnout and heartbreak... but instead, he gets Star-a literal fallen star who crash-lands into his life with no memory and a desperate wish to be human.
Their connection is instant and addictive (yes, the pancake scene made me kick my feet), and just when you're swooning over the tenderness, Berkeley hits you with sea monsters, hunters, and betrayals that will leave your jaw on the floor.
One of my favorite parts was the sibling dynamic. Ethan and his sister reminded me so much of the relationship I have with my own brother-equal parts heartfelt, supportive, and exasperating in the best way. It added such warmth and depth to a story already brimming with heart.
I also loved how beautifully this book was written. Berkeley's prose captures both the cozy, romantic moments and the terrifying, high-stakes scenes so seamlessly. One minute you feel safe, the next you're breathless with tension-and it works perfectly.
Ethan's quiet strength mixed with Star's innocence and longing made their relationship messy, beautiful, and impossible to look away from. And the stakes? Absolutely brutal.
If you want a book that blends small-town vibes with cosmic horror, morally grey choices, and a romance that both heals and wrecks you-this is it. I finished the last page desperate for more.
Thank you to The Nerd Fam for the gifted eARC.