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Defying the Stars #2
Forsaking Midnight
Not yet published
Expected 14 Jul 26Win a free print copy of this book!
16 days and 19:40:48
10 copies available
U.S. only
From the Queen of the Never After retellings comes a modern-day Lancelot & Guinevere filled with serious yearning, hate-to-love you vibes and a happily ever after
Some sins are worth the fall . . .
Lance Calloway fights when they tell him to fight. Bleeds when they tell him to bleed. Breaks when they tell him to break.
Six years in an unsanctioned cage, and the one line he's never crossed? Loyalty to his best friend, no matter the cost.
Then he's asked to protect 𝘩𝘦𝘳.
Genevieve DeGrance didn't ask for any of this.
She came to Rosebrook Falls to be with the mayor's son. But nothing in this town is what it seems. Especially not the dangerous fighter who watches her every move like a threat.
She hates him.
He can't stand her.
And yet . . .
The more time Lance spends guarding Genevieve, the harder it becomes to remember she belongs to someone else.
And the more she uncovers about Rosebrook Falls, the more she realizes the only honest person in her life is the one man she's forbidden to want.
In a town built on secrets and lies, falling for each other could destroy them both.
But staying away might be the one fight Lance can't win.
Tropes
💜 forbidden
🌙 enemies to lovers
💜 best friends girl
🌙 forced proximity
💜 he falls first
🌙 morally grey hero
💜 protector MMC
🌙 slow burn with SPICE
Some sins are worth the fall . . .
Lance Calloway fights when they tell him to fight. Bleeds when they tell him to bleed. Breaks when they tell him to break.
Six years in an unsanctioned cage, and the one line he's never crossed? Loyalty to his best friend, no matter the cost.
Then he's asked to protect 𝘩𝘦𝘳.
Genevieve DeGrance didn't ask for any of this.
She came to Rosebrook Falls to be with the mayor's son. But nothing in this town is what it seems. Especially not the dangerous fighter who watches her every move like a threat.
She hates him.
He can't stand her.
And yet . . .
The more time Lance spends guarding Genevieve, the harder it becomes to remember she belongs to someone else.
And the more she uncovers about Rosebrook Falls, the more she realizes the only honest person in her life is the one man she's forbidden to want.
In a town built on secrets and lies, falling for each other could destroy them both.
But staying away might be the one fight Lance can't win.
Tropes
💜 forbidden
🌙 enemies to lovers
💜 best friends girl
🌙 forced proximity
💜 he falls first
🌙 morally grey hero
💜 protector MMC
🌙 slow burn with SPICE
528 pages, Paperback
Expected publication July 14, 2026
About the author
Emily McIntire
23 books29.4k followersEmily McIntire is a #1 New York Times and #1 Sunday Times bestselling author of Romance where the stakes are impossible and the happily ever after is always worth the fight. Her books span sub-genres and have been translated into over a dozen languages, hitting bestseller lists around the world.
A stage IV breast cancer thriver, you can find Emily in Tennessee with her family and her cats who think they run the house.
Sign up to Emily's Newsletter and get bonus content! -> https://mailchi.mp/emilymcintire/sms-...
Find Emily!
Newsletter sign up -> https://mailchi.mp/emilymcintire/sms-...
Reader Group -> https://www.facebook.com/groups/mcincult
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X -> https://www.x.com/authoremilym
Website -> https://www.emilymcintire.com
A stage IV breast cancer thriver, you can find Emily in Tennessee with her family and her cats who think they run the house.
Sign up to Emily's Newsletter and get bonus content! -> https://mailchi.mp/emilymcintire/sms-...
Find Emily!
Newsletter sign up -> https://mailchi.mp/emilymcintire/sms-...
Reader Group -> https://www.facebook.com/groups/mcincult
Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/itsemilymci...
TikTok -> https://www.tiktok.com/@authoremilymc...
X -> https://www.x.com/authoremilym
Website -> https://www.emilymcintire.com
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
“And I want to tell her that I didn’t fall for her all at once. It was slow, and ordinary, and it crept in through the kitchen, and the mornings, and the way she slips food to my dog thinking I don’t notice. That somewhere between the waterfall and the bench and the sandwiches at ten p.m., she became more to me.
𝓢𝓱𝓮 𝓫𝓮𝓬𝓪𝓶𝓮 𝓮𝓿𝓮𝓻𝔂𝓽𝓱𝓲𝓷𝓰.”
on repeat 𝄞 ࿐♬ 𓍢ִ🎧ྀི ᯓ ♪ˎˊ˗
“sᴇᴄʀᴇᴛ ʟᴏᴠᴇ sᴏɴɢ” (ғᴛ. ᴊᴀsᴏɴ ᴅᴇʀᴜʟᴏ) x ʟɪᴛᴛʟᴇ ᴍɪx
0:21 ─♥────────── 4:09
Okay so when I requested this ARC, it was solely because of the cover. I thought it was absolutely gorgeous. So when I got the approval email, I was thrilled… and then I read the blurb and immediately had to look up the story of Lancelot and Guinevere because I had never heard it before. And I’m not gonna lie... I got nervous 😭
I’m very much not the kind of girl who enjoys cheating or affair tropes, especially when it involves the main characters. Considering that’s basically the entire foundation of the original legend, I was hesitant going in. 🥲🥲anyway… with that out of the way let’s talk about the plot.
The story starts with several jumps between past and present, which left me a little confused at first, but things become clearer as the story unfolds. It’s definitely one of those books that slowly reveals pieces of the bigger picture and keeps making you question what you think you know.
One of the first things the book establishes is the bond between Lance and Arthur. They’re brothers by choice, bound together since childhood by friendship and a blood oath. The story makes you love that relationship early on, which only makes it hurt more when the cracks start showing and you realize things aren’t nearly as healthy or balanced as they seem 🥺
And Lance… UGH LANCE 😭😭😭😭
This man is the embodiment of loyalty. He sacrifices everything for the people he loves, over and over again, without ever expecting anything in return. The further I got into the story, the angrier I became on his behalf because it felt like everyone around him was taking and taking while he continued to give. 😭😭💔
My heart also broke for Genevieve. The way Arthur treated her drove me insane. It wasn’t always loud or obvious, but the constant neglect, embarrassment, and manipulation made me want to shake him. Every time he pushed her aside only to pull her back when it suited him... guys you don't even understand how frustrated I was 😭
One thing this book does really well is make your feelings toward the characters constantly shift. You’re learning information alongside them, uncovering secrets, and trying to piece together everyone’s motivations. There were moments where I liked characters, moments where I hated them, and moments where I genuinely didn’t know what to think.
Now for the biggest thing I was worried about:
the cheating
Yes, there is cheating in this story (both emotional and eventually physical). Genevieve is emotionally starved, neglected, and left feeling completely alone while Lance is tasked with protecting her. You can pretty much imagine where things start heading. 🫣😓 What I appreciated, though, was that the relationship didn’t happen overnight. Nothing physical occurs for quite a while, and the book spends a lot of time building their friendship, trust, and connection first. The slow burn was intense. The yearning? Absolutely ridiculous. Every interaction felt like a wire stretched so tight that it was bound to snap eventually.
Do I condone cheating? Absolutely not.
Was I particularly upset that Arthur was the one being cheated on? Also no. 😭
If I had to pick someone he would definitely be it.
He was genuinely awful and cared far more about appearances, expectations, and his father’s approval than the people he claimed to love -_-
I think out of everything, what impacted me most was Lance’s journey. He’s spent his entire life believing his value comes from what he can endure and what he can sacrifice. Watching Genevieve see him for who he truly was—not what he’d done, not what he’d been forced into, but simply just him—was incredibly emotional. She gave him permission to feel again. To hurt. To want things for himself.
While I wouldn’t call this a super dark romance, it definitely explores some heavy themes. There’s underground fighting, corruption, manipulation, secrets, and plenty of morally gray choices. As someone who rarely reads darker romance, I found it very manageable and surprisingly enjoyable. 🙂↕️
My biggest dislike was definitely the cheating, and usually when it's included, I won't rate past 3 ⭐️... but honestly, I don’t think it’s fair for me in this case when the retelling is literally based on an affair. That’s more on me for requesting the book before fully reading the synopsis 🤷🏼♀️
Overall, this one easily held my attention. Once I got invested, I couldn’t put it down. I definitely teared up watching friendships fall apart... especially when one person was willing to sacrifice everything while the other barely seemed to care.
Despite my hesitation going in, this story ended up surprising me in the best way. It made me frustrated, emotional, and completely invested from start to finish, and now I’m extremely curious about who’s next.
I have a sneaking suspicion we might be getting some Alex and Felicity action, and I’m calling it now: my book senses are telling me the title might just be Stealing Sunlight. don't quote me on it though... just a guess 👀 🤷🏼♀️
favorite quotes ↓
“Aristotle argued that tragedy isn’t about death. It’s about the fall from grace. The moment when everything changes and can’t be unchanged.”
“I see everything when it comes to her.
But it doesn’t really matter, does it?
Because Art saw her first.”
“And what piece are you, then?”
“The knight, I guess."
“Knights protect the queen.”
“Yeah,” I murmur. “I guess they do.”
“I can’t turn off the part of me that feels anymore, and that part has her name written through it like letters carved in stone.”
“Real life doesn’t always get wrapped up in a red bow. Sometimes it’s left cracked with memories, and matching scars on the palms of two boys who thought a blood oath could protect them from the world.”
things to know about the book ↓
🩷 enemies to lovers
🩷 forbidden love
🩷 hate to love you
🩷 best friend’s girl
🩷 slow burn & yearning
🩷 forced proximity
🩷 he falls first
🩷 cheating
🩷 morally gray MMC
swearing: yes
spice rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
→ chapters: 24, 39, 36, 46, 47, extended epilogue
Thank you NetGalley, publisher & author for this arc in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
─────────
・❥・⁀➷ 🌕💜🩷 𝕡𝕣𝕖-𝕣𝕖𝕒𝕕
MY WISH WAS GRANTED AND I GOT THE ARC
😭😭😭 such a good day!!
𝓢𝓱𝓮 𝓫𝓮𝓬𝓪𝓶𝓮 𝓮𝓿𝓮𝓻𝔂𝓽𝓱𝓲𝓷𝓰.”
on repeat 𝄞 ࿐♬ 𓍢ִ🎧ྀི ᯓ ♪ˎˊ˗
“sᴇᴄʀᴇᴛ ʟᴏᴠᴇ sᴏɴɢ” (ғᴛ. ᴊᴀsᴏɴ ᴅᴇʀᴜʟᴏ) x ʟɪᴛᴛʟᴇ ᴍɪx
0:21 ─♥────────── 4:09
Okay so when I requested this ARC, it was solely because of the cover. I thought it was absolutely gorgeous. So when I got the approval email, I was thrilled… and then I read the blurb and immediately had to look up the story of Lancelot and Guinevere because I had never heard it before. And I’m not gonna lie... I got nervous 😭
I’m very much not the kind of girl who enjoys cheating or affair tropes, especially when it involves the main characters. Considering that’s basically the entire foundation of the original legend, I was hesitant going in. 🥲🥲anyway… with that out of the way let’s talk about the plot.
The story starts with several jumps between past and present, which left me a little confused at first, but things become clearer as the story unfolds. It’s definitely one of those books that slowly reveals pieces of the bigger picture and keeps making you question what you think you know.
One of the first things the book establishes is the bond between Lance and Arthur. They’re brothers by choice, bound together since childhood by friendship and a blood oath. The story makes you love that relationship early on, which only makes it hurt more when the cracks start showing and you realize things aren’t nearly as healthy or balanced as they seem 🥺
And Lance… UGH LANCE 😭😭😭😭
This man is the embodiment of loyalty. He sacrifices everything for the people he loves, over and over again, without ever expecting anything in return. The further I got into the story, the angrier I became on his behalf because it felt like everyone around him was taking and taking while he continued to give. 😭😭💔
My heart also broke for Genevieve. The way Arthur treated her drove me insane. It wasn’t always loud or obvious, but the constant neglect, embarrassment, and manipulation made me want to shake him. Every time he pushed her aside only to pull her back when it suited him... guys you don't even understand how frustrated I was 😭
One thing this book does really well is make your feelings toward the characters constantly shift. You’re learning information alongside them, uncovering secrets, and trying to piece together everyone’s motivations. There were moments where I liked characters, moments where I hated them, and moments where I genuinely didn’t know what to think.
Now for the biggest thing I was worried about:
the cheating
Yes, there is cheating in this story (both emotional and eventually physical). Genevieve is emotionally starved, neglected, and left feeling completely alone while Lance is tasked with protecting her. You can pretty much imagine where things start heading. 🫣😓 What I appreciated, though, was that the relationship didn’t happen overnight. Nothing physical occurs for quite a while, and the book spends a lot of time building their friendship, trust, and connection first. The slow burn was intense. The yearning? Absolutely ridiculous. Every interaction felt like a wire stretched so tight that it was bound to snap eventually.
Do I condone cheating? Absolutely not.
Was I particularly upset that Arthur was the one being cheated on? Also no. 😭
If I had to pick someone he would definitely be it.
He was genuinely awful and cared far more about appearances, expectations, and his father’s approval than the people he claimed to love -_-
I think out of everything, what impacted me most was Lance’s journey. He’s spent his entire life believing his value comes from what he can endure and what he can sacrifice. Watching Genevieve see him for who he truly was—not what he’d done, not what he’d been forced into, but simply just him—was incredibly emotional. She gave him permission to feel again. To hurt. To want things for himself.
While I wouldn’t call this a super dark romance, it definitely explores some heavy themes. There’s underground fighting, corruption, manipulation, secrets, and plenty of morally gray choices. As someone who rarely reads darker romance, I found it very manageable and surprisingly enjoyable. 🙂↕️
My biggest dislike was definitely the cheating, and usually when it's included, I won't rate past 3 ⭐️... but honestly, I don’t think it’s fair for me in this case when the retelling is literally based on an affair. That’s more on me for requesting the book before fully reading the synopsis 🤷🏼♀️
Overall, this one easily held my attention. Once I got invested, I couldn’t put it down. I definitely teared up watching friendships fall apart... especially when one person was willing to sacrifice everything while the other barely seemed to care.
Despite my hesitation going in, this story ended up surprising me in the best way. It made me frustrated, emotional, and completely invested from start to finish, and now I’m extremely curious about who’s next.
I have a sneaking suspicion we might be getting some Alex and Felicity action, and I’m calling it now: my book senses are telling me the title might just be Stealing Sunlight. don't quote me on it though... just a guess 👀 🤷🏼♀️
favorite quotes ↓
“Aristotle argued that tragedy isn’t about death. It’s about the fall from grace. The moment when everything changes and can’t be unchanged.”
“I see everything when it comes to her.
But it doesn’t really matter, does it?
Because Art saw her first.”
“And what piece are you, then?”
“The knight, I guess."
“Knights protect the queen.”
“Yeah,” I murmur. “I guess they do.”
“I can’t turn off the part of me that feels anymore, and that part has her name written through it like letters carved in stone.”
“Real life doesn’t always get wrapped up in a red bow. Sometimes it’s left cracked with memories, and matching scars on the palms of two boys who thought a blood oath could protect them from the world.”
things to know about the book ↓
🩷 enemies to lovers
🩷 forbidden love
🩷 hate to love you
🩷 best friend’s girl
🩷 slow burn & yearning
🩷 forced proximity
🩷 he falls first
🩷 cheating
🩷 morally gray MMC
swearing: yes
spice rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
→ chapters: 24, 39, 36, 46, 47, extended epilogue
Thank you NetGalley, publisher & author for this arc in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
─────────
・❥・⁀➷ 🌕💜🩷 𝕡𝕣𝕖-𝕣𝕖𝕒𝕕
MY WISH WAS GRANTED AND I GOT THE ARC
😭😭😭 such a good day!!
Currently Reading
June 24, 2026➳ 𝗽𝗿𝗲-𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱｡ꪆৎ ˚⋅ did I start another book while having two other reads why yes :) yes I did!
I LOVE EMILY'S WRITING SO DUH I'm starting this one
Thank you Bloom for my physical ARC
I LOVE EMILY'S WRITING SO DUH I'm starting this one
Thank you Bloom for my physical ARC
Want to Read
June 27, 2026not the arc landing in my email...so freaking excited.
thank you to the publisher and netgalley!!
thank you to the publisher and netgalley!!
Currently Reading
June 24, 2026Thanks to Sourcebooks Bloom Books for inviting me to read this ARC! I really don't remember much from the first book except the Romeo/Juliet storyline. Hope to enjoy this one more than the first.
Review to follow :)
Many thanks to the publisher, SOURCEBOOKS. Bloom Books for providing me this eARC via NetGalley.
Publication: July 14, 2026
Review to follow :)
Many thanks to the publisher, SOURCEBOOKS. Bloom Books for providing me this eARC via NetGalley.
Publication: July 14, 2026
Want to Read
February 6, 2026I hope it's Lance's and Genevieve story 🤞🤞
Edit (Feb 2026): We have a description and a cover reveal 🎉😍 There will be different deluxe editions.
𝐒𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐬 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐚𝐥𝐥. Lance Calloway fights when they tell him to fight. Bleeds when they tell him to bleed. Breaks when they tell him to break.
Six years in an unsanctioned cage, and the one line he’s never crossed? Loyalty to his best friend, no matter the cost. Then he’s asked to protect 𝘩𝘦𝘳. Genevieve DeGrance didn’t ask for any of this.
She came to Rosebrook Falls to be with the mayor’s son. But nothing in this town is what it seems.
Especially not the dangerous fighter who watches her every move like a threat. She hates him. He can’t stand her. And yet… The more time Lance spends guarding Genevieve, the harder it becomes to remember she belongs to someone else.
And the more she uncovers about Rosebrook Falls, the more she realizes the only honest person in her life is the one man she’s forbidden to want. In a town built on secrets and lies, falling for each other could destroy them both. But staying away might be the one fight Lance can’t win.
Covers: https://www.facebook.com/authoremilym...
Edit (DEC 2025): We hape tropes 💕
🔥 Forbidden Romance
🔥 Hate to Love
🔥 Forced Proximity
🔥 Slow Burn (With a spicy payoff)
🔥 Touch Her And Die
🔥 He Falls First (and lies about it)
🔥 Morally Gray Hero
🔥 Yearning that Ruins Lives...Literally
Microtropes
✨ Proximity Disorder: "Why are we arguing this close?"
✨"If you die, I'll kill you" energy
✨Mutual Choking Fantasy (Derogatory...and not)
✨Jealousy Mismanagement: "I hate you, but I hate that he's touching you."
✨Identity Crisis: "You're not mine...why does it feel like you are?"
Edit (Feb 2026): We have a description and a cover reveal 🎉😍 There will be different deluxe editions.
𝐒𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐬 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐚𝐥𝐥. Lance Calloway fights when they tell him to fight. Bleeds when they tell him to bleed. Breaks when they tell him to break.
Six years in an unsanctioned cage, and the one line he’s never crossed? Loyalty to his best friend, no matter the cost. Then he’s asked to protect 𝘩𝘦𝘳. Genevieve DeGrance didn’t ask for any of this.
She came to Rosebrook Falls to be with the mayor’s son. But nothing in this town is what it seems.
Especially not the dangerous fighter who watches her every move like a threat. She hates him. He can’t stand her. And yet… The more time Lance spends guarding Genevieve, the harder it becomes to remember she belongs to someone else.
And the more she uncovers about Rosebrook Falls, the more she realizes the only honest person in her life is the one man she’s forbidden to want. In a town built on secrets and lies, falling for each other could destroy them both. But staying away might be the one fight Lance can’t win.
Covers: https://www.facebook.com/authoremilym...
Edit (DEC 2025): We hape tropes 💕
🔥 Forbidden Romance
🔥 Hate to Love
🔥 Forced Proximity
🔥 Slow Burn (With a spicy payoff)
🔥 Touch Her And Die
🔥 He Falls First (and lies about it)
🔥 Morally Gray Hero
🔥 Yearning that Ruins Lives...Literally
Microtropes
✨ Proximity Disorder: "Why are we arguing this close?"
✨"If you die, I'll kill you" energy
✨Mutual Choking Fantasy (Derogatory...and not)
✨Jealousy Mismanagement: "I hate you, but I hate that he's touching you."
✨Identity Crisis: "You're not mine...why does it feel like you are?"
Want to Read
February 6, 2026Omg! Look at that cover! 🥰🤯🔥
Want to Read
October 7, 2025Ordered from B&N
July 2026
July 2026
Want to Read
April 9, 2026July needs to hurry the fuck up 🙄
My Bookstagram
My Bookstagram
not-published-yet
October 23, 2025Omgomgomgomgomgomgomgomgomgomgomgomg
Want to Read
April 3, 2026A Lancelot & Guinevere retelling? With an HEA?
TAKE ALL MY MONEY
TAKE ALL MY MONEY
Currently Reading
June 16, 2026I got the arc!!!!!
wohooo!!!!
Burning Daylight 3.5/5
wohooo!!!!
Burning Daylight 3.5/5
May 8, 2026
Title: Forsaking Midnight
Author: Emily McIntire
Series: Defying the Stars, 2
Format: Edelweiss ebook
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Overall score:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice level:🌶️🌶️🌶️
POV’s: Genevieve (FMC) & Lance (MMC)
What to expect:
*Modern day retelling
*Enemies-to-Lovers
*Best friends girlfriend
Safety:
On page cage fighting and death. FMC is dating/engaged to OM for majority of the story but there are no on page sex scenes between the two.
Review:
Emily McIntire is known for her amazing and engaging retellings, and Forsaking Midnight is no exception!
Lance and Genevieve had intense love/hate chemistry with each other, but had to cover up their feelings due to extenuating circumstances. Lance suffered years of use and abuse, Gen was sheltered and lied to throughout her life. Together, they have to destroy their pasts to build a future.
It is highly recommended that you read the first book in this series before reading Forsaking Midnight. Many of the characters cross over, and parts of the storyline from the first book are mentioned.
Author: Emily McIntire
Series: Defying the Stars, 2
Format: Edelweiss ebook
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Overall score:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice level:🌶️🌶️🌶️
POV’s: Genevieve (FMC) & Lance (MMC)
What to expect:
*Modern day retelling
*Enemies-to-Lovers
*Best friends girlfriend
Safety:
On page cage fighting and death. FMC is dating/engaged to OM for majority of the story but there are no on page sex scenes between the two.
Review:
Emily McIntire is known for her amazing and engaging retellings, and Forsaking Midnight is no exception!
Lance and Genevieve had intense love/hate chemistry with each other, but had to cover up their feelings due to extenuating circumstances. Lance suffered years of use and abuse, Gen was sheltered and lied to throughout her life. Together, they have to destroy their pasts to build a future.
It is highly recommended that you read the first book in this series before reading Forsaking Midnight. Many of the characters cross over, and parts of the storyline from the first book are mentioned.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 23, 2026
Thanks to Bloom books and the Rosebrook rag for the advanced reader copy!
This is some of Emily's best writing and I just ate this up!
This is a retelling of Lancelot, Genevieve, and King Arthur and I was somewhat skeptical going into this. I was wrong and I am so happy to be wrong.
Art is the Mayor of Rosebrook's son and Lance is his childhood best friend. Lance also has a very rich and powerful father (You get to know and hate his father in the first book in this series) and these two boys created a club for kids that grew up with silver spoons in their mouths, but that lead to them having not great family lives and needing escape.
Genevieve grew up with a single father and is very close to him. She is a chef working in Boston when she gets fired and has a hard time finding a new job. Her boyfriend Art offers to give her a job at the bar he is now the owner of. This would make their relationship no longer long distance and so Genevieve takes this opportunity and move to the small town of Rosebrook. Quickly she learns that her boyfriend is actually running an illegal fighting ring quite literally underground beneath the bar.
Lance has been a fighter in this ring for over 6 years and is trapped with no way out. He has hope that now his friend is in charge that he will finally be able to get out. The problem is that the higher ups have camera footage of all the horrible things Lance has done in the ring.
Someone is following Genevieve and Art decides he is going to task Lance with protecting his girlfriend.
This is a forbidden bodyguard romance, but with a twist. The twist being that the bodyguard is her boyfriends best friend.
This book is filled with tension, chemistry, yearning, and the best slow burn romance you could ask for. I ate this book up and was mad when I had to set this book down for any reason. I sacrificed sleep for this book and all I want is to be able to go back in time and read it for the first time again.
I loved book 1 in this series, but this one was better in every aspect. You do need to read these books in order as there is an over arching plot throughout all the books and if you don't start with book 1 you will be confused on those aspects. The romances are standalones, and if you really just wanted to read these specific tropes and don't care if you aren't completely clued in on the over arching plot, you could read this as a stand alone but you will miss a lot of the magic that is the defying stars series.
Read this book. And I will be jealous you are getting to read it for the first time.
This is some of Emily's best writing and I just ate this up!
This is a retelling of Lancelot, Genevieve, and King Arthur and I was somewhat skeptical going into this. I was wrong and I am so happy to be wrong.
Art is the Mayor of Rosebrook's son and Lance is his childhood best friend. Lance also has a very rich and powerful father (You get to know and hate his father in the first book in this series) and these two boys created a club for kids that grew up with silver spoons in their mouths, but that lead to them having not great family lives and needing escape.
Genevieve grew up with a single father and is very close to him. She is a chef working in Boston when she gets fired and has a hard time finding a new job. Her boyfriend Art offers to give her a job at the bar he is now the owner of. This would make their relationship no longer long distance and so Genevieve takes this opportunity and move to the small town of Rosebrook. Quickly she learns that her boyfriend is actually running an illegal fighting ring quite literally underground beneath the bar.
Lance has been a fighter in this ring for over 6 years and is trapped with no way out. He has hope that now his friend is in charge that he will finally be able to get out. The problem is that the higher ups have camera footage of all the horrible things Lance has done in the ring.
Someone is following Genevieve and Art decides he is going to task Lance with protecting his girlfriend.
This is a forbidden bodyguard romance, but with a twist. The twist being that the bodyguard is her boyfriends best friend.
This book is filled with tension, chemistry, yearning, and the best slow burn romance you could ask for. I ate this book up and was mad when I had to set this book down for any reason. I sacrificed sleep for this book and all I want is to be able to go back in time and read it for the first time again.
I loved book 1 in this series, but this one was better in every aspect. You do need to read these books in order as there is an over arching plot throughout all the books and if you don't start with book 1 you will be confused on those aspects. The romances are standalones, and if you really just wanted to read these specific tropes and don't care if you aren't completely clued in on the over arching plot, you could read this as a stand alone but you will miss a lot of the magic that is the defying stars series.
Read this book. And I will be jealous you are getting to read it for the first time.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Before I get into it, thank you so much to Bloom Books for granting my wish on NetGalley! I’ve never had a wish granted before, so I was so excited when I got the email, but then when I saw what book it was for, I was about 5000x more excited.
This book is absolutely messy in a soap opera kind of way. He is literally her boyfriend’s best friend. And does she break up with the boyfriend? That would be super clean and easy, and I said this book is messy. Just a warning for those who need to hear it, there’s cheating in this book. Should the relationship have ended first? Absolutely. If this were reality, I’d probably greatly dislike them for cheating. But this isn’t reality and these are book characters, so I ate it up.
The forbidden love style romance we get from this dynamic really just shows why forbidden love is my absolute favorite book trope. The secret looks, the yearning, all of it just really gets me.
I have not read the first book in this series yet. I don’t know why, I just haven’t gotten to it. I’m obviously going to now, but the reason I’m bringing this up is because you don’t need to read them in order, or even read them all. You can pick and choose which books you want to read in the series and still have such an enjoyable time. That’s one of the reasons I love Emily’s books so much. They’re a guaranteed great time without committing to the whole series.
Oh and this one is very spicy, but what did you expect with this author.
Thank you so much to Bloom Books and NetGalley for an arc of this book in exchange for an honest review
This book is absolutely messy in a soap opera kind of way. He is literally her boyfriend’s best friend. And does she break up with the boyfriend? That would be super clean and easy, and I said this book is messy. Just a warning for those who need to hear it, there’s cheating in this book. Should the relationship have ended first? Absolutely. If this were reality, I’d probably greatly dislike them for cheating. But this isn’t reality and these are book characters, so I ate it up.
The forbidden love style romance we get from this dynamic really just shows why forbidden love is my absolute favorite book trope. The secret looks, the yearning, all of it just really gets me.
I have not read the first book in this series yet. I don’t know why, I just haven’t gotten to it. I’m obviously going to now, but the reason I’m bringing this up is because you don’t need to read them in order, or even read them all. You can pick and choose which books you want to read in the series and still have such an enjoyable time. That’s one of the reasons I love Emily’s books so much. They’re a guaranteed great time without committing to the whole series.
Oh and this one is very spicy, but what did you expect with this author.
Thank you so much to Bloom Books and NetGalley for an arc of this book in exchange for an honest review
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Forsaking Midnight is one of those books that linger with me after the final page. The concept of "seven seconds for seven minutes" had me stopping repeatedly throughout the story to just sit with the weight of that idea. What would I choose for my seven minutes? It's a simple question on the surface, but one that carried depth that Emily weaved beautifully into the narrative. This is rare in this genre.
Ginny and Lance's love story is fantastic. Their relationship develops slowly, which allowed me to fully invest in them. I will be honest. In the first few chapters I was doubting how Emily was going to pull it off. But, man, did she ever. Beyond the romance, one of my favorite relationships in the book was between Ginny and her father. His reminder to her, "Always and in all ways" hit me every time. Emily excels at building emotional connections and developing a delicious slow burn of a book. She KO'd on this one.
Even Art, a character I never expected to care about, was given a moment of redemption that left me hoping this isn't the last we have seen of him. But also, it's OK if we don't because it feels like he has found some perspective and peace. And Cav and his duck, Virgil. I cannot. Consider this my official declaration of love for that duo.
Pace: Slow Burn
Spice: 4/5, well worth the wait
Rating: 10/5 no notes.
Ginny and Lance's love story is fantastic. Their relationship develops slowly, which allowed me to fully invest in them. I will be honest. In the first few chapters I was doubting how Emily was going to pull it off. But, man, did she ever. Beyond the romance, one of my favorite relationships in the book was between Ginny and her father. His reminder to her, "Always and in all ways" hit me every time. Emily excels at building emotional connections and developing a delicious slow burn of a book. She KO'd on this one.
Even Art, a character I never expected to care about, was given a moment of redemption that left me hoping this isn't the last we have seen of him. But also, it's OK if we don't because it feels like he has found some perspective and peace. And Cav and his duck, Virgil. I cannot. Consider this my official declaration of love for that duo.
Pace: Slow Burn
Spice: 4/5, well worth the wait
Rating: 10/5 no notes.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you Netgalley and Source Bloom Books!
It was a lot longer than 7 seconds, but every second hit! The queen of yearn is back and I loved every second! Lately I've been feeling like reading just for the sake of reading, but this...Lance, Lance, Lance! I was so nervous coming in because book 1 wasn't;t necessarily it for me. I didn't feel connected to Juliette, but this one...everything felt more mature between the MMCS even with their bickering and bantering. The characters are believable and he isn't going out of his way to hate her or even pretend. I don't want to spoil it though I really do, but I like the arcs here as well as the relationship with Art and how his character was handled. I literally struggled to put this book down. It skipped my huge TBR list and it was worth it. I'm over the insta-lust, they end up in bed by chapter 5 style of writing. I love how their relationship progressed and it never truly felt like they were enemies.
Now I have a few predictions about book 3 and it's giving love triangle, a little enemies to lovers, grumpy sunshine, (Stealing Sunlight, I caught that)
It was a lot longer than 7 seconds, but every second hit! The queen of yearn is back and I loved every second! Lately I've been feeling like reading just for the sake of reading, but this...Lance, Lance, Lance! I was so nervous coming in because book 1 wasn't;t necessarily it for me. I didn't feel connected to Juliette, but this one...everything felt more mature between the MMCS even with their bickering and bantering. The characters are believable and he isn't going out of his way to hate her or even pretend. I don't want to spoil it though I really do, but I like the arcs here as well as the relationship with Art and how his character was handled. I literally struggled to put this book down. It skipped my huge TBR list and it was worth it. I'm over the insta-lust, they end up in bed by chapter 5 style of writing. I love how their relationship progressed and it never truly felt like they were enemies.
Now I have a few predictions about book 3 and it's giving love triangle, a little enemies to lovers, grumpy sunshine, (Stealing Sunlight, I caught that)
Review of advance copy received from Author
In an eight hour roadtrip, it took me almost six hours to read and thoroughly enjoy Forsaking Midnight. Emily McIntire is a literary genius. I wasn’t expecting half the twists and turns that were brutally thrown at me. And Lance? Definitely the best Calloway man by far. I feel so honored and lucky that I was able to receive and review this novel, three weeks before the release date. I received this ARC on both NetGalley and by Mrs. Mcintire herself.
Okay, let’s get one thing straight, the banter in this novel is honestly some of the best I’ve ever read. Genevieve and Lance had me squealing internally and just waiting for them to finally realize that they’d loved each other. And I love that their nicknames for each other, which started off as insults, turned into terms of endearment. 🤭
I absolutely loved this book and couldn’t put it down to save my life. I can’t wait to see what Emily has in store for us next and maybe there’s a love triangle involved? I’m not sure, 🤔 Alex, Felicity and Paxton confuse me…But regardless, I hope Tiffany finds her happy ending, even if might not be with her current husband.
Okay, let’s get one thing straight, the banter in this novel is honestly some of the best I’ve ever read. Genevieve and Lance had me squealing internally and just waiting for them to finally realize that they’d loved each other. And I love that their nicknames for each other, which started off as insults, turned into terms of endearment. 🤭
I absolutely loved this book and couldn’t put it down to save my life. I can’t wait to see what Emily has in store for us next and maybe there’s a love triangle involved? I’m not sure, 🤔 Alex, Felicity and Paxton confuse me…But regardless, I hope Tiffany finds her happy ending, even if might not be with her current husband.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you Sourebooks and Bloom Books for the arc!
Wow. What another masterpiece by Emily McIntire! Her books always have the best plots and this one didn't disappoint. If you want a romance book that has more than just romance her books are perfect for that. I grew attached to the main characters especially Lance. All that Lance was going through and how much he gave up to protect others made him such a lovable character. At times Genevieve was driving me crazy, she was fearless and honestly I ended up loving that quality about her. At times though I was like "what are you doing Genevieve?? You're putting yourself in danger!" but honestly it made her character more relatable. I love in this book there is a small line between good and evil characters, you never know who the bad guy is going to be at times. I honestly loved this book. The only reason I'm not giving it five stars is because Burning Daylight was just a bit better. If I could give half star ratings this would be a strong 4.5 stars.
Wow. What another masterpiece by Emily McIntire! Her books always have the best plots and this one didn't disappoint. If you want a romance book that has more than just romance her books are perfect for that. I grew attached to the main characters especially Lance. All that Lance was going through and how much he gave up to protect others made him such a lovable character. At times Genevieve was driving me crazy, she was fearless and honestly I ended up loving that quality about her. At times though I was like "what are you doing Genevieve?? You're putting yourself in danger!" but honestly it made her character more relatable. I love in this book there is a small line between good and evil characters, you never know who the bad guy is going to be at times. I honestly loved this book. The only reason I'm not giving it five stars is because Burning Daylight was just a bit better. If I could give half star ratings this would be a strong 4.5 stars.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
4⭐⭐⭐⭐s
Another beautiful cover & and another great modern-day reimagining. I was rooting for Lance and Genevieve from the very beginning. This was a slow burn, but the payoff is worth it when they get there. Lance is asked by Art to watch over Gen and basically be her bodyguard, which is how they end up falling for each other. Put two people around each other’s orbit for most of the day and you get what you get. I mean who doesn’t love a good falling for your bodyguard or boyfriend’s best friend trope? Art is weak, that’s all I’m going to say about him. Percy deserves the world. Cassandra, vanishes, again. 5 stars for Cavall and his pink rabbit Virgil 💗🐇 If you like the best friend’s girlfriend, enemies to lovers and slow burn then you will love this.
Thank you NetGalley for granting my wish & to the publisher & author, for this arc in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Another beautiful cover & and another great modern-day reimagining. I was rooting for Lance and Genevieve from the very beginning. This was a slow burn, but the payoff is worth it when they get there. Lance is asked by Art to watch over Gen and basically be her bodyguard, which is how they end up falling for each other. Put two people around each other’s orbit for most of the day and you get what you get. I mean who doesn’t love a good falling for your bodyguard or boyfriend’s best friend trope? Art is weak, that’s all I’m going to say about him. Percy deserves the world. Cassandra, vanishes, again. 5 stars for Cavall and his pink rabbit Virgil 💗🐇 If you like the best friend’s girlfriend, enemies to lovers and slow burn then you will love this.
Thank you NetGalley for granting my wish & to the publisher & author, for this arc in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Forbidden Romance
Hate to Love
Slow Burn (With major spice payoff)
Touch Her and Die
He Falls First (and lies about it)
Morally Gray Hero
Yearning that Ruins Lives… literally
Book #2 Defying the Stars series
I won't lie I usually strictly do audiobooks or immersive reading. I struggle just reading especially on my Kindle BUT this book is so good I did not want to put it down. I really love Emily McIntire's writing. She can write a retelling like no one else. The characters are captivating and the story is addictive. All I can say is read the book you will not regret it! I can't wait until July 14th so I can binge the audiobook and hear this story read by some very talented narrators!
Hate to Love
Slow Burn (With major spice payoff)
Touch Her and Die
He Falls First (and lies about it)
Morally Gray Hero
Yearning that Ruins Lives… literally
Book #2 Defying the Stars series
I won't lie I usually strictly do audiobooks or immersive reading. I struggle just reading especially on my Kindle BUT this book is so good I did not want to put it down. I really love Emily McIntire's writing. She can write a retelling like no one else. The characters are captivating and the story is addictive. All I can say is read the book you will not regret it! I can't wait until July 14th so I can binge the audiobook and hear this story read by some very talented narrators!
June 16, 2026
This was everything I wanted for Lance and Genevieve’s story! I was so thrilled when I read the hints toward their story in book 1 and it exceeded my expectations. The way they yearned for each other, that what everyone hopes for in a love story.
Genevieve is moved to Rosebrook Falls by her boyfriend Art but somehow seems like she is being kept a secret by him. He only pays attention to her when required to it seems. When she was being followed by someone Art asks his best friend, Lance to be her body guard. He not only guards her physically but emotionally as well.
This one definitely is a slow burn but I absolutely loved it!
Genevieve is moved to Rosebrook Falls by her boyfriend Art but somehow seems like she is being kept a secret by him. He only pays attention to her when required to it seems. When she was being followed by someone Art asks his best friend, Lance to be her body guard. He not only guards her physically but emotionally as well.
This one definitely is a slow burn but I absolutely loved it!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I love retellings and I love the worlds of Shakespeare and Camelot, so mixing the two was perfection. I haven't read book 1 yet, so be warned that there are spoilers if you decide to do the same. I still very much plan to read the first book.
Lancelot and Guinevere is a hard story to retell in a modern setting because of the nature of their relationship. I think that Emily did this well in the way that she handled both the relationship between Lance and Art and Genevieve and Art.
I really liked the characterizations of the characters as well as the story itself. I could have been happy with the love story between the two without the danger, but the danger made the story exciting.
Lancelot and Guinevere is a hard story to retell in a modern setting because of the nature of their relationship. I think that Emily did this well in the way that she handled both the relationship between Lance and Art and Genevieve and Art.
I really liked the characterizations of the characters as well as the story itself. I could have been happy with the love story between the two without the danger, but the danger made the story exciting.
June 22, 2026
I received an ARC from Net Galley!!
Genevieve and Lance’s story - Lance is Genevieve’s boyfriend’s best friend.
I really loved the build up of the story and the development of G and L’s relationship. Yes, there is cheating (but completely warranted lol).
I felt the story ended abruptly though…like what happened to everything Lance did?
As a whole, I loved it, just feel like I have questions that weren’t answered.
Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Genevieve and Lance’s story - Lance is Genevieve’s boyfriend’s best friend.
I really loved the build up of the story and the development of G and L’s relationship. Yes, there is cheating (but completely warranted lol).
I felt the story ended abruptly though…like what happened to everything Lance did?
As a whole, I loved it, just feel like I have questions that weren’t answered.
Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is one of the best retellings. Emily McIntire has outdone herself. I couldn't put this book down. The intricacy of this books, the set up, lies and all the twists was great. Genevieve and Lance were great the enemies to lovers were great. It was also good to see the characters from the first Defying the Stars book. I can't wait to see what the next book brings.
Thank you so much to Netgalley and SOURCEBOOKS Bloom Books for granting my wish.
Thank you so much to Netgalley and SOURCEBOOKS Bloom Books for granting my wish.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
🥀🔥 Give me dark, give me addictive, and give me absolutely scorching.
Emily McIntire delivers sizzling chemistry, tension, and a hero who's as dangerous as he is irresistible.
Lance & Gen and every single heated moment had me...
I just love forbidden romance, morally gray, and a spice filled retelling that leaves me and my Kindle smoking. 🖤🌙
Emily McIntire delivers sizzling chemistry, tension, and a hero who's as dangerous as he is irresistible.
Lance & Gen and every single heated moment had me...
I just love forbidden romance, morally gray, and a spice filled retelling that leaves me and my Kindle smoking. 🖤🌙
June 26, 2026
Thank you, Emily and NetGalley for the Advanced copy.
This story has a good plot and some nice spice.
I love a good twist in a story and an enemies to lovers with a forbidden romance. This one has a nice HEA.
I love Emily’s writing, I can’t wait for this book to come out so I can get it and add it to my show because it’s so beautiful.
This story has a good plot and some nice spice.
I love a good twist in a story and an enemies to lovers with a forbidden romance. This one has a nice HEA.
I love Emily’s writing, I can’t wait for this book to come out so I can get it and add it to my show because it’s so beautiful.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is Emily’s newest book and I am here for it.
You’ve got a forbidden romance with him being her boyfriend’s best friend.
This book is emotional and has all the feels.
enemies to lovers
forbidden love
best friend’s girl
yearning
forced proximity
he falls first
cheating
You’ve got a forbidden romance with him being her boyfriend’s best friend.
This book is emotional and has all the feels.
enemies to lovers
forbidden love
best friend’s girl
yearning
forced proximity
he falls first
cheating
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