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Kissed by the Rift: Dark Moon Rising #1
Love is a weakness. Truth is a mystery. And the past—a dangerous secret …
Calnyra has sacrificed everything to protect the only family she has left. But when a sacred ritual turns barbaric, her only choice is to escape. She must ally with the last person she ever thought she’d trust—her childhood friend turned enemy—and cross a wasteland haunted by whispers of a forgotten prophecy.
Does the Rift offer salvation or destruction? The closer they get, the more Calnyra realises that nothing is what it seems. Hunted by merciless acolytes, they must do what they do best. Fight for survival.
Kissed by the Rift is the first book in a brand-new romantic fantasy series. It features a unique dystopian world filled with fast-paced action, a strong female lead, found family, and a mythical prophecy that could unravel their world as they know it. Are you ready to be Kissed by the Rift?
Calnyra has sacrificed everything to protect the only family she has left. But when a sacred ritual turns barbaric, her only choice is to escape. She must ally with the last person she ever thought she’d trust—her childhood friend turned enemy—and cross a wasteland haunted by whispers of a forgotten prophecy.
Does the Rift offer salvation or destruction? The closer they get, the more Calnyra realises that nothing is what it seems. Hunted by merciless acolytes, they must do what they do best. Fight for survival.
Kissed by the Rift is the first book in a brand-new romantic fantasy series. It features a unique dystopian world filled with fast-paced action, a strong female lead, found family, and a mythical prophecy that could unravel their world as they know it. Are you ready to be Kissed by the Rift?
335 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 29, 2025
3 people are currently reading
29 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Whichelo
1 book6 followersJennifer Whichelo writes emotionally charged fantasy stories about love, survival, and finding light in the dark. When she’s not dreaming up new worlds, she’s usually curled up with a cup of peppermint tea, a good book, or trying to learn a new hobby. Kissed by the Rift is her debut novel and the first in The Dark Moon Rising series.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
November 10, 2025
5 💎
1 🌶️
Quick Summary
“This book is a wild ride of sizzling tension and sharp banter between Calnyra and Griff, set against a mysterious dystopian world that keeps you guessing. The crew is full of quirky personalities and secrets, which creates drama, danger, and an epic quest to the rift.
Reading Thoughts
📙The banter between Calnyra and Griff is written so well and the sexual tension you could cut with a knife.
📙The start is about this build up that you can feel, something is going to happen and I feel like it is all going to blow
📙The Dystopian world is so interesting to uncover as you read. How did it get this way. What is this mysterious rift?
📙Calnyra has had to grow up so quick and she has become strong and independent because of it, you can feel this through her hesitation around others. Griff has this stony exterior due to his childhood and it inly shows cracks for Nyra.
📙The Crew (side characters), all have unique personalities and were woven in so well. Some suspicions grew around these other characters too
Words that linger
🍷“You know, Angel, you have the dirtiest mouth of any woman I have ever met.”
🍷“You’re right, I like you this way. Your dirty mouth and hard edges. Everything about you is dark perfection.”
🍷But here I don’t have to pretend. Here, I can be as vicious as every other guard. Because here, brutality is respected. And weakness is condemned.
🍷“Yes, Griff. You’re a big, strong, pain in my ass. Happy now?”
Tropes
🦎Dystopian
🦎Fierce FMC
🦎Hidden world
🦎Found family
🦎Slow burn
1 🌶️
Quick Summary
“This book is a wild ride of sizzling tension and sharp banter between Calnyra and Griff, set against a mysterious dystopian world that keeps you guessing. The crew is full of quirky personalities and secrets, which creates drama, danger, and an epic quest to the rift.
Reading Thoughts
📙The banter between Calnyra and Griff is written so well and the sexual tension you could cut with a knife.
📙The start is about this build up that you can feel, something is going to happen and I feel like it is all going to blow
📙The Dystopian world is so interesting to uncover as you read. How did it get this way. What is this mysterious rift?
📙Calnyra has had to grow up so quick and she has become strong and independent because of it, you can feel this through her hesitation around others. Griff has this stony exterior due to his childhood and it inly shows cracks for Nyra.
📙The Crew (side characters), all have unique personalities and were woven in so well. Some suspicions grew around these other characters too
Words that linger
🍷“You know, Angel, you have the dirtiest mouth of any woman I have ever met.”
🍷“You’re right, I like you this way. Your dirty mouth and hard edges. Everything about you is dark perfection.”
🍷But here I don’t have to pretend. Here, I can be as vicious as every other guard. Because here, brutality is respected. And weakness is condemned.
🍷“Yes, Griff. You’re a big, strong, pain in my ass. Happy now?”
Tropes
🦎Dystopian
🦎Fierce FMC
🦎Hidden world
🦎Found family
🦎Slow burn
November 12, 2025
This feels like if the Dune and Avatar franchises had a baby - aesthetic and feel wise, but Jen has created such a beautiful yet gritty storyline weaving dystopian, post apocalyptic and fantasy themes all into one book, and somehow 👏🏻 MADE 👏🏻 IT 👏🏻 WORK!
There is such a depth to the characters and the intense world and plot building is so well defined. The main characters Griff and Calnyra, as well as the other side characters, have been developed so thoroughly in this first instalment, and I am very keen to see where they go.
I loved the ethereal yet grounded vibes I got throughout the whole of this book. The location such as the settlement, the Rift and the spaces in between, as well as that new location in the epilogue….oooh I’m DYING to know what happens next!
There is the perfect amount of comedy and banter, emotional damage and spicy goodness that I love in a book like this, and honestly, I just KNOW that there is so much more to come! So much more to be explored and expanded upon, is everything you could ask for in a debut novel!
Also, I was already a Griff fangirl BEFORE reading the actual book and based just on teasers but I’m even more so now….or am I….I’m talking about you Harlow…I got my eyes on you….❤️
So, is 5⭐️ enough? Probably not? I’m going to go ahead and say this is Goddess Tier worthy for me aka ♾️✨
There is such a depth to the characters and the intense world and plot building is so well defined. The main characters Griff and Calnyra, as well as the other side characters, have been developed so thoroughly in this first instalment, and I am very keen to see where they go.
I loved the ethereal yet grounded vibes I got throughout the whole of this book. The location such as the settlement, the Rift and the spaces in between, as well as that new location in the epilogue….oooh I’m DYING to know what happens next!
There is the perfect amount of comedy and banter, emotional damage and spicy goodness that I love in a book like this, and honestly, I just KNOW that there is so much more to come! So much more to be explored and expanded upon, is everything you could ask for in a debut novel!
Also, I was already a Griff fangirl BEFORE reading the actual book and based just on teasers but I’m even more so now….or am I….I’m talking about you Harlow…I got my eyes on you….❤️
So, is 5⭐️ enough? Probably not? I’m going to go ahead and say this is Goddess Tier worthy for me aka ♾️✨
November 24, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ABSOLUTELY OBSESSED! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I had an absolute ball with this book! With so much medieval fantasy dominating my shelves lately (which, to be fair, is totally my jam), I found myself craving something different—and Kissed by the Rift scratched that itch in the best possible way.
Set in a dusty, Dune-esque world built on the bones of a post-apocalyptic landscape, Jennifer Whichelo throws you into towns that are bone dry, wind-scoured, and clinging to survival under a ruthless sun. Water is rationed, danger lurks everywhere, and between the horrors spilling from the Rift and a corrupted cult of Acolytes haunting the land, there is never a moment to breathe.
The banter? Perfect.
The comedy? Chef’s kiss.
The emotional damage and spicy goodness? Exactly the balance I crave.
For a debut, this world already feels rich, layered, and begging to be expanded. I can just feel how much more there is to come—and I’m buckled in for all of it.
Every character, even those who appear briefly, feels purposeful and alive. And when the betrayal hit? I was literally yowling “NOOOOOO” at my book. The pacing is tight, the action is constant, and the sense of danger had me flipping pages long past my bedtime.
If you adore:
✨ Dystopian world-building
✨ Found family
✨ Friends → enemies → almost friends → … more?
✨ Multiple POVs
✨ A strong, sassy, feminine-rage-fueled FMC
✨ The cinnamon-roll-soft-for-her MMC
✨ Gods and Goddess mythology (or… is it?)
✨ Forced-quest chaos
✨ Betrayals, mysteries, and jaw-dropping twists
✨ An ending that will send you straight to Jennifer’s DMs
—then you need this book on your TBR immediately.
I was lucky enough to read this prior to release, and it exceeded every expectation. Jennifer Whichelo delivers a gripping, inventive debut that blends sharp worldbuilding with compelling characters and an addictive plot.
I cannot wait to see where this series goes next
November 25, 2025
“What’s a little more if it spares her? I’d cover every inch of myself in scars if it saved her from just one.”
Jennifer Whichelo's dystopian romance ‘Kissed by the Rift’ is an outstanding debut. In this novel we find elements of survival, betrayal and sacrifice that grip you, while also leaving you in wonder, longing, and intrigued on how a very tight shirt could even fit on Griff to begin with.
In this debut we follow Calnyra, a woman who has bled for her past and protects what family she has left. With her defiant nature as a guard and slip ring champion she finds herself in the middle of some trouble that will change not only the course of her life but also the man she hates - Griff Warshaw. Together with their group of misfits they make their way into the Rift in search for a way out, and maybe an answer to question she has been asking since her parents dissapeared.
It brought me back to 80’s action films, and surprisingly one of my favourite rom-coms Romancing the Stone! I loved Calnyra and Griffs dynamic and their passionate dislike. I’ve always been a big fan of adventure novels and this is one of the best ones I’ve read in quite some time. The scenic contrast that flowed through the chapters, the companions met along the way, and the discovery of new worlds. I think it’s time for you to jump into the Rift.
This is for lovers of strong FMCs, dystopic themes, religious cults, and are looking for a new series with fantasy elements.
Thank you so much for the opportunity to review. Copy received as an ARC.
Jennifer Whichelo's dystopian romance ‘Kissed by the Rift’ is an outstanding debut. In this novel we find elements of survival, betrayal and sacrifice that grip you, while also leaving you in wonder, longing, and intrigued on how a very tight shirt could even fit on Griff to begin with.
In this debut we follow Calnyra, a woman who has bled for her past and protects what family she has left. With her defiant nature as a guard and slip ring champion she finds herself in the middle of some trouble that will change not only the course of her life but also the man she hates - Griff Warshaw. Together with their group of misfits they make their way into the Rift in search for a way out, and maybe an answer to question she has been asking since her parents dissapeared.
It brought me back to 80’s action films, and surprisingly one of my favourite rom-coms Romancing the Stone! I loved Calnyra and Griffs dynamic and their passionate dislike. I’ve always been a big fan of adventure novels and this is one of the best ones I’ve read in quite some time. The scenic contrast that flowed through the chapters, the companions met along the way, and the discovery of new worlds. I think it’s time for you to jump into the Rift.
This is for lovers of strong FMCs, dystopic themes, religious cults, and are looking for a new series with fantasy elements.
Thank you so much for the opportunity to review. Copy received as an ARC.
November 14, 2025
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ = 5 stars!
I had an ABSOLUTE BALL with this book! With sooo much medieval fantasy going around, which is, to be honest, my jam, I found myself itching for something a little different, and this story scratched that itch perfectly. Kissed by The Rift is set in a dusty, Dune-esque world built on the remnants of a post apocalyptic landscape. The towns are bone dry and wind scoured, water is rationed, and the people toil beneath a hard, unforgiving sun. There are dangers everywhere, from the strange creatures spilling out of the Rift to a corrupted cult of Acolytes that shadows the land.
Calnyra is absolutely my kind of FMC. She is strong, confident and wonderfully sassy, with a gloriously vulgar mouth that had me laughing out loud, yet there is a softness in her too. She is fiercely loyal and protective of her friends and family, the sort of woman who will bite back at danger without hesitation and still be the first to offer warmth and reassurance when someone she cares for is hurting. I adored that balance in her. She feels grounded and human because she is allowed to be sharp, bold, emotional and tender all at once, and following her journey was an absolute blast to follow.
And Griff… Griiifffff… the tortured soul hiding behind a lopsided smile and those golden waves. He is the perfect MMC for me. His backstory gives real weight to who he is, and he feels deep, complex and full of substance. The chemistry between Griff and Nyra absolutely sang. Their blend of hatred, longing, tension and heat was divine. Proper chef’s kiss. Perfectly done friends-to-enemies-to-lovers!
Every character, even the side ones, has a place and a purpose, and Jen makes sure each of them matters. When the betrayal struck, I was literally yowling “Nooooooo” at my book. The pacing is spot on, the action is plentiful, and the constant threats kept me flipping pages long past my bedtime.
Jen can deliver a spectacular torture scene too, let me tell you. I was cringing in the best possible way. The detail is so vivid and immediate that it actually gave me goosebumps. It was absolutely brilliant.
And Pip? The light up, colour changing shellin? I LOVE a cute animal side kick at the best of times, but a creature that shifts colour to match its emotions? OH MY HEART. Pip was honestly one of the best additions to this story. Every time that little one appeared, I was grinning like an idiot. A book with adorable animal companions will always earn an extra star from me, and Pip absolutely delivered.
What to Expect:
🌖 Semi dystopian and post-apocalyptic world
🤎 Found family
🌺 Grumpy x Sunshine
🌖 Action and adventure
🤎 Love square
🌺 Strong, foul-mouthed FMC
🌖 Mythical prophecy
🤎 Forced proximity
🌺 Romance and spice
🌖 Fast paced action
🤎 Slow burn
🌺 Angsty angst
🌖 Romantasy
Triggers and Content Warnings
Violence, torture, abuse (off page), sexual assault (off page), slavery, references to human sacrifice, coarse language and detailed sexual scenes.
Fans of high stakes adventures, fierce families, lovable and slightly odd animal sidekicks, sassy heroines and slow burn, angsty, heart-pulling romance will LOVE this book.
The ending has left me absolutely chomping for book two. I cannot wait to see where things go next, because I feel as though we have only skimmed the very surface of the Rift. 😉
A huge thank you to Jen for having me as an ARC reader. I am so grateful to have read this story early. ❤️ Congratulations on a wonderful debut, I know many will love this book as much as I did!
(Also congratulations, you have me as a forever fan who will read everything you produce from now on, hehe!)
Instagram | TikTok | Goodreads | Facebook | My Books
I had an ABSOLUTE BALL with this book! With sooo much medieval fantasy going around, which is, to be honest, my jam, I found myself itching for something a little different, and this story scratched that itch perfectly. Kissed by The Rift is set in a dusty, Dune-esque world built on the remnants of a post apocalyptic landscape. The towns are bone dry and wind scoured, water is rationed, and the people toil beneath a hard, unforgiving sun. There are dangers everywhere, from the strange creatures spilling out of the Rift to a corrupted cult of Acolytes that shadows the land.
Calnyra is absolutely my kind of FMC. She is strong, confident and wonderfully sassy, with a gloriously vulgar mouth that had me laughing out loud, yet there is a softness in her too. She is fiercely loyal and protective of her friends and family, the sort of woman who will bite back at danger without hesitation and still be the first to offer warmth and reassurance when someone she cares for is hurting. I adored that balance in her. She feels grounded and human because she is allowed to be sharp, bold, emotional and tender all at once, and following her journey was an absolute blast to follow.
And Griff… Griiifffff… the tortured soul hiding behind a lopsided smile and those golden waves. He is the perfect MMC for me. His backstory gives real weight to who he is, and he feels deep, complex and full of substance. The chemistry between Griff and Nyra absolutely sang. Their blend of hatred, longing, tension and heat was divine. Proper chef’s kiss. Perfectly done friends-to-enemies-to-lovers!
Every character, even the side ones, has a place and a purpose, and Jen makes sure each of them matters. When the betrayal struck, I was literally yowling “Nooooooo” at my book. The pacing is spot on, the action is plentiful, and the constant threats kept me flipping pages long past my bedtime.
Jen can deliver a spectacular torture scene too, let me tell you. I was cringing in the best possible way. The detail is so vivid and immediate that it actually gave me goosebumps. It was absolutely brilliant.
And Pip? The light up, colour changing shellin? I LOVE a cute animal side kick at the best of times, but a creature that shifts colour to match its emotions? OH MY HEART. Pip was honestly one of the best additions to this story. Every time that little one appeared, I was grinning like an idiot. A book with adorable animal companions will always earn an extra star from me, and Pip absolutely delivered.
What to Expect:
🌖 Semi dystopian and post-apocalyptic world
🤎 Found family
🌺 Grumpy x Sunshine
🌖 Action and adventure
🤎 Love square
🌺 Strong, foul-mouthed FMC
🌖 Mythical prophecy
🤎 Forced proximity
🌺 Romance and spice
🌖 Fast paced action
🤎 Slow burn
🌺 Angsty angst
🌖 Romantasy
Triggers and Content Warnings
Violence, torture, abuse (off page), sexual assault (off page), slavery, references to human sacrifice, coarse language and detailed sexual scenes.
Fans of high stakes adventures, fierce families, lovable and slightly odd animal sidekicks, sassy heroines and slow burn, angsty, heart-pulling romance will LOVE this book.
The ending has left me absolutely chomping for book two. I cannot wait to see where things go next, because I feel as though we have only skimmed the very surface of the Rift. 😉
A huge thank you to Jen for having me as an ARC reader. I am so grateful to have read this story early. ❤️ Congratulations on a wonderful debut, I know many will love this book as much as I did!
(Also congratulations, you have me as a forever fan who will read everything you produce from now on, hehe!)
Instagram | TikTok | Goodreads | Facebook | My Books
November 30, 2025
GENRE: Semi-Dystopian Romantasy
FORMAT: Ebook
MY RATING: 4.5/5
Characters: 5/5
Storyline: 4/5
Writing style/structure: 4/5
Overall enjoyment: 5/5
ABOUT THE BOOK
Calnyra has sacrificed everything to protect the only family she has left. But when a sacred ritual turns barbaric, her only choice is to escape. She must ally with the last person she ever thought she’d trust—her childhood friend turned enemy—and cross a wasteland haunted by whispers of a forgotten prophecy.
Does the Rift offer salvation or destruction? The closer they get, the more Calnyra realises that nothing is what it seems. Hunted by merciless acolytes, they must do what they do best. Fight for survival.
MY THOUGHTS
This is Jennifer Whichelo’s debut novel and the dynamic opening to a new romantic fantasy series. Set in a vividly imagined dystopian world, the story blends fast-paced action with a rich sense of wonder, all anchored by a strong female lead, a warm found-family dynamic, and a prophecy powerful enough to reshape their world.
I was fortunate to receive an eARC, and I absolutely devoured it. Whichelo’s otherworldly setting feels magical in the best way—immersive and textured. The character work is a particular strength; while the narrative centres on two main characters, every secondary character feels purposeful and well-developed. I was especially charmed by Merri, the grandmother figure, whose gentle heart and healing skills made her instantly endearing. There is even an adorable animal companion that adds an extra layer of warmth.
The banter between Nyra and Griff is hilarious, and although I initially expected Griff referring to Nyra as “Angel” to get annoying, it actually became kind of endearing the more he said it. There are some explicitly sexual themes present throughout, though the first fully “spicy” scene doesn’t arrive until the end—and despite not expecting the moment from that particular character, it was strangely satisfying.
On the darker side, Whichelo isn’t afraid to shock. The first POV chapter from ‘Black Cap’ is genuinely repulsive and offers a jarring glimpse into a deranged mind and raising the stakes early on. He gives off Frollo vibes from The Hunchback of Notre Dame.
Overall, this is an engaging and imaginative debut that balances heart, humour and tension with ease.
Content Warnings: Mature language, explicit sexual scenes, violence, torture, off-page abuse and sexual assault, historical child abuse, slavery, reference to human sacrifice.
FORMAT: Ebook
MY RATING: 4.5/5
Characters: 5/5
Storyline: 4/5
Writing style/structure: 4/5
Overall enjoyment: 5/5
ABOUT THE BOOK
Calnyra has sacrificed everything to protect the only family she has left. But when a sacred ritual turns barbaric, her only choice is to escape. She must ally with the last person she ever thought she’d trust—her childhood friend turned enemy—and cross a wasteland haunted by whispers of a forgotten prophecy.
Does the Rift offer salvation or destruction? The closer they get, the more Calnyra realises that nothing is what it seems. Hunted by merciless acolytes, they must do what they do best. Fight for survival.
MY THOUGHTS
This is Jennifer Whichelo’s debut novel and the dynamic opening to a new romantic fantasy series. Set in a vividly imagined dystopian world, the story blends fast-paced action with a rich sense of wonder, all anchored by a strong female lead, a warm found-family dynamic, and a prophecy powerful enough to reshape their world.
I was fortunate to receive an eARC, and I absolutely devoured it. Whichelo’s otherworldly setting feels magical in the best way—immersive and textured. The character work is a particular strength; while the narrative centres on two main characters, every secondary character feels purposeful and well-developed. I was especially charmed by Merri, the grandmother figure, whose gentle heart and healing skills made her instantly endearing. There is even an adorable animal companion that adds an extra layer of warmth.
The banter between Nyra and Griff is hilarious, and although I initially expected Griff referring to Nyra as “Angel” to get annoying, it actually became kind of endearing the more he said it. There are some explicitly sexual themes present throughout, though the first fully “spicy” scene doesn’t arrive until the end—and despite not expecting the moment from that particular character, it was strangely satisfying.
On the darker side, Whichelo isn’t afraid to shock. The first POV chapter from ‘Black Cap’ is genuinely repulsive and offers a jarring glimpse into a deranged mind and raising the stakes early on. He gives off Frollo vibes from The Hunchback of Notre Dame.
Overall, this is an engaging and imaginative debut that balances heart, humour and tension with ease.
Content Warnings: Mature language, explicit sexual scenes, violence, torture, off-page abuse and sexual assault, historical child abuse, slavery, reference to human sacrifice.
November 15, 2025
Where do I even start with how much I loved this book??
OK, first of all, I could not put it down. I read it in two sittings, my family forgotten, responsibilities pushed to the side and with each chapter I thought I'd walk away to deal with adult stuff, and yet... I kept reading.
It was worth it.
Jennifer has created a dystopian world that is full of intrigue, harsh realities, tough characters and an overarching plot that draws the reader in page by page. The heat of the sun, the grit of the sand and the desperation in the air is palpable. In other words, the world building is next level, the characters at the centre of the story are all fleshed out with their own personalities, desires and demons... (oh and a lot of stubbornness and fiery tempers).
What you think this book starts out to be, is not where you end. It's infinitely better.
Calnyra is a woman who grew up too quick, caretaking her brother, Harlow, who's now an adult, in a harsh world where water is scarce and kindness even more so. Butting heads with her ex-childhood best friend, Griff, and fighting for extra money while trying to feel something is her normal, but she knows there is more out there. There has to be.
There are forbidden whispers of another world, where people are free, water is plentiful, but it's beyond an impenetrable obsidian fracture that only brings death and loss - the Rift. It's exactly where Calnyra is headed.
Enter a secret cult that sacrifices young women, a daring escape, unexplained marks and magic, chased by a ruthless enemy that won't stop and the breaking down of barriers both mentally and physically and you have the adventure of a life time.
If you adore;
- distopian world building
- found family
- friends to enemies to almost friends to... more?
- multiple POV
- strong, sassy and full of feminine rage FMC
- Cinnamon roll for her MMC
- found family
- Gods and Goddess mythology (or is it)
- forced quest
- betrayals and mysteries
- an ending that will make you jump into Jennifer's DMs and yell (in the best way)
Then you have to add this to your TBR immediately. I read this one prior to the release date
OK, first of all, I could not put it down. I read it in two sittings, my family forgotten, responsibilities pushed to the side and with each chapter I thought I'd walk away to deal with adult stuff, and yet... I kept reading.
It was worth it.
Jennifer has created a dystopian world that is full of intrigue, harsh realities, tough characters and an overarching plot that draws the reader in page by page. The heat of the sun, the grit of the sand and the desperation in the air is palpable. In other words, the world building is next level, the characters at the centre of the story are all fleshed out with their own personalities, desires and demons... (oh and a lot of stubbornness and fiery tempers).
What you think this book starts out to be, is not where you end. It's infinitely better.
Calnyra is a woman who grew up too quick, caretaking her brother, Harlow, who's now an adult, in a harsh world where water is scarce and kindness even more so. Butting heads with her ex-childhood best friend, Griff, and fighting for extra money while trying to feel something is her normal, but she knows there is more out there. There has to be.
There are forbidden whispers of another world, where people are free, water is plentiful, but it's beyond an impenetrable obsidian fracture that only brings death and loss - the Rift. It's exactly where Calnyra is headed.
Enter a secret cult that sacrifices young women, a daring escape, unexplained marks and magic, chased by a ruthless enemy that won't stop and the breaking down of barriers both mentally and physically and you have the adventure of a life time.
If you adore;
- distopian world building
- found family
- friends to enemies to almost friends to... more?
- multiple POV
- strong, sassy and full of feminine rage FMC
- Cinnamon roll for her MMC
- found family
- Gods and Goddess mythology (or is it)
- forced quest
- betrayals and mysteries
- an ending that will make you jump into Jennifer's DMs and yell (in the best way)
Then you have to add this to your TBR immediately. I read this one prior to the release date
November 19, 2025
What a bloody good time!
.
Kissed by the Rift is the debut novel of Jennifer Whichelo, an Aussie author who has absolutely nailed the brief of a dystopian romance fantasy novel. It is a story full of adventure, slow burn romance, found family, mystery, whispers of hidden worlds, friendship & betrayal.
.
From the very first chapter I fell in love with the characters. Right away we're introduced to the FMC (Calnyra) & MMC (Griff), their current dynamic & hints of a tale yet to come. Action packed in the first few chapters, with enough world building to set up the story, but not overpowering like a full on fantasy. The perfect balance. Don't make the mistake of thinking you know where this story ends up while reading, because you're wrong.
.
I need to mention Pip, the best side kick in a book since Bartholomew in "The Knight & the Moth." Pip gets introduced in the second half of the story, and she is a welcome addition to the crew. I don't want to spoil anything, but I love how in touch she is with emotions. I need a Pip in my life!
.
This is perfect book for your next read. Whether it's your first intro to fantasy, romance, dystopian vibes or you are simply looking for a compelling read, THIS IS IT!
I can not wait to see how the story continues.
.
I had some big feelings throughout reading this book. Make sure you check your triggers before beginning.
------------------------
Quotes
"For those of you who have always wanted to choose your own adventure. Let them choose you. You are the adventure."
"We just pretend that we've learnt from past mistakes. Human nature never seems to learn. We just get better at masking it."
"You're right, I like you this way. Your dirty mouth and hard edges. Everything about you is dark perfection."
"F*ing men and their f*ing egos."
"Even dreams can hold darkness."
"She's like coming home to a piece of me I left behind."
.
Kissed by the Rift is the debut novel of Jennifer Whichelo, an Aussie author who has absolutely nailed the brief of a dystopian romance fantasy novel. It is a story full of adventure, slow burn romance, found family, mystery, whispers of hidden worlds, friendship & betrayal.
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From the very first chapter I fell in love with the characters. Right away we're introduced to the FMC (Calnyra) & MMC (Griff), their current dynamic & hints of a tale yet to come. Action packed in the first few chapters, with enough world building to set up the story, but not overpowering like a full on fantasy. The perfect balance. Don't make the mistake of thinking you know where this story ends up while reading, because you're wrong.
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I need to mention Pip, the best side kick in a book since Bartholomew in "The Knight & the Moth." Pip gets introduced in the second half of the story, and she is a welcome addition to the crew. I don't want to spoil anything, but I love how in touch she is with emotions. I need a Pip in my life!
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This is perfect book for your next read. Whether it's your first intro to fantasy, romance, dystopian vibes or you are simply looking for a compelling read, THIS IS IT!
I can not wait to see how the story continues.
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I had some big feelings throughout reading this book. Make sure you check your triggers before beginning.
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Quotes
"For those of you who have always wanted to choose your own adventure. Let them choose you. You are the adventure."
"We just pretend that we've learnt from past mistakes. Human nature never seems to learn. We just get better at masking it."
"You're right, I like you this way. Your dirty mouth and hard edges. Everything about you is dark perfection."
"F*ing men and their f*ing egos."
"Even dreams can hold darkness."
"She's like coming home to a piece of me I left behind."
November 22, 2025
4.5 ⭐️
A romantic fantasy with dystopian vibes, a villain I'd love to punch, an MMC who made me giggle and swoon, and an FMC who truly does not need anyone (but she'll accept help if pushed, thanks very much).
Calnyra (or Nyra) is one of those strong, independent gals who is used to doing everything herself, including being responsible for her brother Harlow after the death of her parents. Interrupting the almost sacrifice of Selene throws her life completely out of whack just when it was supposed to get a bit easier, but she grits her teeth and gets on with it. Watching her keep everyone at arms length and try to solve all the world's problems on her own is equally endearing and frustrating, because come on girl, let them help you! Her determination to keep everyone safe is what drives her, across the desert and into the Rift.
Griff is cheeky, irritating, charming, basically my favourite type of MMC. It's great to get his POV and understand his motivations a bit more. The banter between Nyra and Griff is great, there were so many spots where I just wanted to highlight entire pages as they went back and forth.
The world building was good, not too difficult to understand, with good imagery (the dry desert with water restrictions felt too real!), I loved our animal companions (more Pip and Thalassi please!), I loved the found family, especially Merri. I'm not sure about the romance situation at this point, there are a few options here but I'm hoping for Griff and Nyra to get their act together.
The ending really shook things up for our crew and I can't wait to see what happens for them next!
A romantic fantasy with dystopian vibes, a villain I'd love to punch, an MMC who made me giggle and swoon, and an FMC who truly does not need anyone (but she'll accept help if pushed, thanks very much).
Calnyra (or Nyra) is one of those strong, independent gals who is used to doing everything herself, including being responsible for her brother Harlow after the death of her parents. Interrupting the almost sacrifice of Selene throws her life completely out of whack just when it was supposed to get a bit easier, but she grits her teeth and gets on with it. Watching her keep everyone at arms length and try to solve all the world's problems on her own is equally endearing and frustrating, because come on girl, let them help you! Her determination to keep everyone safe is what drives her, across the desert and into the Rift.
Griff is cheeky, irritating, charming, basically my favourite type of MMC. It's great to get his POV and understand his motivations a bit more. The banter between Nyra and Griff is great, there were so many spots where I just wanted to highlight entire pages as they went back and forth.
The world building was good, not too difficult to understand, with good imagery (the dry desert with water restrictions felt too real!), I loved our animal companions (more Pip and Thalassi please!), I loved the found family, especially Merri. I'm not sure about the romance situation at this point, there are a few options here but I'm hoping for Griff and Nyra to get their act together.
The ending really shook things up for our crew and I can't wait to see what happens for them next!
December 15, 2025
Kissed by the Rift is a dystopian story with a strong mythical and mystical edge, and it pulled me in very quickly.
Calnyra is someone who can sense that something is deeply wrong with the society she has been born into. She questions it, challenges it, and understands the cost of doing so. To keep the people she loves safe, she learns when to comply and when to quietly plan her way out. That balance between survival, autonomy, and resistance felt very real and thoughtfully explored.
When Calnyra intervenes in a brutal practice, her path shifts and she finds herself travelling with a mismatched group, drawn toward the Rift by whispers of something long forgotten. What stood out for me was how much growth happens through connection. Moving alongside others rather than alone allows Calnyra to learn not only about the world around her, but also about herself.
This is a fast-paced read, with the world building unfolding naturally as the story progresses. I really enjoyed the character dynamics, especially how the twists are layered in at just the right moments to keep the momentum going. There are subtle romantic threads, moments of desire, and a touch of spice that added intrigue without overwhelming the story.
The ending left me completely invested. Not only is there a cliffhanger, but it also lands at a point where I genuinely needed to keep going. I want more of this world, these characters, and what comes next. If you enjoy dystopian stories with depth, tension, and a touch of myth, this one is well worth picking up.
I received this book as an ARC, and this review reflects my honest thoughts and feelings shared voluntarily.
Calnyra is someone who can sense that something is deeply wrong with the society she has been born into. She questions it, challenges it, and understands the cost of doing so. To keep the people she loves safe, she learns when to comply and when to quietly plan her way out. That balance between survival, autonomy, and resistance felt very real and thoughtfully explored.
When Calnyra intervenes in a brutal practice, her path shifts and she finds herself travelling with a mismatched group, drawn toward the Rift by whispers of something long forgotten. What stood out for me was how much growth happens through connection. Moving alongside others rather than alone allows Calnyra to learn not only about the world around her, but also about herself.
This is a fast-paced read, with the world building unfolding naturally as the story progresses. I really enjoyed the character dynamics, especially how the twists are layered in at just the right moments to keep the momentum going. There are subtle romantic threads, moments of desire, and a touch of spice that added intrigue without overwhelming the story.
The ending left me completely invested. Not only is there a cliffhanger, but it also lands at a point where I genuinely needed to keep going. I want more of this world, these characters, and what comes next. If you enjoy dystopian stories with depth, tension, and a touch of myth, this one is well worth picking up.
I received this book as an ARC, and this review reflects my honest thoughts and feelings shared voluntarily.
November 10, 2025
💜 ARC Review 💜
6 ⭐️, I absolutely LOVED this book!!
It has a little something different for the romantasy fans. The characters were like people I knew (in the best kind of way), so relatable, especially our badass FMC Calnyra who carries the responsibilities of the world on her shoulders and has the biggest heart that she protects fiercely.
Author blurb:
Calnyra has sacrificed everything to protect the only family she has left. But when a
sacred ritual turns barbaric, her only choice is to escape. She must ally with the last
person she ever thought she’d trust—her childhood friend turned enemy—and cross a
wasteland haunted by whispers of a forgotten prophecy.
Does the Rift offer salvation or destruction? The closer they get, the more Calnyra
realises that nothing is what it seems. Hunted by merciless acolytes, they must do what they do best. Fight for survival.
Kissed by the Rift is the first book in a brand-new romantic fantasy series. It features a unique dystopian world filled with fast-paced action, a strong female lead, found family, and a mythical prophecy that could unravel their world as they know it.
Are you ready to be Kissed by the Rift?
6 ⭐️, I absolutely LOVED this book!!
It has a little something different for the romantasy fans. The characters were like people I knew (in the best kind of way), so relatable, especially our badass FMC Calnyra who carries the responsibilities of the world on her shoulders and has the biggest heart that she protects fiercely.
Author blurb:
Calnyra has sacrificed everything to protect the only family she has left. But when a
sacred ritual turns barbaric, her only choice is to escape. She must ally with the last
person she ever thought she’d trust—her childhood friend turned enemy—and cross a
wasteland haunted by whispers of a forgotten prophecy.
Does the Rift offer salvation or destruction? The closer they get, the more Calnyra
realises that nothing is what it seems. Hunted by merciless acolytes, they must do what they do best. Fight for survival.
Kissed by the Rift is the first book in a brand-new romantic fantasy series. It features a unique dystopian world filled with fast-paced action, a strong female lead, found family, and a mythical prophecy that could unravel their world as they know it.
Are you ready to be Kissed by the Rift?
November 14, 2025
The hype for this book has been building for months, and I’ve been not so patiently waiting to see what was in store. And if I didn’t already know, I never would’ve guessed this was a debut novel.
Kissed by the Rift is a fast-paced romantasy set in a dystopian world, complete with a fierce FMC, found family, and a mythical prophecy powerful enough to shift their entire reality.
The worldbuilding and the emotional rollercoaster had me feeling everything: curiosity, anger, fear, shock, double shock, worry, hope… and then the ending. The ending is a whole emotion of its own.
And the characters! I adored them (well… most of them 😒). Others I’m still suspicious of. And Pip? I need a Pip in my life immediately.
I can’t wait to follow Nyra, Griff and the crew into book two to feel the rollercoaster of emotions again 🤣. No but really, I am pumped for more of this world, the unraveling prophecy, and the evolution of the romantic relationships 👀
All of this and how stunningly gorgeous is the cover!
Vibes:✨
💜 Prophecies and consequences
🖤 Reluctant allies
💜 Danger around every corner
🖤 Loyalty. Betrayal
💜 Furry companions
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
Kissed by the Rift is a fast-paced romantasy set in a dystopian world, complete with a fierce FMC, found family, and a mythical prophecy powerful enough to shift their entire reality.
The worldbuilding and the emotional rollercoaster had me feeling everything: curiosity, anger, fear, shock, double shock, worry, hope… and then the ending. The ending is a whole emotion of its own.
And the characters! I adored them (well… most of them 😒). Others I’m still suspicious of. And Pip? I need a Pip in my life immediately.
I can’t wait to follow Nyra, Griff and the crew into book two to feel the rollercoaster of emotions again 🤣. No but really, I am pumped for more of this world, the unraveling prophecy, and the evolution of the romantic relationships 👀
All of this and how stunningly gorgeous is the cover!
Vibes:✨
💜 Prophecies and consequences
🖤 Reluctant allies
💜 Danger around every corner
🖤 Loyalty. Betrayal
💜 Furry companions
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
November 27, 2025
ARC
In quite few pages, Whichelo manages to build a story that truly grabbed my attention. What stands out the most is the cast of characters, and all of them are written in a way that made me care. The group is made up of individuals with different personalities, backgrounds, and goals, and the variety gives the story a lot of life. As a reader I was pulled into their interactions almost immediately, and it becomes easy to care about every one of them. The group dynamic creates some drama, and I am all here for it!
Griff and Calnyra were the ones I connected with the most, and their moments were the highlights of the book for me. But, Harlow turned into an unexpected favorite toward the end, offering his own thoughts and perspective.
Along the journey a lot of questions about the world are raised. I’m looking forward to seeing how the world and the characters develop in the upcoming books in the series, and I have a feeling that this story will just keep getting better!
In quite few pages, Whichelo manages to build a story that truly grabbed my attention. What stands out the most is the cast of characters, and all of them are written in a way that made me care. The group is made up of individuals with different personalities, backgrounds, and goals, and the variety gives the story a lot of life. As a reader I was pulled into their interactions almost immediately, and it becomes easy to care about every one of them. The group dynamic creates some drama, and I am all here for it!
Griff and Calnyra were the ones I connected with the most, and their moments were the highlights of the book for me. But, Harlow turned into an unexpected favorite toward the end, offering his own thoughts and perspective.
Along the journey a lot of questions about the world are raised. I’m looking forward to seeing how the world and the characters develop in the upcoming books in the series, and I have a feeling that this story will just keep getting better!
December 4, 2025
I cannot explain how much I loved this book. Kissed by the Rift has that perfect blend of 80s action-film energy and that unmistakable Alan Rickman-era Sense & Sensibility charm (the superior era, always). I tore through it because I needed to know where the gang would land next, and the journey never felt predictable.
What stood out most was the character work—the way each member of the group shifts, grows, and sharpens against the others. The dynamics feel lived-in and layered, full of unspoken tension, loyalty, and the kind of flaws that make characters feel real. Watching them evolve, clash, and deepen as the stakes rose made the story hit even harder.
I’m now quietly hoping for another love interest to be thrown into the mix for Griff and Calnyra—maybe someone from the other side—but whatever direction the series takes, I’m certain it will surprise in the best way. This was an epic, addictive read.
What stood out most was the character work—the way each member of the group shifts, grows, and sharpens against the others. The dynamics feel lived-in and layered, full of unspoken tension, loyalty, and the kind of flaws that make characters feel real. Watching them evolve, clash, and deepen as the stakes rose made the story hit even harder.
I’m now quietly hoping for another love interest to be thrown into the mix for Griff and Calnyra—maybe someone from the other side—but whatever direction the series takes, I’m certain it will surprise in the best way. This was an epic, addictive read.
November 20, 2025
Kissed by the Rift by Jennifer Whichelo presents an intriguing story with interesting worldbuilding and compelling ideas. The book introduces a captivating premise that holds promise for a thrilling read. While the concept and characters have potential, the execution felt uneven at times, with pacing that could be smoother and moments that lacked the emotional depth needed to fully engage me.The writing is clear and accessible, but some scenes would benefit from additional polish to enhance the overall flow. Although the story kept my attention, it didn’t quite reach the level of immersion I was hoping for.Overall, Kissed by the Rift is a decent read with room for growth and further development in both narrative and character arcs. I look forward to seeing how the series progresses. I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review
December 24, 2025
What a debut! I loved this and flew through it. It was actually one of those times when I looked at what percentage I was into the story and went “already!?”.
Our setting is dystopian fantasy and I found that we got straight into the story which I loved, the world isn’t overly complicated and easy to follow along with. The characters are real and relatable. Our FMC Calnyra (love that name btw) is strong and resilient with a soft heart. Our MMC Griff, well, let’s say I kinda like blondes now 😉 and Pip The little Shellin! Who doesn’t love a cute adorable side kick!?
Jen, you have created such an intriguing and engaging story that I am so excited to continue reading! Thank you for my ARC copy 💜
Our setting is dystopian fantasy and I found that we got straight into the story which I loved, the world isn’t overly complicated and easy to follow along with. The characters are real and relatable. Our FMC Calnyra (love that name btw) is strong and resilient with a soft heart. Our MMC Griff, well, let’s say I kinda like blondes now 😉 and Pip The little Shellin! Who doesn’t love a cute adorable side kick!?
Jen, you have created such an intriguing and engaging story that I am so excited to continue reading! Thank you for my ARC copy 💜
December 16, 2025
It’s a 4.5 ⭐️ rounded up for me! The setting was just so different to any recents reads and I found that so refreshing. I’m loving that the plot is all-but keeping me guessing. I loved all the characters, Merri is such a sweet addition to the crew.. and I love Pip 🥹 I love the slow burn and the unexpected scene near the end. I love that’s it’s primarily Calnyra for 70% of chapters but we get the odd chapter from another characters POV including Thren - if Jen wanted us to hate and be grossed out by Thren, she definitely succeeded!
..wishing book two had already been released! But guess I’ll have to wait.
..wishing book two had already been released! But guess I’ll have to wait.
November 21, 2025
I was lucky enough to be an ARC reader. The book is well written and captivating from the start. It has multiple POV’s and covers multiple genres but is doing it well. From dystopian via fantasy to enemies to lovers. All the characters are well developed and explored and the animal companions are a highlight for me, especially Pip.
The epilogue was a bit of a let down as it introduced new characters and worlds and after the cliffhanger ending it wasn’t what I would have wanted in an epilogue.
A solid 4.5⭐️ and I can’t wait for the next book.
The epilogue was a bit of a let down as it introduced new characters and worlds and after the cliffhanger ending it wasn’t what I would have wanted in an epilogue.
A solid 4.5⭐️ and I can’t wait for the next book.
November 21, 2025
Kissed by the Rift was such a cool, bushwhacking fever dream of a setting.
Add in two goddesses, a star god, and their messy cosmic drama, and I was hooked. I didn’t expect the mythology to be so layered and was so interesting how their actions shaped a lot of the world Calnyra, Griff, Harlow etc live in
But the big question that won’t leave me alone: what actually happened to her parents? Because I’m not sure we’ve heard the full truth yet… 😳 and also the quadruple-love triangle between Sam and Griff and Selene and Griff and Selene and Calnyra WHAT 😩😩😩😩😩
my fav character is pip
Add in two goddesses, a star god, and their messy cosmic drama, and I was hooked. I didn’t expect the mythology to be so layered and was so interesting how their actions shaped a lot of the world Calnyra, Griff, Harlow etc live in
But the big question that won’t leave me alone: what actually happened to her parents? Because I’m not sure we’ve heard the full truth yet… 😳 and also the quadruple-love triangle between Sam and Griff and Selene and Griff and Selene and Calnyra WHAT 😩😩😩😩😩
my fav character is pip
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 15, 2025
An adult dystopian story with fantastical elements that I absolutely adored. So well written, so easy to read. A wonderful found family and I cannot wait to see where this story goes in the sequel. Can I give it more than 5⭐️? Absolute perfection! If this is a debut, I cannot wait to see where Jennifer’s writing goes next!
November 21, 2025
Kissed by the rift is an intriguing and compelling story.
I enjoyed the characters and the scene building with the sense of mystery and adventure.
At times I felt the characters lacked some depth but I I’m interested to see how they all develop throughout the series.
Congratulations to the author.
I received this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
I enjoyed the characters and the scene building with the sense of mystery and adventure.
At times I felt the characters lacked some depth but I I’m interested to see how they all develop throughout the series.
Congratulations to the author.
I received this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
November 14, 2025
This story had me under its spell from page one—chef’s kiss perfection. The characters were layered and full of feeling, and the world-building was an intoxicating blend of shadows, charm, and magical energy. A subtle spark of spice made it irresistible. Cannot recommend enough.
December 1, 2025
I've enjoyed this book a lot. From the first chapter I fell in love with the characters: Most of them -there are villains, I mean. They're felt complex but also very relatable. I still care for this found crew family here and can't wait to read more about them and this world.
4,5⭐
4,5⭐
November 6, 2025
This book is absolutely amazing, the chemistry between the characters, the world that has been built but more importantly Griff - that is all!!
November 26, 2025
Such a gripping story! A super unique plot with real raw characters. The writing is so smooth and honestly was such an enjoyable multi pov read. Looking forward to the next books in the series!
December 16, 2025
Post-apocalyptic and dystopian vibes with slow burn romance, magical creatures and a hell of a cliff hanger. I need to read book 2 now please!
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