The Starlit Sun

by Erin Halli

Will the light of the future outshine the shadows of the past?

In a realm where angels earn their wings and ascend to the Golden Realm only after fulfilling their divine mission, Kai Greene has never felt more trapped. After breaking the most sacred law during his guardianship, the Archangels sentenced him to an indefinite stay in the Middle Realm—his personal worst nightmare.

Cleo Graves, on the other hand, chose her fate long ago. From the moment she awoke in the afterlife, she vowed to remain in Eloras, commonly known as the Middle Realm, for reasons she’s never shared. Content in her quiet existence as a Watcher, everything changes when a single grave mistake binds her fate to his and sets in motion a series of events neither of them can escape.

In this magical paranormal romance, Kai and Cleo build a new connection, but as their bond deepens, their feelings grow increasingly complicated. While working closely together, they get caught in a web of intense emotions they can’t fully comprehend. Will they open their hearts to each other? Or will their lives take a turn for the worse?

Genres: Fantasy, Romance

322 pages, Paperback

Published December 9, 2025

About the author

As a grieving wanderer herself, Erin Halli writes stories encompassing authentic journeys through grief–long, cumbersome paths. Additionally, she has a background in journalism, copywriting, and blog writing. Her objective is for readers to find comfort in knowing they do not roam the lonesome isles of grief alone. Her debut novel, The Masked Flower, is a story of grief, triumph, hope, healing, and, of course, true love. Erin resides in Texas with her husband and two small dogs. 

Reviews

[tiana ♡]

pre-read notes:
LOOK AT THIS COVER 🥹 I got the ARC for this today, I’m so happy! This sounds like such a gorgeous read 🩵

[Dee · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Starlit Sun is a new adult paranormal romantasy book. An interconnected standalone (& sequel) following a character in the author’s book ‘The Masked Flower.’

This book is set in a world where angels must earn their wings and ascend to a higher realm but fate can change anything. This is a dual POV of both Cleo (FMC) & Kai (MMC) Cleo is a watcher and by her choice has chosen to remain in the Middle Realm where as Kai is an angel condemned to an indefinite stay in the Middle Realm. When they work together they start to form a more passionate and complicated bond and start falling for each other forcing them to confront divine rules, destiny and deep emotions. The dance scene when they danced at the party is one of my favourites. MMC in general teases her and says things that make FMC blush he is also such a romantic. I also enjoyed the sense of humour between both main characters too made me laugh. Their relationship growth and mutual trust is seen when MMC asks FMC to bend rules for him and she does so. I think their relationship is cute I adore them both some of my favourite quotes:

“The stars remind me of her. She’s an enigma. ”

“And Cleo,” I call out, heart thumping. “Words can’t describe how ethereal you look tonight.”

“Angel. C’mon. How could I ever forget you?”

“I’ve cried a handful of times, and a majority of those times, I was utterly alone.“Baby, it’s okay. You’re okay. I’m here. I’m with you.”

“You don’t have to talk about it, but I’m not letting go of you, little angel.”

“He strokes my back soothingly and kisses my forehead. “I’m here. You’re not alone.”

🥹🫠

If you enjoy reading books about redemption, forbidden love, and supernatural beings wrestling with human scale desires, it’s very likely to intrigue you.

[♡Shelthebookaddict♡ Shelbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

ugh Erin did it again 😭 this story was so beautiful. Kai is I think my favorite character she has ever written. He's charming, flirty, sweet and always makes me laugh-I can't get enough of him. I love how he helped Cleo come out of her shell and find her light ❤️ the ending was so perfect!! I love how much romance books are talked about in here haha I think often how I hope I can still read my romance books in the afterlife. Also, the world building was amazing and so well done!! I was able to capture the whole vibe and follow along with no issue.

[Vi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Magical • Emotional • Endearing • Cozy • Slow-Paced
"I’d choose you in every lifetime, under every circumstance. I'm done running away. I'm running straight into your arms.”


Rating: 4.25 Stars


This book was so sweet and magical. I was so excited to see a sequel to one of my favorite books from last year, The Masked Flower. When I saw that it was going to be Kai’s story, I squealed with excitement. This one was just as unique and beautiful as the previous book by Erin Halli. This slow-paced book felt like a perfect Sunday read with a cup of tea. I loved how Erin wrote the magic system and read the world she created.

Kai is our charming cinnamon roll; his devotion and inner monologue were so sweet to read. Even though he is flirty, the way he notices and truly sees Cleo made my heart happy. Cleo was such an interesting and fun character. I loved how Kai was constantly there for her and helped her feel safe enough to open up. Seeing Cleo open up slowly and letting go so she could find peace and heal brought so many feelings to my heart. Together, their relationship was so sweet, and I loved seeing their interactions. The black cat and golden retriever energy could be felt. There was something so cute about their relationship. Their emotional and tender moments pierced my heart and gave me all the feels.

Overall, this is one I would recommend, especially if you love or want a book with slow burn, angels, a mysterious past, and forced proximity. This interconnected sequel is easy to follow along, so you don’t have to read the first book, but trust me, you are going to want to read it anyway! This cozy, gentle atmosphere will for sure be one to win and touch your heart.


The Starlit Sun by Erin Halli is set in a world where angels must earn their wings and ascend to the Golden Realm, but only after fulfilling their divine mission.

Cleo is a watcher by choice; she has chosen to remain in Eloras, the middle realm. She has been given the task of watching Kai, a newer guardian angel. However, he will break one of the most sacred laws during his guardianship. As punishment, the Archangels sentenced him to stay in the Middle Realm indefinitely. This is Kai’s worst nightmare; he longs for adventure and hates feeling trapped. He and Cleo are both assigned to work in a library, sorting and organizing the ancient archives.

As they start working together, feelings will develop, feeling a bond they cannot explain starts to complicate Cleo’s assignment to make sure Kai doesn’t break any more rules. But she sees how truly miserable Kai is, longing for his life on earth once more, it won’t hurt to bend the rules a little, right? Their lives will be intertwined, and every choice will set their afterlives in motion. Will they be able to open their hearts and trust each other, or will their lives take a turn for the worse?


I recommend this book to everyone who wants to read a Paranormal Romance Novel



**Thank you to the author for this ARC; opinions are entirely my own.

[Kayla Cyré · Rating 5 out of 5]

Erin did it again with writing a story that truly captivated my heart and had me feeling for her characters 🥹 I've loved Kai and have been interested in his story since The Masked Flower 🤎

Kai tries to navigate his way through the afterlife and find his place in it while also missing his life on earth. He's gentle and loving and goes out of his way to make sure Cleo knows how much he cares about her and that he'll do just about anything for her. Cleo, my black cat fmc, who I completely relate to 🥺 she's been through so much and has her walls up so high that she just doesn't know how to accept the love that Kai has to offer.

I love the way Erin describes the library in the sky ✨️ it's magical ✨️ I also loved reading when Kai and Cleo visited a bookstore in NYC 😍 of course the ending made me tear and my heart felt full 💖 Erin knows how to tie everything together and write a lovely ending 🪽

[Beth’s Book Collection · Rating 5 out of 5]

”What are you staring at?” She whispers. “Oh, just the most beautiful labyrinth I’ve ever known.”

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️.5

What you’ll find in this book:
- Bookworm x Mr Popular
- Mysterious Past
- Black Cat x Golden Retriever
- Slow Burn
- He’s Obsessed With Her
- Realm of Angels
- Mysterious Past

I absolutely loved reading The Masked Flower so when I found out that Erin was planning on telling us Kai’s story I was ready to get my hands on this as soon as possible. Erin’s writing is so powerful and captures some absolutely heart wrenching topics in amongst the heartwarming tale of love, friendship and the journey of acceptance. I was almost certain this book was going to have me in tears and I wasn’t wrong, Erin practically yanked at my heartstrings but I wouldn’t have had it any other way. Without these moments that left me a blubbering mess the story wouldn’t have been as powerful as it is. If you're looking for a story that feels like its trying to heal the broken parts of you then look no further. During this story we navigate the acceptance of loss and how hard it is to let go, telling a story that I think beautifully encompasses the these themes to provide a story that very simply put, makes you feel.

In the middle realm angels earn their wings and ascend the golden realm once they have fulfilled their divine mission. However, in a realm where peace and prosperity is promised Kai Greene has never felt more trapped. Breaking the most ancient law he was tasked with sticking to during his guardianship wasn't part of his plan, but alas what is done is done. As as result the Archangels sentence his to permanent residence in the middle realm, the last place that Kai wants to be. Cleo Graves feels the opposite, having decided long ago to remain within the middle realm for reasons that are entirely her own. Content with her task as a Watcher and with her quiet existence and solitude, this all gets turned on its head when a single mistake finds her to the fate of Kai's and sets a series of inescapable events in motion. Slowly but surely, the connection between Kai and Cleo begins to grow, with the indescribable bond between them shifting as their feelings become complicated. While they work through their punishment together, they get caught up in a storm of emotions will they give in to one another or is there collision course enough to destroy them both.

I adored Kai and Cleo, Kai is extroverted and larger and life even after his death with his strong desire to still live his life even after his death. He is so unapologetically himself at all times with his antics knowing no bounds, forever up for getting into trouble, being true to himself and owning is mistakes. However, Kai draws a hard line at getting other people in trouble alongside him and that is where his story with Cleo truly begins. Cleo on the other hand is the introvert after my own heart, a book lover to her very core and passionate about going unnoticed by everyone around her. However, she is hiding a deeper hurt and the desire to punish herself for past actions. Both of these characters have lessons to learn and in doing so will only bring them closer together, through trials and tribulations these two begin to peel back the layers of their feelings and their secrets. The story of their developing relationship, and the obstacles that they much overcome and the antics they get up to on their journey was a joy to read.

During this story we explore more of the middle realm and its residents who are working to earn their wings and ascend into the golden realm where everlasting peace is guaranteed. Erin integrates a sense of life even in an area meant to be so angelic, exploring the wants and needs of those beings that help the living find peace. There is a beautiful contrast between the middle realm and the land of the living that is written in such an effective way, with Kai and Cleo experiencing the living realm differently in their afterlife to how they did when they were alive. I was so thrilled that throughout this book, Erin continued integrating the characters we met in The Masked Flower, and the idea that their lives still hold so much importance to the people within this story. This story was stunning and I cannot wait to see what Erin writes next.

Thank you so much to the author for sending me an e-ARC to read and review early.

Author: Erin Halli
Publisher: Independently Published
Release Date: December 9th, 2025
Pages: 324

[Rhea's World · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cleo found love in her afterlife. I can't help but wonder if this story came into my life to give me hope that maybe I’ll finally find my love in the afterlife…

This book carried me on a roller-coaster of emotions. I laughed. I cried. But most importantly, I fell in love with Kai and Cleo. That is the most important part of a story for me. And they utterly captured me from beginning to end.

I really liked that this story had angels and a sort of heaven & Middle Realm that wasn't associated with any religion. It has its own set of rules and roles for angels, as well as challenges. It was so interesting to read about their days in the afterlife. I felt like I was truly there with them.

I have to be honest, I melted every single time he called her "Angel" 🫠 I am literally so obsessed with their sweet relationship. I'm also super jealous of them... but like I said, maybe I'm meant to have a romance with an angel in the afterlife 🤷‍♀️ One can only hope, right? 🤭

And I just decided: If my future husband doesn't think like Kai when he said "Ultimately, it’s Cleo or nothing at all," then I don't want him.

Honestly, I don't usually read cozy stories cause—for me—there's a fine line between cozy and boring, but this one I actually loved. Erin Halli has a way with words that brings the characters' inner turmoil, thoughts and emotions to light in a way that makes you feel just as intensely as them. Thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to ARC read The Starlit Sun!! 💛 A piece of my heart ascended together with Cleo and Kai and will always be there with them.

☆FINAL RATINGS: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 / 5
☆RELEASE DATE: 09 December 2025
☆YA/NA/A: NA
☆BOOK #: #2
☆GENRE: Fantasy/ Romantasy
☆POV: 2 POVs - 1st person
☆TROPES:
● Angels
● He falls first
● Black cat x golden retriever
● Mysterious past
● Bookworm FMC
● Charming MMC
● Slow burn
☆CHARACTERS: 👥️👥️👥️👥️👥️ /5
☆WRITING: ✍️✍️✍️✍️✍️ /5
☆PLOT: 📜📜📜📜 /5
☆MYSTERY: 🔎🔎🔎🔎 /5
☆ROMANCE: 🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹 /5
☆SPICE: 🌶🌶
☆CLIFFHANGER: 🚫


Favourite Quotes:
● Guess who can cross giving a group of almighty Archangels a direct command off their bucket list? Me. It’s me.

● Striding leisurely, my eyes drift up to the arched ceiling covered in oil paintings of clouds. Yet again, I can’t help but wonder who we hired to paint all the murals in this realm. The style of these paintings reminds me of the famous Starry Night painting, with its swirling blue sky. Maybe that same artist took the liberty of painting these clouds after his death.

● Have you ever lost a friend? A real, true friend? I’ve lost many. More often than not, friendships don’t end overnight. Instead, a plethora of minor hurdles can lead to a friendship’s demise. The bond that was once fundamental to your existence— maybe crucial to your survival, even— simply fades into dust.

● All I could think about when I watched her was the stars. Couldn’t get them off my mind, actually. Cleo doesn’t simply remind me of the stars. The stars remind me of her.

● A beat of silence passes between us. “It gets lighter over time.” “What does?” “The weight of it all. Eventually, you won’t feel it much at all,” she murmurs. “What if I want to feel it?” “Why would you want to feel that?” “Because the depth of my longing correlates with the vitality of those bonds. My pain is a constant reminder of the strength of my love.”

● I’ve grown so used to facing the world alone I’ve forgotten how grounding it feels to have someone to walk beside.
(This one made me ugly cry for half an hour 🙈)

● That godforsaken laugh has the power to make the heavens fall, I’m certain.

● Please, don’t take a single moment of your life for granted. There’s no need to rush. Take it from Cleo and me. We’re the experts in that department. Eventually, the day will come for you and me to reunite, old friend. We will have lots to catch up on. Until then, I’ll be waiting. And of course, Cleo will be watching. It’s kind of her thing. We’ll be right by your side— every step of the way.

[Clair’s library]

Arc Review

The Starlit Sun by Erin Halli
5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

A massive thank you to the author, Erin Halli, for providing me with an early ARC copy of this book! Although this was my first time reading her work, it certainly won’t be my last I am officially hooked on her storytelling.

Characters:
Kai (The Sunshine):
He is a funny, charming, and flirty MMC who you will love from page one. He constantly teases and charms Cleo, but he is also incredibly protective and gentle. My heart absolutely melted every time he called her "Angel."

Cleo (The Grumpy): She is a relatable, "grumpy" FMC with a soft heart who protects the people she loves fiercely. She has so many layers, and watching Kai slowly help her see that she truly deserves love was so moving.

Review:
The chemistry between Kai and Cleo was everything. Kai is charming, flirty, and extroverted a larger than life character who is unapologetically himself even in the afterlife. I loved how he went out of his way to help Cleo come out of her shell. Cleo is the perfect black cat lead an introverted book lover who prefers solitude and has built high walls to protect herself. Watching their connection grow as they navigated their punishment together in the Middle Realm was a total joy.

The world building was incredible, from the library in the sky to the poignant contrast between the land of the living and the afterlife. It’s a heart wrenching yet heartwarming tale about acceptance, loss, and the journey of healing. The ending was absolutely perfect and left my heart feeling so full.
If you want a story that makes you feel, look no further. I can’t wait to see what Erin Halli writes next!

The world building in this story is so creative. It features a version of Heaven and the Middle Realm that isn't tied to any specific religion, complete with its own unique set of rules, angel roles, and challenges. The Journey We get to see residents working to earn their wings so they can eventually ascend to the "Golden Realm." The Contrast There is a beautiful, effective contrast between the land of the living and the Middle Realm, especially seeing how Kai and Cleo experience the world differently now than they did when they were alive.


Final Thoughts:

This book was a total rollercoaster of emotions I laughed, I cried, and I fell completely in love with Kai and Cleo. Even if you don't usually read cozy stories, this one is so intense and well written that it will capture you from beginning to end. It was a joy to see characters from The Masked Flower integrated into the story as well! I’m already looking forward to whatever Erin Halli writes next.

[Tess Marais · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok where do I start with this review because this book was PERFECT!🥹🩵
Everything about it was just incredible and I am so in love with Erin’s writing.✨
This is definitely my favourite Erin Hallie book so far!🤭

The Starlit Sun is the story about Kai, Iris’s brother from The Masked Flower, and his journey in the afterlife with Cleo, his Guardian and true love.🩵
I loved Kai in TMF so I was extremely happy when Erin wrote his book.🤭 And what a book it was! The Starlit Sun made me feel all the emotions and grew so close to my heart the more I read it.✨

Kai is a funny, sunshine MMC who you just absolutely love from page one.😂 I love how he teased Cleo and how he charmed everyone he met. His love for his sister, Iris, and what he did for her is so beautiful and inspiring. Kai’s growth throughout this book was incredible and his relationship with Cleo is something I wish to have one day.🥹
He takes care of her and shows her that she deserves love.🩵

Cleo is a grumpy FMC with a soft heart and protects those she loves fiercely. She has so many layers to her and Kai gets to see all those layers bit by bit the more she allows him into her heart. Cleo doesn’t believe she is deserving of love but Kai shows her just how she does deserve love.🥹 Cleo is very relatable and her story was so tragic but she does get her HEA with Kai, and that made my heart so warm.🩵

✨If you love:
~Reverse grumpy x sunshine
~Paranormal romance
~Age gap
~Bookworm x jock
~Realm of angels
Then you absolutely NEED to read The Starlit Sun!🩵

[Mathilde Frederiksen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Even without having read the first book, I found this one very easy to follow. The author gives just the right amount of context so you never feel lost.

What I really enjoyed was the cosy atmosphere of the world, the peaceful pacing, and the focus on connection rather than a ton of action, as we tend to often experience in the fantasy genre. The magic system is quite simple and lovely, and the Archangels were a great touch with fun personalities. It’s the kind of romantasy that feels relaxing to read — emotional without being too heavy, magical without being too overwhelming.

In terms of characters, I really liked Cleo, and I think many readers will relate to her. The book does a good job exploring her feelings, her past, and the slow development of trust between her and Kai.

The only reason I didn’t rate higher is simply personal preference: it took me a little longer to connect with the male main character’s personality and voice. This is entirely subjective and doesn’t reflect the quality of the writing — just the kind of character I personally bond with as a reader.

The rest of the cast worked well for me and added charm and dimension to the world.

Overall, The Starlit Sun is a soft, sweet, and enjoyable read with a magical setting, a gentle romance, and a universe that’s easy to slip into. I do recommend it if you enjoy lighter romantasy with emotional warmth and a focus on the bond between two characters, and the importance of a Library :).

[Isabella · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to receive the ARC of this book, but will give a 1000% honest review 🤍

Oh man where do I even begin?? Gonna keep this spoiler free so anyone can read it.

I read The Masked Flower last year around the same time as this book. I enjoyed the first book and thought the plot was great. I think I gave it a 4 or 4.5! I felt like the writing was a little young and not as developed and that was the one thing holding me back.

Now here we are a year later and the change and development in Erin’s writing is CRAZY! I can tell she’s grown SO much as a writer from the first book to this book. And i LOVE it for her. I love seeing her grow as an author and watching that come to life in the pages of her books.

This book was beautifully written. I don’t get teary eyed at books easily, and this one did have me holding back some tears at the end. I think a few of the modern day phrases and terms we use today being in the book throws me off a little because I’m not used to seeing those in books, but they made me giggle and didn’t take away from the book at all.

I strongly recommend checking out these books and giving Erin a chance. And i can’t wait to see what the future holds for Erin 🤍🪽💫

[Raquel · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review

Thank you so much Erin for this stunning book! I was so happy to get my greedy paws on it early. I was so excited to get more of Kai's story because he is such a memorable character. He is the cutest golden retriever MMC but his voice comes across so strongly that he jumps off the page. And Cleo! My girl! I was flying through the book to see more of her story.

This book kicks off right at the end of the Masked Flower with high stakes and an intense situation. I was a little worried about how the pacing of the rest of the book would be with this strong start but I liked that the middle of the book slowed pacing wise to allow for the characters to grow in the story. Plus I was turning all of the pages trying to decipher what happened in Cleo's life. I was tearing up at the end to see what Cleo had to go through and how she finally was able to let go and find peace. Both her and Kai finding their peace individually and together was simply beautiful.

Erin has once again taken the heavy emotion of grief and transformed the journey through it in a way that is endearing and warm.

[Kayla Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

THE STARLIT SUN

“You know, for someone who doesn’t have wings, you aren’t afraid to fall.”

“Because the depth of my longing correlates with the vitality of those bonds. My pain is a constant reminder of the strength of my love.”

“Be careful, Cleo. You fall, I fall.”

“Terrifying, isn’t it? How someone can slip into your heart and steal it without permission.”

🪽Another beautiful, healing story from Erin!

✨When I read The Masked Flower, Kai became a favorite of mine, so getting to follow him into the afterlife felt like such a gift. This paranormal romance was such a sweet, heartwarming, magical story, as well as visually beautiful. Erin’s writing has the ability to wrap around you like a warm hug, guiding you through the emotions with tenderness that feels almost therapeutic. It makes you feel in a sense lighter, like releasing a long held breath. Thats how this story felt when I finished it—letting out a sigh and feeling simply lighter.

“Maybe this realm and that angel are exactly what I’ve been needing to find peace.”

[Ashley Monahan · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review:
I was beyond blessed to read this book pre release. It is beautiful and magical and healing all at the same time! This book brought me through all of the emotions: laughing, tears, happiness, heartbreak, sadness, hope and so much more. The description of the different realms is breathtaking. The way life beyond this mortal life is described is magical and hopeful. I love the idea of earning your wings and WOW they are different colors! Erin walks us through grief: the heartbreak, the sadness, the love and the beauty to not only the mortal life but the life after. The continuation of life after this one and the connection to seeing them again and yet still having them be part of our mortal journey here in the meantime. Absolutely loved this beautiful read!!!!
Also: If you haven’t read The Masked Flower by her yet, add that you your TBR!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This book has:
Forced proximity ✔️
Nicknames ✔️
Powers ✔️
Broken rules ���️
Slow burn romance ✔️
He fell first ✔️

[☆Laura☆ · Rating 2 out of 5]

Sus interacciones fueron demasiado superficiales como para que su supuesto amor se sintiera creíble.


En el libro anterior, Kai hablaba de Katherine con tanto amor, diciendo que sabía que ella era el amor de su vida y que de no haber muerto, se habrían casado. Aquí, todo eso se niega y de repente afirma que nunca habría regresado con ella porque le tenía miedo al matrimonio, cuando el claramente dijo que sabía que ella era la indicada y que fue un idiota por dejarla.

Me molestó que Cleo solo pensara en los sentimientos de Kai y lo idealizara como si fuera un ser puro, cuando en realidad era un egoísta al que no le importaba cómo sus acciones afectaban a Cleo.
Una cosa es ser buena y otra ser tonta y eso es lo que es Cleo, una tonta. Kai puede mentir y desaparecer sin intención de regresar, pero cuando Cleo hace algo similar el niño se siente traicionado. Aun así, Cleo lo entiende, lo justifica y termina cargando con la culpa que en realidad es totalmente de Kai.

[Kegan Herrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kai and Cleo’s story is beautiful, emotional and magical! Erin writes with the purest intention and pours her soul into her stories. I hold on to her characters like a warm hug as all the details of their journey unfold.

Kai is the golden boy who shines bright and smiles big when walking into a room; Cleo is the broody angel with a stubborn streak who prefers to stay home with a good book. Cleo is assigned to watch Kai in the afterlife to keep him from breaking divine rules. This should be a piece of cake for her but when it comes to Kai, unexplainable feelings and events happen while an undeniable bond blossoms.

Highlights
☀️ Nicknames
💫 Angelic mischief
☀️ Dreamy cloud date
💫 Grief healing
☀️ Relentless winks

Erin’s stories are a true treasure!

Thank you to the author/pub for this early copy. My thoughts are my own.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

arc review ~ the starlit sun ~ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

releases: december 2, 2025 🤍

thank you so so much, Erin, for allowing me to read an advanced copy of this!! I was so captivated by this story; Cleo’s past and her emotional journey, plus Kai’s inner monologue after glimpses of his character in The Masked Flower…I was so excited for this, and I was NOT disappointed!

I think that the characters truly made this book amazing; I related a lot to Cleo’s love for reading and hesitancy to open up, and I loved seeing Kai’s devotion to his loved ones in the first person. Plus- hearing about Iris and Jasper a couple times made me so happy 🥹 if you’re a fan of cozy romances, pick this up immediately!! I’d also highly recommend The Masked Flower, book one in this interconnected duology - they’re both perfect to curl up with. 🤍

[Bookashbutterfly · Rating 5 out of 5]

💫🧚🏻‍♀️🧚🏻‍♂️ The Starlit Sun by Erin Halli🧚🏻‍♂️🧚🏻‍♀️💫
🌸💛"Will the light of the future outshine the shadows of the past?"💛🌸

🌻Genre: Fantasy Romance
🌻Pub Day: 9th December 2025
🌻Ratings: ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
🌻Notes: 🪷Few days ago, I stumbled upon this gorgeous book cover and I fell in love instantly! And having recieved the ARC, I went in blindly without even reading the synopsis and yet, it was a really beautiful saga!🌸 I'm sooo lucky to have read it before the release 🫶🏻
🌻The world built-up is absolutely amazing. It's something I've never read before, it's gripping and fascinating throughout. The characters bind together the story with such an impeccable bond it's enchanting! 🌸
🪻 He calls her 'Angel!' I mean🥹🤌🏻 Kai and Cleo are my favourite duo from this day on!❤️
💜Having said that, I love this gem of a book 📖 and I highly recommend that you grab it on 9th December 💛

[Emily West · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so cute, Kai and Cleo as angels falling in love was adorable. I love the idea of angels in the afterlife having jobs and earning their wings, and working to resolve any insecurities or remorse they have before ascending into the “golden realm.”
I was very touched that Cleo’s dad was waiting for her and Kai when they ascended, since Cleo was carrying so much guilt around with her about her dad’s death. Overall this was a really great story about letting go of guilt and learning to forgive yourself, and perfect for readers that need comfort after the death of a loved one.

[Lina.V🤍 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was gorgeous! 🪽☁️

Such a unique story and an absolutely beautiful one!🤩 I love how this story focuses on forgiveness and learning to follow your fate and not holding on to something that is no longer for you.

I love that we see both these characters develop together ! Truly a beautiful book!

I did not read the first book and it was so easy to follow without reading the first one. I never felt lost or like I was missing something. The world building? The romance, the character development and magic system is everything ! I could only imagine such a heavenly place! 🤩🤩

[Breanna Ebisch · Rating 5 out of 5]

i was lucky enough to receive an arc of this book and was truly blown away! i absolutely loved everything about cleo and kai’s story and there’s just something about the way erin writes emotions and beautiful moving moments that is so unbelievably perfect. i teared up while reading this one but also smiled and laughed, it was incredible! if you’re looking for a beautiful, heartfelt love story with a touch of magic and angels, this book is for you. congrats on another amazing book, so proud of you!!

[Tay · Rating 4 out of 5]

I recently finished The Starlit Sun, a paranormal romance sequel to The Masked Flower and I truly enjoyed it! Erin puts so much care and attention to detail in what she writes and it blooms into a beautiful story! The world building was stunning, taking place in an angelic realm.

The Starlit Sun follows Kai (I was so excited for more of Kai you guys don’t even know!!!) after his guardianship ends from watching over Iris and introduces Cleo, a watcher who has chosen to stay in the middle realm and not ascend. Both angels find themselves in some trouble and are assigned to work together, neither being able to ascend.

I enjoyed seeing the relationship between Kai and Cleo blossom and I love a black cat x golden retriever / opposites attract romance! Cleo was so interesting and I loved getting to know more about her as the story progressed 🥹

Erin has such quotable moments sprinkled throughout the book and it’s a perfect follow up to her first book. Thank you for the opportunity to meet Kai and Cleo and I would absolutely recommend this one!

[Kristina Brock · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful story. I enjoyed this book so much and loved that we got to know Kai better. He was such a fun part of the Masked Flower, it left me wanting to know more about his story. I enjoyed that we got glimpses of Iris and Jasper too because they are my favorite! I can’t wait to see what comes next for Erin and the stories she creates! 👏

[Just One More Chapter… Oops · Rating 4 out of 5]

A solid sequel.

I really enjoyed this duology as a whole. And getting to see Kai’s journey play out was interesting and worth it.

I also quite enjoyed the whole ‘spin’ on the afterlife, ascension, and guardian angels.

[Eden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Favorite book of the year!!! 10/10

[Samantha Schneider- Crouse · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written! Kai and Cleo were definitely made for each other. I highly recommend this book! I enjoyed it from start to end.

[Alexandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a slow burn, paranormal romance with angels and forced proximity. The MMC Kai is such a cinnamon roll (some would say golden retriever) and was so cute with Cleo. I liked that she was the grumpy one of the two. They had good banter. I didn’t expect it, so that was a nice surprise. I appreciated how grief and healing were handled here. The story itself was slower paced but with beautiful writing. It was a good book and I enjoyed it.

[Jules · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.75✨
This book was a tear jerker at the end. Kai and Cleo were seriously made for each other. Such a sweet love story.

The beginning started out strong and then when the two main characters were working in the library it felt a bit slow but I now see how it reflects how the characters probably felt in that scenario.

The book really picked up after the halfway mark and I LOVED where the story went.

I really wanted to know what Cleo was holding in and what her past was about and gosh, it made me cry.

Everything was wrapped up so nicely.

Read if you like-
- paranormal romance
- book lovers
- dual POV
- handling grief
- learning to forgive yourself and others

Thank you so much Erin for allowing me to read this ARC!
I’ve loved both of your books so much. ♡