Divine Rising

by Cindy Stark

A gifted restoration expert.
An immortal guardian.
A castle hiding a fracture between worlds.

Selene Sullivan has built her career on control—on reading structures, correcting flaws, and restoring balance where others see only crumbling stone. When she’s offered the chance to work on a remote Irish castle, it should be the opportunity of a lifetime. Except the building doesn’t behave like a building. The air tightens without warning. The stone hums beneath her hands. And at the center of it all lies a circular inlay no one will cross, least of all the man assigned to oversee her work.

Bren McLoughlin is precise, controlled, and entirely uninterested in explaining himself. He watches too closely. Moves too carefully. And when Selene steps too near the heart of the castle, his restraint sharpens into something far more dangerous than distance. Because Bren isn’t guarding the structure. He’s guarding what lies beneath it.

When a fracture in the Veil between worlds begins to spread, Selene does what she’s always done. She fixes it. Except she shouldn’t be able to. Now the balance Bren has protected for centuries is shifting, drawn toward a woman who doesn’t understand what she is, or why his world is starting to respond to her.

The closer they work, the harder it becomes to maintain distance. The more they deny the pull between them, the more the Veil strains in response. And when something ancient begins to hunt her, restraint may no longer be enough to keep her safe. Or to keep him away.

Perfect for readers who enjoy slow-burn paranormal romance, forbidden attraction, an immortal protector, and a powerful heroine discovering hidden magic. Divine Rising is the first in a tension-filled, mythology-rich series set against a veil between worlds.

Perfect for readers who love…
– Slow-burn tension that tightens with every withheld word
– A guardian who protects by keeping his distance
– Forbidden attraction between an immortal and the woman who shouldn’t exist
– Mythology-rich Irish settings where the Veil between worlds bleeds through

280 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 4, 2026

About the author

Award-winning author Cindy Stark lives in a small town nestled beneath the Rocky Mountains. Whether she's writing magical cozy mysteries, slow-burn paranormal romance, or emotional romantic suspense, her stories are filled with lovable characters, mystery, humor, and heart.

She’d like to think she’s the boss of her three adorable and sassy cats, but deep down, she knows she’s ruled by kitty overlords. Someday, she hopes to earn enough to open a cat sanctuary where she can rescue all the kitties and play all day with toe beans and murder mittens.

Connect with her online at:
http://www.CindyStark.com
http://facebook.com/CindyStark19
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
https://www.amazon.com/Cindy-Stark/e/...


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Reviews

[Shana W · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this page-turner intriguing and engaging. It is a slow burn PNR with likeable characters and some original world building. I thought the writing was beautiful and very descriptive; I could imagine myself in those gorgeous places and I could picture the important characters.
Selene's family left Ireland for America a few generations before. She is now returning to her native Ireland after the death of her aunt. She has always had a talent for arranging spaces to restore old buildings. But now she is starting to suspect that it actually may be a magical ability, though her family never alluded to any of this in their history. She will need proper training, as she has been doing everything on instinct until now.
Bren is a demigod who guards the Veil between two worlds, and he is responsible for eliminating anything that steps out of it. He has been doing this for a few centuries and he is lonely and tired. No one would suspect he is anything other than human. It takes him a while to recognize that Selene is a witch. He is determined to protect her. Before she met him, Bren and his grove featured frequently in Selene's dreams. Now they have an intense chemistry that is difficult to ignore, although acting on it would be problematic. The situation is made more difficult by the fact that they have to work together. I really can't wait for the next book to find out what follows.
I read an advanced copy, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Lisa Menor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Originally from the US but now based in Ireland, the birthplace of her ancestors, Selene is using her abilities to restore old properties while keeping their charm and history intact. Ireland's lush landscapes, castles and rich history are the perfect place for her to do her magic. That's her superpower. To Selene, it's just her job. After finishing the restoration of an old townhouse, Selene and her co workers, Maeve and Clara were in need of some R & R. Given keys by their boss Cillian to is country home, they head to Killarney. Once there, it doesn't take long for her to cross paths with Bren, the immortal, the protector. When their paths cross more than once, they feel a connection, one that can't be denied. When Selene is hired to work for Bren, they both realize that they need to be professional. Working closely together tests their boundaries. To Bren's surprise, as well as Selene's, it seems Selene has special abilities of her own. It looks as though he's met someone he never thought he'd meet, let alone...thought existed.

More please💕 Paranormal is not my typical read, but if all paranormal books are as good as this one, then I may have to reevaluate my life choices! I absolutely love these characters and can't wait to learn more about them. The storyline is original and amazing!! So excited for book 2!!!

[Caleb O'Connell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Divine Rising is exactly the kind of romantasy that rewards patience, drawing readers into a world where mythology, mystery, and slow-burning emotion become impossible to separate.

What immediately captured my attention was the atmosphere. The castle feels alive, the Veil between worlds carries genuine mystery, and every unanswered question pulls you deeper into the story. Rather than rushing to explain its magic, the novel allows readers to experience it alongside Selene, making every discovery feel earned.

The relationship between Selene and Bren is another standout. The tension isn't built through dramatic declarations but through restraint, stolen moments, and the constant awareness that something far greater than either of them is at stake. That emotional discipline makes the slow burn especially satisfying, while Bren's role as an immortal guardian adds depth to every interaction.

Perhaps what impressed me most is how naturally the mythology supports the romance. Neither element overshadows the other. Instead, they strengthen one another, creating a story where ancient legends, hidden power, and growing attraction all feel like parts of the same unfolding destiny.

With its rich Irish mythology, immersive setting, and compelling emotional tension, Divine Rising is a memorable beginning to what promises to be a captivating new romantasy series.

[Charmaine Fernando · Rating 4 out of 5]

Selene Sullivan is a restorer of old properties while maintaining their charm and history. Unknown to her, she is good at her job due of her innate magic skills. After experiencing job burnout following the last job, their manager, Cillian, suggests that Selene, and her co-workers Maeve and Clara, take a break. He gives them the keys to a country home in Killarney and while there, Selene seems to find a connection with the house. At the same time, she “meets” Bren McCoughlin who is the guardian of the structure. When the two meet, things get very interesting and lots of intrigue ensue. There is also that lovely connection between the two that they initially try to deny but the house seems to pull them closer together.

A thrilling new series/author and I am looking forward to the next book in the series. I enjoyed the paranormal aspect of it and would recommend this book. I received an ARC from the publishers and Booksprout with thanks and submit my honest review voluntarily.

[Penny · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wasn’t really sure I should pick up this series starter, but after finishing this, I’m really glad I did. Selene is our main character who is an expert in restoring old houses, but she doesn’t know that some of her expertise is because of her innate magic. We go along with her as she discovers the world isn’t what she thought it was, and there is danger lurking on the horizon. I really enjoyed this book. I thought it moved slowly, but when I say that I mean slow for me. Things progressed in a good fashion, but I like things to be almost so fast-paced, you can’t catch your breath. This was well-written, engaging, very entertaining, and it definitely left me wanting more. I can’t wait to read the next installment. Recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.

[Linda Norton · Rating 5 out of 5]

For Selene it's just her job. After finishing the restoration of an old townhouse, Selene and her co workers are in need of a break. they head to Killarney compliments of their boss. Where she’s crosses paths with Bren, the immortal, guardian who immediately dismisses her. When the girls go looking for a waterfall she find the moonlit grove from her dreams. The mysterious man in the dreams turns out to be Bren who makes her think she’s still dreaming. But then She is hired to work for Bren on a castle. Working closely together tests their boundaries. Selene has special abilities of her own. She saves his life and He starts helping her open up her magic
Great first book look forward to the next ones in the series .

[LizJ. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Divine Rising Book 1 of Moonlight Divine series by Cindy Stark is not the usual fare I've read from Ms. Stark and totally unexpected and thoroughly delightful. I enjoy reading about different countries Ireland being one of my favorites especially when it's done so well. Selene and Bren are an interesting couple, slow burn romance with magical aspects I enjoyed. I can't wait for more! Highly recommend!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I read a lot of books. Some are meh and some are slop. So it's very refreshing to read a book that's well written, intriguing, page-turning, and exciting--with a little romance. Warning, there are a few f-bombs, if that bothers you. But the story itself, the writing and the characters are truly magical. I look forward to reading every book Cindy writes in this series! I can't wait!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jennifer Laird-Lord · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very good book to read, set in Ireland. A wonderful start to a new series. The characters are entertaining and interesting to read about. I would recommend it if you like magic and the magic of Ireland.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Debbie Benson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. I liked the setting of Ireland and the chemistry between Bren and Selene. I really liked the paranormal aspect of this story. It is a really good start to a new series and I'm looking forward to the next book.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book. This is a fast read and a great escape. I will be watching for more by this author.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Cheri Lyn Carmean · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like that it is different

I really liked this book. I often get tired of the same-old-same-old paranormal romance novels. This one is different than most. It felt new and I read it in one sitting. I strongly recommend it.

[Ladnamal · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an interesting story and I loved the Irish setting. The plot was interesting and the connection between Selene and Bren was great.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.