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Starlight Gods #2

Tainted Rose

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I failed...

My name is Ryder Carter, future heir of Realm Five, Minato.

I was destined to do great things, to walk alongside my fellow star knights, as we desperately searched for the woman who would lead our galaxy to salvation.

My spirit and I had failed her once, unable to prevent the chain of events and challenges she’d faced for sixteen cycles. Then, we finally found her - alive.

Within two rotations, she'd blossomed into a beautiful rose - such delicate petals, filled with purity and life. My mission was to guide her home, to where she truly belonged, as our Princess and saviour from the approaching darkness. She was more than just our Princess; I loved her with all my heart.

But...I failed. My once perfect rose, damaged by my failures. Would she ever forgive me, her star knight who'd sworn to protect her? Will I ever get the chance to tell her how much she means to me...to us?

Only the Starlight gods can tell. Please...bring my Firefly home.

~In Stars We Trust~

Tainted Rose is Book Two in the new, paranormal reverse harem series.
Recommended for 18+ audience, containing mature sexual content and strong language.

446 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 10, 2017

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Yumoyori Wilson

71 books853 followers

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 128 reviews
Profile Image for Anastasia シ.
789 reviews270 followers
April 1, 2018
Full Review on my blog!

I am so in love with this series!! This book delves deeper into some of the internal struggles of every character. I loved that Yumoyori really explored the depths of these characters in Tainted Rose. I think it gave the book just that little bit extra to push it over the edge into fantastic amazing-ness.

Tainted Rose is the second book in the Starlight Gods series, and picks up where Dark Wish left off. We’ve got Mako in a coma, Eli/Elias is riddled with poison and the rest of the Knights are feeling very lost without the glue that Mako creates. Without giving much away in this review, this second book is all about the boys. Each of the knights and their spirits are given a chance to shine and the reader to learn more about them. The reader also meets Kai – which is awesome! I know there are many POVs but they were necessary, we get to look through Makoto’s knight’s minds, and their spirits minds and it really adds to each characters development. I absolutely love everyone’s perspective, I love when authors do this, I love hearing all the characters thoughts.

Once again, this is an amazing story that completely gripped from the first word to the last. Mako is just as quirky as she was in the first book. I love how we see the different spirits to each of them, plus how the Knights all have their own very individual characters, and their own histories too. We read more about Daniel and Elias’ past. I really enjoyed seeing Marcus’ dragon come out to play! Oh and don’t even get me start on Kai and his phoenix. . . omggg. Yumoyori just keeps on bringing on the hotness with these men and I seriously can’t handle it! I really feel for Elias and I really hope that he can open up to Mako soon and let her in. I would also love to get more of Azriel, I loved the dynamic between him and Stryker, and the silly little tiff that they have going on. . . I giggle every time at it. It seemed very natural to have a demon and angel bang heads and not want to admit that they actually are besties hahaha. . .

Tainted Rose had just about everything that I was looking for in this book, it was funny, creative, suspenseful, melt your panties sexy and just down right good. So much more is revealed in this book than I first anticipated. I really cannot wait to read the next book in this series! I highly recommend reading this series!

Also, Leo is back haha and just as annoying as before!! ANDDD, a freaking CLIFFHANGER!!!! Ahhhaha

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Profile Image for Al *the semi serial series skipper*.
1,659 reviews863 followers
April 7, 2019
This book is a big convoluted mess. I can't even start.

This is a reverse harem featuring Makoto, the lost princess of Heila, who was stolen when she was six and experimented on until she was rescued by the knights that were sworn to protect her. Mako is this preppy little thing that somehow knows how to do everything despite having lived in captivity for about sixteen-eighteen years. She's full of charm and sass. She is also fond of saying anything that comes to her head, she literally has no filter, there is a reason for that.

Makoto happens to have five different spirits in her, these are all separate entities with different likes and ideas. She can't differentiate when they are speaking to her in her head or when an external person is talking to her and that makes her look cray cray. It was endearing in the first book but it's gotten annoying in this book.

This five personalities are also exhausting. I know this is a RH but I don't want 14 people in the harem, sheesh. The men in the harem also have their own alternate personality. Thankfully they have one each , that means there's 10 of them in total then add Makato's 6, damn, that's 16 people and apparently there's one spot left in the harem. Naa, can't do it.

I usually couldn't care less when it comes to grammar and punctuation in writing but this book was riddled with so many errors. Comma's were absent in this book. I saw the author put a preface saying "she knows how to write and this is Canadian English" no sis, this is bad. Get an editor or something. Sheesh.

I'm going to be leaving this series right here. I can't do more of the guys and girls in this series. I honestly still don't know what the book's about, I am also vexed that Makato has still no seen her parents , that is the most ridiculous implausible things I've ever heard. What parent wouldn't move heaven and earth to see the daughter they lost for sixteen years, even if they have to sneak away to do it . It was just unbelievable.
Profile Image for Felicia.
598 reviews
January 15, 2019
Wow, just wow. I don't know how I feel after finishing this book!

Tainted Rose starts off right where the first book left off. Mako is trying to figure things out after what happened to her at the end of the first book. The boys are also trying to figure things out as well. Everyone is suffering crazy emotions after what happened during the exam in book one.

After everything is figured out, Mako and the guys begin to learn about one another more. Mako spends more and more time with the guys. All the while getting farther and farther away from one guy in particular.

You learn so much more about Mako, Midnight, and her spirits in this book. Your jaw will literally drop when some things are revealed because damn you just weren't expecting it.

You also get your first glimpse of smut. And let me tell you! Holy cow! It is wonderfully, perfectly, amazing! Hot damn, I can't wait for more! :D

I personally feel like there wasn't a lot that happened in this book. But at the exact same time I feel like so much happened. Super contradicting, I know. But like there really wasn't any action in this book until the very end. Which, normally, I wouldn't like but you gained so much knowledge and information about Mako and her guys during this book that you couldn't help but be entranced throughout the entirety of the book. You just wanted to know more and more and that's exactly what you're given. So while, yes, this book wasn't as filled with jam packed action scenes like the first book, it was still a book that kept you on the edge of your seat.

I have to mention again that I wasn't expecting to like this series as much as I do. I have absolutely fallen in love with the guys and with Mako as characters. This story has totally captivated me. Yes, there is some grammer mistakes and some misspellings in these books so far, and I'm expecting there to be more, but not every book is perfect; especially not every indie book. I was able to get past the mistakes. :D
Profile Image for OneDayI'll.
1,613 reviews42 followers
November 13, 2017
Avoid exams at all costs

I think that is the moral of this story lol. After the events that led to the end of book 1, Mako is back at Knightwood recovering at the beginning of this story. Trapped in darkness, unable to return to her knights without help. Luckily, someone clues one of her knights in on a secret that allows her to escape. But just as she's getting back on her feet, someone else is plotting to take it all away again.

I didn't enjoy this book as much as the 1st. While we do get more background on our knights, we also get more angst. It reads more like a teen romance than adults. I'm ok with Mako acting younger, she's been emotionally stunted due to her imprisonment at the facility. But the guys? They're ages 25-27(28?). They should be further along than this. We finally see romance progress beyond kisses and petting but the scene lost me because it went from sweet to, well not so sweet, very quickly. It didn't fit with previous behaviors, especially for a girl who has witnessed her friend literally raped right in front of her, as well as other shifters in the facility. They really give bear shifters a bad rap in these books. Her going from sweet to f*** me in .6 seconds seems unrealistic. Their demons sides being rough? Ok. Plausible. Aside from the romance angle I do have questions. The main one is this: if they're so advanced they have space travel (even if it's barely mentioned) why are their communications so slow? Just a few things that have pulled me from being immersed in the story. Also, Mako should just avoid exams, hers or helping others. They seem to be bead luck.
Profile Image for Jessica Robbins.
2,598 reviews52 followers
July 25, 2018
Poor Mako just cannot catch a break. Due to the ending of book one she is basically in a coma as this book starts so we get lots of viewpoints from the guys which is quite nice. Then she wakes up only to have to deal with a whole different set of issues circling around her spirits and magic. Just when they think they have it all figure out she finds herself in danger yet again leaving us at a cliffhanger dying for the next book to see how it all turns out. Incredible world building and in depth characters you can really love/hate depending on their role in the story. I highly recommend the book/series to fans of the genre. I really liked it so I give it 4/5 stars.
Profile Image for Megan (BookWifeReviews).
1,564 reviews53 followers
June 4, 2018
So much crying!!! oh my gosh. Everyone was a weepy mess. I still like the characters and I still want to know what happens but I really did not like this book.
Profile Image for Nikki Tate.
14 reviews
November 14, 2017
Therapy

That all this story was about. There was no plot line. I was looking g forward to this book, and was highly disappointed.
Profile Image for Jennifer G.
2,926 reviews56 followers
November 14, 2017
Tainted Rose is the return of my favorite sleep-walking, milk-chugging, inner/outer dialogue sharing Princess! Mako and her Star Knights survived the Owner's attack using Midnight's brilliant battle strategy, however, Elias/Eli are still suffering from poison effects and Mako is in a coma. There is no sign of her spirits and her Knights and their spirits are lost without their firefly. Fear and guilt are their constant emotions as they pray for her to wake up. Mako does find her way back, once again bringing them joy, but each of her Knights seems to be facing their own demons. She isn't the only one to have suffered during childhood. Mako is their best hope for facing down their pasts and finding happiness.

Mako is a breath of fresh air. She is a most original character. She's loving, brave, intense, grateful,
spunky, defiant, generous, innocent, joyful. The small child that was once described as a ninja princess has grown into a fierce young woman. A character that can boast "Ordinary is boring. I'm unique and one of a kind" and still be adorable is special indeed. She touched me one moment and amused me the next. Her spirits and Midnight are each true characters themselves. Rose's confidence, Lexi's naughtiness, Hope's purity, Lily's kindness, and Midnight's protectiveness. I love when they all chime in. I also adore Nightmare. Mako's Knights are everything good men should be. They are adoring, faithful, brave, smart. They are amusing and oh so, sexy, Eli included. Several are suffering for various reasons and Mako and the other Knights are supportive and loving. This seems to be working in each case except for Daniel. The guys are healing. His past is starting to create more tension with Midnight and even interfere with his bond with Mako. He was frustrating in this book. Kai was a welcome addition. I loved him immediately.

This book had some of everything. There were sweet dates, sexual tension and sexy times. There were 'Heck yes, You Go Girl!' moments and 'Choke on what you're drinking with laughter' moments and 'Toe-curling, lust-inducing Mine' moments. We got so much of the guy's history. We have a much better understanding of them personally now. We got plenty of time between Mako and each Knight and her spirits with their spirits. New information surfaced vaguely that deepens the danger of coming darkness and Mako's role fighting for the good. There are suspense and intrigue. Honestly, I was so deeply entertained while reading I didn't want to stop for dinner. It's a stay up all night reading kind of story.

I could have easily given this a 5 star. I went back and forth more than once trying to make up my mind. This is what I want out of my Reverse Harem. A group of incredible, gorgeous men all completely devoted to their girl. One beautiful, feisty female in love and grateful for her guys. Relationships moving forward with only a touch of drama. My hesitation came from the repetition during the first of the book. So much sleeping. Then there's the absence of any of Mako's family. If other Royals can have contact and she's not hidden, I do not understand what could possibly keep her parents (mother) away. Once again the ending is pure torture. Darkness is coming, for some, it's already arrived. Everything is hanging in the balance for Mako and her Knights once more. I am dying here. Stars, I want more now!

Profile Image for Cassie Guest.
122 reviews27 followers
November 12, 2017
I love basically half of the heroine. I like her child-like personality and the way she sleep walks. Her milk addiciton and claim to the guys is also entertaining, but she is ALWAYS getting in trouble and needing to be saved. Isnt she suppose to have 5 different spirits and yet she still can't fight? Her slave mark is no excuse either. Her powers were able to grow when she was away from him and yet she is still the same.
Profile Image for Kim.
62 reviews4 followers
November 15, 2017
Frustrating

I have to say the first book was better. I had a really hard time with the beginning of this book (I had to stop myself from just skimming). That being said, this book gave you history on the guys. The book does pick up and get better. Spoiler: Daniel needs to get his act together. Why would any of them help Leo???? Really. Now she's down for the count again. I hope the next book does not start all boo hoo don't die we need you please wake up for half the story. The goods parts of the story were really good but mostly I was feeling frustrated.
Profile Image for The Book Junkie Reads . . ..
5,075 reviews155 followers
May 30, 2018
WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOWWWWWWWWWWWW. Those were my exact thoughts as I finished this one. I went on a journey with depth, passion, life, excitement, new stars, new hearts, new dreams. I have not had the pleasure of book one, but I will fix that. I did enjoy this read. I feel the need to go back and pick up on it all from the beginning.

Profile Image for Leigh.
115 reviews27 followers
November 10, 2017
Since the first book ended on a cliffhanger, I was anxious to get started. The story continues with Mako and her knights dealing with the aftermath of book one. I enjoyed the twists the story took.

The relationships are getting more in depth (hee hee pun intended) and we're learning more about everyone involved, including the spirits (I love Midnight. And Rose. And Rose and Stryker). Mako, once she starts her real recovery, recovers the sense of humor and lack of filter that makes her such an enjoyable character. And we got to meet Kai who I refuse to say is my favorite. Nope. Not gonna. (Sorry Daniel and Marcus).

The worldbuilding continues to be enthralling and different. Thank you for your brain and imagination. I read an arc so I can't say anything about the final version but overall, I'm still hella enjoying the series.

Holy mother of cliffhangers part 2, Batman. Jenkies.

Also, who puts a bra on a coma victim. That's just mean.
69 reviews1 follower
July 30, 2018
Tainted Rose is such an amazing book and such a great continuation on the first book. The characters are very well developed and they are expanded on even more than in the first book. I got an in depth look at all of the characters that I fell in love with in the first book and even got to meet some new and exciting ones. The storyline is action packed and keeps you wanting more. It takes the story in a great direction, setting up the third book to be the best yet! The descriptions and imagery that is painted by Yumoyori's words really make you feel like you can picture exactly what is going on in the book. Tainted Rose is action packed with great characters and an amazing storyline and I can't wait to read book 3!
Profile Image for Soobee.
34 reviews
November 15, 2017
I am so in love with this series!

Yumoyori knows what her readers want and delivers it. I absolutely loved the the first book and was even more in love once book 2 had come out. This book starts up basically where the first one left us. I started the book wondering how it was going explain the ending of Dark Wish, because you're left thinking that that was it for Mako right? How is Yumoyori going to explain the events of the previous book. Well, she does it in a way that is so original and natural. We don't just pick up months down the track and Mako is fine and dandy and everyone's having a laugh. The book actually starts off with the guys POV's and Eli's and works it's way to Mako. I loved absolutely loved it! It was so refreshing. And I love my guys so a bit of extra time with them was amazing hehe.

Things heat up a little in this book between Ryder and Mako and Stryker and Rose. Wow. . . It was so amazing, I wanted more and was disappointed when there wasn't anymore sizzle and heat to read hahaha. . .

I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know the guys a bit more, we read more of Daniel and Elias and go to know more about his past a little. I really enjoyed seeing Marcus' dragon come out to play. I want more of him in the next one! Oh and don't even get me start on Kai and his phoenix. . . wow. Yumoyori just keeps on bringing on the hotness with these men and I seriously can't handle it! I keep finding men to claim as my own! haha. . I really feel for Elias and I really hope that he can open up to Mako soon and let her in. I would also love to get more of Azriel, I loved the dynamic between him and Stryker, and the silly little tiff that they have going on. . . I giggle every time at it. It seemed very natural to have a demon and angel bang heads and not want to admit that they actually are besties hahaha. . .

There were some super amazing moments within the book and you got to see Mako take that witch from school down again hehe. Oh that was so delicious! And to have Ryder's parents support her and back her up was just the cherry on top. I'm so in love with his parents and I want to adopt them . . .

The story was a natural progression from Dark Wish and the reveal in it!! I knew it! I just knew it! hehehe. . . I won't spoil it. . .you'll have to read it. I loved everything about this book and Yumoyori just keeps on delivering, in not only the story, but the characters as well.

I'm super excited for Book three and I hope this series never ends haha.
Profile Image for Kate A.
565 reviews14 followers
March 14, 2018
I had very mixed feelings about the first book in this series, Dark Wish, I felt like it had a lot of potential but just let itself down with silly inconsistencies and childish characters. I had hopes that maybe Tainted Rose was going to have ironed some of these things out but I found it to be on the same level as the first book.

I’ll admit I found Makoto a little more endearing in this book, but then since they weren’t in the school at all there was no reason for her to be needlessly catty, there was one incident towards the end of the book involving a rival girl that verged on being too much but it didn’t last long.

We get introduced to another Star Knight in this book and thankfully get a bit more background on the rest of the guys and their spirits which I appreciated. We also get to read from their points of view which adds something a little different to this story because we can hear about some of the worlds in a more natural way.

Again there was a very interesting concept around Makoto’s spirits and it was good to see what happened after the end of book one, however, there wasn’t really any plot to speak of in this book, there was nothing to really catch your attention to keep the pace going and at places it kind of lagged.

Unfortunately very similar to the layout of the first book at the very end there is something that happens that is supposed to start off some action and really get to your emotions but I found that by this point I just wasn’t invested enough to get there and ended up skipping through it a little.

It was nice to see some of the relationships develop in this book but it was filled with lots of inconsistencies and errors, such as not knowing what an iPhone is but without being told knowing that you can text with it, it’s little things here and there but they do add up.

It was nice to give this series another shot because I did like the premise but whilst I would love to know the outcome of certain things and would like to see a little more action between Makoto and the Knights I don’t think I’ll be picking up any future books. I think there will be people out there that will enjoy this but I need a something a little more throughout the story to keep me hooked.

Originally posted on everywhere and nowhere
Profile Image for Taylor.
186 reviews20 followers
November 16, 2017
Tainted rose....hooolly molyy.

The second installment to the Starlight Gods series by Yumo Rose sucks us right back into the world of Mako and her Knights. We've got Mako in a coma, Eli/Elias is riddled with poison and the rest of the Knights are feeling very lost without the glue that Mako creates.
This book delves deeper into some of the internal struggles of every character. I loved that Yumoyori really explored the depths of these characters in Tainted Rose. I think it gave the book just that little bit extra to push it over the edge into fantastic amazing-ness.

Tainted rose had just about everything that i was looking for in this book, it was funny, creative, suspenseful, melt your panties sexy and just down right good. So much more is revealed in this book than i first anticipated, just so much about it builds on the solid platform that Starlights Gods 1 finished on. I really cannot wait for the next installment because i have so many questions!!!!

I love Mako!! There is just so much to like about her, shes vulnerable yet incredibly strong, shes hilarious, a little bit weird and just a happy character. I think i love that about her the most. Too often we read these heavy, intense female leads who dont know how to find the happiness, i love that Mako isnt one of those.
Midnight, is the opposite side of the same coin, and funnily enough, i love that she is everything that Mako isnt. I cannot stress enough how unique this play on a character Midnight is, and i love it!

The Knights......holy warm milk....Yumo, do you mind if i steal one....or two....well just make it a package deal for me, yeah? They were just so unique and gorgeous and in their own little ways, just as weird as Mako. It was perfect. On top of that, Kai, well isnt he a delicious addition to the crew.
Daniel needed a smack up the back of the head, but again, each character has their own journey.

This was just pure awesome!

402 reviews29 followers
November 13, 2017

Overall, I enjoyed this read immensely. Mako is indeed a refreshing heroine. She radiates innocence, as if a curious child catching-up from the childhood she has been depraved of. At the same time, she's this fierce and grim woman who seemingly has to grow up at such an early time just to survive. Tainted rose, she truly is. I also enjoy her connection with each of the heroes. I don't know why but I feel like all of the guys are all equal in her eyes. I know, I know, each hero is in a different level of physical & emotional intimacy with her but I just feel like she loves them all fairly. (Yes, even Elias and Daniel).

I love Midnight, too. Period.

There are some things that bother me, though. Not enough to diminish the five-star ratings, but enough to put it in a review:

1. I think I have more unanswered questions now, not just about Mako herself but also about how this universe works? I have a feeling those blank spaces might be explored later on esp with the new series the author is having. Hopefully.

2. Mako's family. Okay, so, I'm more than a little peeved that I feel like her bio family isn't really doing anything productive towards Mako's case. Especially since the guys keep assuring Mako that her family is worried and excited about her. But I still feel that they're absentee-ish? Hmmm.

And gdi, why does the owner and Jeffrey keep on having good luck when it comes to Mako? It feels like after what they have done to her, and Mako rebuilding herself, only to be obliterated again? Ugh, two steps forward, ten steps backward? This threat isn't even handled and more threats are growing to pile up on top of that. *cringes*

I hope Mako catches her breath and gets a much deserved vacay! lmao

Profile Image for Carli Liles.
75 reviews1 follower
November 12, 2017
Holy flying hot chicks, Batman! That was a fantastic second installment.

So, first, I'd like to mention that the pacing of this book feels "abnormal" but it still works so well. SO much happens. I honestly feel like the pacing is the way it is (and works) because of the reverse harem aspect of it. Since you're following so many different important, intersecting storylines it's just the way it plays out.

This book hops in pretty much immediately after the first one ended (for the most part).

We get a much more in-depth view into ALL of the characters this book. We really get to learn more about their childhoods and why they are the way they are. And of course, we get to meet the sexy ginger, Kai *sigh*. And of course most of this learning is done with Mako's wonderful inner/outer dialogue. That detail makes these books so damn entertaining.

Mako does seem a little more "comfortable" with the regular world now. But there are some things that she's still learning about (flavored milks, for instance).

It feels like the biggest antagonist in this particular installment is not her "owner" or anyone trying to physically hurt her or her guys (for the most part). It's all of them dealing with their pasts and learning how to love each other and themselves.

Basically, this is a GREAT book and I can't wait to read what happens next for this fascinating group of characters.

Oh, and if you were frustrated with the level of heat in the first book (they were just getting to know each other), fear not, there's some steamy times in this book. ;)

P.S.
Absolutely LOVE LOVE LOVE the direction things are going with Eli/Elyion. Genius!
1,309 reviews
January 16, 2018
In this follow-up to Dark Wish, Tainted Rose starts off with Mako in a coma, struggling to get back to her star knights. I loved how Yumo wrote those scenes, the different perspectives hit me right in the feels! Mako has to endure a lot of after effects from that battle with B.A. and when she finally feels better more stuff happens to put her back at square one. Things can never be too easy for our Princess. I really loved getting to know Ryder's parents and the parts of the book at his castle. Love the kickass moments but the tender ones I think took the cake for me. I haven't had a book evoke so many different emotions from me and I was saddened every time I saw the percentage read increase...I never wanted it to end haha.

In this book we get to witness the relationships between Mako and her star knights grow and strengthen (almost all of them) and finally get some steamy moments with some ;) I really liked all the twists and turns that were included in this book, some I did not expect at all which was really refreshing. I especially loved Midnight popping in and out and her story. Thought the shifting was pretty awesome and liked how different the characters became when they fully shifted. Can't wait to read more about Kai, he is very intriguing and I think will be one of my favorites. I hope things work out with our troubled angel, he is definitely one of my favorites and his POVs always leave me wanting more. I'm glad there will be crossovers and other books in between now and Poisoned Dreams to tide me over. I highly recommend everyone read this series, it will instantly become one of your favorites!
Profile Image for Merissa (Archaeolibrarian).
4,264 reviews123 followers
March 16, 2018
Tainted Rose is the second book in the Starlight Gods series, and I'm so excited for the third book already! I can't wait!!!

We start where Dark Wish ended - Mako/Midnight are recovering from the attack. However, we learn that her Knights survived the attack, and it was all part of a 'big plan'. The trouble is, Mako is in a coma, and shows no signs of waking up, which puts a HUGE strain on all the guys, with Ryder bearing the brunt of it all. Through faith, luck, and pixie dust - sorry, I meant FAIRY dust, Mako does wake up, but things are quite as normal as she, and the guys, wanted.

There is so much I could say about this story, but I really don't want to give away any spoilers. Once again, this is an amazing story that completely gripped from the first word to the last. Mako is just as quirky as she was in the first book, and she now has her ginger Knight too, which she is VERY happy about. I love how we see the different spirits to each of them, plus how the Knights all have their own very individual characters, and their own histories too. Poor Daniel, that's all I'll say on that one!

With no editing or grammatical errors to disrupt my reading flow, this story flowed very nicely indeed. Once again ending on a cliffhanger, I am left waiting and wanting for the third book in this series. Absolutely loving it, and definitely recommended by me.

* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Profile Image for Behind Closed Doors Book Review.
1,243 reviews178 followers
March 13, 2018
Amount of sex 1.5 / 5
How explicit 2 / 5
Story 4.5 / 5
Overall: 4.5 / 5

Mako and her knights are back. Without giving much away in this review, this second book is all about the boys. Each of the knights and their spirits are given a chance to shine and the reader to learn more about them. The reader also meets Kai - which is awesome! While still at Knightwood Academy, we do get to see a little bit of a few of the realms through Mako and her spirits' eyes. Now just because the boys are the featured items, don't think Mako is left in the dust. We learn a lot more about Midnight and her role. We also get a sliver of what is really going on (but only the faintest of tastes).

The book moves along with a little less action and more character development than the first book. This book also leaves you with a cliffhanger. The spicy parts are still heavy on the sexual tension with only a peek at what might be to come (come on already!!!).

The book is fun and learning more about the knights really helps distinguish them from each other. I love Mako and her spirits - the back and forth is really funny. If I wasn't hooked in the first one (and I was) the second has me tapping my foot waiting for more!
Profile Image for Amanda Crossland.
1,242 reviews13 followers
February 10, 2023
Wow

I know I’ve said this in my last review of the first book but wow! We all knew something would go wrong with her helping Leonardo but I didn’t expect that side of him to emerge at the end, I shouldn’t be surprised but I am. This book had the perfect balance of negative vs positive things happening. I felt the nature of the fmc emotions felt natural to what was going on around her. I’m not a huge fan of the summary as it doesn’t eclipse even a quarter of the book in its definition. I loved the multiple POV’s. I’m curious as to how the long lost sister will play out. This book had a few steamy scenes that weren’t included in the first book and I was so down for it! The build up between the characters getting to know each other was at a point where they had to do the dirty tango horizontal style or vertical. It was literally steamy to read. I loved all of it! I truly loved how long the book was. It had just enough included in every chapter that made it intriguing, mysterious, plot holes filling in, while others opened wide. I loved how mysteries were revealed finally… the whose who with what spirit helped at the beginning of the book. I also loved how Kai was involved in the story as he wasn’t in the first one. I truly can’t wait for the next book to arrive!
Profile Image for Kayla Pipkin.
782 reviews38 followers
November 12, 2017
Yumoyori Wilson has done it once again!
Tainted Rose is the second installment in the Starlight Gods series and picks up where Dark Wish left off.
I feel in this book you are getting more POV's, not just from Mako and her spirits, but the boys' and their spirits' as well.
I'm not going to lie, I was a little confused at the beginning but I finally figured out what was going on when Mako awoke.
I don't want to give away too much because I hate spoilers, but I will say this book is definitely worth reading.
I'm ready to find out what will happen next between Mako, the boys', and her finally going home.
Relationships blossom between Mako and most of the boys, as well as new ones sprouting up, while one is put on the backburner it seems due to the past trying to cripple them.
This story is well-written and you feel as if you are there with the characters.
I know in one scene in particular, I cried my eyes out. I felt as if it was me hearing those words and it broke my heart.
I hope you will enjoy this story as much as I did.
If you haven't read this story yet, go purchase the first and second book immediately. You won't regret it!
Profile Image for SJ.
2,451 reviews15 followers
November 9, 2017
I thought the first book in the series was epic, but I was not prepared for how awesome book two is! I have now read it twice and will be reading it again soon

The author takes you right into Mako's world, she lets you feel what all the characters are feeling, you really get to k ow the characters and I was completely and utterly drawn into the story. World war could have started and I would not have noticed!

The story takes off from where one finished, it is exciting, dramatic with danger and uncertainty. There are some real funny moments, plenty of romantic moments and we learn more about all the characters

There are also twists and turns galore, and basically i
was glued to the book and randomly made to squeal in excitement whilst reading it

This is an awesome series and I am waiting excitedly for the next book, I highly recommend this must read book, it is truly awesomeness
Profile Image for Kat.
3 reviews
December 10, 2017
Addictive yet semi-confusing

I couldn't put down this book but it did get quite confusing at some points.

Part of the timeline is not linear. For example, an event might occur and then the next scene jumps back to the catalyst of this event and it leaves the reader totally confused because it is not obvious which happened first. It is useless when the catalyst is later explained accurately and efficiently by a character in the present (for what is now the second or third time).

I also find it very frustrating to see the same scene multiple times from different characters' point of views (same quotes, etc) because it is a waste of time.

This received a 3 review as it was addictive and I was invested in what was happening to the main character. I find her and her spirits very enthralling and her men addicting. The mental and emotional strength is something to be admired.
Profile Image for Tamara Tabor.
52 reviews
March 10, 2018
It just keeps getting better! We finally get to me the ever elusive Kai from the first book! I will say that this book might not be everyone ones cup of tea with the way things are starting to play out or how its paced but I think that it honestly really works for this book. It really sets up for the rest of the series giving you more insight into Ryder and the background information that was kind of lacking.

This book is a major roller coaster! Not to be read in public unless you're okay with crying like a baby in front of people!

Most often I find with books that have so many potential MC or main supporting characters you find yourself as a reader getting lost but that doesn't happen here. when a spirit takes over there is always a definitive switch and it helps the story flow!

Overall great second book to this series and I'm still excited to be following Mako and everyone on their journey.
55 reviews1 follower
November 10, 2017
Wonderful 2nd book to the Starlight Gods series!

In book 2 we learn what happened to Makoto and her knights and I enjoyed how the outcome was revealed. Although this book was a bit slower than book 1 it explored more into the backstory of the characters and we got to see more intimate interactions not only between Mako and the Knights but also the spirits. PLUS we are finally introduced to Kia....sigh.

One thing I enjoy is watching characters in a series grow and mature. You have that here....you sense the turning point of healing beginning to happen, trying to deal with haunting pasts while trying to embrace what they are meant to do while being there for each other. Still Loving this world and watching it unfold....who is going to be that last black line?

We are once again left with a cliffhanger and it has left me craving for the next book!!!
326 reviews
May 10, 2018
Great writing plot wise. However, there were various editorial errors through the entirety of the book. The author has really created a very immersive world.

I typically prefer staying in the MC’s head while reading with only the occasional glimpse from the male mindset, but this one was actually interesting and unique in the way the author varied from that for part of this book. The pacing is different, but surprisingly I liked.

With this book we’re slowly learning more about the guys and their spirits. Plus, the relationships are finally starting to really heat up between Mako and…..no spoilers!!! But for real, get your fan out!

That ending though....seriously? I wanted to smack all the characters for that level of stupid. While the ending was crazy annoying, because seriously people....learn from your dang mistakes, I obviously can’t wait to continue the series!
Profile Image for Julie Selby.
89 reviews9 followers
November 12, 2017
This book is amazing! I love that it picks up right where the last one left off. I cannot wait the the next installments and I just love all the characters and the relationship between all of them. I really recommend this book to anyone who likes Reverse Harem and just a good overall story. I love Mako's outer monologue and how she doesn't even know when she does it. Just like I love how she doesn't know how truly great she is. This author is relatively new but she started off with a bang and doesn't seem to be losing steam anytime soon. I hope these books continue to be great and that everyone will get their HEA when the books finally come to a close (Which I hope won't be for quite a while yet). Keep up the great work and I can't wait to read any other works by you!
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