Nothing has been the same for Messenger angel Cyrus since Jace was exiled from the celestial community. Night after night, he searches Sin City for the demon who might have the answers he needs to find his lost love. But his quest hasn’t gone unnoticed. Dark forces reach Cyrus first, and a brutal encounter with his enemy leaves him at the mercy of the ruthless warrior who once broke his heart.
Believing Cyrus has been killed, Jace returns to Sin City with a death wish and one thought in mind: vengeance. Instead, he finds Cyrus alive and the unsuspecting center of a plot that will change Sin City—for the worse—forever.
Time has never been a friend to Jace and Cyrus, but now the clock is ticking faster than ever. With the fate of the city on the line, they’ll need to choose between saving each other or saving their souls.
Romeo and Juliet gets a celestial spin (and a happy ending!) in this duology featuring forbidden love, mixed-up messages, hurt/comfort, and redemption. Intended for readers ages 18+ and best enjoyed when read in the following order: Watcher (Book 1), Messenger (Book 2).
Note: This book contains sensitive content. Readers may wish to check the Author's Note for details.
Book 2 of the Star-Crossed Celestials Duet and this definitely did not disappoint. I recommend reading book 1 first to know the beginning of Jace and Cyrus......and I just love them.
Forbidden love...Jace and Cyrus are separated...their future is uncertain. When Jace is accused he is totally exiled from the celestial community....meanwhile Cyrus tries to find Jace but trouble comes to Cyrus and he is left for dead. Jace is out coming for revenge....but will it be to late or will Jace and Cyrus be able to be together......
If you love MM Fantasy Romance with danger and action I highly recommend this series. Truly fantastic story!
This book is amazing. First thing first, you do need to read the first book in this series to understand fully what is going on. I skipped it, however, I will be going back to read it. I mean you can read this book without reading the first but it makes it harder to understand the dynamic between Jase and Cyrus. This book picks up where the other left off and it goes into detail about things but I feel I would have had a fuller understanding of what was happening had I read the first book before this one. That being said, this book is still amazing and I felt myself getting swept away with the story. It brings elements into the concept of Romeo and Juliet. There isn't much of a resemblance to the actual Romeo and Juliet story because this one is between two males, had supernatural aspects, and really the only thing it has in common with Romeo and Juliet is the forbidden love between the two main characters. That said, it was an amazing spin on a timeless classic piece of literature. The slow burn between the charters that builds throughout the book. You can tell instantly how much they each care for each other and you can also feel, how everyone disagrees with some of their choices. It has angst, suspense, drama, love, and some good steam. You will not be disappointed reading this book if you like celestial, paranormal romance. I just suggest reading the first book in the series before this one so you are all caught up and not struggling to figure out things along the way. However, if you. just want to devour a great book and don't mind not knowing everything but eventually being able to piece things together, go for it!!! This book will leave you wanting more, so I am excited to go back and read the first one in the series.
A great sequel to Watcher, the first book in this Romeo and Juliet retelling with a celestial MM twist.
Jace and Cyrus are wonderful characters torn apart by the riots between humans and angels destroying the peace of the city. Neither is coping well without the other.
Jace, a Watcher, from a line of reviled angels who first caused the problems between mortals and angels is banished form Las Vegas. Cyrus, a Messenger, one who is supposed to keep the Watchers in order, is to afraid to throw away all he has worked for and refuses to leave with Jace. A decision he comes to regret as he realises he can't live without Jace.
The angelic world of celestials, from Emissiary's to Watchers, Messengers and demons is very well created. The interplay between the races keeps the animosity bubbling, and sadly Cyrus's ex-lover Xavier is always there to stir the pot.
Xavier wants Cyrus back, and will go to any lengths to get him. Only, Cyrus doesn't realise how far until it is too late.
It was lovely to see Kai and Byron again, if ony briefly. I loved their story in Emisssiary, which was part of the USA Today bestselling Realm of Darkness boxset, but can now be purchased separately as an ebook.
Enjoyed the story, the characters and their relationship. I wish the finale was more, bigger, better. If I was to nit pick, I think Morrow could have made more of it, and it was a missed opportunity to really wow us. I don't want to give spoilers, so I'll leave it there. But all in all a great sequel.
Messenger, the sequel in the Star-Crossed Celestials Duet, follows Messenger Cyrus after his love Watcher Jace was exiled from their community. Heartbroken, Cyrus starts searching for Jace, but his search proves to be dangerous to him when dark forces intercept Cyrus. Hiding away, Jace hears of the events and thinks that Cyrus is dead. Jace decides to return to the community to find that Cyrus is a live and that there are plans to change the community, worse than ever before. Now, Cyrus and Jace must decide whether they should save each other or save the community. Which one will they choose? Find out in Messenger. The sequel greatly compliments the first in the series. The characters are still loveable and relatable with relatable feelings. The story’s evolution keeps the reader on the edge of their seat and mystery after mystery keeps the pages turning. The love between Cyrus and Jace is almost palpable through the pages. AL. Morrow does an amazing job of describing the world in a way that the reader feels as though they are there with the characters. If you are looking for a suspenseful romance with a fantasy element, look no further. Messenger will keep you hooked until the very end. Make sure to pick up a copy of Watcher, the first book in the series, for a more enjoyable experience with Messenger. Just as a warning, there is some content that may be sensitive to some readers. Such content is described in the Author’s Note. Overall, I love this duet.
War has always existed among three groups: watchers, demons, and messengers. Watchers are the line of fallen angels and their descendants. Demons are described as the product of an angel and human. And Messengers are the hunters of both Watchers and Demons, trying to remove them and bring peace. Jace actually wants peace as well, despite being a Watcher.
Messenger Cyrus and Watcher Jace had eventually fallen into a relationship with each other. Chancellor Astra came to warn them General Xavier was on his way to arrest and charge Jace with murder. Although Astra made punishment by death no longer allowed against a celestial, Xavier could imprison Jace indefinitely. Realizing that, Astra issued another decree to banish Jace to stop Xavier from going after him. So Jace was unhappily exiled from the celestial community. And as Xavier pounded at the door, Jace was already gone.
Cyrus now searches for Devlin, a demon who might tell him where to find Jace. Instead, he is attacked by other Messengers who want to punish him for betraying their own to save Jace. Despite Xavier telling them Cyrus was off-limits, the leader of the hate group brutally beat him and cuffed him in bronze as he painfully turned the Messenger rune on his back upside down which will turn his wings black.
Jace in the meantime believes Cyrus is dead and now he seeks revenge. He will start the search with Xavier. Yet finding Cyrus alive, there is still something bad coming their way. Will the evil gang that tortured Cyrus make their move? What can they do to prevent this catastrophe? Or will evil win this battle?
This is now the part where they both believe each other to be dead or vanished. That would be wrong. Cyrus is looking to find his lost love, but instead ends up brewing with trouble. Jace goes back to get vengeance, but ended up finding Cyrus and trouble. So much goes on, and it's a great read!
This book two of the series. I really liked this book. You should read in order, to know who is who and to know the story of the characters. Jace is a Watcher and Cyrus is a Messenger. Cyrus does not want to give up everything he has worked for and so he lets Jace go, he soon realizes that was a big mistake. Cyrus betrays his kind to protect his enemy and he must pay. The Messengers leave him for dead. Jace finds out and breaks his pact to make sure Cyrus is okay. Do they find each other and reconnect? You’ll just have to read to find out.
The Watcher the first book in this series. It is a version of Romeo and Juliet in LBGTQ style. The Messenger is the continuation of the story. Jericho/Jace has been banished from the city and Cyrus is left behind. General Xaviar is in charge of the messengers, his soldiers but is also using human police. The chancellor’s life is in danger and the General may be behind the plot. Cyrus is attacked by other rogue messengers and almost dies. This book has so much happening you don’t want to put it down. Looking forward to the other books in the series.
Cyrus and Jace are two men in love, but who cannot be together, Jace has been exiled and forced to leave Las Vegas, or Sin City as it is more commonly known and Cyrus is feeling well and truly lost without him, but he has to keep up appearances within the celestial community and that includes keeping Jace a closely guarded secret, as well as his transgressions with him. There are only a few people who actually know what happened between them and why Cyrus does not seem his usual self, not to mention his work is keeping him occupied, at least until the night falls and he searches for a way back to his one true love.
The person in question just happens to be a demon, a demon with connections, but as Cyrus ventures off the beaten path to find him, he tries to keep to the shadows and hope that his nightly activities are noticed by the powers that be, however, fate as usual is not on Cyrus’s side. One night, after he tries to continue his nocturnal searches, he comes home exhausted and to a dangerous sign, but things are about to get much worse for Cyrus when he is attacked by enemies whom he should be protected from and as they leave him for dead, an unlikely caretaker shows up, his angelic ex, who also happens to be someone who broke his heart in the past and has a hard time trusting.
While all this is happening, Jace is just trying to survive without Cyrus, so when he hears that the messenger is dead, he loses all hope and does the one thing he has been banned from doing, returning to Las Vegas, but when he gets there, he discovers that all is not lost and that Cyrus is not dead. Together, they uncover a sinister plot which could change everything they believe and everything they are working towards, but will they be able to foil it and save Sin City while both staying alive? This is another paranormal romance with a thrilling mystery throughout where it is a race against time to uncover the players and the game, where secrets, lies and revelations all appear out of nowhere and leave the same way in this enticing tale of star crossed lovers, angels and demons.
Cyrus is in turmoil now, his soul mate has been banished out of Sin City and tensions are rising with the Angel and Demon worlds, but also Cyrus is threatened to be punished as he protected the Demon Watcher, he loves by killing his own kind a messenger.
Jace has been banished by the Archangel, Astra to live in the dessert with all the other outcasts deemed to have done wrong in this world but Jace is still drawn to his lover, Cyrus and hopes one day he will be in his arms again.
As the tensions heat up, Xavier, Cyrus’s ex-boyfriend and head of the Army tries to protect him from the repercussions of the attack but one night the forces take matters into their own hands and use powerful magic on Cyrus and leave him almost dead. Xavier ceases the opportunity to look after Cyrus and try and rekindle the love he had before the betrayal Xavier did to stop Cyrus moving on.
Meanwhile, tensions are rising, and can Astra the Archangel reclaim Sin City and work in harmony with Humans, Demons and Angels alike?
This is the first book I have read in this series and although I pick up the story it may have helped if I had read the first book The Watcher which may have given a bit more context to some of the angst between the characters. Although saying that I thoroughly enjoyed the unique twist on Romeo and Juliet and being set in a world of Angels and Demons.
I have to say the interaction between Jace and Cyrus was sweet, and the chemistry slowly built as the characters for most of the book were tackling their own dark demons so to speak. The secondary characters were a great addition to the story, and I loved the sassy nature and character of Jace’s sister Caz and would like to see how her relationship moves forward.
This is not my normal genre and picked the book up as it looked an interesting twist on a classic story. The Story was well written and flowed through at a great pace. I would like to read more for this author going forward.
This is the 2nd book in the Star- Crossed Celestials Duet series. I would really recommend reading these books in order so you follow the story of our characters and understand how they are in the position they start this story from. This is a paranormal MM romance. It is also a twist on Romeo and Juliet. This is a story of forbidden love and all the pain and hurt that goes along with it when you can't be with the person you really love because of circumstances out of your control. Jace and Cyrus finally found each other and found their soul mates, however that wasn't meant to be. With Jace being removed by law and Cyrus choosing to stay to carry on protecting the world by keeping demons under control the lovers are forced apart. Jace is a Watcher who's job is the look after the humans and keep the demons under control. Cyrus is a Messenger and his role is to keep the Watchers under control. Because of their differences they shouldn't be together. Its not right or the way things should be. When Jace is involved in trouble he is banished from Las Vegas leaving his home,family and love behind. Neither Cyrus or Jace are coping well being apart and Cyrus is trying desperately hard to find him to reunite with him. But with a war that keeps breaking out, being monitored by his fellow Messengers and an ex lover who will stop at nothing to get Cyrus back it's going to be one long fight for him to find the man he truly loves.
This story is emotional, you can really feel the heartbreak and torment that both Jace and Cyrus go through being apart and also their determination to find a way to get back to one another. The author really brings this story to life and invites the reader into a world that is fast paced, engaging and makes you feel like you are beside Jace and Cyrus every step of the way.
Everyone knows the story of Romeo and Juliet. A. L. Morrow takes us on the adventure of Jace and Cyrus in the Star Crossed Celestials duet. Will love triumph in this rendition of the story or are Jace and Cyrus doomed to the same fate as Romeo and Juliet?
We start messenger off with Jase, being banished from Las Vegas and Cyrus wishing he had gone with him when he left. While Jase spends his time at the ranch trying to get used to his new life, Cyrus is in Las Vegas searching for Dev in hopes of finding his way to Jace. That’s when the worst happens. A group of angry messengers attack Cyrus and hurt him in the most awful way. Xavier steps up and does his best to heal Cyrus. But at what cost? When Cyrus finds out that he’s all but a prisoner in Xavier’s apartment he does what he needs to do to leave. Will Cyrus ever make it back to Jase? Will these two ever get any kind of happy ending?
Once I started reading this book, I couldn’t put it down. I didn’t want to put it down. The story is so fast paced, and it keeps you pulled into the action. I was so enthralled by the two different storylines: Jace‘s new life and what is going on with Cyrus. Instead of feeling like I was being pulled in two different directions, I felt like I was traveling on an almost parallel path. There is so much to these characters that I get so invested in them while I’m reading. I want to know what’s gonna happen next? How are they going to get out of this? I felt that edge of my seat feeling the entire way through this book. Oh and the epilogue! I love the epilogue! Give me all the future epilogues with the pretty endings. I don’t know how I missed the fact that this book came out, but I’m so excited that I got my hands on it and I’m so excited to read Emissary soon as well. I’ll be signing up for this newsletter in hopes I don’t miss anything again!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
The conclusion to Cyrus and Jace’s story. The Messenger was alright. An MM romance with a lot of drama to go along with it. The author keeps on intrigued in what’s been written. Also the display of character growth is beautiful in its own way. At the conclusion of the Perdition Riots Jace was exiled from the city of Las Vegas. If he stayed away the messengers couldn’t touch him. However he asked Cyrus to come with him and at the time he said no. With some regret Cyrus is doing what he can to find Jace and make sure he’s alright. Unfortunately other messengers have plans for Cyrus. He killed one of his own kind to protect the enemy he must pay. And pay he did, left for dead in an alley his life changed forever. Jace living on a ranch in Tucson has been trying to adapt to his new way of life. He’s a mess though, he misses Cyrus. So when he finds out Cyrus was attacked and left for dead, he doesn’t care about breaking his exile agreement. Once he re enters Las Vegas all bets are off, he’s fair game for the messengers. What he found though, was unexpected. What happens to Cyrus? What will happen between Cyrus and Jace? How can they keep the messengers that want them gone at bay? Those questions and so many more. You could very well read this book as a standalone, but I would advise reading it as a pair with book 1 Watcher. If you’ve already read Watcher, what are you waiting for? It’s time to read the epic conclusion.
Watcher and messenger two beings from opposite sides that are always supposed to be enemies. Yet Jace and Cyrus feel a pull like no other and face the worst imaginable if they act upon it. love is not ready to be denied. The two are forced apart and their bond is put to the test and when one thinks the other is dead all bets are off.
This book continues to bring the reader into the imaginative world of the paranormal. No matter what side they are on Jace and Cyrus are good together. The two work hard to find their way and they will fight to keep their love. Emotions are strong in this book and it will pull on your heart. Their story is fast paced and there is a lot going on. I enjoyed seeing the two stand up and fight for what they want. The love between the two shines through in everything that they do. Both of these characters endeared themselves to this reader and I was quickly pulled into their story. This is an interesting take on the story of Romeo and Juliet. The author has created an engaging world with interesting characters and I am eager to see what will happen next.
4 stars Messenger certainly twists things up as for a Romeo and Juliet retelling. This forbidden love tale is a MM love story set in the stars. It is the second book and another wonderful paranormal story in the Star-Crossed Celestials books. This sweet and steamy contemporary romance tale also has fantasy elements. Make sure you read the first book Watcher first. It is full of hurt and fear, forbidden love and drama, action and tension, hope and redemption, sorrow and longing. Messenger is bit of an emotional read and it is so easy to love these celestial beings Jace and Cyrus and feel for them. It’s a bit of a tougher journey for them this time. Cyrus will not stop until he finds what was stolen from him. Jace has lost all he ever wanted. Now he doesn’t want to go on without him. All hell is about to be unleashed. Will they be able to find their way back to each other? Will they break their promise to each other to save a City or will they lose forever? If you’re a fan of sexy fairy-tale retellings with a twist, then you will love this one as much as the first book.
This is an author that I have enjoyed reading from the first book. I never hesitate to pick up one of this author’s books. This is the second book in this series which I highly suggest reading the first book as well to help your enjoyment of this series and author. It is always great to see where the characters come from to where they are now. I enjoyed reading this book just as much as the first one, maybe even more. I found this book to be fast paced and full of romance and action. It is hard to put down as it is that engaging. A well written story where Jace and Cyrus are faced with a race against time and a choice to save themselves or their souls. They are great connectable characters that are my favorite. I enjoyed what they brought to the story and their chemistry is great together. They pulled me into their world and had me coming back for more. This is an easy and entertaining story to read and one you don’t want to miss. I highly recommend this book and this author.
Can Jace and Cyrus survive the upcoming battle that will determine if Watchers and Messengers can finally live together in peace? Second in duet (Star-crossed Celestials), must be read in order. Paranormal. Established couple. Dual POV. No time has passed since book one ended, Jace has had to flee Las Vegas and is missing Cyrus, while Cyrus tries to find out any news about whether Jace is safe in exile. Although Jace and Cyrus are apart for a good portion of this story, there is plenty of drama and feelings of lost love that sustain the reader until they come together again. The new and old cast of characters that come together to battle it out, some in support and others in betrayal, are an interesting group that support Jace and Cyrus in varying ways. Jace and Cyrus are just as steamy this time around as in the last book, and they are at their best when together, willing to love, support and sacrifice for each other no matter what. A well written finale for the duet, full of pining, intrigue, action, pain, and redemption. 4.5 rounded up
This novel is well written. I have not read Romeo and Juliet (I know, leave me alone), but this love story is skillfully written and it is LGBTQ+ friendly. The storyline is similar to Romeo and Juliet, but the celestial twist kept me fully engaged. Each time I have attempted to read the true Shakespeare novel I have DNF'd it. This book I was not able to put down.
I did not read the first book of this series, but it is easy enough to put the pieces together if you start with this novel. I of course plan on going back and reading the first after finishing this one. The book was so good and I love the writing style of this author.
The characters and plot are well thought out. I enjoyed both Jace and Cyrus. I also enjoyed that there was more plot than erotica. These scenes were limited and the first one I came across was more than halfway through the book. I prefer more plot than erotica. It was very enjoyable and I highly recommend!
This book is action packed and pretty sexy. It continues from Book 1, Watcher, so it is best to read that one first. However, I did not and still really enjoyed Jace and Cyrus’ conclusion! I can’t wait to go back and read book 1! And I am hoping there are more books that follow the other characters in this story, especially Hesper and those at the Ranch!
I liked this author’s writing style. It was easy to follow along in this fantasy-human world. There are several character types, Demons, Watchers, Messengers, and Humans. Being that this is the first book I have read in this series there may be more!
The romance in this story is MM. And definitely NSFW or young readers or those with sensitive reading styles. While it claims to be a Romeo and Juliet style star crossed love, I didn’t particularly sense that in this book, maybe if I had read book 1 first I would see that aspect more. Still really enjoyed this story.
Messenger is an incredible sequel, and it does not disappoint! I highly recommend reading Watcher, the first book in the series, just so you can get all of the wonderful backstory and learn about the characters. I think there would be some confusion if you skipped straight to the second book. The story of Jace and Cyrus is one full of paranormal romance, tension, and vengeance. You can feel the chemistry, love, heartbreak, and a full range of emotions as you learn more and more about them. Even as the odds stack against them, you never know what is going to happen. It is definitely a different twist on Romeo and Juliet, but this is one of my favorites so far! Will either of them get what they want or is it a fool’s errand? I definitely think you’ll enjoy this book if you like MM stories of the paranormal romance genre.
The world as you know it does not longer exist. The war between angels and demons has involved the human kind and the results are horrific.
Cyrus and Jace, the first a messenger from the skies has fallen in love with the second a exile from the celestial community after breaking the laws has a watcher.
In the battle field of Sin City the different types of angels and demons make the life of the place a living hell, the lack of order and discrimination against each other had made the lovers torn apart. Forces of each legion will ensure the chaos prevails so the goals are reached.
Cyrus will seek to find Jace against all judgment, and Jace will try to understand the new role that the consequences of his actions now bring him.
After reading the first book in this series, it leaves the reader hanging on what will happen with Jace and Cyrus’ relationship after Jace is exiled. Well as this book starts, Cyrus is on a mission to find Jace wherever he can think of in Las Vegas. He ends up finding something quite unexpected and gets attacked. Luckily a caretaker comes to Cyrus’ aid during his time. Word travels fast and Jace ends up hearing that Cyrus is dead. The unfortunate thing he comes back to is discover a more devious plan involving them. I very much enjoy the paranormal elements of this story interwoven with the R&J retelling background. If you enjoyed the first book, you will definitely enjoy this one as well!
I have followed this story from the beginning. Fascinating retelling of Romeo/Juliet in a different way. Watchers & Messengers at war but Cyrus and Jace will fight through it all. Exciting storyline. There's steamy romance for those that like it. I found the storyline better to stick with and just skipped those parts. This author makes you feel like you are right in the battle. It truly is good and evil. The characters are so relatable. When Cyrus feeds the demon child on Sheole Street and is arrested, you just want to yell "travesty!" It has been a wondeful duet. Do read the first one first. it will make this one even better. You might also enjoy Emissary, a prequel to this duet.
Messenger is the second book in the Star-Crossed Celestials Duet by A.L Morrow. It definitely gives ‘Romeo & Juliet’ vibes, with a bit of a twist in the form of a celestial spin. This is a MM paranormal romance- an urban fantasy with angst, action, drama, celestials, demons, tension, chemistry, star-crossed lovers, fate, emotion, and sizzle. This genre is definitely A.L. Morrow’s wheelhouse, and she’s delivered another stellar read. She always manages to surprise me, in a great way. So, if you love MM fantasy with angst, and some sexy twists- then you are definitely going to want to read this story/duology for yourself. Happy Reading!
A. L. Morrow has written a brilliant tale of Romeo and Juliet, a story of star-crossed lovers but in a celestial setting. This book kept me on a roller coaster of emotions, from sadness at a loss to joy for the lovers being reunited, but then distraught for everything they had yet to experience. I want to go back and read book 1 so that I can put together the pieces of their back story. This was an amazing read and I highly recommend it if you are a fan of a happily ever after story. What amazing characters Jace and Cyrus are, along with all of the other characters that we come across along this journey. @Brandy Rymer4/2023
This book is definitely a continuation from the first book, Watcher, so that should be taken into account before attempting to read this. That being said, the story is intense. I couldn't put it down. The cover image threw me off because that is clearly Cyrus, but the wings.... that is a whole thing. What happens, the events afterwards, the deceit, the jubilee and everything that happened there. I was just, blown away. 10/10 would recommend.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is the second book in the series and I would highly recommend reading them in order. This was a great follow up to the first book and it took no time to re-connect with Jace and Cyrus. They were just as strong characters in this book as the first and I loved watching their development progress even further as the story went on. The story was a great follow on. It was more emotional than I expected it would be but I think that added to it. I really enjoyed reading this story and I am looking forward to seeing what else this author has in store.
Very creative twist on a Romeo and Juliet retelling. This is a MM romance and the 2nd (and final) book in the duology. Definitely read the 1st book before reading this one so you will understand what's going on with Jace and Cyrus and everything they have to contend with. This book is filled with angels and demons and everything in between. Morrow has fantastic world building and I love the way they continue to develop the characters and plot line. Would highly recommend if MM, steamy romance, and great retellings are your thing!
Jace and Cyrus have to contend with outside forces as well as their own personal decisions to finally be together. This is a well built and complicated world full of angels and demons! You do have to read book one as this is the continuing story in both plot and romance. There is a lot going on and it is exciting and a bit unpredictable. I was quite concerned for these two the entire read! They do have an amazing unbreakable connection.
I think one of my favorite parts about this series is that it doesn't matter where someone comes from. Some of these characters will do the right thing even if it goes against their society's norms. The most unlikely of actions can from the people we least expect them to. Their love that should be forbidden in every sense has changed their worlds in ways I doubt either of them imagined it would.