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Star-Crossed: Cal's Story
Cal has always been a good, loyal soldier and a valued member of Prince Ehren's Guard. When he's asked by his captain to survey a group of new recruits, it's just another day--until he spots Makin.
Makin Parelli is perfect in every way and Cal enjoys his budding friendship with the young man. Every day they grow closer and Cal begins to wonder if maybe, just maybe, Makin also feels more than friendship. When a night of celebrating lowers Cal's inhibitions, everything quickly spirals out of control.
Ashamed and floundering, Cal must find a way to mend his broken friendship or risk losing Makin forever.
Makin Parelli is perfect in every way and Cal enjoys his budding friendship with the young man. Every day they grow closer and Cal begins to wonder if maybe, just maybe, Makin also feels more than friendship. When a night of celebrating lowers Cal's inhibitions, everything quickly spirals out of control.
Ashamed and floundering, Cal must find a way to mend his broken friendship or risk losing Makin forever.
88 pages, Paperback
Published November 1, 2022
16 people want to read
About the author
Amber D. Lewis
11 books84 followersAmber D. Lewis is a highly combustible combination of caffeine, mismatched coffee mugs, and shiny things. In her spare time (and, quite frankly, when she’s supposed to be doing other things) she writes fantasy and other stories.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
June 9, 2022
“Emptiness is hard to fill when the person you love doesn’t love you back.”
*Beta read*
Shipping Cal and Ehren now. If you don’t love them after this you are lying. I wish I could punch Noah and Blake in the face.
*Beta read*
Shipping Cal and Ehren now. If you don’t love them after this you are lying. I wish I could punch Noah and Blake in the face.
January 3, 2023
Cal is a beautiful character. Resilient, kind, a true friend. I absolutely adore him and this story just made me love him more. I loved learning how Cal and Makin became best friends, true best friends. * I read this as part of a beta read in exchange for my honest opinion.
October 2, 2024
Disclaimer: I received an advanced copy of this book from the author for free and have voluntarily written this review.
Cal has been a constant in the Fire and Starlight Saga from its conception and he finally gets to take the stage in this novella. We get to watch Cal meet Makin for the first time and the start of their incredible friendship. If you read The Starlight in the Shadows (which you definitely should before reading this novella because spoilers), you'll recall an interaction between Cal and Makin that Cal tells Astra about and we get to see it unfold in this book. There is also a surprise cameo that made my little heart squeal with joy.
I spent a majority of this book with a ridiculously goofy grin on my face. I loved being able to see things from Cal's perspective and hear inside his head. Cal is the kind of friend that everyone needs in their life. Seeing Cal meet Makin makes my heart swell with joy because their friendship and love for each other is one of the greatest relationships to ever exist.
Amber has a reputation for ripping my heart out and making me feel strong emotions regularly. That being said, this story has so much good and happy stuff that I spent a lot of the time holding my breath and waiting for the pain to come. After reading The Starlight in the Shadows, you know exactly how this story ends and yet it still hits you right in the feels anyways.
Cal has been a constant in the Fire and Starlight Saga from its conception and he finally gets to take the stage in this novella. We get to watch Cal meet Makin for the first time and the start of their incredible friendship. If you read The Starlight in the Shadows (which you definitely should before reading this novella because spoilers), you'll recall an interaction between Cal and Makin that Cal tells Astra about and we get to see it unfold in this book. There is also a surprise cameo that made my little heart squeal with joy.
I spent a majority of this book with a ridiculously goofy grin on my face. I loved being able to see things from Cal's perspective and hear inside his head. Cal is the kind of friend that everyone needs in their life. Seeing Cal meet Makin makes my heart swell with joy because their friendship and love for each other is one of the greatest relationships to ever exist.
Amber has a reputation for ripping my heart out and making me feel strong emotions regularly. That being said, this story has so much good and happy stuff that I spent a lot of the time holding my breath and waiting for the pain to come. After reading The Starlight in the Shadows, you know exactly how this story ends and yet it still hits you right in the feels anyways.
October 18, 2022
I received an ARC to review and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Truth be told, I’m a huge fan of Amber D. Lewis, and I’ve already have preordered the physical edition of the book that’s coming November 1st for my book collection.
Star Crossed lovers: Cal’s story has me ugly crying at the end. Such powerful characters and writing. Cal and Makin forever. That friendship is so pure, it breaks my heart 💔 completely to see Cal without Makin in the upcoming book. I shipped them more than any other duo/couple.
The story of how Cal and Makin became friends, how Cal came out, how Makin was so supportive and accepting no matter what, was absolutely wholesome. We need more people like Makin IRL. Also I have to say, Ehren is an awesome prince/individual, and I have a feeling that there might be something there between Cal and Ehren, beyond Cal’a infatuation with Ehren. I’d like to potentially see more on that aspect on Book 3, if that’s possible, though I have complete faith in Ms Lewis more than capable hands to write an amazing story for us.
I’ve been following the Fire and Starlight Saga since and beginning and I’m a huge fangirl 😍 As I always say, I’m #teamAstra
I recommend the whole book series to y’all and this one is a must read.
Truth be told, I’m a huge fan of Amber D. Lewis, and I’ve already have preordered the physical edition of the book that’s coming November 1st for my book collection.
Star Crossed lovers: Cal’s story has me ugly crying at the end. Such powerful characters and writing. Cal and Makin forever. That friendship is so pure, it breaks my heart 💔 completely to see Cal without Makin in the upcoming book. I shipped them more than any other duo/couple.
The story of how Cal and Makin became friends, how Cal came out, how Makin was so supportive and accepting no matter what, was absolutely wholesome. We need more people like Makin IRL. Also I have to say, Ehren is an awesome prince/individual, and I have a feeling that there might be something there between Cal and Ehren, beyond Cal’a infatuation with Ehren. I’d like to potentially see more on that aspect on Book 3, if that’s possible, though I have complete faith in Ms Lewis more than capable hands to write an amazing story for us.
I’ve been following the Fire and Starlight Saga since and beginning and I’m a huge fangirl 😍 As I always say, I’m #teamAstra
I recommend the whole book series to y’all and this one is a must read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 17, 2022
Cal’s story is a beautiful tribute to Cal & a way to better understand a character is already loved. It speaks to his struggles & of his heart (both as a leader & as he navigates the world he perceives to live in). I highly recommend this as a way to see beyond what we think we know of him & learn how he became the person he is in books 1 & 2.
The book does a great job at handling sensitive topics & I think helps us relate to others struggling with these same issues. It’s very relevant to the world we live in today, as well as the fictional world of Cal & Embervein.
Ms. Lewis is a very skilled writer that knows how to captivate an audience, pulling us into the world she has created & bonding with her characters. I’ve loved every book she’s written & this one is just the icing on the Saga’s story cake.
The book does a great job at handling sensitive topics & I think helps us relate to others struggling with these same issues. It’s very relevant to the world we live in today, as well as the fictional world of Cal & Embervein.
Ms. Lewis is a very skilled writer that knows how to captivate an audience, pulling us into the world she has created & bonding with her characters. I’ve loved every book she’s written & this one is just the icing on the Saga’s story cake.
September 13, 2022
I received an ARC to review and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
Once again, Amber D. Lewis knocked it out of the park! I love diving deeper and deeper into the world she's created and getting to know beloved characters more. This novella was a very quick read, but packed an emotional punch. I've said it before in previous books, but everyone should have a friend like Cal, and his story further cements that notion.
I also enjoyed getting more about young Ehren, too. I knew he was wonderful, but always love peeling back the layers to his character, too.
I HIGHLY recommend this novella!
Once again, Amber D. Lewis knocked it out of the park! I love diving deeper and deeper into the world she's created and getting to know beloved characters more. This novella was a very quick read, but packed an emotional punch. I've said it before in previous books, but everyone should have a friend like Cal, and his story further cements that notion.
I also enjoyed getting more about young Ehren, too. I knew he was wonderful, but always love peeling back the layers to his character, too.
I HIGHLY recommend this novella!
October 19, 2022
Warning: This book may have you blubbering like a baby in public.
As someone who is ALL about the characters, these novellas in between the main series have been an amazing way to get to know more about characters I already enjoy. Learning their background, experiences and what made them WHO they are in the main story brings so much more to the series.
Cal is a sweet, baby cinnamon roll and must be protected at all costs.
There's a reason why I sign up hoping to get Amber's ARC's - (and I did this time too) - I JUST CAN'T WAIT FOR THE NEXT ONE!
As someone who is ALL about the characters, these novellas in between the main series have been an amazing way to get to know more about characters I already enjoy. Learning their background, experiences and what made them WHO they are in the main story brings so much more to the series.
Cal is a sweet, baby cinnamon roll and must be protected at all costs.
There's a reason why I sign up hoping to get Amber's ARC's - (and I did this time too) - I JUST CAN'T WAIT FOR THE NEXT ONE!
October 23, 2022
I received and ARC copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving this review.
My only complaint about this novella was it was over too soon! It felt like a quick read but was very emotional and deep, so well worth it. The end had me blubbering like a baby. As someone else said, this novellas give you a lot more background into some of the characters in the main novels, and so far they made me love these characters so much. Also, this novella has me shipping Cal with a certain royal, that I don't think I would have shipped him with otherwise!
My only complaint about this novella was it was over too soon! It felt like a quick read but was very emotional and deep, so well worth it. The end had me blubbering like a baby. As someone else said, this novellas give you a lot more background into some of the characters in the main novels, and so far they made me love these characters so much. Also, this novella has me shipping Cal with a certain royal, that I don't think I would have shipped him with otherwise!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 11, 2022
Don’t read this book unless you are okay with emotional damage. I thought I was okay, and then suddenly I was sobbing with a bowl of mint chocolate chip ice cream catching my tears.
Lewis writes these magical tales that really make you feel like you know the people in them. And then she makes it sad. And then she makes you yell at her for doing what she does to your favorite people. It’s terrible and wonderful all wrapped up into one.
Lewis writes these magical tales that really make you feel like you know the people in them. And then she makes it sad. And then she makes you yell at her for doing what she does to your favorite people. It’s terrible and wonderful all wrapped up into one.
September 28, 2022
This was such a hard read after The Starlight in the Shadows. It's a touching look into Cal's backstory and his budding friendship with Makin, the growing bond with Ehren, and his internal struggles. I found that it brought not only insight to Cal but also deepened Ehren's character. I recommend the read, even if you may need some tissues by the end.
I was selected for an ARC and this is my honest review.
I was selected for an ARC and this is my honest review.
September 11, 2022
I received an ARC by the author
This book was so good I couldn't put it down. Cal and Makin's story is so cute and sad. I want more of their story but at the same time I don't because it breaks my heart more. This world has consumed me and I can't get enough of it or the people in it! I can't wait to see how the next one goes.
This book was so good I couldn't put it down. Cal and Makin's story is so cute and sad. I want more of their story but at the same time I don't because it breaks my heart more. This world has consumed me and I can't get enough of it or the people in it! I can't wait to see how the next one goes.
November 1, 2022
This story had me feeling all the emotions and was another beautiful look into a beloved character: Cal. Having a look into Cal’s past gave such insight into who he turned out to be. Have some tissues on hand, folks!
Special thanks to the author for the ARC. All thoughts in this review are honest and my own.
Special thanks to the author for the ARC. All thoughts in this review are honest and my own.
December 16, 2022
All the feels!
I loved learning more about Cal...he was a quiet, steady presence in the earlier books and I always wanted to know more about him. I loved his interactions with Ehren and seeing his friendship with Makin.
However, I was really hoping for more queer happiness. I hope we can get that in later books. Looking forward to reading more!!
I loved learning more about Cal...he was a quiet, steady presence in the earlier books and I always wanted to know more about him. I loved his interactions with Ehren and seeing his friendship with Makin.
However, I was really hoping for more queer happiness. I hope we can get that in later books. Looking forward to reading more!!
September 22, 2022
I received an ARC copy of this book and here is my honest review. It was nothing short of amazing. I laughed. I cried. I really truly enjoyed getting some of Cal's back story. Makes me even more excited for the next book.
January 28, 2023
I have arc read for all the books in this series. This one is just like the others fully of emotions and action and a great story. I love that we saw into Cal and Makin past. When Makin died I cried and I am glad we got to see their story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 12, 2022
Cal! I just want to hug him, please. His story is beautiful, but the reminder at the end broke my heart. How do I save his beautiful soul from the pain
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 16, 2022
Seeing cal and malkin's relationship start was beautiful and heartbreaking at the same time because it still stings from his death. I cannot wait though for the next book
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 28, 2022
I am absolutely loving the novellas, they give a glimpse into the heads of some of our favorite characters.
Absolutely loved learning more about Cal and his history!
Absolutely loved learning more about Cal and his history!
November 4, 2022
Love love love this story. My heart is wrecked by the way everything has turned out so far. I cannot wait for Stardust in the Ashes to be released.
March 3, 2023
Wonderful novella about a character in the Fire and Starlight series that I was dying to know more about. Full of heart and emotion as Cal learns to accept himself. I definitely cried.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews