All I had ever wanted to do was to protect my realm, my kingdom, and when my mother died she handed me the reigns of Starlight. It was now my duty to keep my people safe.
My next title should be Queen, but my father has ancient beliefs that I need a husband in order to rule, but I feel that love is a distraction to the world I live in. There is a darkness crawling closer. Inching near with every day. I can feel it in my light and with rumors of the Darkling roaming around, hiding in the shadows, I do not have time to fall in love even if the man my father chose sends ripples down my body. His stare touches my soul and his smile alone does things to me that I do not want to admit.
I can’t afford not being focused. I can’t afford to let the Darkling cast shadows in my world. I can’t let the wraiths hollow my people out... And I sure as hell can’t afford to fall for a rogue when my world seems to be collapsing. My name is Tekana, and I am my Kingdom’s only hope.
For fans of Sarah J. Maas and Jennifer L. Armentrout.
Get Starlight now to find out if a warrior can become queen.
Lea Cherry is a USA Today bestselling author residing in South Africa with her husband and two daughters. With a Bachelor’s degree in Creative Writing, she shares the spark of language in Young Adult, Fantasy, and Horror. When she is not crafting stories, she shares her time with her family watching movies, painting, and reading up a storm when she is not exploring the outdoors on camping trips. Her stories are always filled with magic that will have you wanting more.
Starlight by Lea Cherry is a compelling fantasy romance that blends duty, destiny, and desire into a richly imagined world. Centered on Tekana—a legion warrior thrust into leadership after her mother’s death—the story explores what it truly means to rule when tradition, power, and personal longing collide. Tekana is a strong and relatable protagonist: resolute, guarded, and deeply committed to protecting her kingdom of Starlight. The tension between her sense of responsibility and the expectations placed on her—particularly the belief that she must marry to rule—adds emotional depth to the narrative. Cherry does an excellent job portraying Tekana’s inner conflict as both a warrior and a woman who believes love is a dangerous distraction in a world threatened by darkness. The looming presence of the Darkling and the creeping threat of wraiths give the story an urgent, shadowed atmosphere, while the slow-burn romantic tension adds warmth and intrigue. The chemistry is subtle yet powerful, making Tekana’s struggle to stay focused all the more believable and engaging. Fans of Sarah J. Maas and Jennifer L. Armentrout will feel right at home with Cherry’s mix of high-stakes fantasy, strong female leadership, and restrained but emotionally charged romance. Starlight is an exciting introduction to a world where courage is tested, traditions are challenged, and a warrior must decide whether she can become a queen without losing herself in the process. A promising start to what feels like a larger, captivating journey.
Wow, great book . Powerful story about a woman albeit a Princess who knows what she must do for Starlight , her people , her realm her kingdom. This book was very well written and captured with the first few pages . I received an advance copy and my review is my own words voluntary
Very enjoyable read with a strong MFC! I am assuming this is a new author, first novel experience and was very impressed with the writing and world-building in this book.
I received this book for free in exchange for a voluntary and honest review of the product.
Starlight by Lea Cherry is a beautifully written and emotionally rich journey that captures both the heart and imagination. From the first page, Cherry’s lyrical prose draws you into a world where hope, wonder, and self-discovery intersect under the vast expanse of the night sky.