Beneath the Stars

Author: Emily McIntire

Publish Date: September 1, 2020

I have to admit, I’m a total sucker for a beautifully written, second chance romance. I love that angsty push and pull when two lovers rekindle the passion they once had. It’s not always easy to pull off, but Emily McIntire’s Beneath the Stars knocks it out of the park. 

In a brilliant form of storytelling, we meet Alina and Chase as kids and watch their friendship blossom into an aching love as time passes. This gives the reader an immersion into their story that you wouldn’t get in a series of flashbacks. It also gives insight into how Alina and Chase’s childhoods shape how they see the world. 

Alina is a believably strong female character. She speaks her mind, but has a soft heart that makes her real. She is drawn to Chase, but grows frustrated with his mixed signals. But once he finally comes to his senses, she gives all of herself.

Chase is a broken hero who struggles with his own self worth. Always ready to be left by the people he loves, Chase longs for Alina but doesn’t think he deserves her. This leads him to make terrible choices that hurts them both. His destructive beliefs prove to be a self fulfilling prophecy as he systematically destroys what he has with Alina. 

In their time apart, both characters have stunning reversals in their arcs. Alina is struggling to hold her life together, while Chase has put in the work to overcome his traumas. When the two finally reconnect, it is simply magical. 

McIntire’s electric prose makes the desire between these two palpable and the steamy scenes are crazy hot. I also commend her for not shying away from topics like addiction, abuse, neglect and especially her positive handling of men’s mental health.  

I eagerly await the next book in the Sugarlake series and highly recommend it to anyone who will listen! Click here to pre-order on Amazon today

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book for free in exchange for an honest review.