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[katara]

Burning Daylight (Defying the Stars #1) by Emily McIntire

Genre:
Romance, Contemporary, Romeo and Juliet, Retellings, Dark Romance, Book Series, Kindle Unlimited

Publication Date:
September 30, 2025

Page Numbers:
526

Read/Finished Date:
October 1st, 2025 - October 2nd, 2025

Rating:
2/5

Premise:

From #1 New York Times bestselling author Emily McIntire comes the first interconnected standalone in an all new contemporary romance series.

Juliette Calloway lives in a world of luxury, legacies, and lies. The daughter of Rosebrook Falls’ most powerful family, her life is a carefully crafted performance, and she’s tired of being polished to perfection.

Roman Montgomery doesn’t exist. Not officially, anyway. He’s a shadow, a hidden weapon, the secret heir to an empire soaked in danger and a generations-old feud.

When their paths cross, sparks fly.
No names.
No pasts.

Just reckless smiles and an undeniable chemistry neither of them can shake.

Roman is charming. Mysterious. Infuriatingly flirty.

And Juliette? She’s simply…his.

When Roman is called back to claim his place as heir to the Montgomery empire, the truth crashes down: Their families are sworn enemies, and Roman’s very existence is a threat. Their love isn’t just forbidden, it’s impossible.

Now, every kiss feels like a betrayal. Every stolen moment a risk. And in a town built on secrets and blood, their passion might just be the most dangerous thing of all.


*Burning Daylight is a Contemporary Romance. It features mature themes and content that may be triggering for some. Reader Discretion is Advised. For a full list of content warnings, check the author's website.*

Review:

This book is a contemporary retelling of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet filled with lots of family drama and secrets. Set in the fictional city of Rosebrook Falls, where Juliette Calloway lives in a world filled with luxury and family secrets. When she meets Ry, her world is turned upside down, and even more, he has a few secrets of his own.

So, I have never been a fan of Romeo and Juliet, a young pair with horrid families who kill themselves in the end. Yeah, that sort of thing turned me off, especially when I was forced to read the story in high school.

However, while I had not read Ms. McIntire's Hooked series, I had been told that her books are worth picking up, and I decided I would choose this one. I found myself unable to connect to either character. I felt Juliette was too much of a spoiled brat, and Roman did not fascinate me like other book boyfriends (is that what we call them?).

This book just fell flat for me, and maybe it's me, not you, dear book.