I rolled my eyes so many times during this book. And I almost quit reading it more than once. Which is too bad, because I really liked the first book in the series (Hunt the Stars). I only made myself finish this book because the next book looks somewhat promising (Capture the Sun).

The first half of this book was pretty boring. And, even though it got somewhat better during the second half, it was never more than okay.

This book is so full of things that I don't care about. I really didn't care about the space-station fashion show or the "computer-hacking". There is a lot of ridiculousness too. Characters talking about really unimportant things at stupid times, characters making supposedly clever jokes, and characters making-out during serious, life threatening situations and "forgetting" where they were.

The romantic chemistry and relationship development was very weak and confusing. Throwing the characters into life-threatening situations doesn't work as relationship development. It's possible that the author was relying on the last book's relationship build-up. But it's been a few months and I don't remember much chemistry or substantial build-up for these characters in Hunt the Stars either.

This book might have been better if it showed the hero's POV, not just the heroine's. The hero is so hot or cold with the heroine. I understand that some of his reasons were because of his culture, but the heroine doesn't have much experience with his culture, so it's ridiculous that he makes her need to guess his reasons and beg for information. ( )

I think I may enjoy Mihalik's more techie less action-y heroines. First Bianca (Aurora Blazing), now Kee...

To a certain extent this series can't really be read out of order or each book on their own. You need that knowledge of who Morten, Sura Fev and the Empress Neperu is. And why all three want to kill most of the main characters with alacrity.

It also gives some grounding when they say things like "Sura Fev is stronger then Torran", even though he's lauded as super-strong.

This does push the conspiracy further. What exactly is the Empress' gods damned plan? She's willing to sacfrice anyone, and I do mean any one, for...what?

The chemistry between Varro and Kee is flaming hot, even as Kee is constantly admonishing herself to keep it downlow. I understood Varro's reluctance though and in its own way it was essentially also Kee's issue.

But folks. Communicate!

Next book I think is Lexi and Nilo's book, so uh fireworks ahoy! ( )

*3.75 stars*

I was very psyched to read the sequel to Hunt the Stars and I am very happy to say that it did not disappoint! Eclipse the Moon kicks off after the events of Book 1 and tells the story of Kee – the Ship’s bubbly, wear-her-heart-on-her-sleeve hacker, and Varro- the silent and strong Valoff. Yup, a classic gruff x bubbly pairing ( )

Systems engineer, Kee Ildez has been crushing on Valovian weapons expert, Varro Runkow since she met him. But he's made it clear he's not interested and she needs some time away to get her head on straight. So it makes perfect sense to book a couple of weeks on Bastion, the nearest space station. As well as giving her space, the relocation will allow her access to the computer network of the Federated Human Planets and dig in deeper to who exactly is trying to restart the war between Valoffs and humans. But she might have underestimated the danger just a tiny little bit.

When Varro discovers Kee has left the ship he wastes no time in going after the tempting systems engineer. And he's just in time to prevent a mugging and get ahead of the new mission Kee takes on - modeling for the Valoff/human fashion show. Kee looks beautiful in her dress but Varro is not much of a fan of everything that happens after.

I loved this book even more than the first one in the series. Kee was hilarious and I loved her thought process. The relationship between her and Varro was sweet and flirty and slow burn steamy. I will say I thought the miscommunications was a bit much but it wasn't a dealbreaker.

The plot itself was riveting and I was hooked on finding out what's going on and who's behind the attacks. Like the first book 440 pages didn't seem long at all and I flew through the pages. I can't wait to read the next one.

4.5 stars, rounded up to 5. ( )

Eclipse the Moon is the second installment in the "Starlight's Shadow" series. It was fun getting back to the crew and get to this pairing. I will say that you might want to read the first book, just to get the background information on this couple first, it will just help with the flow of the story. I did a combo read of this one alternating between the audiobook and the ebook. I highly recommend both.

I found this one so interesting. I really adored Kee and Varro. I am so fascinated by the Valvo culture and most especially in these life protecting bonds of the males. Its so wonderful. There is such a great focus on consent, so this will appeal to reads that are a stickler for this and those that aren't. I loved how attentive Kee and Varro are for each other and how aware they are of each other. There is such a level of awareness of their physical and mental well being that was so endearing. This also has unrequited love from both parties. So both the hero and heroine are pining for each other, and its the type of pining that is more of a cultural barrier than anything else. Yes they could be communicating better in the beginning, but honestly their relationship is so new so it doesn't shock me that they don't and its not really a communication issue that is common in most romances. I did find it quite refreshing in how this is impemented fully.

The plot of the story is guaranteed to keep you on your toes. I do recommend reading this in the form that will allow you to pay attention to the details. If you for example listen fast to audiobooks SLOW IT THE F DOWN, you really will miss out on so much if you read fast on this. This is the type of story you really want to take your time with and not just rush through as there are many plot elements that are essential to truly enjoying this. This one definitely will keep you on the edge of your seat and I really loved how this author brought such balance from romance to plot in this story. It could have used more steam though, its a bit of a slow burn haha they do some kissing throughout the book, but there is no smexy times till the end of the story. I am intrigued to see what couple is up next (I do have the ARC for that one, so will be reading it probably next week) I do love the style in which this author writes and love seeing humans having adventures in outer space, we need more of this for sure.

Overall I found Eclipse the Moon to be a stellar rockin' romance that is guaranteed to keep you on the tip of your toes and will engage you from beginning to end! UTTERLY THRILLING OF A READ! ( )