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The Choosing Chronicles #3
A Curse of Stars and Storms
She has death at her fingertips. He’s off-limits, but he might be the only thing that grounds her storm.
River Waterborn is the daughter of a Representative. She was born to immense privilege and is cursed with immeasurable power.
For the past eight years, she’s been trying to atone for the Incident. No matter how many lives she saves or patients she heals, she’ll never truly be able to escape the weight of her magic.
One night, she loses two patients, and her control breaks. She runs from the hospital to seek the help of the only man she trusts: Nikhail Galebringer.
Nikhail is more than just a powerful air fae who happens to be nearby. He’s also her brother’s best friend and is strictly forbidden.
River believes herself to be cursed. She cannot be in a relationship with anyone, especially not the handsome fae she’s flirted with for years. She is a bringer of death, and she must remember that.
But keeping Nikhail at arm’s length gets more difficult with each passing day. Soon, River is left asking if Cursed Ones can find love, or will she forever be alone with her storm?
A Curse of Stars and Storms is the first book in the next duology in The Choosing Chronicles. Book 2 will have a guaranteed HEA. This duology should be read after A Game of Love and Betrayal, and A Heart of Desire and Deceit.
There will be three duologies in total.
River Waterborn is the daughter of a Representative. She was born to immense privilege and is cursed with immeasurable power.
For the past eight years, she’s been trying to atone for the Incident. No matter how many lives she saves or patients she heals, she’ll never truly be able to escape the weight of her magic.
One night, she loses two patients, and her control breaks. She runs from the hospital to seek the help of the only man she trusts: Nikhail Galebringer.
Nikhail is more than just a powerful air fae who happens to be nearby. He’s also her brother’s best friend and is strictly forbidden.
River believes herself to be cursed. She cannot be in a relationship with anyone, especially not the handsome fae she’s flirted with for years. She is a bringer of death, and she must remember that.
But keeping Nikhail at arm’s length gets more difficult with each passing day. Soon, River is left asking if Cursed Ones can find love, or will she forever be alone with her storm?
A Curse of Stars and Storms is the first book in the next duology in The Choosing Chronicles. Book 2 will have a guaranteed HEA. This duology should be read after A Game of Love and Betrayal, and A Heart of Desire and Deceit.
There will be three duologies in total.
420 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 9, 2025
568 people are currently reading
9261 people want to read
About the author
Elayna R. Gallea
32 books2,002 followersElayna Gallea lives in beautiful New Brunswick, Canada with her husband and two kids. They have dogs and cats and enjoy touring their beautiful province whenever they can.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 125 reviews
June 25, 2025
3.5⭐️ I really enjoyed this book but not a lot happened??? I’m excited for book 2, but I have to wait A YEAR?!?!??? Had a good time but needed a little more. I have faith book 2 will boost us back up (IN A YEAR)
June 19, 2025
ARC review
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
🌶🌶 (couple open door scenes with details)
Thank you to Elayna Gallea for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this amazing book! A Curse Of Stars and Storms starts with the events leading to the epilogue in A Heart of Desire and Deceit. We gain more insight into River and her struggle to control her power. Thanks to "the incident" and her mother's "nurturing" nature, River struggles with self-loathing, keeping everyone at arm's lengt, feelings of inadequacy, and the high expectations of her prestigious family name. But can Nikhail Galebringer, her brother's best friend, show her that she is deserving of love, that she is more than enough, and is perfect in every way, all while fighting his own past and the increasing demands of his present? What happens when they cross the line from friends to more?
Gallea does a beautiful job in depicting River's internal trauma through internal monolog and character interactions. She delves into Nikhail's personal history and present day struggles. Her writing brings these characters to life and makes her readers connect with them on a deeply emotional level Gallea walks her readers through the journey of loss, healing past trauma, and learning to love and accept one's self. I was on my seat waiting to see how these two would connect and finally accept the truths the other offered. I cannot wait to see how their story continues in book 4!
This is the third installment of the Choosing Cronicles (6 books in total). It is the first of a duolody following River and Nikhail. Can this be read as a stand alone duology? I would stingly encourage that you go back and read Ryker and Brynleigh's story in A Game of Love and Betrayal & A Heart of Desire and Deceit before attempting this one. Please for all that is good, read those first. There is so much content and character elements you will miss out if you start here.
Dual POV
Best friend's little sister/Brother's best friend
He falls first and hard
Self-love and healing
Crescent City meets Grey's Anatomy/007
Doctor/CIA(esk) agent
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
🌶🌶 (couple open door scenes with details)
Thank you to Elayna Gallea for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this amazing book! A Curse Of Stars and Storms starts with the events leading to the epilogue in A Heart of Desire and Deceit. We gain more insight into River and her struggle to control her power. Thanks to "the incident" and her mother's "nurturing" nature, River struggles with self-loathing, keeping everyone at arm's lengt, feelings of inadequacy, and the high expectations of her prestigious family name. But can Nikhail Galebringer, her brother's best friend, show her that she is deserving of love, that she is more than enough, and is perfect in every way, all while fighting his own past and the increasing demands of his present? What happens when they cross the line from friends to more?
Gallea does a beautiful job in depicting River's internal trauma through internal monolog and character interactions. She delves into Nikhail's personal history and present day struggles. Her writing brings these characters to life and makes her readers connect with them on a deeply emotional level Gallea walks her readers through the journey of loss, healing past trauma, and learning to love and accept one's self. I was on my seat waiting to see how these two would connect and finally accept the truths the other offered. I cannot wait to see how their story continues in book 4!
This is the third installment of the Choosing Cronicles (6 books in total). It is the first of a duolody following River and Nikhail. Can this be read as a stand alone duology? I would stingly encourage that you go back and read Ryker and Brynleigh's story in A Game of Love and Betrayal & A Heart of Desire and Deceit before attempting this one. Please for all that is good, read those first. There is so much content and character elements you will miss out if you start here.
Dual POV
Best friend's little sister/Brother's best friend
He falls first and hard
Self-love and healing
Crescent City meets Grey's Anatomy/007
Doctor/CIA(esk) agent
June 18, 2025
✨𝓐𝓡𝓒 𝓡𝓮𝓿𝓲𝓮𝔀✨
📖: A Curse of Stars and Storms (The Choosing Chronicles Book 3)
A Curse of Stars and Storms is the first in a duet within The Choosing Chronicles series. I recommend reading the first duet for the best reading experience!
Now a surgeon in training, River painstakingly works to keep her powers under tight control and atone for her past.
Nikhail, her brother’s best friend, has always been off limits. Not that River is looking for love—she just wants to keep her curse from hurting others. But their fates become inextricably linked, whether they’re ready or not.
Tropes:
👀Dual POV
👩🏻❤️👨🏻Brother's best friend
⏱️Age gap
😢Parental trauma
🧚Modern fae romantasy
📚Planned duology
Nik is so gone for River and he’s her shelter from the storm of her emotions. The author explores years of repressed feelings and touches on the doubts and fears that divide them.
A Curse of Stars and Storms is an emotional, character driven story that delves into class systems, healing, and forbidden romance. After that ending, I’ll be holding my breath until the next book!
Huge thanks to @authorelaynargallea for the ARC opportunity! This is my honest and voluntary review
📖: A Curse of Stars and Storms (The Choosing Chronicles Book 3)
A Curse of Stars and Storms is the first in a duet within The Choosing Chronicles series. I recommend reading the first duet for the best reading experience!
Now a surgeon in training, River painstakingly works to keep her powers under tight control and atone for her past.
Nikhail, her brother’s best friend, has always been off limits. Not that River is looking for love—she just wants to keep her curse from hurting others. But their fates become inextricably linked, whether they’re ready or not.
Tropes:
👀Dual POV
👩🏻❤️👨🏻Brother's best friend
⏱️Age gap
😢Parental trauma
🧚Modern fae romantasy
📚Planned duology
Nik is so gone for River and he’s her shelter from the storm of her emotions. The author explores years of repressed feelings and touches on the doubts and fears that divide them.
A Curse of Stars and Storms is an emotional, character driven story that delves into class systems, healing, and forbidden romance. After that ending, I’ll be holding my breath until the next book!
Huge thanks to @authorelaynargallea for the ARC opportunity! This is my honest and voluntary review
May 19, 2025
I received this book as an ARC and I honestly enjoyed it!
This is book #3 of The Choosing chronicles but it’s a separate story. Reading the previous books can give you context but they are not necessary to understand what is going on.
Summary:
This is the story of River (Ryker’s little sister), a water fae with very powerful magic. She grew up with a sick dad and a cold hearted mom. After a massive surge of her powers 10 years ago, she wiped out a village. She has been trying to atone for the deaths she caused. She believes herself cursed and refuses to let someone close to her. Nikhail is her brother’s best friend. He’s the one person that calms her magic. They both feel very attracted to each other. Will Nikhail be running away when he learns what she did? Will she let him break down her barriers at the risk of hurting him with her magic?
This book has:
-magic
-romance
-some spice
-ends on a cliffhanger
-forbidden love
-a very respectful and caring MMC
I would say this is an urban romance fantasy but with the fantasy more as a subplot. The ending leads me to believe that the fantasy might pick up in book #4.
I liked it and would definitely recommend it !!
This is book #3 of The Choosing chronicles but it’s a separate story. Reading the previous books can give you context but they are not necessary to understand what is going on.
Summary:
This is the story of River (Ryker’s little sister), a water fae with very powerful magic. She grew up with a sick dad and a cold hearted mom. After a massive surge of her powers 10 years ago, she wiped out a village. She has been trying to atone for the deaths she caused. She believes herself cursed and refuses to let someone close to her. Nikhail is her brother’s best friend. He’s the one person that calms her magic. They both feel very attracted to each other. Will Nikhail be running away when he learns what she did? Will she let him break down her barriers at the risk of hurting him with her magic?
This book has:
-magic
-romance
-some spice
-ends on a cliffhanger
-forbidden love
-a very respectful and caring MMC
I would say this is an urban romance fantasy but with the fantasy more as a subplot. The ending leads me to believe that the fantasy might pick up in book #4.
I liked it and would definitely recommend it !!
May 23, 2025
thank you for an ARC for this book!
Absolutely loved every minute of this read! I forgot hustle how easy Elaynas stories is this world are to read, it felt like hardly any effort at all!
I love the yearning we get on page other feels so heartfelt and outreaching to read.
And poor river, Elayna has written a narrasistic mum so damn well!
The romance and heartbreak is so well written I absolutely cannot wait for the second half of their story!
Absolutely loved every minute of this read! I forgot hustle how easy Elaynas stories is this world are to read, it felt like hardly any effort at all!
I love the yearning we get on page other feels so heartfelt and outreaching to read.
And poor river, Elayna has written a narrasistic mum so damn well!
The romance and heartbreak is so well written I absolutely cannot wait for the second half of their story!
September 29, 2025
how many times she had said "I'm cursed" THOUSANDS
July 13, 2025
OMG! The way that I devoured this latest book from Elayna R. Gallea! I finished this in just 2 days.
I had already read the first duology in The Choosing Chronicles and I had been WAITING for the start of River and Nik's story since we first met them in the first two books. All I can say is that A Curse of Stars and Storms did NOT disappoint. The amount of forbidden love and pinning in this story is just delicious. Nik is TOP tier book bf and I just want to hug River. Prepare yourself for tears because Gallea lives up to her reputation for taking your heart and squeezing it for all it's worth.
In A Curse of Stars and Storms, is the story of River Waterborne, who we had met as the younger sister of water fae Ryker, who was our main MMC in books 1 and 2. River is someone who is warm, emotional, driven and painfully haunted by the echoes of her past. Within her veins flows a water magic that is wild, dominant and stronger than anyone could imagine. However, Ryker has been taught to see it as a curse and not a gift. In her teens, she lost control of her power and many lives were lost. Since then, she has been on a journey to only help and heal, doing an unending and self imposed penance for the pain she has caused, while struggling to keep her magic tightly controlled and completing a surgical residency.
River is wonderfully written and her painful self-loathing and trauma, unfurls amidst the beautiful energy that she cannot help but bring to those she cares for most. The relationship that she has with her ailing father and protective older brother makes you love her all the more and watching the struggles she has to understand her mother's coldness makes you want to shelter her. Luckily for us, that protection comes in the form of one very calm, possessive and dedicated air fae, Nikhail Galebringer.
Of course, nothing is ever simple as Nik is one of Ryker's oldest friends from the army and he has spent years repressing the inexplicable pull towards River, believing any relationship between them an impossibility. However, when River's magic threatens to overpower her, she turns to Nik and it sets of a series off events that make staying away from each other that much harder. I didn't think I could adore an MMC more than Ryker but Nik is so steadfast and such a grounding presence for River, that you cannot help but fall for him almost immediately. His sense of family and doing what is right is incredible.
As Nik and River struggle to maintain the boundaries they have tried to put up between them, the political tensions of their homeland threaten to tear them apart as the rebels' violence increases against the representatives and their families. I love the way that Gallea balances the plot-driven action with sweet heart felt moments that draw you into Nik and River's romance. And oh, there are a few wonderful cameos from River and our favorite badass vampire, Brynleigh.
With the tension rising amidst more and more rebel uprisings, a devastating heartbreak blows the lid off River's control as Gallea leaves us reeling with a cliffhanger ending that had me sobbing and wishing that book 4 in this series was already in my hands. I cannot wait to see how things will come to resolution for River and Nik and just what Ryker will do when he realizes what his best friend has been up to with his younger sister....gonna be EPIC. Definitely jump into this wonderful fantasy series and prepare for lots of smiles, some fantastic heated moments and plenty of tears!
I had already read the first duology in The Choosing Chronicles and I had been WAITING for the start of River and Nik's story since we first met them in the first two books. All I can say is that A Curse of Stars and Storms did NOT disappoint. The amount of forbidden love and pinning in this story is just delicious. Nik is TOP tier book bf and I just want to hug River. Prepare yourself for tears because Gallea lives up to her reputation for taking your heart and squeezing it for all it's worth.
In A Curse of Stars and Storms, is the story of River Waterborne, who we had met as the younger sister of water fae Ryker, who was our main MMC in books 1 and 2. River is someone who is warm, emotional, driven and painfully haunted by the echoes of her past. Within her veins flows a water magic that is wild, dominant and stronger than anyone could imagine. However, Ryker has been taught to see it as a curse and not a gift. In her teens, she lost control of her power and many lives were lost. Since then, she has been on a journey to only help and heal, doing an unending and self imposed penance for the pain she has caused, while struggling to keep her magic tightly controlled and completing a surgical residency.
River is wonderfully written and her painful self-loathing and trauma, unfurls amidst the beautiful energy that she cannot help but bring to those she cares for most. The relationship that she has with her ailing father and protective older brother makes you love her all the more and watching the struggles she has to understand her mother's coldness makes you want to shelter her. Luckily for us, that protection comes in the form of one very calm, possessive and dedicated air fae, Nikhail Galebringer.
Of course, nothing is ever simple as Nik is one of Ryker's oldest friends from the army and he has spent years repressing the inexplicable pull towards River, believing any relationship between them an impossibility. However, when River's magic threatens to overpower her, she turns to Nik and it sets of a series off events that make staying away from each other that much harder. I didn't think I could adore an MMC more than Ryker but Nik is so steadfast and such a grounding presence for River, that you cannot help but fall for him almost immediately. His sense of family and doing what is right is incredible.
As Nik and River struggle to maintain the boundaries they have tried to put up between them, the political tensions of their homeland threaten to tear them apart as the rebels' violence increases against the representatives and their families. I love the way that Gallea balances the plot-driven action with sweet heart felt moments that draw you into Nik and River's romance. And oh, there are a few wonderful cameos from River and our favorite badass vampire, Brynleigh.
With the tension rising amidst more and more rebel uprisings, a devastating heartbreak blows the lid off River's control as Gallea leaves us reeling with a cliffhanger ending that had me sobbing and wishing that book 4 in this series was already in my hands. I cannot wait to see how things will come to resolution for River and Nik and just what Ryker will do when he realizes what his best friend has been up to with his younger sister....gonna be EPIC. Definitely jump into this wonderful fantasy series and prepare for lots of smiles, some fantastic heated moments and plenty of tears!
June 16, 2025
I was so excited for their story since they were introduced in the first two books of the Choosing Chronicles. Applying for the ARC was a no brainer.
❗Some of my opinion might be considered spoiler ❗
Nik didn't disappoint. He was perfect. He has loved River since meeting her and even though he is afraid he might not be good enough for her, he takes a leap of faith.
River on the other hand made me extremely mad in this book. It's okay to be afraid of hurting someone and to think it might be a better idea to not be intimate. But every other sentence was along the lines of "I shouldn't be doing this / I don't deserve this / this is not good" while also realising that her powers (which she refers to as her curse) are a lot more manageable when he's around. And still. She's saying the same thing over and over for 80 percent of the book. I felt like she was missing character development.
I'm also mad at Ryker for not protecting his sister from their mother. He's in the same room when she tears her daughter down and does nothing.
I feel like the relationship of Nik and River was on the backseat of this book, which made me sad. I understand that the greater scheme of things is important (politics and the rebels from the other books), but it felt like only about 20 percent of the book actually was them being in the same room.
What you get
- instant attraction years ago
- they never act on it
- brother's best friend
- she's "cursed"
- they're afraid not to be good (enough) for each other
- domestic verbal abuse through her mother (we hate her)
📖 A Curse of Stars and Storms by Elayna R. Gallea
Rating 3.75 ⭐
#bookstagram #reading #fantasy #romantasy #booktok #bookworm #magic #fae #republicofbalance #thechoosingchronicles #acurseofstarsandstorms #arcread #arc
❗Some of my opinion might be considered spoiler ❗
Nik didn't disappoint. He was perfect. He has loved River since meeting her and even though he is afraid he might not be good enough for her, he takes a leap of faith.
River on the other hand made me extremely mad in this book. It's okay to be afraid of hurting someone and to think it might be a better idea to not be intimate. But every other sentence was along the lines of "I shouldn't be doing this / I don't deserve this / this is not good" while also realising that her powers (which she refers to as her curse) are a lot more manageable when he's around. And still. She's saying the same thing over and over for 80 percent of the book. I felt like she was missing character development.
I'm also mad at Ryker for not protecting his sister from their mother. He's in the same room when she tears her daughter down and does nothing.
I feel like the relationship of Nik and River was on the backseat of this book, which made me sad. I understand that the greater scheme of things is important (politics and the rebels from the other books), but it felt like only about 20 percent of the book actually was them being in the same room.
What you get
- instant attraction years ago
- they never act on it
- brother's best friend
- she's "cursed"
- they're afraid not to be good (enough) for each other
- domestic verbal abuse through her mother (we hate her)
📖 A Curse of Stars and Storms by Elayna R. Gallea
Rating 3.75 ⭐
#bookstagram #reading #fantasy #romantasy #booktok #bookworm #magic #fae #republicofbalance #thechoosingchronicles #acurseofstarsandstorms #arcread #arc
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 15, 2025
Nikhail Galebringer may officially be one of my top book boyfriends. Everyone deserves to have someone like him in their lives. The way he absolutely falls for River from the very first moment he sees her - he puts other men to shame. The way he worships her and has an eye out for her every need, the way he makes her feel like she's worthy of love, it's absolutely heart warming. But on the other side of that coin, my heart absolutely breaks for River and what she's been through. Not to mention the way her mother treats her. The ending of this book was just cruel, I can't wait for the next one to see how the rest of their story plays out.
June 21, 2025
Thank you to the Author for the opportunity to ARC read a curse of stars and storms.
I was a tad late finishing as life got in the way of reading (it’s a cruel world we live in sometimes haha)
Once I got into the book I couldn’t stop though. THAT ENDING!! oh my. I will be anxiously awaiting the next book.
Brothers best friend
Friends to lovers
He falls first
“Little storm”
So much I loved about this book!
Another knock out by Elayna.
I was a tad late finishing as life got in the way of reading (it’s a cruel world we live in sometimes haha)
Once I got into the book I couldn’t stop though. THAT ENDING!! oh my. I will be anxiously awaiting the next book.
Brothers best friend
Friends to lovers
He falls first
“Little storm”
So much I loved about this book!
Another knock out by Elayna.
June 26, 2025
I’m kind of disappointed. Like nothing really happened? We just went in circles, there was no development. Book 2 better have all the drama because this was not what I wanted. It was to “set the scene” I guess, but we’ve known these characters for 2 books now. Just for the ending to take us back to square one.
June 13, 2025
Five stars. That’s it, that’s the review.
Totally kidding. I am a huge fan of this overall series, so it’s not a shock to me that I loved this book. The way that Elayna writes fantasy pulls me in EVERY SINGLE TIME. I’ve been dying to know more of River’s story and this did not disappoint. Despite the tension and some heart-string pulling moments, I found the tone of this book to be very sweet. It’s rare to me to find a great fantasy read where “forbidden” love is written so well, and the yearning in this was incredible. I loved the dual POVs of Nikhail and River, and I cannot WAIT for the continuation of this duology. This book made my heart happy I am so excited to see how their story ends!
I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Totally kidding. I am a huge fan of this overall series, so it’s not a shock to me that I loved this book. The way that Elayna writes fantasy pulls me in EVERY SINGLE TIME. I’ve been dying to know more of River’s story and this did not disappoint. Despite the tension and some heart-string pulling moments, I found the tone of this book to be very sweet. It’s rare to me to find a great fantasy read where “forbidden” love is written so well, and the yearning in this was incredible. I loved the dual POVs of Nikhail and River, and I cannot WAIT for the continuation of this duology. This book made my heart happy I am so excited to see how their story ends!
I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
May 21, 2025
Thank you to the author for an eARC copy of this book
I really enjoyed reading Ryker and Brynleigh’s duet and when I saw the opportunity to ARC read the 3rd book in this series I jumped on it.
Honestly I’m so glad I did, I couldn’t put it down. In the 3rd book we get to know more about River and Nik as we only hear snippets really of them in the first 2 books. This book had me smiling and crying as both characters felt so relatable. At times wanted to jump through the pages and hug River. Overall I enjoyed seeing River and Nik’s story start to unfold and I can’t wait for it to continue as that was quite a cliff hanger to end on.
I really enjoyed reading Ryker and Brynleigh’s duet and when I saw the opportunity to ARC read the 3rd book in this series I jumped on it.
Honestly I’m so glad I did, I couldn’t put it down. In the 3rd book we get to know more about River and Nik as we only hear snippets really of them in the first 2 books. This book had me smiling and crying as both characters felt so relatable. At times wanted to jump through the pages and hug River. Overall I enjoyed seeing River and Nik’s story start to unfold and I can’t wait for it to continue as that was quite a cliff hanger to end on.
June 18, 2025
I received this book as an ARC. This is book 3 and it follows Nikhail and Rivers story. Book 4 will also follow them.
River is Rykers sister from book 1 & 2. River has been through some trauma from a sick father and monstrous mother who treats her terrible. She finds support in her brother’s friend Nikhail.
Chapter 18 had me in my feels! I was ready to cry and read the chapter twice cause I loved it so much!
River is Rykers sister from book 1 & 2. River has been through some trauma from a sick father and monstrous mother who treats her terrible. She finds support in her brother’s friend Nikhail.
Chapter 18 had me in my feels! I was ready to cry and read the chapter twice cause I loved it so much!
June 19, 2025
I was gifted an arc copy of this book and I loved it so much. brothers best friend, she's cursed, so good. I'll be patiently waiting for the next chapter of their tale.
May 24, 2025
River and Nikhail’s story did not disappoint!Nikhail is 100% a Disney Prince... with slightly less wholesome thoughts haha. His attentiveness and love for River is unparalleled. It’s giving Sebastian Montquartier (Tethered) vibes and I am not mad about it!
River is a tortured soul. She’s very convinced that she is undeserving of anything good in life. Nikhail might be the only one who can convince her that she deserves the stars. However, I feel like I have a love/hate relationship with River. Do I understand why she feels like she can’t be with Nikhail? Yes. Do I have patience for it? No. Is forbidden romance/star crossed lovers my favorite trope? Also, no... Elayna R. Gallea had me gripping the last vestiges of my threadbare patience with white knuckles. The only thing that helped me hold on was Nikhail’s unwavering resolve to make River see reason. Was Nikhail successful, you ask? I refuse to spoil the journey for you!
River is a tortured soul. She’s very convinced that she is undeserving of anything good in life. Nikhail might be the only one who can convince her that she deserves the stars. However, I feel like I have a love/hate relationship with River. Do I understand why she feels like she can’t be with Nikhail? Yes. Do I have patience for it? No. Is forbidden romance/star crossed lovers my favorite trope? Also, no... Elayna R. Gallea had me gripping the last vestiges of my threadbare patience with white knuckles. The only thing that helped me hold on was Nikhail’s unwavering resolve to make River see reason. Was Nikhail successful, you ask? I refuse to spoil the journey for you!
June 18, 2025
Just wanted to say thank you to Elayna for the ARC <3. I loved Ryker and Brynleigh's duology, and really enjoyed this first book in River and Nik's story.
Cannot wait for the conclusion!
Cannot wait for the conclusion!
June 18, 2025
I couldn't put this one down!
They way I empathized with and related to River had me hooked!
Her feelings of being cursed, never good enough, are so raw and real.
Nikhail is exactly what River needs, and I loved the way their relationship formed and grew. Thanks to Elayna's amazing writing, you feel how they are meant to be together.
The story is fast-paced, well plotted, and filled with such yearning by the main characters that keeps you turning the pages.
That ending hurt my heart, though! I am not ok and need the next book!
They way I empathized with and related to River had me hooked!
Her feelings of being cursed, never good enough, are so raw and real.
Nikhail is exactly what River needs, and I loved the way their relationship formed and grew. Thanks to Elayna's amazing writing, you feel how they are meant to be together.
The story is fast-paced, well plotted, and filled with such yearning by the main characters that keeps you turning the pages.
That ending hurt my heart, though! I am not ok and need the next book!
May 21, 2025
I really thought this would be a 4 star in the beginning since I really enjoyed those first few chapters. Almost to the halfway point, I just wasn’t vibing with it. It felt slow and not slow-burn. I enjoyed the insight into Nik’s job with some action but I wanted a bit more background on him. Then, there’s River. At the start I loved the glimpses of her as a doctor then as we move on, she just seems like a character with no development (and maybe it is that way because she gets it until book 2?) but still I think River needed more backbone or at least show some progress in working on herself. Nik and River’s relationship is cute but that’s it, again maybe there’s more in book 2, but i wanted to at least see Ryker finding out, or tertia not liking that pairing, just some other conflict there. As for the rebel plot, we get glimpses through Nik but that’s it, this book just needed more.
June 18, 2025
This was such a cute story and continuation in this world. I loved reading more of River's story, and Nikhail is a major sweetheart. It's so emotional and raw to be inside River's head, and I'm really looking forward to the second book to see where this goes.
There's a little spice, a bit of drama, and some of the main story. But a ton of chemistry and adoration between River and Nikhail.
Elayna is a wonderful storyteller, and I enjoyed the pacing and the crafted world and characters.
It wasn't necessarily the most fun book to read, but it was a lot of feeling and a really good book. A really good story. And I am desperate to read the next one.
There's a little spice, a bit of drama, and some of the main story. But a ton of chemistry and adoration between River and Nikhail.
Elayna is a wonderful storyteller, and I enjoyed the pacing and the crafted world and characters.
It wasn't necessarily the most fun book to read, but it was a lot of feeling and a really good book. A really good story. And I am desperate to read the next one.
June 19, 2025
"After all, being in the presence of her storm, even as a spectator, would be better than never seeing it again."
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
🌶🌶
What you'll find in this book:
- Yearning
- Age Gap
- He's Been in Love With Her For Years
- Modern Fae Romantasy
- She's Broken
- Forbidden Romance
- She's Extremely Powerful
- He's Her Brothers Best Friend
- He Calls Her Princess and Little Storm
- He's Her Safe Space
- She Thinks She's Too Broken For Him
The endings of Elayna's books where she leaves us on a cliffhanger never fail to leave me as an emotional, sobbing mess. I'm serious if you're getting towards the ends of one of Elayna's books have the tissues at the ready. With this being book three in the choosing chronicles we already have a insight of the world Elayna has created and some of the phenomenal characters, but this book expands on it even further and has as expected left me wanting more. This story follows River and Nikhail and their forbidden romance with the society they know in perril and River's magic continuing to become unstable, so much is on the line that the question becomes can they be what eachother needs.
River has a continuous storm running through her veins, she is working hard to try and undo her past mistakes. Moving away from her home and her controlling mother to take her first position at lakewater hospital, she spends her days keeping her magic under control. One night, when everything gets too much and she looses two patients in one night her fragile control breaks and she runs as fast as she can to the only person that can help her, Nikhail Galebringer. However, Nik isnt just a powerful fae but also her brothers best friend and absolutely off limits. With River considering herself to be cursed and knowing that she can't have a relationship for fear of hurting other people again. Despite this keeping Nikail at arms length is harder than she thinks and is getting harder and harder every day. Will she be able to realise what she has right in front of her before it's too late?
Where do I even begin with River and Nikail. River truly believes herself cursed, with her motherer constantly diminishing her as a person and belittling the person she is trying so hard to become. My heart absolutely bleeds for her, she is trying so very hard to atone for what she is done and to protect those around her. Then when she is also pushing away her own happiness, once again for the sake of others it truly goes to show her true character. Nikhail is as honorable as he is handsome, he's taken long enough waiting and trying to deny his feelings but there is no chasing away the pull he feels towards River or how right the world feels when he is around her. These two trying to fight their feelings for one another is frankly futile, we all know they are one action away from giving and it is just a matter of time, and it is the most delicious torture waiting for the clock to tick down. Still getting plenty of Ryker and Brynleigh content in this story, and seeing more of their lives and relationship tied this story together with the first two books in the series perfectly.
I absolutely adore Elayna's writing style, the world she has created and all of the amazing characters within it. I loved that there are nods to previous books and seriers set in the same world, with these stories having influenced and being a part of the history of the society we find within the binding chronicles. The pacing of this story was fast which aligns perfectly with the nature of River's curse and time running out for certain characters and the precarious state of the world. That ending I did not see coming, I thought no, surely Elayna wouldn't do this to us, but then it happened and it left me in an absolute mess and now I need the next book stat!
Thank you so much to Elayna for sending me an e-ARC to read and review early! Every single one of your books have been absolutely fabulous and this has been no exception.
Author: Elayna Gallea
Series: The Binding Chronicles
Publisher: Independently Published
Release Date: June 18th, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
🌶🌶
What you'll find in this book:
- Yearning
- Age Gap
- He's Been in Love With Her For Years
- Modern Fae Romantasy
- She's Broken
- Forbidden Romance
- She's Extremely Powerful
- He's Her Brothers Best Friend
- He Calls Her Princess and Little Storm
- He's Her Safe Space
- She Thinks She's Too Broken For Him
The endings of Elayna's books where she leaves us on a cliffhanger never fail to leave me as an emotional, sobbing mess. I'm serious if you're getting towards the ends of one of Elayna's books have the tissues at the ready. With this being book three in the choosing chronicles we already have a insight of the world Elayna has created and some of the phenomenal characters, but this book expands on it even further and has as expected left me wanting more. This story follows River and Nikhail and their forbidden romance with the society they know in perril and River's magic continuing to become unstable, so much is on the line that the question becomes can they be what eachother needs.
River has a continuous storm running through her veins, she is working hard to try and undo her past mistakes. Moving away from her home and her controlling mother to take her first position at lakewater hospital, she spends her days keeping her magic under control. One night, when everything gets too much and she looses two patients in one night her fragile control breaks and she runs as fast as she can to the only person that can help her, Nikhail Galebringer. However, Nik isnt just a powerful fae but also her brothers best friend and absolutely off limits. With River considering herself to be cursed and knowing that she can't have a relationship for fear of hurting other people again. Despite this keeping Nikail at arms length is harder than she thinks and is getting harder and harder every day. Will she be able to realise what she has right in front of her before it's too late?
Where do I even begin with River and Nikail. River truly believes herself cursed, with her motherer constantly diminishing her as a person and belittling the person she is trying so hard to become. My heart absolutely bleeds for her, she is trying so very hard to atone for what she is done and to protect those around her. Then when she is also pushing away her own happiness, once again for the sake of others it truly goes to show her true character. Nikhail is as honorable as he is handsome, he's taken long enough waiting and trying to deny his feelings but there is no chasing away the pull he feels towards River or how right the world feels when he is around her. These two trying to fight their feelings for one another is frankly futile, we all know they are one action away from giving and it is just a matter of time, and it is the most delicious torture waiting for the clock to tick down. Still getting plenty of Ryker and Brynleigh content in this story, and seeing more of their lives and relationship tied this story together with the first two books in the series perfectly.
I absolutely adore Elayna's writing style, the world she has created and all of the amazing characters within it. I loved that there are nods to previous books and seriers set in the same world, with these stories having influenced and being a part of the history of the society we find within the binding chronicles. The pacing of this story was fast which aligns perfectly with the nature of River's curse and time running out for certain characters and the precarious state of the world. That ending I did not see coming, I thought no, surely Elayna wouldn't do this to us, but then it happened and it left me in an absolute mess and now I need the next book stat!
Thank you so much to Elayna for sending me an e-ARC to read and review early! Every single one of your books have been absolutely fabulous and this has been no exception.
Author: Elayna Gallea
Series: The Binding Chronicles
Publisher: Independently Published
Release Date: June 18th, 2025
May 15, 2025
5⭐️
1.5🌶️
Thank you to the author for an e-arc copy of this book!
Book 3 of the Choosing Chronicles but the first book of the duology for River and Nik. Read books 1 & 2 for Brynleigh and Ryker’s story (and critical background info for this book).
This duology focuses on River (Ryker’s little sister) and Nik (Ryker’s best friend). We get the oh so fun trope of brother’s best friend 😜
River is cursed. She tells herself that every day since the Incident 10 years ago where she lost control of her water magic and accidentally killed hundreds of people. Very limited people know of that day on the command of her mother, a Representative for the country. From that day, she’s put all her effort into saving people, current in the midst of her residency at a city hospital. After one particularly rough night at work, she starts to feel her magic lose control again and runs to the only person she can nearby: Nik, her brother’s best friend. He helps calm her and her magic like no one’s been able to before. She’s always had these hidden feelings for him but have never expressed it 1) bc he’s her brother’s best friend but 2) and most importantly, she’s cursed and tells herself she never deserves love.
Nik has always had an attraction to his best friend’s sister but always tamed himself from it. But the night she shows up at his door looking for help, the flood gates open for him. He can’t keep his feelings inside anymore and needs to know if River feels the same. He knows he’s below her station but knows he’d do anything for her. Meanwhile, the rebellion group terrorizing the country has popped itself up again, pulling Nik’s attention all too often.
This is definitely a story of healing and love when both sides are coming from a place of hurt in their own ways. River is definitely a vulnerable FMC that you can’t help but root for. Nik is definitely green flag boyfriend material. I loved Ryker in books 1 & 2 but Nik has definitely stolen my heart way more!
This is New Adult, so we get a little bit of spice 🌶️ which, yay! I see the next book kicking it up a notch hopefully too. We get lots of fantasy visuals in this that definitely need to happen 😜 I feel like Nik is going to be one feral alpha fae in the sheets 😜 gentleman in the street but freak in the sheets vibe 🥵
The ending is heartbreaking and ends on a cliffhanger but knew something big like that was coming. The story needed it and sets up for the next book nicely. Theres definitely many things that will be addressed in the next book and I can’t wait for it!!!!
1.5🌶️
Thank you to the author for an e-arc copy of this book!
Book 3 of the Choosing Chronicles but the first book of the duology for River and Nik. Read books 1 & 2 for Brynleigh and Ryker’s story (and critical background info for this book).
This duology focuses on River (Ryker’s little sister) and Nik (Ryker’s best friend). We get the oh so fun trope of brother’s best friend 😜
River is cursed. She tells herself that every day since the Incident 10 years ago where she lost control of her water magic and accidentally killed hundreds of people. Very limited people know of that day on the command of her mother, a Representative for the country. From that day, she’s put all her effort into saving people, current in the midst of her residency at a city hospital. After one particularly rough night at work, she starts to feel her magic lose control again and runs to the only person she can nearby: Nik, her brother’s best friend. He helps calm her and her magic like no one’s been able to before. She’s always had these hidden feelings for him but have never expressed it 1) bc he’s her brother’s best friend but 2) and most importantly, she’s cursed and tells herself she never deserves love.
Nik has always had an attraction to his best friend’s sister but always tamed himself from it. But the night she shows up at his door looking for help, the flood gates open for him. He can’t keep his feelings inside anymore and needs to know if River feels the same. He knows he’s below her station but knows he’d do anything for her. Meanwhile, the rebellion group terrorizing the country has popped itself up again, pulling Nik’s attention all too often.
This is definitely a story of healing and love when both sides are coming from a place of hurt in their own ways. River is definitely a vulnerable FMC that you can’t help but root for. Nik is definitely green flag boyfriend material. I loved Ryker in books 1 & 2 but Nik has definitely stolen my heart way more!
This is New Adult, so we get a little bit of spice 🌶️ which, yay! I see the next book kicking it up a notch hopefully too. We get lots of fantasy visuals in this that definitely need to happen 😜 I feel like Nik is going to be one feral alpha fae in the sheets 😜 gentleman in the street but freak in the sheets vibe 🥵
The ending is heartbreaking and ends on a cliffhanger but knew something big like that was coming. The story needed it and sets up for the next book nicely. Theres definitely many things that will be addressed in the next book and I can’t wait for it!!!!
June 18, 2025
ARC REVIEW 🔥
📖: A Curse of Stars and Storms( The Choosing Chronicles Book 3)
A Curse of Stars and Storms is the first book of a duet within the Choosing Chronicles series. For the best reading experience, I recommend reading A Game of Love and Betrayal and A Heart of Desire and Deceit first, as this book features characters from those stories and continues the overarching plot.
Have you ever felt like you weren’t enough? That what you’ve always wanted would never be yours? No matter what you do, it’ll never be enough? If that’s the case, you’ll see yourself in River—just as I have.
Dr. River Waterborn is a resident surgeon whose life mission is to save as many souls as possible. Why? Her calling, her past, her curse. Her days are spent working and keeping her curse in check. Love? Enter Nikhail Galebringer. Her brother’s best friend. A dreamy air fae. But strictly off-limits. Besides, who could ever love someone cursed?
Will she be able to keep her curse under control, or will she end up alone with her inner storm?
🌪️ Brother’s best friend
🌊 Age gap
🌪️ Forbidden romance
🌊 So. Much. Yearning.
🌪️ She’s extremely powerful
🌊 He knows how she takes her coffee
🌪️ He’s been in love with her for years
Being 100% honest, Nik has become one of my favorite book boyfriends. How could he not? Dreamy, attentive, protective, and so much more.
This book is a slow burn, but the best kind—filled with angst, doubts, and fear. Emotions you’ve no doubt felt throughout your life. This book is a gem I had the privilege of reading. Do yourself a favor: love yourself enough to give it a go. You won’t regret it.
Now… let the waiting game for the next book begin!
A special thanks to @authorelaynargallea, a wonderful and amazingly talented writer, for the ARC opportunity! I’ve read all your books and will continue to do so in the future.
All my love❤️
June 7, 2025
Oh my heart is breaking, I knew it was going to hurt but it doesn’t soften the blow. A Curse of Stars and Storms is Book 3 in the Choosing Chronicles.
If you are a fan of Fantasy Romance with Forbidden Romance, Brother’s Best Friend, Age Gap, Powerful FMC, Possessive Alpha Fae MMC, He knows how she likes her coffee and so much more, this book is for you!
In A Curse of Stars and Storms we get to see more of River (Ryker’s sister from previous books) and learn more behind her story. River is going to school to be a doctor, to help heal those to repent for her past magical accident.
When she has a really bad night she runs to the only person she can lean on in the town she is living in, Nikhail. Oh our man Nikhail has it bad for River, but she is his best friend’s sister and younger, he can’t want her this badly right?
After Nikhail ends up being injured and River cares for him, these two are so over denying their feelings. However, River feels she is cursed and undeserving of love and tries to push him away. Nikhail is fearful she won’t want him because of his upbringing but he throws caution to the wind to prove to her he is all in.
Nikhail is so swoon worthy in his actions, he knew his she liked her coffee and food she liked to eat over the years. He is constantly thinking of River and how he can take care of her and show her how deserving she is. He wants to give her all the love in the world.
My heart was breaking for River from the way her mother treats her and how she feels undeserving of love, just when she allows herself a moment of true happiness everything comes crashing down on her.
I am anxious to know what is going to happen next with River and Nikhail after that cliffhanger of an ending.
Rating: 4.5 / 5
Spice: 🌶️.5
If you are a fan of Fantasy Romance with Forbidden Romance, Brother’s Best Friend, Age Gap, Powerful FMC, Possessive Alpha Fae MMC, He knows how she likes her coffee and so much more, this book is for you!
In A Curse of Stars and Storms we get to see more of River (Ryker’s sister from previous books) and learn more behind her story. River is going to school to be a doctor, to help heal those to repent for her past magical accident.
When she has a really bad night she runs to the only person she can lean on in the town she is living in, Nikhail. Oh our man Nikhail has it bad for River, but she is his best friend’s sister and younger, he can’t want her this badly right?
After Nikhail ends up being injured and River cares for him, these two are so over denying their feelings. However, River feels she is cursed and undeserving of love and tries to push him away. Nikhail is fearful she won’t want him because of his upbringing but he throws caution to the wind to prove to her he is all in.
Nikhail is so swoon worthy in his actions, he knew his she liked her coffee and food she liked to eat over the years. He is constantly thinking of River and how he can take care of her and show her how deserving she is. He wants to give her all the love in the world.
My heart was breaking for River from the way her mother treats her and how she feels undeserving of love, just when she allows herself a moment of true happiness everything comes crashing down on her.
I am anxious to know what is going to happen next with River and Nikhail after that cliffhanger of an ending.
Rating: 4.5 / 5
Spice: 🌶️.5
August 15, 2025
When the MMC Steals the Entire Show
***
River Waterborn can heal, and kill. After one devastating mistake, she’s spent years trying to make amends by throwing herself into study, work, family and faith. But she has also been keeping her distance from the one man she really shouldn’t want, Nikhail Galebringer. Her brother’s best friend. Off-limits. Infuriating. Gorgeous.
But when her control slips, he’s the only one who can ground her. The more time they spend together, the harder it gets to remember why she’s keeping him at arm’s length. A Curse of Stars and Storms is forbidden romance, magic, and slow burn tension that makes you keeps you hanging on for more.
***
Nik might be one of my new favourite MMCs. Intelligent, dangerous, possessive, and yet an absolute dream when it comes to the woman he loves. There are some seriously intriguing (and hot as hell) glimpses of what’s coming from him in book four, and I am living for it. Bring. It. On.
As the third instalment in the series, it expands the world, the magic systems, and the intricate web of character connections. I’m fully hooked on finding out what the horrible rebels (and certain bitchy mothers) are plotting next.
I did rate this one lower than the others, my main struggle was with River herself. She had so much spunk and promise in the first duology, but here, the insight into her mind felt drawn out. There were stretches where it felt like we were circling the same self-loathing without much plot movement. I know it’s part of her journey, but it became heavy to push through, it wasn’t for me.
Still, this is a proper slow burn with plenty of promise for the next book, and the cliff-hanger is chef’s kiss. My calendar is already marked for part four.
⭐⭐⭐ - slow burn, give me more!
***
River Waterborn can heal, and kill. After one devastating mistake, she’s spent years trying to make amends by throwing herself into study, work, family and faith. But she has also been keeping her distance from the one man she really shouldn’t want, Nikhail Galebringer. Her brother’s best friend. Off-limits. Infuriating. Gorgeous.
But when her control slips, he’s the only one who can ground her. The more time they spend together, the harder it gets to remember why she’s keeping him at arm’s length. A Curse of Stars and Storms is forbidden romance, magic, and slow burn tension that makes you keeps you hanging on for more.
***
Nik might be one of my new favourite MMCs. Intelligent, dangerous, possessive, and yet an absolute dream when it comes to the woman he loves. There are some seriously intriguing (and hot as hell) glimpses of what’s coming from him in book four, and I am living for it. Bring. It. On.
As the third instalment in the series, it expands the world, the magic systems, and the intricate web of character connections. I’m fully hooked on finding out what the horrible rebels (and certain bitchy mothers) are plotting next.
I did rate this one lower than the others, my main struggle was with River herself. She had so much spunk and promise in the first duology, but here, the insight into her mind felt drawn out. There were stretches where it felt like we were circling the same self-loathing without much plot movement. I know it’s part of her journey, but it became heavy to push through, it wasn’t for me.
Still, this is a proper slow burn with plenty of promise for the next book, and the cliff-hanger is chef’s kiss. My calendar is already marked for part four.
⭐⭐⭐ - slow burn, give me more!
June 4, 2025
A Curse of Stars and Storms by @authorelaynargallea is the third book in the Choosing Chronicles!
It is recommended to start with A Game of Love and Betrayal as this book is the first look into
River and Nik's duology, who are side characters in the first two books!
River is a water fae who is broken, powerful, and yet has the kindest soul, but she doesn't see
it that way. She goes through life wondering what is wrong with her and why she is cursed.
Enter Nikhail, who is her brothers best friend, and yet utterly obsessed with River. He is attentive,
older, protective, and takes his role in life seriously... could it get any better??
I love that this book delves more into River and Nik as I was hoping to get to know them more
in the first two books. I think everyone on some level can connect with River, and that's what makes her my favorite character! She isn't perfect by any means. She makes mistakes, gets embarrassed, has to learn how to love/control herself, and it is not an easy road. She has family drama (who doesn't), a best friend, a brother she couldn't imagine life without, and a love interest that is complicated in a couple of ways.
I like how the author combined characters from the original two books into this duology so that you have some familiarity, and it also provides follow-up on the characters that I was invested in. A lot of the world building happens in books 1 & 2 but picks up seemlessly in A Curse of Stars and Storms! This book is also Dual POV, which I love!!!!
I highly recommend this book and hope that you love it as much as I do!
This series keeps you wanting more!
It is recommended to start with A Game of Love and Betrayal as this book is the first look into
River and Nik's duology, who are side characters in the first two books!
River is a water fae who is broken, powerful, and yet has the kindest soul, but she doesn't see
it that way. She goes through life wondering what is wrong with her and why she is cursed.
Enter Nikhail, who is her brothers best friend, and yet utterly obsessed with River. He is attentive,
older, protective, and takes his role in life seriously... could it get any better??
I love that this book delves more into River and Nik as I was hoping to get to know them more
in the first two books. I think everyone on some level can connect with River, and that's what makes her my favorite character! She isn't perfect by any means. She makes mistakes, gets embarrassed, has to learn how to love/control herself, and it is not an easy road. She has family drama (who doesn't), a best friend, a brother she couldn't imagine life without, and a love interest that is complicated in a couple of ways.
I like how the author combined characters from the original two books into this duology so that you have some familiarity, and it also provides follow-up on the characters that I was invested in. A lot of the world building happens in books 1 & 2 but picks up seemlessly in A Curse of Stars and Storms! This book is also Dual POV, which I love!!!!
I highly recommend this book and hope that you love it as much as I do!
This series keeps you wanting more!
May 24, 2025
A Curse of Stars and Storms is the first book of the second duology of The Choosing Chronicles series. Reading the first duology is important to be able to understand the plot of this story. This book is under the urban romantasy genre like the first books but I personally thought the romance overtook the fantasy aspect of the story. The world building could be a lot better, but again I think romance is the main focus here and I do think it's done really well. We love yearning and pining here!
I wish we had gotten more time exploring River and Nik's backgrounds, especially Nik since he is more of a mystery to us than River, who is the sister to the MMC of the first duology and a significant part of the story. My heart absolutely broke for River and I just wanted to pull her into a tight hug the whole book. Tertia really grinded my gears and I hope we learn more about her in the second book, specifically why she is the way she is. It really is a shocker that River and Ryker did turn out to be kind people, considering how cold and cruel their mother is.
Initially, I thought the story would focus more on the Stillness and perhaps River would be looking for a cure throughout her books, but the focus still seems to be on the rebels (and her powers, of course). I'm really curious to see where Elayna will be taking the story in the second book and what all we'll get to find out.
Thank you to Elayna and her team for the eARC! And thank you Elayna for not leaving us on a major cliffhanger this time lol.
I wish we had gotten more time exploring River and Nik's backgrounds, especially Nik since he is more of a mystery to us than River, who is the sister to the MMC of the first duology and a significant part of the story. My heart absolutely broke for River and I just wanted to pull her into a tight hug the whole book. Tertia really grinded my gears and I hope we learn more about her in the second book, specifically why she is the way she is. It really is a shocker that River and Ryker did turn out to be kind people, considering how cold and cruel their mother is.
Initially, I thought the story would focus more on the Stillness and perhaps River would be looking for a cure throughout her books, but the focus still seems to be on the rebels (and her powers, of course). I'm really curious to see where Elayna will be taking the story in the second book and what all we'll get to find out.
Thank you to Elayna and her team for the eARC! And thank you Elayna for not leaving us on a major cliffhanger this time lol.
June 6, 2025
"Being in the presence of her storm, even as a spectator, would be better than never seeing it again."
She's done it again! Elayna's writing always jumps to the top of my TBR. She effortlessly enthralls the reader in her characters and stories. And River and Nik may just be my favorite couple brought to life by her writing!
River and Nik have known each other for a long time - hello 'brother's best friend/forbidden attraction'! From the very beginning you can see the threads of their attachment forming in the most innocent and intoxicating way. River carries a deep and shameful secret and so much about the person she is now is because of that secret she guards with everything she has. River is such a complex character with a story of magical and familial trauma that will pluck at your heartstrings. Nik is the person who might be overlooked at first without a fancy name or title. And even though much of Nik's backstory isn't clear yet, you can clearly tell he's the real deal - honorable, respectful, and deeply committed to River.
In this story, River's backstory and trauma take center stage. She questions everything about herself - down to her innate right to be worthy of love and acceptance. I cried with River as she sunk to the deepest depths of darkness that no one should ever feel - lost, abandoned, hopeless, and alone. The ending of part one of this duology is heartbreaking but I hold onto hope for redemption and restoration for Nik and River!
She's done it again! Elayna's writing always jumps to the top of my TBR. She effortlessly enthralls the reader in her characters and stories. And River and Nik may just be my favorite couple brought to life by her writing!
River and Nik have known each other for a long time - hello 'brother's best friend/forbidden attraction'! From the very beginning you can see the threads of their attachment forming in the most innocent and intoxicating way. River carries a deep and shameful secret and so much about the person she is now is because of that secret she guards with everything she has. River is such a complex character with a story of magical and familial trauma that will pluck at your heartstrings. Nik is the person who might be overlooked at first without a fancy name or title. And even though much of Nik's backstory isn't clear yet, you can clearly tell he's the real deal - honorable, respectful, and deeply committed to River.
In this story, River's backstory and trauma take center stage. She questions everything about herself - down to her innate right to be worthy of love and acceptance. I cried with River as she sunk to the deepest depths of darkness that no one should ever feel - lost, abandoned, hopeless, and alone. The ending of part one of this duology is heartbreaking but I hold onto hope for redemption and restoration for Nik and River!
June 22, 2025
River Waterborn, daughter of a Representative, was born to privilege but also born with immense power that she struggles to control. Eight years ago when she lost control of her powers people died and she has spent all her time since then atoning and trying to save as many people as she can. But one tragic night she loses two patients and all the dams she built threaten to break. She runs to the one person she knows can help her, Nikhail Galebringer. Nikhail is a powerful air fae who also happens to be her brother's best friend and strictly off limits. But there has always been an underlying attraction between the two and River has been keeping her distance to try to keep him safe. Her resolve is weakening and River wonders if she can ever have love, or will be cursed and alone forever.
River is such a tortured FMC, with both the Incident and the treatment from her mother, and Elayna was able to capture her torment so well. My heart hurt for River so I was so glad she let herself try to build something with Nikhail. Everyone deserves to be worshipped the way He worships River. Be warned though the cliffhanger in this book is tragic and I cannot wait to see what happens in the next book.
Rating 3.5 stars
*I received a review copy from the author for my voluntary and honest review
River is such a tortured FMC, with both the Incident and the treatment from her mother, and Elayna was able to capture her torment so well. My heart hurt for River so I was so glad she let herself try to build something with Nikhail. Everyone deserves to be worshipped the way He worships River. Be warned though the cliffhanger in this book is tragic and I cannot wait to see what happens in the next book.
Rating 3.5 stars
*I received a review copy from the author for my voluntary and honest review
June 2, 2025
I was privileged to be an ARC reader for this book.
Prepare to be devastated by this installment of the Choosing Chronicles! We follow River and Nikhail’s story in this one- one that is FULL of yearning and longing. Nikhail is just an absolute gem, and he would do anything for River, with no expectations or promises. Just to be there for her. River doesn’t believe she deserves to be loved and cherished. The sort follows the two navigating their feelings and the fact that they are trying to ignore something their hearts won’t let them ignore. Not to mention River’s horrible mother. Hate her. This is a SLOW burn- agonizingly slow but worth it at the end. In addition to the love story there are some other things going on- more civil unrest, work complications on both River and Nik’s part. River has family stuff going on that Nik tries his best to help with. The last chapter is going to absolutely GUT you but Elayna promises things will get better in the next book. That will have to be what sustains me lol….
Excellent book, great plot line, friends to lovers, secret romance, magic, and political undertones. If you didn’t already love River and Nikhail in the first two books of the Choosing Chronicles, this one will seal the deal for you. Especially Nik. SWOON!! ♥️♥️♥️
Prepare to be devastated by this installment of the Choosing Chronicles! We follow River and Nikhail’s story in this one- one that is FULL of yearning and longing. Nikhail is just an absolute gem, and he would do anything for River, with no expectations or promises. Just to be there for her. River doesn’t believe she deserves to be loved and cherished. The sort follows the two navigating their feelings and the fact that they are trying to ignore something their hearts won’t let them ignore. Not to mention River’s horrible mother. Hate her. This is a SLOW burn- agonizingly slow but worth it at the end. In addition to the love story there are some other things going on- more civil unrest, work complications on both River and Nik’s part. River has family stuff going on that Nik tries his best to help with. The last chapter is going to absolutely GUT you but Elayna promises things will get better in the next book. That will have to be what sustains me lol….
Excellent book, great plot line, friends to lovers, secret romance, magic, and political undertones. If you didn’t already love River and Nikhail in the first two books of the Choosing Chronicles, this one will seal the deal for you. Especially Nik. SWOON!! ♥️♥️♥️
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