Burning Daylight

Defying the Stars #1

by Emily McIntire

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.*

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Dark Romance, Contemporary Romance, Retellings, Adult, Fiction

544 pages, Paperback

Expected publication September 30, 2025

About the author

Emily McIntire is a #1 New York Times and #1 Sunday Times bestselling author whose stories serve steam, slow burns, and seriously questionable morals. Her books have been translated in over a dozen languages, and span across several sub-genres within romance.

A stage IV breast cancer thriver, you can find Emily enjoying free time with her family, getting lost in a good book, or redecorating her house depending on her mood.


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Upcoming Release

Burning Daylight

Latest Release:

Hexed

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Reviews

[Emily McIntire]

BURNING DAYLIGHT COVER AND BLURB REVEAL!



📅 RELEASING SEPTEMBER 30

→ Pre-order: geni.us/DtsBook1
(Use code BLOOM25 on B&N for a discount)

→ Submit preorder proof to get bonus digital content! https://airtable.com/appHs2n848ELpKVx...

→ Read a PEOPLE Exclusive Excerpt:
https://people.com/emily-mcintire-rom...


BLURB

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.

[noctavia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I DON'T EVEN KNOW WHAT THIS IS ABOUT
BUT I'M SO EXCITED

[Louh Kinney · Rating 5 out of 5]

IN MOTHEEERRRR WE TRUUSSST !

[Liana Gold]

The forbidden fruit always tastes the sweetest 😏🫶🏻 it’s been a long time since I read McIntire book. Hopefully this is as wild and crazy as her other books🤞🏻

[ashlyn]

HELLO THE COVER?? 😍😍😍

[Brooke R · Rating 5 out of 5]

I NEED TO READ THIS!!!! PUBLISH QUICKLY

[Shannon Farley]

OHHH, this looks good! And that cover! 🔥🔥🔥

[Bookiemonster]

THE RELEASE DATE IS MY BIRTHDAY?!
Mrs Mcintire, if this book was for me, just say that 😌

[Rae Gerard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emily wrote it. Immediate five stars…I don’t make the rules

[Brittany · Rating 5 out of 5]

It has Emily's name on it. Automatically 5 stars and i need it now. My husband asked where my money is going. Its going to Emily and her books. Can't wait to read what this is

[Danielle Ross · Rating 5 out of 5]

I DONT KNOW WHAT IT IS OR WHAT ITS ABOUT BUT ITS MY FAVOURITE READ ALREADY 🥹

[Felix · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm just praying to every god out there that this damn series doesn't include her fetish of having one of the mc's doing something sexual with another person(like in Never After) and it doesn't have any ow/om drama. Just put the dramatic twist into the fucking plot, not in the romantic story🙄

[Taylor Quarles · Rating 5 out of 5]

I dont know what this is but I'm excited!!!!

[Jennifer Bailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Idk what it's about, but Emily wrote it, so 5 stars

[Nikitatjuh · Rating 5 out of 5]

No clue what it is... but I love it

[Courtney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emily wrote it so… it’s a masterpiece.

[BookedwithRae · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Ho, did you just stab me?" - Me to Emily McIntire at least once while reading this


Cry Count: 14

Within the first 5 chapters this became my new favorite McCulty classic. I can't wait for you guys to experience the romance zoomie inducing banter that happens in this book, I can't wait to get to hear it in audio because I know it is going to have me kicking my feet and giggling like 2000's teen with a new copy of tiger beat.

[Leora]

Oh my goodness!!!

[zooey(mini hiatus for a bit)]

SAW THIS ON LINTEREST AND I WAS LIKE OMG AND THE COVERRRR UGHH

[Sazmin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can’t wait!!!! I really need this out now.

[Samantha Leeson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cannot wait !

[Kim Murdoch · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t even care what it’s about, I just know I’m going to love it!

[Jennifer Navarro · Rating 5 out of 5]

{ARC review}

Emily McIntire has done it again. This was a retelling modern day version of Romeo and Juliet and wow. The plot twists, the drama, the love, the lessons… 10/10. There wasn’t a ton of spice but the spice it had was just *chefs kiss* 3/5 spiciness. Absolutely loved it and will def be purchasing it!

[Logan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m not a huge Shakespeare fan, but I am a big fan of Baz Luhrmann’s Romeo + Juliet, and I loved this book. And, if I was closer to the source material, I have a feeling that I would have enjoyed it even more. I’ll definitely be reading the sequel as well as checking out some of Emily McIntire’s other books. (heads-up: the spice is open door 🌶️🌶️🌶️)

[Holly Dolly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I already know it’s a banger! This is a placeholder for my October full review.

[Catrina]

Ordered from B&N
September 2025

[Kayla Cook]

THIS COVER???!!!?!??!? AHHHHH

[Ashley]

A Romeo and Juliette spin off?! I'm totally here for it!!! Be back to review once the book drops...

[G · Rating 5 out of 5]

HAVENT EVEN READ THE DESCRIPTION BUT IM SO EXCITED ILY EMILY

[Alyssa Hardman · Rating 5 out of 5]

THE WAY I AM CLUTCHING MY PEARLS FOR THIS BOOK OKAY???!!!!!!