Very creative twist on a Romeo and Juliet retelling. This is a MM romance and the 2nd (and final) book in the duology. Definitely read the 1st book before reading this one so you will understand what’s going on with Jace and Cyrus and everything they have to contend with. This book is filled with angels and demons and everything in between. Morrow has fantastic world building and I love the way they continue to develop the characters and plot line. Would highly recommend if MM, steamy romance, and great retellings are your thing!
This book is action packed and pretty sexy. It continues from Book 1, Watcher, so it is best to read that one first. However, I did not and still really enjoyed Jace and Cyrus’ conclusion! I can’t wait to go back and read book 1! And I am hoping there are more books that follow the other characters in this story, especially Hesper and those at the Ranch!
I liked this author’s writing style. It was easy to follow along in this fantasy-human world. There are several character types, Demons, Watchers, Messengers, and Humans. Being that this is the first book I have read in this series there may be more!
The romance in this story is MM. And definitely NSFW or young readers or those with sensitive reading styles. While it claims to be a Romeo and Juliet style star crossed love, I didn’t particularly sense that in this book, maybe if I had read book 1 first I would see that aspect more. Still really enjoyed this story.
Messenger is an incredible sequel, and it does not disappoint! I highly recommend reading Watcher, the first book in the series, just so you can get all of the wonderful backstory and learn about the characters. I think there would be some confusion if you skipped straight to the second book. The story of Jace and Cyrus is one full of paranormal romance, tension, and vengeance. You can feel the chemistry, love, heartbreak, and a full range of emotions as you learn more and more about them. Even as the odds stack against them, you never know what is going to happen. It is definitely a different twist on Romeo and Juliet, but this is one of my favorites so far! Will either of them get what they want or is it a fool’s errand? I definitely think you’ll enjoy this book if you like MM stories of the paranormal romance genre.
Book 2 of the Star-Crossed Celestials Duet and this definitely did not disappoint. I recommend reading book 1 first to know the beginning of Jace and Cyrus……and I just love them.
Forbidden love…Jace and Cyrus are separated…their future is uncertain. When Jace is accused he is totally exiled from the celestial community….meanwhile Cyrus tries to find Jace but trouble comes to Cyrus and he is left for dead. Jace is out coming for revenge….but will it be to late or will Jace and Cyrus be able to be together……
If you love MM Fantasy Romance with danger and action I highly recommend this series. Truly fantastic story!
I love this interesting take on Romeo and Juliet with this MM Romance….and as I started the pages I love that the author provided a “cast” to get to know whom each character represents. Watchers, demons, messengers and danger….I really loved this story.
War is stirring…watchers and demons vs the messengers but what happens with Jace whom is a watcher and Cyrus who is a messenger….sparks and sizzle but love is forbidden. Will Jace and Cyrus be able to overcome the danger that comes their way and their feelings for each other no waiver?
I highly recommend this book..this is a great fantasy and the story line is top notch. I am looking forward to diving into book 2 to see what happens next!!
This novel is well written. I have not read Romeo and Juliet (I know, leave me alone), but this love story is skillfully written and it is LGBTQ+ friendly. The storyline is similar to Romeo and Juliet, but the celestial twist kept me fully engaged. Each time I have attempted to read the true Shakespeare novel I have DNF’d it. This book I was not able to put down.
I did not read the first book of this series, but it is easy enough to put the pieces together if you start with this novel. I of course plan on going back and reading the first after finishing this one. The book was so good and I love the writing style of this author.
The characters and plot are well thought out. I enjoyed both Jace and Cyrus. I also enjoyed that there was more plot than erotica. These scenes were limited and the first one I came across was more than halfway through the book. I prefer more plot than erotica. It was very enjoyable and I highly recommend!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Allyson Whttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAllyson W2023-04-25 05:57:392023-04-28 13:07:20Messenger (Star-Crossed Celestials Book 2) by A.L. Morrow – Review by Allyson Ware
Cyrus is in turmoil now, his soul mate has been banished out of Sin City and tensions are rising with the Angel and Demon worlds, but also Cyrus is threatened to be punished as he protected the Demon Watcher, he loves by killing his own kind a messenger.
Jace has been banished by the Archangel, Astra to live in the dessert with all the other outcasts deemed to have done wrong in this world but Jace is still drawn to his lover, Cyrus and hopes one day he will be in his arms again.
As the tensions heat up, Xavier, Cyrus’s ex-boyfriend and head of the Army tries to protect him from the repercussions of the attack but one night the forces take matters into their own hands and use powerful magic on Cyrus and leave him almost dead. Xavier ceases the opportunity to look after Cyrus and try and rekindle the love he had before the betrayal Xavier did to stop Cyrus moving on.
Meanwhile, tensions are rising, and can Astra the Archangel reclaim Sin City and work in harmony with Humans, Demons and Angels alike?
This is the first book I have read in this series and although I pick up the story it may have helped if I had read the first book The Watcher which may have given a bit more context to some of the angst between the characters. Although saying that I thoroughly enjoyed the unique twist on Romeo and Juliet and being set in a world of Angels and Demons.
I have to say the interaction between Jace and Cyrus was sweet, and the chemistry slowly built as the characters for most of the book were tackling their own dark demons so to speak. The secondary characters were a great addition to the story, and I loved the sassy nature and character of Jace’s sister Caz and would like to see how her relationship moves forward.
This is not my normal genre and picked the book up as it looked an interesting twist on a classic story. The Story was well written and flowed through at a great pace. I would like to read more for this author going forward.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Angela Shirleyhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAngela Shirley2023-04-25 05:30:172023-04-28 13:05:56Messenger (Star-Crossed Celestials Book 2) by A.L. Morrow – Review by Angela Shirley
This is the second book in the series and I would highly recommend reading them in order. This was a great follow up to the first book and it took no time to re-connect with Jace and Cyrus. They were just as strong characters in this book as the first and I loved watching their development progress even further as the story went on. The story was a great follow on. It was more emotional than I expected it would be but I think that added to it. I really enjoyed reading this story and I am looking forward to seeing what else this author has in store.
This is the second book in the Star- Crossed Celestials Duet series. I personally would highly recommend reading these books in order, so you get the true feel for the story and the character arcs within them. This particular story is a MM twist on Romeo and Juliet. It is filled with the forbidden romance we know well, the parts that hit me were the emotions and inner torment for the characters.
This book two of the series. I really liked this book. You should read in order, to know who is who and to know the story of the characters. Jace is a Watcher and Cyrus is a Messenger. Cyrus does not want to give up everything he has worked for and so he lets Jace go, he soon realizes that was a big mistake. Cyrus betrays his kind to protect his enemy and he must pay. The Messengers leave him for dead. Jace finds out and breaks his pact to make sure Cyrus is okay. Do they find each other and reconnect? You’ll just have to read to find out.
The conclusion to Cyrus and Jace’s story. The Messenger was alright. An MM romance with a lot of drama to go along with it. The author keeps on intrigued in what’s been written. Also the display of character growth is beautiful in its own way. At the conclusion of the Perdition Riots Jace was exiled from the city of Las Vegas. If he stayed away the messengers couldn’t touch him. However he asked Cyrus to come with him and at the time he said no. With some regret Cyrus is doing what he can to find Jace and make sure he’s alright. Unfortunately other messengers have plans for Cyrus. He killed one of his own kind to protect the enemy he must pay. And pay he did, left for dead in an alley his life changed forever. Jace living on a ranch in Tucson has been trying to adapt to his new way of life. He’s a mess though, he misses Cyrus. So when he finds out Cyrus was attacked and left for dead, he doesn’t care about breaking his exile agreement. Once he re enters Las Vegas all bets are off, he’s fair game for the messengers. What he found though, was unexpected. What happens to Cyrus? What will happen between Cyrus and Jace? How can they keep the messengers that want them gone at bay? Those questions and so many more. You could very well read this book as a standalone, but I would advise reading it as a pair with book 1 Watcher. If you’ve already read Watcher, what are you waiting for? It’s time to read the epic conclusion.
The world as you know it does not longer exist. The war between angels and demons has involved the human kind and the results are horrific.
Cyrus and Jace, the first a messenger from the skies has fallen in love with the second a exile from the celestial community after breaking the laws has a watcher.
In the battle field of Sin City the different types of angels and demons make the life of the place a living hell, the lack of order and discrimination against each other had made the lovers torn apart. Forces of each legion will ensure the chaos prevails so the goals are reached.
Cyrus will seek to find Jace against all judgment, and Jace will try to understand the new role that the consequences of his actions now bring him.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Paloma Fierrohttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngPaloma Fierro2023-04-16 18:25:222023-04-17 13:34:15Messenger (Star-Crossed Celestials Book 2) by A.L. Morrow – Review by Paloma Fierro 16/04/2023
This book is amazing. First thing first, you do need to read the first book in this series to understand fully what is going on. I skipped it, however, I will be going back to read it. I mean you can read this book without reading the first but it makes it harder to understand the dynamic between Jase and Cyrus. This book picks up where the other left off and it goes into detail about things but I feel I would have had a fuller understanding of what was happening had I read the first book before this one. That being said, this book is still amazing and I felt myself getting swept away with the story. It brings elements into the concept of Romeo and Juliet. There isn’t much of a resemblance to the actual Romeo and Juliet story because this one is between two males, had supernatural aspects, and really the only thing it has in common with Romeo and Juliet is the forbidden love between the two main characters. That said, it was an amazing spin on a timeless classic piece of literature. The slow burn between the charters that builds throughout the book. You can tell instantly how much they each care for each other and you can also feel, how everyone disagrees with some of their choices. It has angst, suspense, drama, love, and some good steam. You will not be disappointed reading this book if you like celestial, paranormal romance. I just suggest reading the first book in the series before this one so you are all caught up and not struggling to figure out things along the way. However, if you. just want to devour a great book and don’t mind not knowing everything but eventually being able to piece things together, go for it!!! This book will leave you wanting more, so I am excited to go back and read the first one in the series. Reviewed by: @bbohls
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Barbara Bohlshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngBarbara Bohls2023-04-14 05:39:222023-04-17 13:20:07Messenger (Star-Crossed Celestials Book 2) by A.L. Morrow – Review by Barbara Bohls
This is the second book in the series, so I would highly recommend reading the first before starting this one. I love twists and retellings of the classics so when I came across this book (bonus points for paranormal elements – angels) I knew I had to read both books.
Jace and Cyrus are great characters. There are other well-written characters in this book, but as the main characters Jace and Cyrus steal the show. The struggle they face following the conclusion of the last book is gut-wrenching and the pain they feel is written well. I really felt for the pair as they suffered. I was rooting for them from the beginning and was invested to see how they would navigate the obstacles in their way as they made their way forward.
If you enjoy retellings, angels and forbidden love, I would recommend this book.
I think one of my favorite parts about this series is that it doesn’t matter where someone comes from. Some of these characters will do the right thing even if it goes against their society’s norms. The most unlikely of actions can from the people we least expect them to. Their love that should be forbidden in every sense has changed their worlds in ways I doubt either of them imagined it would.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Marie Collinshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngMarie Collins2023-04-12 19:06:142023-04-17 13:03:49Messenger (Star-Crossed Celestials Book 2) by A.L. Morrow – Review by Marie Collins
This is the 2nd book in the Star- Crossed Celestials Duet series. I would really recommend reading these books in order so you follow the story of our characters and understand how they are in the position they start this story from. This is a paranormal MM romance. It is also a twist on Romeo and Juliet. This is a story of forbidden love and all the pain and hurt that goes along with it when you can’t be with the person you really love because of circumstances out of your control. Jace and Cyrus finally found each other and found their soul mates, however that wasn’t meant to be. With Jace being removed by law and Cyrus choosing to stay to carry on protecting the world by keeping demons under control the lovers are forced apart. Jace is a Watcher who’s job is the look after the humans and keep the demons under control. Cyrus is a Messenger and his role is to keep the Watchers under control. Because of their differences they shouldn’t be together. Its not right or the way things should be. When Jace is involved in trouble he is banished from Las Vegas leaving his home,family and love behind. Neither Cyrus or Jace are coping well being apart and Cyrus is trying desperately hard to find him to reunite with him. But with a war that keeps breaking out, being monitored by his fellow Messengers and an ex lover who will stop at nothing to get Cyrus back it’s going to be one long fight for him to find the man he truly loves.
This story is emotional, you can really feel the heartbreak and torment that both Jace and Cyrus go through being apart and also their determination to find a way to get back to one another. The author really brings this story to life and invites the reader into a world that is fast paced, engaging and makes you feel like you are beside Jace and Cyrus every step of the way.
Messenger is the second book in the Star-Crossed Celestials Duet by A.L Morrow. It definitely gives ‘Romeo & Juliet’ vibes, with a bit of a twist in the form of a celestial spin. This is a MM paranormal romance- an urban fantasy with angst, action, drama, celestials, demons, tension, chemistry, star-crossed lovers, fate, emotion, and sizzle. This genre is definitely A.L. Morrow’s wheelhouse, and she’s delivered another stellar read. She always manages to surprise me, in a great way. So, if you love MM fantasy with angst, and some sexy twists- then you are definitely going to want to read this story/duology for yourself. Happy Reading!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Angela Hayeshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAngela Hayes2023-04-11 23:52:562023-04-17 11:30:14Messenger (Star-Crossed Celestials Book #2) by A.L. Morrow – Review by Angela Hayes
This is an author that I have enjoyed reading from the first book. I never hesitate to pick up one of this author’s books. This is the second book in this series which I highly suggest reading the first book as well to help your enjoyment of this series and author. It is always great to see where the characters come from to where they are now. I enjoyed reading this book just as much as the first one, maybe even more. I found this book to be fast paced and full of romance and action. It is hard to put down as it is that engaging. A well written story where Jace and Cyrus are faced with a race against time and a choice to save themselves or their souls. They are great connectable characters that are my favorite. I enjoyed what they brought to the story and their chemistry is great together. They pulled me into their world and had me coming back for more. This is an easy and entertaining story to read and one you don’t want to miss. I highly recommend this book and this author.
I have followed this story from the beginning. Fascinating retelling of Romeo/Juliet in a different way. Watchers & Messengers at war but Cyrus and Jace will fight through it all. Exciting storyline. There’s steamy romance for those that like it. I found the storyline better to stick with and just skipped those parts. This author makes you feel like you are right in the battle. It truly is good and evil. The characters are so relatable. When Cyrus feeds the demon child on Sheole Street and is arrested, you just want to yell “travesty!” It has been a wondeful duet. Do read the first one first. it will make this one even better. You might also enjoy Emissary, a prequel to this duet.
4 stars Messenger certainly twists things up as for a Romeo and Juliet retelling. This forbidden love tale is a MM love story set in the stars. It is the second book and another wonderful paranormal story in the Star-Crossed Celestials books. This sweet and steamy contemporary romance tale also has fantasy elements. Make sure you read the first book Watcher first. It is full of hurt and fear, forbidden love and drama, action and tension, hope and redemption, sorrow and longing. Messenger is bit of an emotional read and it is so easy to love these celestial beings Jace and Cyrus and feel for them. It’s a bit of a tougher journey for them this time. Cyrus will not stop until he finds what was stolen from him. Jace has lost all he ever wanted. Now he doesn’t want to go on without him. All hell is about to be unleashed. Will they be able to find their way back to each other? Will they break their promise to each other to save a City or will they lose forever? If you’re a fan of sexy fairy-tale retellings with a twist, then you will love this one as much as the first book.
Nothing has been the same for Messenger angel Cyrus since Jace was exiled from the celestial community. Night after night, he searches Sin City for the demon who might have the answers he needs to find his lost love. But his quest hasn’t gone unnoticed. Dark forces reach Cyrus first, and a brutal encounter with his enemy leaves him at the mercy of the ruthless warrior who once broke his heart.
Believing Cyrus has been killed, Jace returns to Sin City with a death wish and one thought in mind: vengeance. Instead, he finds Cyrus alive and the unsuspecting center of a plot that will change Sin City—for the worse—forever.
Time has never been a friend to Jace and Cyrus, but now the clock is ticking faster than ever. With the fate of the city on the line, they’ll need to choose between saving each other or saving their souls.
Romeo and Juliet gets a celestial spin (and a happy ending!) in this duology featuring forbidden love, mixed-up messages, hurt/comfort, and redemption. Intended for readers ages 18+ and best enjoyed when read in the following order: Watcher (Book 1), Messenger (Book 2).
USA Today bestselling author A.L. Morrow is the (naughtier) alter ego of a young adult novelist. When she isn’t writing clean(ish) YA tales, “A” enjoys dreaming up steamy scenes and spectacular settings—often along with a touch of magic or myth. She believes that love is love and likes reading and writing various genres of romance.
In her downtime (what’s that?), A finds delight in scouring for secondhand designer fashions. She briefly lived in a haunted mansion, once took a flight to visit Scotland for a day, and is prone to meeting minor celebrities in random hotel elevators. She resides in the eastern US.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Messenger-Cover_Final.jpg1200799itsybitsybookbitshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngitsybitsybookbits2023-04-11 00:01:402023-04-21 22:37:07Messenger (Star-Crossed Celestials Book 2) by A.L. Morrow
Kai and Byron seem like a very unlikely pair. Kai is an angel sent to Earth to take out demons that are destroying the world. Byron is a demonic material arts expert, and as luck would have it, he’s also one of Kai’s targets. Even though they are separate sides of the battlefield, they are still drawn to each other.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jasmin Slaglehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJasmin Slagle2023-03-16 21:40:062023-03-20 08:48:06Emissary: An MM Forbidden Romance by A.L. Morrow Reviewed by Jasmin Slagle
Emissary was such a great book. The author didn’t disappoint me one bit. The characters were all amazing. The world building was great also. While reading this book, I could relate to it. It felt like the book was coming to life and that’s what I enjoy most about reading books. I loved learning about kai & Byon’s relationship and reading about how it grew more.
To redeem himself, Kai accepts an assignment to kill demons that are causing chaos in the mortal realm.
Byron Black is targeted but is saved by Kai. Though he knows there is more than meets the eye with Kai, who is an angel, he can’t seem to stay away from him.
Who wants him dead and why? The journey to find out the answers brings them closer and the attraction becomes hard to ignore. As Byron and Kai get closer, Kai begins to feel sadness because of how his previous relationship ended. Not wanting it to happen again.
When I saw an MM romance, I had to read it. I don’t want to give too much away. It took some time for me to get into the story, but once I did, I could not put the novel down.
This novel is part of the Star Crossed Celestial series but it can be read as a stand-alone. I hope there is more novels in this series.
Emissary is my 4th or 5th MM book I’ve read. I’ve really enjoyed reading romances from different points of view. I fell in love with both Malakai & Byron’s characters. I really liked the star-crossed lovers aspect. The whole forbidden love thing makes it 100x better. This is a great read. Once you get started you won’t be able to put it down. The story is full of love & mystery…it’s steamy, action packed & unpredictable. Now I must read The Watcher!
Kai, an angel of death, a celestial, who is suppose to take out watchers and demons. But, Byron is a different, he is the first to make Kai question is this the right thing? Byron, a demon – different from all the others, questions why Kai spares him. Can he trust him? Can the two overcome the obstacles life puts in thier way? I truly enjoyed the world building and the story evolution between Kai and Byron. I would recommend giving this story a chance and continue on in the series.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Sarah Kinghttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngSarah King2023-03-14 01:15:002023-03-16 10:06:11Emissary (Star-Crossed Celestials Duet) by A.L. Morrow – Review by Sarah King
This was a really good book. I enjoy love stories especially when it is about opposites being attracted to each other and finding happiness even though they are so different. Byron and Malakai had a difficult journey to their happy ending and I fully enjoyed the experience. I am enjoying this series and I look forward to reading the next one.
I love this series!! The forbidden love between angels and demons… It has the perfect yin yang match that so draws people to books like this. The angel of Death with his grace and elegance… And the demon fighter who has the fast wits and fights well for a smaller frame than most of the others.. I’m in love 😍😍
Emissary is a standalone novel, or it could be used as a prequel to the Star Crossed Celestials series. Emissary follows Kai, an emissary of death. An error on his part caused his love to perish which pushes Kai to want to redeem himself by taking on a task. The target he was tasked to find is Byron Black who has fought for his life for as long as he can remember. Kai unexpectedly falls in love with Byron and together they search for who is trying to end Byron’s life. Is Kai able to push his task aside in order to save the one he loves? Find out in Emissary. Emissary is full of twists, turns, and loveable characters with relatable feelings. I could not put this book down. It grabbed me from the beginning. The scenery depicted makes you feel like you are living the story with Kai and Byron. Full of action, mystery, and romance, Emissary is a must read. It is a great prequel to the Star Crossed Celestials series, or even as its own novel. I cannot wait to read more from this author.
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