Reviewed by Annika
TITLE: Starcrossed
SERIES: Magic in Manhattan #2
AUTHOR: Allie Therin
NARRATOR: Erik Bloomquist
PUBLISHER: Tantor Audio
LENGTH: 10 hours, 36 minutes
RELEASE DATE: September 29, 2020
BLURB:
When everything they’ve built is threatened, only their bond remains….
New York, 1925
Psychometric Rory Brodigan’s life hasn’t been the same since the day he met Arthur Kenzie. Arthur’s continued quest to contain supernatural relics that pose a threat to the world has captured Rory’s imagination – and his heart. But Arthur’s upper-class upbringing still leaves Rory worried that he’ll never measure up, especially when Arthur’s aristocratic ex arrives in New York.
For Arthur, there’s only Rory. But keeping the man he’s fallen for safe is another matter altogether. When a group of ruthless paranormals throws the city into chaos, the two men’s strained relationship leaves Rory vulnerable to a monster from Arthur’s past.
With dark forces determined to tear them apart, Rory and Arthur will have to draw on every last bit of magic up their sleeves. And in the end, it’s the connection they’ve formed without magic that will be tested like never before.
REVIEW:
There’s something addictive with this series that makes me want to live in 1925 New York. At least in theory, I am spoilt with modern day amenities and conveniences that I think I’d have a difficult time living in the past. However, I love the adventures that Rory and Arthur always seem to end up in. I love the characters and the plot. I also really enjoy the time period; I don’t read or listen to enough historical romances.
Starcrossed is mostly character driven, and while I could feel the past while listening I kind of wished it had been more present. I mean the time and place is essential to this series as is the world they lived in, with paranormals and relics alike. I wanted to feel all of it and know more. I wanted to know how they all connect, paranormals and relics alike – what are their limits, and do they have a purpose? And so on. Then again that’s me being greedy. Allie Therin has crafted an amazing series with wonderful characters, and I just love the way of life back then – from a healthy distance of a 100 years. I love the closeness of the characters, the slower pacing life had – and I am drawn to the relics – and it seems I’m not the only one.
This isn’t a romantic book per se. The romance between Rory and Arthur is n ever full front and center. It’s there for sure, and you feel their connection but it’s not that intense, but that fits with the story and the time period. Sadly, same sex relationships were such a scandal that the odd furtive glance and secret longing for more is all we get – well at least in company of others. We see them grow stronger in face of adversity and a common foe. Said foe being an ex of Arthur’s but foe all the same. I did like that even though said ex did re-appear on the scene with his sights set on Arthur, the story never crossed into melodramatic, or even relationship drama. Nope that drama was all paranormal and dangerous – the best kind really.
I’m aware that Erik Bloomquist seems to be a hit or miss with most listeners. Personally, I do enjoy his narration. I like his pacing and the cadence of his voice. How he adds feelings that fits the story and characters. It makes it a great listen.
All I can say is, that I hope there will be more books with Rory and Arthur to come. I haven’t spent nearly enough time in this world.
RATING: 
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