Lunamare by Pepper Winters

Lunamare marks the return of Pepper Winters who has crafted a heartbreaking and beautiful story with all the star-crossed love, angst, and emotion-filled writing that she is known for. Aslan and Nerida's transition from youth to adulthood was incredible to witness as they are forced to come to terms with their own identity, circumstances, attraction, and desperate love for each other. The way the author has written this book is also unique in the fact that an older Nerida is narrating the story to two journalists but we are witnessing the events mostly through Aslan's voice and interspersed with the younger Nerida's point of view. I thought this writing choice was interesting and made me more invested in Aslan's story—which was already a tragedy in of itself. He is a heartbreak waiting to happen but then again, the same can be said for Nerida. She grew from this bright, sweet, and impressionable child to a young woman who made questionable choices/mistakes and suffered from the consequences.

"I'm terrified of loving you, only to lose you. I wouldn't survive. I'd rather never have you than run that risk… You gave me something to fight for when I all wanted to do was die."

There is no denying that Aslan and Nerida were flawed characters and their actions played a part in their suffering, but this also made them human and relatable. Instead of communicating with each other, this young couple chose to bottle everything up instead until it eventually consumed them. In the end, this was everything Pepper Winters advertised it as—an all-consuming and tragic love story with endearing characters who will leave an impression on your heart. Aslan was such an amazing hero because of his kindness, loyalty, understanding, protectiveness, and love for Nerida. I had a difficult time connecting to Nerida because she was so naive and innocent but that all changed with one incident. Fans of Pepper Winters, especially the Ren and Della: Boxed Set because it has a similar feel and vibe, will absolutely love this book and fall for its characters. Lunamare does end with a heartbreaking cliffhanger and Aslan and Nerida's story will conclude in Cor Amare.

*This ARC was generously provided by the author and publisher for an honest review*

Rating: ★★★★☆