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I did not really like this book. The story felt very lust heavy and I did not feel like the romance was really. I also did not feel connected to the main characters.

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Thank you, NetGalley and publishers, for this ARC.

We get all the love interests' POVs, but we mostly see Lis's. There is a lot of mistrust and tension (both good and bad) at the beginning of the book, along with some misunderstandings that get dealt with later. Liz really wants to be at the forefront of the family business and not just on the sidelines like her grandfather was when he was still alive. This causes a lot of dangerous situations that could cost a life, betrayals you could never forgive. Her grandfather keeping her away from the family business did more harm than good for everyone. I'm also glad they don't forgive easily because if they did, I would be upset.

I guess this is a slow burn for some people, but to me, it wasn't. There were some spicy scenes, both with and without the love interest. Yeah, it wasn't until the later half of the book, but it's just a romance; it's not the main focus, more of a subplot because other things are happening. It's just not insta-love, and Deo and Lis have known each other since they were young.

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The Desert Heiress is a sweeping, romantic escape filled with intrigue, passion, and a touch of adventure. Shoshana Rain weaves a captivating story of love and self-discovery against a vivid desert backdrop. The heroine is strong-willed and compelling, and the slow-building romance crackles with tension. A lush, atmospheric read perfect for fans of historical or exotic-set romances.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!

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Loved the book it was amazing there wasn’t any part i didn’t enjoyed will be recommending it to everyone

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DNF at 10%

I got this book to read the second one, but I really couldn’t get through this. I tried to continue a couple of time, but this is not what i usually read. When I saw the content list at the beginning I knew it wouldn’t be for me, but i wanted to give it a chance. The plot was what interested me so if you’re okay with the trigger warning, give this a chance!

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I just finished this book, it’s a slow burn, but a rewarding one. The first chunk takes its sweet time setting the stage. The world-building? Detailed and immersive. You’re not just reading about political power plays and mafia drama; you’re in it, sorting through the lies, strategy, and double-crosses like you're part of the family business.

Once the groundwork is laid, the story really starts to click. There’s a steady undercurrent of tension; backstabbing, alliances, and just enough drama to keep you side-eyeing every character. And beneath it all, the book dives into some heavy themes, especially around religious discrimination. The way it parallels real-world antisemitism gives it a powerful emotional punch. It’s not preachy, but it makes you think; which, let’s be honest, more stories could do.

Now, if you’re here for the romance: it’s there, it’s believable, and it adds just the right amount of heat without derailing the plot. The chemistry works, and it gives the whole thing more depth; not just tension for tension’s sake.

All in all, this felt like the first move in a long, smart game of chess. It sets the pieces in place and makes you hungry for what comes next. If you like your fiction with strategy, heart, and a little grit, it’s worth the investment.

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I loved this! It was such a different reverse harem and really caught my attention and held it. Can’t wait to see what happens in the next book!

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LOVE! This was so intriguing, and I was completely absorbed into the world within pages. Also, it was spiiicy.

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Just finished The Desert Heiress and wow, what a ride! 🌵✨ Liseya is such a badass—fighting to take back her family’s power in a world where a magical plant means everything. The slow burn romance with Filip, Deo, and Adrian kept me hooked (mmm MMMF vibes 🔥), and the “why choose?” dynamic was so refreshing. If you love messy, high-stakes fantasy with steamy scenes and complicated love triangles, this one’s for you.

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A super fast paced, beautifully constructed, ‘why choose’ romantasy. The characters are so well written they stay with you long after you finish the book. I loved Liseya!

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The Desert Heiress by Shoshana Rain completely pulled me in. Liseya Moroeste is such a fierce and determined protagonist, and I loved following her journey through Cenefra’s power struggles and magic. Her relationships with Filip kept me hooked, full of tension and intrigue. I have to admit, I didn't see it coming with Adrian!

The world-building was stunning, and the Sun Rose magic fascinated me. Some parts felt a little slow, but the storytelling more than made up for it. I can’t wait to continue The Seven Star Empire series!

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The Desert Heiress by Shoshana Rain delivers a sweeping, slow-burn romance set against a richly described desert backdrop. The chemistry between the main characters crackles from the start, and Rain does a fantastic job of building tension—both romantic and political—throughout the story.

The heroine is strong-willed and easy to root for, navigating not only her feelings but also the weight of expectations that come with her title. The love interest brings the perfect balance of mystery and tenderness, making their dynamic feel authentic and rewarding.

While a few plot points felt slightly rushed toward the end, the emotional payoff made it worthwhile. The writing is lush and immersive, with vivid descriptions that transport you straight into the heat and heart of the desert.

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I got lost in this book and not in a good way. I can dig the why choose poly vibes and the spice was appropriate for the book genre and didn’t over power. 3.5 stars. The world building, politics, and general plot got jumbled though.

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Thank you to NetGalley & Victory Editing for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
To put it plainly, this book is NOT at all in the ballpark of even an inkling of what I had suspected. And I do not know if I love it or hate it all at the same time.
This book blew my breath away, honestly. I felt that the world building was unique and yet easy to follow. I appreciated each and every character and loved that rather than word vomiting their characteristics from the start, we get to learn little sneak peaks throughout the book.
I don't know if I personally like the direction that book 2 is headed in, but I did thoroughly enjoy MOST of the plot of book 1 and would highly recommend to anyone over 18! Please please please, read trigger warnings prior to reading this book, I cannot stress that enough

On one hand, Liseya is soooo real, but on the other, I just have to slap my face because that was not very girl boss of her!

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If you’re in the mood for a fantasy romance that refuses to fit neatly into a box, The Desert Heiress might just be your next obsession. Shoshana Rain has created something that feels like it deserves a category all of its own—blending romance, fantasy, political drama, a touch of mafia energy, mystical western vibes, and spicy marriage of convenience dynamics into one addictive read.

From the very first page, the world building pulls you in. It’s vivid and immersive, striking a perfect balance between fantasy and sci-fi elements, with a setting that feels both modern and timeless. Creative but not overwhelming, the setting sets the stage for the layered, high stakes story that follows.

The narrative moves effortlessly between multiple character POVs, each distinct and easy to follow. Every character brings a unique voice, set of intentions, and personal complications, adding depth and energy to the plot. Secrets, ambitions, and shifting alliances weave together into a shared goal that’s as compelling as it is unpredictable.

Romance in The Desert Heiress is anything but simple. The main characters share a complicated history and work together in roles that weren't always friendly, let alone romantic. A twist of fate and a mutual mission land them in a betrothal of convenience, and Rain doesn't shy away from the emotional messiness that ensues. Instead, she leans into it, exploring mistrust, tension, and growing connections. Through their evolving relationship, Rain also dives into deeper themes of power, gender, and faith, both boldly and with heart.

The result is an engaging, emotionally rich, and unapologetically original story. In short, The Desert Heiress is a genre blending, slow burn romance that refuses to be boxed in—and that’s exactly what makes it so good. This one’s a must read. Just be warned, you’ll finish it already hungry for the next one.

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Lis is the young heir to a smuggling empire. In a world where a desert planet can be harvested and distilled into a drug to enhance your abilities, her grandfather leads all aspects of smuggling the drug out of the city and across the sea to the continent. One day Lis gets a prediction from a priestess that she’ll be the center of a storm. Union her grandfathers death Lis struggles to confirm her power and earn the respect of her partners: Adrian, Deo, & Filip. Amongst government corruption and power struggles, she must persevere to maintain authority in the face of falling for the three men she doesn’t trust.

The book started a little slow but quickly became engrossing. A well laid out world, the story sets the scene for an epic adventure moving forward into the rest of the series.

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The book started a little slow, and i was wary of the 4 POVs, but the book was fantastic! Lis, Filip, Deo, and Adrian are all compelling in their own right, each with motivations that can help or hurt the others. Seeing the interpersonal relationships between the characters was complex and alluring.
Spicy, for mature audiences.

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Thank you to Netgalley & Victory Editing Coop for giving me a free copy of this book for a honest review!

This book was in many ways intriguing & I enjoyed the desert atmosphere. I don't usually read 'reverse harem' so that was pretty wild!

I enjoyed the coded Judasim religion element and the desert being related to the American Southwest.

However the story wasn't able to keep my attention despite the interesting premise so it's a solid 2 stars from me.

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I started this book last night and couldn’t put it down—I read the whole thing within 24 hours. It definitely hooked me from the start. While it's marketed as a fantasy romance, I’d say it leans more toward dystopian romance. The setting gave off serious wasteland vibes: scorching heat, dwindling resources, and a society clearly suffering the effects of global warming. The concept of a magical drug called Sun Rose, which enhances abilities and focus, was intriguing but not deeply explored—something I hope gets more attention in the sequel.

One of my favorite aspects of the book was its world-building. The idea of a drying, resource-scarce planet made the alliances between communities feel urgent and believable. I loved the premise of a woman inheriting a drug smuggling empire and controlling three powerful families—it was a bold and compelling setup.

The three male leads (MMCs) were all distinct and brought different dynamics to the story:

Filip had brute strength and the classic grumpy demeanor. He left me wanting more of his backstory—he’s mysterious, dangerous, and totally swoon-worthy.

Adrian was the spoiled rich bad boy with charm and looks to spare. Underneath his swagger, there’s a lot of depth and sincerity. He knows what he wants and isn’t afraid to go after it, which made him a standout for me.

Deo was my least favorite, but mostly because of his complicated history with the female main character, Lis. Once destined to marry her, their relationship fell apart due to religious differences. His anger often felt misdirected, likely stemming from unresolved feelings he struggles to express.

As for Lis, our FMC—her journey started strong. She was bold, unapologetic, and unwilling to be controlled. But as the story progressed, her refusal to listen and accept help began to hurt her. She wasn’t ready for the role she was trying to play, and that ultimately made the story falter for me. That said, I’m really hopeful for her redemption arc in book two. I’d love to see her grow into the powerful woman she was at the beginning.

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The first book in The Seven Star Empire Series follows Liseya, the arbiter heir, ready to claim her family’s rightful destiny of the Sun Rose. With it’s power to grant someone magical abilities, Lis wants her family at the center. Standing in her way are 3 rivals; all men who want to control (and tempt) her.

In this novel:
*** Dystopian world
*** Why Choose - MMMF
*** FF and MM scenes / polyromance world
*** Strong female lead
*** Political intrigue and power struggles
*** Enemies to lovers

For me, the first half of this book was too slow moving for my preference in a fantasy book. Understanding that first books in a series need to set the stage, I still felt underwhelmed and not as intrigued by the politics surrounding the Sun Rose. I powered through the rest of the novel, where it did pickup in the second half. After only reading a small handful of Why Choose novels, I don’t believe they are for me.

Thank you to Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op, and Netgalley for the ARC of this novel; all opinions are my own.

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