Heavenly Bodies by Imani Erriu | Read Along Week Two Review & Reactions

Heavenly Bodies by Imani Erriu | Read Along Week Two

Welcome back to week two of our Heavenly Bodies read along by Imani Erriu—and y’all, I’m back on board. Week one was a little tough for me timeline-wise, but I’m fully feeling it again now.

And honestly? We got some good beats this week.

Early Revelations and Character Consistency

Let’s start where we left off: revelations that didn’t quite feel earned at first. I’m coming around on that though, especially as it lines up with Elara’s character growth, and I appreciate that consistency.

Then she tries to escape—and I loved that choice, because it would absolutely be my first reaction too.

Her attempt creates new tension and a fresh rift between our main characters, while also hinting that Elara’s choices may ultimately decide the fate of everyone involved.

Escape Attempts and Rising Tension

That failed escape sets off a chain reaction: new power dynamics, sharper tension, and clearer stakes. The story begins steering them toward uneasy cooperation rather than outright opposition.

This shift finally feels earned.

Tentative Alliances and Shared Secrets

As the story builds back toward tentative allies, shared secrets, and mounting tension, the pacing clicks into place. Their secret-for-a-secret exchange—especially after Enzo admits he isn’t quite the monster Elara believes him to be—pulled me fully back in.

This is where the fantasy romance elements really start working for me.

Slow-Burn Attraction and Emotional Payoff

The attraction between Elara and Enzo is handled beautifully in this section.

The dancing.
The flirting.
The jealousy.

And yes—the sweltering make out session in the coach, followed by the pullback. When a man is willing to burn the world down for his woman? I eat that up every time.

Enzo’s Choices and Devotion

Enzo making a deal with a Star to help Elara? Yes.
Elara using the details of his face to keep herself sane? Also yes.

These moments deepen their connection and raise the emotional stakes.

The Trap, the King, and Escalating Stakes

Before all of that, there are so many simmering moments: the wolf, the message, the punishments, the sadistic father—and then, the trap.

Elara knows exactly what she’s walking into, and it feels perfectly in character: sheltered, stubborn, and unwilling to let the people she loves suffer.

A Former Betrothal and Dangerous Politics

The newly crowned king being her former betrothed—and calling upon the very Star she’s destined to kill (and be killed by)—is a delicious plot twist. It adds political tension and personal stakes that I’m excited to see unravel as we continue this read along.

Violence, Consequences, and Moral Lines

As for Enzo nearly killing him? I’m firmly in the camp that he should have. I understand why it didn’t happen—especially after the public execution and Elara’s reaction—but it would have solved at least one major problem.

When dealing with terrible people, I err on the side of violence. What can I say?

Where We Left Off and Final Thoughts for Week Two

And where we left off this week? Right when Elara thinks she might escape with Sophia—and Lukas appears.

A perfectly awful place to stop. Completely unintentional, I swear. Simple math, y’all.

We had a lot of progression in week two of our Heavenly Bodies read along. What was your favorite moment? Let me know in the comments below, and I’ll see you next week as we read through Chapter Fifty-Three.

If you want to read along with future fantasy romance picks like this, tonight is the final night to grab our February book box featuring Heir of Illusion by Madeline Taylor.

Until then, happy reading!