Review: Burn Bright by Krista & Becca Ritchie
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About the Book
He's a rich jock with a larger-than-life family. She's a punk-rock nerd with a troubled past.
Ben Cobalt is number six. Not sixth place—in fact, he’d be considered at least third draft pick for the NHL if he didn’t quit hockey during college. And he’s not sixth-in-line for any throne. Though, most consider his larger-than-life, billionaire family American royalty.
He is the sixth-born Cobalt.
Out of a normal family of seven, he might get lost in the shuffle. But being the black sheep of the Cobalt Empire comes with its own intense spotlight. After he hits a major low at college in Philly, his four older brothers convince him to move in with them in New York City. Transferring to Manhattan Valley University—piece of cake.
Living in an apartment with all of his brothers while harboring a giant secret among a family who’s more tight-knit than a secret society—total effing chaos.
He has to find a way out of the tense living arrangement, especially as he clashes with his oldest brother Charlie. Ben turns to an unlikely source for help. A grumpy, punk-rock girl with a troubled past who's already pissed off one Cobalt brother.
So when an undeniable attraction ignites, Harriet Fisher is expecting the flames to die out. Except…what happens when they don’t? Falling for a Cobalt brother with secrets might be a Shakespearean tragedy she can't rewind.
BURN BRIGHT is the first book in the Cobalt Empire series, a new adult romance series about legacy, loyalty, and love.
Review
Since finishing Burn Bright, I’ve tried to write this review several times. Each time, I failed—unable to find the words to describe my reading experience. Truthfully, I should have kept a cry counter because my tears stained my pages several times. The short and sweet answer is that I loved Burn Bright. I give it five glowing stars, and there are a few days when I don’t stare at the copy on my desk and long to read it for the first time again.
It was an experience. An experience that I’ve been longing for since finishing Some Perfect almost ten years ago. I’ve shouted it off numerous roof tables and I am not afraid to repeat it—the Cobalts hold the number one spot in my heart from this universe. I was skeptical that the Cobalt Empire series would ever happen, and now that it has, I’m still in disbelief. The Cobalts and all their dramatic, royal glory are at the forefront of this series.
Ben Cobalt—my sweet Pippy, who sees the good in the world and is so compassionate, was the perfect candidate to start this brand-new series. The series begins with Ben harboring secrets—gut-wrenching secrets that will later be revealed. He just transferred to a new university and will be living with his older brothers for the first time in years. In Some Perfect, Ben was vocal about being an outcast in his family. Even as a new adult, Ben still feels that way. Though this time we get his internal thoughts, which felt like a dagger to the heart. He’s afraid that he’ll hurt his family. He believes that one of his brothers—Charlie—would rather that he be dead. Burn Bright is mostly about Ben’s journey and his beautiful relationships. The main one is his relationship with Harriet Fisher. Another being the relationship with his brother—specifically, his relationship with Beckett, who mirrors Lily Calloway’s relationship with Rose Calloway. Beckett’s impact on Ben’s life is the center point in the book and has a heavy impact on Ben’s journey and growth.
Harriet quickly became a favorite of mine. One, she’s very cool. Two, she’s tough, and despite having odds stacked against her, she’ll endure. Three, she is brilliant. That’s something that she tried to hide, and as she grew, she realized that it’s something that she should be proud of. One of the choices that she must make is whether she wants to pursue music or medicine. Both avenues through which she can heal people.
Like Ben’s, her story is heartbreaking. Her reasoning for wanting to be a doctor relates to her complicated relationship with her family. I do wish that Harriet’s trauma had been better fleshed out. There was a scene with her and Charlie that was quickly brushed over. I hope it would have never occurred, and if it had to happen, then I wish the authors had taken the time to discuss her trauma sensitively. What she went through influenced several of her actions, and she deserved more.
Besides her and Ben, I really enjoyed her relationship with Tom Cobalt. They hurl insults at each other, but deep down, they love each other. It reminded me so much of Rose Cobalt and Lo Hale’s relationship.
Ben and Harriet’s romance? Perfection! I have no notes. I have scribbles in my book about how much I love them—individuals who had met previously before attending the same university. Ben considered them “friends”; Harriet hilariously disagreed. Their emotional connection is off the charts, coupled with state-of-the-art banter, support, and a remarkable journey. And dare I say their romance was decided by fate?
I wouldn’t be me if I didn’t talk about the heads of the empire—Rose and Connor. They raised their children to be loyal and confident. Ben might not have seen it at first, but he is a child of them. All the Cobalt siblings are. It was absolutely a dream come true seeing glimpses of Rose and Connor being parents. Also, a dream come true? The sibling dynamics and the Wednesday Night Dinners. Once again, the Cobalt are a dramatic bunch of individuals, and one thing they are going to do is have each other’s backs. And Harriet’s. She’s stuck in this family for life and fits in just fine.
Final Thoughts
Burn Bright is a powerful and immersive story that follows the emotionally charged romance between Ben and Harriet. Beyond their beautiful relationship, the novel delves into profound emotional journeys, healing, and the powerful dynamics of exceptional sibling bonds. Be warned, this book is massive, and although this is the first in the series, there is a lot of history behind it. The authors do a commendable job of laying out the rich history; however, for a more comprehensive experience, I recommend reading previous books. This five-star-worthy book offers numerous memorable moments with Ben and Harriet and call-backs for returning readers. Be prepared with tissues for this massive, unforgettable, and emotionally resonant journey.
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