Burn Bright Small
Book Review, Contemporary, Family Relationships, Found Family, Friends to Lovers, New Adult, Opposites Attract, Romance, Series

Burn Bright (Cobalt Empire #1) by Krista & Becca Ritchie

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.

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MY REVIEW

Wow! Just wow! Why haven’t I read these authors before? I loved everything about this story. Seriously, I’m kicking myself for not diving into these stories sooner. I recently found myself captivated by the beautiful chaos of Harriet and Ben’s relationship, and it’s got me feeling so raw.

I adore Ben Cobalt, heir to the Cobalt Empire, who is juggling a massive secret that he’s keeping from his family. The tension is high, and with his brothers keeping an eye on him, it’s like a pressure cooker just waiting to blow. Ben is planning a way out until Harriet, the punk rock, quick-witted firecracker who breezes into his life and shakes things up in the best way possible. But is she enough?

I won’t ruin the plot by revealing what Ben’s big secret is or how Harriet swoops in like a superhero, but let me just say that their dynamic is electric. The moments they share? Absolutely heart-melting. You’ll find yourself grinning like an idiot in one moment and sobbing your head off in another. 

But don’t get too cozy! This book also comes packed with plenty of “OMG, what’s happening?” moments that will have you racing through the pages, desperate for answers. The twists had me gasping out loud, and I found myself wondering “what the heck?!” more times than I can count.

The best part of this book for me was the Cobalt brothers. These guys have so much personality that it’s hard not to fall for them. Each brother brings something unique to the table, from their witty banter to those unexpected moments that just tug at your heartstrings. The dynamic between them is electric, and you can feel the sibling rivalry, camaraderie, and undeniable love. It feels so real and relatable!

This story isn’t just about the heart-racing moments. It’s also about the beautiful tragedy that unfolds. There’s a rawness here with love, secrets, and the kind of chaos that leaves bruises. It’s difficult not to feel every twist and turn right in the pit of your stomach. All I can say is I’m a new fan of the Ritchies, and I can’t wait to read more about the Cobalt family!

Thank you to the Ritchies for giving me the opportunity to read this book with no expectation of a positive review.

Cobalt Empire Series

1 Burn Bright (2025)
Silver Sweet (2026)
Loathed Love (2026)

BUY THE BOOK

Burn Bright

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Krista & Becca Ritchie are New York Times and USA Today bestselling authors and identical twins—one a science nerd, the other a comic book geek—but with their shared passion for writing, they combined their mental powers as kids and have never stopped telling stories. They love superheroes, flawed characters, and soul mate love. 

Follow Krista and Becca on their website, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and TikTok.

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