Romance Witch's Reviews: ARC Review: Soul Scorched

Blurb:

Darcy was floating on a cloud of pure passion. Everywhere he touched, Warrick

was leaving a mark on her, forever changing her. She could feel it through her skin and muscle, through bone and into her soul. It was as if he was changing her. And she welcomed it…

Her power is a blessing.

Born on the Isle of Skye, Darcy is a beautiful woman of many gifts. Fortune-telling is her forte, and she remains the only Druid who could unlock the secrets—and desires—of a Dragon King. His name is Warrick. And now that Darcy’s seen into his dragon heart, nothing will ever be the same…

His passion is a curse.

Warrick never intended to put Darcy in harm’s way. But ever since she revealed a shocKing truth, Darcy has been hunted by the Dark Fae, who want to use her powers for their own evil purposes. Now it’s up to Warrick to do whatever it takes to keep the woman who sets his soul on fire safe. But protecting Darcy means putting himself—and his entire race—in jeopardy. Is his desperate longing for one woman worth the risk of losing everything… for eternity?

Themes: Dragons, Magick, Fae, paranormal

Rating: 4 stars

Heat Rating:

Review:

The thrilling story of the dragons that walk amongst us in their human skins continues with this latest addition to the fabulous tale of the Dragon Kings. I have followed this series since the beginning, and truth be told since their first brief appearance in the previous series by Grant. This Kings' story is one that is enchanting and interesting at every turn, mainly because these men just cannot fathom how the women of the modern world can affect them so and bind their hearts with their spirit and strength. Warrick's story is one that is unique in that we get some seriously dark glimpses of characters that we have been trying to fully understand for several books now. For new readers to the series Grant is wonderful in the ways she updates and introduces couples and plots from previous novels, but for long time fans like myself the recaps always come with sweet reminders of the couples we've watched fall in love and the intriguing ways the story has unfolded thus far. I am dying to know what will happen next and which King will lose his heart in the process. But fair warning to you new readers, if you don’t handle frustration well be prepared because we STILL don't know the identity of Rhi's Dragon King, even though we have gotten more interesting tidbits and we all have our suspicions.

With all that goes on in each of these stories I find it harder and harder to give a synopsis without giving away any of the plot twists that make these stories unique. So I will go right into my assessment of the characters. Warrick is the strong silent type when first he burst onto the page. He has awoken from his long hibernation with a renewed obsession with the humans around them. When he reluctantly agrees to Con's demand to track down the druid that is aiding their enemy, he had no idea that she would bring out every one of his protective instincts and remind him that he's not just a dragon but also a man. Darcy attracts him like no other woman ever has, not just her sensual body, but her bright mind and her sweet spirit attract him just as much. He begins to trust and believe in her, even when the other Kings believe she is a traitor and needs to be punished for aiding their nemesis. But when push comes to shove, he protects his woman even at the expense of his relationship with his brothers and the possibility of his own death.

Darcy is herself and contradictory mix of confidence and vulnerability. She believes very strongly that her independence and magickal destiny are to be found in her new life, away from the sheltering influence of her family and the small community of druids she was raised in. When confronted with the possibilities that she had aided an evil individual, her trust in her instincts and unwillingness to give in to popular belief show her strength, even if she might end up wrong. Her fears and vulnerabilities are made even more obvious as her relationship develops with Warrick because she finds herself trusting him more than she ever thought she could, and she backpedals often trying to wrap her mind around the truth of their feelings for one another. I felt so much sympathy for Darcy when her world crashes down around her, but thankfully she is able to find her inner confidence and strength and find a way to be the woman that Warrick needs in his life.

Soul Scorched is the type of story that keep you interested from every moment, whether the Kings are battling the dark, learning new detail in their war, or falling in love. Warrick and Darcy were made for each other, even if it takes them both a good long while to come to terms with their feelings. Warrick never wanted a mate, but when Darcy comes into his life, stirring his passions, there is no way he can resist her. Darcy too feels such a pull to him that she fears the power of it, but when she begins to open her heart, learning more about the Kings and their battle, we see the sweet and gentle woman that represents the other half of the dangerous and deadly Warrick. Warrick is the type of male that you think will never settle down, but when he finds the right woman there is no denying he jumps in with both feet. Darcy has some serious coming to terms to do with the choices she has made in life, mainly in that sometimes you must look deeper to find the full truth when dealing with anyone after something only you can provide. I cried quite a bit during some revelations in this story, but the happiness of the couple is enough to make the tears worth it. I am looking forward to more of this story and it seems like true lines are being drawn finally between friend and foe. We also continue to get glimpses of the Druids and Warriors I fell in love with in the Dark Warriors series which is awesome. Grant is a talented story teller, able to weave long fantastic tales, through time, space, and different fantastical worlds, making each of the groups of men special but connected in such a way that it makes you wonder if there is really any divergence in the battle-hardened warriors of the ages that have always kept us safe.

*eARC provided by publisher (via netgalley) for the purpose of an honest and unbiased review. No compensation was provided.