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Wednesday, March 13, 2019

ARC Review: Hope's Wish (Guarded Souls #2)

Hope's Wish (Guarded Souls #2)

by Lexxie Couper

Blurb:
It’s not the lamp she needs to rub…
Investigative journalist, Tahlee Hope is fierce, stubborn, and doesn’t pull punches. Overhearing a political assassination plot, her life is now in serious danger. No biggie for Tahlee. All in a day’s work. She’s not prepared, however, for the security agent assigned to protect her: James Hastin, the man who changed everything in her life three years ago, and then disappeared without a trace.
Summoned and trapped by a desperate sorcerer, James Hastin has been living amongst man for centuries. Life as a secret djinn in today’s society isn’t all that bad. Getting the rush of granting wishes is easy, he’s never felt the need to tap into his darker side, and he loves his job at Guarded Souls Security and Protection. Of course, there’s the little issue of the fatal curse placed upon him by the bastard sorcerer, but as long as he’s careful he should be okay. And then Tahlee Hope—his only weakness—enters his life. Again.
Their history will either make them stronger, or bring about the end of the world. Yes, the stakes really are that high…
Themes:  Paranormal, Witches
Rating: 3.75 stars
Heat Rating: 
Review:
So nothing on a cool rainy night beats a sensual and sexy story about a man, even one with a little something extra, finally coming face-to-face with his past and having to accept fate.  When I was offered the opportunity to read this story in exchange for an honest opinion I had to rush to read the first story in the series, and while I am a huge fan of everything I have ever read by Lexxie, this series was not shaping up to be my favorite.  I almost changed my mind and sent the story back, but figured I was already in for a penny so I started James and Tahlee’s story with a bit of a chip on my shoulder having not loved Nathaniel’s.  However, I can honestly say that I had to eat my shoe in this case because James’s story was way more in line with what I would have expected from the greatness that is Lexxie Couper.   Not only is she a mistress of sensual intensity between her characters, she always manages to squeeze in laughter, sweetness and a deep love that is undeniable; in this series we are even getting a bit more with the supernatural angle as each of her main characters comes with a  special POV, in this case James being a millennia old Djinn. James has lived millennia trapped in our realm, but no one has ever affected him the way Tahlee Hope does, and now he has come face-to-face with her for the first time in years after he walked out on their lives abruptly.  Tahlee is stunned to see James in the private security firm that has been pushed on her, for her own safety after she stumbles into some political intrigue, but  she is just as determined that he not disappear again until he answers her questions as to why and where he disappeared to. When the truth of his existence and their lives together is thrust into Tahlee’s sheltered existence, they have to cope together with their new relationship, because neither of them is willing to give up their chance at a new life together. I loved seeing the playful, frat boy-esque James finally have a serious side and of course when his woman was in danger the alpha and dangerous man was willing to do just about anything to keep her safe despite her fighting him at every turn.  The true depth of his devotion was heart wrenching and brought me to tears, but the level of love that he shows made me beyond jealous. Tahlee is definitely the type of woman I want to be when I grow up (giggle); she is full of sass and snark, without being mean about it and has a courage that is undeniable.  When she accepts the reasons and forgives her man, she doesn’t hold a grudge and expresses her own love for the man that never really gave back the heart he stole.  The danger these two have faced for so long, just to have a chance together for a life, shows that the two of them above just about any other characters I’ve read, deserved their HEA.  Lexxie unleashes the sexual passion between her characters of course, but the sensual sweetness and emotional depth is just as obvious to readers and makes the story truly great.  I enjoyed James and Tahlee’s story of hope and redemption, and I am looking forward to the next story—Kitt’s story I hope—in the series soon.  One can never truly go wrong with a Lexxie Couper romance, but Hope’s Wish is a truly amazing tale of love, loss, and passion unleashed on an unsuspecting world.
*eARC provided by author for the purpose of an honest and unbiased review.  No compensation was provided.

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