ARC Review: Ruthless (Immortal Enemies #2)

Ruthless (Immortal Enemies #2)

by Gena Showalter

Blurb:

Forbidden. Powerful. Ruthless.

Micah the Unwilling, fae King of the Forgotten, can tame even the most violent of beasts. Forged on the battlefield, this iron-willed warrior considers his soldiers his family, and he will stop at nothing to reclaim their dispossessed land. Gearing for war with a sadistic enemy, he is disciplined and focused—until a feral beauty he encountered long ago wanders into his camp.

Viori de Aoibheall wields a terrifying ability to sing monsters to life. Having spent her childhood in a forest, raising herself and her frightening creations—the only friends she’s ever known—she’s ill prepared for the scarred royal and his fearsome brutality. Not to mention the ferocity of their connection and the carnality of his touch. But the real problem? Her brother is Micah’s greatest foe. And though the sensual king makes her burn, she must stop him, whatever the cost.

Themes:  Paranormal, Fae

Rating: 4.5 stars

Heat Rating: 

Review:

 Finally we get to know the story of Kaysar’s little sister and see her all grown up. I have waited for this story for a long time and I am thrilled to have had to chance to read and advanced copy in order to share my thoughts on this dark, twisted and ultimately beautiful story of two lost souls finding love.  For anyone new to the world of Gena Showalter, fair warning, this is not going to be alight fluffy and cuddly story of two people having and easy life and falling instantly in love at first sight—just doesn’t happen in her worlds.  Instead this story takes on a harrowing ride as two people that have only ever known loss and betrayal find a way to open their hearts and forgive each other and themselves in order to forge a lastly friendship, deep love, and the give everything for one another. This story picks up a few months after the end of the first book (after some flashback bits) and Micha’s the king of the Forgotten is almost ready to take back his kingdom when the truce with Kaysar and his new queen ends.  When the beautiful woman he has obsessed over for centuries, that once stole and then shattered his heart and trust, wanders into his camp, he is instantly suspicious of her timing and motives, but the connection between them is undeniable. Viori has awoken from another long sleep and ventures forth to the whispers that her brother Kaysar has become a king, taken a Queen and his in a vicious cold war (soon to heat up) with the sweet and beautiful boy she once accidentally harmed.  Determined to find a path to everyone’s happiness, Viori soon finds herself falling for the sexy warrior, but at every turn their connection and commitment is challenges and they are faced with one another’s secrets and truths.  Only by coming together in full honesty and love can these two find a path to redemptions and freedom, but sometimes the hurt runs so deep it’s impossible to dig yourself back to the light.

This story was amazing and Micah and Viori were perfect for one another even though neither wants to admit it.  Viori has had to become the ultimate survivor, using every weapon in her arsenal even though she knew if would weaken her in order to keep herself alive.  She was a strong and dangerous character, but with those she loved she showed the vulnerability of that little girl that was lost so long ago.  I loved watching her find her inner strength with the confidence she gained as Micah showed her how precious she was to him and that he truly would give up everything for her.  Micah was an amazing male, one of my favorites in a long time and a true hero.  Even though he has been rejected, betrayed, and hurt by everyone he has come into contact with he never lets it stop him from protecting the innocent and doing what he knows is right for everyone around him.  I loved watching his fall for Viori and show he the sweet side that no one else has ever gotten to experience, even when he was being a stubborn ass.  So many times his thoughts and fears almost brought me to tears, but in the end the love he shows his “Red” and their children showed me that even the most deadly and dark of males could be perfectly matched and are worthy of love. The lust and passion these two sparked off one another was apparent from the moment their eyes met and I loved watching those sparks as their battles waged and ultimately as their love built.  In the end it really came down to two people finding the way in their hearts to forgive past transgressions and believe in the power of their love, and no one does that better (even in the darkest of tales) that Gena Showalter.  I am dying to find out what book will be coming next in this crazy series and see how these couples continue to improve the world they inhabit and the lives of those around them. Masterpiece is an understatement for this one Gena!

*eARC provided by author for the purpose of an honest and unbiased review.  No compensation was provided.