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Sunday, April 30, 2023

ARC Review: Forgotten Promise (Trinity Masters: Crossroads Contempt Series #1)

Forgotten Promise (Trinity Masters: Crossroads Contempt #1)

by Mari Carr,  Lila Dubois

Blurb:

She holds the key to their survival.

Kailani’s family have kept a secret for generations. She never thought it would put her in jeopardy until the night her phone rings and a stranger says, “Our society is under attack.”

With danger all around her, Kailani is forced into a deadly race across the country to find the others who share her secret. But she’s not going alone. Because before that call, she had an entirely different crisis on her hands–her arranged marriage to two men, including the man who broke her heart, Benjamin.

A centuries old secret becomes a race against time and the survival of the Trinity Masters hangs in the balance. Kailani, John, and Benjamin may not survive the mission. But even if they succeed, the fate of their trinity is at stake due to past mistakes and present tensions. And in the end, Kailani may seize the power to dissolve their marriage.

Themes:  Erotica, Ménage

Rating: 4.5 stars

Heat Rating: 

Review:

Ok I’m going to get this out of the way first… No, I will not tell you who kidnapped Juliet and Devon … No, I will not tell you who becomes the acting Grand Master. Phew, there, now I can give you my thoughts on the book now.

The newest mini-series in the Trinity Masters/Masters Admiralty world kicks off right where the last story ended, with the aftermath of the kidnapping of the Grand Master and one of the Husbands.  There has been so much anticipation for this story it’s insane and I was thrilled to get the chance to devour it early, and I can tell you as a long time reader of this series that you will be screaming, laughing and crying through this book. Mari Carr and Lil Dubois have a magic touch with their ménage marriages, but they have gone way above and beyond with their newest trinity and the drama revolving around them.  That said I am dying for the nest two in this trilogy and learning what comes from this newest crisis the society faces as they come together.  

Kailani Iona is dealing with the fallout of the disastrous binding ceremony with her trinity, one the ex-lover she loved with all her heart that left her broken, and the other a stranger that she left confused and angry, when her world stops with one phone call.  John and Benjamin have traveled to Hawaii to await the final word on whether their marriage will come to pass when Kailani is suddenly called to enact a designated survivor fail-safe when the Grand Master is kidnapped.  John and Benjamin refuse to let her undertake the danger on her own, so the three of them undertake a cross-country task that forces them into close proximity, giving John and Benjamin a chance to pull Kailani from behind the wall she’s built around her heart.  The passion between them builds to a breaking point and soon the heat between the boils over, but will that passion be enough to get them past year of hatred, denial, and the hurt that can so easily tear them apart.  Not to mention, with the uncertainty of a new acting Grand Master, will their trinity marriage actually happen or will the feelings between them be forever severed.

I loved every second of this story and was barely able to put it down.   Like everyone else I was dying to find out who would be replacing Juliette and who kidnapped them, but the more I read the more I was rooting for Kailani and her men to find their way through all the personal pain and to love.  Kailani was an obviously proud and sassy woman, whose strength has serves to protect her in a mostly male dominated world of wealth and power, but I loved to see her open herself and finally have fun with her men, releasing the stress that could have broken her otherwise. John has lead such a heartbreaking life, his past filled with sadness that could have broken a lesser men, but instead he put in the work to make sure that he knew himself and despite almost allowing his hurt to lead to disaster, he had the grace to forgive and accept the beauty of love when it was offered. Benjamin was a little harder to get to know, mostly staying in the shadows of his lovers, but when he finally came out of them to show his true nature his was sexy, deliciously demanding, and alpha in the best of ways, despite having his own issues with trust, faith, and loss.  These three were truly made to be together and once they got past their issues and accepted that they completed one another and could really only work with all three of them together, they were a beautiful trinity.  I look forward to seeing more of them throughout this trilogy.

The secondary plot of this story, second to the trinity romance of course, was the kidnapping of the Grand Master and the possibility of a new enemy.  This lead to a new acting Grand Master (nope still not giving that one away), some interesting scenes between the current counselors, and some surprising scenes with Franco, revealing a side of his personality we’ve not seen before.  We got to see several trinities from previous novels, bringing them into the plot in big and small ways, and I am seriously looking forward to seeing where this plot leads us in the next two novels in the trilogy (Stolen Faith, Jagged Salvation) which should be coming soon.  In the meantime just keep breathing through it ladies, I promise you’ll survive the impatience!

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

Sunday, April 23, 2023

ARC Mini-Review: Ruin (Kindred: The Fated #2)

Ruin (Kindred: The Fated #2)

Donna Grant

Blurb:

Love…against all odds.

Banished by his father and laird, Rory Sutherland does what he swore he’d never do—return to Scotland. But a dangerous threat has risen, and it’s turned its gaze to his beloved home. He risks everything to find the witch who can stop the growing menace. Asa’s power and beauty excites him. Her allure seduces him. She’s his match in every way. And nothing will ever be the same after being touched by her magic.

For Asa, being a witch has been a blessing and a curse. For every good thing in her life, the tragedy that follows has been crushing. She’s rudderless, adrift without a plan. Until a dark, sexy Highlander crosses her path with a dire warning. She’s being hunted by a dark force that intends to use her powerful bloodline. Bound to Rory by their quest and Fate, a passion ignites that consumes them. Against all odds they found each other, but they need to survive the coming war…or be ruined.



Themes:  Paranormal, Witches

Rating: 3.75 stars

Heat Rating: 

Review:

The saga of the witches and those out to get them continues in the newest story of the Kindred by Donna Grant.  Ruin is the story of Asa, one of the witches that are familiar to those of us that have followed the series since the beginning, a woman that lived through battles and the loss of her friends when the Coven came for them, but never stopped fighting.  I was really looking forward not only to her story, but also to finding out more about Malene and hopefully learning what happened to her, but I have to say I wasn’t as thrilled as I was hoping for.  Not to say I was disappointed in the story at all, but I was just the tiniest bit letdown that the story was not longer, giving us a more in depth look at Asa and Rory and their relationship and giving us more info on Armir and Malene. Asa is on the fence about staying in Scotland or returning to her belong Norway when a man comes to her, bleeding to death and warning her to run. Never one to leave someone to their deaths when she can help, Asa determines to save Rory, if only to understand who is coming for her, but finding out that she’s being hunted by a powerful witch and former friend determined to make him her wife—whether she likes it or not—is not what she expected.  As they work together to try to get to a safe place they can make their stand, Rory and Asa begin to fall for one another and come to want a future together, but they have to defeat the enemy stalking them in order to do that.  I liked Asa, she’s a kickass witch, with some serious skills, but she never let all the loss in her past harden her heart or brew hatred in her heart.  She is sweet, strong, and willing to do whatever is needed to protect those she loves, but knows how to work with her team in order to reach their goals.  Rory was a fascinating character and I would have loved to get to know him more; he obviously had some serious issue with his family, but he was still a good guy and he stood up against evil for what is right, including fighting even almost to the death (more than once) to protect Asa.  The passion between them was sweet and the love that developed was obviously meant to last.  It was great to see some couples from previous novels and I look forward to seeing more as the series continues, but I really wish the story had been a bit longer (really my only gripe) giving us more time for Rory and Asa to develop together. I am dying for the next book now and hope the wait isn’t too very long. Donna Grant is never fails to grip you by the heart and drag you into her characters’ lives and force you to experience their heartbreak right along with them.

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

Tuesday, April 18, 2023

Review: After the Bite (Argeneau #35)

After the Bite (Argeneau #35)

Lynsay Sands

Blurb:

Immortal Enforcer Valerian just wants to relax. His last assignment had been more grueling than he'd care to admit, and golf has always helped him unwind. If golf course owner Natalie thinks it's a little odd for him to tee off at sunset every evening, she's keeping it to herself. The single mom is sexy as hell, and her little daughter Mia only adds to his delight. He knows Natalie is wary of a relationship of any kind...what will she think when she discovers he's an Immortal? His best course of action is to woo her the old-fashioned way.

But the course of true love never did run smooth--especially for a vampire and a mortal. And when danger stalks Natalie, Valerian realizes he's playing a game of life and death and if he loses this round, he risks losing her forever.

Themes:  Paranormal, Vampires

Rating: 4 stars

Heat Rating: 

Review:

Well after the last installment in this series it was nice to see a lighter and funnier side return to Ms. Sands’ stories as she began with a hilarious tale of an immortal golfer on holiday and the single mom owner of said golf course. The Argeneau series is a long running one with fans across the globe and while many of the stories can be deep and darkly intense in both the backstories of the lovers and the content, often you can find the lighthearted side of Lynsay’s work and just sit back and enjoy the antics of two lovers –one of which is sometimes an immortal—as they find love in the most outlandish of circumstances. Valerian is an Immortal Guardian who has finally found the time to take a holiday, one that is allowing him the time to enjoy what he loves, golfing (yeah, I laughed a bit too).  He has settled on a smaller slightly run-down golf course owned by Single mom Natalie and a band of her friends and employees, but soon danger comes to the area.  Valerian knows that it is his responsibility to protect the mortals in the area and kill the rogue, but when he discovers that Natalie is his lifemate things become even more imperative and he calls in the cavalry.  With the help of his fellow hunters, he quickly assesses the situation and they have their hands filled with the rogues and the dangers around his lifemate, but Valerian will do anything to keep her safe so they can have a future together. Natalie was an interesting character; she’s been on her own for a while now, caring for her daughter and business, corralling her employees and basically handling the million and one things she needs to but never having a moment for herself.  Her courage, strength, determination, and cleverness made her an intriguing match for Valerian, but it was her kindness that really seemed to draw him.  I enjoyed seeing her interacting with her daughter, the balance she always managed to keep in her life despite all the balls in the air showed her skill and excellence. Valerian was an odd duck, I mean really who would have pegged GOLF as the great pastime of a Rogue Hunter, but golf certainly seemed to calm and ease him.  Whether he was hunting, golfing, or helping Natalie and Mia in their day-to-day, he always gave 100% of himself to those around him, his willingness to sacrifice and care for those that needed him showing him to be a great guy.  I loved seeing him in his quiet moments with Natalie and Mia as well as when he was in action with his Hunter breather working to kill the bad guys, but honestly, he was awesome anytime he was on the page.  The passion between Natalie and Valerian was a little slower to build than previous novels because despite the draw she felt Natalie resisted the heat due to her past, but once she gave in it was no less the heat, we all expect from the lifemate connection.  I am looking forward to more from the Argeneau series and hope to see more of my favorite characters as usual. Sands never fails to entertain, whether with tears, laughter or a simple love story, your time is never wasted reading her work. 

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

Saturday, April 15, 2023

ARC Review: Just One Fling ( Dirty Dares #4)

Just One Fling ( Dirty Dares #4)

Carly Phillips

Blurb:

It was just supposed to be a fling.

Now she’s having his baby.

Winter Capwell knows all about billionaire Harrison Dare’s bad-boy reputation.

His all-pleasure, no-commitment rule worked well for her, too. Until fate changed everything.

Harrison never wanted a wife or kids. His incredibly large family provides all the siblings and children he needs. Besides, no woman has ever tempted him to give up his bachelor lifestyle.

Until the mysterious and sexy Winter entered his life.

But when someone comes after the woman he loves, he will stop at nothing to protect her and make her his. For good.



Themes:  Contemporary

Rating: 4.25 stars

Heat Rating: 

Review:

One night of passion leads to long-term consequences in this bad-boy with a heart of gold romance.  Carly Phillips’s Dirty Dares series continues with the Bad oy of Hollywood becoming domesticated in the best of ways as he falls in love with the woman that he never saw coming.  I have been with Carly through this entire journey through the Dare world, watching the family tree expanding and their friends and business partners finding love as well, but as each Dare finds their hearts stolen I find new and enchanting reasons to fall in love with the Dares. Winter Capwell has been keeping a secret for a long time, one that is about to change not only her life, but the lives of several of those she has come to call friends as well.  But in the midst of the secret coming out and the scandal that comes with it, she finds herself unexpectedly falling back into bed with the sexy Harrison Dare, even though they both agreed that their summer fling was over.  Now they are even more entwined as their relationships intermingle and the consequences of their unexpected night together bind them for life.  But someone is after Winter and will stop at nothing to get her out of his life, in a very permanent way.  Harrison and Winter fins themselves slowly falling in love, but can they admit their feelings for one another or will it be too late?  Some trope are winner for a reason and this story is based around one that is becoming increasingly common, though personally not my favorite, but Carly Phillips manages to always give it her own unique spin and keep the stories fresh and enchanting.

Winter is a woman that values her independence above all else; raised by a single mother and taught to depend on only herself, she isn’t willing to lose her heart and depends on any man, even though she is drawn to Harrison more than any man she’s ever been with.  She is sweet, sassy, and intelligent, even though she make mistakes, and finds herself more than once regretting decisions she makes in the heat of the moment. She was the kind of woman that I would love to have as a friends, supporting me and teaching me strength in the face of adversity, but I would be able to teach her that being vulnerable in love is not being weak.  Thankfully she has friends like that and learns to open her heart to Harrison so that they have a chance at future together.  Harrison comes off as the typical playboy in the beginning, but once he gets a heavy dose of reality, he comes to understand that not only is it time for him to settle into a love relationship, but that he wants that with Winter.  He offers her the strength and sweetness that she needs to believe in a man, someone that she can lean on in moments of need, but that will support her when she fighting her own battles.  I loved watching him interacting with his siblings and seeing how they supported him while also forcing him to grow up when the time came.  The passion that neither Harrison not Winter are able to bank is apparent at almost all time when they are orbiting one another, but once they open their hearts it adds layer of beauty to the heat that is undeniable.  I am dying for the last of the Dirty Dares, getting to see Zach fall under love’s spell and I hear there is a possibility of a new project in the works that might be interesting to read too!  Exciting and action packed, Just One Fling will take you on a journey off two lovers that finally grow to understand that loving someone offer both strength and freedom, not the weakness they always believed it would.

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

Monday, April 10, 2023

ARC Review: Coming Home for Us (The Wilder Brothers #4)

Coming Home for Us (The Wilder Brothers #4)

Carrie Ann Ryan

Blurb:

I made plans. I followed the path. I fell in love.

Then the world took her away from me.

I swore to never love again, and I’ve done all I could to keep that vow.

But life finds a way and I can’t stop this burning attraction with my best friend.

Maddie stood by me when my world shattered.

She deserves more than a broken man who promised to never love again.

Only I swear she feels the same way about me. And I have no idea what to do about it.

Now she might leave the Wilders and I can’t tell her to stay—even if it means shattering the one piece of me I have left.


Themes:  Contemporary, Second Chances

Rating: 4.75 stars

Heat Rating: 

Review:

 We have all been waiting for this story, with baited breath, ever since the beginning of the series, but definitely since the end of book three and I am proud to say that Carrie Ann Ryan has totally outdone herself with it. This series is one that will tug so strongly on your heart, making you cry just as often as you laugh and have you falling in love with the Wilders repeatedly, but I warn you now, that if you are coming into the series late, pack your tissues because this is one is a serious tearjerker.  I have been a fan of this series since it spun-off from the Montgomery World with the Wilders sister Eliza and I have no regretted one moment of the tears, laughter and love I’ve experienced. I cannot wait for the last two books in the series, but more than anything I look forward to these Wilders all finally finding love and peace after their tragic and difficult pasts.

Elijah Wilder is finally digging himself out of the metaphorical grave that he found himself in two years ago when he buried the woman that was to become his fiancé.  Though he knows he still loves her, he’s learning it’s time to move on as well and try to find some peace and happiness again. Maddie once believed that Elijah would be the man she loved and had a future with, but after the loss he suffered she has finally let those dreams go, and it might be time for her to move on.  Now they are stuck together working on a huge project for their Winery, one that could put them on the map, but it also sets Maddie and Elijah down a path that neither of them ever imagined they would travel.   When the passion between them finally explodes, they decide they will give their relationship a chance and see where it goes, but can two people both so broken find a way to embrace the happiness they can shared? Or will the past forever haunt their present and keep them from having a future together?

I loved every second of this story, even when I had ugly tears rolling down my face and had to put the e-reader down so I could catch my breath.  Maddie and Elijah were both so beautifully damaged and needed one another in order to heal, even though they couldn’t see that need as easily as those around them could.  Maddie was a woman at her wits’ end for sure, done with fighting for a man that is unwilling to fight to keep himself in the world of the living.  But once he shows her the smallest opening she works her ass off to prove that she can be there to heal his heart and offer him all the love she had in her heart.  Her sass, sweetness, irreverence, humor, and vulnerabilities made her a beautiful character to learn about.  Elijah, like most of the Wilder men, was an ass a few times, needing a swift kick in the rear so that he didn’t totally screw up and lose the love that Maddie was offering with a stupid decision.  He definitely had some serious PTSD and fears to work through, but once he managed to get over that, he offered himself fully and proved to Maddie that he was worth the risk.  I hated to see him dealing with the pain of his lose, but actually watching him deal with it made me proud of him.  The heat between them was off the charts and no one could doubt the passion was enough to keep their fires burning for long years to come.  I loved the healing these two managed together and that they finally found a way to release their pain and share their hearts.  I am dying for the next story, East and Lark, and cannot wait to finally get to dig into the enigma that is East and learn what makes him tick.  Out-of-this-world Spectacular, Carrie!

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

Sunday, April 9, 2023

ARC Review: Ancient Warrior (Ancients Rising #8)

Ancient Warrior (Ancients Rising #8)

Katie Reus

Blurb:

The last time she saw him…

Long before The Fall, before the world changed forever, tiger shifter Harlow worked in Black Ops for the safety of all shifters. She excelled at her job, loved everything about it, until the male she loved tried to kill her. So she was forced to kill him first.

She killed him.

Now Aodh is back. And this fierce, dominant dragon shifter won’t stop until he gets answers. But things aren’t what they seem and now he has more than a battle with Harlow on his hands. If they want a chance at a future, they’ll have to take down an ancient enemy who has targeted not only them, but their friends—and it’s going to take uniting all their skills to survive.

Themes:  Paranormals, Shifters, Dragons

Rating: 4.5 stars

Heat Rating: 

Review:

The long-awaited story of Harlow, one of the sexy, deadly tiger twins has finally landed, and the fall was earth-shattering for those of us that have been fans since the beginning.  We have gotten many hints in recent books that there was so much more to her than she shows the world openly, a heartbreak and sadness that she masks, but only as we’ve gotten little glimpses have we experience her true pain—until now.  Katie Reus has a magnificent ability to draw readers into the worlds and lives of the characters she creates, making you wish you never had to return to reality, and the epic reunion between Harlow and her mate was definitely a perfect example. IF you are new to the series, you will by no means be lost, but you will miss out on a lot of the subtle undertones and backstories of characters the rest of us have come to know and love. All that said Harlow and Aodh drew me in from the very beginning as they found not only the truth of their separation, but a way to forgive and find their hearts reunited.  If you are looking for a light fluffy romance, with an easy route to love, you’re looking in the wrong place, but otherwise come into the den of a master and read this tale of loss, tragedy, ecstasy, and love as two lovers find their way back together after hundreds of years apart.

Harlow once had all she ever wanted, the love of her life and the man she thought she would mate, a job she loved working with the family she cherished, and a future she looked forward to.  Then it was all ripped from her when she was forced to kill the male she loved—except now he’s back after hundreds of years claiming that she deserted him to horrific imprisonment. Aodh has finally escaped the horrific captivity he has lived in for too long and he is hell-bent on tracking the woman that betrayed him to that existence, the woman that he once planned to take as his mate.  When confronted with one another, both are amazed by the others claims and only with the help of a powerful truthsayer do they learn the true depths of their loss and the deception they both were dealt.  Now they will have to work together to kill the witch that took their future away from them, and despite all that’s come between them they both still feel the pull, but Harlow doesn’t believe Aodh could ever forgive her and love her again.  Spending time together and learning one another again is enough to remind them of their passion, but can the love forgotten love neither of them ever let go of be enough to overcome all they’ve lost or will they lose one another all over again?

This story was beyond heartbreaking, bringing me to tears again and again, for both Aodh and Harlow, not to mention their friends, but as we watch them overcome challenges and move obstacles from their path we come to understand why they were so perfect for one another.  Harlow is a single-minded warrior, unwilling to ever give up in a fight and willing to sacrifice everything for those she loves.  Her strength, cunning, sass, and loving care are just what Aodh needs to help him get through the trauma off his imprisonment and find a way to embrace his freedom, even though she doesn’t think he can love her anymore. Aodh had had such a tough time, dealing with imprisonment and separate from his mate, but also believing she betrayed him to said imprisonment, and you just want to cry for him all the time.  When he finally finds freedom, he goes searching for him, telling himself he simply wants answers –of maybe revenge—but truthfully he never got over Harlow and just wants her love once again.  His determination to his mission, unwillingness to settle for losing Harlow again, and willingness to forgive once the truth is uncovered show that he’s truly a great male.  The heat between Aodh and Harlow is undeniable from the beginning, even during flashbacks and the fights between them, and once they begin to allow their hearts back into the equation that simmer becomes a fire to burn through time and space. I also loved the side romance, giving us a conclusion that was satisfying all around for four characters unexpectedly.  I am dying for the next story, hoping to see more of my favorite characters and hoping for a happy conclusion for one VERY special couple (like vampire and sexy lion-shifter).  Reus’s magic streak continues as this Ancient Warrior finds his places in the modern world and the hearts of readers.

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

Sunday, April 2, 2023

ARC Review: Shoulder the Skye (Skye Druids #2)

Shoulder the Skye (Skye Druids #2)

Donna Grant

Blurb:

Passion will test the boundaries of life and death.

Bronwyn Stewart knows heartache. Death and danger have haunted her every step, but she’s prepared for what’s hunting her. Or as prepared as she can be. There’s only one outcome—and she’s ready for it. But a wickedly handsome Druid from her past returns and refuses to let her face the oncoming battle alone. He stirs something long buried within her. For the first time in years, a spark ignites within her that soon turns into a blaze that can’t be extinguished.

Forced to leave his beloved isle years ago to protect his family, Elias MacLean fears he’ll never see his home again. But Fate has other ideas. When a mission leads him back to Skye to investigate a rash of Druid murders, he finds another mystery to unravel—that of a gorgeous, reclusive drough. With foes lurking around every corner and an undeniable hunger that grows with every kiss, Elias risks it all for the woman he’s fallen for. Together they unleash an all-consuming passion that won’t be denied.

Themes:  Paranormal, Magick, Druids

Rating: 4.25 stars

Heat Rating: 

Review:

So I knew when this new spinoff series kick off that it would be immensely interesting, what I never imagined was we would get a whole new side of the story of these druids and the magic we have learned about from the very beginning of the Dark World. From the very beginning of this grand adventure Ms. Grant has taken us on, the drough, druids that have embraced dark magic, were shown as evil and always were the villains of the story, but in this latest installment when get a whole new view of the world of the druids.  Bronwyn Stewart is a woman that has secluded herself away on the Isle of Skye, in the heart of Druid magic, despite her newly hated status of drough and the fact that she is counting the days left of her life.  Elias MacLean has finally returned to the island after years of exile, when his sisters are in danger, and now is under suspicion of murders of other druids and has to defend his name. When he sees the quiet, peaceful, beautiful druid one day he doesn’t realize who or what she is, but is immediately drawn to her in a way he cannot deny.  When trouble comes to her front door, he steps in and saves her from a vicious and potentially deadly attack by her enemies and soon they find themselves entangled in a deadly game of cat and mouse.  With the help of Elias friends, Bronwyn and Elias might just stand the chance of defeating the bastard out to end her existence, but only if they can truly come to trust in one another. Filled with passion and drama, Shoulder the Skye is one of the greatest stories Donna has given us, and the love that develops between these two mistrustful and independent characters is remarkable.

Bronwyn’s life has spiraled out of her control in so many ways, that she has mostly given up on a future and has taken the only steps she thinks she can to protect herself and her loved ones.  She is brace in so many ways, despite knowing the odds and favor is stacked against her, showing the strength of her character and love.  I enjoyed watching her fighting and ultimately losing the battle against Elias and his friends as they slowly (and gently) pushed their way into her solitary existence and gave her a true reason to fight for the future.  Seeing her come to trust them and trust in herself and her abilities was one of the best parts of the story, despite all the heartbreak she had to suffer along the way.  Elias has his own reasons to be mistrustful to be sure, but I loved watching him interacting with his crew of friends, and even his family, though those were less fun and sadder.  He’s had a rough life too, since leaving the island, shouldering the pain and sadness of his family’s secrets, but having his family back together and being able to return home is healing for him and it’s apparent it makes him stronger.  His draw to Bronwyn his obvious from the beginning, even if he didn’t understand how deep it was, and I loved watching his obsession and how he refused to give her up or ultimately give her an inch as they fell in love.  The heat between these two was subtle until the trust built between them, but once that foundation of trust and friendship allowed their love to bloom, there was no denying the connection between them.  Despite our belief to this point, we learn that even those that are drough an love and be warriors for good, which was truly eye-opening and showed us that the even this world of magick is full of shades of grey.  I am dying to find out what comes net in this series as the bad-guys just keep stacking up, and maybe even teaming up, and the plots become more and more complicated.  I can see this series being one of my favorites from Donna. Congrats on another masterpiece, Donna!

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