ARC Review: Harbored in Silence (Aspen Pack #4)

Harbored in Silence (Aspen Pack #4)

Carrie Ann Ryan

Blurb:

A witch on the run who could save the world–or destroy it with one touch

I am who they fear.

The Harvester Death Witch.

The one who holds the power of their fate in my hands.

Or at least…that’s what they whisper.

The coven has fallen. The vampires are circling our den. And if we don’t find new allies, our Pack won’t be able to fight much longer.

On my Alpha’s orders, I must find others who hide beneath the shadows for not only our protection, but theirs as well.

Only I’m not alone on my mission.

I brought Cruz back from death once before, and though I know the goddess forbids it, I’d do it again.

Because he’s my mate.

And my ending.

Themes:  Paranormal, Wolves, Witches

Rating: 4.5 stars

Heat Rating: 

Review:

We’ve been waiting a long time to find out the consequences of Dara’s choice to save Cruz and now we will finally know the full story.  I am a huge fan of Carrie Ann Ryan, and have been for a long time, and I love her paranormal romances almost as much as her sexy inked contemporaries.  For those who love a gritty, sometime tragic, but always exciting story of two people that shouldn’t work, but always seem to find a way to blend into a perfect couple (or something triad), Ryan’s romances just have a way of hitting you in the heart that is irresistible. Dara and Cruz’s story is a perfect example and introduces a few new interesting characters that I can imagine are going to be very important in the coming stories in the series. I loved every moment of the story, even when they were fighting with one another, but as Crux and Dara found a way to open their hearts and mind to a life and love together the story become even more beautiful, and I couldn’t put it down for a second.  I am dying for the next story now that we’ve met the heroine and seen the connection beginning with her hero, but I just know that Carrie Ann will be throwing them (and her readers) for a loop before they find their HEA.  Another masterpiece for sure.

Dara is dying, there’s no two ways about it, but she is determined to free Crux from the bond that developed when she pulled him back from the dead and save her pack before she does.  Though Cruz knows she is a potential mate, they are both fighting their connection and their fates because of their past, but when their enemies continue to pile up, the time to resist comes to an end. When Dara presents and idea to the Alpha to bring in more of her fellow witches, other outcasts that the Coven don’t acknowledge, Cruz is tasked with keeping her safe as she works to add more protections to the Pack.  But as they work to bring in Witches, their unseen enemy is out to kill Dara and Cruz has to do everything in his power to keep her safe. The more time they spend together uncovering long-hidden secrets, the harder it is for Cruz and Dara to deny their feelings, but can a Death Witch and sexy Wolf find a way to survive their enemies and overcome death itself in order to have a future together?

I absolutely loved Dara’s story as we watched her struggling with her powers, her past, and her hopes for the future.  She is such a dynamic and interesting character, one with deep vulnerabilities and fears, but such strength, intelligence, and leadership quality even if she doesn’t always see it in herself.  Her interactions with her old friends showed how much she had evolved as she found her strength with the help of her packmates, and it was amazing to see her grow even more as she acknowledged her love for Cruz and hope for a future she never thought she would get to have. Cruz is obviously seriously conflicted throughout the majority of the story, his emotions so wrapped up in his wolf’s need for Dara, but his human intellect trying to tell him something wasn’t quit right with their connection.  The more time he spends with her, getting to know different sides of the interesting Witch that intrigues both sides of his nature, the more certain he becomes she is his mate and when he gets her in his arms there is no more denial.  He is strong, grumpy (in the sweetest ways), protective, loving, and when the rug gets pulled out from under him (repeatedly) he is able to bounce back with grace.  The passion between these two has been a not-very-subtle undercurrent for most of the series, but once they are focused on one another that explodes into a flash fire that could burn the world down.  I loved their love story and was so glad they found a way through al the tragedy, drama, and pain to the love that would sustain them and hold them steady through it all.  No doubt the next book will be even more dramatic, now that the Pack knows exactly who their enemy is, but I cannot wait.  Filled with magic, passion, and secrets uncovered Harbored in Silence will leave you breathless, guaranteed.

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