Mini-Review: Hot Blooded Part 4

Hot Blooded: Part 4 (Dark Kings #4)

by Donna Grant

Blurb:

Iona and Laith’s desire knows no bounds. But now that Iona has learned the truth about her heritage, the question is: Can Laith risk the fate of his kind for the love of one woman? She harbors a secret that others would kill to possess. Will she complete him—or destroy him? Passion: For a Dragon King, it always comes with a price…

Themes: Dragons, Magick, Fae, Paranormal

Rating: 3.5 stars

Heat Rating: 

Review:

Ever read an ending that just doesn’t feel like an ending?... well this book kind of applies to that category. While Laith and Iona certainly seemed to have found their HEA, the overall story was left with a lot of loose ends, even more than usual for a long-running series.  So while I definitely loved the ending, I wish a bit more of the loose ends had been tied.  There is just a lot of carryover plotting and coming soon ideas that I feel like it was too much.  Multiple enemies, does she or doesn’t she believe in love now, how will the Warriors and Dark Fae fit into coming stories.  While all of that makes for a good ploy by the author and publisher to keep people coming back for more, for loyal fans like me it would have been nice for at least one of the story arcs to be concluded in some way.  I will definitely be in line right away for the next book in the series, but there was never really any question of that.  Overall the ending to this story was good, but I kept feeling like there should have been a part 5. 

The last portion of this serial revolves around the Kings and Warriors coming together to find a way to keep Iona and the door to Dreagan safe, and hopefully learn more about their enemies.  Iona is discovered to be an unwitting pawn in the plot to bring down the Dragon Kings and immediately her life changes as the anger over being used and her determination to keep Laith safe brings out the warrior in her and she decides to fight with them to secure the win.  While battling alongside him, Iona begins to understand just how deep her feelings are for Laith, and though she never comes right out and says the words, we know she loves him and will continue to be by his side and hopefully will eventually consent to become his mate.  Laith, for all his talk of not wanting a mate, jumps right in with both feet once he understands just how much he truly love Iona, even going so far as to defy Con to trust her and keep her by his side.  I loved seeing these two and how they interacted as a couple with the other mate-pairs of both Kings and Warriors. 

Overall this was what I would call a Bridge novel; though it had its own main plot, the truly important contribution of this book was in the side plots and how they contribute to the overall story arc of the series.  Rhi and Ulrick both play a crucial role and we see them evolving in this story, as do the Dark Fae and to a lesser degree the Warriors.  While we are still uncertain as to whom their ultimate enemy is, the puppet master I always think of him as, we do get to see more of his plotting and there are subtle hints as to his true identity.  I am looking forward to the next in this series, which I understand will be Rhys and Lily’s book and hope that a bit more will be revealed in their book, maybe even the name of the puppet master or (please please please) the name of Rhi’s Dragon King Lover.  That little bit of closure would definitely make me and many other fans I’m sure very happy readers.  In the end I remain as always a Loyal Donna Grant Fan and hope to see much from her for many years to come. 

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

Review: A Little Christmas Jingle

A Little Christmas Jingle

by Michele Dunaway

Blurb:

Women, men, stray dogs—everyone's looking for love this holiday season. Sometimes all it takes is a LITTLE CHRISTMAS JINGLE to get into the spirit. . .

Kat Saunders doesn't believe in miracles—though she sure could use one. She's devoted to her veterinarian business, and all she wants for Christmas is for her practice to include a no-kill shelter. But amidst all the holiday hoopla she forgot about getting the required permits...and time is running out. Just when Kat fears her dream career is DOA, a to-die-for handsome detective shows up at the vet with a desperate puppy. Could it be that Jack Donovan—otherwise known as Mr. December on the Sexy Public Servants Charity Calendar—is the answer to her prayers? He agrees to help Kat with her legal needs, and she will do whatever it takes to express her appreciation. But could this Man of the Month also end up being Kat's true love for all days? A kiss beneath the mistletoe may be all it takes to find out. . .

Themes: holiday, contemporary, animal-lovers

Rating: 3.25 stars

Heat Rating: 

Review:

Wow, what a heart wrenching and sweet romance with just the right amount of reality to keep me hooked.  I went into this story knowing I would be attached to the animals in it and loving the characters simply for their professions helping animals, but I never realized just how raw and heartbreaking it would be almost from the opening pages.  This story of two individuals falling in love as they bond over a tortured puppy was surprisingly sweet and full of the joy of the season as the puppy brings two people together who might never have had a chance otherwise.  This was my first story by this author but I think I will have to keep an eye out for future chances to read her, as I loved Jingle and his story and the humans were pretty cool too.  Being an animal lover there were moments I just could not hold in the tears, but knowing in the end that Jingle would be saved by the H/H, I was able to see how his traumas brought Jack and Kat together.  There was definitely a lot of tension between these two and it wasn't always obvious they would find a way to make it together, but they pulled it out in the end. 

Jack is a jaded and dangerous police officer, head of the newly formed animal rescue squad and he is determined to end animal cruelty in his town, even if it requires him to be Mr. December to raise awareness.  Kat is finally able to become a partner on the team for saving these animals and she finds herself drawn inexplicably to the man that is in charge of the project.  When he arrives late one evening with a tragically tortured young puppy, she knows that she will do anything to keep the little guy alive.  Her determination and sweetness won't keep Jack from thoroughly performing his duties though, even if it means thrusting her into an investigation into her business practices.  Overcoming their professional differences to become friends, their relationship sharply veers one night when the passion can no longer be pushed away.  But will their new connection allow them to remain associates or will the troubles continue for Kat even with Jacks' help?

Kat is a character that is going to be in my top 50 for a while I think.  A Vet and animal lover to the core, she will do just about anything to keep her shelter open and her animals safe, including Jingle.  She has dedicated her life to these animals and won’t let anything stand in her way, not even her intense attraction to Jack.  Though she tries to keep her lust separate, there is no way they can fully resist one another.  She was definitely a strong woman, one that will let no man get in the way of her dreams for her professional life.  Jack on the other hand was a cynical, closed off butthead for most of the book.  Even while he was lusting for Kat, he brings trouble to her door, forcing her into the spotlight against her wishes, and making her troubles even more challenging.  While he is obviously a man of his convictions, at some point you just have to trust in someone else to have your back and keep their promises.  I loved seeing how sweet and gentle he was with the animals, and when he finally decides to have a relationship with Kat he becomes her biggest advocate, but it was very slow in coming.  He is hot as all get out to be sure, and obviously has women throwing themselves at him left and right, so it was nice to see him focus in on Kat and truly give her all of himself.  I came to love Jack as he grew up during the story and was thrilled to see him come to his sense before it was too late. 

For a Christmas story, A Little Christmas Jingle was everything I expected, but so much more as well.  With great details, educated dialogue and an obviously well informed author, the veterinarian was completely believable as was the police squad.  Jingle was a sweet little pup and if he truly existed, would have been my adopted baby in no time.  Kat is a woman after my own heart, deeply devoted to the lives and care of animals, all animals, and determined to do more than her share to improve their lives.  She was sweet and caring to all those around her of the two-legged variety as well, and it is obvious she is more than a match for Jack.  Cynical and often grumpy Jack is her exact opposite, but thankfully, opposites attract, all they need if that one important piece of their lives in common--in this case, Jingle.  I very much enjoyed this story and look forward to reading more of Michele’s stories.  I would love to read more about this small town and maybe a sequel is in order.  A sweet and not overly clichéd Christmas read, just what was needed on a cold weekend night in Dec wrapped up with my own six little sweeties. 

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

Also as an aside to this story, I want to remind all that the holidays are in fact the best time to share yourselves with the animals that make our lives richer.  If you can't adopt consider donating money and especially time to a local shelter. 

And as a special treat, I am including with this review the new pups that came into my life in October.  They are sweet as can be and fill my heart and soul with laughter and love, just like Jingle did for Jack and Kat.  

  

Mini-Review: Hot Blooded Part 3

Hot Blooded: Part 3 (Dark Kings #4)

by Donna Grant

Blurb:

For centuries they have fought to preserve their special brand of shape-shifting dragon magic. But one Dark King is about to come face to face with a woman whose power is a force to be reckoned with. Her name is Iona. She’s gorgeous, sly, and smarter than she herself might even realize. She’s come to Scotland to discover the dark truth about her heritage. What she never expected was to meet Laith, the owner of a pub near Dreagan—a man with the heart, soul, and spirit of a dragon. Will he destroy her? Or will she be the one to tame his rousing desires?

Themes: Dragons, Magick, Fae, Paranormal

Rating: 4 stars

Heat Rating: 

Review:

The third part of this serial begins with the team learning a terrible truth about one of their own, one that will change their lives and his forever. While the Kings are working to overcome this catastrophe, Iona finds herself stumbling into a tenuous friendship with the women of Dreagan, as the mates come together in the age old way of women—shopping.  As the story progress Laith and Iona fall deeper into one another, though Iona maintains that it isn’t love and Laith is finding himself more and more convinced she is his mate. Danger becomes more and more real as well when Laith brings in the Warriors to keep an eye on Iona and discovers that their enemy is much closer than they all thought.  Hayden arriving also brings a startling truth for Iona and her beliefs in family.  It was great to see the Warriors and I am looking forward to them playing a bigger role in part 4 as well.  Overall this part was all about the discovery of Iona and Laith’s love and the passion that will keep them together, with just enough action and danger thrown in to keep the story moving along.  

I thoroughly enjoyed this part of the story because it focused more on my favorite part of any of the novels I read—the romance between the H/H.  When Laith finally gives into his desire for Iona and they come together the sparks on the page were enough to make me want an ice bath.  The setting was romantic and perfect for these two, and the fun and sweetness that accompanied their lovemaking was just right for Laith’s personality. Iona also entered some new territory as she made friends with the women of Dreagan and found herself being pulled into the extended family.  When she finally discovers the truth about the beings that surround her, the way she handles everything is somewhat hilarious while being totally believable as well: there’s moments of WTF, startled realization and ultimately an intense curiosity that makes her the perfect match for Laith.  I am finding that I like this story even more than previous novels and that Iona is just the type of cynical skeptic needed in these guys ranks to make them think outside the box as they discover the identities of their enemies. 

Aside from the main plot, it seems like we might get to find out more about Rhi and her former Dragon King Lover.  She finds more and more surprises in her life and suspects it might be him, though we still aren’t getting a name…grrr.  While Rhi definitely has all the reason in the world to be evil, she seems to be riding the fence on the side of light and can hopefully find her way back to the Light and be the woman she was once, with all the happiness she deserves.   I’m dying to know where Grant takes us with the ending in Part 4 and finding out if Iona can finally accept that she loves Laith and can be his mate and find her happiness with him and his family. 

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

Review: Full Throttle (Black Knights Inc. #7)

Full Throttle (Black Knights Inc. #7)

by Julie Ann Walker

Blurb:

She Needs a Hero...

Abby Thompson didn’t sign up to be the daughter of the President of the United States. The position was forced on her by the small matter of her birth. Preferring a quiet life of study, she’s content to leave the politics and the international intrigue to her father. Unfortunately, the most powerful man on the planet is sure to make enemies. When a group of armed thugs takes her hostage half a world away, demanding the U.S. government release prisoners in exchange for her safe return, she fears her father’s policy of “not negotiating with terrorists” means she’ll never see the shores of the Potomac again. Luckily, there’s one glimmer of hope. His name is Carlos Soto. And though she abruptly ended things with him years ago, she knows now he’s the only man who can save her…

Black Knights, Inc. to the Rescue...

Carlos “Steady” Soto has taken part in his fair share of dangerous missions working at the covert government defense firm of Black Knights Inc. But nothing prepared him for the emotional rollercoaster he faces when he’s tasked with rescuing the only woman he ever loved—who also broke his heart. Racing against time and outmaneuvering a group of trained terrorists will take everything he’s got. Plus there’s the heat simmering between them which is threatening to ignite into an inferno. While ruthless enemies stalk them, they must learn to trust each other again. Even if they do make it out alive, will Abby turn her back on him…for the second time?

Themes: Mercenaries, bikers, Contemporary

Rating: 3.75 stars

Heat Rating: 

Review:

Secrets of the past and the truth of a love that has been an undercurrent in the lives of two friends for a long time are revealed in the newest addition to the BKI series.  Walker takes us through foreign jungles and the hearts of two individuals that have sacrificed much for their loves and country, but reminds us that some people are just meant to be together. BKI was a series that pulled me in from the very beginning and I have loved every book, though I didn’t form as much of an attachment to the relationship in Full Throttle as other previous novels.   There was a lot of action and in the end, their love triumphed, but there was a lot of looking back to the past where I would have much rather experienced more of them developing a relationship as adults.  Obviously, they had a strong emotional base from that past relationship, but I’ve always felt that love has to change with the people as they grow so seeing more of that in the present would have made the story a 5-star for me.  All-in-all Steady and Abby are a couple you can see are meant to be together and come hell or high water they will find a way to be together once they accept that their tragic past shouldn’t keep them from being together.

Steady and Abby were unusual characters but nonetheless interesting.  Abby is the first daughter, but doesn’t let her status from her father keep her from being an active and involved member of society.  The tragedy that hit both her and Carlos changed Abby just as she was becoming a woman of her own, so maybe she made a personal mistake pushing him away, however it was the only way she thought she could keep him safe.  She has kept a close eye on Steady all these years and isn’t surprised when she sees him, that all the love of the young heart is still burning strong, even as she fights to keep from showing him that emotion.  After she’s kidnapped she knows he will come for her, knows he’s her only hope, and that will be the very thing that puts him danger again.  The danger that surrounds them on their escape doesn’t prevent the passion between them from exploding and it becomes more than obvious that Steady isn’t willing to let her walk away a second time, especially not in some misguided attempt to keep him safe.  I really found myself proud of the type of woman that Abby became, she’s obviously a force to be reckoned with and even when she is devastated by the loss of her friend, she is determined to keep others safe, no matter the damage to her heart.  She is a great example of the type of leader that is needed in this world—compassionate, strong-willed, determined, good-natured, fierce, and loving—and we can only hope those traits find their way into more people’s hearts.

Carlos “Steady” Soto is a man of action and he is devastated when the girl he has always loved—though he never put that name to his emotions—is kidnapped right under his nose.  He has spent the last decade or so heartbroken and angry at Abby for turning him away in the aftermath of the greatest tragedy of either of their young lives.  Turning his tragedy into motivation for change, Steady devoted his life to protecting the innocent, first in the military during war and then as a black-ops operator with the BKI team, saving the unsavable and protecting the world in secret.  Steady has been a mystery in the last few books, but I have been drawn to him for inexplicable reasons and his story has been long awaited for me.  Seeing him kicking ass and taking names to get the woman he loves back to safety was probably the reason I was so drawn to him because OMG he’s amazingly hot and seriously dangerous.  When he finally gives in to his desires and understands that Abby wants him too, there is no way he will back down; he is determined to claim her for his own, even if he dies protecting her afterward.  I loved seeing this rough and sometimes scary person show his softer side and fall deeper in love with the girl who unwittingly stole his heart so long ago. 

Full Throttle is true to its name, going balls to the wall through the entire story, with action, high running emotions, and trauma leading to impossible choices.  Abby grew up quickly when she witnessed the danger that her father’s new position would truly put not only her into, but also how it would affect others that she loved or even simply befriended. Pushing Steady away was the hardest thing she’s ever done, but she never regretted her decision to protect him, until she is faced with the chance that she might never feel his love and one or both of them might die with her terrible secret between them.  Steady, as his name implies, has always been the one that others counted on to get them out of trouble and keep them calm, but seeing Abby in danger has made him anything but.  Carlos’s dark side emerges as he tears through the men that are threatening the woman that he loves and there is no way he won’t give his all—even to his death—to keep her safe.  These two seemed to have great chemistry, though I really wished for more time where they could develop their relationship; obviously the heat of the moment led them where I wanted, which was back to each other, but seeing them fall back into love once they returned home, might have created more emotional attachment for me.  In the end, I was happy to see how everything worked out, but a few more chapters to really flesh out their passion would have been great.  Also I must mention there were several side stories going on in this book and I can see the next in the series will be very interesting—as well as I hear there might be a spin-off series coming about the sexy SEALs that jumped in to offer aid to BKI.  Though not my favorite, Carlos and Abby were another great addition to the pantheon of BKI lovers and I am looking forward to seeing what comes next from Julie and her boundless imagination. 

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

Mini-Review: Rocky Mountain Miracle

Rocky Mountain Miracle

by Christine Feehan 

Blurb:

No Christmas will ever be the same after Cole and Maia meet on a snowy western ranch… Find out why in #1 New York Times bestselling author Christine Feehan’s romantic holiday e-novella!

When Cole Steele, a womanizer rumored to have killed his father, meets Maia Armstrong, a veterinarian rumored to practice magic, the sizzling romance could melt all the snow on his Wyoming ranch. And when an injured horse brings them together, Cole can’t help but believe that Maia casts spells on animals—and men. What else could explain the burning passion he feels for her and the thawing of his heart just in time for Christmas?

Themes: Holiday, Paranormal

Rating:3.25 stars

Heat Rating: 

Review:

Being only a short holiday romance, I can honestly say that I loved this story and wish it had been even longer.  While Cole was an ass a good bit of the story, the tragic life that both Cole and his brother experienced means I have no problem with giving them some slack in the manners and trust departments.  Maia is just the breath of fresh air that these two wounded men need in their lives  I was actually rather surprised by the content of this story, coming from this author, mainly because I expected even more paranormal aspects than I got.  I have read pretty much everything written by Christine Feehan and have never been disappointed, and Rocky Mountain Miracle was no exception. 

Maia for the most part tries to keep herself from getting attached or involved with the brothers, but the more she learns about them and their pasts the deeper she falls.  Cole never imagined he'd actually fall in love.  He’s always known that he was too broken to have a normal relationship with a woman, but when he sees Maia, hears her defending him to his naysayers, he is unable to resist chasing after the filly who has caught his eye.  As they come together to find out who is trying to sabotage and endanger the ranch , Cole and Maia begin to understand the true importance of trust and love, as well as acceptance and understanding.  In the end it comes down to accepting where you belong in the world is where you can do the most to help those you love to heal from their hurts, physical and emotional.

Rocky Mountain Miracle was the Christmas story I never knew I was missing.  With drama, intrigue, passion and betrayal, and ultimately forgiveness and love, I was hooked from the very first page and fell in love with the H/h and the younger hero as well.  With beautiful settings, vivid characters, and a perfectly sculpted plot line, this story is an ultimate holiday read.  Maia is sweet but world weary, a combination that is truly rare  When she finds herself faced with the heat that Cole causes in her heart, there is no denying she's in over her head, but there's no way she will give up her chance to experience his lust.  Cole sees Maia simply as a conquest at first, a sexy woman that pulls at him, but only for him to ravish her and then let her go; he doesn’t do relationships after all.  When the world around them becomes dangerous and complicated, only building trust and belief in each other will keep them all safe.  The passion is palpable at all times and I love seeing these two interacting.  I am hoping their might be a sequel where Cole's brother finds his own HEA down the line.  Another masterpiece Christine!

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

ARC Review: Her Lone Wolf

Her Lone Wolf (X-Ops #2)

by Paige Tyler

Blurb:

Leaving him was Impossible…

It took everything she had for FBI Special Agent Danica Beckett to walk away from the man she loved. But if she wants to save his life, she has to keep her distance. Now, with a killer on the loose and the stakes higher than ever before, the Department of Covert Ops is forcing these former lovers into an uneasy alliance…whether they like it or not.

Seeing her again is even worse

The last thing Clayne Buchanan wants is to be shackled to the woman who broke his heart. She gets under his skin in a way no one ever has and makes him want things he has no right to anymore. All he has to do is suffer through this case and he can be free of her for good. But when Clayne finds out why Danica left in the first place, everything he’s tried to bury comes roaring back—and there’s no way this wolf shifter is going to take no for an answer this time.

Themes: paranormal, shifters, mercenaries

Rating: 4 stars

Heat Rating: 

Review:

Returning to the shadowy world of espionage and national protection, Her Lone Wolf brings two former lovers back into each other’s lives and brings out the truth of the organization they once swore their lives to.  For being only the second story in the series and the second by Paige I have ever read, I will say I enjoyed the story very much, though I wasn't quite as intrigued in this as the first one until the very end.   With a bit of a slow start on the relationship front, Danica and Clayne's story was a lot of looking back and regretting past choices.  Once they both decided to admit the feelings they have for each other and find a way to reunite, I began to love both the characters and the story itself.  I am looking forward to where the story might be headed and wonder just how deep the treachery goes in this organization.  Tyler's X-op series is a twist of a couple of other series I have read, but she writes so well and her imagination so fluid that I know I will love this series right until the very end.

Danica and Clayne haven’t seen in other in years, since she left their partnership and relationship, leaving Clayne broken-hearted, but they are suddenly thrust into a search for a serial killer that only they can catch.  Clayne thought he'd moved past his love for Danica when she broke his heart and left him behind, but seeing her and working with her again brings his true feelings out.  Danica can't believe she has to work with Clayne, dealing with his horrible attitude, when her own heart is breaking.  Because though she was the one that left it was all for him, to keep him safe and free, but she can never tell him the truth. As they, work together to find the psychotic shifter that is terrorizing California, Danica is no longer able to hide her feelings and decides that maybe if he understands what's at stake he can find a way to forgive her and be happy.  Clayne can't believe what he is hearing when the only woman he's ever loved admits why she left, but even knowing there is danger in it, he cannot resist bringing her back into his life and his bed.  But when the killer is caught will they be able to be together, or will the dark truth still keep them apart?

I loved Danica, though I wanted her to slap Clayne several times just for his own stubbornness and inability to see between the lines.  It's obvious to me that she is hurt by seeing him again, but he doesn’t see, to be able to pick up that fact himself, until her walls begin to crumble under his onslaught and the truth is forced out into the open.  She has always loved him and being a strong woman, forfeited her life and love so she could keep him safe and free, but he refuses to understand her motivations.  I liked seeing her investigating, she is obviously a sharp woman and her thinking processes are unique enough that I would want someone like her on the trail of a true maniac because she could catch and kick their butts.  When she decides she’s hidden the truth from Clayne enough, admitting that she made a mistake leaves her wondering how she will ever find her center again, but determined to try to have a relationship with her love again. 

Clayne is quite frankly an asshole through the first third of the book--but then I guess he does have his reasons.  Unable to understand that his love might have been one-sided he's never truly been able to move on, probably because she was truly his match and mate, even if he didn’t realize it at the time.  I enjoyed when she finally admitted the truth and he understood that the woman he loves--and loves him--spent the last several years struggling with her emotions trying to protect him.  Though his innate alpha tendencies hate the truth, thankfully his human side begins to understand and forgive almost immediately.  Bringing Danica back into his life is his most important goal--well once he catches a serial killing shifter that has focused on him as his adversary.  Clayne’s strength and cunning mark him as a true alpha wolf and show that even the biggest asses can turn out to be real heroes. 

Tyler’s fascinating and in-depth view of a world that exists alongside our own is enough to keep me coming back for more, but ultimately the relationships between these shifters and their mates are what really hooked me.  The overall action and plot is truly what allows the relationships to develop and find a way for the couples to trust and love one another in an otherwise terrifying existence for shifters.  Danica is the type of woman that sacrifices to protect those she loves, giving up her own happiness and life to allow her love to live his life.  Clayne is a smartass to be sure, but clever, witty and ultimately a man that will protect what is his with his last breath, and in the end I couldn’t help but fall in love with him a little bit.  Even when they are acting like they hate one another, the sparks and intensity between these two former (and future lovers) is irresistible and I just hope I find a love so deep one day.  The villain in this story was ingeniously done, and not something, I was able to guess right up until the end.  I will say that I wish I was a wolf myself so I could tear out the heart of the guy in their organization that is messing with their lives.  I am hoping that he gets his ass handed to him soon in the upcoming stories, but ultimately I know it will happen.  Tyler keeps me interested in the story from start to finish, even if the relationship was a bit lacking in the beginning for me.  Can’t wait to see what happens next.

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

Mini-Review: Hot Blooded Part 2

Hot Blooded: Part 2 (Dark Kings #4)

by Donna Grant

Blurb:

The Dark Kings are a race of powerful men who can shape-shift into dragons in a moment of fury—or passion. Laith is no exception. To most, he’s known as the owner of a local pub near Dreagan. But little do his patrons know that beneath his red-hot exterior lies the heart, soul, and cravings of a Dragon King—one who wields control by keeping his friends close and his enemies, just across the border, closer. Until a mysterious and seductive woman named Iona enters the picture, and sets his whole world off course. Will Laith dare to explore his deepest passions? Sworn to protect. Driven to desire. Is Iona worth the risk? He can’t wait to find out…

Themes: Dragons, Magick, Fae, Paranormal

Rating: 3.75 stars

Heat Rating:

Review:

Part 2 picks up right away with Laith attempting to keep Iona safe in the Dragonwood as enemies surround them. Passion escalates in part two of this four part foray into the lives of a dragon shifter and the commitment phobic woman who has captured his interest and will ultimately make or break his heart and chances at winning the coming battle.  The story progresses quickly in this second part, with Rhi and Ulrick seemingly joining forces, Laith's desire for Iona exploding when he saves her life, and other dragon kings undergoing some terrifying changes.  A good bit of this section revolves around Iona beginning to discover secrets that have been held by her family for generations and Laith finding a way for these secrets to come to light without ruining his chances of an affair with Iona.  I enjoyed this second part even more that the first and am looking forward to what comes next. 

After saving Iona's life, Laith returns her to her home, but once they are alone in the house, the desire between them makes itself abundantly clear when he comes across her half naked and throws caution of the wind to seduce her.  Iona gives in to her desires and I love her all the more for it.  She seems willing to trust for the first time, even when a secret of Laith's comes to light  Trusting is not her strong suit but it seems impossible not to trust Laith for some reason.  Laith on the other hand pissed me off in this section, bungling his first impression and keeping secrets that are unnecessary.  I am hoping that the next part will allow them both a relationship and make it easier for them to work together against the forces out of endanger the lives of everyone at Dreagan.  All in all a great bridge section between introductory phases and what I’m hoping will be a part 3 with lots of action and romancing.                                       

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