Quick Reads, Quick Reviews 38

  

• A Blaze in the Dark: Bearer of Truth Book 1, Miranda Turner
• Snowed In: Nen and Anani, Nell Iris
• Salute to the Stud, Beth Laycock

Found in an incredibly despairing situation, Bain is rescued by someone who should be his sworn enemy.  But instead of more continual torture, he's given care, concern, shelter, and protection.  And when he's well enough to know just how severe his savior's situation is, he realizes he's been rescued by his mate.  Antonio never expected to find his mate in a torture chamber, but he'd never turn his back on someone who needs his aid, especially not the other half of his soul.  Danger is never far, though, and they'll have to fight a vicious enemy and choose to trust someone whose reputation is worse than the man they're running from.  Will their choice destroy their future or gift them one?

This was a really intense story with a ton of damaged souls, healing, violence, and a perfectly appropriate slow-burn romance based on all that is good about love and patience.  Antonio's strength comes not only from his fighting prowess and ability to protect, it's from the strength of his soul.  The honest yearning in both men is truly touching.  I will admit to being incredibly lost, though, when it came to world-building and factions and characters.  For being the first, more like a prologue, for the series, there are big gaps in knowledge and a whole lot of things that never really get explained in this story.  I'm actually quite interested in the full series, though most of that is curiosity and wondering just how everyone and everything fits together and what is really going on in this world.  3.5 stars.

A law kept them apart, a mother's love gives them a second chance.  With supernatural elements and a world of magic, Nen and Anani's story was surprising and had beautiful undertones of love, acceptance, and forgiveness.  Second chances are sometimes sweeter than first encounters and theirs is no exception.  I didn't actually connect with the characters as much as I wanted to, mainly because it felt like while trying to keep the fantastical elements, we were kept separate from their world rather than sucked into it.  The angst and frustration and hurt, however, that did grab attention and was difficult to find resolution from.  There were a few magical elements that were brought up as being more than what they were so when we get to the conclusion, it was a bit of a let-down in that regard, but freeing in the more romantic aspects of the story.  Overall, this was a sadder sweet story that was a nice read.  3 stars.

An anniversary present gone wrong gives Jasper a second chance at love and a new outlook on life when he finds himself on a tropical vacation with his sister rather than his boyfriend.  Smarting from his ex's cruel words, Jasper is determined to remain in his shell while only dipping his toes into paradise, but when he receives a sexy text from a wrong number, he just might gather enough courage to jump in feet first instead.  Tamal might be just what he needs to to find who he really wants to be and who he might want in his life.  Distance might not be the only problem they'll need to overcome, however, because secrets and surprise visits may derail whatever they were beginning to build.

Jasper was endearingly awkward and so very honest.  I liked him quite a lot, insecurities and all; especially when he found his backbone regarding his ex and what he wants his future to look like and who he wants in it.  Tamal was a bit less of a draw for me.  He had kindness and patience and a whole lot of sex appeal, but it was his eagerness to believe conniving words rather than the yearning and openness he saw in Jasper that disappointed me.  I didn't feel drawn into his character.  It was Jasper that kept the story moving and his personal evolution that made the story stronger.  Despite the lack of depth surrounding Jasper, this was a cute story that had plenty of steam and a sweet ending.  3 stars.

How Not to Sin: Lovestrong Book 3, Susan Hawke

So much to love in this story.  And yet, for many who read without truly considering the subject matter or one of the protagonist's description, you'll probably find a mix of opinions.  A bit of a disclaimer that seems like it would be common sense given the synopsis, but you never know these days.  This features a preacher...a PREACHer.  So is this a little preachy?  Uh, yeah.  Does it work?  Definitely.  The struggle of the individual that happens to be a leader of a Presbyterian church speaks his heart during scenes of him doing his job, sharing himself with the object of his affections, and in the course of dealing with the drama that is going on with his congregation.  So, yes, there's preaching.  I think it fits and don't think I'm being preached to, mostly because many of his thoughts echo those of my own heart.

Removing the more philosophical debating, this is a story of self-acceptance and struggling against those that would persecute based on hypocritical views.  I liked Gabe's portrayal as a "regular guy" because I was able to separate the religious debate from the man.  His job was religious by nature, but he knew himself and his path of self-discovery was pretty well described.  The relationship he was building with Seth was amusing, heartfelt, and definitely all kinds of steamy.  Both men had views that differed in some places and were compatible in others.

By focusing the story on the church drama that affected their relationship kept it about accepting themselves for who they are rather than trying to change the person into who and what you think you want in a partner to match your preconceived notions of "ideal".  Sometimes the partner that matches our pictures isn't the best choice.  The antagonist was prejudice in the form of one super hateful hypocrite that plagued the characters in the first book.  Seeing him get his comeuppance was pretty great since he really was a terrible human.

Things were resolved a bit simply, but I didn't mind that too much since they had to face quite a bit to get to their happy ending.  As for the familial reconciliation/closure, that was left a bit open-ended and gave both hope and sadness.  It was the reaction of Seth that proved their partnership is one born of love and understanding.  While I'm not sure I would have ended that bit with a couch-breaking scene, there's no denying that their solid emotional foundation was enhanced by incredible chemistry.  This was a couple I believed in and was glad to get to know.  From the intimations surrounding Shaw, the next installment in the series is bound to have more angst than we've previously experienced, but I'm definitely in to see him get his HEA too.

*$4.00 on Amazon or FREE on KU!

One regular guy who happens to be a preacher… 

Reverend Dr. Gabe Samson doesn’t think he’s better than any of the people in his church, so please don’t put him on a pedestal. While he’s never hidden the fact that he identifies as bisexual, he’s never acted on it either. Gabe isn’t happy to learn that the sole reason he was hired to pastor the LGBT-friendly church was that the ruling elders wanted a safe poster child for inclusivity—in other words, they wanted the rainbow flag without letting it fly.

Plus one easygoing, new age kinda guy…

Seth Thomas owns Holistic Healing, a metaphysical shop and yoga studio. He’s never really been a relationship kinda guy, but only because he hasn’t met the right man yet. Seth is laid back and goes with the flow. When fate drops a hot preacher in his lap, why wouldn’t he accept the gift?

Equals a pair of men who click from the start. 

The two men find it almost too easy to get together, especially Gabe, who is fully embracing his bi side for the first time. Nothing in life is simple though. While Gabe and Seth are busy falling in love, they face an anti-gay hate group, a divided church, and a ruling elder who is hell-bent on sowing discord. Between Gabe’s patient wisdom and Seth’s snark, the pair fight the growing drama with the strongest weapons in their arsenal: love and humor.

Diamond in the Rough: Four Kings Security Book 4, Charlie Cochet

All. The. Things.  I think I'm either legit blind to anything wrong with this story or there really is nothing to be found.  My favorite trope is the ugly duckling trope and while this doesn't fit it perfectly, it's got everything I love about it.  From the nerdy, geeky, super genius that no one else seems to get or appreciate and the super desirable object of their admiration/affection seeing only them in return and loving everything that makes them unique (beauty in the eye of the beholder), the transformative power of their love becoming the freedom to accept themselves and let their awesomeness shine to the point that everyone sees them for who they really are, that the core of the story is really about their struggle to accept themselves and to be accepted, to the truth that bullying is bad and should be intolerable.

The camaraderie between the Kings and their whole family is phenomenal.  I wasn't lucky enough to start from book one but you can be damn sure I'm going to now.  Banter, teasing, joking, support, advice, open hearts, kindness, true love, empathy, devotion, loyalty...just...everything.  I'm so floored by what was achieved with this group that I don't know why I didn't have this series on my radar before.  Sometimes the dynamic between the mains and the supports in a story can overshadow the main relationship but while the interaction here was stellar and attention-grabbing for all the right reasons, it still remained a support to the MC's and their story.  There was an amazing balance that was achieved.

All the drama moved in a predictable direction in regards to the betrayal, but I didn't mind that one bit.  There were a couple surprises along the way, which kept it interesting, and the biggest surprise was Leo's reaction to the threats at the end.  His actions were incredible, both brave and scary, and I didn't see that coming at all.  It was one of the high-points of the story's action for me.  King is a total badass and I really had no complaints about him in those regards.  As for the emotional drama, a lot of it came from Leo's insecurities, but the secret from King's past was dramatic and yet it wasn't made into a tertiary struggle for the relationship.  Instead, it was a heartfelt reveal that was resolved by honesty and heartfelt acceptance that felt right.

As for King and Leo as a couple, they were everything sappy, heartfelt, sexy, and tender that I look for.  I had high hopes after reading the synopsis and I had a gut feeling that I wouldn't be disappointed.  I was not only not disappointed, I was blown away by the story I read.  Books by this author in the past have been either meh or more hit and miss so I didn't jump into this one right away and I'm kind of sorry I did.  At the same time, it wouldn't have mattered when I read it, it would have always been perfect to me.  So not only will I be actively seeking out this series in its entirety, I'll be bumping up their other series' on my TBR list as well.  If this is the kind of story they can produce, consider my mind changed.

*$4.00 on Amazon or FREE on KU!

When the cards are stacked against you, the Kings will even the odds.
For Ward “King” Kingston the role of protector, forged by fire and tragedy, is one he takes seriously. When King is asked to safeguard the son of a four-star general and friend, he is pulled back into the world of government black ops on a mission that raises painful memories from his past. The moment King meets Leo, amid the chaos of a lockdown at a secret black site, it’s clear he’s never faced a challenge like this—one that will test his unwavering sense of control. 

Leopold de Loughrey is a misunderstood genius whose anxiety and insecurities are sent into overdrive when he is forcefully recruited to work on a top-secret project. Terrified of what his role as "invaluable asset" means, Leo’s stress leads to disappearances, arguments, and blowups that threaten the project and Leo’s future. King’s arrival is a calm in the storm for Leo and his frenetic thoughts.

King and Leo couldn’t be more different, yet as they navigate the dangers of a secret multi-agency operation and face unknown threats, their differences could be what saves them. Neither man believes a happily ever after is in the cards, but their hearts might just prove them wrong… if they can survive a deadly betrayal.

Mate: Forbidden Desires Book 3, Piper Scott and Virginia Kelly

An unlikely bond between two alpha dragons has lasted for a century and if they don't fight for their future, the mandates of an archaic council could destroy everything they love.  When Geoffrey Drake's secret alpha mate Ian is given an omega to breed in the name of an experiment his heart is crushed.  Hiding his ache behind a haughty, cynical mask, he escorts Disgrace Matthieu Boudreaux to his lover's home where he must confirm their breeding.  Ian is determined to run from their situation, but it's Matthieu's unconventional solution that might give each of them everything they could have dreamed.  The plan doesn't start they way they hope and it puts their lives in jeopardy.  Magic and a helpful, yet lusty, outcast family might give them a chance to grasp their fate and change the future of dragons and their mates for generations to come.

Ian was brash, young, reactionary, and yet the guiding hand for this group.  I liked his boldness and love for Geoffrey that never waned.  Despite the difficult circumstance, he was humble enough to listen to reason and heart when he would have given up.  The surprise was really Matthieu.  He was not only the glue that kept them all together, but his immense inner strength was exactly what both alphas needed to fight for them.

But it was Geoffrey who made me ache and was my favorite.  I usually have a hard time with the sad characters who don't seem to know how to be happy in their own right, but there was something about Geoffrey that caught my attention and kept it jealously.  At nearly every moment of his perspective I was choked up, my eyes welling with tears, swallowing past the lump in my throat, and my chest constricting.  I literally ached for this man.  His moments of despair moved me beyond what I thought possible and his moments of passion, happiness, and peace were some of the most beautiful things I could ever feel.

I don't typically like menage relationships and pretty much choose not to read them on that basis alone, but I'm so addicted to this series that I jumped in with both feet despite my normal hesitations.  I'm so glad I did.  There's so much to love about this book and the dynamic Matthieu, Ian, and Geoffrey struggle through to find their roles and their path together.  Introducing the exiled Opal dragon and his immense brood was quite interesting and there were so many characters that I was a bit numb by the end of their "introductions".  He actually bothered me immensely and I couldn't grow to like him, though his role has many implications for dragons going forward.  Aside from his convivial creeper-ness, the rest of the story vacillated between passion, angst, discovery, and acceptance.  The way each person found their strength and their place together was beautiful and I'm glad to have read this book.  I seriously cannot wait for more!

*$3.99 on Amazon or FREE on KU!

Milo: Finding Home Book 2, Lily Morton

Love gone wrong can be heartbreaking, but in Milo's case it was soul-crushing and has left him with scars of all kinds.  The one person he wouldn't want to see him in his misery is the one person who saves him.  With the generosity of friends he finds a place to heal and who he's meant to be.  But constantly seeing the man he's loved for a decade is starting to hurt more than it helps.  Except with one unguarded moment he realizes he might not be alone in his feelings.  But does Niall see him as the younger brother of his best friend and sometimes-lover who needs saving or are they just for Milo?  It's hard to hope for an equal partnership when all you ever seem to need is to be saved.

Milo was all kinds of sweet and endearing.  I ached for his situation and yearned so much for him to see himself as the man who survived, the man with a brilliant talent that was worthy of everything.  Toward the end I actually felt he was the stronger of the two men and was so proud of all his progress.  There were so many moments of tenderness from Niall that I just knew he's be the best partner for Milo.

And then we learn of Niall's true relationship with Gideon, Milo's older brother.  There was way too much time spent on that whole sordid mess that what could have been an immensely fabulous book became cheapened, side-tracked, and less-than.  Sad, really.

And here comes the rant........

(possible spoilers in the rant, so consider yourself warned)

Okay, so, seriously.  Why, oh why, Gideon, did you think it was appropriate to throw all that jealousy, bitterness, and sexual reveals on your little brother?  Did that, in any world, seem appropriate?!  AND NIALL!!!!!!!  Really?  You'd put up with that because you still love Gideon in a way and also feel bad for not properly ending things with him after he's already almost ruined your chances with the brother you really want MORE THAN ONCE?!  What about that says you're more committed to Milo than Gideon romantically?  Ugh...  Gross, inappropriate, and utterly disappointing.  Both men disgust me in those moments.

I was so crazy in love with this story until that point and honestly, it was so completely unnecessary.  It didn't move the relationship along, it put an even bigger strain on the sibling relationship, and just made things so cringe-worthy and awkward I wasn't sure if I could stomach the rest of the book.  I mean, I'm glad I did, but I'm so...so...frustrated, saddened, and...disappointed in that whole big chunk of the book.  It also makes me incredibly hesitant to read Gideon's story once it comes around.  Sure, he's most likely to reform, but I'm envisioning a world of hurt for his future partner during their story before he gets his head out of his ass.

...End of rant...

So, needless to say, I had a major issue with something included in this story, but really, overall, this was a sweet book with a few fantastic characters.  I'm in love with Silas and Oz and will definitely go read their story.  The writing is wonderful and the story itself is a great one.  Niall really does love Milo  and though his journey to get the right man was fraught with setbacks, their love was hard-won and worth the struggle (the principle of struggle, not that I liked a certain specific struggle they endured).  Milo is everything and becomes all that he should be.  He is what makes this story wonderful with the romantic resolution coming in a close second.  The very end was made of win so I was extremely happy with the bookends of the story, it was just a few chunks in the middle that I had trouble with.

*$3.99 on Amazon or FREE on KU!

Fall in love with Oz and Silas...

Read the first story in the

Finding Home series,

Oz

Quick Reads, Quick Reviews 37

  

• New Horizons: A Metahuman Files: Classified Novella, Hailey Turner
• Stealing the Angel's Innocence: Heaven and Hell's Romance Company Book 1, Idris MacManus
• How Not to Tuck: Lovestrong Book 2, Susan Hawke

Moving on with life after the devastating and life-altering events in DC isn't always straightforward.  Some suffer with PTSD, others struggle to find their new place in the world.  Trevor Sanchez has always been sure of who he is and what he wants.  While he misses the camaraderie and stability and familiarity of his military unit and his place with Alpha team, he's eager to finally become the doctor he wants to be.  When the Sons of Adam don't seem to be laying down their plans, Trevor becomes embroiled in the local faction's drama when they seek revenge on a handsome and frightened paramedic.  Brendan puts patients above himself and once again, he's staring down the barrel of a gun.  When he and Trevor connect it's far deeper than attraction or duty, it's soul-changing.  Understanding the fragility of life and unwilling to dismiss what they feel, they have to navigate their enemy and their duties if they hope to carve out a piece of the future for them together.

Seriously hot.  Trevor is fantastic in his use of abilities as well as his innate sense of concern for others.  While he knows where his past and his future goals will take him he's completely unafraid of what he feels for Brendan and I loved that he was open and willing to accept all that meant.  Brendan was more hesitant only because he's caught somewhere between lust, being starstruck, swept off his feet, and afraid of the threats closing in on him.  Their dynamic in the bedroom was incredible and Trevor's direct attack with the feels while including Brendan in his life really made this story great.  The only issue I had with this was the mental healing of Brendan that needed to be addressed.  I seriously cannot get enough of this series and was extremely happy to get another novella to dive back into.  4 stars.

Someone is stealing souls and the consequences could be dire.  When Oramon, a demon who collects the souls bound for Hell, is placed on an investigative team with an angel as a partner, he knows the issue is much bigger than he originally thought.  And when he meets Sariel he's not only impressed, he's captivated.  As they muddle through the investigation of lost souls they also find new feelings, startling revelations, and a yearning to feel.  Sariel's innocence is the most attractive thing about him and Oramon is only a demon, who can blame him for taking a taste?

I felt that this book was a really good start to this series.  It hooked interest, laid the foundation for the series, and gave good insight into Oramon's character as well as a bit of Sariel.  We'll have to read more from the series to truly understand Sariel's complex feelings for the findings of the discoveries in the first novella.  There are some pretty big bombshells dropped near the end as well as the monumental change in their partnership that begs for more so I'm absolutely on board with reading more.  I do hope we either get an alternating POV in the coming books, at the very least we need a lot more from Sariel to fell the same level of connection as with Oramon.  4 stars.

Honey Combover is larger than life, and so is the cobra between her legs.  It refuses to stay where it's placed and while that has become part of her persona, it's also the reason she's in a little bit of trouble at her day job.  When the school's principal refuses to let her conduct the glee club in her drag persona because of the tape trouble she can't seem to get under control, Larry offers the principal an invitation to see him perform before turning them down outright.  A show and a show later, and what used to be years of bickering and complaining fast becomes the partnership Larry and Godric never saw coming.

Sexy, sweet, funny, campy, and a whole lot of entertainment, this short, lighthearted story is all that was great about the Lovestrong books.  Larry is so extra both as himself and as Honey Combover but every moment felt genuine.  I loved that he was both learning about himself and giving in to everything that made him feel.  Godric was a bit of a surprise and I liked who he ended up being.  The dynamic between the two men felt right and was just what the other needed.  By seeing the good in one another they were essentially freed to be their true selves and were loved for it.  I can't wait to see them together in the periphery of the rest of the series.  Pretty sure I'll never get enough of Honey.  4.5 stars.

Quick Reads, Quick Reviews 36: Valentine's Inc Edition

  

• Kissing Lessons: Valentines Inc. Book 10, Brittany Cournoyer
• Kissed in Paradise: Valentines Inc. Book 9, Crystal Lacy
• Kiss Me Tomorrow: Valentines Inc. Book 8, Ashe Winters

"Satisfaction guaranteed" only gets you so far when your your client is so surly even your friendliest staff member throws in the towel.  For Witt, he takes the statement to heart and goes so far as to coach Tony in the subtleties of dating himself.  But the lessons sink deep and he not only begins to feel proprietary, he's having trouble keeping his very-real feelings from growing.  Convinced his feelings are one-sided and that the lessons can't continue, he sets his client up with someone who could be their match, and it's not him.  With a bit of meddling and a little Valentine's Day magic Witt might get the forever-after he'd given up hope on keeping.

The set-up of this story was really cute and a bit of a disaster in the best way.  I was really curious as to how Witt would change Tony.  What I loved was that it was less about the changing and more about seeing the wonderful that was always there, it just needed a deeper look.  It had a really strong beginning that drew me into the story and I felt for Witt.  He was a bit much, however, with his intense denial and unwillingness to alter his path despite the glaring signals that it wasn't the right thing to do.  And without enough from Tony's side, getting to know him and his feelings, the end lacked the emotional punch it needed.  Overall, it was a very sweet story with a great ending.  3.5 stars.

It's not every day you get a chance with your "gay epiphany", but Carey's forced holiday just might be more than he could have dreamed when he sees his high-school crush pull in to pick him up from the airport.  Finding out the tour guide is actually a hired four-day date?  It could either be a disaster or an opportunity to be with Fei in a way he only fantasized about.  As he and Fei give in to their attraction and their feelings begin to grow they have a chance to make something permanent, but only if they can overcome distance, past hurts, and confess what's in their hearts.

This was incredibly sexy, very sweet, and so very good.  I loved the idea of a second chance with an old crush that never got off the ground and this was done so well with enough of a conflict to pose an issue, but not enough to really threaten the relationship.  With the story short enough to curtail some of the bonehead moves either man could have made, the focus was kept on the budding feelings and the surmountable odds that could keep them apart.  Ugh, and the steam?  FanTAStic.  Carey was incredibly sweet and his heart was so perfect to balance Fei's insecurities.  I was in love with the couple from the word go.  5 stars.

The pain in our pasts can cripple us or turn into a strength to propel us forward into the lives we were meant to live.  For Mal, he's lost in his depression until his friends finally break through his funk to get him back on his feet.  Levi's past is much heavier and he refuses to see it as a strength and instead hides it while keeping up his cool, calm, charming personality in both school and work.  When a chance meeting followed by a fake date set up bring both men together it's clear that Fate has a plan.  But fear and shame might destroy their chance at forever and it will take everything in Mal's heart to give Levi the freedom to choose happiness.

This wasn't exactly a quick read and with the subject matter included in the story, it shouldn't have been.  What I loved was that the heavy topics weren't shied away from and the healing process wasn't glossed over either.  The build-up of feelings gave a great foundation for the more sexually intimate situations and I was so very pleased with the slow growth of their physical relationship.  Trust and hearts were more important than what they could offer one another sexually and after Levi's past, it was exactly what he needed.  I really liked this story and the title tie-in was unexpected and perfectly sweet.  4 stars.

The Holeshot, Lynn Michaels

A surprise on a birthday starts something neither Davey nor Tyler expected, and with the volatile natures of those around them, it might not be something they can keep if they aren't willing to fight for it.  Insta-love and insta-lust abound in this story and with their youth and adrenaline-based careers it's only natural that they would get mixed up before they create something solid.  There are plenty of great things about Davey and Tyler together, but there are also drawbacks that tempered my enjoyment of the story.  Overall, it was a good read with interesting characters and a hard journey to attain both love and success, to fight for their happily-ever-after.

What I enjoyed was the focused and determined commitment Davey had.  He had that for two things, his sport and his heart.  Despite all the drama that could, and did, surround the romance, he was all in from the beginning with Tyler.  He knew that finding that special connection with someone who respected his career as well as him personally was priceless.  What I respected about him was that he wasn't the "I'd give up everything for you!" type, he was more about doing what was necessary to move forward despite the obstacles to earn and have everything.

Tyler, however, was a bit more mercurial.  His youth was more pronounced in his tendency to react rather than think things through and make the more mature decisions.  He was far more reactionary than I liked and I didn't connect with him as much as I did with Davey.  His ability to see the difficulties and be a bit more of a voice of reason often tempered Davey's more "damn the consequences" attitude and I did appreciate the balance he brought to the relationship.

Including the managers' relationship and the secondary conflict with the new sponsor's liaison felt unnecessary and often distracted from the core issues Davey and Tyler faced with their relationship.  I didn't mind adding in the M/F sideline relationship because it gave the whole group a more invested, family feel, but it was the additional conflict that drew the focus away.  The anti-gay and abusive actions of those in their sport were incredibly disappointing on a human level, but were appropriate to the story and didn't feel overdone.  I enjoyed the story and think the sport itself was integrated in a fantastic way along with the secondary characters being quite interesting;  it's a good start to the series.

*$2.99 on Amazon

In the world of Supercross, taking the holeshot means one racer leaps ahead of the crowd and into first, leaving the rest of the pack behind. If Supercross racer Davey McAllister knows anything, it's how to take the holeshot. When the hot rising star mechanic, Tyler Whitmore, shows up in his bed, Davey does just that. But, dating a competitor's mechanic threatens to blow his ride if anyone finds out. With the fear of losing his sponsors, he has to keep his love life completely under cover, but Davey is in deep and wants to tell the world how much he loves Tyler. 

Tyler Whitmore wants to be out of the closet, but dating the competition is a death sentence for his career. Overprotective of Davey's reputation and his own dreams, Tyler refuses to commit to his lover and is afraid of falling hard. Will they ever be able to find their way through the Premiere racing league pitfalls and acknowledge their love?

The Reapers Books 4-6, Donna Grant

There is no escaping a Reaper. I am an elite assassin, part of a brotherhood that only answers to Death. And when Death says your time is up, I am coming for you...

Fintan is the most stoic of all the Reapers.  His life before becoming a Reaper was filled with blood and death and loyalty, until betrayal took his life and his willingness to feel.  With a heart locked and sealed from feeling anything other than loyalty to Death and the other Reapers, he carries out his duty and nothing more.  Until Catriona.  Her family has drawn the Fae for generations and their bloodline has been imbued with powers beyond any other Halfling has ever exhibited.  Cat is sure she is the only one that has ever been skipped and yet Bran pursues her relentlessly.  With her growing feelings for Fintan and Fintan's slowly-thawing heart they might uncover the mystery behind why Bran needs her.   But along the way she'll lose something dear to her and only her wit and inner strength will be able to save the love she never expected.

I was greatly anticipating Fintan's story and was surprised by the softness, tenderness, and vulnerability that marked his tale.  I expected something darker but was immensely pleased with his story.  The connection between Fintan and Cat was a little flat but I liked where it ended up because it was a relationship that grew a little slower and with a lot more heartache in various forms.  As for the drama surrounding the Reapers, each new plot from their enemy provides a little more insight into his purpose as well as Death's struggles.  Cat's quick thinking was impressive and she made for a great addition to the Reaper's family.  I'd like to see more of them, even on the periphery of the other Reapers' stories because I don't think they've fully achieved their potential as mates yet.   Overall this was a little different from what I expected though I was pretty happy with where we ended.  4 stars.

Daire's assignment to this point has been to shadow Rhi, the stunning Fae enigma.  His new mission brings him to the home of three sisters caught in Bran's crosshairs and if he can't convince them of his identity and purpose, they'll be instrumental in Death and her Reapers' demise.  Ettie is used to being overshadowed by her sisters in virtually every way.  When a darkly attractive man shows her attention it puts her in a position she has never been in.  Her life spent training for an unnamed threat has left her unprepared for matters of the heart and she's struggling to balance the distrust of her sisters, the attentions of a man, and another man claiming to be Fae and that they are in danger without his assistance.  Unless Daire and Ettie can find the truth surrounding the sisters and if Ettie can't sort out her head and her heart, they'll give Bran everything he needs to win.

With Daire's statement of attraction to Rhi I was honestly surprised when he fell so quickly for Ettie.  I did believe his draw to Ettie, but I felt their connection and evolution was underdeveloped.  There were also some disturbing connections between Bran and Ettie that, while millennia removed, it was still superbly weird.  Ettie's introduction was really good because it showed a fierce fighter with a head clear on her training and preparedness.  It was disappointing then, to see her so easily doubt so much.  I get that they didn't really have many clues or information to go on, but it was her almost reversion to adolescence in her attitude and perceptions that bothered me. It seemed as if virtually everyone was blind in this story and that was more frustrating than anything.  Either they were ignoring clues or they were overlooking them.  Everything did progress, however, and the appearance of what Bran was looking for was both shocking and exciting for its implications.  It was kind of the only thing that pushed the book forward though, so while this isn't my favorite book of the series, it gave the series momentum to carry it through.  3.5 stars.

Stuck in a place with no light, no sound except for Eoghan's breathing and the cries of the beast hunting him, he's fighting an unseen enemy hoping to find a way out from whatever realm he was thrust into.  And then he hears it.  There's music echoing in his soul, leading him to the light.  He doesn't expect the blue-haired Halfling to be the savior she is and yet he's glad it was her and no one else.  The mysteries of her past, however, could prove more dangerous than the plot from his.

With a dark, mysterious, and exciting opening I was expecting the whole book to follow in that vein. It didn't, really, but it wasn't a bad story either.  It was a bit less in terms of following the same flow of the other Reaper stories, but it became a vessel for a ton of changes and connections with the Dark Kings series that made my heart beat nearly out of my chest.  Eoghan was still the same aloof male he was before now, but there's a softening in him because of Thea.  Finding his voice was quite interesting and learning of his past was appropriately sad, though it was his evolution as a leader and a friend that I enjoyed most about him here.  Thea was interesting mainly because of her connections and her music, but on her own she was slightly bland.  She did make a good mate for Eoghan by the end though.  The introduction of another Fae as well as Eoghan's new role were both incredibly exciting because of their implications for the rest of the series as well as the surrounding stories.  With six of the seven Reapers finding their mates I can hardly wait to see if all our hopes and yearnings for Cael are granted in Dark Alpha's Awakening.  3.5 stars.