The premise seemed really, really intriguing with an MC romantic pairing that really didn't work on paper but could have become something amazing. Adding in the threats of an unknown danger, unlikely allies, and a whole lot of sarcastic snark balanced with naive sweetness and I was definitely interested in reading this story.
For being the first book in a series I felt like I was dropped into the middle of a world I should have known about already. Some of the explanations came as Gustav and Kain explained things to Abel, but those explanations didn't really come until pretty deep into the story, not far along but deep into the crazy unfolding. Using terminology, relationships, and situations that seemed well established and well known without cluing us in in some way left me a bit frustrated for a good third of the story.
There was a definite pull between the MC's and I could see the fated mate thing working and was glad their culmination of the romantic part of their relationship didn't happen right away. It took a while for everything to be right for their moment to come together...though I will say it felt a little too "perfect" seeing as how Abel was a complete virgin and there was still quite a bit that wasn't fully fleshed out between them.
It wasn't until near the end that Gustav's bad habits took the fore and nearly ruined everything. And it certainly didn't help that Abel's anger issues and sudden lack of understanding and patience coincided with Gustav's epic pity party. The separation was kind of necessary, I guess, but with so much awful that happened up to that point I was hoping for something a little different. Ending as it did with counseling, hope, forgiveness, love, and bonding really helped to smooth things over.
So while there was turmoil and turbulence from the word go, there was a softer side of things that made a valiant attempt to balance it all out and end things on a happier note. There are quite a few side characters we met along the way that made me curious as to whose story will be next so there's also that, I suppose, to bring me back to their world.
*$5.99 on Amazon
Gustav Markov is one of the best Rogue Hunters the Vampire Council has ever seen. But he's snide, sarcastic, and is by far the most infuriating man ever to walk the Earth. That changes when a mission puts him on the path of not only a fiend from his past but his Lifemate.
Abel Simpson has never known a life outside The Willows. His faith has been shaken by the actions of those around him. But nothing has rocked him like the dark-haired man who walks into his life.
Gustav and Abel find a connection neither man has ever felt before, and it seems almost perfect. Until the specter from Gustav's past rears their head, intent on repeating history. Can Gustav and Abel stop this menace before another young life is destroyed? Or will more blood be spilled all in the name of family?
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