Category: Review Sunday

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Kimberly’s review of Fifty Shades Freed by EL James

TITLE: Fifty Shades Freed
AUTHOR: EL James
PUBLICATION DATE:   09/24/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
When unworldly student Ana Steele first encountered the driven, damaged young entrepreneur Christian Grey, it sparked a sensual affair that changed both their lives irrevocably. Shocked, intrigued, and ultimately repelled by Christian’s singular sexual tastes, Ana demanded a deeper commitment; determined to keep her, Christian agreed. Now, together, they have more-love, passion, intimacy, wealth, and a world of infinite possibilities. But Ana always knew that loving her Fifty Shades would not be easy and being together poses challenges neither of them ever anticipated. Ana must somehow learn to share Christian’s opulent lifestyle without sacrificing her own integrity, identity, or independence; Christian must somehow overcome his compulsion to control and lay to rest the horrors that blighted his past and haunt his present. Just when it seems that together their love can conquer any obstacle, tragedy, malice and fate combine to make Ana’s worst nightmares come true.

REVIEW:
This is the last in the Fifty Shades trilogy. I can wrap up all the books in three words… 1) Lover 2) Loving 3) Loved.

The first book was about finding a lover, becoming a lover and about lovers of the past. The second was about loving. Realizing that loving was something that the characters could do and the third  (this book) is about realizing you are and have been loved. Christian learned to love in book two but is never really sure that he is lovable and could be loved. He doesn’t realized that he has loved in the past whether it be his previous subs, his family or even his biological mother.

Again I will say what I have about the other two books. While I can understand why it falls under erotica genre I do not believe it. Yes there are some intense sex scenes but this book/trilogy is about love and not sex. Actually it is about moving beyond sex. That being said I also understand why these books would either be loved or hated. I am not sure these books can be “only liked”. There are no shades of grey when it comes to these books (pun intended).

Christian is a haunting character who in this book lets go of some of the ghosts. He is obsessive and protective over Ana but the reader understands why. Ana really comes into her own in the book. She is strong and independent and willing to stand up for herself more in the book.

I loved this book as I did with the trilogy. There are so many misconceptions about these stories and it really is a shame. If you enjoy the romance genre this is such a wonderful set of books. I look forward to the time when I can pick up these books again and see what I might have missed with the first read.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

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Ursula’s review of Inside Bet by Katie Porter

TITLE: Inside Bet
AUTHOR: Katie Porter
PUBLICATION DATE:   01/01/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
As assistant director in an accounting firm, Heather Morris is at the top of her game. Her straight-laced colleagues wouldn’t believe the secrets she hides: her wild teenage past, work-of-art tattoo and nipple ring.

Her orderly life veers off course when she’s approached at a wine tasting by an arrogant pretty boy with a dirty mind and a hardcore dangerous profession. She finds herself tempted to step outside her respectable façade for some well-deserved excitement.

Captain Jon “Tin Tin” Carlisle knows women. Loves women. One glimpse of the nipple ring under Heather’s conservative blazer lights up all his instincts. He’s stumbled upon a rare treasure: an exotic beauty with a sexy laugh and a taste for dares.

After a red-hot hour of roulette, their simmering attraction bursts into an exploration of mutual passion that tests even Jon’s erotic limits. Soon he craves something he’s never desired before. More. But for Heather, more means trusting, and trusting leads to trouble.

Now Jon must decide if the best sex of his life is worth chancing his heart on a woman who shields hers so well.

Warning: Contains hot power play featuring a fighter pilot who comes from old money but knows all about bringing the dirty. Also: a nipple ring, sex on the hood of a hella sweet sportscar, and one teensy, tiny, wickedly naughty fluid exchange.

REVIEW:
I really enjoyed this book. It is part of a series, however I hadn’t read the book before this one.  I didn’t feel like I was missing out and the author really did a good job of kind of filling us in on what had gone before.  This was a sexy, hot book that had a good conflict and resolution.  I really just wanted to kick the hero in the head so many times. The heroine too. They were both stubborn and stuck in their way. This book showed how sometimes you just have to throw caution to the wind and trust someone once in awhile. It isn’t always an easy road and the rocky moments made for some good reading.
There were also many secondary characters that we were introduced to. It really added to the depth of the book and now I find myself wanting to go back and read the first one and the one that will come after this one. Ms. Dimon did a wonderful job of sucking me into her world and I will be happy to revisit it again in the future.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

4 Hearts
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Kimberly’s review of Night Falls Like Silk by Kathleen Eagle

TITLE: Night Falls Like Silk
AUTHOR: Kathleen Eagle
PUBLICATION DATE:   08/28/12
ORDER LINKS:  Amazon  | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A gripping sequel to the romantic suspense “The Night Remembers” from “USA Today” bestselling/Rita-Award-winning author Kathleen Eagle.

Thomas Little Warrior had grown up on the streets and barely escaped with his life and dignity intact. Now an adult, Thomas has beaten the odds and become a successful underground comic book artist. Tom meets beautiful Cassandra Westbrook at an auction and almost immediately they begin a love affair that rocks both their worlds. But when a series of valuable drawings is stolen, a new mystery begins to unravel Tom’s life. In the process of tracking down the drawings and the murky history behind them, Cassandra and Tom find out just how sinister Tom’s past can be. Danger lurks on each path, drawing them together and at the same time threatening to tear them apart.

REVIEW:
This is an interesting story but I was really confused for a lot of it. I was even more confused about the “elsewhere” sections (you have to read it to understand). The characters and the storyline keep your attention but something about it just didn’t work for me. I never felt the connection between Tom and Cassandra. This story was just so oddly written that it was hard to follow.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

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Jennifer’s review of Tangled Web by Crista McHugh

TITLE: Tangled Web
AUTHOR: Crista McHugh
PUBLICATION DATE:   10/16/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS: Azurha, a beautiful former slave turned deadliest assassin in the empire, has just been offered the ultimate challenge–seduce, then murder the new emperor.  But Titus is not the tyrant his forefathers were, and his radical ideas might be the glimmer of hope the empire needs.

Titus Sergius Flavus has yet to master the powerful magic of his ancestors–magic he must wield if he’s to protect his people–but his father’s death has left him no choice.  Rule the Delzian Empire and attempt to right his ancestor’s wrongs, or watch her fall to his greedy kin.

More than just Titus’s ideas hold Azurha captive.  Night after night, he awakens desires she thought lost and uncovers the magic of her hidden lineage.  As her deadline approaches, Azurha is forced to make an impossible decision–complete her job and kill the man she loves, or fail and forfeit both their lives.

REVIEW: This book is the first in a new series by author Crista McHugh and seemed to have everything for me. Tangled Web was an action-packed adventure with a beautiful female assassin and a romantic love story that brought me to tears by its conclusion. Azurha was a very strong character that had been born as a slave and abused by her previous master before she was able to gain her freedom through violence.  After this, she had been trained as a deadly assassin known only as “The Rabbit”, who struck fear into the hearts of her potential victims.

I felt so sorry for Azurha because she had been through so much before meeting Titus and she never wanted to be in a position where she was vulnerable and couldn’t protect herself.  She loved Titus with every ounce of her being and would give up her own life to protect him instead of being the one to kill him, which was very touching.  She couldn’t believe that Titus would give up his entire empire to be with her because no one had ever cared for her or tried to protect her in that way before. Their love had changed Azurha from a cold-hearted assassin to a strong, caring woman and it was nice to watch the transformation of this character throughout the book.  I understood her reasons for not telling Titus the truth about her identity because she was afraid that he wouldn’t love her anymore and she just wanted to hold onto that relationship for as long as she could.  In the end, Titus didn’t care about her past because he knew how she felt about him just by looking in her eyes and watching her actions around him.

Tangled Web is a great read and I have a feeling that this book will stay with me for some time.  I’m looking forward to reading the second book in the series which is Claudia’s story, a character that made a brief appearance in Tangled Web.

DISCLAIMER: The following review is my opinion and not a paid review. I received this book free as part of the blog tour.

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Kimberly’s review of That Thing Called Love by Susan Andersen

TITLE: That Thing Called Love
AUTHOR: Susan Andersen
PUBLICATION DATE:   07/31/12
ORDER LINKS:Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
He’s the last man on earth she should want…

For a guy she’s fantasized about throttling, Jake Bradshaw sure is easy on the eyes. In fact, he seriously tempts inn manager Jenny Salazar to put her hands to better use. Except this is the guy who left Razor Bay—and his young son, Austin, who Jenny adores like her own—to become a globetrotting photojournalist. He can’t just waltz back and claim Austin now.

Jake was little more than a kid himself when he became a dad. Sure, he’d dreamed of escaping the resort town, but he’d also truly believed that Austin was better off with his grandparents. Now he wants—no, needs—to make up for his mistake. He intends to stay in Razor Bay only until he can convince Austin to return with him to New York. Trouble is, with sexy, protective, utterly irresistible Jenny in his life, and his bed, he may never want to leave…

REVIEW:
I have been enjoying the works of Susan Andersen for a while now and this one ranks right up there as one of my favorites from her. Something about this book seems different than her past writing and it really stands out as one of her best. The characters of this book are simple and everyday people. I loved the fact that Jenny was not some supermodel or something. She is on the petite side and while they can joke with her about her size she will not accept being called cute or sweet. Jake has that diamond in the rough persona. He does things because he thinks they are for the best but he is never really sure if it is the best for him or for the other person but he really does have the best of intentions. I enjoyed Austin as well. He is written as a typical teenager who is just an everyday kid (though I could have done without him cursing – even though most 13 year olds do). And I enjoyed the blooming relationship of Jake and Max as well and hope to see Max get his own story in the future.

This is a great romance novel. It is a chick-lit book that no woman who enjoys the genre will want to put down. My suggestion is to send the kids to bed (or even better to a sleepover), pick up the book, pour a glass of wine and start enjoying.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

4 Hearts
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Kelly’s review of The Last Girl by Kitty Thomas

TITLE: The Last Girl
AUTHOR: Kitty Thomas
PUBLICATION DATE: 02/04/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Six years ago strangers broke into Juliette’s house; she was home alone and only thirteen. She kept her eyes closed, praying that if she didn’t see anything, she wouldn’t be killed. No one harmed her. In fact, one of the thieves protected her. Now Juliette’s dreams are haunted by him.

Christian has waited to take her, resisting the urge each night. It always ends badly with human pets. They’re too fragile. The longer he can wait, the better, because the moment he takes her, the clock on her life starts ticking down.

Then she’ll be gone forever.

Warning: This book is dark erotica meant for a mature audience only.

REVIEW:
Kitty warns you at the beginning of this book of the things you will find in this book.  This is not a book for everyone. Bondage ~ Knife Play ~ Girl on Girl ~ Anal Play and many other taboo topics.
This is not your typical love story.  So be warned it you choose to read.  I really hate it when people read the warning, read the book then complain about the content of the book.

Christian is a very old, very cruel vampire (no nice vamps in this story) who takes what he wants and doesn’t care who gets hurt.  Christian has waited 6 long years for Juliette to come of age and that he has her he will own her until her last breath.  Because the only way she is ever going to leave him is with death and death will only come by Christian’s hand.

If you have any triggers from any of these taboo topics I would not recommend Kitty’s book for you.  But if you don’t mind pushing the boundaries you should pick up a copy of The Last Girl.

But I enjoyed this book.  It was a pretty quick read and I really had high hopes for both Christian and Juliette.  But like I said there are no nice vampires in this book and this is not your typical love story.  But there is love even if it is a little twisted.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. The following review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

4 Hearts
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Kimberly’s review of Call Me Wild by Robin Kaye

TITLE: Call Me Wild
AUTHOR: Robin Kaye
PUBLICATION DATE:   08/07/12
ORDER LINKS:  Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Unemployed New York Times sports reporter, Jessica James gives up her big city life and moves into a borrowed house in Boise, Idaho. She’s determined to become a great romance writer, and she only has one obstacle: she doesn’t believe in love. Writing quickly becomes a challenge, so Jessica decides to go out and find some inspiration. She soon meets sexy, outdoorsy doctor Fisher Kincaid, who’s more than happy to teach her all about love.

REVIEW:
I just loved this book. I just found everything about this book to be perfect. I have never read a Robin Kaye book before but you can bet I am going to backtrack and pick some up (especially the first in this series “Wild Thing”).

Kaye has written the perfect man in Fisher. He is a smart, sexy, strong, sympathetic, understanding man (and he cooks and cleans). I found myself falling for his character almost immediately. He feels a little out of sorts since his twin brother got married and no longer has the connection they had. I loved the back stories of the siblings, not only the twin brother but the older brother and baby sister. And Gramps just steals the scenes he is in.

Jessie is a complex character and so different than so many female characters in the genre which was refreshing. Most women want to fall in love in these stories and have to convince/trick the man into realizing he loves her but not Jessie. She does not believe in love, at least not romantic love. She loves her family, her best friend and her job but not men. She was brought up a tomboy and her body fits the mold being tall and fit so she doesn’t understand how any man could find her anything but one of the guys. She believes couples go from lust to complacency and she does not want that. However what she does want is to write a romance novel. How do you do that without knowing romance? Which is where Fisher comes in.

If you enjoy the contemporary romance genre then this book is a can’t miss. Honestly, I am shocked how much I enjoyed this book. I usually ended up thinking I would have changed something in the story here or there when I read a book but not this one. I wouldn’t change a word of it. And I can’t wait to read the story of Fisher’s twin, Hunter from book one, and hopefully the stories of Trapper and Karma (their siblings). Do I see a Karma/Andrew story coming? Hint Hint!!

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

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Kelly’s review of Mark Of The Witch by Maggie Shayne

TITLE: Mark of the Witch
AUTHOR: Maggie Shayne
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/18/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
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BOOK SYNOPSIS:
From New York Times bestselling author Maggie Shayne comes the first novel in her thrilling new trilogy, THE PORTAL She was born to save what he is sworn to destroy…

A lapsed Wiccan, Indira Simon doesn’t believe in magic anymore. But when strange dreams of being sacrificed to an ancient Babylonian god have her waking up with real rope burns on her wrists, she’s forced to acknowledge that she may have been too hasty in her rejection of the unknown. Then she meets mysterious and handsome Father Tomas. Emerging from the secrecy of an obscure Gnostic sect, he arrives with stories of a demon, a trio of warrior witches-and Indira’s sacred calling. Yet there’s something even Tomas doesn’t know, an inescapable truth that will force him to choose between saving the life of the woman he’s come to love-and saving the world

REVIEW:
I have to start with I loved the novella The Legacy of the Witch that starts off “The Portal” series.  But I had a hard time with Mark of the Witch.  I liked Indira, I like the depth of what is happening to her.  I liked Tomas, but he drove me nuts.  I understand that they both have to deal with what is real, what is not and the strangeness of the past that they share.   I just didn’t connect with these two characters.

I really like the idea behind this whole series and will keep reading and hope that the next two books are better for me then this one.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. The following review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

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Kimberly’s review of White Swan Affair by Elyse Mady

TITLE: White Swan Affair
AUTHOR: Elyse Mady
PUBLICATION DATE:   05/21/12
ORDER LINKS:  Amazon | B&N
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BOOK SYNOPSIS:
After the tragic death of her beloved, Hester Aspinall vowed never to be ruled by her passions again. Still, she is drawn to her landlord, handsome adventurer Thomas Ramsay—but she doesn’t fool herself that a man of his station would look twice at a poor tailor’s sister.

With the sea for a mistress, Thomas has no intention of entering into matrimony. And yet, he can’t get the plain-spoken and desirable Hester out of his mind, even though she’s never tried to secure his attentions as other women do.

Everything changes the night Hester’s brother is arrested during a raid on a gay brothel, the infamous White Swan. With no one else to turn to, and terrified Robert will hang for his crime, Hester accepts Thomas’s offer to bear the cost of the defense. A true gentleman, Thomas expects nothing in return—but Hester can no longer deny her own desires…
She may offer her body eagerly, but can she protect her heart?

REVIEW:
I was not sure what I would think of this book when I first picked it but it sounded so different than most books that I read that I decided to try it and I must say it surprised me. This story is more than a romance. The relationship between Robert and his sister Hester really makes the book. It is set in a time when being gay was punishable and Robert is having a hard time with his homosexuality. But Hester will do whatever she needs to do to help her brother. And while the relationship between Thomas and Hester is the romance in this book it is the sibling relationship that keeps the readers attention.

It is interesting to note that the White Swan and Robert are real characters that the author has written a story around. And even more interesting is the fact that some of the situations the book deals with are the same situations that are happening even in these modern times.

This book has everything a romance should be. I think if the reader can handle the topic then they will enjoy the book immensely and will agree this book is one of a kind.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

4 Hearts
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Kimberly’s review of Fifty Shades Darker by E.L. James

TITLE: Fifty Shades Darker
AUTHOR: E.L. James
PUBLICATION DATE:   09/15/12
ORDER LINKS:  Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Daunted by the singular tastes and dark secrets of the beautiful, tormented young entrepreneur Christian Grey, Anastasia Steele has broken off their relationship to start a new career with a Seattle publishing house.

But desire for Christian still dominates her every waking thought, and when he proposes a new arrangement, Anastasia cannot resist. They rekindle their searing sensual affair, and Anastasia learns more about the harrowing past of her damaged, driven and demanding Fifty Shades.

While Christian wrestles with his inner demons, Anastasia must confront the anger and envy of the women who came before her, and make the most important decision of her life.

REVIEW:
This is the second in the Fifty Shades trilogy. And as with the first book I loved it. If the first book was about lust than this book is about love. Something changes in this book and while it is still erotic it is more about romance.

This book picks up where the first book let off. Christian and Ana have broken up and been miserable and now we learn what both of them are willing to give up to be with the other. Can Christian tame his Dom to be with Ana? Can Ana be more submissive to Christian?

I have heard that this trilogy is a love story more than anything else and having read this book I can see why that is being said. The love that the characters have is palpable. There is something about this story that makes a person believe in love and the fact that a real love means being willing to compromise.

As with the first book I do think this is a love or hate story for the reader. Christian is a haunting character that stays with the reader. There is something about him that appeals to the woman who needs to fix her man. And there is something about Ana that women can relate to as well. Every woman wants to feel loved, treasured, protected and needed.

There is just something that draws me to this trilogy (and millions of others as well). This is the modern day fairy tale of Beauty and the Beast. And I am all for the “Happily Ever After”.

Disclaimer:
The following review is my opinion and not a paid review.

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Kimberly’s review of Hostile Takeover by Joey W. Hill

TITLE: Hostile Takeover
AUTHOR: Joey W. Hill
PUBLICATION DATE:   01/27/12
ORDER LINKS:  Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Ben is the last unattached member of the five-man executive team of K&A Associates. The other four, all Masters, have found the submissive of their dreams. That’s fine. The sharp-edged lawyer knows he’s the most hardcore of all of them, with extreme tastes as a Master he satisfies physically through experienced club submissives. He doesn’t really need anything more than that.

Marcie has loved Ben since she was sixteen. He’s never behaved as anything more than a protective big brother, a family friend. But now she’s twenty three and starting her career as a corporate investigator. She may be a blood-and-bone deep submissive, but she won’t hesitate to use her aggressive talents to prove she’s meant to be his. With a Master as tough as Ben, she’ll have to take whatever measures are needed—even if her deepest desire isn’t a hostile takeover of his heart, but an unconditional surrender to it.

REVIEW:
**This book is hardcore BDSM if you are not into that than this book is not for you.**
This is the fifth in the Knights of the Boardroom series. This series has been released originally in anthologies with three other authors but it looks like the stories are being released under the author name alone. This story can stand alone but if you enjoy this genre then you will want to read the others.

I believe “Hostile Takeover” is what everyone imagines “50 Shades of Grey” to be before they read it and realize it is not so hardcore.  And while I might understand the comparisons to “”Shades” you must realize that this series was begun in 2005 before the other was released.

I am going to assume that if you are reading my review and read the first line above than reading hardcore BDSM is something you enjoy and if that is true then I think you will enjoy this book. The characters of Marcie and Ben are very intriguing. Marcie has been in love with Ben for as long as she can remember and while everyone thought it was a crush she knew it was love. She is now an adult and has learned that she enjoys being a submissive and a masochist. She knows Ben is a Dom and a sadist so she wants to prove to him that they are a perfect match. Ben finds himself obsessing over Marcie and it is the last thing he wants but is it what he needs?

This story is written very well and while it can be harsh at some points if you enjoy the genre than there is nothing that will surprise you. The only complaint I had was it seemed like so many of the erotic scenes took place together. I kept thinking “save something for another page” but there did seem to always be something for the next page. And while the story was very fluid I believe that if some of the scenes had been spread apart it might have added to the story. There was a lot of Marcie thinking about how much she loved him and wanted to prove herself to him as his sub/slave and Ben wallowed in self pity a bit too much but I really enjoyed the storyline. I enjoyed the characters very much and while the scenes are very extreme I did not find them over the top for this type of book. The story may not make the splash that “Shades” did but I would bet that if someone mentions that the book was tamer than they expected you will turn to them and say “you need to pick up Hostile Takeover.”

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

4 Hearts
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Kelly’s review of Hunter’s Season by Thea Harrison

TITLE: Hunter’s Season
AUTHOR: Thea Harrison
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/18/12
ORDER LINKS:Amazon |B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A Novella of the Elder Races

Duty. Devotion. Desire. When fate brings two isolated people together, love is in the cards.

As a palace guard and assassin for the Dark Fae, Xanthe always wore a mask, hiding her emotions to do her duty. But when her identity is compromised, she trades undercover work for guarding Queen Niniane—a position that often brings her in contact with Chancellor Aubrey Riordan.

Aubrey’s trust is shattered. A year ago his wife tried to assassinate their new queen in his name, a betrayal of everything he believes in. And now an attack on his life is proof the dark conspiracy is not yet over. Although injured and weak, Aubrey can’t help but be drawn to this shy assassin and loyal protector. Xanthe is everything Naida wasn’t, and the passion she stirs in him is something he thought had long passed him by.

Warning: Take a man recovering from an assassination attempt, the assassin sworn to protect him, add in a magical Tarot card deck and an isolated cabin, and watch the sparks fly!

REVIEW:
Another great novella from Thea.  And just like any good novella I don’t want to give too much away.  But it is so great to see Aubrey finally get a little bit of happiness after all the sadness that he suffered in Storm’s Heart.  It was great to see Niniane & Tiago. But I really enjoyed Xanthe she is a tough warrior, yet she longs for something that she never thinks she deserves.  That makes Aubrey the perfect person to show her that loves heals all.

If you are a fan of Thea Harrison you will enjoy this novella.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. The following review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

4 Hearts