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fresholivebread's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
A shunned lycan protects a widow after she was attacked by his kind, while murders pile up. Innately he's charming, protective and intuitive, and she's strong-willed, confident and caring, and they both hide their pain behind shallowness and smiles. Despite being a pseudo-villain in the last book, he's great MC here. Their romance is a slower burn - insta-attraction aside - with elements of flirty banter and simmering sexual tension. They're wonderfully matched and I loved how they bring out each other's lighter sides. But the intense, emotional moments are equally superb. It's so lovely how they supported each other at their most vulnerable times. And steamy times are sensual and hot! The world building continues to be solid, the mystery and lore are very engaging and interesting. And her secret power is way beyond cool .I really enjoyed this read!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence and Death
Minor: Domestic abuse
allingoodtime's review
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
It seems I may have been correct that the first book in this series, Firelight, did a lot of the heavy lifting regarding the world-building. That allowed this book to flow more freely and rapidly. There was still world-building as the lycans had only been touched on before, and the gims are brand new. Yet the characters are already known and the scene is already set.
Daisy is recently widowed. She hadn’t chosen her husband and he was much older and quite cruel, so she is celebrating that her mourning period is over and she can finally get on with her life on her terms. Yet that very first night of freedom ends in a friend’s murder, Daisy surviving a beast attack, witnessing a murder, and ending up in the home of a man who previously pursued her younger sister.
The reader is privy to many of Ian’s secrets, but not all of them. And although he was constantly trying to keep Miranda and Archer from each other in the previous book, I still liked him. I knew there had to be more to his story. Especially since he had been best friends with Archer many years ago. Miranda may not have quite trusted Ian with her sister, but she did trust her husband and Archer believed that Ian would do all he could to protect Daisy.
The chemistry between Daisy and Ian is fantastic, even while Daisy believes the man to be in love with her sister. Infatuation is more accurate, and we do eventually discover why that was. Daisy, on the other hand, is no mere infatuation. Something about her resonates with Ian’s wolf from the beginning and he can’t help but want to protect her and keep her close.
Other than the feelings that are intensifying between Ian and Daisy, there are some lovely and informative scenes between Daisy and her sisters. Daisy is learning things about herself that are surprising but not shocking, considering her little sister. But there is even more to know that their oldest sister has been holding onto until everyone was ready to hear what she had to reveal.
Daisy is strong of mind and temper, but vulnerable when it comes to her emotions and desires. Ian builds her while he also enjoys sparring with her. Their connection is beautiful and manifests in amazing ways over and over again.
My heart broke for the oldest sister and I cannot wait to see her marriage repaired and (hopefully) her husband find his way to accept the hidden world he recently discovered.
Oh! One more thing. Kristen Callihan continues to hold the title of queen of the slow burn. She keeps things hot and sexy while teasing the reader over and over. There is a scorching carriage scene that just…oof! Let’s just say Miranda has bad timing and made me want to scream in frustration. But it was glorious!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Murder, and Grief
Moderate: Sexual assault
Minor: Domestic abuse
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