A review by k_cao_xai
Of Wulf and Wynd, Part 3: The Journals of Eustace Blakesley by Lexa Luthor

emotional medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

Please let these two wives rule as queens one day. 

Character Impressions: 

Tharon Blakesley
With the roles reversed and Roswynd being away from home this time, it’s up to Tharon to protect her while they’re in Tharon’s kingdom. In order to prevent Saxon from knowing their plans, Tharon has to pretend to be an ass to Roswynd again, but I’m glad it never crossed any lines or lasted longer than necessary. My heart can only take so much turmoil.

Seeing Tharon’s protective side is always a charm. Since the first book, I gleefully enjoy every moment Tharon makes her shitty brother submit to her even if he’s king. I love how he’s afraid of her, but cleverer in contrast to her brute strength. In the final scene these two siblings share, I wanted Tharon to give his ass a beat down for what he did but she’s more restrained than me, so I hope it happens in the final book.

Roswynd Arrington
Nothing will change how I feel about this woman. She and Tharon deserve one another. 

She’s always been known to be clever, so it’s great to see her use intelligence in this story. I love her bond with Tharon’s younger twin sisters, Daisy and Holly. Even though Roswynd and Tharon have plenty going on, they still make time to spend with family. 

I’m glad Roswynd and Tharon still make time to be close with one another, despite having to pretend to be indifferent in front of others. And I absolutely love how there was no miscommunication between them even when a certain character was trying so desperately to make it so. By now, Roswynd and Tharon know each other well enough not to believe in lies that someone else tells about them, so I nearly applauded when a certain asshole tried to lie about Roswynd, only for Tharon to go, “No, my wife wouldn’t do that.” Ha!

Minor Characters: 

     Erland: One of the lords of White Sommer and Tharon’s faithful friend. He comes through as an ally and has Tharon’s back.
     Pol and Murray: Two trusted knights Tharon assigns as Roswynd’s protectors whenever she has to leave Roswynd’s side. I was worried about Murray’s loyalty for a second, but both these knights are devoted to Tharon.
     Daisy and Holly: Tharon’s younger twin sisters. Lovable sweethearts. I adore how they adore Roswynd.
     Kymber Monet: Tharon’s friend. I love her friendship with Tharon.
     Ite: Head of the kitchen staff at Monales Castle. I hope to see more of her in the next book.
Melanie: Tharon’s stepmother. She doesn’t seem significant, but there’s quite a few clues about her past from Book 2, so I don’t trust her. I bet she’s up to something that will be revealed in the next book.
     Saxon Blakesley: Forgive me Gyldr but I want him dead, especially during that final act. I will relish the moment he gets his karma and I hope it will be glorious. 

Story Impressions: 

I knew there was going to be a new layer of anxiety because Tharon and Roswynd are now in Wulfbite, which means they’re going to be around Tharon’s ass of a brother, Saxon, but I wasn’t prepared for those final chapters. I was so afraid for Roswynd, yelling at Tharon to hurry up, and cursing Saxon all the way until the end. 

I enjoyed every moment of this story. Can’t wait to read the final book. 

Highlights: 

  • Highlight 1: The scene where Tharon and Roswynd are talking about potentially having children together followed by Tharon’s immediate reaction, which is to strategize how to handle them like the Lord Commander she is. 
  • Highlight 2: Ladies, the hallway is not meant for that kind of activity, but hot damn. 
  • Highlight 3: The third act had me on my seat but it felt like forever until Tharon could finally do what she needed to do. 
  • Highlight 4: The amount of times Tharon carries Roswynd in her arms. 
  • Highlight 5: Roswynd being clever about those journal pages. 
  • Highlight 6: Heroines are together for 90% of the time. 
  • Highlight 7: With how hot the sex scenes were, I could roast an entire deer. 
  • Highlight 8: Roswynd being Roswynd.
  • Highlight 9: Tharon coming to the rescue. 
  • Highlight 10: Beautiful book cover. 

My Personal Tags About the Book: 

  • Omegaverse 
  • Narrative cohesion 
  • Explicit sex scenes
  • She-alpha/omega
  • G!P
  • Sapphic protagonists
  • Competent protagonists
  • Emotional turmoil
  • Mid-level angst 
  • Political strife
  • Wives
  • Royalty romance 
  • Rip my heart out but promise me a happy ending