I really enjoyed the first book and novella in this series and was so beyond excited to be selected to get an ARC for review. I am not patient when it comes to getting my hands on a book that I want to read and getting this book a few weeks before the release made me a happy girl. Not only did this book live up to my expectations, it exceeded them. It is for certain sure my favorite in the series, thus far.
Here are some things I liked about it:
*I really liked the Character of Wendy when I read Desperate Betrayal, so I was super happy when I realized book two was going to feature her. I have to say I loved learning more about her character and was super happy when I realized her background.
*This book continued the main story arc of the first book, but could be read as a stand alone. Hildie did not fall into the trap of constantly retelling the story from book one, while at the same time reminding the reader (or explaining to a new reader)the important things they may have forgotten since reading the last book. It is a fine balance. I was impressed.
*I love the whole concept of the Protectors. They are not your typical immortal. I love it when authors create new lore. It makes everything possible and nothing a given.
*The love story is believable. Well, believable if you take out all the paranormal/urban fantasy elements ;). I think a big part of this is that you know Wendy pretty much was enamored with Kieran since before the series began. She shared her feeling with Emma during the first book, so you always had this hope that something would develop between them.
This book includes the characters from the first book, so you do not feel like they just disappeared. I also enjoyed the new characters that were introduce or shown in more depth. I think Fallon is going to be a fun character in future books. As a side bar: Both he and Julian need someone to get them in line. Just sayin'.
*There was a nice balance between the action, the love story, and the interpersonal relationships between all of the characters.
*I could not put this book down. I was up all night. Well not all night, but 5 am is as close as I get to all night these days. I am getting old ;).
If you love paranormal books, romances, or paranormal romances, I think you will love this book. It is fun, but not too fluffy. It has plenty of heat, but is not all about that part of the relationship. It has unique and intriguing lore. I just loved this installment and am really looking forward to her next book. I hope she throws some novellas out there while she is working on it, so I can get my fix of Protectors.
