Vampires are my jam, and Hawthorne is one of my favorite authors. The only reason I hadn’t read this book before now is that I’m rationing her titles since I’m almost out of “new” things to read by her. Once I started this book, I couldn’t put it down. I didn’t get enough sleep last night, and I regret nothing.
Is it possible for a vampire character to be a ray of sunshine? Because that’s Declan, and I adore him. Ezra, on the other hand, is the quintessential broody vampire. The author and the characters themselves are all well aware of this fact, so it lends appeal to the story rather than coming across as annoying and stereotypical. I thoroughly appreciated the tweaks Hawthorne puts on the traditional vampire paranormal romance genre regarding how relationships develop and are organized, both between Declan and Ezra and amidst all the secondary characters.
While I was in the midst of reading it, the external plot felt like it was over too soon. But the after-effects of those developments set up an even more intense, heart-wrenching conflict for all involved (including the reader). Hawthorne plays with the fated mates trope to good effect with these men so that their connection works for the story instead of feeling too much like convenient “insta-love.” Their happily ever after isn’t easy, but it is well-deserved by both of them.
Though I understand why there likely hasn’t been more written in this world, that doesn’t mean I’m pleased by it. Hawthorne has set up a fascinating world here that all vampire romance readers should check out, and I’d happily enjoy a visit with other members of the Clarke family.
Rating: 5 (out of 5) stars. Cross-posted to Amazon and Goodreads.