I’m a huge fan of open-world urban fantasy, so I knew ahead of time that I’d enjoy this new series cowritten by one of my favorite authors. Lindsey and Clark play with multiple romance tropes in this book while also stretching other limits with a setting completely different from our own world, while keeping everything rooted solidly in the familiar.
By multiple tropes, we’re talking big ones: fated mates, enemies to lovers, bodyguard, royalty. Even a dose of age gap, though that plays more into Jeremiah (Sunshine) and Felix’s drastically different life experiences than actual number of years lived. All these tropes combined could be overwhelming, but the authors blend them into dynamic characters with natural chemistry and a relationship arc that weaves together seamlessly with the external plot. I especially appreciate these things when the fated mate element is involved, because that is too often a shortcut for some awkward combination of insta-lust and insta-love. Here, the trope becomes another intriguing facet of the genuine relationship arc and associated conflict.
Placing all of this in such an alien world could have also become too much, but Lindsey and Clark balance this by leaning just far enough into stereotypes that places and species become identifiable as archetypes instead of caricatures. Like all the best speculative fiction, they use fantasy elements as a stand-in to create engaging conflicts and interpersonal dynamics that evoke real-world issues without coming across as preachy.
I had no problem enjoying this series debut on its own, but I’m pleased that the authors resolved Jeremiah and Felix’s story into a happily ever after while also setting up a continuing conflict that allows them to move the focus to other members of Jeremiah’s team. This is because I was immediately intrigued by the other fascinating characters and I had questions about the external plot of this book. I would be more critical about some of the logic if this had been a stand-alone, but as the opening volley to an overarching narrative, my concerns become clues instead of plot holes. I look forward to reading more, and I encourage other fans of paranormal romance to join me for the ride.
Disclaimer: I received a digital review copy of this book from the authors.
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