This book managed to keep my attention. ( )

There's a *lot* of non-con going on in this series. It's somewhat made up for - at least for me, where non-con gets my hackles up - by having a pretty darn decent world build. ( )

"SPOILERS!!!!!

Listened to auio narrated by well Angela Dawe. Riley has been yearning for her soulmate her whole life, but he's a murderer for hire. Kye was a syphon, using the psychic talents of those around him. He doesn't want a soulmate but he isn't beyond using Riley for his own ends. The only bright light in this story is Rhoan and Liander wanting to use Riley's eggs to have children and Quinn's loving support.

Call me idealistic but the idea that you can't stand your soulmate just rubs me wrong. I said it in the last book and I still feel that way. Soulmates should be that one person that fits, I truly dislike this story twist on principle, but Keri Arthur writes stories that are hard to walk away from.

When I read this series I knew there was a lot of sexual freedom and that multiple partners are acceptable. That isn't what made this book a tough read. Riley's sexual nature being used against her repeatedly made it harder to read each time it occurs in the book. Her mate bond has her torn, with her mind and heart saying no to the sex, but her soul's desires overwhelm her and she repeatedly has sex with Kye, even though she doesn't want him, even after he shot at her brother! Riley is suppose to be this strong woman, but she let's her hormones free to do whatever?

One of her suspects has such a compelling aura he forces it upon Riley and rapes her but the aura makes her body crave him, even as she works to escape him. Kye comes in when this is happening and he kills the man, then Kye starts fucking Riley. It's ugly, but Riley accepts this, not even referring to it as the abuse it was and later refers to it as good sex, that is very difficult to read and accept on so many levels.

Given all of this I just can't give this story a high rating and it really needs to come with a warning for anyone who has abuse triggers to either skip this book or brace while reading.

More of my reviews can be found at https://wyldheartreads.wordpress.com/






( )

This is probably the best Jensen book I have read and they're all pretty damn good ( )

Kye is making Riley's life miserable. Sure he's her soul mate, but she hates him and loves Quinn. There's also someone killing vampires by beheading them and women are dying very happy but from no apparent causes. ( )