Sometimes, tracking your mate is only half the journey. It’s a good thing I’ll go the distance. Finn I’ve barely convinced Kathleen that we’re mates. Despite her previous objections she’s getting closer to accepting she’s mine. In a cruel twist, she’s gone. In the dead of night, she walked out the door. What did I expect? Kathleen’s a good girl at heart. But being a lawful wife, to have and to hold, for better or worse, until death do us part wasn’t an easy sell. Not while her world is crumbling around her. I have to go back to the one place I’m no longer welcome. Let’s just hope The Hellhound is in a forgiving mood. Lena Finn O’Leary is my mate. I can’t tell him how much he means to me, but someday I’ll say the words. Maybe. He’s just not the O’Leary I need to be talking to. First, because we’re as opposite as they come. Second, because as much as he wants to, there’s no way Finn can fix what’s been broken. There are two women I need to see and they’re on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean. I have a nine-and-half-hour headstart. Is it going to be enough? Finn’s going to be mad — that’s putting it nicely — that I’ve fled the country, but this’ll be one of those times my brain is writing a check my butt’s going to have to cash later. I hope it’s worth it. It’s me versus the clock. Am I going to get answers before Finn catches up? Or will I be left with more questions than I started with? There’s only one way to find out. ---
Blaze is the third book in The Ardelean Bloodline series and the second part in a duet. An ongoing plot connects each book in the series, and this story does end on a cliffhanger of sorts. Each book in The Ardelean Bloodline will need to be read in order. There are open-door, explicit scenes as well as colorful language not intended for young readers. Don’t let the fluffy puppy on the cover deceive you… he bites.
Sarah Jaeger is a human being from the Upper Midwest, even though she is certain she was born to be a shifter. A dreamer since birth, the idea for the Ardelean Bloodlines popped into Sarah’s teenage brain and refused to leave. Finally, that idea is taking shape in the form of a fully-fledged paranormal romance series. When she’s not writing, Sarah likes to recharge with solid TV show binges, playing cards and games with her family, and caring for her fur babies. Stay in touch with Sarah on her website or social media.
Sarah Jaeger has quickly become one of my fave authors. I love her writing, but what absolutely astounds me is how I can dislike a character's personality traits and she still manages to make me end up appreciating some parts of him.
Of course I'm talking about Finn. In my review of Haze I mentioned that I couldn't connect with him. I have a small trigger for extremely dominant and controlling men and Finn is absolutely that. But he's also so much more than that. Blaze gave me new insights into Finn. Yes, some smut scenes and his collaring fetish still make me cringe and feel icky, but Finn is also very caring and understanding. He's strong for Lena, but also soft when she needs him to be. He's always there for her. Sometimes it's a little suffocating to read about, but with Lena also moving into the flow of him and his proposed way of life, I started to understand his lifestyle a lot better. Still not that big of a fan, but I'm not disgusted or angry with him anymore.
Lena. My darling anxious baby. I love her. I love how vulnerable she was in this book. She communicated her needs better, she accepted her submissive side, worked through trauma and she got to shoot a stupid ex of Finn. Altogether a very fine book for Lena.
Can we talk about Magnus and Ansel? Holy stars, I love them both. Magnus was such a softie to Lena while everyone else is super intimidated by him. Would love to see more of his relationship with Revecca as well. And Ansel... Crap, I'm in love. He's a cinnamon roll but will end you. I love it. I cannot wait to get to know him better in future books. Ansel needs his happily ever after. I will riot if my baby has to go through a lot of pain and chaos to get it. Stars, I love his vibe.
Blaze was a very character driven story instead of a plot driven one. The plot was a bit more on the background and we truly focused on the character development. It was beautiful. Haze had a little too much smut, too little character development, and too little plot for me. Blaze came through with everything.
I'm giving this book 4 stars. I'm taking off that last star because of Finn and the fact that I don't necessarily think Haze and Blaze needed to be two books. Their story was a wonderful read, but a tad long for me.
4.5 // A phenomenal wolf shifter romance by an author who has quickly become a favorite. I never want Sarah’s books to come to an end.
Lena and her wolf are at odds. She has to undo a lifetime of self loathing while losing aspects of her life that are a significant part of her identity. Couple that with the revelations of parentage in book 2 for multiple characters and it is understandable why she has trust issues and why she is struggling.
Finn serves as an anchor for her but he also really tested my patience; in both books but particularly this one. Their relationship slowly helps Lena shoulder the burdens she carries but sometimes Finn is too controlling and overbearing for my taste. But this author is so good at building complex characters that I can both dislike him at times and see how much he truly cares for and has Lena’s best interest at heart. She full on believes he is going to leave her and he proves every day to her that he won’t. Something she needs when the feelings of unworthiness kick around her mind.
This installment also firmly sealed that my favorite is Ansel —who is the next book.
Be sure to read the author note before proceeding. And know this book is as heavy on BDSM as book 2 to include gagging (multiple appendages), blindfolding, punishment, collaring/leashing, submissive position, punishment, sensation, and S/M.
Blaze is book three in the Ardelean Bloodline series and it just keeps getting better!
My heart simply ached for Lena throughout this book. And Finn being there for her, through all of it, promising her he was not going anywhere, was just... *chefs kiss* (seriously where can I find one!?)
The spice was just delicious. 🥵 The banter was perfection. I have quickly come to love all of these delightful, complex characters.
Sarah Jaeger has become a new favorite author of mine, almost over night! (Thanks Bestie, J.O, for recommending this series! 😘)
Be sure to read the author's note before beginning this book as some topics may be triggering.
I highly recommend this series if you enjoy darker Shifter romances. You will not be disappointed!
Thank you Sarah for the opportunity to read this book.
Can I gush for a second? I loved this book. When I got to the end, I just couldn't believe it was over already. I wanted more. These characters are so well done that you can connect with them as if they were your best friends. I want the best for each and everyone of them. I can't wait for more in the series because I just love these characters so much. Ok gush over.
I liked how the story for Finn and Lena was done. They were both two people with flaws who had to work through them before the could come to a place of understanding and acceptance of each other. Lena had a lot further to go but once she got there it was beautiful. I loved getting to see Cade and Thalia again even though it was less that what was in Haze, it was still nice. I loved how everyone owned their ish and were able to grow from mistakes. And Deacon, I haven't read the novellas for him yet but man I can't wait for his story. Best brother award goes to Deacon! This was definitely worth the read. Highly recommend!!
The way I salivated over these characters ! Sarah Jaeger has completely captivated me from the first book I picked up and this story is no different. Blaze is the third book in the Ardelean Bloodline and the final book in the ‘Aze duet and ohhh how I enjoyed every minute of it.
This is the continuation of Lena and Finn’s story and we truly get to see the evolution of these characters. We are along for the ride with Lena as she faces her fears and works through her struggles. We fall in love with Finn more and more with how supportive and present he is.
I truly appreciate the way Lena doesn’t magically become healed. She has insecurities and past traumas and it’s a long journey we get to witness. Finn is always there and always telling Lena how much he loves her, but Lena takes control of her healing. The bond these too characters create is full of love, acceptance and a whole lotta spice.
Don’t get me started on the supportive characters, I am anxiously awaiting Ansel’s story.
Thank you Sarah for providing me an early arc of Blaze!
“Good Girl, Faolan”
Every. Single. Minute.
Ever single minute is incredible! The cliffhanger that Haze left me in was insane and I absolutely needed this on quickly. Lena and Finn’s story was incredible and I’d love to live through it over again for the first time. Finn is the book boyfriend of my dreams.
But Finn’s mom. My freaking heart burst and broke with how she spoke and she’s the winner for me.
THRIVING ON THE ARDELEAN BLOODLINE ALONE! Sarah Jaeger is definitely a one click, auto buy author for me from here on out.
After leaving us on a somewhat cliffhanger in Haze, I was happy that this book jumps straight back into the action.
My heart absolutely broke for Lena in this book. Her and her wolf were floundering and unfortunately it really was one of those situations where no one could help until she was ready to accept it. Finn did his best though. His love for her was clearly so obvious and he tried to protect her and teach her in the best ways he knew how. I usually can’t stand stories where one of the MCs refuses to accept the other’s love but Finn and Lena were so adorable together that it was easy for me to look past it.
This book was just as heavy on the D/s lifestyle but it worked well for their relationship. The intimate scenes were super hot and happened often enough to keep things spicy without taking from the overall plot. There was still plenty of storyline to go around.
I liked that we got to see more of the side characters mentioned in Smoke and Haze. I loved meeting Marcus and seeing how this intimidating baddie went soft for his wee little SIL. I also loved seeing more of Ansel. He’s been my favourite for awhile now and he really had a moment to shine in this book. We also saw more of Revecca and discovered there is so much more to her than we first thought.
I think my favourite part of this book though was the mini golf scenes. We learned all about Lena and her solo mini golf adventures in Haze and how she uses them to de-stress but this time around it was Lena taking Finn to let loose. It was so sweet watching Lena share her coping mechanism with Finn and taking care of him when he needed it.
All in all, I loved this book. Finn and Lena were precious, the spice was phenomenal, the banter between the whole crew was on point and I was fully engaged from the get go. I finished this in one evening and cannot wait to dig into baby boy Ansel’s book next!!
Lena and Finn's love story was left up in shambles knowing that they both love each other so much but Lena was just very lost still and Finn knew he had to, in part, let her figure it out as well. With the cliffhanger from Haze, it was hard to know whether how Blaze was going to start off. Nonetheless, Author Sarah Jaeger created a beautiful masterpiece that I could not put down.
This book left it well and clear that Lena in a sense needed to know her worth and love the part of her everyone forced her to suppress. The buildup to this, the ups and downs, was such a character development that I am genuinely impressed with how well this character was portrayed. It showed something so real yet in a fantasy aspect.
Finn was just a gentle giant through it all. His wolf being so fierce yet gentle. He is the perfect man for Lena, letting her know about her worth yet respecting her and her own journey. Finn's family is also so sweet. I was happy to read about a sweet moment they had together.
Cade and Thalia.... I am just glad we keep getting a glimpse of all the characters even though the story is not about them. It keeps us well informed and not wondering when something is going to happen. However I must say that I would love a short read of Thalia's heat in the aspect of being new to it and finding out what really happens during it.
Also the way Finn defended the pack was WOW! Would've loved a bit more descriptive, maybe what the wolves were fully thinking instead of the humans but regardless, loved the fights.
I give this book a 5 out of 5 as I have given the last 2 books as well. These books have kept me alive and yearning to read more. The entire series has been built in a beautiful and wonderful way.
I was lucky enough to to get this ARC of Blaze about 2 days after I finished Haze, and I didn’t have to suffer a long wait. Not that Sarah was going to leave us with one anyways. Blaze is book 2 in Finn and Lena’s story and book 3 in the Ardelean Bloodline series. (Don’t skip straight to Finn and Lena’s story, there’s much needed info and plot in Cade and Thalia’s.)
This book picks up literally right where Haze left off with Finn still trying to get Lena to see the bigger picture of them and Lena being closed off due to past traumas, but now everything Lena has fought for in her life, all of the dreams she had worked towards have all crashed around her. With nothing else to protect Lena takes matters into her own hands, and she does so at the risk of Finn’s wrath and punishment, if you catch my drift.
The best part about this book in my opinion was finally seeing Lena ease into herself and go after what she want’s and realizing her family is still going to love her. I struggled to like Lena at first, but once you push through that wall Lena is one of the most endearing characters in the series so far. Finn has always put his entire self out there for Lena, but it really felt in this one we get to see Lena put herself out there for Finn.
All in all Sarah is crafting a fun and gripping world of shifters that I personally struggle to find often, and the stories she’s telling of this family finding who they are and who helps them feel like themselves.
To no one’s surprise I’ll be picking up book 4 as soon as I can get my greedy hands on it.
I don't even know where to start with this one, Sarah is a new author to me, this is my first read by her. And I loved every minute of it. I couldn't put it down. Was such a rollercoaster ride of emotions. It had me in the edge of my seat. Sarah sure does bring us into a unique shifter world . It's filled with twists and turns and wow moments that will keep you glued to the pages.
Finn is a alpha male and will do whatever it takes or however long it takes for Lena to his fully. She is his mate and he has to be understanding and patient with her. He will always be there for her no matter what.
Lena is also a alpha and is struggling to be Finn's submissive mate. She's been told it makes her weak all her life and it's wrong blah blah blah. Finn tries to tell her that it isn't a weakness it will make them stronger etc. We get to see her become more confident and powerful. As time goes on we see her guards come down and it's beautiful to witness. You really need to read it as I don't want to spoil it for anyone that wants to read it. But I would say read it dont miss out.
I loved their story it was a wonderful read. Action packed, growth, spicy and so much more. And that tattoo was so beautiful. I can't wait to read more in this series. Highly recommend!
" Don't apologize for being you, I would have waited forever to hear you say these words."
Once again Sarah continues to wow me with this series. I'm so glad Lena and Finn's story was broken down into two separate books. Lena deserved all the page turning time she got with her story. The dynamic of this family is still unmatched and it holds a special place in my top 5 favorite shifter series. My heart felt like a roller coaster most of this book because Lena's emotions were all over the place. It was so easy to feel her emotions roll off the pages the further I go into the book.
Lena is such an amazing character. It's hard to pick my favorites in this series but her and Finn's dynamic are definitely at the top of my list. Finn match's her energy in the polar opposite aspects and it's exactly what she never knew she needed. I hate that she was betrayed by people she thought she could trust but a simple 'no' to them and they tried to ruin her life. Her family never left her side and I love that she grew a second family in Ireland. I still love Deacon so much and I'm glad through all he goes through that he still protects her the best he can. I can't wait to read more from this series!
This is book #3 in The Ardelean Bloodline Series and part 2 of a duet.
Dedication: To anyone who has ever felt like they had to change to fit in. You didn’t then and you don’t now.
I absolutely loved this duet (and the entire series.) Blaze picks up right after Haze ends and we find out pretty quickly where Lena is. My heart broke for her when she asked to step away from her research. I really felt for her and her struggles and even though it upset Finn and her family I liked that she went in search of answers. Being at odds with her wolf and finding out about her parents was a lot for her to handle. No spoilers but there is a great scene where she gets to…resolve some feelings about someone from Finn’s past.
Finn definitely pushed me a few times with his dominant nature but I still really loved him and how much he loves and cares for Lena.
I loved getting to meet Magnus and the rest of Finn’s family. I loved the scenes in Ireland and how Magnus is actually a big softy. I loved getting to know more about Ansel and I really love his character. While this is the end of the duet this does end on a cliffy! I am really excited for the next book!
This book is phenomenal. Sarah is quickly becoming one of my favs.
This is the continuation of Haze.
Lena is a submissive wolf who is also the Alpha Female of the Ardelean line. Aspects of her private life become public and send her into a tail spin. She runs away to find answers in some unexpected places.
Finn, Lena's mate is also an Alpha but is currently serving as number 2 in the Ardelean pack. He is the former enforcer for the Hellhound, his estranged brother Magnus. Finn is forced to relocate to the US and start a new life here. He meets his mate Lena, but her struggles with being a submissive and the stigma that surrounds that have made it next to impossible for Lena to thrive being mated.
The way Lena and Finn learn to be together and move forward is beautiful. The amount of love and acceptance shown is so endearing. Throw in supporting characters like Deacon, Ansel, and Finn's Ma, and you have a hit.
Highly recommend this story.
Trigger warning for BDSM (restraints), degradation, submissive position, praise kink, punishment, and collaring.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Where do I start with this beautiful world? I wish I could be Lena. Finn is everything I want in my dream man. Cade is the older brother I never had, and Declan …. I cannot wait to read his story. Lena’s struggles to one identify what she wants and when to bow are ones I identify with as well. Lena’s struggles with her independence and obedience are ones I could feel in my bones. I felt such a deep connection to Lena I know her story will stay with me.
Sarah continues to stun and amaze in this installment. I could not but the book down. The way the characters are so flawed yet feel so real is incredible. Sarah has made that unachievable character one we can empathize and be. You will not regret this read.
Please be sure to check the TW This is part of a series. You will be lost if you don’t read the other books in this series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
“Blaze” is the third book in Sarah Jaeger’s The Ardelean Bloodline shifter series, and it’s the second and final part of Finn and Lena’s story.
This is a book about wolf shifters, but Jaeger has taken the concept and made it entirely her own. I love how unique this world is!
Let’s talk about these characters. Finn was very dominant, but that makes sense considering the fact that he’s an Alpha. I loved the way he always took care of Lena, and tried to ensure her safety, comfort, and happiness in any way he could.
Lena, on the other hand, was a little more reserved. She’d spent her whole life hiding her true identity because she was afraid of what people would think, and the trauma she had as a result just broke my heart. I really loved her character development in this book though!
Finn and Lena have such a complicated relationship, and that’s part of the reason why I was super invested in them and their mate bond.
I thought this was a wonderfully angsty read. 5 stars!
This was a great Ending to Lena and Finn's story. 🐺🐺🐺
I liked that we got to see more of both Lena and Finn's backstory and why they are the way they are, especially in reference to Lena.
It was great to see Lena open up more, especially with her wolf. She really came into herself and started to really accept who and what she is to Finn and her pack.
Finn, always a pleasure reading his pov, I love that he always had Lena's back and would do anything for her. I liked that we were able to see him and his brother interact more one on one. It was also really sweet to see how Magnus treated Lena. I didn't expect that. Finn and Lena had a lot to work through and process this book, but I think it was done in the correct way and time, Lena needed it.
This was an amazing Duet, and I can't wait to see more or them in the future! I highly recommend this series! I think there are so many questions that need to be answered, and I'm excited to see how it goes...
I really want a book on Deacon. I think he would be really interesting and has slowly become one of my favourites. Also, Ansel, I really like him and can't wait for his book 🩷🩷🩷
Thank you so much to Sarah and the wonderful team at Unalive Promotions for giving me the opportunity to ARC read. I really appreciate it. All opinions are honest and my own 🩷❤️💜
🐺dual pov 🐺 fated mates 🐺 BDSM 🐺 age gap 🐺 he falls first 🐺 found family 🐺 spicy scenes
Blaze is an amazing continuation of Haze. There are some twists, turns, and whaaaaaa?!?!?! moments. There is a ton of swoon worthy moments and girl power moments. Lena becomes more and more confident and more into herself without her guards up, and it is wonderful to experience. Finn is patient and is always just there for Lena. There are some great moments that started in book one that come to conclusion in this book, and there is plenty more intrigue to come. I can't wait for book 4. @author.sarahjaeger takes you on a journey of self-love, healing, and romance with suspense and a writing style that keeps you engaged in the story.
10/10 recommend to all my shifter romance lovers out there.
Blaze is Book 3 in the Ardelean Bloodline series and part 2 in Finn & Lena's duet. I did not want this book to end. I was so enthralled with Finn & Lena Lena is such a strong FMC, and we see her struggle through so much in Blaze. And Finn is right there beside her with his own struggles, never giving up on her, or on them. I love Sara Jaeger's writing, and how she draws you in, leaving you wanting more right now lol I don't want to say too much and give things away. But we get to meet Finn's family and they do not disappoint hehe I need more Magnus. Give this series a chance you will not be disappointed!
Blaze 🐾 Arc read ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ The Ardelean Bloodline series just keeps getting better and better! After book two, learning why Lena is the way she is, book 3 was a great redemption. Finn is just perfect. The perfect mate, the perfect dom, the perfect alpha etc. Every woman deserves a Finn! He is so attentive and all he wants to do is love and please Lena no matter how much she pushes (and god, does she push🙄) I highly highly highly recommend reading the series in order as you get a better understanding of the characters, their gifts and what they add to the family.
When Lena left, I panicked, thinking "oh no why Lena, why" but as expected, Finn wouldn't let that stop him. He found her, he'll always find her. I have loved their story since their first book, but I continue to love them and their relationship, even through their struggles. Finn is top tier, I adore him. The dedication and love he has for Lena is so pure.
Even though Finn didn't want to, he knew that sometimes you have to let someone go no matter how much you love them. He knew Lena needed to find her way to him on her own.
Could I ever get enough Lena and Finn? I don’t think so. These two. I absolutely loved reading this story and seeing the evolution of their relationship, as well as Lena’s personal growth. I absolutely loved the new family and characters introduced in this book as well.
The closeness of the family, Saoirse, and Lena have my heart and I will absolutely be adding this book to my shelf alongside the others in the series. These books are like a tv series that you never want to end. Good thing we have them forever and can go back and read them again whenever we want to.
Kathleen was raised to believe being submissive was wrong. That she shouldn't be that way. It was always considered a weakness. Finn has been looking for a submissive wolf. He believes they are the most powerful people in the world. They give everything for the people that they love. Trying to crack through Kathleen's armor to get to that person is a lot to crack. Navigating through everything to boot. Makes for a great story.
Overall we watch a Lena comes into herself and work through all the negatives she’s been told during her childhood. Getting the opportunity to be herself and bring her submissive wolf out into the world.
Finn has to step back while also being with Lena at the same time. This is the biggest test of their relationship so he’s making sure everything goes smoothly for her.
While the story did drag in some places I did enjoy the aspect of meeting Finn’s family and see Lena create a place for herself there as well.
Story is a good tell of what can happen when we embrace and love ourselves.
Lena and Finn continue to grow in their relationship. Her more so with learning when to submit and be in control. She struggles with that and believing that connection with her Finn yet she loves him. They learn to trust each other and to listen to each other and their wolves. A good read and the two characters had a great connection.
Blaze is the third book in the Ardelean Bloodline and the final book in the ‘Aze duet. This book starts where Haze left off with Finn and Lena’s story. Finn, Lena's mate is also an Alpha but is currently serving as number 2 in the Ardelean pack. He is the former enforcer for the Hellhound. Finn is forced to relocate to the US and start a new life here. Lena is a submissive wolf who is also the Alpha Female of the Ardelean line. Parts of life become public knowledge which causes her angst. Lena struggles to find her identity, her voice and her love. This is the story of how Finn and Lena learn how to live together and love together. The supporting characters are great… Deacon, Ansel, and Finn's Ma.
Do I think Finn and Lena needed a duet and over a thousand pages to tell their story? No Did I still enjoy this book? Fuck yes
This world is so cool to me and there's a lot of side plots I can't wait to sere where Sarah takes them and Finn continues to be amazingly patient and understanding no matter what stunts Lean pulled
OK !!! Phew, what can I say about this book. I was thinking it was going an entirely different direction and just like the others, this book keeps you on your toes. It was an amazing read. Sarah Jaeger really pulls you in to this world she has created .. so worth the read. Thank you so much ❤️ ..