Its better if you read the first book, but it still make sense if you don't. Massen was a bit, i don't know strange? Elijah was in a massive hole and she did not try to see and help him, I would be all over him. Also the time line was a bit off, she winning everything in college, how long was he in jail? So that was a bit off for me. Other than that it was a good story, it would have been better, if he told her the truth and if she believed in him more and fights with him. During the read I always thought, just talk, talk! Finally after the talk, about 60 % into the book it was very nice and right. All in all a good story with a villain you did not expect.