Illusione: Fuoco & Zolfo 3 (M/M Paranormal Romance)

Fire & Brimstone #3

by Nik Knight, Letizia Venturini (Editor), Chiara Cosci (Editor)

I Guardiani di Riley stanno cadendo a pezzi… e lui teme di non riuscire a salvarli.Figlio di un Angelo e di un Caduto, Riley Shepard è un’eccezione alla regola, un ibrido raro conteso da entrambe le fazioni di una guerra millenaria. Ma lui non vuole essere un’arma né una pedina. Sta già combattendo una battaglia più personale e tenere insieme ciò che resta della sua famiglia.

I legami si spezzano. Sentimenti proibiti si insinuano nelle crepe. E il suo cuore rischia di frantumarsi in tre parti sanguinanti.

Quando l'attacco successivo colpisce — non dall’esterno, ma dall’interno — Riley sarà abbastanza forte da distinguere la verità dalla menzogna, gli alleati dai nemici, la realtà dall’illusione? Come può sapere cosa è vero, se non riesce nemmeno a capire cosa è reale?

La vita non è semplice, l’amore è complicato, e la realtà spaventosamente sfocata. Illusione è il terzo volume della serie paranormale slow burn harem/poly MMMM Fuoco e Zolfo, una saga che mescola hurt/comfort, angeli custodi spezzati ma coraggiosi, il primo assaggio spicy dell’amore, e un eroe improbabile pronto ad abbracciare i suoi desideri più profondi.
Trigger conseguenze e accenni non espliciti di violenza sessuale, comportamenti autodistruttivi e situazioni di instabilità mentale.

Genres: Fantasy, M M Romance, Paranormal, Romance, Polyamory, M M M, Audiobook

398 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 26, 2020

About the author

Nik Knight (they/them) is a born and bred Hoosier living in a top-secret location in Europe. They are a single parent to two wonderful gremlins, and they write love in all its forms.

When they aren’t busy adulting, Nik can be found in their writing nook, typing away as their fingers turn to nubs.

Reviews

[Lucie V. · Rating 4 out of 5]

✅ Pace
✅ Quick read
✅ Angels and Demons
✅ Angstier than the previous books
✅ Characters
✅ Good representation of gay and bi characters, polyamorous relationships, and RH
✅🆗 Archangels and politics
✅🆗 Plot
✅🆗 Some smut / Sexual tension
❗️❗️Trigger warnings: mentions of rape and torture, PTSD, and past abuse

3.5 stars, again.

So many little (and not so little) things annoy me in this series, yet I can’t stop reading it. What’s happening to me?!

My life, my family, they were falling apart. Gideon rarely came home anymore, too involved in research or reports or whatever else he claimed to do in the heavenly realm. Jai was overworked and exhausted. He hardly spoke to me, too busy holding his Other together to even look in my direction.
And Noel, poor Noel. He was a ghost. He floated through the apartment like a silent apparition of himself. He didn’t eat enough at mealtimes. He never slept, waking often during the night from nightmares. Which meant Jai didn’t sleep since he practically lived in Noel’s room now.

The first part of this book focuses on Noel’s recovery after the traumatic time he spent in Hell at the end of the previous book. The second half focuses more on the relationship development between Riley, Jai, and Noel and how their dynamic is deeply affected by their feelings for each other.

I have to say, that while Riley grew on me since the first book, I still struggle to understand the reason why Noel and Jai are so obsessed with him. At first, I thought that it was a “damsel in distress” syndrome type of thing, but they are both in love with him, even though so far, besides being kind and selfless, he’s mostly been an all-star champ at crying, apologizing, and fleeing whenever he feels too much.

I have mixed feelings about this series so far. The more objective part of my brain keeps on pointing out all the things that annoy me, and also the fact that nothing really relevant happens in general in the books, but the other part of my brain just loves the characters and wants to keep on reading about them not having a clear goal and just living their life. I realize now that I can live with a weak plot if I care about the characters, and I also needed something lighter to read lately, and while this series has some dark themes such as abuse, rape, and torture, overall it is a fast-paced series that’s easy to read pretty quickly.

This series is engaging and has a little something that makes me want to keep on reading even though it is very much character and relationship driven and not plot-driven at all. And I mean not at all.
We are 3 books in and there is still no clear “main plot”, no clear endgame, and no clear goal. The big bad guy in this book was Riley’s wacko foster mother. She was the big obstacle that the angels and archangels had to deal with. How boring and/or useless is your job as archangels if an old crazy lady is the biggest issue you have?! And why weren’t they able to stop her before it got to the point it did? Also, the guardians are not really good at their guarding duties. They put their needs and emotions first, and they abandoned Riley many times because they had to leave to throw a temper tantrum… I love their dynamic, but at that point, they are just not able to behave like “true” guardians, they are not efficient when it comes to taking rational decisions concerning Riley.

He was my Guardian. I was his ward. The boundary was clear, even if the lines blurred.

There was more angst and drama in this book, which I loved because I’m always down for angsty relationships, but it didn’t really fit with the guardian/charge roles they were supposed to have, and it didn’t always fit with the fact that the angels are centuries old. The sobbing, apologizing, and general waterwork were still very much present, and while I totally understand why Noel was so fragile in this book, the fact that he and Riley have been sniffling and sobbing since the first book makes it a little annoying that it’s still something that happens so often after over 900 pages of this series. Riley is slowly maturing and learning about life and sexuality, but there is still A LOT of work to do.

Talking about immature characters, the archangels were still bickering and behaving like spoiled brats throwing tantrums, especially Gabriel, instead of millennias old respected, and powerful beings. It was not as bad as in the second book, but it was still bad enough to annoy me.

Still, despite all those things that annoyed me, I find myself once again wanting to read the next book just to see what will happen to Riley, Noel, Jai, and Gideon. Even though there is no real plot besides them living their everyday life and trying to keep Riley safe from a few threats, and even though I am not a fan of the college setting in general, at that point I just want to see them find a way to make it work and get their happy ending. Hopefully, there will be some semblance of a plot too until the end of the series because there are still 3 books left in this series, and while I like the characters (most of the time), I don’t want to read another 900 pages of them just living their everyday life, training Riley and figuring out a way to make their relationship work. I will need more to remain engaged in the series.



1. Revelations ⭐⭐⭐.5
2. Sacrifice ⭐⭐⭐.5

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[BookSafety Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Safety info, content warnings and tropes down below.

Another great book in this series -- possibly the most intense and angsty yet. Noel is trying to recover from his trauma and abuse, Riley is trying to navigate new and changing relationships on top of his powers and Alter Riley, and there's still something fishy going on in Heaven. If I could push Gabriel and Malachi into a meat grinder, I would. Hate those guys, lol.

Gideon is still the sweetest, gentlest giant. I'm really curious about how he'll fit into things in the next book. I have a feeling it'll get more painful before it gets better.

Jai is growing on me, but characters (and real people) who avoid feelings and difficult issues rather than talk about it get on my nerves really easily. In this book we have two of those people and I want to just--



--spray Riley and tell him to fucking talk. Sadly he is fictional so I can't.

Noel is still perfect and baby.

On I go to suffer and probably cry some more.

Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️

⚠️ Tropes & content tags ⚠️
Size difference
Paranormal
Why choose
Slow burn
Guardian angels
Riley trains
Therapy
UST
Past trauma
First times
Virgin MC
Love triangle
Hurt/comfort

⚠️ Spice menu ⚠️
Heaps of sexual tension
Grinding and getting off
Shower handies

⚠️ Content warning ⚠️
LI dealing with the emotional and psychological aftermath of rape and assault
Alcohol consumption
Self-destructive behavior (LI)
Sexual harassment between LIs (brief)
LI taking bigger dose of pain killers than prescribed, getting high
LI called an ethnic and Islamophobic slur
Religious trauma
Details of past physical and psychogical abuse of MC by foster parent
Mentions of past psychiatric hospitalization
Panic attacks
Shame and trauma related to sex and pleasure
Jealousy
Graphic violence
Injured MCs
Sexual harassment and shaming by SC
MC hit by ex (emotional and physical abuser)
MC arrested and committed to psychiatric hospital
On-page hallucinations (MC)
Forced medication and restraints during hospitalization (MC)
LI racially profiled by police
Violence between LIs
References to past rape and sexual assault of LI

⚠️Book safety ⚠️
Cheating: No
Other person drama: Love triangle between Noel, Jai and Riley. Riley is slowly starting a physical relationship with both Noel and Jai and they don't know for a while.
Breakup: No
POV: 1st person, single (3rd in prologue and epilogue, from LIs)
Genre: Paranormal romance
Pairing: Eventual poly
Strict roles or versatile: N/A
Main characters’ age: 19 and several centuries
Series: Series
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
Pages: 403
Happy ending: No

If Jai didn’t like me as more than a friend, more than his ward, he was being cruel and selfish. If he wanted me the way I wanted him, he needed to tell me. His mixed signals weren’t fair, and my poor heart couldn’t take it.

I yearned for such a connection. While they included me in their family, in their strange relationship, I was still on the outside, a silent witness to an intimacy I didn’t quite understand.

“I’m sorry. I can’t,” he’d murmur late at night when he thought I was sleeping, his fingers coiling around my throat and pressing. I never asked him about those nights. I didn’t think I needed to. He was my Guardian. I was his ward. The boundary was clear, even if the lines blurred. Jai wanted me—maybe—but he couldn’t have me. And it ate away at us both.

Rounding on Gideon, I pointed an accusing finger. “You knew. You were in on this.” He shrugged and sipped his drink. I narrowed my eyes and scrunched my nose. “You’re in big trouble, mister.” “I’m shaking in my boots,” he drawled. “Just you wait!” I threatened. “I’ll… you’ll… Jai’s gonna spank you!” Gideon choked on his drink as Jai cried out in dismay. “The fuck I will!”

“Yes! Yes, I fucking love him. I can’t get him out of my head. I can’t sleep unless he’s lying next to me and I can hear him breathing. I smell him in my sheets and hear his voice in my dreams, and all he has to do is look at me with those big, brown eyes, and I’d do anything he’d ask of me. [...]"


You can find most of my reviews on Instagram as well: https://www.instagram.com/booksafety?...

[Al *the semi serial series skipper* · Rating 4 out of 5]

My guys are back! I loved them. I wish the book picks up the pace though, I need to see how the war and Riley's powers play out.

[Rei · Rating 1 out of 5]

Worst. Guardian. Angels. Ever.

If your first initial thought of the duties of a guardian angel would be to consist of but not limited to:
1) Guarding their charge from danger.
2) Dispense advice regarding appropriate actions to safeguard themselves.
3) Not adding even more stress and drama to their charges' lives
4) Benefiting from their long lives and acquiring at least some small measure of wisdom
5) Being trained to not react and give in to impluses
6) Having situational awareness
or generally being trained anything close to being the professionals they are apparently born to become, then my poor fellow readers, are you in for a rude awakening.

If you, as a reader, also expected a person guarded by not one but three of the reputedly best Guardian angel 3 man team they profess to have, you would also likely expect a modicum of competence. None. What you get instead is unnecessary angst and actions as befitting teenagers. There were trantrums and flipping outs, by the centuries old guardian angels mind you. There got to a point where you were honestly wondering if the roles of the charge and guardians have been swapped because if their charge had their shit more together than these centuries old beings who have been doing this a long time, something is seriously and horrendously wrong. I also find it amusing in the most pitying way that the thought of having a guard rotation never crossed the supposed guardians minds. It really is horrifying how often this so called important charge was left alone.

That is not to say that their charge, the MC, was an absolute paragon of maturity. Not at all, i was merely giving him some leeway seeing as how he's only supposed to be 20 (but really behaving like 12) instead of however the frack old those useless guardians were. As i so rightly predicted with my first review, the waterworks and apologies continue all through books 2 and 3. Yes, the word Sor.. i can't even type out the word right now. I'm pretty sure that word has been hammered into my brain so much and so often that i'm having a legit case of PTSD now. In fact, i'd even wondered a little if perhaps the author had a secret side bet going on to see how many times they can sneak in that word; that or they are getting a bonus depending on how often that word was utilized. I kid you not, there was a good portion of the book where that word that shall not be spoken was being thrown around multiple times every page. Every page, every other conversation, that unmentionable word would be brought up. I've never experienced book rage from a word before- TSTL characters and inane situations that don't make sense, yes, but never from a single word. Not until now that is.

Together with the crying of course. Never forget the crying. Because apparently in this world, apologies and tears are BFF4eva soul bound mates that will cause excruciating pain to the author if they were ever not used in tandem. Are the tear ducts of the MC faulty? Is it perhaps a medical condition? Does he not ever have any other reaction besides crying? All valid questions that have crossed my mind.

And finally, we get to the relationships and the smutty sex scenes (of which there was barely any even though we are 3 books in). In books featuring polyamory, there is always a central character that draws all the partners together. To be believable, this multidimensional character would likely exhibit certain different ways and traits of drawing in and relating to the different leads. The leads are afterall, all separate beings with their own hopefully distinct personalities and even quirks. This perhaps is the most baffling aspect of this series, because i cannot for the life of me see the appeal of an infantile, teary, serial apologizer whose best response to situations is to run away. I have only had to read about him and i've already found it immensely exhausting, much less to have to deal with him on a long term basis.

Also, despite there being 2 clear instances of the meeting and acceptance of other polyamorous relationships, the various leads have been strangely reluctant to even consider the possibility of they being in one. This denial is really, imo, what leads to most of the unnecessary angst and conflicts. I also suspect this denial will be a central theme to the upcoming books, which i'm pretty sure will trigger yet even more tears and apologies. Which is a pity because the writing is competent.

And BTW, those make out sessions where the MC achieved his gratification through only 5 secs of barely touched ministrations that everyone finds so amazing and mindblowing? that's called premature ejaculation, and that pretty much sums up how i feel about the series.

[Evelyn220 · Rating 5 out of 5]

5⭐️ oh my… so much happened in this book! I was on the edge of my seat. So. Much. Angst.

[Achim · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Book Binge: Reviews by Melissa DaSilva · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third book in a series that must be read in order about Riley and his Guardian Angels. The beginning of this story was so hard for me to get through. I had heard that the angst ramped up in this book and it really did but in a different way than the first two books. It was more relationship angst than internal angst with the MC.

A lot of things happen in this book that i was not happy about but ultimately needed to happen to further their story and it totally made sense after thinking about it more (and the author talking me through it after messaging her with a “how could you do this to us”? 😂).

Riley is really starting to come into his own in this story. I’m loving seeing him start to be his own person and do the things he wants to do. And we started to get some sexy times in this story too which I was all here for! I’m still loving all three of the guardians equally and really hope that they can figure this out! I’m only half way through the series so I can imagine the angst that is still waiting for me in the rest of the series!

I definitely recommend this series if you enjoy high-angst all male reverse harems! It’s a wild ride!

[Marzipop · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good shit, getting better each book

[rayy ♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 🌟 rounded up just because


I love it, but I do wish it picks up the pace. I am practically starving for romance. This is what slowburn does. It's slow and it freaking burns me with impatience and frustration. Don't get me wrong, I love this book, (in fact I bookmarked more than I did on the previous books, and YOU KNOW what those bookmarks meant lmao) but I found myself more and more frustrated because apparently Riley is a professional in running away from feelings. Good thing is something else progressed. Sooooo there's that as your motivator.


"If it was what you wanted, what you thought you needed, I'd do it. I'd give you anything, because you're my Other, and I fucking love you, you selfish asshole."

Also this quote. THIS. I have no words.


So When Noel slanted his mouth over Jai's and brushed the lightest kiss to his Other's lips, the world didn't stop. Time didn't freeze. Space didn't implode. Because it was inevitable.

YES. YES MY SHIP SAILED. I root for them so much my heart aches. I am so excited for what's to come.

[Liza · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is not a review. This is a praise. I’m bowing down for this series.

For me this is the best series of 2020. I predicted it with the first book and I was right.

In the First Book you learn to love the main characters. There is beautiful sweet Noel. We have the bad boy Jai. Then there is stoic but always nice Gideon. And lastly there is Riley.
Riley appears as weak at first but he grows with every page. The character development is really extraordinary in this series. Every one of them grows so much and it’s so beautiful to follow them.

The author warns in the beginning this is a slow burn. Normally I dislike slow burns. I think this isn’t a slow burn this is a exact right burn. It has to be slow otherwise the story wouldn’t work.

The second book let me fall in love with the characters even more. Riley showed some strength and we could get a glimpse of what he is capable of.

So now we have the third book and it was as awesome as predicted. I didn’t like some of Riley’s actions (I called him an idiot out loud while reading) but these actions were necessary to bring the story further.

I can only recommend this series. I read some awesome books this year but the fire & brimstone series tops them all.

[Tammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow, I'm so addicted to this series!!!

[Camila T 🍉 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a cautionary tale about what happens IF. YOU. DON’T. COMMUNICATE. And have shitty guardians. And have trauma going all around. Dear lord these boys will give me gray hair.

[rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5/5.

I’m flying through this series.
It’s definitely quite entertaining, although still a tiny bit predictable at times.

[llv · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: 4.5 stars

This book is the best in the series so far. I liked that the author didn’t sugar coat the events of the second book and we get to see the fallout. I also like that romance between the character is finally heating up and that the author is not putting the MCs into a smooth sailing poly relationship where everyone is happy to share and there is no jealousy. I find this to be more realistic. All in all, an excellent addition to the series. Hopefully, it won’t be too long before the next one comes out.

[Danis ❤️ MM · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 3 of the Fire and Brimstone Scrolls series.

This was the one that made me finally say “I need to step away for a bit.” A good 75 % of the book is a slow progression through dealing with trauma. Noel’s from his torture and sexual assault and Riley’s from, well, all of Riley’s past. It was excruciating. But not in a bad way. Ehhh. I ‘m terrible at explaining these things, but I’ll try.

So I work in mental health. I’ve seen trauma up close and personal, from the immediate impact to the mess that it makes years later. The authors representation of it in this book was spot on. It was eerie. Many of the scenes could have been voiced by any number of my clients. This is what made it so gut wrenching to read. You know this has to come from a place of experience. Either the author’s own, or gathered from a close friend, or family member. I have a hard time believing the author simply imagined the very specific trauma responses going on in this book. And that’s what got me. That these experiences, in some form or another, were based on someone’s real world trauma. How do humans do things like this to each other? It’s sad and exhausting. And that’s what this book made me feel. Sad, exhausted. Spent. By the time I was done. I needed a break. I needed sunlight, unicorns, bunnies eating carrots. I needed warmth and laughter. I needed love. Hell, I needed a hug.

So why the 5 star review? If it was that sad and exhausting? Because this series is one of the best written I’ve come across in a long time. Despite the angst and sadness, I couldn’t put it down. That’s the mark of a truly good book in my opinion. Despite all the shi& this series if putting me through I couldn’t stop.

It might be awhile before I get to book 4. I’m not sure if I’ve gotten my fill of sunshine yet. But I will. No doubt.

[Resch Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

I fear for my fragile heart, as this story already had me in tears and there are still three more books to go in the series. I love this series, and Illusion was just another layer of complexity to the plot line and depth to the romance. Riley is thriving under the care of his Guardians and fellow angel friends. 

But most importantly, the romances are quickly picking up heat. And things aren't going smooth and Riley does make some careless mistakes, he is quick to jump before he looks, but it's progress. Feelings are finally getting out there, vulnerabilities are being shown, and the hard conversations are being had. Even Gideon, this wonderfully complex man, shows just how much he truly cares for Riley in this book. And it all had me endlessly swooning and cheering.

In terms of the plot...well lets just say I am invested! Watching Riley grow and wield his power has me extremely excited for how things will play out, for both him and his alter. Riley's internal battle is just as captivating as the brewing war. It's clear both sides wish to utilize Riley as a weapon, and my heart ached for him as he is just trying to find his way. But I adored Beau corrupting him and Uriel training him, these friendships had me smiling and giggling on more than one occasion. 

But the real shocker in this story was Ms. Janet making an appearance. The woman would just not let Riley live his life without a fight. When things went down, I audibly gasped in shock. I cannot get enough of the action-packed plot and endless twists and turns. Nothing is playing out how I anticipate, make each turn of the page a delightful surprise. 

[Cinnamon bun · Rating 2 out of 5]

The angst is killing me!
I wish Knight would rein it in just a little bit, at this point it's more annoying than anything.

Sure, I prefer character driven stories, and emotion is usually a good thing, but I still want some sort of story development that doesn't consist only on emotional outbursts.
All the talking, all the suuuper slow steps Riley takes to recover from being brainwashed by his foster mother, all Riley's "I'm sorrys" and "I don't understands". It's driving me nuts.

And also, this is the third book and Knight still hasn't manage to convince me that Jai and Noel are in love with Riley. The other way around? Yes. That I believe. But ancient angels falling in love with a 19-year old they've been watching over since he was a kid? A 19-year old who's so incredibly insecure he's acting way younger than his age would suggest? No. To me it still feels creepy.
And I cringe to think how unconvinced I'd be when daddy Gideon enters the equation for real.

Nope, I'm quitting this series. Despite how fascinating the Universe is. If it hasn't taken off by the end of book three I'm guessing it never will.

[Badh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Each of these books just gets better and better. I fall more in love with Gideon, Jai, Noel, and Riley. I love seeing the interactions between all the characters, but I also love the vulnerabilities that we get to see because we have spent so long with each of these characters.

I need the fourth book to come out right now, because I need to know what happens.

[Patricia Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was one hell of a fantastic, grab-you-by-the-feels, amazing, emotionally charged, intense, incredible, slow burning, nail biting, keep-you-on-the-edge-of-your-seat, more twists and turns than a roller coaster, unconventional, completely unexpected, and totally awesome addition to this marvelous series. I can't wait to see what happens next!

[Mariana · Rating 5 out of 5]

crying shaking screaming this was gonna be 4 stars for me but ima give it 5 stars just for the epilogue. I LOVE JAI AND NOEL

[kelsie ♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Things are FINALLY moving forward. The slowest of slow burns, but I’m so excited for the next book. 🙌

[Kaila · Rating 4 out of 5]

this was really good.. mystical.. fun.. interesting.. so many fun things going on and fast paced in this story.. it was well written and i loved the emotions and personalities..

[Keira · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5

[Xochitl · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book 3 in the series continued the wonderful story. I enjoyed a lot how Riley, Jai, Noel and Gideon overcame new challenges in their feelings and relationships, while struggling to accept the past. The book is intense, full of angst and many difficult emotions that arose between the characters. I cried a lot and got stressed but at the end all settled just fine in waiting for book 4. Loved It!

[Jennifer Ali · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok this series is doing slow burn so deliciously. Next next next next

Also I’m so surprised how much I’m loving this, I usually don’t enjoy m/m/m let alone the potential m/m/m/m I’m praying for in this series!

[Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been emotionally devastated by the roller coaster my soul went on.

And like the rabid addict that I am, I will be going FUCKING IMMEDIATELY to the next one.

Except it’s not in audio yet. So now I get to be wrecked slowly.

Bring it on.

[Courtney Abel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Illusion: Fire and Brimstone scroll 3 by Nikole Knight is the third instalment in her fantasy series. Packed with hurt, comfort and romantic touches, this book is sure to give you a bumpy ride while reading.

The third instalment showcases a journey of recovery, a test in friendships and family, and old characters who have come back to cause trouble.

With the ending to the previous instalment, sacrifice, there were sure to be some tough scenes to read regarding Noel’s recovery. We see a realistic portrayal of Noel’s mental health while he tries to come to terms with his trauma. While these scenes are tough to read they further showcase to us as the reader how far Jai will go to protect his other in all aspects. These scenes were written well and for me, they showed a realistic way in which someone who had suffered this trauma could recover.

Within this instalment, Nikole Knight has definitely upped the ante when it comes to the relationship between Riley and his two protectors. We see an onward development in the romance between Riley, Noel and Jai. While the other two instalments were a slow burn in terms of their romance, this instalment certainly is not. However, while we see a new level in the romance between the characters, we also see the bonds between the characters become tested. Again, all the emotions we see the characters express with the romance and the tested bonds are realistic and I personally put this down to Knights excellent writing and character development for each of her characters.

In the last instalment, we were introduced to a different side to Riley, the dark side. This alter Riley is introduced more in this book and we get a real feel for his role he plays. I must admit that it is refreshing to have this different side to Riley and it makes an interesting read when he comes to play as all we have known is this shy and wholesome character who we assumed couldn’t hurt a fly.

Overall, this book was definitely a rollercoaster of emotions, there will be moments where you sympathize with the characters but there will also be moments where you may not like the characters decisions. This book was a fantastic read for me and would definitely recommend people continue to read the series.

It is important to note that I am an ARC reader, however, my review is fair and honest with no clouding of bias.

[Tina Sharp · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it, loved it, loved it!

Another great addition to the series! There was not much action present as I enjoyed in the first two books, but I loved watching the emotions and relationships grow between Riley and Jai, Noel, and Gideon. There is a lot of angst in this book as love between a ward and guardian is forbidden, but neither seems willing or able to turn away from the other. Their struggle to fight their desires and the complications that come from their guilt was painful to watch at times and tugged at my heart. I also really wanted to bitch slap Malichi and Gabriel, when they interfered with the characters. There may not have been much action, but the emotional rollercoaster this book out me through was great.

I also loved watching as Riley struggles with his darker other half.

Danger still lurks in the shadows for Riley, and if he doesn't get stronger, Lucifer will win. It is hinted at how the next attack will come and I hope that Riley needs the warning and prepared himself in time.

Overall another great, strong book in the series and I am on the edge wondering what will happen next!

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started this series before I knew it would end up being 5 or 6 books long, and all these cliffhangers are KILLING me! The overall story advances a bit in this installment, but it's more focused on the relationships between the quartet of main characters. Gideon continues to remain largely in the background, but the relationship developments between the remaining trio were emotionally meaty and extremely well-written. This is the best installment by far (so far), and though the series maintains its slow burn attitude towards anything more than a little bit a fun, the story was still delightfully sensual and fulfilling in the delivery.

Any fan of hurt/comfort needs to pick this series up and read it immediately. While the villainy aspect is sometimes over the top and a little unbelievable (the youngest angel in this series is like 200 years old, so is it really very realistic that some of these thousands of years old angels would still be acting like barely legal adults?), I think it's probably par for the course for new adult novels and/or the author is still quite young herself. The rest of the story is good enough to overlook these small flaws, and it's very likely that true fans of new adult fiction (of which I am not) will not find them flaws at all. I highly recommend this series!

[Kitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am absolutely mesmerized by this series. I didn't think I would be at first, because the romance was so sloow burn, but it kind of crept up on me, and now I feel so totally invested in the characters and the relationships, and the story. I love Riley and his guardians, watching Riley grow and develop, and seeing them struggle with their relationships. I want the next book NOW, because I need to see where these characters go next.

I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.