cw for assault and torture
Hm.
So. I am trying out new stuff, authors and sub-genres I have not read. This series was recommended on a Facebook group and I like me some mythical beings.
Lets start with the truly great stuff: this was well written, with engaging characters, amazing world building and a larger story arch that makes me want to carry on with the series.
The paranormal setting allows some amazing sexiness and fantasy fulfillment. It also allows for some hugely problematic stuff to be ok, because paranormal. I do have some issues with that.
Loss of control can be sexy in fantasies, I get that. And we do get an incredibly hot foursome towards the end out of it. But there is also the assault scene, which will be the basis for one of the brothers story arch. It was still a rape scene, and hard to stomach. But of course this was not really his fault, because „nature of the beast“. An excuse used against victims of sexual violence throughout the ages. But again, this is a paranormal romance, so the poor guy REALLY was out of his mind. As a reader you have to accept this to be ok with this story.
The book tells two parallel stories.
One is pretty light and sweet, the seduction of a prim librarian by the sex demon she accidentally summoned, and how they fall in love with each other. Even though we as the reader know that the demon Verrin does need to do the deed to stay sane, he looks out for his lady and takes care it is consensual on her part. He does (barely) hold on to his control even in a situation when their supernatural bond makes them extra horny, because of not wanting to compromise her workplace. He also cooks and does the dishes.
I do have some big questions about happy endings between normal humans and supernatural beings who live forever. The 2000 year age difference is addressed in the book, and yes, it sounds great to be the girl who makes a rake of such supernatural dimensions yours. But what about aging??? Will she get old and grey and die on him like the girl in the Highlander movie?
Intertwined with the seduction story there is the much darker tale of the younger brother in the dungeon, held there for his blood, and tortured by some truly evil, but still quite sexy supernatural ladies.
This story was intriguing, with the introduction of so many interesting people, good, bad and in between, with their different agendas, supernatural powers and wild backstories, and makes me want to know more. Especially the brothers. And the ex-angel. And who is the mysterious client behind it all?
The all male narration was well done.