THIS IS THE EM MOORE I LOVE! Book 2 delivers more of the story telling that makes EM more so interesting and special, and I'm glad I stuck with the story.
To be honest, I didn't get into book one of this series like I did her other work. The treasure hunting concept wasn't really as interesting to me as I'd hoped it would be- and while we had some danger and steam, the story felt more cerebral- a lot of mental exposition. I loved Dakota, but I didn't quite click with any of the guys but Lucas...so much so that I kind of wanted them to be MF. But Dakota was just so fantastic, and the cliff hanger ending moved the story in an entirely different direction- so I decided to stay along for the ride. And, I'm glad I did.
Because I found myself really liking book 2. The book started out slow, still very meta- after the explosive ending the action slowed down a bit as Dakota processed. But, about a third of the way through, this book really picked up for me, and I found myself really buying into this story in a way I hadn't yet. In part, this is because EM REALLY dials up the heat. HOLY HOTNESS. But really, it comes down to why I've loved prior series from her to begin with- CHARACTERS. While we still have some treasure hunting action, EM really focuses in on character connection in this booo, on finally letting us get to know these three guys. Lucas, of course, is still my guy- but I found myself loving Wyatt and Stone finally. I felt like I started to understand them. And the physical connection between them and Dakota finally grew into something more substantial- more nuanced and interesting. The chemistry finally clicked for me. These enemies start to evolve into more than hate-lovers, they form a family, all caught up in this twisted web.
I also liked the action here more - we have more of the gritty, violent intrigue I loved about her latest work , and even though the hunt for the treasure is still front and center, the dangers and twists felt more up my alley (and more what I love from EM)- all in all, a plot that felt more engaging for my personal tastes.
This story not only was about the creation of real connections between our characters but also the evolution of what is by far the best part of this series- DAKOTA. Watching her go from the surly, isolated girl just surviving to a fearless, open, and demanding player in this very complex game only added to my love for her. She's tough, she's soft, and she's compelling. And now that I'm really bought into the men around her, I am thirsty for more!
OF COURSE- we are slapped with another crazy ending that leaves much in the air. But that is what we all expect- but I am looking forward to the third book!