Rhianne, daughter of the powerful Lady Aisling, is in a jam. She’s been imprisoned by an ambitious Fae lord, who is abetted by Rhianne’s ruthless and cruel father. Her prison door is shattered by an incredibly powerful creature, who in a flash settles into the guise of a handsome man with a warm smile. He tells her his name is Ben and that he’s been sent to be her guide and a protector. Ben, the last of a warrior race destroyed by the Fae, has lived a thousand years in exile and now has found a place among the Shifters. He’s the caretaker of a sentient house outside New Orleans, and the Shifters turn to him when they’re in dire trouble. Even so, Ben is aware of his aloneness, his people gone forever.Ben escorts Rhianne to his world to keep her safe. Rhianne is reluctant to trust her fate to him, but she soon finds the human world, the Shifters, and most of all Ben, have captured her fascination, and her heart.When her own strange powers awaken within her, Ben is the only one she can turn to for help. But will assisting her put Ben in the most danger he’s ever faced?
NY Times Bestselling author Jennifer Ashley writes historical, contemporary, and paranormal romance, historical mysteries, and urban fantasy as Jennifer Ashley, Allyson James, and Ashley Gardner.
Hmmm, I am a bit disappointed. It felt like just because they were in the same place and were the only single people there, something more than friendship had to happen. I didn't like it how it played out.
I was so thrilled when it was finally Ben's time to have his own book. For me, this is totally Ben's book with Rianne who happens to be in it. Now don't get me wrong, I really like Rianne, it's just that it's...Ben. He's one of those characters that you need to know more about.
Throughout the series, Ben's been one of those characters that stuck out from the rest. Just when you think you got a handle on him you find out you're wrong. I love when that happens.
Ben is one of those characters that would need the perfect person to be his mate. He's a loving wonderful man that deserves love. In his book, we find so many surprises. Things we didn't' know about him at all. He didn't even know some.
This is an action-packed story from start to end. The pacing is wonderful, I felt like I couldn't put the book down in case I missed something. Don't you just like when that happens in a book.
Not only was Ben a great character so is Rianne. I know I pushed her aside earlier in the review but in all reality, I really did like her. She's so sweet and caring. Perfect for Ben who needs someone who's strong and loving. She'd die for him.
You can see what a great match these two are, as you read the books. Not only at the kickass so are the people that care for them. I loved visiting with the past characters that make this series so good. I hope we'll have so many more books in the series. I do believe I heard angels being mentioned. That would be different.
This was sweet but the the whole 'The Last Warrior' mystery was kinda not important in the long run.
Ben the Goblin and Reanne the Fae (?). Ben rescues Reanne from some jerky Fae who kidnapped her for her evil father. She is Lady Aisling's daughter but somehow doesn't have that much power for a Fae.
Ben is his usual happy go lucky self and we learn more about his background and the downfall of the Goblins. But I actually wish we could have learned more. Ben is super old and in all that time he has never found a mate. So he's kinda disbelieving when it happens, and I was a little annoyed with that. He makes up for his wobble when he does claim her as mate.
The whole battle with her evil father at the end was kinda silly really. But I did like the rest of the book. I just expected more from this book, like some kinda special status from Ben's title of The Last Warrior'. Or maybe some more developments with the shifter bureau. I thought there would be more intrigue but it's a pretty straight forward read. My favourite part was when he meets another Goblin after living so many, many years thinking he was the last one. I also like how Ben is kinda a regular looking guy and not tall. Because it makes sense that the way to blend in and hide would be to not stand out in a crowd. Something 007 just never understood!
Ben is the last Goblin, his race was wiped out by the fae. He's the caretaker of the sentient house that has made a few appearances in this series.
Rhianne is the daughter of Lady Aisling who has made an appearance in this series a few times. When she is kidnapped by Walther, she needed help to escape. So her mother sent Ben to help her. But even after she escapes, she's in danger so Ben brings her to the human world and shows her around.
Ben brings Rhianne to the sentient house because he knows she'll be safe there. No one is getting in that house unless the house wants them to. When the shifters find out that she is there, they come to ask her a favor but it's too dangerous and she declines. Ben and Rhianne spend time together and they get closer and see that maybe they don't have to be lonely anymore.
But just because they are in the human world doesn't mean that the danger has ended, no the people that want Rhianne decide to come to the human world and make her come back with them. There are a couple of great twists and when Rhianne finds out a couple of things about herself that she didn't know, we get to see it all come together rather explosively. This was a great book and a very good addition to this series.
This is the 13th book in the Shifters Unbound series and it's definitely one of my favorite series.
I think what made this one so fun to read was the big battle at the end. Ben learned how much of a friend he has become to the shifters when all of them showed up to help him and Rianne. So many past characters there to help save the day. It was great because it showed Rianne what shifters are about, something she needs to know. I also loved that through the adventures in this one Ben found some of his folk, a great thing when he once thought he was the last one. Then there was Ben and Rianne, so cute together. I loved how Ben showed her what life was like on this side of things. Their journey into New Orleans was so much fun, made me wish I was right there with them. They will have lots of time to keep exploring the city in their future.
Plot: Ben, the last of his kind (known as Goblins to humans), has been tasked by Lady Aisling of the Tuil Erdannan to rescue her daughter and keep her safe for a time in the realm of the humans. He agrees, but doesn't expect Rianne to be so intriguing. Or appealing. Or attractive. Rianne is no shrinking violet, but she's missing a lot of information that would help her figure out the situation and survive. When Ben takes her back to New Orleans, she finds that not only is she falling for Ben, but there is something inside of her that wants out. Her life is no longer what she thought it was, but it seems that as long as she has Ben by her side, things will work out for the best.
Commentary: I love that Ben got his HEA! And Rianne was great - not every heroine has to be a fighting bada$$. She was competent enough, but not over the top. She was also smart, which was more to everyone's benefit and definitely an attraction for Ben. And she didn't cave to Dylan, so she's a perfect match for Ben! The addition of bird shifters could be a game-changer and adds a whole extra element to battles for sure. But bad Lady Aisling for keeping that a secret for so long. I understand why she did, but those Fae just have no concern for anyone but themselves (for the most part - I guess Fionn's okay). I enjoyed seeing the house again! That's weird, but it's definitely a character, and I love that it protects those that it loves. Tiger! What a gem. He's probably the best character in the series (I don't know if he's my favorite, per se - I am very fond of Spike and Liam, but still). This series could go on forever - I love everything about it!
I’m a big fan of Jennifer Ashley and I’m doing some rereading of her historical books. I’ve also been reading her Shifters books though up until now it’s been while. I noticed this one on for a good price and figured it was time I got back to this series.
Ben, our hero in NOT a shifter and neither is Rianne, our heroine. Ben is a warrior of a different race that has pretty much been wiped out by the Fae and he’s been living among the Shifters. While he gets along with them very well, still they aren’t his people. He’s been put in charge of and living in this strange house. It’s almost like it’s living and feeling. He has been requested to guard and protect Rianne who is also of a different race. I think they are similar to Fae but not Fae. Something evil is after her.
I read it a while ago and don’t remember that much about it to be honest, I read it back in April although I give it 4 stars at the time. While I did enjoy it, the author just seems to have so many different books and settings going at the same time and it’s difficult to keep up with them. Because I already own a lot of her book, a number I haven’t read yet, I think I’ll put a pause on getting any new ones until I at least catch up with those I already own. There are the MacKenzie/McBride historical series, the contemporary cowboy series, the Shifter series and if it goes the way it looks like it might, a whole new paranormal series. I’m still constantly finding new authors and just don’t have the time to pick up a new series by an author I’ve followed for years now.
I love Ben and the house! Rhianne is both vulnerable and strong! Stronger than she knows. The relationship between these two is so sweet and sometimes steamy! I love this series and Jennifer is an awesome writer who pulls you into her worlds and makes them real. I think my favorite character right now is the house. 😁
4.5 stars In the previous books, I thought Ben was a so/so character which didn't peek too much of my interest. But I couldn't put this one down. The story was action packed and suspense filled. Tons of sexual chemistry heat. Lots of surprises along the way. I liked Rhianne and through her relationship with him, Ben becomes a more fleshed out character.
Of course, 10+ books into a series, you have your favorite characters. I was glad to many of those characters appear in the story. While this isn't a series that takes place in a small town like in a cozy mystery, it is a paranormal so we have characters that are close friends/relations, etc.
I look forward to the next book that will so obviously tell Conor & Tiger-girl's story. The writer did a great job of foreshadowing and creating interest.
This is one of my favorite series ever. I have enjoyed every book and they are my comfort rereads. I have loved Ben since he was first introduced many books ago and I was so happy to read his story after all he’s done for everyone. He deserved a happy ending and I loved everything about this book. Rhianne is a great new character and perfect for Ben. She’s so strong and I enjoyed getting to know her and learn her secrets. It was so great getting to see lots of my favorite characters from this series. I can’t wait to read Tiger-girl’s book!
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for a review. All opinions are my own.
The Last Warrior by Jennifer Ashley was one of my favorites of the Shifters Unbound series. I loved the chemistry between Rhianne and Ben. The scrapes they get into... new characters, new shifters, lots of twists and turns. If you like shifter stories I don't think you will be disappointed.
4.5 This was one of the better ones for a while though a little too much happened at the end and things involving injury and death were pushed too far also. Other than that, I loved it. A big change for this series as it has become, hit and miss for me. Although never a favorite it was a go to as a good series for me. It still is but is not as good for me.
This one was Ben. I've been waiting for the Goblin care taker's book. He has shown up in so many that involve the thinking house. I've actually liked this turn in the series more than the uncollared shifter stories. Some there are pretty good also though. Ben and Rianne have good chemistry from the beginning. Both are learning a little more or a lot, Rianne, about their pasts as Rianne is pursued by her father for a marriage that she doesn't agree with.
The story was okay, just didn’t feel realistic. Rhianne’s 800 years old and is just now manifesting her other side? 800 years and still basic in her power? She and Ben were kind of just there. There relationship lacked. Ben’s supposed to be keeping Rhianne safe yet leaves the magical house to meet with someone they could have told to return to the house? Shifter Bureaus involvement felt forced. There was another, better way things could have gotten to the battle they ended up facing, it was part of the story and didn’t get used beyond the first introduction, I’m speaking of the psychic they saw, who warned of danger (BEFORE the idiotic leaving the house to meet who they did). Tiger was touted to be a powerhouse, yet he’s running way from the dangerous evil man to get the cubs/pups to return to their home when there’s plenty of others who could do that? He was suspended in between realities waiting to power up, it was hinted at how he’d be able to take care of Rhianne’s evil father and doesn’t do anything after breaking out, which also breaks out the others that were trapped. That’s it? That’s all he was supposed to do? That wasn’t what was hinted at. Story ending was eh
Ben and Rianne's book. Not the worst in this series but not my favorite either. I didn't love Rianne, and while I enjoyed Ben in previous books, there was something about him in this one that just didn't do it for me. I'll probably read Tiger's daughter's book but I feel like the series is going downhill from the early days.
In Jennifer Ashley’s Shifters Unbound Series, we meet many magical creatures, not all of them simply animal shifters. Ben is one of those creatures, calling himself a goblin for lack of a better term. Ben’s entire race was wiped out a thousand years ago, and he was exiled from his homeland to the human world. Ben has covered his internal heartache and loneliness by projecting a charming and fun loving persona. He has come to befriend many of the shifters, often troubleshooting when he’s not being the caretaker for a haunted house in New Orleans. When Ben receives a summons from Lady Aisling, a powerful creature from the Fae world, he knows he must do her bidding.
Lady Aisling’s wicked husband, Ivor, has threatened their daughter, Rhianne. He has had her kidnapped and imprisoned until she agrees to marry one of Ivor’s cronies. Ivor’s power rivals Aisling’s, and she knows that Rhianne needs to be moved from Fae in order to be kept safe, and Ben is just the one for the job. In his goblin form, Ben rescues Rhianne from captivity, and whisks her off to the human world, to keep her safe with him. They discover that they have a little time to enjoy themselves before Ivor comes hunting, so Ben introduces Rhianne to the joys of human food, music, clothes, and dancing. She also gets to meet many of his shifter friends, as well as getting to stay at the haunted house.
Ben and Rhianne quickly develop a friendship as well as a sizzling chemistry. Though they are worlds apart (literally) they still indulge their passion for each other while they have the chance. Ben is such a sympathetic and heroic character, one who hides all his sadness of being the last of his kind. Rhianne has led a somewhat sheltered life, and she’s now enjoying the things she never experienced before. THE LAST WARRIOR is full of action, as Ivor comes hunting for his daughter, willing to destroy anyone who stands in his way. Both Ben and Rhianne will find that they have hidden strengths and powers they were unaware of, as well as discovering that there is a whole ‘nother side of Rhianne which will come to light. THE LAST WARRIOR is an exciting read, which balances perfectly with the tender romance developing between Ben and Rhianne. Many old friends from previous books come to help fight Ivor, and it’s delightful to visit with them again. As always, the house in New Orleans plays a part in the story, and has a personality of its own. I love the level of passion and commitment between the matched couples from this series, and how their bonds only strengthen with time.
Standalone/Cliffhanger/Part of a Series: Bk #13 Shifters Unbound
Epilogue Included: yes after H/h mating ceremony in NOLA
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Character(s)POV Spoken: H/h
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BOOK DESCRIPTION
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M/F-M/M-M/M/F-etc: M/F
HEA/HFN/etc Ending:HEA
Contains Cheating:no
Contains Children:no
Flashbacks: Ben losing his ppl , Rhianne with her mother and father
Jealy/Possy/OTT Rating: 3
Amount of Sex In The Book: a few quick scenes
Overall Smex Rating:3
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CHARACTER DESCRIPTION
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HERO: Ben
Hero Description: goblin, last warrior of his people
Hero Likability Rating:5
HEROINE: Rhianne
Heroine Description: tuil erdannan, kidnapped to be married off to Walther(hoch alfar).
Heroine Likability Rating: 3
Secondary characters: Ivor- Rhianne's father, Millie- goblin,Jaycee and Dimitri-live in Austin Shifter town,Tiger- great friend and ally, Eamon- Rhianne’s real father( eagle shifter)
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H /h RELATIONSHIP INFO
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OW/OM/Exes: Walther wants to be emperor and other fae with Rhianne
Cheating Before/During/Outside H/h Relationship: no
Grovel Rating: n/a
Did OW/OM/Ex Ruin the Book For You:no
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TRIGGERS/WARNING:h kidnapped
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AUTHOR OVERVIEW:Jennifer Ashley
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Technical/Editing Quality:4
Writing/Content Quality:3
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PERSONAL OVERVIEW
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Overall Rating:3
Do You Recommend This Book:maybe
Will You Re-read This Book:no
Would You Read More Books by this Author:yes
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COMMENTS/NOTES:Didn't care for the h Rhianne. She had tstl moments like a deer caught in headlights. I get she's never been to the human world but her mother is one of the most powerful beings in existence. Rhianne got a little better once she "changed," rescuing Ben. Ben is a beloved character, better h was needed.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This is a series I really love. It started out just about shifters and has added several different types of fae over the years. The Last Warrior follows two fae. Ben calls himself a goblin. He is the last of his race, when he was banished from Faire. He is friends with the shifters and is the caretaker of a sentient house.
Rianne is the daughter of the powerful Lady Aisling. While this is Rianne’s introduction to the series, her mother has been in several stories. She has quite the reputation in both the shifter world and Faire.
The story starts with Rianne being held hostage. Lady Aisling asks Ben and another fae to rescue her, which they do. Rianne is then taken to our world to protect her until things in Faire are safe for her again.
I really love this Shifters Unbound series. It is an interesting dynamic in the human/shifter relationship. In this world, shifters are out and kept mostly segregated in Shifter Towns. Shifters also have to wear a magic collar that shocks them if they show signs of aggression. The collars are used as a way for weaker humans to control the more powerful shifter race.
I also love the characters in this series. I always look forward to my time with the characters in this series. Every character is very unique. It is a large cast and for the author’s ability to create so many different personalities. I highly recommend this series. And while you could probably follow along with this story without reading the previous stories, I think you will get more enjoyment out of the series by reading the stories in order.
I look forward to when the next book comes out (it is foreshadowed in this story).
Narration: Cris Dukehart performs this entire series. She does an amazing job with the large cast of characters, both male and female. There are also several children in the series. I’ve really enjoyed her narration from book one. I’ve listened to her narrate a few other stories which were done really well, too.
Ben Gardner whom we've met in previous books was the last of his race whk were all warriors. They were destroyed by the Fae now he'd found a place among the Shifters. He came to admire the latter and regarded them as friends. He was the caretaker of Jasmine and Mason's very magical house outside New Orleans. Nonetheless he still felt lonely and he missed his people dearly.
Rhianne Mac Aodha was the daughter of the powerful Lady Aisling was in trouble and she needed help immediately. She was being persued by a ruthless Fae lord named, Walther le Madhug. The man wanted to marry her in order for him to become emperor. So she did the only thing she could at the moment which was to run to the human and shifters world.
There was one problem she needed a guide and a protector that's when her mother stepped in and asked a huge favor of Ben. She wanted him to get Rhianne safely to a Shiftertown and look ot for her. But his charge was reluctant at first to trust her safety to Ben.
As they spend time together, they both discovered some new things, interesting things about each other. Rianne found herself being captivated by her guardian, the human world and the shifters. Turned out there was more to Rhianne and Ben than beneath the eye.
It was a pleasure to catch up with some old friends and meet new ones. Loved how previous characters came to aid Ben and Rhianne in taking care of the enemies.
Ben finally found his mate even though danger still lurks. Him and his friends will have their hands full when all he!! brings loose. But for the moment they will enjoy their happiness.
THE LAST WARRIOR is the thirteenth book in Jennifer Ashley's SHIFTERS UNBOUND series. It was fast-paced, heartwarming, intoxicating and adventurous. Jennifer Ashley had me hooked from start to finish. Two thumbs up and a recommendation for you guys to grab yourselves a copy!
I have read many, many novels by Ms. Ashley, but this, The Last Warrior, is my first foray into her Shifters Unbound series. This series is a different genre than other of Ms. Ashley’s series I have enjoyed over the years, and I was very curious to take a step into this world of Shifters, Fae, and other magical creatures.
The story line in brief. Rhianne, our heroine, is the daughter of a powerful magical being. Ben, our hero, is tasked with rescuing Rhianne and keeping her safe from the wicked designs of evil beings.
Ms. Ashley does not disappoint. The Last Warrior is a very enjoyable read. It is at times somewhat violent, but it is also fun, humorous, overflowing with love and comradery. At its heart it is a tale of good over evil and the triumph of love conquering all. This is the 13th book in the series, and all the characters were new to me. Ben, the hero, is delightful. I’m not sure I have ever used the word “delightful” to describe the hero before—but it is just so appropriate. He had my loyalty by about page ten. I enjoyed his interactions with the many Shifters he has become friends with over the years. Rhianne is a strong and saucy heroine who is learning more about herself, things she struggles to understand. Ben is always there to help her stand firm against those who would harm her and to accept the changes in her life. The sparks fly between them as they explore their feelings about each other.
I would have liked a very brief explanations as to what or who the various castes or species mentioned were. Because this was my first read in the series, this did cause some confusion. So now I think I must go back and start this series from the beginning.
Another fine read from the pen of Ms. Ashley.
I RECEIVED AN ARC OF THE LAST WARRIOR IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW.
Ben finally gets a book! Ben is such a beloved character in this series. I feel like he makes an appearance in almost every book and yet he hasn't had his own happily ever after. He helps everyone he cans and watches his friends find their mates, but never him. And has hit points where he thinks it is just not in the cards for him. Especially that he is the last of kind and was exiled so long ago. But now that finally changes. When Lady Aisling recruits him to save her daughter and protect her from an evil Fae, Ben doesn't hesitate to help. What he never saw coming was the connection he would have with Rhianne. A connection that frightens him because everything he loves tends to disappear and he is used to never being chosen. Rhianne doesn't understand why her father is suddenly determined to capture her. He sent a Fae to kidnap and marry her but luckily Ben came to her rescue. And now she finds herself in the human world with Shifters and places she has never seen before. But with Ben at her side, the world isn't so scary. That is until an unexpected change begins inside her and her magic. And her father is coming for her. It will take more than just her and Ben to stop him. I loved this story. It had so many great elements to it. First off, lots of plot twists. There were so many great surprises that came with this one, changing what we know about the world so far. It also involved a lot of characters we love coming together when Ben needed them for once. I love seeing so many great characters come together. Then of course Ben and Rhianne. Ben is a favorite character and it was nice to see him find his mate. And Rhianne was a great surprise. A badass in her own right and a great match for Ben. Love this series and I cannot wait for more!
I have loved this series since the first book. Each of them can be read alone, but this is such a rich world, reading them as part of the series just makes more sense.
This is Ben's story. Ben has been in the background of so many of these adventures. He was kicked out of Faire and is the last of his kind, which makes him very lonely. He calls himself a Goblin because no one would be able to pronounce his species. He's a great guy to have around and get's called on by the leaders who simply assume he's always available for whatever scheme they've dreamed up.
Ben was enjoying some time with the sentient house in New Orleans when Lady Aisling, the most powerful being we've met from Faire, summons him to rescue her daughter and keep her safe in the human world. Rhianne is nothing he expected and he not only wants to protect her but show her his world. Unfortunately, she's not safe in the human world either and Lady Aisling has cut off communication so they can't be sure who is after her.
This brings in many of our favorite characters like Dylan and Tiger and shifters from all the towns we know about. Will the Fae be able to once again control the shifters?
I haven't loved every book in the Shifters Unbound series, but most of them I enjoy. This one however may be the worst due to absolutely awful writing. Rhianne is an 800 year old fae whose two personality traits are being helpless and immediately lusting after 1000 year old Ben after he rescues her and brings her to Earth to keep her safe. In previous books Ben was fairly charming, but in this book he's so annoying because he's suddenly a frat boy who is also a sad little tortured warrior.
Another thing that was deeply annoying is that the same conversations are repeated over and over and over again. On top of the repetitiveness, the flow of the story frequently grinds to a halt so that characters can tell you what's happening instead of just showing you. The dialog is often inane and reads like a bad YA novel, with Ben trying to be quippy and Rhianne being clueless so Ben has to constantly explain Earth slang and idioms to her.
I only finished it because I'm sure future books will mention the final battle and even that was frustrating to read because it was choppy and nonsensical.
I have been anxiously waiting for this book and it did not disappoint. I was glued to the book from the second I started reading. So many great twists and surprises kept me on my toes and I, for the first time I can remember, actually yelled in excitent and surprise while reading a book.
As usual, Jennifer did a great job with this story, so much detail, new characters that you will either love or hate, and old characters that you just can't do without. There are laughs, and love, and times where I was literally on the edge of my seat wishing I could read faster so I knew what was going to happen.
You get to really dig deep into who Ben is and after all this time the wait was worth it. Hes such a caring being that has gone through so much and been lonely for so long. Rhianne is a new character, and Ben's love interest. She is so smart, kind, and strong. What a perfect match for Ben! These two are great for eachother and their story is now one of my favorites in this series, right there along with Tiger's.
Now,as usual, im anxiously awaiting the next book!!
Rhianne, the daughter of the powerful Lady Aisling, is being held prisoner by an ambitious Fae lord and her own father may be a part of the plan. When the cell she's in is destroyed by a powerful creature, she's surprised when the creature becomes a man who says his name is Ben. Ben has been sent to rescue Rhianne and keep her safe. Bend's the last warrior of a forgotten race and is now the caretaker of a sentient house where he takes Rhianne. Rhianne is slow to trust but soon becomes fascinated by the human world and Ben. And when she learns that there's more to her powers than she knew, it's Ben who helps her.
I absolutely love this series and this book is a prime example of why. It's well-written with a wonderful cast of characters. It's full of action and suspense along with the romance. I was drawn in from the beginning and kept hooked throughout. I'm definitely looking forward to more from this series. I highly recommend both book and series which I suggest you read in order.