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The Rowan Harbor Cycle #4

Hawk in the Rowan

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Devon Murphy has been back in Rowan Harbor for three months. He’s taken on a host of new responsibilities, and is in a serious relationship for the first time in his life. He loves the town and its inhabitants, but it’s starting to feel like too much for the former drifter.

Now there’s a storm on the horizon, and it doesn’t seem like things are going to slow down and let him catch his breath. A blizzard is brewing, and three people have gone missing in the woods south of town. Devon needs to find them before time runs out.

This book is the fourth of nine in The Rowan Harbor Cycle, not a standalone. Devon and Wade will return in book seven for their HEA.

Audiobook

First published May 3, 2018

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Sam Burns

103 books972 followers

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
Profile Image for * A Reader Obsessed *.
2,691 reviews576 followers
May 26, 2019
4 Stars

I don’t know if this series has just hit its stride for me but this by far, is my favorite!

Here, we return back to the first MC that was introduced in Blackbird in the Reeds. It’s been several months, and Devon’s trying to find his stride being one of the most important council members of the town. He’s basically been appointed town counselor, his very fae nature allowing him to foresee things, bringing the vague truth and reassurance, seeing as how he cannot lie. It's quite the responsibility and though Devon continues to step up, he’s also feeling the pressure. Throw in his boyfriend, fated mate Wade, who seems to be pressing Devon for more commitment, and Devon feels he hardly has any breathing room. He’s reluctant to view Wade as another obligation but really, Devon just fears he's not good enough for either the town or Wade.

Soon though, that takes a back burner as Devon predicts a bad storm brewing and bringing some ominous portent. Not only is the town in potential danger but Devon quickly realizes that three members of the community are imminently so. Devon does what he does best - calling upon his zen mysterious magic that isn’t even clear cut to him. However, it works and the life and death situation definitely puts things into perspective that can only benefit everyone involved.

For unknown reasons this just did it for me. Well, specifically Wade did it for me. *swoon* There's just something about tough stoic alpha males who love hard in their steadfast way that makes me weak in the knees. The man really can do no wrong, and I reveled in his ability to make things safe and perfect. It also doesn’t hurt at all that the smexy level was upped several notches from the prior books, as well as the love feels, and I was a very satisfied reader!

As predicted and expected, the big bad has let himself be known… I’m almost caught up to the books that have been released thus far, so Burns better kick it into high gear, as this shows the momentum is not even close to slowing down!
Profile Image for Meags.
2,479 reviews694 followers
May 28, 2019
4 Stars

We’re back with MC Devon and his dreamboat werewolf mate Wade in the fourth story in The Rowan Harbor Cycle series, which is a trilogy of trilogies, making this the first story in trilogy two – have I lost you yet?

In Devon’s second story, he’s dealing with an overwhelming amount of pressure. Not only is he still coming to terms with his recently realised fae heritage, but he’s also swamped in responsibilities, including running his Gran’s knitting shop and constantly dealing with larger town matters due to his newly appointed position on the town council.

On a more personal note, Devon is also panicking about the direction his three month old relationship is taking with his fated mate Wade. He’s crazy about the guy, sure, but commitment is a scary word for Devon, having lived his whole life as a bit of a nomad, never settling in one place for long. All that has changed since Devon moved to Rowan Harbor and he's not sure how to handle it. But thankfully Wade is forever patient and steadfast is his devotion to Devon, providing endless love and support while Devon works to accept and embrace all of the responsibilities that come with his new reality.

Add to all of this, a huge storm is on its way to Rowan Harbor, and the safety of its residents is at risk when two children and their teacher go missing in the woods right before the storm rolls in. With Devon’s new, mystical connection to the town and its people, he might just be the only one capable of saving the day before it’s too late.

I really enjoyed this addition to the series. It was exciting and fast-paced, and even sexier and more romantic than the stories that have come before it.

This was one of those reading experiences where you sit down for a bit and then suddenly realise you’ve almost read the entire thing in one go – it was that moreish! Because of this, I’ve got to give Burns mad props for writing such a well-paced and engaging story, with a plot that just dove right into the good stuff and didn’t let up until the final page was turned.

I’ve seen mentions of these stories being too short, but I couldn’t disagree more. As part of a bigger, obviously well planned out series, each book delivers exactly what it needs to in terms of overall plot progression and character/relationship development, giving the reader just enough to be engaged and intrigued in the now and by what’s to come. Each book is clearly building on the blocks laid out in the stories that have come before, and it’s becoming more exciting and high stakes as the series unfolds. I for one can’t wait to see where this goes from here.
Profile Image for Cadiva.
3,994 reviews436 followers
May 3, 2018
I just absolutely adore this series, each individual book is like an episode of a TV show, self contained but moving the season long story arc along some more.

In this one we're back with Devon and Wade as they battle personal fears and expectations at the same time as a very real risk to the town of Rowan Harbor puts lives in danger.

The pacing is spot on and before or knew it, 80% of the book had gone by in a flash and the next element of the narrative plot was being carefully crafted.

There's a fair bit more sexy times in this one too and Devon finally makes a commitment to both the town and to Wade. There's also appearances from all the usual suspects and we get an introduction to another new paranormal creature type living in the town which I found fascinating.

Four down, five to go before the tale is finally told and I can't wait for more Jesse and Sean, who should be up next.

#ARC kindly provided by the author in return for an honest and unbiased review.
Profile Image for Sandra .
1,982 reviews348 followers
May 12, 2018
4.5 stars!

Oh, this was so, so good, y'all. This is the 2nd book in the arc for Devon Murphy, head of the town council, and Wade Hunter, deputy sheriff and his mate. While this might be readable as a standalone, I don't recommend you do. You'd miss out on their beginning, and you'd miss out on this quirky, wonderful, amazing town full of supernatural beings who all support each other and try to protect each other from harm of outsiders who would use and abuse them, simply for what they are.

In the very first book of this trilogy of trilogies, we got to meet Devon and Wade for the first time and watched them enter a romantic relationship, amid fighting a threat to the town and Devon coming into his own as he learns about his abilities, being Fae. That book left them with a strong HFN, but I knew that Devon struggled a bit - not only with his newfound abilities and responsibilities, but also with his inner voice that tells that he doesn't want to be tied down, and that he's not what they all see in him.

Now that the danger from the first three books has apparently passed, Devon wonders if he'll stay. Whether he should stay. Whether he should make a big commitment to Wade. Whether that is too much, too fast. Whether he's really supposed to stay, he, the wanderer.

We see him interact with Salli (a siren), Wade's brother Jesse, who's Devon's best friend, Fletcher and his mate, Jesse's mate Sean, Helena McKenzie who still treats Devon like he's dirt beneath her feet, for reasons we find out inside the pages, the vampire Cassidy, and the wise Oak - all the characters from the first trilogy make an appearance again and further the plot in their own way.

And then danger visits Rowan Harbor again.

I continue to be amazed by this author's prowess. For most of this book, I was at the edge of my seat, breathless and clutching my Nook white-knuckled. The tension builds slowly, like the blizzard coming, and when the weather unleashes its might, so does the danger, and Devon is right in the middle.

The symbolism is evident - as Devon fights the beast in the woods, he's also fighting the beast within him, the one that doubts, that fears, that wonders. And as he is victorious over the beast without, he also slays the one within. As he saves the towns folk (not on his own, of course), so he saves not only his own heart but Wade's too. And as the beast falls, so does Devon's doubt that he truly is exactly where he's meant to be.

And finally, Devon sees, really sees, what's been in front of him all along. Amazing what happens when you conquer your fears and speak your truth.

Obviously, this isn't the end, and I expect book 5 to pick up where we left off with Jesse Hunter and Sean Anderson as well as a new danger to the town, where all of our new friends have to come together to save the day.

This is such a fantastic series, and I cannot recommend it highly enough. Run, don't walk, to get yourself a copy of these books. They are well worth your time.



** I received a free copy of this book from the tour organizer in exchange for an honest review. **
Profile Image for BWT.
2,250 reviews244 followers
February 10, 2019
Looking forward to the next book!

I'm loving the fantasy elements and world building in this series and I'm dying to find out what happens next.

Single POV fantasy with low heat, recurring characters, and a HFN cliffhanger ending. This is not a standalone. Devon and Wade’s story isn’t over. They’ll return as the main characters of book seven of the Rowan Harbor Cycle, Eagle in the Hawthorn.

Note: The Rowan Harbor Cycle is a series of 9 books - a trilogy of trilogies. The main characters (Devon and Wade, Jesse and Sean, Fletcher and Conner) will have their own book in each trilogy with happy for now endings until the final trilogy where they will finally (hopefully) get their happily ever afters.

This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.
Profile Image for Gustaf.
1,444 reviews192 followers
October 30, 2021
I think I might have waited a little too long getting back to this series after reading the first set of books because it took me quite some time to get into the settings and to freshen up my memories on who everyone was. And when I finally did, the book was over so yeah, not my best reading experience, but I really enjoy the world the author has built around these set of characters and I can't wait to see how everything pans out.
Profile Image for ~nikki the recovering book addict.
1,248 reviews2 followers
August 22, 2019
Another piece of the puzzle

So this instalment is another piece of the overall puzzle but honestly, this piece was a little underwhelming. I suppose my expectations were of exciting things happening all the time. Perhaps not very realistic 🙊

That said, they did have an “adventure” and they did “fight” something (not giving it away!) but it was a bit more introspective than just action all the time. Which admittedly, was where the direction of the story for this book.

My bad for the elevated expectations then 🙈
Profile Image for Annika.
1,374 reviews94 followers
January 16, 2020
Audiobook review

4,5 stars

I had forgotten how much I enjoyed this series. I’m so glad that this book is finally out, and I’m hoping the rest of the series will follow. I know I’ll eagerly wait in line to know what happens next.

I love how each story in this series is part of something larger, that with each installment we learn something new, uncover another layer. This is also why the books don’t really stand on their own, but should be read in order.

Hawk in the Rowan bring us back to the first couple we met; Devon and Wade. It’s been three months since they first got together so their relationship is still developing and stumbling at times. I loved watching them both grow and finding their place together and moving forward. But this story isn’t only about them. For a week Devon has seen worrisome dark clouds in the sky – hinting if darkness and storms to come. And when children go missing in the woods he sets after them – before it’s too late.

Once again Chris Chambers delivered a spot on performance, bringing both the story and characters to life. I love his voice, my ears love his voice, I love listening to it. To the point where it probably wouldn’t matter what he says, as long as he keeps talking – for days. So yeah, the narration was a big hit. As far as his narration of this book goes, I love how he captured the essence of the town and its inhabitants, the friendships – the love. But also the fierce protectiveness when one of their own was in danger. I’m looking forward to hearing more from this duo.

This book is filled with love, battling trolls, fae, werewolves, witches, talking trees and other magical creatures – and more. It’s a fascinating world to say the least and one I hope to return to soon, I need to know what happens next!

A copy of this book was generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review

Profile Image for Chris, the Dalek King.
1,168 reviews154 followers
May 8, 2018
Sam Burns is back with the fourth book in the Rowan Harbor Cycle, and I’m happy to be back to review it.

With Hawk in the Rowan the cycle has reset itself and we are reading again about the first two MCs we got to know in this series: Devon and Wade. And while I’m sure everyone in Rowan Harbor would like to go back to their normal slow existence after the danger from the last book came to a conclusion, sadly that is not to be the case. For Devon is predicting a severe snow storm just over the horizon, and with Devon’s inability to lie, that means the town needs to bunker down and hope to bear out the storm in one piece. Unfortunately…things do not go as planned.

Like I said up top, I am really glad to be back in charge of the reviews for this series. Each book has been so enjoyable so far, and I would be sad to say goodbye any time soon to the pleasure of reading these stories, or of letting you guys know just what to expect out of them. So without further ado…what did I think?

Pretty much what I have thought about every other book so far. They are incredibly enjoyable, with great characters, and while I find the whole series to be building up fantastically, on the whole each book rest well on its own–with only a few flaws that don’t impact my overall enjoyment of the story.

I can’t say which of the three pairs are my favorite MCs, but I think Devon and Wade kinda get bonus points for being my entry point into Rowan Harbor and its many wonderful characters and stories. Clearly this book is not the endpoint for them, so they are not yet to their HEA, but I was glad to see some growth in their relationship in this second of their stories. Devon is still dealing with his pick-up-and-flee tendencies, and Wade–which we sadly don’t get a lot of in this story–is still a little hesitant to do anything that might spook the man. But they are clearly falling for each other, and I really like the fact that giving them time to grow as people and a couple over these nine book–three of which are focused mostly on them–allows the space for it to feel more real to the readers.

I will say though that the pacing in this story is a bit off. What feels like should have been the climax of the story was over and done with by the 70% mark, and it left the remaining third of the story feeling a bit drawn out and uneven. Everything up to that point had a decently fast pace that kept the plot in motion, but after that it kinda felt a bit drifty. I’m not sure if it would have worked with the plot, but maybe moving the scene with Oak near the end to earlier would have helped a bit with the pacing problem. I think we needed that information for what is going to happen over the course of then next five books, but it having that on top of all of the rest of the denouement stretched the end out a bit too much. I’ve only read the story once, though, so I’m not sure if it would have created more problems to move it. We’ll have to see what I come up with the next time I get a chance to reread this book.

Outside of the pacing, though, I found this book to be a fun read. I think I might have liked book three the best so far, but coming back to Devon and Wade was nice. I will also say that I was a bit worried that the way this series was structured was going to make it hard to reconnect with each couple on each cycle, but that didn’t turn out to be a problem at all. The way the three pairs are integrated as secondary characters in the stories that are not their own actually keeps you in close enough contact that even though time has passed between each pair’s story, you don’t really feel it. And the way the plot of one book directly leads into or is a catalyst for the next one is very well done. By the end of this book I was all ready to jump into Sean and Jesse’s story. Hopefully it will not be a long wait.


This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for Love Bytes. Go there to check out other reviews, author interviews, and all those awesome giveaways. Click below.
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Profile Image for Ami.
6,240 reviews489 followers
May 18, 2018
This may be my favorite book so far from this series -- I loved the sense of danger that happened because the kids were missing in the woods. The moments of Devon spending the hiding time (from in the woods with Vera ( and the kids were wonderful. And I was happy with the progress of the relationship.

Looking forward to the reveal of the future 'storm' coming to Rowan Harbor
Profile Image for The Novel Approach.
3,094 reviews136 followers
May 18, 2018
As the fourth book in the Rowan Harbor Cycle, this book is the first book of the second trilogy, and we are back to the couple that started it all in the very first book, Devon and Wade (confused yet?). As stated in prior reviews, these are not to be read as a stand-alone; it’s a trilogy of trilogies, and there will be nine books in total. I highly recommend the series, but if you haven’t started reading it from book one, Blackbird in the Reeds, don’t start here.

This series is building up in each story for what is the long story arc, but each installment is a story on its own, too. What I love about the Rowan Harbor Cycle series so far is the setting. The small town of Rowan Harbor isn’t what is seems, just like the people who reside there. The paranormal aspect is established in the first three books, but there is plenty to still be revealed. There are all types of supernatural creatures who reside in this small town, some whose abilities are clear, others who are not yet shown, and some who are just misunderstood. I love how the town council functions, the roles of those on it and how it is setting the stage for what is to come—the nosy neighbors, the squabbles, the townsfolk knowing everything about everything through the chain of gossip. I find myself falling for the town as a whole and not just each of the main characters.

Devon is firmly the head of the town council now. In his and Wade’s first book, he came with the intention of leaving. He struggled to understand the town and its weird quirks, until he finally discovered his family’s history and his powers. In the following books he seemed to have his feet planted firmly in Rowan Harbor, back with his best friends, making new friends, and being in a solid relationship with Wade while learning his capabilities and what they are. But, in Hawk in the Rowan the reader gets insight to his internal struggles. He still has the itch to flee somewhere else, to follow the pattern he and his mom set from when he was a child. He finds it difficult to think about permanence, both as to where he is but also his relationship with Wade. He automatically assumes every time Wade takes a step in establishing their relationship or moving forward just a little that Wade is ready for a ring, kids and a white picket fence. It freaks him out. Yet, losing Wade and the town freaks him out, too.

While he is trying to overcome his need to keep things temporary, to not complicate his relationship with Wade by thinking about the future, something is about to happen. Devon’s powers tell him something big is on its way, and he needs to be prepared. As a storm unlike anything Rowan Harbor has seen in decades is growing and heading to the town, and just before it lands, three townspeople go missing. Time is of the essence. With the weather turning drearier and the blizzard heading their way, it made the entire situation read with a dark, foreboding feeling. Devon finds himself with a new and unexpected friend (who is a great addition to the cast of characters, IMO), and in a situation that is horrifying, sprinkled with a sweetness, and ultimately helps him to clarify his feelings.

Though the storm appears to simply be Mother Nature, other parts of the story reveal just a little bit more about the approaching threat surrounding the town. Devin learns more about himself, his heritage and his connection with the town. Oak, with their wisdom, also gives just a hint of what is to come in the next, at least two, books. I think I understand what each trilogy’s focus is on. Or, at the minimum, the first trilogy, and now this second’s purpose is of the journey for the leads. I still have no clue what is actually coming, but so far, I’m just enjoying the ride to figure it out.

Though each book focuses on two male leads, there are strong secondary characters who seem to be a part of the larger picture—I am not completely sure how they fit in. I both love this and am confused by this. In Jesse’s book he meets and is now with Sean, but I still don’t know what Sean’s place is in the bigger story arc. This is the same with Fletcher and Connor. I see how Wade can fit in, but Sean and Connor, despite being the romantic interests for Jesse and Fletcher, haven’t really been established for me, while many of the secondary characters are. I had been hoping to have a little more on-page time with them and connect a little more to them but so far there is not much. I am really hoping in book five I get more connection to Sean and hopefully some understanding of how he might fit into everything. Its very possible, based on some of the chain of events from this book.

Each book so far of this series has been fast paced, and there is a problem and resolution within the pages, but the long plot that simmers beneath is much slower to divulge itself. This series is for the patient reader, in some ways, because it is taking a while to establish the relationships and the larger plot, which I am perfectly okay with.

I am hooked on this series and can’t wait for Jesse and Sean’s second book to come out.

Reviewed by Lindsey for The Novel Approach
Profile Image for Stephanie   GooglyEyes.
1,263 reviews32 followers
May 3, 2018

In this installment of the series we're back to more Devon and Wade. These two make me so happy, because they're so different. Wade is all seriousness and Devon is, well, not. He's kind of a klutz (why are klutzes so endearing?) and a little goofy.

There's a new threat in town and what I love most about this series is, it's full of unlikely heroes. It isn't fully Devon who saves the day, but a little old postal employee. One that people seem either afraid of or ignore.


In the first book Devon is portrayed as a black bird, but as the series progresses and he grows stronger, he's no longer portrayed as prey, but as a predator. Even though he can be "dangerous" he is not, at least not to those he is trying to protect.

The children in this story were adorable calling him "Mr. Wade". I also had a chuckle at story time with the retelling of "The Little Red Riding Hood". Kind of comes full circle from book one (and our heroes a ginger ;) )

Again, I cannot tell you how much I love Oaks character. They makes me smile with all their "properness". I just love the way they speak.

I can't wait to see more of these characters, especially Cassidy, I think she's going to be pretty badass.
Profile Image for Beth doesn't write  enough reviews.
612 reviews34 followers
January 19, 2020
I adore Rowan Harbor.

Three trilogies all linked with an overall story arc, intricate world building and interesting characters.

This book brings us back to Devon and Wade as their relationship grows and Devon begins to accept his place in Rowan Harbor.

Devon struggles with the responsibility of being a council member, staying put for more than a few months and navigating his first relationship. I understand his struggle. Who hasn’t given real thought to throwing a suitcase in the car and driving as far away as your money can can last!

The mayor brings news of a threat and Oak brings together those that will need to be ready and hints at a promise long kept.

I do recommend this series to anybody looking to meet interesting characters and a reminder that we all struggle but can get through when we share the burden.
Profile Image for Danielle  Gypsy Soul.
3,171 reviews80 followers
October 23, 2019
This series really hit it's stride for me in this book and I very much enjoyed it. We go back to Devon and Wade who are the MC's in Book one for this book and it was really great to see them make some strides not only personally but also together. The plot was interesting and of course the big villain still remains. Looking forward to more.
Profile Image for Lillian Francis.
Author 15 books101 followers
July 8, 2018
This series just gets better and better. And the relationship (this one is Devon and Wade) is coming along nicely.
Wade is adorable. Just saying.
700 reviews1 follower
December 1, 2021
We met these two main characters in book 1. That was an introduction and now we are learning more about them with their partners, with them finding their place in this town and are not exploring the purpose and powers. They will be tested but the question is will they pass their tests. I am really loving these books.
Profile Image for Chris.
905 reviews
May 11, 2018
4.5 out of 5 stars

Description ~

Devon Murphy has been back in Rowan Harbor for three months. He’s taken on a host of new responsibilities, and is in a serious relationship for the first time in his life. He loves the town and its inhabitants, but it’s starting to feel like too much for the former drifter.

Now there’s a storm on the horizon, and it doesn’t seem like things are going to slow down and let him catch his breath. A blizzard is brewing, and three people have gone missing in the woods south of town. Devon needs to find them before time runs out.

This book is the fourth of nine in The Rowan Harbor Cycle, not a standalone. Devon and Wade will return in book seven for their HEA.


My Review ~

Hawk In the Rowan is the 4th book in The Rowan Harbor Cycle. This is not meant to be read as a standalone and the series must be read in order. This is the second full book that features Wade and Devon and continues their story along with the rest of their friends and townspeople.

I have to really give this author some major love. They've created an extremely engaging and highly addictive urban fantasy story with a wide range of characters. The stories to this point have all been highly readable, and have made me want to turn around and start them again as I finish the first read through. These books also fill the void in the genre of a solid urban fantasy series that focuses as much on the happenings of the town and it's residents as it does on the couple that's the primary focus of that book.

To be honest there is a LOT of Devon in this book and small amounts of the rest of the towns people so that's my only real drawback since I love to see the couples interacting with each other. There was significant interacting within the town and the secondary characters which filled out the story quite well. I'll be honest that this is a hard series to give a detailed review because it gives too many things away if I share the whos, the whats, and the hows. The story is getting deeper into the cycles so it's less the first blush of romance and now onto the long term relationship building, along with learning more about each character and their tasks and place in the stories.

I highly, highly recommend picking up this series as soon as you can because it's well worth the time, and it would be a great sitting outside enjoying the spring/early summer read.

Profile Image for Isabella ~Mikku-chan~.
799 reviews40 followers
May 5, 2018
*~~*ARC kindly provided by the author to me in exchange for an honest review *~~*

I am a really huge fan of this series and the characters. The unique way how it is presented - with the sequencial storytelling, the focus on the single pairings but in change - is not only capturing the reader's attention, it gives the series a better width, it allows the author to create a huge universe, a world with a lot of events, characters and connections.

We are focussing on Wade and Devon again. This time they are - again - threaten to rescue fellow towns people, and Devon is confronted to think about a lot of things he actually was afraid of.

Next to the thrilling plot and the dramatic events with a lots of twists, full of suspense and thrill, there's a huge focus on the relationship of Devon and Wade. I was really pleased by the way how Devon is forced to reflect a few things. How he understands his relationship with Wade better; he's confronted with his fears and worries and the way it is displayed is more than realistic.
With these deep thoughts the characters have we get a deeper insight of them, see how they work, what they expect and fear.

I also love the knit-tight community and the way how even the side character are more developed and how well they are fleshed out. :)

This series is a great joy to read, definitely one of those you really must read in order, otherwise the spoiler are enormous, and second - it would also dismiss the author's writing and the way the events are planned. I can't wait to read the next 5 books. :3 Next one deals again with Jesse and Sean; I can't wait to see what's coming for them next. :3

Full 5 out of 5 stars for this book. ;)

Review originally posted on my blog with added content Mikku-chan / A world full of words
Profile Image for Free_dreamer.
365 reviews29 followers
May 11, 2018
3.5 stars

A Scattered Thoughts And Rogue Words Review

Devon and Wade from book one are back in this fourth installation of the series. They’re my least favourite couple of the three. Devon is just too genuinely nice. While we do find out a little more about his heritage and how that influences his character, I still just can’t quite bring myself to like him.

Nor am I too fond of the relationship dynamic. It always reminds me a little of the big bad Alpha (Wade) and the poor helpless little twink (Devon). It doesn’t help that Wade is actually a werewolf, which makes the whole dynamic even more pronounced. We do see some moments of Devon standing up for himself, so I might just come to like him one day…

“Hawk in the Rowan” mostly focuses on Devon and Wade and their relationship woes. There’s also a storm and some other ominous things happening around town. But overall, it definitely showed that this is the shortest book of the series so far. It felt like we were only just getting started on the real plot at the end. It just wasn’t quite satisfactory and felt more like a little short story between two “real” books. A shame, because I think even Devon and Wade have great potential that just got lost due to not enough pages.

I’m usually very bad at keeping up with series I start, especially if they have more than three or four parts. But something about “Rowan Harbor” just has me coming back for more. While this fourth installation was a bit of a disappointment, I’ll definitely read book five and hopefully the rest of the series as well. I just hope the books will get longer again instead of shorter…

The cover by Melanie Harlow @ Clause & Effect is beautiful. I really like it and it fits the story perfectly.
Profile Image for Joyfully Jay.
9,070 reviews517 followers
May 7, 2018
A Joyfully Jay review.

4 stars


This is the fourth book in the Rowan Harbor Cycle, and while it can be read as a stand-alone, it is helpful to read the first three books, if only to get acquainted with the magical, charming, and sometimes foolish people of Rowan Harbor. It’s a small town filled with supernatural people, hiding away from those who would kill them, trap them, or abuse them; it’s a place where they can live their lives, raise their families, and squabble with their neighbors. Protecting this town is its Council, made up of the ranking witch, the most powerful vampire, a werewolf protector (Jesse), the forest spirit Oak, and the half-fae Devon who may well be the most magically powerful man in town.

As in book one, book four is told from Devon’s point of view. Instead of seeing him as his friends see him, as a calm, confident, and powerful fae, we see his insecurity, his self-doubt, and even his fear. Devon’s mother, a full fae, used her ability to charm men, going from husband to husband, each one richer than the one before. The way she used and manipulated people into loving her left a vivid imprint in Devon’s mind and heart, and the idea of being tied to Wade, of hurting him or worse, being hurt by him, all but cripple Devon. When Wade says “I love you,” Devon doesn’t say it back; he’s not sure he could say it back. (Also, Wade drove away before he had the chance to find out.)

Read Elizabeth’s review in its entirety here.



Profile Image for Mari  Cardenas.
2,290 reviews28 followers
May 9, 2018
4.5 Stars!

Hawk in the Rowan is book 4 in this series and it can't be read as a standalone.

Devon is feeling the weight of his new responsibilities as head of the council and juggling his feelings for Wade, after a life of drifting from one place to the other. However, the disappearance of three persons in the woods might help put things into perspective for him.

This book is the continuation of Devon and Wade's story and while it's told from Devon's POV, we've gotten to catch up with them in the previous installments, so by now, I feel like I know Wade better and I really like him. He's strong, reliable and supportive, and damn, the man has the patience of a saint. Even if I like Devon and I could understand why he felt overwhelmed, I was annoyed that it took him being in danger to realize that he should've been more open with Wade. Still, I feel this was needed to strengthen them as a couple and now, more than before, I believe they have what it takes to make it in the long run.

I'm really enjoying the ongoing storyline and I'm very intrigued over who it is that sent the troll into Rowan Harbor and how it will play out in the next installments.

This series has it all, paranormal romances with some angst and darker themes, great characters and an intriguing storyline that has kept my interest from book one. I'm looking forward to the next one!

Very recommendable!

*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
Profile Image for Barbara.
1,005 reviews8 followers
May 27, 2018
A blizzard, two kids, a new friend, a cave and a troll and Devon ready to cut a run from his responsibilities and Wade makes for an excellent read in this fourth book in the "Rowan Harbor series. Danger, threats and violence along with the death of a loved one primes the reader to set back and be entertained. Now wishing for June to hurry up and come so the fifth book is released so I can continue sitting on the edge of my seat reading about some of my favorite characters. Excellent read.
Profile Image for Rennie.
299 reviews8 followers
June 7, 2018
This series gets better with each book.
Profile Image for Ekollon.
476 reviews42 followers
May 27, 2019
This book was okay. Just okay. Not bad, not good, just okay.

I don't know if I'm reading this series because I want to like it more than I do or because I have a cheap KU subscription right now that's about to run out and my library can't get this series, so I won't be able to read this pretty soon, thus it's now or...whenever the next KU sale I'm eligible for happens.

Regardless, this was pretty reasonable. I liked it better than the first two, but less than the third. I don't think I'm going to get through all 9 of the books in the series before my cheap KU subscription expires, and unless I can another sale really quickly for KU, I'm not sure I'll remember that I'm reading this series next time a sale comes up. It's just not leaving much of an impression on me at this point.
Profile Image for Becca.
3,213 reviews47 followers
August 28, 2019
This series is SOOOO good. Devon's coming into his powers and understanding more. Everyone is starting to move forward and accept their places in their lives and the town. This time they facing a threat against the whole town in the form of a troll. And it was sent by someone who wants to kill them all. They have a kind of clue but now they have a mission as well and it's not going to be an easy one.
Profile Image for Jenn (not Lily).
4,796 reviews27 followers
August 20, 2021
Lovely to see the development in Devon and Wade's relationship since the first book. I like how each trilogy builds on the previous books and branches out as the stories go. Makes me want to binge and read all three of this middle set in a row...maybe. We'll see if I can manage to tie up my reading schedule for that long.
Profile Image for Tammy.
1,025 reviews8 followers
August 30, 2021
We return to Devon's point of view for book 4 in the Rowan Harbor Cycle series.. He is still struggling a bit to accept that his relationship with Wade and the town is long term. He doesn't really want to leave, but is afraid he will want to eventually. He is learning to accept his powers and his role on the town council. Wade continues to be a solid partner for Devon. There are some very sweet moments between the two of them. I cannot wait to continue on to the next book!
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