A Deeper Blue

3 Colors Trilogy #2

by Bethany Maines

A witch, a wolf, and the open road…
no future is guaranteed.

Fae witch and seer Azure Lucas is on her way to a summit of shifters and magic-wielders in Portland, Oregon at her family’s insistence. She doesn’t think anything will come of it—the Supernaturals are notoriously independent and uncooperative, even when the fate of the world is on the line. But on a layover in Montana Azure collides with shifter Rafe DeSandre. A biker and lone wolf who thinks that destiny has passed him by, Rafe has no pack, no mate, and no future—he cares for himself and not much else. Yet, when the father he hasn’t spoken to in decades asks for a favor, Rafe agrees to deliver a precious package to the same summit that Azure is attending. Before the unlikely duo can hit the road, they are attacked by the Warlocks—a vicious magic-wielding motorcycle gang. As the pair flee cross-country they soon find that they might be more alike than they thought and the witch who likes to plan everything and the wolf who likes to wing it might just be perfect for each other. But as Azure and Rafe prepare to battle the evil Warlocks, Azure realizes that while she and Rafe might be destined for each other, she can see that destiny might not include survival. Azure is on a collision course with fate, and she’s fighting for her life, her love, and her future.

Genres: Romance, Fiction, Fantasy

198 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 18, 2022

About the author

Bethany Maines, a native of Tacoma WA, is the award-winning author of action adventure tales that focus on women who know when to apply lipstick and when to apply a foot to someone’s hind end. When she’s not traveling to exotic lands, or kicking some serious butt with her black belt in karate, she can be found chasing after her daughter, or glued to the computer working on her next novel.

FB: www.facebook.com/AuthorBethanyMaines
INSTA: @AuthorBethanyMaines
TWIT: @BethanyMaines
WEB: www.bethanymaines.com

Reviews

[Marta Cox · Rating 4 out of 5]

My first book by this author and I now realise it’s the second in this series but happily this worked easily as a stand-alone. Azure is a Witch who just happens to also be a member of the Fae who previously left our world due to numerous factors including technology and pollution. She’s a Seer and is desperate to get to a meeting because the future of all the Supernaturals is at stake. Rafe is a lone Wolf having been thrown out of his Pack by his own father . Yet here he is sixty years later not only doing his father a favour but agreeing to go back onto his old Packs land ! When Azure stops for a break she runs into the very confidente Rafe who clearly believes the sun rises from his every well you get the idea but things quickly take a turn for the worse as Warlocks attack but are they hunting Azure or Rafe ?
This was easy to read and the characters were likeable and actually quite funny. Sadly for this reader things get pretty hot and heavy way too soon but then again I do prefer build up and more tension. However I did enjoy the story and in terms of romance for this couple yes it’s certainly a happy ending. The author has left the way clear for the overall story arc to continue and it will be interesting to read about Azures sibling and just what happens next.
This voluntary take is of a copy I requested from Netgalley and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair

[Cathy Geha · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Deeper Blue by Bethany Maines
Three Colors Trilogy #2

Just what I needed today! Loved this story just as much as the first in the series and can’t wait to read the third!

What I liked:
* Azure: Fae, Witch, a little bit human, leader, eldest sibling, caretaker, magic worker, likes to have a plan, sees the future…sometimes well and sometimes only bits and pieces, perfect with and for Rafe
* Rafe: werewolf, son of an alpha, lone wolf, banished from his pack, world traveled, mature, tends to wing it and come up with a plan in the moment, humorous, hot, perfect with and for Azure
* The howl and what it can do for/to a mate
* The meet-cute in the bar
* That Azure is not a delicate maiden in need of protection
* That Rafe is protective but sees Azure’s strengths
* The communication between Rafe and Azure
* The writing style
* The plot and how it comes togthr
* Getting to see Scarlet and Liam from the first book
* Finding out who Ochre will be tangling with in book three
* The steamy bits and how well matched Rafe and Azure are in and out of the bedroom
* That both Liam and Rafe seem to be able to see what is best for their packs better than the alphas in charge
* That I smiled, chuckled, felt, and cared as I was drawn into the story
* All of it really except…

What I didn’t like:
* The Warlocks and their plots and plan for the world

Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Would I read more in this series/by this author? Yes

Thank you to NetGalley and the author for the ARC – this is my honest review.

5 Stars

[Jessica Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Azure! She is 100% the older sister type and I can relate to the way she thinks. Especially needing a plan in place. I feel like Rafe personality calms her down and helps her to relax. In book one I really was her biggest fan but seeing how she thinks might just maoe her my favorite in this series. I can't wait for the conclusion.
* I received an ARC copy for my honest review.

[Brenda Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second in the this trilogy did not disappoint. Better than the first. Great plot progression. Great little snarks to real world issues. Love, love these characters. And A Lady of the Lake. Swoon.
Azure is on a quest - to Oregon for the first supernatural pac meeting. Her second sight says it's a waste of her time. But she owes her sister for putting her massive danger.
Rafe pledges to bring an item of great importance to his father, leader of the pack that tossed Rafe put decades ago. In Oregon.
With the demented vampires in his path.
Then he meets Azure. Together they continue their journey.
Massive swoon. Loved it. Must read the next!

[Kristen Lewendon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book starts rolling from the beginning of the very first page and never slows down. I was sucked in and desperate to know what would happen next and how it would all turn out. The family drama is levelled up for Azure and Rafe. Though, it was a little tough to see Azure’s poor opinion of her sister’s abilities after getting to know Scarlet in the previous book. This pair kept me howling with laughter at their snarky banter and snappy one-liners. I was pretty sure I was hooked on this series after the first book. Now that I’ve finished the second, it’s and absolute guarantee. I can’t wait to get my hands on the next one.
I received a complimentary advanced copy of this book through Booksprout.

[Laura Ramsay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once again, Bethany Maines did not disappoint!

I was intrigued by Azure from book one and I knew there was so much more to her than we had seen. I loved getting to know her better. At first glance, she appears to be cold-hearted and aloof, but she cares for her family so passionately. While she might not be the kindest with her words, she shows her love through her actions,

I absolutely adored her development with Rafe. They're such a good match for each other. Rafe challenges her but understands her more deeply than she could ever believe.

Rafe was such a wonderful character to get to know in this book and I can't wait to see some more of him.

Overall, this was a great continuation of this series and I'm already excited for the third one!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Jeannette dods · Rating 4 out of 5]

Azure’s story picks up right where book one ended. She is traveling to the summit and is faced with obstacles along the way. I loved Azure and Rafe’s first encounter! Their story is filled with action and romance.
That epilogue was a perfect transition to the next book. I can’t wait for Ochre’s story🥰

[Lorrie (Clockworkbookworm) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25

[Lois Young · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two things to know about this book. One, this is a sequel to "A Little Red." Two, I'm convinced the title is from a song from one of my favorite groups!

"A Deeper Blue" follows Azure, Scarlet's older sister, who is traveling to Oregon (read the first book). During a layover, she "chooses" to enter a bar, where she meets Rafe, a lone wolf who is traveling to Oregon for his own reasons. The two end up traveling together with a slew of Warlocks chasing them. What will happen when they arrive in Oregon?

"A Deeper Blue" is an excellent story within this series. All fans and readers of supernatural and/or urban fantasy romance narratives will love the characters and the humor within it. While this is supposed to be a trilogy, the world-building elements by the author has me wanting this trilogy to be the first in an expansive book series with more stories about ALL of the supernatural beings (and their potential mates)! For now, read and enjoy this 2nd book in the trilogy!

[Marie Lucio · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was gifted an ARC of “A Deeper Blue” (3 Colors Trilogy #2) by Bethany Maines in exchange for my honest review; and here it is. This is the second book in the series, and you really should read them in order, to get the full picture. In A Deeper Blue we really get to know Azure and why she is the way she is. Love the way the author Bethany connects the tittle to the context of the story. I really enjoyed reading the cross-country adventures of Rafe and Azure. They had some hot hot moments mixed with action. Those Warlocks really do fight dirty. (Sorry for the spoilers). Also, theirs few characters that make an appearance that have been mentioned in both books that only leaves you wondering if they will be coming back to help with the great battle against the darkness. And talk about the phone call towards the end of the book it only leaves you wanting more. Now I can’t wait for the brother Ochre and Anna’s book to come out. If you’re into spell casting, strong Alpha shifters, witty strong MCs mix in some action than this book, no not book but series is for you. A must read, highly recommended.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well I guess I will just be reviewing what I read because I received this via NetGalley and then the very next day they archived it on me and then I didn’t want to pay full price for it, but it refuses to go on sale… yeah. So here we are!

This book is book 2 in a Trilogy BUT you don’t really need to read the first book to figure out what the heck is going on but you should probably be prepared to struggle to figure everything out as you go if decide to jump right into book 2 like I did.

What I did gather is that Azure is the eldest of 3 siblings. They are half Fae and half Human. They Fae left because of pollution and such though…so there’s that. She is a witch AND a Seer. Her sister convinces her to go to Oregon in order to attend a council of supernatural beings. Along the way she stops at a bar and bumps into lone wolf (literally) Rafe and they are attacked by Warlocks. As a result she misses her train (darn). They decide to travel together, with Warlocks nipping at their heels.

And that is about as far as I got.

So what did I think about what I did get to read?

Well, Azure comes off a bit cold-hearted and aloof, but she obviously cares a great deal about her family so I am assuming she will defrost a little as the book goes on.
Raf seems rather full of himself, but I guess after so much time being alone (and making it), he’s allowed to be a little big headed.

I really hope this pops on sale at some point in time so I can finish reading it and give it a proper review!

Cheers.

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Deeper Blue is the second book in the 3 Colors trilogy and for me I think this one has the edge over A Little Red, the first book. Starting this one I was a bit apprehensive as I hadn’t really taken to Azure when we met her before – she was just a bit too controlling but hearing more of her back story softened her character slightly. When she meets a shifter biker while travelling to attend a summit to appease her sister you might almost say it was fated. Especially when Rafe is headed in the same direction on a mission of his own for his estranged father. Now all they have to do is get through warlocks intent on stopping them

Because the majority of this book focused mainly on Rafe and Azure with few secondary characters appearing until the end, to me it felt that the author was able to give a greater depth not only to their characters but to their relationship as well. Rafe brings out something in her. His ‘fly by the seat of his pants’ attitude instead of planning counters Azure’s habit of using her second sight and somehow mellows her. There is fantastic chemistry between them and a mutual love of corny songs. Plot wise things are heating up with the warlocks intent on their version of world domination and more characters and species are introduced to play their part in what lies ahead. Next up is Ochre Lucas – weird name for a man but he definitely sounds interesting.

[Escape to the pages · Rating 4 out of 5]

fun and frisky

Another enjoyable instalment to this series, this book does pick up pretty much directly from the end of the first book. Though if I’m honest, whilst you will most definitely get a few more of the references from reading the previous story it’s not a must do and this stands well on its own.

Azure was a character that I was a little determined had to redeem herself from the last book. Hardheaded and very much thinking she knows best, she hadn’t shown her best in Scarlets book, and some of that was evident when this book kicked off, but actually given the opportunity to learn more about her, and why she was that was made me like her even more. I absolutely rooted for her and Rafe in this book and loved how he understood she had a greater purpose and his role in that was defender and supporter and not someone who needed to take over. #girlsrule

Rafe was adorable, convinced he had gotten over his fathers treatment of him it was evident he really wasn’t and craved being needed by someone. His dawning realisation that was Azure was skilfully written.

Lots and lots of amusing elements to this book that made me laugh out loud, whilst drama and romance were also evident throughout as well as broken and repairing family dynamics on all sides.

A great read and excised for the next book in the series

[Hayley Tackett-Sebring · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my second time reading from this author, being the second book in the 3 Colors Series. This one is excellent!! Azure is more of a big sister type of girl, she’s grown to be my favorite character this far in the series. She got some grit, and we can always use more tough women in books. I personally liked “A Deeper Blue” better than I did the first book in the series, so I have a feeling the 3rd will be great too. I did review the first book in the series as well “A Little Red” and felt the background needed a bit of work for my taste. I wholeheartedly believe the author has worked on both that and the main character in book two! Wonderful job. Thank you for giving me the opportunity for an ARC, while I did read this in return for a review, the opinions are all my own. (: I will be trying out book 3 as well when it comes out. 💙

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am voluntarily leaving a review after receiving an ARC from Goodreads New Adult Book Club.

This is the second book of the 3 Colors Trilogy. You do not need to read the first book but it is strongly recommended.

Azure is the oldest of 3 Fae/human children. She heading Oregon as a promise to her sister Scarlet. She is meeting with a wolf shifter pack in order to start a council of supernatural beings. Along the way, she meets Rafe. They are attacked by Warlocks. This attack causes Azure to miss her train to Oregon. Rafe is traveling to Oregon to deliver a package. As they travel along they realize they are headed to the same place and their attraction to each other grows.

You will like both Azure and Rafe. They are both looking for purpose.

[Rona Nimmo · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Deeper Blue
3 Colors Trilogy, Book 2

Azure is a fae witch seer. Who has a chance meeting with shifter Rae in a bar and then the fun begins. Azure organised to the very last , Rafe is a just go with it all things will be ok in the end. He is a wolf shifter ostrisized by you’d pack for 60 years meets Axure whilst she is travelling to a world altering peace summit between different species and humans.

This is a well written book and has humour intrigue and drama all rolled into one .

Fabulous easy and can’t put down. I read this book as a complete standalone book but I will now have to read all three.

Thoroughly enjoyable and can highly recommend even if this isn’t your normal genre of book. 4.5/5

[Sandi · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars! I very much enjoyed Azure and Rafe’s story! The magic system and Azure’s future sight is quite interesting, and lends a much more magical air to this book than the first one. Azure, on her way to a supernatural summit, is waylaid in Montana, where her sight steers her right into the path of lone wolf, and sexy biker, Rafe, who also finds himself headed for the same supernatural summit. But as they are attached by a Warlock biker gang (yes, it’s a magical biker gang!) they find themselves on the run together, trying to get to the summit unscathed.

It doesn’t take long for Azure and Rafe to succumb to their desire for each other, though neither of them sees it as a long term thing. Their chemistry is great, and the spice is excellent. It’s also very interesting to see how alike they are, even when they may not even recognize it, and watch as fate shows them that maybe there’s more to this than just their insane chemistry. They take turns bailing each other out of intense situations, and in turn, developing deeper emotions, as they make their way west. There’s a great mix of action, banter, plenty of spice, and a touch of rom com that make this book a lot of fun to read, and I loved how they tied it in with the first book, bringing a little sneak peek, « where are they now », kind of look into Liam and Scarlet’s lives since they got their HEA. You still see the tight knit bond that the siblings have for each other, as well, and the intriguing, interwoven story that carries through the series gets more and more interesting twists added with this book as well. Overall, a fun, steamy read, and I am looking forward to the next book!

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Azure. She is so stubborn and so strong and so independent. I want to be her. I love that she is uninhibited. I adore Rafe. He thinks he is not enough. But he is so much more than he ever even thought he could be. I love the way they grow and stretch and become a formidable team. I love visiting with Scarlett and Liam. I love the danger and the action and the magical world building. I love the story. I love the pace of the story. I love the writing and the indepth character building. This is a wonderful book and I can not wait for Ochre to get a book. . I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Johanna Sawyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Flove the covers on this series. The stories carry a paranormal feel and all are intertwined. So far so good!

What did I like? So the first two books in this series were just so much fun with such a cute storyline. My first series by this author and I love it. Werewolves, Fae, coven, and tons of creatures step up in this book. Most of the book centers on the relationship between Azure and her wolf.

Would I recommend or buy? Yep, I can’t wait to finish this series. Such pretty covers would look great on my shelf!

I received a complimentary copy to read and voluntarily left a review!

[Miss Garceau · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, I’m officially HOOKED on this world & these characters.

I LOVED the first one & this one was even better. It is like all the things that I care about in both fantasy land & the real world, came together & had a magical love child!

OBSESSED!!! I could honestly deep dive into a 1k pager in this world & would devour it!

It was sweet & spicy & EVERYTHING nice! It checked ALL my boxes & I HIGHLY recommend for a pick-me-up quick read. It was start to finish for me, with no stops! I absolutely loved it! The action, the politics, the trilogy plots/characters, the panting dropping chemistry, the bad ass FMC’s & the swoon worthy Rafe! I don’t think a trilogy will be enough for me!

Looking forward to Ochre’s story!

New favorite author! Well done! 👏👏👏

Spice Rating: 🌶🌶🌶🌶
*Explicit but doesn’t detract from plot
Solid NA Faery Romance w/ HEA

[LuDena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blue

So this is an excellent story with environmental preaching worked in in a non merits way. We will not destroy the earth we will destroy All life in our period, including ourselves . Then earth will clean up our mess over a few centuries or millennia and then start life all over again. Just like it has done several times in the past. Cleaning up our mess and saving nature will save our !ives.

[Alharaca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love it. This series has me in love. Definitely a must read. I was a little esceptical about Azure. But after the first page i was enthralled and I loved the book and everything in it. The story and the situations along with the characters will have you hanging to the book non stop and it's going to be totally worth it. This one is a must.

[Mercedes · Rating 4 out of 5]

A different take on a paranormal story with shifters and fae.
Arzue and Rafe a meet in a bar and get attacked but who was really the target.
Things then start to get intense.
Arzure and Rafe feels a strong attraction and feelings to each other .
Drama,angst,suspense and romance.
Good story.
Voluntarily reviewed.

[Olivia · Rating 4 out of 5]

So when I read the first book in the series I had trouble getting into the story. But this book hooked me right away, and I loved both Azure and Rafe. Both badass fighters, each giving and accepting strength to and from each other when needed. I adored their relationship development, and am so excited to read the next book in this series.

[tburbr · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great addition to the series thanks to the well written story line and endearing characters that kept me entertained from beginning to end. I can't wait to see what happens next.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Candess · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was much easier to get into that the first one, and it kept my attention the whole time. It's a quick read and I was hoping for more time with other creatures but did really like Azure and Rafe's trip to Oregon.

[Shannon Seafish Lucy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series just continues to deliver - so very sexy and SMART! Which in my opinion is very hard to find in Urban Fantasy.
Whether you're looking for the steam or looking for the clever UF writing - you're gonna love this book!

[Jeanne Stone · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed A LIttle Red and A Deeper Blue proved to be just as entertaining. Maines does a great job at an adult interpretation of childhood classics. The women of magic and their destined wolf mates are so perfect for each other and the action is engrossing.

Azure Lucas came off a little selfish and uncaring after what she put her sister through in the first book but it’s not true at all. Well, maybe to serve the important causes but in general she really loves her family. After their parents left them to their grandmother’s care, the three were left to deal with a complex, political, magical world and their own powers with little support system. Their grandmother was great but the really needed their parents and others like them to learn life lessons from. Now the world, both human and shifter, need help only they can provide. Azure reluctantly must step up and lead the change. When Rafe’s dad needs someone he can trust 100% to ensure Azure arrives for the PACT meeting that will change completely the separation of species. You can already guess, no doubt, that Azure and Rafe are quickly drawn to each other.

Lots of life threatening situations, a great budding love story and a realignment of life as the supernaturals know it all make for a great story. Entertaining from beginning to end, I can recommend this book especially to lovers of paranormal romance.

Thanks to the author, Next Step PR and NetGalley for the ARC.

[Crysti Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Three Colors Trilogy. However, it can also be read as a standalone. There are some references to events in the first book but shouldn’t hinder you from understanding this book.

I enjoyed this book more than I did the first book. From the moment Azure and Rafe met, I was invested. I needed to know what happened next in their quest. Azure was a more developed character than Scarlet from Book 1. I hope we get to see Azure and Rafe in the next book as well. There was a little more insight into the magical world that the author has created.

**Note: I do advise reading the first book before this one to get a clearer vision of the story as a whole.