4.5 Stars!

Ok, ok. I concede. Consider my mind blown.

I've never had so much whiplash, shock, and disbelief in recent reading memory, as reveal after reveal after reveal, is made in this latest installment.

Obviously, I can safely say I was not disappointed. Even more so, this was wonderfully fast paced, wrought with tension, and never really had a dull moment.

What's fascinating to witness again, is how these two strong willed, powerful men in their own right and way, continue to slowly come to respect the other, and actually appreciate what each can offer to keep their countries safe and enemies at bay.

There is honor among Damen and Laurent, though they go about it in different ways. However, that's what makes it interesting, and that's what makes it believable or all the more impressive. These two inherently different individuals, rise above their automatic hatred and actually open themselves up to more. That despite their fractious history, they could be something truly great and a force to be reckoned with - they only have to fully embrace it. Each have their phenomenal strengths - but together??? Experience, compassion, cunning, genius - all meld into a formidable foe and it is a wonder to see this partnership.

So yes - feelings are developed, barriers are lowered, and what culminates??? Uh huh. More please.

Pacat has a shit ton of things to wrap up and I admit, I'm a bit worried. Bad guys need their glorious comeuppance and a definitive, happy future for Damen and Laurent better happen - lest she be hunted down by thousands of readers feeling rightly justified in exacting revenge. I'm not joking.

Meags you are a goddess - I'm so glad I don't have to wait years to read the finale - February 2nd will only feel that way.