by Aileen Erin
published by Ink Monster
released: July 17, 2018
genre: YA, Fantasy, Paranormal,
**Received from Ink Monster via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Summary (Goodreads): For the first time since Tessa met Dastien, life is quiet. The evil witch, Luciana, is six glorious feet under, St. Ailbe's is closed due to human trespassers, and people are finally getting used to the fact that supernaturals exist in the world. It seems like the perfect time for a honeymoon.
After traveling to Dastien's house in Provence, clubbing in Paris, and attending Meredith and Donovan's Full Moon Ceremony in Ireland, Tessa and Dastien head to the Caribbean. Their trip is turning out to be the honeymoon that fantasies are made of-sunset cruises, long walks on the beach, and every romantic cliché you can imagine. Tessa couldn't be happier. Except that Tessa's visions are on the fritz. She hopes that means that nothing is brewing. That everything is quiet because all is well. But Tessa's never been one to assume anything.
When she's magically attacked and nearly dies, Tessa knows she can't ignore the signs anymore. Something huge is going on. As much as she doesn't want to call an end to their six-week honeymoon, it's time to head back to Texas.
Whoever messed with Tessa is in for a rude awakening. Because if there's one thing fighting rogue witches and werewolves has taught her, it's how to be Alpha.
My Thoughts: I have mixed feelings on this one. I really loved the first six books of this series. I'm not sure if the author meant this as a transition book or what but it seemed to be a step back while not having a whole lot of substance.
A lot of this book felt like making already established characters seem lesser so Tessa seemed like more. I'll start with the demons. Someone besides Tessa, since she was one of the last to know, should have been able to figure out where/how the demons were getting through. At the very least Claudia. She has proven to be The witch so far in this series and yet she didn't notice a live circle when she was at the compound trying to cleanse it? I know Tessa was supposed to become this uber witch and coven leader but that didn't happen and she really is nowhere on the witch front at this point. Also, when did the demons get so stupid. In previous books they were smart enough to disguise themselves as children to make the wolves look bad to the humans but in this book they only travel between the compound and the abandoned school? They didn't try to attack the town, mall, school and cause as much chaos as possible? This is what happens when you bring back villians you've already beat.
Next is all the new characters. There were a bunch. I understand they were necessary to create this new thirteen power circle that connects all the supernaturals. I guess, personally, I just needed to know more about them in order for it to make sense. Beings that are as powerful as these don't normally give up anything, especially to a wolf that has only been one for a few months.
Which brings us to Tessa. I really like Tessa. The first five books were about her coming to terms with her new life as a wolf while also dealing with a crazy super witch possessed by a demon. She is still learning things both about herself, her mate, and the supernatural world in general. I have a hard time believing that everyone outside of her small group would just accept her as the leader. There is a difference between having a lot of power (which Tessa does) and being an Alpha (she's not at this time). She can push a lot of power out to get everyone's attention in a chaotic room but a real alpha would get everyone's attention just by walking into a room. Not saying she won't become an alpha but she is still growing into herself.
Overall, as I said, this just was a rehash of fighting a demon they had already beat and adding new characters without any real substance. I would love to get to know more about the added characters just maybe without Tessa being such a main part of the story. Let her grow, learn and become comfortable with herself and her new life.
I'll still give the next book a chance since I've been wanting a book about the Fae. I'm concerned with where the author went with Cossette and now Chris and this forbidden love. It seems to be more of a convenience (fan service) than anything that was already established with these characters.
Rating: 3 - 3.5
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