Short Take Reviews: Blaze of Memory, Bonds of Justice, Defenseless, Whispers of You

 

Blaze of Memory

by Nalini Singh

Series: Psy-Changeling #7 

I skimmed a few reviews before starting this one and noticed that it was decidedly not a favorite in the series. That made me a bit cautious when starting but I was happily surprised to find that I totally enjoyed Dev and Katya's story. I did miss time with the Changeling packs, which was severely lacking (and probably why it's not a fan favorite), but the few scenes that included pack members were real highlights. I felt that Dev's abilities (something to do with metal?) were not explained or explored and that left me a little confused. Despite that, I was really drawn to the story and I liked the balance between the growing tension between the Psy and the Changelings, and the relationship between Katya and Dev. The ending was surprisingly emotional and might have even got me a little choked up. 4.25 stars

Bonds of Justice

by Nalini Singh

Series: Psy-Changeling #8 

This is the second entry in a row with minimal time with the Changeling packs and I really missed their presence. Instead, the main characters are Max, a human cop, and Sophia, a Justice-Psy. The turmoil with the Psy world continues to escalate and it's making for some strange bedfellows - alliances are forming that I never would have imagined. I find myself questioning my opinions of certain high-ranking Psy and I'm so anxious to see on what side they will fall as the series continues. Max and Sophia's relationship developed pretty quickly and I wasn't quite as emotionally invested as I have been with some previous couples. Considering that Sophia is an anchor in the PsyNet, I'm concerned what that means for her future. (Yes, I realize this means nothing to those who don't read the series, but I'm curious to get feedback from those who are further along in the series than I am.) 4 stars

Defenseless

by Corinne Michaels

Series: Salvation #5

Mark is a former Navy SEAL who now works at a high-level security firm. Charlie is a CIA agent which means that most of her life is a closed door. They both have lives filled with danger and uncertainty which means they've avoided serious entanglements. I've totally enjoyed Mark's character in each of the previous books, but honestly, he and Charlie together drove me crazy. Theirs was very much a push-pull relationship, with emphasis on the push. They had the same argument over and over, talked in circles, without resolving anything. Charlie, in particular, would say one thing but mean another. On the plus side, beyond the frustrating relationship, I was super invested in the overall plot, which had been ongoing across several books, and the suspense and tension were *chef's kiss.* There was one particular scene toward the end with Mark, who was in a life and death situation, that was so intense and emotional that I still find myself thinking about it (months later).  3.5 stars

Whispers of You

by Catherine Cowles

Series: Lost & Found #1

Catherine Cowles has become a real favorite over the last year or so and Whispers of You kicked off her new series with a perfect mix of romance and suspense. The prologue was so gripping that I was fully invested from the start and it only got better. Wren and Holt were childhood sweethearts but after a tragic event Holt pulled away and eventually left their small town. He returned to make amends with his family and, of course, reconnects with Wren. In the meantime, tragedy strikes again and danger seems to be on their doorstep. I loved how this story played out and Cowles kept me guessing up until almost the end (I had figured out part of who was behind the events happening, but the other half took me by surprise). Cowles excels at likable heroines and swoony heroes which makes it so easy to pull for the HEA. I can't wait for this series to continue. 4.5 stars

HAVE YOU READ ANY OF THESE BOOKS?