

Until the very end of the book it felt more like a battle of wills, possessiveness and revenge than it did love. Enemies to lovers isn't my favorite trope anyway, but this couple kept treating each other poorly long after they had started to develop feelings for each other, which made it feel worse. I had liked the hero as a side character, but here he was kind of a mean, hypocritical, fool. I just didn't enjoy the dynamic in this one. The secondary characters are very compelling, especially Lanthe and Thronos (there's another book in there) and Lothaire - there are no words to describe how much he intrigues me.Ĭouple of nitpicks - the dungeon scenes are too drawn out and although Omort's demise is satisfying, it is too rushed and a little anti-climactic given all the build up of the war in previous books. The writing is wonderful as usual and the story within a story prologue establishes the darker tone and atmosphere that characterizes the book as well as providing insight into Sabine's nature. Moreover, their journey toward mutual acceptance and a deep emotional connection makes this an excellent addition to the series. Sabine and Rydstrom are a perfect, if ironic, match and their clash of wills and battle for dominance is very entertaining (theirs is definitely the most erotic romance so far). Yes, she is immoral, ruthless, manipulative and untrustworthy but she has her reasons and she is never intentionally cruel or vicious (unless keeping a man sexually frustrated is considered cruel and unusual punishment - he didn't seem to mind too much.). Even though she classifies herself as evil, I saw her as a powerful woman willing to do anything to survive. Nevertheless, he is not only a pretty face but honest and honorable, fierce and lusty.

Rydstrom is seriously smokin' and I wouldn't mind keeping him in my dungeon (if I had one). Rydstrom's scene at the end of Dark Desires After Dusk had me salivating to read this one and I wasn't disappointed. Can these too unlikely lovers overcome the obstacles in their past and defeat the sinister foe standing in the way of their predestined future? Not only does Rydstrom plan to escape but is also determined to claim Sabine as his own. Sabine, the Queen of Illusions, lures Rydstrom Woede, deposed King of the Rage Demons to her lair in order to seduce him and produce an heir.
