GaleMR
Thrilling, compelling and completely out of the traditional retelling of stories about shifters and fated mates. If you are tired of reading the same old and gold, try something new with the fictional world of Vihaan. I liked the first book of the series but the second one is the winner so far - it packs so much intriguing details, unpredictable twists and intensity.
It was the first time I read that Fate could match completely not compatible souls. This is the most important and painful lesson life could give us - if we want a good life it depends in us, not Fate or a God, to build it the way we want it. Both Milo and Keon fought and bled for their second chance, their place and for their life together which made the story interesting and enchanting.
I received the book as an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion.
Two immortals try to woo a human mage - very simple, very ordinary, nothing new here! Nothing new here!?!Come again?!Wrong! Really wrong! I tumbled down the rabbit hole and just gobbled up the book in one go! Unbelievable! It's a very refreshing, original, mostly light retelling where mythology meets humanity in an explosion of unexpected twists, turns, banter, snark and a ton of humour. In this dystopia world immortals and humans, some of
them magically gifted, are co existing together. Sometimes their lives collide in sparks of magic, misunderstandings and pure chaos. Because chaos is guaranteed when gods are trying to understand human feelings and insert their divine awesomeness in someone's life. And in our case Hermes and Charon are really unstoppable while chasing their “human” - Chandler. The book gave me a front row seat of the show - How to woo a human mage while he is trying to solve crime cases and survive the vortex of all this Irresistible godlike awesomeness! But the most important !?!...There is always light in the darkness if you really look!/ past trauma and loss described on page and overcoming the grief that followed/
When you have to find all the pieces of your life to feel whole and complete, to close old wounds, heal and rebuild . This is the story of Vaughn, Perie and Flynn - the 3 pieces of this puzzle who all went through their personal life trials, errors and growing up, to find the key to rekindling their old love and this time - not only find it, but learn how to keep, cherish and balance their relationship with all 3 of them in the equation.
It's a sweet, low angst story lightly touching topics of post war dealings with PTSD, abandonment issues, family estrangement.
It was somehow entertaining to watch all the back and forth between Kyle and Logan while they were trying to figure out what were they going to be to each other - lovers, enemies, boyfriends, husbands. Both of them had an impressive heap of denials, fears and insecurities to wade through but all the witty banter, funny and sometimes bordering on absurd, situations they got themselves into were lightening the mood and helping to ease the read.
I liked the blurb more than the way the story unfolded. The cheating and the almost weddings didn't put me off - on the contrary!They illuminated the need of personal growth for all the characters that went through these hardships and gave them valuable life lessons. But the way Logan treated Kyle definitely did put me off. And Kyle turning into a sad lost puppy trailing after Logan - not the best behaviour and decision either.
Overall it was a good, thought provoking read.
I received an Arc of this book from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest review.
“Because once you've had an Aussie .... sun, there's no going back.”
This lighthearted and humorous summary is an excellent description of the love story of Hunter and Jeffrey.
Life is not always /if ever/pink clouds and unicorns for a closeted gay politician who started his career during the 80s. Jeffrey learnt this harsh lesson the hard way watching the crash and burn first of his marriage, then years later - his career.
Running from past mistakes, disappointments and shattered dreams with tabloids biting his ankles, he fled England in desperate try to save at least the relationship with his estranged daughter. And may be, just may be - a miniscule hope for new beginning.Little did he know how fundamentally life altering, his new choice would be when he meets our second character.
Hunter is facing his own struggles and mistakes, silently nursing yet again the pieces of his heart after a disastrous relationship. And the book is all about the wonderful bittersweet whirlwind of their story - intense emotions, longing, hard to make confessions, a lot of pain about past mistakes but above everything- Hope and Rebirth!
Be aware of the big age gap between both characters if this isn't your jam.
Merged review:
“Because once you've had an Aussie .... sun, there's no going back.”
This lighthearted and humorous summary is an excellent description of the love story of Hunter and Jeffrey.
Life is not always /if ever/pink clouds and unicorns for a closeted gay politician who started his career during the 80s. Jeffrey learnt this harsh lesson the hard way watching the crash and burn first of his marriage, then years later - his career.
Running from past mistakes, disappointments and shattered dreams with tabloids biting his ankles, he fled England in desperate try to save at least the relationship with his estranged daughter. And may be, just may be - a miniscule hope for new beginning.Little did he know how fundamentally life altering, his new choice would be when he meets our second character.
Hunter is facing his own struggles and mistakes, silently nursing yet again the pieces of his heart after a disastrous relationship. And the book is all about the wonderful bittersweet whirlwind of their story - intense emotions, longing, hard to make confessions, a lot of pain about past mistakes but above everything- Hope and Rebirth!
Be aware of the big age gap between both characters if this isn't your jam.
So much sweetness and sadness combined in one book! Easy to read, but with just a pinch of angst to spice things up a bit. This was my first book with such an interesting kind of pet play - bird. And not just any bird, but a dove.
Theo is a baker by day but at heart he's a dove - gentle, fragile, sensitive and introverted. He loves his his hidden avian side which is rarely out to play. He doesn't know that the acceptance and care he longs for are just a door away.
Theo and Finn are step-uncle and nephew/no blood relation/very good friends since 4 yrs and up, but have never shared their mutual love of kink with each other. Until a kink gathering for pets and handlers turns into the earthquake of their lives.
Finn is much younger than Theo and is a handler looking for his special pet. He attends event after event until he sees a rare sight - a breathtaking dove. He decides then and there that the dove will be his. And Finn is definitely a force to be reckoned with when he's fiercely determined to prove what a great keeper he is - considerate, protective and observant.
I liked the D/S dynamic between Finn and Theo. It was definitely a rocky start with steep learning curve but with Finn's unwavering support, understanding and love, Theo blossomed and learned to trust again.
I received a free ARC in return for my honest review
Simply amazing! Nicholas Bella definitely knows how to deliver a brand new, out of the conventional box, retelling of one the most exploited themes. This isn't a typical MC and the world building is carefully laid out with precise attention to the fine details which turns the sinking into the right head space to enjoy the book that more pleasurable. The way the story is written gives a tangible sensation to the readers that they are right there, peeking through the eyes of the characters, feeling what they feel - the tang of blood, the smell of leather, grease and fumes, the coldness of a blade, the sound of a gun blast. And then there are all the complicated bonds between all the characters, all the emotional jumble ...Truly interesting beginning of this new series!
The continuation of the series has even stronger emotional impact. After the devastating events in the first book , the lives of Kieran, Varick, Devan, Carmine and their friends are irrevocably changed and everything they thought they knew is torn to pieces. But amongst the destruction and suffering there is something new emerging- the bonds between them forged with affection, love, patience and acceptance. Deeply flawed and damaged, they learn how to trust again, how to piece together the scattered shards of their lives and how to simply be themselves without being afraid of harassment, resentment or manipulation. Every page is a peek into the complex process of healing and mental rebuilding of our characters. This isn't just a book about kinky sex and sexual exploration even though there is enough heat on page. It's more about the learning who to trust, how to give up controll but still be in control of your choices, establishing boundaries in personal interactions and that you matter as a person. And all of this blends into unique and interesting BDSM dynamic between all of them.
There are a lot of triggering discussions of previous traumatic events so be aware of that.
I received an ARC and this is my honest review.
Overall a sweet, light, casual read, perfect for readers, who love low angst, bi awakening and fake relationships. New Zealand was wonderful destination for the beginning of the real love story of Lucas and Dev full of cuddles, fun and warmth. There wasn't much as a plot but I enjoyed it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is a really dark omegaverse story with alpha/beta/omega dynamics. And when I say dark, keep in mind, that means swimming in a sea of non-con, dub-con, abuse and violence. Nolan is an omega who has the misfortune to be born in one of the cruellest packs in this shifter society. As the only son in a family with 3 beta sisters, he is the biggest, deepest, shameful disappointment of his parents when he presents as omega in his early teen years. In a pack where designation is everything, being an omega means to be the lowest of the low, a rag doll for the alphas to play as they please. The lack of family support in his case, means also lack of parental support, care and love. Even though the abuse and non con started in Nolan's teen years/ before 18/, they were only mentioned and described in the prologue but not seen on page. But when the actual story starts, Nolan is already in college and the nightmare he lives in, unfolds in its staggering, breath stealing depth and details. What we do feel seeing his life, except the despair, loneliness and pain, is his deep need to belong, to find his mate, to be loved. Despite the hardships, Nolan is a bright beam of sunshine, sensitive, cautious, soft spoken and incredibly smart. But his smaller, delicate stature also puts a target on his back as a convenient victim. Something Simon - the alpha's heir of Nolan's birth pack - uses non stop as an advantage.
But not all packs of wolves in this fictional world abuse and mistreat their omegas. There are some where shifters live as tight knit families no matter the designation and everyone contributes as much as they can for the common prosperity. Sebastian is a part of such kind of pack - where people genuinely care and respect each other. When he meets Nolan on campus and realises the tantalising aroma of apples is his mate's scent, he doesn't have any idea how many challenges, pain and struggles, they both have to overcome to be together. And part of the problems are Nolan's lack of self preservation instinct and bad choices.
The story ends with really hard won HEA. I liked the pace, the plot and the characters. It would have been awesome if it was a beginning of a series, not only standalone.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
While I was a little bit reserved and hesitant about the first book, this one has me 1000% invested. The suspense really reached a new high - dark, violent, unpredictable! Our baby vigilante from the first book- Eric aka Cobra has grown more confident in his powers and has truly committed to taking down the Killing game. But this deadly game is like a disease spread across the globe so Cobra and Jordan are well aware that they can't do it alone if they want the mission to be successful. So this book is like a preparation for the final battle and the tension is palpable. Can they trust their new ally - The Black knight and will Eric follow through on the stipulations he agreed on in advance. And will his casual relationship with Alexi turn into something more? So it's time to test new allies, new connections and put not only his capability and powers but his heart on the line and see will the end result pays off!?!
One of the sweetest, light and low angst books about polyamory I've ever read. The sleepy and peaceful island of Marieena is a truly fascinating fictional world. Unfortunately the peace and quiet are seriously threatened. The old gods are all but forgotten by the people inhabiting the island, and the magical balance suffers severely. Marieena's last hope is the Enchantress! As a magical being, her magic is also affected, not only by the people's lack of faith, but because in so many circles of life she cannot find her soulmates, the missing pieces that will not only make her life whole and complete, but make her magic sing again. And that's when Rook shows up - in the yawning abyss, just before the world they all know turns to dust, this naive and super sweet boy is the ray of sunshine and hope no one in the Castle knew would come. His devotion and sheer adoration for the Enchantress is astounding and screams of inexperience and youth. The tale waves sensual tentacles around Rook's eye-opening bi-awakening and cautious first explorations as he searches for his place in the Castle and builds relationships with the other inhabitants. The centerpiece is MF, but there are also FF and MM relationships in the group. It was wonderful reading experience and I can't wait to see how the story will expand and develop in the second book.
After the crushing emotional intensity of Watching Jude,which is first in the series, the second one started a little bit more subdued and hesitant. But the pace picked up quickly and the careful beginning blossomed into a loving, tender, deeply touching story of 3 men finding their paths to each other. We already knew Justin, Jamie and William from the first book and even had a whisper of something special between Jamie and Justin. Here, we can finally see the whole story. And it was a memorable, emotional journey of 3 people who merged their lives into one of the most harmonious triads I have ever found in a book. Even though Jamie and Justin started their relationship a little bit before William joined them, there wasn't even a hint of inequality in developing and strengthening the bonds between them. I loved the open communication, the maturity of the characters, the way their personality clicked seamlessly complimenting each other. Even though there were light touches of BDSM and Daddies-boy relationship, there wasn't actual ABDL involved. The dynamic revolved first and foremost around norturing and soul healing. Two daddies who overcame their own trust issues to be able to help their precious boy to close the doors to a painful past and mend old wounds. And loving Jamie they really did - deeply, unconditionally, infinitely.
A drop of sweetness, a dash of suspense, a lick of erotica, a thrill of danger and the heady feeling of something waiting to happen - good or bad depending on how the change and the challenge will be interpreted, are packed into this short, intense paranormal story. The little town of Bright lake, nestled in a mountain valley and built on powerful lay lines pulsing with strong magic, is a magnet for paranormal creatures living amongst the unsuspecting humans. But the biggest communities in this breathtakingly beautiful place, are these of witches and shifters. Bloody and violent war between the 2 fractions has left them suspended in uneasy and not very stable peace, still weary and distrustful. Until a new unknown violent entity enters the town and starts turning it into a bloody playground. So to protect the place they call home and keep the magic hidden, both fractions has to learn a new game - close the rift and learn to trust and rely on each other while searching and eliminating the new threat, far greater than even their mutual animosity and hatred.
Iagan MackRath - the best police investigatior and alpha of the wolf shifters in Bright lake and Ellis Tomlach - defense expert and enforcer of the witch coven, were such a pretty, raunchy, exasperating example of stubbornness and desperate, miserably failing attempts to deny and squash the incredible attraction that sparked between them from the very beginning. And the fated bond they accidentally activated during the mad chase of the new threat turned Demon, was just a glaring conformation that the Magical godmother or Fate or whatever else was looking over their paranormal community, was giving them a signal that they belonged to each other. Omg, I lost the count of times I wanted to bang their heads together to help them see. All the humour and dirty talking, all the sparks and silly little moments, were such a great entertainment.
The second book shows the deepening of their relationship, careful exploration of their needs. Evan is intuitive and sweet, taking care of his son's needs. And while Bailey's waiting the second shoe to drop, figuratively said, and his father to start being demanding and restrictive, he was more than surprised when not only it didn't happen but Evan suggested a night of fun in a kink club. So we have another portion of kinks galore in this story and a wonderful, attentive aftercare scene that encompasses and showcases how in tune to each other Bailey and Evan are.
A story that has acutely captured the beat of the urban life on its lowest level. For the people who have hit rock bottom or were born in poverty, this harsh but realistic picture of survival is actually daily occurrence. The book is focused on heavy triggering topics : internal and external homophobia, domestic violence and abuse, child endangerment and neglect/described as happened in the past/, prostitution, physical assault/once, on page, not between the MCs/. It's slow burn, enemy-to-lovers story that hides a well of pain, despair, tons of angst and even an interesting demisexual awakening. I had really hard time connecting to one of the main characters not because I didn't sympathise to all the pain he went through, all the struggles and raging emotional turmoil that was eating him alive from the inside out but because I couldn't see the real fight in him, the will to live not just exist. Physically he escaped the hell hole he was raised into, but emotionally and mentally he didn't move on. Stone surrounded himself with a wall of self loathing and his hatred towards the people around him was really impressive. And one of these people was Stix, aka Nico Jamieson. Nico is a character you just can't help but love from the first page - smiling, warm, good-hearted. People like him, who never know if there will be a next morning for them, carry within them a special bright and fiery spark as well as silent understanding that every breathing moment should be cherished and lived to the fullest. Life has not handed Nico the nicest of gifts - a crippling chronic illness that severely diminishes his quality of life and job opportunities, and a father who has used his coming out as queer as an excuse to leave the family, thus placing the pressure of providing for his mother and sister on the shoulders of his 19-year-old self. But Nico wasn't deterred in the slightest - a prostitute by day and bartender by night, he was unstoppable ball of lightness and sunshine that imprinted on the people surrounding him in the best ways possible. The only exception was his perpetually scowling neighbour Stone who radiated disapproval of his lifestyle. But somehow, somewhere in some way, I couldn't pinpoint, Stix managed to slip through the cracks of Stone's shield and widen the fissures. Nico was the catalyst of the real change for Stone - aka Damien Sloan, the awakening of the nightmare Damien was perpetually living into and never managed to leave behind, the so needed healing touch. Stix gave him something really precious - an anchor, a safe harbour, a feeling of belonging and being valued. For me it wasn't a well balanced relationship or the best choice for Nico as a partner, but hey, it worked for them so it's totally fine!
Love can be poisonous, toxic, destructive and yet irresistible and powerful when forged with blood, tears and sacrifices. Book 3 is not only a magnificent finale to the story I have been following with bated breath, but a long awaited and craved new beginning for Marcus, Pagan, Tino and Richard. Seeing Richard out of self destructive mode was a huge relief.
Read it, feel it, touch it - such an intensive reading experience, one of the best for this year.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Merged review:
Love can be poisonous, toxic, destructive and yet irresistible and powerful when forged with blood, tears and sacrifices. Book 3 is not only a magnificent finale to the story I have been following with bated breath, but a long awaited and craved new beginning for Marcus, Pagan, Tino and Richard. Seeing Richard out of self destructive mode was a huge relief.
Read it, feel it, touch it - such an intensive reading experience, one of the best for this year.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Mio Dio!Holly bomboloni! and all the delicious pastries made by the loving hands of the sweetest chèf ever! Warn a gal that a sugar overdrive is flying in her direction when she opens the book! Who doesn't like the aroma of italian cuisine even if it comes with a little bit of heavy sauce in the form of moody rockstars and the light taste of friendship forged in the trials of rougher times. This is a story that contains a lot of my favourite tropes - overcoming grief, friends to lovers, second chances and of course a lot, a lot of music while mending broken heartstrings. So the question really is can a fractured, jadded band of musicians help a fractured, lost soul and can a fractured soul be the healing salve of a fractured band!?! This was one of the best bittersweet stories how a pack was formed. I loved Cass journey and her well deserved HEA/ Silva and Kobi were my favourites/.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I was very excited when I started reading the book becauseI am a poly reader and I love when more of this kind of books are coming out. What was disappointing was the lack of emotional depth of the characters. I couldn't feel the emotionality and build a picture of everyone involved due to the lack of descriptions, inner monologue, feelings, motivation, personal preferences. Although a big part of the main character is his wolf, they are both living like separate entities. I hoped to see the pack, the members and the dynamics as a part of the world building but it wasn't described at all and seen on page. The way the action unfolds in the book did not allow me to merge with what I was reading and grab my attention. I was expecting more suspense,angst more complexity, more difficulties and a gradual development of the relationship between the three main characters.
It's a well-written book but the story is somehow flat. There is a good foundation for a build up, there are interesting ideas but they need developing and some more work.
I received the book as an ARC and this is my honest review.
I love the titles the author chooses for her books. They completely reflect the spirit of the stories told in them. This is the second book in Bright Lake Chronicles and I recommend reading them in order because not only are the characters and world building in all the books connected and evolve over time, but the reading enjoyment is enhanced.
So while the first book is more action-thriller oriented, this one has a deeper, sweeter, emotional undercurrent. So do you like cosy, paranormal stories about lonely warlocks who are straddling the line between the living and dead? If so, this is your book! Enjoy the humour, the touch of friendship, the tinge of sadness and the overwhelming feel of loneliness. Luke was such a delightful little guy - sensitive, quiet, observant with a spine of steel and surprising amount of bravery and determination. And I have to admit, living with a mind full of voices surrounded by ghosts clamoring for attention isn't for everyone. The second problem - he's a vessel for a huge amount of magical energy without being able to use it. During events like Halloween, which are a magnet for the dead, he needs extra protection or he has to stay home behind the powerful protective barriers put up by his ancestors. This time in the story, he doesn't have to stay hidden behind, because he has a guardian - Callum, brother of the local pack's alpha and a famous hermit. Callum has secrets of his own, strange voices started plaguing his mind a few years earlier, affecting badly his health, so he keeps to himself as much as possible. The unexpected task to guard Luke during Halloween sparks not only his curiosity, but also a tentative friendship that subtly turns into affection, caring, and comfortable closeness. I loved the flow of the plot, the slow but stable build up of trust between Callum and Luke, the way the intimacy bloomed step by step. There was also a twist that made the story even more interesting and I enjoyed my reading so much.
I haven't read the whole Anthology, only All I claim by Abrianna Denae and her story is brilliantly dark and edgy, a tantalising glimpse in the life of the Amato family. There are no halves, no middle grounds there. You are either all in or all out - dead cold for sure if that's the case. Where the men of the Amato family are invloved, all feelings and sensations are amplified tenfold. So Tennant and Hollis is a story of lust and obsession, colored in red, of course - and the red isn't coming from a glass of wine - it's the blood of the enemies of the Amatos, they both love to play with or their own when they are alone.
Sometimes love is not enough to save a marriage from a total crash.
We meet Elliot and Hunter at a moment when their marriage comes to a screeching halt. Sometimes the road to Hell is paved with good intentions and in their case all devotion, love and sacrifices made them miserable instead of happy. The book is a story of self discovery, heartbreak and finding the strength to change your life in unexpected ways. And all of this was wrapped up beautifully with some kink.
I loved also the unconventional ending.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I finished the book and wish I hadn't because now I have to wait the next one to see what happens to our quad. I was looking for exactly this kind of balance between the sweet and the bitter in a fictional world.The cliffhanger is mild and has a happy for now vibe. The story itself had the perfect bite of angst and dark to make it an irresistible page- turner. I loved the combination between crime elements, suspense and complex relationship development. Rhys is a mathematician on a genius level and his whole life is digits. Deep in the world of formulas and sequences, he feels secure and comfortable. The only other blanket of comfort he's got when the social anxiety threatens to overwhelm him in a crippling wave was his neighbour and friend with benefits - Gianni. That's it...until Gianni moved away and this action destroyed one of his security anchors. The heart of the story was centered around Rhys while he worked on a top secret project and fought a losing battle with his ex fiancé - Owen - to get him out of his life. On surface level everything looked simple - he's got a restraining order; it should have been easy to get rid of off him but somehow the more he tried to extract himself from his abusive past, the more the ropes of the nightmare tightened around him. It was heartbreaking to watch his struggles and tries to understand why his world was crumbling around him, why the darkness was closing in. If there was one good thing in all the descending chaos, it was that Gianni - his sure rock - came back and gave the best cuddles and a precious feeling of safety. Because not only had Owen, his ex and the bane of his existence, turned into a crazed stalker, but Rhys had an escalating problem with his family. In this moment of extreme need, they offered him no support or understanding with one single exception- his brother. But in Rhys' world, nothing is one layered and Gianni is a package deal - he has partners and is in something of an open relationship. Having Gianni back, brought 2 other protectors for Rhys.The three men - Gianni, Valentine and Dmitri - added a tangible touch of raw eroticism to the story, but also the intimacy, protection, care and love that Rhys so desperately needed in his lonely life. He finally felt what it truly meant to belong and be part of a group. The only downside? This was no ordinary group and they were no ordinary heroes - high paid mercenaries for hire, they were the darkness incarnate. Once again Rhys had to take a dangerous leap of blind trust and hope that this time the choice was the right one. The second half of the book was filled with unexpected revelations - hard truths, lies uncovered, surprising connections - all mixed into a tense temporary finale.
A Louboutin cocktail and heels for the holidays, this short, spicy novella set in the Switchblade universe is a sure recipe for lots of fun and laughs. It's a story combining glimpses of Richard and Tino's explosive romance and how they became a couple. And although Tino's presence smooths the rough edges of Richard's wild and unpredictable personality, the beast within remains on guard - aggressive, dangerous and possessive. it showed in the way Richard claimed Tino for himself, drawing him into the circle of the rich, where everything and anyone can be bought at the right price, personal boundaries are just obstacles that can be removed with more money, and lives can be changed irrevocably with the flick of a hand. I have read all the books in the Switchblade universe and every single one was a true delight to read. I love Tino - his sass, brutal honesty and “no pushing around” attitude aren't only refreshing but grounding for Richard's famous hotheadedness. This novella is no exception - with all the spice and explosion of emotions all over the place.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I'm pleased to say that this series just gets better and better. Watching Colin's personal growth and adaptation into being submissive, finding his inner center, and learning to trust his Dom was extremely interesting to read. And while the kinky fun side of Colin's relationship expands /oh, and it was so hot and decadent/, the overall plot also evolves. Mr. Reesworth's enemies emerge from the shadows, attempting to destabilize his company and his life, thus affecting not only his daily life, but the lives of those associated with him. I was glad to see that not only was Colin comfortable in his new environment, opening up and learning to express his needs and how to rely on his partners, but Mr. Moreau also found the courage to share a whole new side of himself, which was an impressive display of trust and vulnerability. So the polydynamics in the story here are much stronger and finally on equal footing between all partners involved. And all because they were able to communicate openly and be honest with each other. The whole concept of all these interconnected stories is to show the emotional development of the characters, how fragile the balance is in a polydynamic with so many people entangled together, but also to show the sweet nurturing side - the love and care between all the partners. And the added bonus - so many interesting secondary characters that make the story even more intriguing.