A Portrait of Pain

It is ridiculous how fast I finished this series, this book specifically. To reiterate, freaking amazing writing, absolutely beautiful. Great ending to the series, nothing was excessively drown out without resolving some major plot lines. We got closure for pretty everything that was left unresolved and I couldn't get enough of the perfect love that threaded through all the people that surrounded Seraph. Seraph and her two pairs got even sweeter in this book because when most characters are faced with adversity, it tests their relationships and gives them room to either flourish or crumble. The boys especially bloomed in this book. They still had the baggage they always carried around–as did Seraph–but they were able to beat down not only their own barriers but hers as well by accepting who they were to each other.

Overall had a great time with this series.

SERIES REVIEW
To start, there are some heavy topics here such as abuse and attempted rape/incest.

This series had me H O O K E D. There is a mystery going on around who Seraph is, why she is the way she is, and who wants to kill/capture her. At some points I was annoyed because they did the whole “I'm not telling you things for your own good” trope and of course it makes things worse. No surprise. Yet, I wanted to know so badly and the atmosphere is so... dark-ish? that I just had to keep reading. I'm glad I did AND it is one of those rare times where I understand (a little) why they were trying to keep information from her. 

On that note, the romance. In some ways I think it is done well – 4 guys with different personalities, no insta-love (but insta-attraction/lust), and expressions of love and sex didn't happen ASAP or all the time– it is soooo drawn out. In other ways I think the romance could be meh – like how it felt like they are destined for each other, yet they are fighting fate and explaining that others in their position don't have to be in a relationship... but those that aren't are looked down upon or felt bad for??? , how dependent they make her, and keeping her in the dark over VERY IMPORTANT things. I will say some of this does get better as the series progresses though. 
BUT the romance isn't truly the main focus. Yes, it is a huge part of the book and mentioned all the time, but take away the romance and the story of her and her guys fighting for their place in the world and making things better still holds. Let me repeat, THE STORY ISN'T ONLY HELD UP BY THE ROMANCE. Like... for an RH, I think this fact alone makes it worth the read. 

Okay, some other little things before I make this review book-length:

–The characters are so, so precious. I do wish we got more from the friends she does eventually make and from Tariq – I'd love more interactions outside of the guys and talks about her romantic feelings. I love Silas though and all interactions with him made my heart soar. I think he and Quillan are the most fleshed out, while unfortunately the younger brothers' personalities were a bit bland. 
–There is an ARC dealing with memory... changes? removal? I don't want to give too much away, but UGH I've watched so many K-Dramas I just can't deal with it, especially when they don't try explaining anything to the ones who are missing memories!! This drove me insane!! 
–CHARACTER GROWTH FOR SERAPH! It happens and I think it makes the series all the better for it. 
–Some things in the end aren't completely explained or are brushed aside... plot demands something, so it happens. Some things don't make sense or seem to only apply to Seraph rolls eyes Just don't think about it too deeply. 

Look, I won't say this is the greatest series on Earth, but it is probably one of the best RH series I've read which feature a -mostly- healthy balanced relationship. If you are looking to read an RH series, try this one out. I know I'll definitely be reading more by Jane Washington in the future.