I thought having six mate marks was more than I could handle. And then Cyrus and Dar came along and told me that I was theirs, too. Male conduits, looking for their mate for over a hundred years. No pressure, right?I thought that being someone else's fated meant everything would be easy, that our connection would be instant. But that theory doesn't take into account the life they've led before finding me. Am I really enough?Then there's the mystery guy I've been chatting to online- I don't know who he is but he seems perfect for me. My other mates are encouraging me to finish my circuit so that I'm safe from the monsters that want my magic, but I have to walk that fine line between finding who I'm meant for and making sure we have a connection and that they respect me. And that being with them won't alter the respect I hold for myself. Things are getting crazy. Can we make it through?

MY THOUGHTS

As with any sequel, this book brings more to the table than the last as the goddess makes herself known as an actual presence or entity. Gabriella is faced with actively seeking her other mates and managing her relationships. She’s also finally accepting her new lot in life, thought admittedly she’s not given much choice.

About the Characters

Gabriella handles things with grace and rolls with the changes that come at her. We also see more of her fun and mischievous side. Dar continues to prove he’s much more than his initial impression. He’s a protective badass and a font of information. Cyrus makes up for how he left things at the end of the last book and proves how devoted he is and will be forever. Despite also being a badass, he’s softer in some ways than his brother. Foster shows he’s so much more than the shy boy Gabriella first met. He’s the dirtiest talker of the bunch. Balfour is her foundation. He is whole heartedly supportive and understanding. Grey seems almost like a sad note at first, but that turns around and promises more sweet fun. Palmer admits to his demons, makes a determined choice to be better, and engages the necessary groveling to get back into Gabriella’s good graces. He doesn’t give up on her. Pearson comes off as a bit of a spoiled rich kid, but he seems light hearted for the most part, fun, and like he’d fit right in with the others.

Things I Liked

I love the dynamics among the harem. Gabriella, a little exasperated or not at the sheer number of mates, doesn’t fight her destiny. There’s no jealousy among the guys or attempts to “keep things even”. They do what they feel. What family members we meet are great. It was in this book that I finally caught on to the significance of Dar and Cyrus’s last name bringing a smile to my face, but I will leave that for you to find. The sex “drunk” antics are beyond entertaining.

Things I Didn’t Like

Time sneaks along until suddenly weeks have gone by leaving me feeling lost for a moment. Palmer and Pearson both endear themselves, but flirt with the line between cute and creepy before Gabriella accepts them officially. I get that the “Night” things is our overall conflict, but it’s just not a story arc that I’m feeling yet. Gabriella gets a chance to be a protective badass, but past that I need more definition for it to feel compelling.

More Thoughts

As things ramped up and things with the guys progressed, I couldn’t put it down. I had to see how things played out with so many mates, the tease of some MM action, and what they all mean to the bigger picture.

Does it stand alone?

Given the way it ended, this appears to be a series meant to be read in order.

Bottom Line

While I can’t say I’m utterly in love with the book (and series), I can say that I’ve enjoyed the hell out of it as some fun sexy reading.