Content Warning: PTSD, violence and trauma

I read this book at such a furious pace that I’m sure I missed the details. In fact, I know I did. Because I’m struggling to write this review beyond simply repeating “wow” to myself ad infinitum. There was such a wonderful balance between a strong character-driven development and sheer plot momentum that I couldn’t control myself. I just had to devour this book. Did I ignore all of my other responsibilities in order to give this book my full attention? Reader, I did.

Atlas Kinkaid works as a bodyguard for his sister’s security agency in Scarsdale, New York. He is a war veteran with PTSD from an intense attack while he was stationed in Romania. This attack leaves him with the physical and emotional scars you would expect after suffering a tremendously traumatic event. This event is shrouded in mystery and only later is it revealed…

Who is Mr Kincaid’s love interest? Enter Cristian Slava. The son of a prominent Scarsdale business owner, Cristian has been cycling through bodyguards like I go through cups of tea (which is to say a lot, many of which are abandoned). Not a single one can put up with his rudeness. But Atlas is different. He is able to stay calm in the face of Cristian’s antics and works hard to keep this job. Cristian softens towards Atlas in small, incremental steps. The shift is a beauty to behold. (Side note: This is one of the most satisfying redemption arcs I’ve read. How sweet it is!)

Right from the start , the chemistry between Atlas and Cristian is palpable. Tingles, in the best possible way. But it’s definitely a slow burn. If you’re looking for some between the sheets action, these two won’t deliver for you. I will say that there is a very pleasing match between the slow burn nature of Atlas and Cristian’s romance and the central conflict of the story.

The conflict in the story is complicated and spoils so much of the book and the revelations inside that I’m hesitant to give too much away. There are questions of loyalty, deceit, secrets, and betrayal, plus third parties who are also interfering, adding external conflict to the layered internal conflicts between Cristian and Atlas.

The world in this novel has a really clear internal logic. The actions of the characters make sense based on what we know of them. This allowed me to completely relax and enjoy the story, safe in the knowledge that I wouldn’t be bounced out of the story by uncharacteristic actions or dialogue or gaps in the plot.

The best kind of romantic suspense is one where I’m not sure that the conflict can be resolved. I mean, it will be. (Or at least, by the end of this trilogy, it better be. Side note: this book ends on a cliffhanger…) But while in the depths of the story, I need to doubt that it is possible. In this case, I doubted a great deal. While the chemistry might be there, there are so many obstacles to their relationship. If you need to escape from the world for a bit and revel in a dangerous paranormal, then this book will deliver.