Holy titfire. What a way to bring this dumpster fire of a year to a close. This book is in my top of 2020 and just stole the series. #SorryNova. This is one of those times that my endless years of schooling and numerous degrees have failed me because I am not even sure where to even start this review or how to do it justice.

This author is extraordinary when it comes to using the written word as a way of creating a maelstrom of feelings that feel visceral. Perhaps, none as much as this book did. I was fascinated with the juxtaposition of light and dark, and not just in the obvious ways but in the characters themselves. She reminded me, again, that light can always find a way to shine. There truly could not be a better example than of Bea and Priest.

I fell hard for both of these characters. I loved the empathetic side to Bea and how there was still something in her that could soothe Priest and also that found solace in his darkness. If there was ever a character that was the embodiment of what Christianity is in present times, it would be this sweet girl. She was good and kind and gravitated toward the sinners. The fact that I can say this, as someone who is the polar opposite of all that organized religion stands for, says something. It is a testament to this author's skill with a pen, or in this case a keyboard. Priest was the ultimate dichotomy of good and bad. Even as dark as he was with his actions, he never was that way with Bea. He didn't know how to trust and even though the MC was his family, I got the feeling that it was easier for Priest to remain aloof than to get close because he had been let down so many times, especially by God and religion. I find that his name was that much more significant because of that.

This book is darker than the rest of them to a certain extent. There are some major twists that I did not see coming which is always a surprise in romance books. The storyline was unique in this one. The steamy times were HOT. Sweet holiest of titfires, were they ever hot. There were moments that made me tear up, good lord, one scene, in particular, made my heart hurt so badly but it enhanced the story. There were cameo appearances from other characters but not enough to have them overshadow this story which I appreciated. In fact, for once I almost didn't want the author characters because I was that focused on the duality of this amazing pairing.

I am not sure where the author intends to go next or what character is coming next but whoever it is, I am here for it. If this author writes it, then I will one-click it faster than I want this godforsaken year of 2020 to end. I am not sure if my review did the book any justice. All I can really say is that this book is a must-read for anyone that loves MC romance with amazing characters, a superb storyline, perfectly balanced steamy times, and suspense. ( )

ehhhh ( )