The second book in this increasingly mysterious and secretive world may be entitled “The Answer Is Near”, but I had more questions at the end of it than at the beginning. It certainly kept my interest, but even my increasing understanding of how this world of demons, Nekos, and humans works was no match for the politics of demons and rebel demons. I could feel the story building toward a breaking point in this second installment, and while part of that pressure came to explosive effect at the very end, I fear there is a lot more to come in book three.

Collin has settled into his new life in Chicago, which is very different from where he grew up. Being Prince Adrian’s lover, not just his pet as everyone else assumes, is perfect for him, but there are too many factors to interfere with that happiness. Collin loves Adrian with everything he is, but Diana the demoness is still after Adrian so they can get married, another Neko appears and challenges a lot of what Collin has come to believe, and his brother Rolland is still missing and presumed to be with the rebel demons. Everyone has a different agenda, but all Collin wants is to keep Adrian safe. He has quite a bit of growing up to do, and he is now well on the way to developing his own ideas of what he should and should not do. He may make mistakes on the way – and he does – but he is becoming his own man. The growing pains are not easy to deal with, neither for him nor for Prince Adrian, but if Collin ever wants to be Arian’s equal in more than his heart, then he has no choice but to step up.

Prince Adrian is in a difficult situation. His heart says he is in love with Collin, but there are too many societal considerations for him to be able to make Collin his lover. There is political pressure from the rebels, and some physical danger threatening Collin’s life. While he must have his own agenda, it isn’t clear to me what that might be. Other than wanting to keep Collin safe, I am not sure what Adrian is thinking since Collin is telling the story. I sure it will all become clear at some point!

If you like stories with lots of mystery, intrigue, and unanswered questions, if you enjoy reading about men who clearly love each other but cannot do it openly for fear of being rejected by the same demon society on of them is supposed to rule, and if you’re looking for a short, hot read set in an interesting paranormal world, then you will probably like this novella. I really want to read the next book as soon as possible!


NOTE: This book was provided by Changeling Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
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