What an emotional roller coaster; the middle third of this book was intense. Emotionally. I expected nothing less from J.R. Ward. I love the big, strong warriors with their soft, soft hearts.
Apex is the penultimate softy inside, and I love it. The speech he gave Callum when he was a wolf had me in tears. I connected with him so much in that moment, making up the life that they could have had in order to mourn him. My god.
And his selflessness? At least where Callum was concerned. It’s just heartbreaking and sweet. Apex, softness wrapped up in leather. It makes me wonder about his backstory. And I’m sure I’ll get it when I go back to read the rest of the series. I’m looking forward to it.
I feel for Callum, too. He’s had it rough, but I’m glad we’re being shown the process of his healing and how difficult it is not to be consumed by his past. Trauma is creates a hard road to recovery. PTSD is tough. Callum is a good example of this.
I really want them to have happiness, and I’m sure they’re going to. That makes me happy. I’m rooting for them.
I’m also rooting for Mayhem and Mahrci. I like who Mayhem is for her, his live in the present moment attitude and without taking on responsibilities for other people’s actions. I really love how he is with Mahrci, patient, willing to take whatever she’s willing to give him. The instalove is really cute, and it simmers.
And what he did to Remis. Yes! Fuck that dude. I’m glad she got away from him. I love how Mayhem took care of him, and how willing he was to end the man. The chaotic nature of him is so good. So so good.
I’m still not sure what’s going on with the murder investigation, but it’s interesting. Given what we’re been fed so far about this meeting in that summer home, I’m curious what Mahrci’s dad has gotten involved with.
Okay, one of the smaller fun things in this was how we get a meta moment between Tohr and Qhuinn as they blow open a door about how they can have a normal conversation about mating and kids while they do so. It’s funny because I’d just had that same thought with her craft, how they’re doing this thing and having a conversation to keep things moving. It was well done.
I’m looking forward to what’s going to happen in the rest of this book and how the POV/timelines come together.
Got any predictions? Want to share your reactions? Let me know about it all!
And don’t forget to meet me back here next week as we finish up our reading of A Bloom In Winter by J.R. Ward. Happy reading!