Contemporary Romance published by Berkley 07 Jul 20
This series is dark and edgy with topics that are often difficult to read or even comprehend. Each character has suffered incomprehensible trauma that has not only created unbroken bonds between them but also shaped them into the instruments of justice they are today. Aleksei is a touch sensitive who not only acts as a human lie detector, but also allows him to draw out the pain and darkness suffered by his brothers and sisters. A woman who can soothe his raw edges and grant him peace is a treasure he’d give his soul to hide and protect. Given that Scarlet has secrets of her own to protect…
I started this series not sure whether the darkness is something that I want as a leisure reader, but I must be suffering from Stockholm’s syndrome, since I can’t stop devouring every new book that comes out. 🙂 I applaud Ms. Feehan for handling such difficult and unimaginable subjects as a background to her ultimately hopeful happily-ever-after endings for these characters who have barely survived childhoods and adulthoods that make a reader shudder.
This story starts out so cutely as both Scarlet and Aleksei live in their minds, drawing erotic fantasies without much of a conversation having been exchanged between them. Scarlet has her own past scars and gifts, so it seems difficult to imagine how the story will play out. But, as we romance readers know, love conquers all. Aleksei, or Absinthe as he is known, uncovers all of Scarlet’s secrets and brings the considerable resources of Torpedo Ink to their partnership. I love the contrast between the sexual dominant into kitten play, tails and collars with the man who stands back supportively letting his woman take the lead on her own agenda.
An excellent chapter in the series. I like how each book takes us deeper into the world of Torpedo Ink and gives us insights into the souls of each character with the deep dive being reserved for the character who’s story is being told. From standing at the edge afraid to jump in, I can’t wait for the next book in the series.
Grade: B
Summary:
Torpedo Ink is Aleksei “Absinthe” Solokov’s whole life. They’re his brothers, his family—his everything. But that doesn’t stop him from wanting something that only belongs to him. That’s why the tough biker has spent the last six weeks at the library, reading every book he can get his hands on and watching the prim and proper librarian who makes his blood rush.
For the past six weeks, Scarlet Foley has been fantasizing about the handsome, tattooed man whose eyes follow her every move. She senses he’s dangerous. She wants him to get close enough to touch. She wishes she could let him know the real woman, not the one she pretends to be. But Scarlet has a plan to carry out, and she can’t afford any distractions.
Absinthe is well aware that Scarlet is hiding something. She’s a puzzle he intends to solve, piece by intoxicating piece….
Other books in this series:
