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Review

Book 2 in the Elemental Mysteries series, this book dives right back into the story, getting us straight into the mindset of Beatrice, via a prologue fantastically written in diary-like excerpts. Starting not too long after the ending of the last book – A Hidden Fire – Beatrice is building her own life away from the supernatural world and we get to witness the changes in her as she grows older, more mature, and a lot stronger and more independent – I love grown up Beatrice!!! Most notable is the shift in her feelings for her vampire love, Giovanni, as she comes to terms with the fact that he has gone from her life, and whoa, is she angry! Cetainly not the beginning I was expecting!!!

And then, right when she has reached a place where she is happy in her life, her world is rocked when, unexpectedly, he returns to her.

“I’m back, Beatrice. I’m back for you, and I’m not going anywhere. You’re not a girl anymore, so run home for now but know that I’ll see you again tomorrow. And I’m not leaving you again.”

This is a whole new Gio we are dealing with here. He has spent years away from the woman he loves, continuing on the search that began in the last book, and giving her the opportunity to live a normal life, waiting for her to be ready for him. And now he is one determined vampire. But Beatrice is justifiably furious, and their reunion is explosive!

“Why didn’t you come?” she sobbed. “Why? I wanted for years! I never loved a man the way I loved you. I’ve never loved anyone that way. I never wanted anyone that way.”
For the first time in his immortal life, he felt as if his heart could bleed from another’s pain.
…
“Don’t you realize how I adore you? … But I couldn’t steal the life of a girl when I wanted a woman’s love. I wanted you to have a choice, not an infatuation.”

And then he hits her with this…

“I will earn the woman’s love, if I have lost the girl’s.”

And HOLY FREAKING SWOON! He does just that!

“I love you, Beatrice De Novo. I fell in love with the girl I met six years ago, and I love the woman in front of me even more.”
“Gio–”
“So you make the decision, Tesoro mio … It’s your choice. I want eternity with you, and I’m not leaving again.” He gave her a sad smile. “You can’t make me.”

See!!! It’s sensational! These quotes aren’t spoilery, as his declaration happens pretty early on, and there is a really strong focus on the relationship between Beatrice and Gio for the rest of the book, as Gio tries to prove himself to Beatrice, and she wrestles with her feelings for him, their past together, the issues of trust between them, and her potential role by his side in the supernatural world. And I loved every minute of it!

The mystery storyline continues with Gio hunting down bad guys, and there is a devastating twist as Carwyn and his family are brought tragically into the twisted story. And in between all of the ‘sorting out of relationship’ stuff, Gio and Beatrice travel to Europe and South America, following clues, and searching out the mystery which gets even deeper (and which I am being deliberately vague about to avoid spoilers). There is some great action, and the introduction of a few new characters who all contribute meaningfully to the story.

And then there’s Ben. In his time away from her, Gio has ‘adopted’ a 12 year old boy who he passes off as his nephew, and who is absolutely freaking hilarious! I love his addition to the story, and his interactions with Gio and Beatrice are gold!

She held out her hand and Ben took it, bending down to kiss the back in a gallant gesture. She chuckled and looked at Giovanni. “And you think you’re charming?”
Giovanni rolled his eyes as Ben continued kissing up her arm.  He reached over and tugged Ben’s collar, pulling him away from Beatrice, who was still laughing. “Stop it, she’s too old for you.”
“Well, technically,” Ben said with a smile, “she’s way too young for you, old man.”

But it’s mainly about the romance in this one, and although there is a disappointing lack of sexy time (or maybe I’m just a perve?), the emotion is definitely there and Gio and Beatrice finally get some resolution to the smouldering sexual tension that has kept my heart pounding through two books.

“I am sure of the fire that runs through me. I am sure of the earth I stand on. And I am sure of you.”

I loved it! And with an ending that leads us off into further adventures, I can’t wait to see where the story goes next!

4.5 stars.

 

The Elemental Mysteries

 

See our Elemental Mysteries page for more information – including spin-off details.