Review: Winter's Grip by Candace Blevins
- La Crimson Femme
- 5 minutes ago
- 2 min read
Picking up right after Cold Authority, the second book in the Aurora Immortalis Trilogy is intense and gripping. This book must be read in order. It is not a standalone book. The start of the book opens up with a bang, punishing the miscreants who put many of the shifters in danger, including Emmy. There are rules in this decadent ever dark playground in Alaska. At least two of the vampires broke the rules and now they must pay. Readers be forewarned, the start of this book is harsh and necessary. After the punishment scene, the book becomes a delicious romance story.
When we last left Emmy, she was still serving in Mordnik's endless winter festival. The vampires are enjoying their time as is Emmy. It is not all slap and suckle for Emmy. During her down time, she must also work on her PhD thesis. The more I learn about Emmy's thesis, the more intrigued I am about it. What I like about Emmy as a character is her intelligence and her confident sexuality. This is a powerful aphrodisiac for most of the supernatural, as it is for me too. She may be young, but given the right environment, she is now blooming into the potential she is meant to be. The growth between book one and two is subtle in some ways yet meaningful because Emmy understands now the right outlets for her sexuality. Because unfortunately for her, sexually confident women are always penalized in the world, even the supernatural ones.
I love the continued deepening of Emmy's friendships with Zander's flock. I also am impressed with how she holds the line and doesn't let anyone push her around. She is a force to be reckoned with. As her power continues to grow, it is wonderful to see her become more involved with Spencer and then Zander. I've been waiting patiently to see where Zander and Spencer's relationship would go. To have this story confirm brings me much joy.
The erotic nature of Mordnik's "conference" is explored further in this story. Hold on to your hats, because it is a decadent erotic fest. Emmy's participation in it is sublime. So where does the romance of it occur? Surprisingly through each session with Zander and Spencer's seducing her with their creativity and freedom. This is a master class in how to seduce and convince a determined single woman that perhaps a relationship would be a better choice. I loved it!
This paranormal romance has it all and is recommended to dark readers who want more than just a little spice to their romance.
* I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
