by Karoline Rayne
Star rating: 4
Blurb:
And my love for you burns brighter
than all the light of the sun…
After the tragic death of her husband, Ilaria hides her grief in anonymous lovers. Until her reckless behavior clashes with her authoritarian elder brother. Presented with the unusual opportunity to leave home and see the world, Ilaria can’t refuse. Maybe the distance will finally allow her broken heart to heal.
Sebastian devoted his life to the sea, until he is unanimously elected as the Chieftain of his clan. Taking over the place that once belonged to his brother, Sebastian will do anything to prove his worth, including losing his own happiness.
A chance meeting between Ilaria and Sebastian on the docks ignites a fiery passion they didn’t expect. When faced with a devastating loss and terrible secrets, will they finally find the love neither of them thought possible?
*This book is intended for mature audiences 18+ only as it contains sexually explicit scene and language. Check front of book for CW/TW
Genre: Fantasy
Trigger warnings: Domestic abuse, death of a loved one, abusive siblings, BDSM dom/sub relationship please please double check these at the front of the book prior to reading. Book is available on Kindle Unlimited.
Writing Style
The writing style in this book is heavily set around the prose of the character. it is told in third person, but the author does a great job giving us a glimpse into the character’s minds and emotions. She makes the situations believable and the character responses are realistic.
There are a lot of spicey scenes, but they are used to propel the plot forward and teach us more about the characters in the process. The author entwines each characters past with the present adventure that they are experiencing. All of the emotional trauma and abuse that Ilaria experienced at the hands of her brother, and the people she has lost propel Ilaria forward, as does Sebastian’s. I didn’t know where the plot itself was going and I enjoyed each twist and turn as the story evolved and progressed.
Character information
Ilaria: Widowed because of her eldest brother, trapped in a prison until she isn’t. The things Ilaria discovers while travelling is almost unbelievable until she has proof, power, and freedom to do something about it. Ilaria has only ever experienced loss, she has lost every important person in her life over the years, and to deal with it she tries to lose herself into anything and everything she can. She doesn’t realize how powerful she truly is.
Sebastian: Has always been free, but what happens when he is tied down by a leadership position in his clan? Will he rise to the role of leader or let everyone down? Bash has come from a loving family, with a brother and parents. His father died leaving his eldest son to be elected to the clan leader seat. Everything goes sideways when it is time for a transition of power.
Favorite Quotes
“Ilaria got the urge to just lick him” – Ch 30 (same girl same)
“Denying what you are feeling isn’t helpful or healthy. Sometimes it is easier to share the burden.” – Ch 26
“Because when I am done with you, I will have to carry you home” – Ch 25
My Opinion
This was a really well thought out book. I love all of the characters, I wish I could’ve seen more of Josef rather than him being mentioned. I would’ve loved to have seen a cinnamon roll moment between him and Ilaria or Isobel. I think my second favorite side character was Sophie and I hope we get to see her in the next book.
The world building is simple but eloquent and it works. Each clan has a different culture to the point, that even the names of their people enhance how different each clan is.
This was such a powerful book, showing how someone can dwell in unresolved grief and what can happen when they do start opening back up and allowing others in. instead of hiding the pain and pretending to be ok while pushing everyone away.
This is a fantastic read, and recommended for anyone looking for a quick, suspenseful, and spicey book.