Author: Sarah M. Cradit
Release: December 14h, 2013
Series: House of Crimson and Clover
Genre: Fantasy, Paranormal Romance
Edition: Kindle
Pages: 407 pages
Publisher: Self-published
Source: Author
Buy it here: Amazon

Blurb

Nicolas Deschanel was betrayed by the only two people who matter to him. Their disloyalty stung and an overwhelming sense of loss lingers. Nicolas has lived the high life professing to not have a care in the world, and now this illusion is calling his bluff.
Determined to take control of an existence now devoid of purpose, he sojourns to his family’s holiday home on the Gulf of Mexico. Resolved more than depressed, he plans to privately say goodbye to a world which no longer needs him. Of questionable fortune, he finds a woman, Mercy, sitting alone on the shore at eventide. Nicolas is conflicted between an obligation to help, and annoyance at her intrusion.
Mercy has many layers of secrets. Deepest of all, she cannot tell this Child of Man she is thousands of years old and very powerful. In her presence, Nicolas’ own dormant powers begin to surface, triggering a sequence of events that cause both of their lives to spiral further out of control. When old friends from both sides come to help, together they all learn a painful truth: new life can only begin once you’ve set free what means the most.

Rating

★★★★★

Review

Plot/Story: The book has a weird/awesome combination of Paranormal, Fantasy, and Romance. The evolving relationships made the book a great read and not just another Romance book, it had real emotions and dark problems combined.

Characters: Each character comes with lots of secrets that made the story even more compelling and fun to read.
I loved Nicolas Deschanel a lot and his attitude, he was the main reason I stuck with the story. Loved his humor and his dark view on things, Nic may seem like pretty boy type jerk, lol and he is but I just get him, lol 😉 He has changed much throughout the story, making him even more compelling.
It was a bit hard for me to connect with Mercy but as I read further I could really see who she really is. She is such a strong Empyrean and I really enjoyed knowing her better.
Finn, Oz, Ana, and Aidrik are such wonderful addition to the story.
All the characters are so fantastically created and I enjoyed the different POVs.
Romance/Kills: Sorry, must read the book. Even the smallest hint (and I have placed a few hints here and there) will tell a lot, must keep this spoiler free 😉

Writing: This is my first ever book of Sarah M. Cradit and I truly enjoyed her writing. Even though it’s hard for me to connect to Romance type of books, her writing made it much easier for me to do so 🙂
The author wrote so well that this book can be even a standalone if you want and her world building is amazing and flawless.

Beginning: The Deschanel family has mysterious abilities and the story start by explaining all this and why the main character Nicolas does not have any abilities, but things are not as they may seem.
I was completely glued to the book from the start. The author shows us the dark side of Nic and even though he is such a jerk, he still has such complex emotions and is willing to help Mercy even though he hates the idea of helping at all.

Ending: The book ends in a perfect moment. All my questions were answered, but still making me crave for more, perfect.

Cover Art: The cover is gorgeous, just look at it. I love the colors and the burning phoenix, amazing cover.

Blurb: The blurb set the mood nicely for the beginning of the story, but the story is even better written and more gripping than the blurb.

Other Stuff

Opening Line: “Living no longer interested me.”

Highlights: Everything, from the wonderful writing to the great characters and amazing plot.

Lowlights: None.

Final Thoughts: Amazing book and I enjoyed ever second reading this book, now I must go and read the rest of Sarah’s work.

You can also read this review at Goodreads and Amazon.