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Review
I am a mad fan of Elizabeth Hunter’s Elemental Mysteries books, and love that she is giving us more of her world in this spin off series.
I have been an admirer of Baojia since he was introduced in the third book of the series, The Force of Wind – the mysterious water vampire who was assigned to protect Beatrice, and ended up becoming her trainer and close friend. After things fell to pieces at the end of that book, Baojia was exiled to San Diego by his sire, where he lives a frustrating and unfulfilling life waiting to be forgiven so that he can return to his job as his sire’s Enforcer and Head of Security.
And then along comes Natalie. Intrepid reporter, and feisty as all hell, she is investigating a series of murders in the Californian desert. When her College friend, Dez, suggests she contacts Baojia to help her with her investigations, she is pulled into something she never expected.
When the two of them meet, there is an instant attraction, and quiet, unassuming Baojia shows his passionate side as he experiences some pretty strong insta-lust. But things between them move at a great pace as they flirt and get to know each other as they work together to investigate the killings. But the more they start to feel for each other, and the deeper their investigations lead them, things start to get dangerous, Baojia cannot keep his true nature hidden from the Natalie, and she is introduced into a whole world she never knew existed.
Which gives us a brilliant intro to Natalie’s other College friend – Beatrice and her gorgeously hot hubby, Gio. Oh, I’ve missed these two! Tenzin and Ben, as well as Carwyn and Brigid are also along for the ride as the entire gang comes together to figure out exactly what is going on in the desert, and planning to put a stop to it. Everybody gets the opportunity to show their badass-ness, and it all ties in brilliantly with the rest of the series and leads to an epic big finish which had me madly flipping pages.
With lots of laughs, arguments, banter and action, the scenes involving everybody are just gold! But it’s very clear Baojia and Natalie’s story, and there are also some really gorgeous moments as their friends offer advice and support to the fledgling couple.
Which brings us back to the romance. Oh wow. I LOVED seeing a different side to Boajia. He’s always been so mysterious, and although we have seen glimpses of his caring side, it takes Natalie to really bring out the passion in him, and it was sensational.
Focus. That was part of what made him so irresistible. As quiet and distant as he could be in front of others, when Baojia turned his focus on her, the intensity of it rocked her. He kissed her as if it was his mission in life.
And Natalie is fabulous! Strong, brave and determined, she is also really sensible. I thought her reactions to everything that unfolded were completely realistic, and loved watching her intelligent, logical side battle with what her heart wanted, and the irresistible pull of Baojia.
“Do you realise…” she whispered. “Do you know what loving you would mean for me? For my life?”
“Yes.” He kissed her lips gently, then he whispered in her ear, “Love me anyway.”
Wow. Gotta love him!
I loved this book, I love the world, and I love these characters. I’m still wanting more from this series, so I hope Elizabeth carries on with it… a grown up Ben, perhaps???
Fantastic – 4.5 stars.
See our Elemental Mysteries page for information about the full series