Ilona Andrews is on my auto-buy list, but my enthusiasm for this story was a bit weak. More fool me. These two could make a great story out of my grocery list. I won't doubt them again and really looking forward to more of the story. I'm also dying to hear the audiobook when released. Renee does a great job on the other series and I have high hopes for this one as well. ( )

Well I'm a ho for Hugh. ( )

I can't believe this is already book nr 11! I have been reading this series on and off for a few years now (I started in 2017), and Hugh, for me, was always the villain you hate to like, but well, I've always been weird like that :D
If you haven't read any of the Kate Daniels series, stop reading this review, and read those first. While I guess it's not mandatory, you will miss out on so much if you don't.

Worldbuilding:
We're taking a small break from Atlanta and Roland's games and off to Kentucky. To Baile, to be precise (you pronounce it as "Balyeh", and it means "Home"). Which is pretty damn fitting since we're here for most of the book.
As always, scenes and environments are so well written *sigh*. Total immersion isn't really a question, to be honest, it's just obvious.

Character development:
Hugh... yep, I'm starting with the guy this time cause we've known (and loved and hated) him for a long time now. But he's not in a good place at the moment. Drunk 24/7 and trying not to remember what he has lost. That is until some Iron Dogs come for him and wake him up to the reality that his long-time enemy Landon Nez is killing off his Iron Dogs one by one. But where to go with 300 men and women who have nothing? Well, glad you asked *points at Elara*. May I present to you Elara, our White Lady (but she hates being called that). She's mysterious, powerful, and really doesn't want to reveal anything that might actually help Hugh it seems. But she has a castle with food and plenty of space. All she wants in return is protection. And what way to cement such an alliance but with marriage... oh boy. Expect fireworks and lots of it!
Hugh and Elara are two very, very different people, but they have one important thing in common. They want to protect and take care of their people. This book is about finding the middle ground and moving from there.
Characters, both main and side characters, are very well written. You get to know them, care for them and, omg... the feels. Like seriously, you'll get emotionally invested. Just saying.

Pacing and flow:
A lot happens, and looking back, I can't believe the book is only 392 pages. It felt like way over 500, but in a good way, I promise! Good balance between the action and all the conversation (and fighting and yelling :D). I've taken the time to read this book, but it was always on my mind.

The book:
The book was very well written with no (noticeable) errors. There is some sex described (if that is important to you).
As I've said, it has 392 pages, spread over 17 chapters and is told from both Hugh's and Elara's point of view.

Final thoughts:
What's not to love about this book?! We get to see a different side of Hugh, and I have to admit, I like him even more now :D Superb writing, absolutely engaging. I mean, just pick it up and read it! ( )

Hugh, exiled by Roland, enters into a marriage of convenience to find a home for his Iron Dogs. Elara, the witch, enters into a marriage of convenience to get a fighting force big enough to protect her castle and her people, still endangered by unnamed enemies. They fight each other and fall in lust, of course, and leaving Kate Daniels lets the writers have more fun, I think. I’ll read the next volumes if they come. ( )

4.5/5

I had serious misgivings about reading this book, I nearly refused to read it at all. Why would I want to read something about the most dickish character in the entire series? Well, don't be me. Read this book. Ilona Andrews has done it again, damn them. ( )