I really struggled with this one, and it's more of a 3.5 than a 4. The climax was pretty good, which pushed it up from a 3. The writing itself is quite good, the characters are great, the plot is well-written. It's just leaning a lot more into body horror than I was into, and I was honestly kind of bored with the will-they-won't-they. I am interested in the tease of the spin-off sequel "Jackdaw", but given I didn't much like book 2 or 3, I'm keeping my expectations low. ( )

Third in the series of a historical fantasy, set in regency London. tracing the m/m love affair of a highly unusual but very attractive aristocrat, Crane, and a lowly magical practitioner, Stephen, tasked with keeping the peace in the magical community.
This is probably not a good place to start, if you haven't read at least the first book in the series, as it builds on events and characters from the previous stories.

I like the universe KJ. Charles has created, and the characters she has peopled it with, and the love that they share. The sex scenes are a little boring when they drag out, but they are integral to the story, and does not seem in any way stuck on.

As in the first book in the series, someone is out to get Crane, and Stephen is struggling with his sense of obligation, and his efforts to save his lover.
And again, all ends well. ( )

4,5 stars

I'm commenting about the whole series here:

It's simple, I loved it!

I adored the MCs, they complement each other so well that they defy any SWOT analysis. Furthermore, their chemistry is sizzling.

I especially appreciated an original and consistent plot, crafted with care and wonderfully written. The paranormal side is obviously relevant but -and thank you for that, dear author- it doesn't eat the characters and it doesn't play as deus ex machina to the relationships' bad patches; besides works perfectly in this slightly alternate Victorian Era,

I also liked the most important supporting characters, particularly Merrick.

Regarding the story and characters, my only niggle is the somewhat broad-brush approach to villains, to Lady Bruton above all: I found her long speech in the first book a little coarse, I would have expected from her a more euphemistic discourse.

Finally I enjoyed very much the many literary winks sprinkled through the series.

One thing is sure: KJ Charles is now in muy auto-buy authors list. ( )

2022 re-read: I waited to re-read this long enough that I'd forgotten just how third act-crazy it gets. What a fantastic trilogy. If you haven't read it, and you enjoy a cranky overbearing lord versus a magic wielder with a serious responsibility problem, give it a try. Thank me later.

2017 review:
It took me a little while to get into this one, but it's a great resolution to several aspects of Crane and Stephen's story, and leads right into Jackdaw, which I read out of order. I wish I had a Merrick, but one earns that sort of fellow, and I'll never have Crane's chops, damn it all. ( )

This was a solid ending to the trilogy with the plot tying back to the first book nicely and HEA ending. ( )