There is a way to prepare for the release of a highly anticipated book. Whenever I am desperate to read I tend to shirk some responsibilities. I think most readers can relate. The dishes pile up until I can tear myself away from my book long enough to wash them, meals are thrown together carelessly, and the living room is a mess of toys, blankets and couch cushions. This time I was prepared. Meals were planned and prepped, I woke up early so that I had a couple of hours of reading time before my son woke up, and I kept him entertained enough so that I could sneak in chapters while pretending to watch him intently (I’m an amazing mother). Nap time provided me with more reading time and then I finally took a break before diving right back into the book once everyone was fed, bathed, and put to bed.

I could not pace myself with this book. I read it in a day. Being back with these characters, learning new details about their stories was exhilarating and calming at the same time. Because this is the seventh book in this series I was already invested. There were a lot of things I loved, but there were also some things I did not like as much. For one thing, the relationship between Nora and Kyrie didn’t feel genuine. The whole time I felt as though Nora (Elle) was just pretending for Kyrie’s sake so it puzzled me when they parted ways and Nora was so heartbroken over it. I did enjoy learning about how Nora became a writer but Kyrie felt like a means to an end.

Having said the above, the writing is just as wonderful as it always is. I could read anything Reisz writes. She’s that good. I loved seeing our trinity so happy and carefree in the present, having gone through all that they have gone through together. I especially loved reading about Kingsley and Juliette. Their story is one of my favorites, possibly because King is my favorite. Overall, it was a solid addition to the series and I look forward to the next instalment.