Wicked Burn

Classic Rebecca Zanetti, chases and plotting and mate claiming and brooding centuries old males being all alpha. I received a free copy of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review. I really enjoyed the first book in this series, but couldn't get into the second one so I had mixed feelings when I requested the third one from NetGalley. I needn't have worried, I devoured it in less than a day. Three and a half stars. This book concerns Simone Brightston, one of the Coven of Nine witches and her former lover Nicholai Veis, a demon. A century ago they were in love when Nick broke it off brutally. Simone has only grown in power and influence ever since whilst Nick has masterminded the manipulation of the demon leadership in order to ensure that Zane Kyllwood became King. Simone is facing charges by the Coven and Nick tries to spirit her away. The book centres around Nick and Simone fighting each other and their attraction; the mystery of Simone and Beauregard's (Bear) relationship; and furthering the plot arc of exactly who is manufacturing the Witch-killer drug Planekite - something that Simone is accused of involvement in. I have to admit straight up I am not a fan of domineering alpha males and I didn't like Nick at all. Whilst I understood and appreciated his motives for breaking up with Simone I didn't feel that gave him the right to just waltz in and say "circumstances have changed, now I'm claiming what I want". Frankly there should have been grovelling, years of grovelling. So, not a fan and the fact that demons are super strong and therefore one of the most powerful women in the world couldn't stand up against him just made it more irritating. But I forgive all of that because I loved the plot. I loved the developments between Simone and Bear and the revelations about their past. I adore machinations and deep plotting and there is all of that and more in this novel. There are also numerous fights and several beheadings. Warning the overarching plot arc does not get resolved and is left on a bit of cliffhanger at the end of this novel. I can't wait for the next one, my money is on Tori and Adam.

This novel is fast paced, suspenseful, and intensely hot. The action packed plot kept me on my toes throughout while the complex relationship between the main characters captured my heart. The in-depth and creative world building allowed me to picture the entire story and see how it could happen right next door. The natural flowing dialogue made it all seem more real. Alex was a blast and such a complex contradiction of soft and hard, protector and antagonist. His mix of brains and brawn was extremely attractive. I love how he stood up to Simone’s looks. And how she was about so much more than just her looks. She did what she felt was right despite the consequences. I loved how important family was to everyone in this novel. It was an integral part of each character’s personality yet developed in different ways. Zanetti is an author who never fails to transport me out of the humdrums of everyday life and into the complexly fascinating world that she’s created. This novel is a great read on its own and absolutely phenomenal as part of this series. Please note that I received a complimentary copy of this work in exchange for an honest review.

Can't get enough of this series!!