All he wanted was for Ravyn to want him.
Shield of Fire
Boone Brux
Bringer and the Bane, book one
ebook, 320 pages
Published December 6th 2011 by Entangled Publishing, LLC
ISBN 2940013470347
In one night, Ravyn’s life plunges from barely tolerable to deadly. Forced to flee the only home she’s known, she stumbles headlong into the clutches of Icarus, a powerful demon intent on stealing her powers. Unfortunately for him, she has no intention of cooperating.
When Rhys realizes the woman he’s rescued from the Bane Demon is no mere human, his obligation as a Bringer dictates he protect and train her in the ways of his people. But he’s unprepared for the intense desire he feels for the fiery Ravyn. To surrender to his need may mean her death.
As the Demon King's desire for ultimate power escalates, fathers are slated against sons, and foes are made allies. The Bane threat upon them, Rhys and Ravyn must quest to unite the last of the Bringers—and explore a passion too powerful to ignore.
Ravyn has lived her entire life in the abbey, her powers hidden from every person she knows. She wakes one night to find her friend has been gifted to a demon by Father Powell, and she's next. Fighting, fleeing, Ravyn parts from the hollowed ground and winds up in even greater danger.
Enter Rhys. He's been drawn to the abbey for quite some time, though he doesn't understand why. He's a Bringer, a protector. And at three hundred thirty-two years old, he is the last living full-blooded Bringer. He does what he does because it's who he is. But when he rescues Ravyn, healing her, she reminds Rhys that he's still very much a man as well as a warrior.
This story--so exceptionally well written--took me back to the days when I was immersed in fantasy romance. Pure, true love. *sigh* Oh, Rhys. One little day and the guy was falling. And our dear intended is a twenty-three year old child virgin from a convent. A couple nearly there kisses, and finally, Rhys stops fighting once they arrive in his home. In his room. Beside his bed. The one place a lonely man feels the most alone.
It's as much Rhys's story as it is Ravyn's. If not, more so. When we finally get to the smut, it's not so bad. Nothing like a pair of form hugging slacks to make a woman get up and take what she wants. And the morning after? One of the best. There's no shame to be had in this household!
Meanwhile, Luc (and you're going to love Luc) and Jade are busy going tit for tat. I'd say more but I WASN'T PRIVY TO THE CONVERSATION.
Near the end, Ravyn has had quite the transformation in the too short time she's been with Rhys. She even manages to save them all from dying at the hands of succubi. With help from Jade and her eager efforts to wield a shovel.
And surprise, Rhys has even more secrets than he let on. He's a shifter! Woot!! A dragon to be exact. And Ravyn's a princess. And a Tell. And a Redeemer. And a Shield. Many talents that one.
So... Love the world. Love the characters. Truly a riot of laughs to be had with the surrounding cast. And I'm so glad Luc and Jade get their own book.
Hmm... I'm compelled to give this a 5 star rating, but I got to ask: where the hell is the marriage proposal?!
