3.5 stars
( )

Okay, so apparently, insta-love is Kasia Bacon’s thing. After reading her fifth story, I’ve finally accepted that I’m totally fine with that. I’m so deeply immersed in this universe by now, there’s no going back for me.

Lázhien and Ōkkanȏ’s tale was gripping from the start. The plot may seem a bit cliché at first - a client and a sex worker falling for each other - but Bacon has this way of infusing even the simplest stories with deeper meaning. The relationships between her MCs are always very passionate (never as intense as Ervyn and Lochan’s, though!), and these two didn’t disappoint. There was a very strong opposites-attract vibe here, as well as a liberal use of the soulmate trope. Again, nothing earth-shatteringly original, but there were some interesting tweaks - I loved the introduction of another fantastic being from the Order universe, Tii-Matâshi - and the author’s characteristic flair made all the difference.

The fact that this one was a bit longer than the rest helped, too. Length matters, man. And how hot was that excerpt from The Scouts? I want - I need - more of those two NOW! ( )

Another excellent book in this connected fantasy universe. This time it's fated mates, but nothing runs smoothly with a half-elf/incubus whose cattiness is a front for many insecurities and who is determined he'll not be mated.
Hawt, hawt, hawt, with two complex but adorable characters.
This is longer than most stories in the universe, but still readable in a couple of hours.
Despite being in a shared universe there is no requirement to read any other story to make sense of this. It definitely stands alone. ( )

3.5 stars rounded up ( )

Another excellent book in this connected fantasy universe. This time it's fated mates, but nothing runs smoothly with a half-elf/incubus whose cattiness is a front for many insecurities and who is determined he'll not be mated.
Hawt, hawt, hawt, with two complex but adorable characters.
This is longer than most stories in the universe, but still readable in a couple of hours.
Despite being in a shared universe there is no requirement to read any other story to make sense of this. It definitely stands alone. ( )