Take by Nashoda Rose - Release Day!

This was a kind of test for me. I used to read PNR and PN a long time ago but found my tastes changed and I really didn't find anything that I could read in this genre. I've always enjoyed Nashoda Rose so decided that I would give this a try and see how I faired. What better way to test those waters with an author I really enjoy reading? A risky thing to do I know but a risk that did pay off. I will most definitely consider a PNR again. The thing I liked about this though was the fact that it felt like the paranormal was secondary to the romantic story. It made for an easier read I think.

Initially the glossary at the beginning put me off a little and I sometimes skip those parts, here I didn't, I wanted to make sure I understood exactly what I was reading. However, once completing the read I really didn't see or feel the need for such an extensive glossary. The story kind of explains itself and you get what characters mean and how each one conforms to the heirarchy of the paranormal elements of this story. I did anyway. So that itself was a little sigh of relief.

The story centres around a Scar Healer called Max who has abilities above her healing powers, which she has tried to keep hidden. Taken when she was only 10 years old by the scar Drake to repair his lungs, then rescued by another Scar called Xamien, Max has spiralled into a life of loneliness and nightmares. Enter Jasper. An older Scar who was wronged when he was younger, fulfills his emptiness by being a ruthless assassin. He encounters Max, sees her and it's a little case of insta love that doesn't blossom until six months down the line when he is contracted to her. Well, it's a case of these two running and trying to stay one step ahead of the enemy at all times as secrets and horrors unfold. They battle with their attraction but obviously it's something neither can deny. Jasper....can't get much more alpha than him. F**K is every second word and while I noticed it I didn't find it over bearing or offensive. It suited his character. Some scenes here positively pull at your heart so be ready....There was one particular scene in here that I did wonder as to how brave Nashoda would be, I was thinking "omg no..." but at the same time had that twinge of excitement as to what was to come. It's such a soulful scene and could have went either way.

Somewhere along the end of the book it had a Golden Compass feel to it, with the Inks and I really enjoyed that part. The paranormal element to this book doesn't jump up and smack you in the face. It's subtle and complimenting, you get enough to understand the story. There are some pretty wonderful and not so wonderful characters riddled through the pages and I have to say that yes, I will want to read more. There is some beautiful quote worthy sentences scattered among the story. Some positively swoon worthy and the calibre of writing for me was top notch. Be it for the glossary issue I had at the beginning this would have been full stars but I'm giving it a 4 as it wasn't quite perfect. Looking forward to more Scars of the Wraith.

Favourite quote - ""her voice drifted across the twelve-foot space between us like a sparrow on the wings of a gentle breeze."