3.5

Unbelievably good. I was worried it wasn't as good as the first one but I was so wrong. The pace of this book is so good, all the small moments leading up to the fantastic main plot of the book. There's not one loose tie in it. And I just keep falling for these characters. Both Declan and Evangeline. Declan keeps on being the amazing man, shown his flaws and insecurities but all of that just made him even more lovable. And Evangeline... She had such a great character development in this one. Fearful, strong and caring - she kept on being the sweet Evangeline but finally found her power and her worth and fought for it to be known to others. And what I absolutely loved is how both characters are great as individuals, stronger together but also equals. As for the fantasy aspect of the book... World building keeps on being insanely good and so addicting. I cannot wait for the next book.

I liked this one slightly less than Little Fire, mostly because there was an abundance of the ever-frustrating miscommunication trope. The conflict in this part of the story was mostly relational/emotional in nature rather than physical or adventure-related, which made it a little tedious. I did enjoy the character development though and I'm excited to see what happens in book 3.

Anddddd we’re back for the sequel to Declan and Evie’s story! I always get nervous whenever I start a sequel to a book I love because my expectations are rarely ever met. Winter Sun beat the second book slump and did NOT disappoint me! I loved diving back into the world of fae, archmages, and romance! Winter Sun picks up right after Little Fire, several months after the Unseelie Court showdown from the first book. Declan and Evie are navigating an unfifilled mating bond, political maneuvering, and a mysterious illness plaguing our girl, Evie. I loved that we got to see our main characters navigate a relationship that is for all intents and purposes unequal in power. Declan is extremely powerful and Evie feels she cannot be a perfect mate for someone like him. (She’s wrong, but I totally get where she’s coming from.) It’s nice to see a heroine that is plagued with insecurity but who pushes through it to really find herself. Declan. My sweet, murderously protective archmage. I love this man. The lengths he’s willing to go to for his and Evie’s relationship is what dreams are made of. Evie coming into her power and navigating who she currently is, recovering her memories, and fighting for her relationship was such a nice character progression. I don’t want to spoil any plot points, but the twists and betrayal in this sequel truly threw me for a loop. So. Good. Favorite scene: the burning beach if you know, you know. This has truly been one of my favorite new series of 2021. I see we’re getting my boy Gabriel Blacksage’s book next and I am foaming at the mouth for it!!! I was so excited to receive an ARC for Winter Sun thanks to Hollee! Please keep blessing us with your talent!