This is a spoiler-free review! Content warnings include: depictions of depression, anxiety, and parent in a coma.
No matter how many times I say that I will not be reading every single book Kent has published, I seem to find myself back at the scene of the crime. At least with this book, I was spared from yet another initiation chapter of college student tormenting their peers and hunting them in the woods for sport. Yay! I did not go into this book with any expectations and only went in with the bare minimum knowledge that this was an age gap forbidden romance where a girl marries her father's best friend... scrumptious!
This was juicy, juicy and I ate it up like no tomorrow - literally flew through this and had my jaw on the floor the entire time. I did not expect to enjoy this as much as I did and was extremely surprised on how enjoyable this book was. Gwen and Nate are a pair that beats nearly every single couple in the Legacy of Gods series and definitely overthrows the first two couples in the Vipers series. Their chemistry was so palpable it was insane, they were literally made for each other. It has risen to a top spot when it comes to ranking the now twelve Rina Kent books I have tackled, and with the knowledge that Knox is next up in line in this interconnected standalone series, I have a good feeling that this series will be worth the read.
"Uncle Nate" and "kiddo" I have to say I did not hate it! It added to their banter while making their age difference prominent and reminding readers of that they were both capable of taunting one another. It honestly reminded me a lot of Uncle Jake from Credence by Penelope Douglas, but at least in that case they had never met each other until she was already an adult. The whole marriage of convenience aspect in Gwen and Nate's story being built out of controlling shares and ensuring holdings and property were not taken away sets them up for an interesting dynamic. Gwen is put in her dream scenario, only lacking the actual desire she wants Nate to feel for her, and Nate is running around thinking that he cannot even look at her without being struck down. When things escalate between them and lines become crossed, readers get thrown into some wild happening between the two and I have to say... I ate it uppppp.
The spicy scenes were insane - probably some of the better ones in the books that I have read by Kent (though nothing will come close to God of Fury, Kiss the Villain, and Hunt the Villain). Once again, their chemistry was off the chart and I loved every minute of it - there was never a moment where I felt like they were acting out of place, and I was glad that they were both able to finally cave in and experience that release. And as much as I love a secret marriage, especially forbidden, I did feel bad that Gwen could not really speak to anyone about her relationship or "put her mark" on Nate without blowing up the workplace.
The few Kingsley chapters low-key had me laughing out loud - my guy, she is your adult daughter! Let it go! That being said, from his perspective, it definitely does not shine in the brightest of lights. And the little secrets that he has been keeping certainly did not help the situation when he was trying to act all high and mighty. The major conflicts that come up in this book really stem from Kingsley and his past, and with Gwen's anxiety playing a key role in her hesitations and worries, you would think he would want to make sure she is happy at the end of the day.
The one thing that could not leave the back of my mind was the fact that it was constantly mentioned that Nate knew Gwen when she was a baby and when she was a child - I am all for an age gap romance, but did not love the reminders that he was present for her entire life. It would have been better if he came into her life when she was eighteen, but alas a taboo romance would not be taboo without a bit of unconventional meetings. I cannot wait to see what is in store for readers in the next book as we follow Knox and his love interest - I can only hope it's as enticing as Gwen and Nate's story.
Looking for more Rina Kent? You can read my reviews for Legacy of Gods series: God of Malice, God of Pain, God of Wrath, God of Ruin, God of Fury, God of War; Vipers series: Beautiful Venom, Sweet Venom, and Tempting Venom; and Villain series: Kiss the Villain and Hunt the Villain on my blog, now!
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