Thea Harrison delivers a stellar HEA for two secondary
characters in the Elder Races series. Xanthe, the
assassin
for the Dark Fae first introduced in Devil's Gate and
Chancellor Aubrey Riordan from Storm's Heart come together
to create a sweet, yet sizzling romance that will be sure
to melt readers.
Xanthe's identity has been revealed. As a result, she is no
longer able to go undercover. However, Queen Niniane enjoys
her quiet strength and skill so much that she wishes her to
be a palace guard. When Xanthe agrees, she finds herself
thrust into the presence of Chancellor Aubrey Riordan, an
intimidating figure with his long dark hair and elfin
features.
Audrey has yet to learn how to trust after he suffered from
a brutal betrayal by his wife. In HUNTER'S SEASON, it seems
as though those bitter feelings still remain. In an attack
that almost takes his life, Aubrey finds himself in the
home of the shy assassin where he is to stay until fully
healed. Their time together brings their chemistry to his
attention and Aubrey finds that he can no longer deny the
attraction that he feels for Xanthe.
While the beginning is a little slow, Harrison delivers a
beautifully bloomed romance between two vastly different
characters. Their romance builds slowly, in a manner so
sweet that readers may be surprised by the amount of
attention Harrison puts on the romance. But it is something
that I have to appreciate since authors don't do it as
much, especially in a tightly-written novella.
There is a satisfying conclusion to the tarot cards and a
sweet acknowledgement to Mouse, who brings more tenderness
to the short story. Overall, HUNTER'S SEASON hit all the
right spots for me as a romance reader. With danger,
intrigue and a heady dose of romance, Harrison shows how
love can truly heal all.
As a palace guard and assassin for the Dark Fae, Xanthe
always wore a mask, hiding her emotions to do her duty. But
when her identity is compromised, she trades undercover work
for guarding Queen Niniane—a position that often brings her
in contact with Chancellor Aubrey Riordan.
Aubrey’s trust is shattered. A year ago his wife tried to
assassinate their new queen in his name, a betrayal of
everything he believes in. And now an attack on his life is
proof the dark conspiracy is not yet over. Although injured
and weak, Aubrey can’t help but be drawn to this shy
assassin and loyal protector. Xanthe is everything Naida
wasn’t, and the passion she stirs in him is something he
thought had long passed him by.
Warning: Take a man recovering from an assassination
attempt, the assassin sworn to protect him, add in a magical
Tarot card deck and an isolated cabin, and watch the sparks fly!