Fated to the Hunter by Lynnea Lee [Review]

Fated to the Hunter (Xarc'n Warriors #13) by Lynnea Lee
Format: ebook
Source: borrowed through Kindle Unlimited
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Date read: September 27, 2025

Xarc'n Warriors
0.5. Pursued by the Hunter
1. Claimed by the Hunter
2. Wanted by the Hunter
3. Taken by the Hunter
4. Cherished by the Hunter
5. Rescued by the Hunter
6. Stolen by the Hunter
7. Captured by the Hunter
8. Protected by the Hunter
8.5. Hunter's Valentine
9. Desired by the Hunter
10. Coveted by the Hunter
11. Craved by the Hunter
12. Treasured by the Hunter
13. Fated to the Hunter - Kindle
13.5. Holly and the Hunter
14. Chosen by the Hunter

Related Series:
(find all the books in the series on the 1st book review)
Xarc'n Warriors: Mountains
1. Hunter's Quest

Lynnea Lee
| Website | Amazon |

Synopsis (Goodreads):

KIERA
Running the first-ever Trader’s Market is chaotic enough; I don’t need a horned, purple alien with fangs, claws, and zero chill crashing my party.

Bael’k says he’s here to help, but so far, all he’s done is scare away the one person I need to see. When I finally track down the elusive nomad and snag the map I’ve been hunting for, guess who volunteers to be my protector on a quest I never planned to take?

It’s my first time out of the settlement walls in years, and I’m woefully unprepared. But with my knight in shining loincloth by my side, I might just survive.

BAEL'K
They say the mate bond is absolute, eternal, and chosen by fate. But I don’t believe in fate. I believe in my blades, my shuttle, and the war I was bred to fight. I never wanted a mate… until I met Kiera.

She’s fragile, stubborn, and maddeningly fascinating. When she sets out to recover lost tech in a dangerous Dead Zone, I volunteer, thinking it’ll earn me glory. But the moment she steps into danger, every protective instinct I’ve got flares to life.

I soon realize she’s not just a mission. Kiera’s mine. And I’ll burn the stars down before I let anything take her from me.

Thoughts on Fated to the Hunter: Both Kiera and Bael'k are 100%, absolutely NOT looking for their special someone. Which we all know means THINGS ARE GOING TO HAPPEN. Because you can't unequivocally announce you're not looking for romance without romance taking a running leap at your face. Figuratively speaking.

Anywho. Kiera isn't interested in dealing with the heartbreak of losing anyone else (not even romantically, just in general. She's dealt with too much loss already during this bugpocalypse and no thank you) and while the Xarc'n warriors are nice to look at, she's firmly off the market. As it turns out, Bael'k feels the same. He's a warrior bred to eradicate the bugs and he's planning on continuing to do that even after Earth gets liberated. He might not be against seeing what all the fuss is about with a human woman (physically speaking), but he doesn't think it's fair to engage in anything deeper when he's planning to head off-planet as soon as his mission is complete.

Fate (and their hearts) however has other plans for these two. Plans where they have to spend plenty of time together with a lot of tension simmering between them and THINGS HAPPEN. Such good things.

To back up, Kiera and Bael'k are doing the forced proximity thing because they're heading into a dead zone on a technological treasure hunt. The hunt might be a bust, but it also might help the survivors in their ongoing battle against the bugs. No lie, I liked the treasure hunt aspect and the creepy, abandoned mansion. Plus, you know, the forced proximity.

A treasure hunt, a rough journey, a little betrayal (sort of, I mean is it betrayal if it's programming?), a warrior who has to readjust his priorities, and a lady who realizes she might like adventure more than she thought she would. *thumbs up*

Dating After the End of the World by Jeneva Rose [Review]

Dating After the End of the World by Jeneva Rose [Review]
Format: ebook
Source: purchased
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Date read: September 6, 2025

Purchase Links: Paperback | Kindle

Jeneva Rose
| Website | Amazon |

Synopsis (Goodreads):

Casey Pearson grew up with a doomsday-prepping father. At eighteen, tired of living an unconventional life, she left home, vowing never to return.

More than a decade later, a mysterious viral outbreak changes everything, including the people it infects, turning them into zombielike creatures. It’s the end of the world, and no one saw it coming—well, except for Casey’s father. With no place left to run and danger lurking around every corner, Casey is forced to return home.

Upon arrival, she’s surprised to find that her dad has hunkered down with a group of survivors, including her archnemesis, Blake Morrison, the high school bully who made Casey’s teenage years a living hell.

While struggling to live on the compound, face outside threats, and survive alongside her handsome enemy, Casey will learn that although the world has ended, hers is just beginning.

Thoughts on Dating After the End of the World: Romance when the world is trying to eat you (literally, in this case) is fun, but several of Casey's problems probably wouldn't have been problems if she'd been a better communicator. Which is a thing, I get it. Some people just don't want to share. But when people are trying to devour you, maybe take the time to listen and be honest. Just saying.

So. Casey gets to witness the end of civilization as she knows it firsthand. As a doctor, she's RIGHT THERE when things start to go down. She escapes, but staying in the city isn't viable since not only is it overrun with zombies, the living are as much a threat as the dead. That said, she's hesitant to take that first step because the world is a mess and she doesn't want to run home to the father she abandoned years before. Then the choice is taken out of her hands and soon she's on the road.

Home, however, has changed some since she left. For one, her prepper father has drawn a small community around him and they're making it work. Also, the boy who tormented her in school is right in the thick of things in their compound. Which rubs Casey in all the wrong ways. Until, you know, it doesn't. But by then there are other complications she needs to deal with.

Zombies, bad guys, harrowing supply runs, an ex who is kind of a jerk, family ties, a former bully who has changed over the years, and a lady who's just trying to figure out how to stay alive as the world burns down around her. I liked the book overall, but I'm not a huge fan of how it ended (mostly because I like a little happiness at the end at this gave that and then threw in the potential for some REALLY BAD THINGS right when things got good).

Wildflowers by Kylie Scott [Review]

Wildflowers by Kylie Scott
Format: paperback
Source: purchased
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Date read: July 17, 2025

Purchase Links - Paperback | Kindle

Kylie Scott
| Website | Amazon |

Synopsis (Goodreads):

There’s only one person Dean Wallace wants to save from the end of the world: sunshine girl from across the street. She’s always smiling. Who knows, maybe she can teach him a thing or two about how to live? But saving her against her will is harder than he expected.

Astrid Hardy doesn’t know what to think when she wakes up in her hot neighbor’s basement. He says he wants to protect her from the deadly virus threatening to collapse society. But that sounds like paranoid conspiracy theory nonsense, and losing her sh*t seems like the correct response.

As they watch the downfall of the world play out online, hear approaching gunshots, and smell smoke from nearby burning buildings, it all starts to seem horribly realistic. With almost everyone they know dead, and law and order gone…how will they navigate this new world together?

Thoughts on Wildflowers: It has straight up been A WHILE since I read a post-apocalyptic romance and HOO-BOY this hit the spot. Dean is surly and over-protective and Astrid is sunshine in a bottle and BOY DID THEY WORK.

Admittedly, the fact Dean abducted Astrid and kept her in his basement sounds bad. And if the world wasn't ending between the pages, it absolutely would have been bad. But Dean had a plan and enough time to gather supplies and fortify his home and if Astrid would have gone out on her grocery run, she might very well have ended up like everyone else. Which is to say she might not have survived. So really, Dean's abduction benefitted Astrid greatly. You know, if you look at it from a post-apocalyptic point of a view.

On the other side of the situation, we have Astrid. She had no advance warning of what was brewing, unlike Dean. She didn't even realize there was more going on than a nasty strain of the flu hitting the population until Dean grabbed her and made her face it. While she was admittedly put out by the whole abduction thing at first, she's realistic enough to understand that he really did save her in the early days and without him she wouldn't have lasted long enough to build a community after.

I don't know what to say except everything about this worked for me. Dean was a snarly grump with everyone but Astrid. And when Sophie crashed into them (kind of literally), his protective umbrella extended to her. He wasn't thrilled about surrounding them with others, but he knew his girls would be safest if they had a solid group at their back. So they did what they had to do to find good people to build a community with.

A little danger, a nasty virus, some thrilling heroics, people who became friends and neighbors by circumstance, a sweet little girl, a man who will burn down the world to keep his people safe, and a lady who has to work her head around how much she adores the big grump working to keep them safe. *thumbs up*

Hunter's Valentine by Lynnea Lee [Review]

Hunter's Valentine (Xarc'n Warriors #8.5) by Lynnea Lee
Format: ebook
Source: borrowed through Kindle Unlimited
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Date read: February 14, 2025

Xarc'n Warriors
0.5. Pursued by the Hunter
1. Claimed by the Hunter
2. Wanted by the Hunter
3. Taken by the Hunter
4. Cherished by the Hunter
5. Rescued by the Hunter
6. Stolen by the Hunter
7. Captured by the Hunter
8. Protected by the Hunter
8.5 Hunter's Valentine - Kindle
9. Desired by the Hunter
10. Coveted by the Hunter
11. Craved by the Hunter
12. Treasured by the Hunter
13. Fated to the Hunter
13.5. Holly and the Hunter
14. Chosen by the Hunter

Related Series:
(find all the books in the series on the 1st book review)
Xarc'n Warriors: Mountains
1. Hunter's Quest

Lynnea Lee
| Website | Amazon |

Synopsis (Goodreads):

Food and water? Check. Shelter? Check. Weapons and ammo? Check. Check.

I thought I was ready when the apocalypse came, but I wasn’t prepared for dirty bunker politics. Realizing I’m no longer welcomed, I step foot into a hostile landscape, ready to face down the deadly space bugs in search of a new home.

It’s just my luck that I run afoul of a massively muscular, horned and fanged Xarc’n warrior on my very first day out. Mur’k carries me back to his hideout, claiming that I owe him for messing up his hunt.

Nope! No way! I didn’t survive the bugs just to become some cocky warrior’s plaything. I don’t care if he’s hot as sin and purrs like a big cat. I’m going to make it to New Franklin on my own if it’s the last thing I do!

Thoughts on Hunter's Valentine: We're back with the big purple warriors back in the earlier days of the infestation (ehhh...earlier-ish) and it's loner Mur'k who's up. By the by, Mur'k is NOT looking for a special someone. Nope. Not looking. Not interested. No way.

Until, you know, he is. I mean, sure, he doesn't WANT to be, but Sara captivates him. And somewhere along the way, Mur'k comes to find out that having someone to watch your back isn't such a terrible thing. After all, he can have some pretty epic bug hunts when he's got eyes in his shuttle watching over him.

On Sara's end, she's not necessarily thrilled to run into a Xarc'n warrior almost immediately after leaving the compound she's been surviving in. But Mur'k (and his shuttle) does make traveling a little easier and she doesn't dislike the big guy. It's just, you know, she had a plan. And she kinda wants to stick to it and Mur'k and his muscles are distracting.

A little danger, a sweet look back on the survivors making things happen to take back their corner of the world, a lonely warrior who doesn't realize what he needs until it crosses his path, and a lady who ends up being VERY glad she partnered with her big alien!

Treasured by the Hunter by Lynnea Lee [Review]

Treasured by the Hunter (Xarc'n Warriors #12) by Lynnea Lee
Format: ebook
Source: borrowed through Kindle Unlimited
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Date read: December 3, 2024

Xarc'n Warriors
0.5. Pursued by the Hunter
1. Claimed by the Hunter
2. Wanted by the Hunter
3. Taken by the Hunter
4. Cherished by the Hunter
5. Rescued by the Hunter
6. Stolen by the Hunter
7. Captured by the Hunter
8. Protected by the Hunter
8.5. Hunter's Valentine
9. Desired by the Hunter
10. Coveted by the Hunter
11. Craved by the Hunter
12. Treasured by the Hunter - Kindle
13. Fated to the Hunter
13.5. Holly and the Hunter
14. Chosen by the Hunter

Related Series:
(find all the books in the series on the 1st book review)
Xarc'n Warriors: Mountains
1. Hunter's Quest

Lynnea Lee
| Website | Amazon |

Synopsis (Goodreads):

ZOEY
Years after the end of the world, my life is falling apart again. This time, I know exactly how to survive in the bugpocalypse. What I don’t know is what to do with the brawny purple alien following me around.

Harb’k isn’t just big and strong, with a protective streak a mile wide, but he’s funny as hell too. I agree to partner up with him at least until I get to my destination, a settlement called Sanctuary. But before we get there, we come across something that could make or break humanity’s future.

Will we be able to contain the threat? Even if we do, will Harb’k still want me if he finds out my secret?

HARB’K
Almost every hunter in my group found his mate but me. Desperate to get away from all the love in the air, I volunteer to scour the region for signs that the scourge—the abominations that brought us to Earth—are evolving. Instead, I discover a lone female navigating the ravaged landscape with enemies at her back.

I convince Zoey to travel with me. She doesn’t know it yet, but she is my mate, and the mate bond is never wrong.

I will move planets for her, but first, I must save this one. Can I convince her to love me before a deadly mutagen destroys everything?

Thoughts on Treasured by the Hunter: It's Harb'k's turn to find his special someone and she's a nomad on the run trying to make her way to a notoriously unfriendly-to-aliens outpost. Which is problematic for Harb'k since he, you know, is an alien.

But Harb'k uses his charm (and probably his fighting prowess because human ladies do like watching those Xarc'n destroy bugs) and convinces Zoey to join him in his scouting mission so she doesn't have to travel on foot through bug-infested (and bad human-infested) areas. Zoey's no fool, so she accepted.

On Zoey's end, she doesn't necessarily WANT to go Sanctuary, but with most of her nomad crew now dead and the ones who did it after her, she doesn't have a whole lot of choices. Harb'k's offer to travel together definitely isn't unwelcome since she kind of liked the big guy from their first meeting. He's sexy, funny, and he's pretty darn good at killing bugs.

More than a little danger (both of the bug and human variety), a race against time to stop any mutations that could be springing up, a warrior who will do anything to keep his special lady safe, and a lady who has to trust her honey can deal with all of her perceived flaws so they can find their HEA. *thumbs up*

Craved by the Hunter by Lynnea Lee [Review]

Craved by the Hunter (Xarc'n Warriors #11) by Lynnea Lee
Format: ebook
Source: borrowed through Kindle Unlimited
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Date read: January 10, 2024

Xarc'n Warriors
0.5. Pursued by the Hunter
1. Claimed by the Hunter
2. Wanted by the Hunter
3. Taken by the Hunter
4. Cherished by the Hunter
5. Rescued by the Hunter
6. Stolen by the Hunter
7. Captured by the Hunter
8. Protected by the Hunter
8.5. Hunter's Valentine
9. Desired by the Hunter
10. Coveted by the Hunter
11. Craved by the Hunter - Kindle
12. Treasured by the Hunter
13. Fated to the Hunter
13.5. Holly and the Hunter
14. Chosen by the Hunter

Related Series:
(find all the books in the series on the 1st book review)
Xarc'n Warriors: Mountains
1. Hunter's Quest

Lynnea Lee
| Website | Amazon |

Synopsis (Goodreads):

SAM
When a legendary PIP model shows up in my shop, I jump on the chance to work on the sentient shuttle, until I meet Pip’s owner. The surly hunter hates humans and has earned himself the nickname Loose Cannon.

Worse yet, Pip is dead set that I’m Kan’n’s mate! I don’t care that the seven-foot-tall alien warrior has the galaxy’s sexiest jawline, and is covered in delicious purple muscles; he’s a jerk and totally not my type. He does everything to stop me from working on his shuttle, including calling for backup from the mothership.

But when things go haywire aboard the mothership, I find my life in Kan’n’s hands, and the rest of me in his arms.

KAN’N
I don’t trust humans, especially not the female with the sunshine hair and intoxicating scent who has brainwashed my shuttle and makes me feel strange things. Which is why I’m leaving the moment I can.

Eager to get my shuttle fixed, I ask the mothership for help. But when Jask'l arrives, he not only praises Sam for her work but he also invites her up to the mothership with him! There’s no way I’m letting her brainwash him too, so I tag along to keep an eye on her.

When disaster strikes, I see a side of Sam I’ve never seen before. For once, she needs me to protect her. Now that I’ve seen how things can be between us, I’m not sure I want to ever let her go.

Thoughts on Craved by the Hunter: It's time for Sam and Kan'n to find their happy place. Frankly, Kan'n does NOT make things easy. He's wary of humans after being captured by them and he isn't exactly friendly to the group that rescued him. And with Sam? Well, despite his ship's insistence that Sam's his mate, Kan'n is convinced that his feelings for her are less on the mate-y side and more on the "don't trust her because she's human" side.

Spoiler: Kan'n is entirely wrong and he kind of drives Sam up a wall with all his lurking and angry growls.

That said, Sam might like Kan'n's muscles and looks, but his grumpy personality leaves a lot to be desired. She is absolutely not interested in him and she's sure Pip has things wrong with this whole mate thing. It takes a scorching kiss, some imminent danger, and a night snowed in during a storm for things to finally get on the right track with these two. Which is also to say that Kan'n has a little groveling to do when he unintentionally hurts Sam's feelings with some harsh words about humans.

A new danger (that's also kind of old, but...oh, just read about it!), a wild crash landing, a hunter who has to recalibrate this thinking when it comes to humans, and a lady who is determined to carve out her place in this world (and hopefully with the warrior she's come to adore). MAN, I like these big purple warriors and the ladies who capture their hearts. *thumbs up*

Hunter's Bounty by Lynnea Lee [Review]

Hunter's Bounty (Xarc'n Warriors: Mountains #6) by Lynnea Lee
Format: ebook
Source: purchased
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Date read: January 14, 2024

Xarc'n Warriors: Mountains
1. Hunter's Quest
2. Hunter's Price
3. Hunter's Promise
4. Hunter's Wish
5. Hunter's Trial
6. Hunter's Bounty - Kindle

Related Series:
(find all the books in the series on the 1st book review)
Xarc'n Warriors
1. Claimed by the Hunter

Lynnea Lee
| Website | Amazon |

Synopsis (Goodreads):

SAMMIE
On the run in a brand-new world.

Luck has been on my side since the space bugs came and destroyed everything I knew. Now, my luck has run out. Cast out into a dangerous new world with a psycho on my tail, I have to adapt fast to survive.

To add to my problems, I’ve caught the eye of a purple monster, and everyone knows the alien warriors are bad news. But this one comes barreling in on a clearly man-made war machine, then claims he lives with the very people I’m trying to reach.

Should I believe him? Or is this all just a trick?

DRAK’L
I’ve finally found her, and I’ll never let her go.

I’ve watched as each hunter in my group found his mate among our human allies, but I know my mate is not one of them. Eager to meet the female who will be the center of my universe, I set out in search of her.

When I finally find Sammie, she’s terrified of me. Unlike the females at the clubhouse, she still believes the lies that are spread about us. Desperate to prove that I live with the very humans she wishes to join, I return in one of the humans’ war machines, with gifts to woo her.

Can I convince her to come of her own free will? Or will dangers force me to steal her away?

Thoughts on Hunter's Bounty: Sammie's lived in relative safety since the bugpocalypse hit (in an underground bunker with a family that treated her like one of their own) until things went sideways in the worst sort of way. Forced out and on the run, this bug-infested world is dangerous and pretty new to her. That said, she does okay. She might not know how to fight the bugs (or about any of the advancements that have happened since the bugs invaded), but she's smart and determined and she has a destination in mind.

Oh, and she has a hunky purple alien interested in her.

Which sort of comes with its own set of problems (ehh, not problems exactly, but Sammie's been REALLY isolated because of living in the bunker and it takes a little for her to get up to speed) since she human/Xarc'n couples aren't even on her radar.

Fortunately, Drak'l is one determined hunter. He knows Sammie is the one for him and he's determined to show her he can protect and provide for her. This means wooing her slowly with gifts and sneaky dates. Heck, just spending time with her helps show her he's a catch (the big guy loves animals and they love him! That says it all, doesn't it?).

A dangerous situation, a whole lot of people Sammie needs to get acquainted with, a couple of epic photo shoots, sneaky presents, a warrior determined to protect his lady, and a lady who has a whole lot of catching up to do. GOOD STUFF.

Hunter's Trial by Lynnea Lee [Review]

Hunter's Trial (Xarc'n Warriors: Mountains #5) by Lynnea Lee
Format: ebook
Source: purchased
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Date read: November 29, 2023

Xarc'n Warriors: Mountains
1. Hunter's Quest
2. Hunter's Price
3. Hunter's Promise
4. Hunter's Wish
5. Hunter's Trial - Kindle
6. Hunter's Bounty

Related Series:
(find all the books in the series on the 1st book review)
Xarc'n Warriors
1. Claimed by the Hunter

Lynnea Lee
| Website | Amazon |

Synopsis (Goodreads):

YVETTE
Of all the muscular purple warriors, I get stuck with the grumpy one.
Stuck in the cliffside lodge for months, I’m going stir-crazy while all the other women get to explore with their mates. Even Judy has her biker beau. I need to get out of here, so I ask Bre’k to take me foraging. I’m not surprised when, yet again, he says no.

At the clubhouse, after a freak storm cut the power to our lodge, one of the men offers to take me foraging. All of a sudden, Mr. Grumpy decides he wants to take me out after all!

What kind of I-don’t-want-you-but-he-can’t-have-you-either bullcrap is this? I don't think so, Grumpy. But, to stop a fistfight from breaking out in Gabby’s kitchen, I agree—for one trip. Too bad the mate bond has other ideas.

BRE’K
She’s the sunshine that brightens our ledge.
Yvette was terrified of all hunters when she first arrived on the ledge. Not wanting to scare her, I learned to limit myself to human noises. No growling, no snarling, and absolutely no purring.

Desperate to keep her safe, I offer to look for the items she needs instead of taking her out foraging. I didn’t expect another male to offer to take her instead!

After shutting him down, the goal is simple: get her items, then get her back in one piece. Too bad my purring chest, mouthy shuttle, and a badly-timed mate bond decide to complicate things.

Thoughts on Hunter's Trial: YES! The next hunter and his lady are up and Bre'k has been working hard to keep his instincts on lock down so he doesn't scare Yvette away. As it turns out, there's one certain warrior she really doesn't have an issue with. She just thought he wasn't interested since he never purred or growled or did any of the other mate-potential things the other warriors do.

Joke's on Yvette because Bre'k is REALLY into her. He's just super good at hiding it. You know, until jealousy gets the better of him and he goes all growly when a human offers to take her out foraging. Soon they're stuck together with a mate bond, going on dates, and getting to know one another in the best ways.

While these two are navigating their new bond, they're also checking for damage after a recent earthquake/landslide that has slightly compromised the lodge. This leads to a little buggy danger, a little human danger, and a little insight into a VERY chatty shuttle.

Things are changing (mostly for the better) for the survivors of the bugpocalypse and I am HERE for it!

Hunter's Wish by Lynnea Lee [Review]

Hunter's Wish (Xarc'n Warriors: Mountains #4) by Lynnea Lee
Format: ebook
Source: purchased
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Date read: November 28, 2023

Xarc'n Warriors: Mountains
1. Hunter's Quest
2. Hunter's Price
3. Hunter's Promise
4. Hunter's Wish - Kindle
5. Hunter's Trial
6. Hunter's Bounty

Related Series:
(find all the books in the series on the 1st book review)
Xarc'n Warriors
1. Claimed by the Hunter

Lynnea Lee
| Website | Amazon |

Synopsis (Goodreads):

SARAH
It’s not you. It’s me.
Fen’k is a total cinnamon roll of a Xarc’n hunter who makes me want what I’ll never have: to live happily ever after. He deserves someone who isn’t afraid to love him back.

After the last person I trusted stomped on my heart and stole all that I cared about , I stopped believing in love. I’m sure it still exists; just not for me.

But when the growly alien warrior offers to help me find my missing son, I throw caution to the wind, even though losing my heart would destroy me. I just hope I’m not making a horrible mistake.

FEN’K
I’ll believe for the both of us.
Sarah is all I’ve been able to think about since I first laid eyes on her. Even though she turns me down, I know she’s the one.

When she asks me what the catch is for finding her missing offspring, I pull the deal out of thin air. I’ll find her son, but she must come along, and if we form a mating bond, she’ll give us a chance.

I make it my mission to open her heart again. She doesn’t believe love lasts forever, but I know mate bonds do. Now all I have to do is wait for the bond to start.

Thoughts on Hunter's Wish: No lie, I really like how these growly warriors find their special someone and just GO FOR IT. Fen'k knew Sarah was the one who captured his attention from the first, but she wasn't ready for a relationship and so he set out to figure out how to win her over. Basically, the big guy just wanted a chance for the mate bond to develop and a trip to another settlement was exactly the opportunity to let things happen.

While Fen'k was ready and willing, Sarah was a little slower to go all in. She'd suffered a pretty big loss and was guarding her heart pretty fiercely. Fen'k's offer to take her to search for her son was a chance she couldn't pass up. So she set out with the big guy and soon the two were going on picnic dates and cuddling to give the mate bond a chance to kick in.

A little danger, nasty bugs, a road trip (of sorts), a doggo, a wary kid, a warrior who knows his person when he meets her, and a lady who is afraid to hope for the things she wants most. GOOD STUFF!

Hunter's Promise by Lynnea Lee [Review]

Hunter's Promise (Xarc'n Warriors: Mountains #3) by Lynnea Lee
Format: ebook
Source: purchased
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Date read: November 27, 2023

Xarc'n Warriors: Mountains
1. Hunter's Quest
2. Hunter's Price
3. Hunter's Promise - Kindle
4. Hunter's Wish
5. Hunter's Trial
6. Hunter's Bounty

Related Series:
(find all the books in the series on the 1st book review)
Xarc'n Warriors
1. Claimed by the Hunter

Lynnea Lee
| Website | Amazon |

Synopsis (Goodreads):

GABBY
A good girl gone awol

I knew when I Ex-Laxed our leader’s food that they’d send me to the arena if they caught me. It was worth it to get some of my friends out of this dump. What I didn't expect was the seven-foot-tall Xarc’n hunter who has come to my rescue.

My horned and fanged savior isn’t like any other alien warrior I’ve heard about. He dresses in furs, lives in a cave, and there isn’t a shuttle in sight. Every word sounds like a growl, but my body reacts to him like we belong together.
But I can’t just hide in his den forever. I have to get back to my friends!

TAL’N
A hunter on the run

When I found out about Earth and the compatible females living here, I abandoned my mission to come to this blue-green planet. Hunted by my own kind, I did all I could to stay hidden.

Now I’ve found the female whose scent called to me all through the cold season. Gabby is mine, and I’ll stop at nothing to claim her. Her people are searching for her, and mine now know I exist, but I will level this entire mountain if they try to separate us.

Thoughts on Hunter's Promise: Another warrior finds his special human lady and I AM HERE FOR IT.

This time around we have Gabby (the lady who infamously Ex-Laxed the raider's food to help facilitate an escape) and Tal'n. Tal'n has been living rough and on his own for the past two years and he isn't tapped into the hunter network. Which means he's a little wilder and a little less knowledgeable when it comes to human interactions. Which, in turn, leads to a few communication issues between him and Gabby. Well, plus, Gabby doesn't have a translator at first so the communication is pretty once-sided until that gets rectified.

That said, these two don't have a tough time communicating when all is said and done. The specifics might get a little lost, but Gabby figures out pretty quickly that Tal'n is only there to protect her and soon she's cuddling up to the big guy in more ways than one.

A daring rescue, some well-spent alone time with just the two of them, bugs, raiders, a warrior who isn't used to being around others, and a lady who loves being among friends. MORE PLEASE!

Hunter's Price by Lynnea Lee [Review]

Hunter's Price (Xarc'n Warriors: Mountains #2) by Lynnea Lee
Format: ebook
Source: purchased
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Date read: November 26, 2023

Xarc'n Warriors: Mountains
1. Hunter's Quest
2. Hunter's Price - Paperback | Kindle
3. Hunter's Promise
4. Hunter's Wish
5. Hunter's Trial
6. Hunter's Bounty

Related Series:
(find all the books in the series on the 1st book review)
Xarc'n Warriors
1. Claimed by the Hunter

Lynnea Lee
| Website | Amazon |

Synopsis (Goodreads):

XIK’N
My mission is simple. One: retrieve the shuttle. Two: don’t get caught.

The tiny human female who answers my transmission is just a bonus. Every ounce of my being tells me to take her, touch her, and taste her. I earn her trust instead, and we talk for hours through our shuttles.

When hostile humans turn on May and her friends, she steals the shuttle for herself. Now she’s out there on a mountain full of deadly scourge with armed males at her heel. May is mine, and I must find and claim her before they do.

MAY
Xarc’n warriors walk around their shuttle in their birthday suits. Ask me how I know.

When the hulking alien warriors first came to Earth, I was terrified of them, but this purple protector makes me feel safe. Besides, after surviving through the bugpocalypse, I’ve learned the Xarc’n warriors are our allies, even if they do have sharp teeth and horns.

The people I live with aren’t so friendly though, and when I realize I’ve outstayed my welcome, I steal their shuttle and save my friends from certain doom. Now we have armed mercs searching for us, hordes of bugs eager to eat us, and a twice-stolen shuttle. What have I gotten myself into?

Thoughts on Hunter's Price: We're back in the mountains with those always hunky, sometimes clueless Xarc'n Warriors and YESSSSSS. This time around we have Xik'n and May and DOUBLE YESSSSSS.

So. Xik'n. One of the warriors from the contingent that abandoned their previous post and made their way to Earth. The big guy doesn't THINK he wants a mate, but he can't get May out of his head after their first encounter. And after actually meeting her? Yeah, he's a goner. Being that he doesn't have much (read: any) experience with women, he's a little possessive and a little pushy and he's absolutely smitten with his human in all ways, shapes or forms.

Well, he's not actually thrilled by how May might not be sticking around, but the big guy figures he can work on that.

As for May, she's had a run of bad luck with the people she's joined up with. As in, most of them have ended up dead. No lie, that kind of weighs on May. She doesn't want to be the reason the new group she's with meet a bad end. So she plans on setting out on her own. What she doesn't expect? A big purple warrior who likes to hold her and courts her by carrying her around everywhere. Yeah, he can be a little bossy, but May finds out she doesn't mind that part.

A stolen shuttle, a whole lot of bugs, a bad group of raiders, a rescue mission, a purple hunk who will fight anything and everything to keep his lady safe, and a lady who figures out relying on others doesn't put them in danger. GOOD STUFF!

Hunter's Quest by Lynnea Lee [Review]

Hunter's Quest (Xarc'n Warriors: Mountains #1) by Lynnea Lee
Format: ebook
Source: purchased
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Date read: October 7, 2023

Xarc'n Warriors: Mountains
1. Hunter's Quest - Paperback | Kindle
2. Hunter's Price
3. Hunter's Promise
4. Hunter's Wish
5. Hunter's Trial
6. Hunter's Bounty

Related Series:
(find all the books in the series on the 1st book review)
Xarc'n Warriors
1. Claimed by the Hunter

Lynnea Lee
| Website | Amazon |

Synopsis (Goodreads):

MORGAN
There's a Xarc’n warrior stalking my land. Rhaz’k claims I’m “his,” but I belong to no one, especially not to a bossy purple alien with massive horns, sharp fangs, and huge muscles. But when the deadly space bugs invading Earth start showing up around my home, the overprotective warrior tosses me over his shoulder and carries me to his shuttle. Who does he think he is?

RHAZ’K
Morgan calls me bossy, but her body scents of lust every time I’m near. I’ve been patient all season, giving her time to accept that she’s mine. She might scream at me now, but soon she’ll be screaming my name. Nothing will stop me from claiming my mate.

Thoughts on Hunter's Quest: OH HO! A new set of warriors protecting the mountains and I AM HERE FOR IT. To be fair, I'd already read Morgan's sister's book, so I was fully aware of these hunky purple guys doing their things in the mountainous regions, BUT STILL. I'm always ready for more Xarc'n/human action.

This time around we have Morgan, who was surviving admirably until her jerk-face ex showed up, and Rhaz'k, who VERY MUCH does not understand human women. For real. The guy is adorably clueless when it comes to wooing a lady. That said, he knows he likes riling Morgan up and he likes when she pushes back at him. So he does that. A LOT.

Fortunately for him, Morgan doesn't mind that sort of verbal foreplay. In fact, she might not think the big guy's actions means he likes her, but she's certainly not bored when he's around. And when she DOES figure out his poking and prodding is his way of flirting? WELL. Let's just say things take a sex-ay turn and leave it at that.

A handful of new warriors, some not-so-great humans, bugs, bugs, and more bugs (although not as many as there could have been), a sweet mountain lodge, a warrior who enjoys how his lady stands her ground, and a woman who is smart enough to know when she's found the guy who lights her fire. *thumbs up*

Coveted by the Hunter by Lynnea Lee [Review]

Coveted by the Hunter (Xarc'n Warriors #10) by Lynnea Lee
Format: ebook
Source: borrowed through Kindle Unlimited
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Date read: August 15, 2023

Xarc'n Warriors
0.5. Pursued by the Hunter
1. Claimed by the Hunter
2. Wanted by the Hunter
3. Taken by the Hunter
4. Cherished by the Hunter
5. Rescued by the Hunter
6. Stolen by the Hunter
7. Captured by the Hunter
8. Protected by the Hunter
8.5. Hunter's Valentine
9. Desired by the Hunter
10. Coveted by the Hunter - Kindle
11. Craved by the Hunter
12. Treasured by the Hunter
13. Fated to the Hunter
13.5. Holly and the Hunter
14. Chosen by the Hunter

Related Series:
(find all the books in the series on the 1st book review)
Xarc'n Warriors: Mountains
1. Hunter's Quest

Lynnea Lee
| Website | Amazon |

Synopsis (Goodreads):

HEATHER
When I offered to help the scary alien hunter rescue his friend, I had no idea the seven feet tall brute planned on abducting me. Now I’m stuck in a shuttle with my growly, purple captor, speeding away from everything I ever knew.

Nov’k is sinfully handsome, covered in muscles, and claims he wants to wake up every day with me in his arms. He makes me feel beautiful for once in my life. Too bad he’s also the bossiest warrior on this side of the galaxy.

He may be bigger and badder than I am, but if he thinks he can kidnap me and order me around, he’s in for a big surprise.

NOV’K
I always thought I’d find my mate among the Earth females at the new hunter’s base, but the one who catches my attention is already mated. To distract myself from the disappointment, I take on a mission to rescue an unknown hunter from a group of hostiles.

That’s when I meet Heather. She doesn’t just smell mine; she’s smart, brave, and willing to help me despite the obvious dangers. My plans change immediately because nothing can ever make me leave her behind.

And once she’s in my shuttle, I’m never letting her go.

Thoughts on Coveted by the Hunter: Nov'k, who's new-ish to being around humans and doesn't always understand that some things shouldn't be done, is up and his lady is a braver-than-she-thinks-she-is human who makes a choice to help someone who needs her. It was just her (or more like the hunter she was attempting to help) good fortune that Nov'k happened to show up when he did.

Because they got that hunter out of there and heh. I'm pretty sure we'll see him in the future.

Anywho. Heather and Nov'k. She's been in a not so great situation for the last little bit, but she has survived. And as she pointed out to Nov'k, the people she was with might have made some questionable choices, but they were doing the best they could under the circumstances. Holding a hunter prisoner, however, wasn't a great choice in the slightest.

Fortunately for Nov'k, Heather was willing to be open minded when it came to the Xarc'n. She made the choice to trust the big guy despite how those she's been living with believed the worst about the aliens and her trust ended up working out for everyone in the end. Especially Nov'k. Which isn't to say Nov'k didn't make mistakes. He learned a lot about human interactions from books (romance books, specifically) and his ideas on how to woo a lady weren't always the best. But he figured things out. Eventually. With Heather's help.

Bugs, smart ships, bad humans, a hunter who knows his lady is his the moment he scents her, and a lady who decides to throw caution to the wind and trust her instincts when it comes to the big guy. *thumbs up*

Dance with the Devil by Kit Rocha [Review]

Dance with the Devil (Mercenary Librarians #3) by Kit Rocha
Format: ebook
Source: provided through NetGalley
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Date read: July 8, 2022

Mercenary Librarians
1. Deal with the Devil
2. The Devil You Know
3. Dance with the Devil - Paperback | Kindle

Kit Rocha
| Website | Amazon |

Synopsis (Goodreads):

Tobias Richter, the fearsome VP of Security of TechCorp is dead. The puppetmaster is gone, and the organization is scrambling to maintain control by ruthlessly limiting access to resources to Atlanta, hoping to quell rebellion. Our band of mercenary librarians have decided that the time for revolution has come.

Maya uses her wealth of secrets to weaken the TechCorps from within. Dani strikes from the shadows, picking off the chain of command one ambush at a time. And Nina is organizing their community—not just to survive, but to fight back. When Maya needs to make contact with a sympathetic insider, Dani and Rafe are the only ones with the skill-set and experience to infiltrate the highest levels of the TechCorps. They'll go deep undercover in the decadent, luxury-soaked penthouses on the Hill.

Bringing Dani face-to-face with the man who turned her into a killer. And forcing Rafe to decide how far he'll go to protect both of his families—the one he was born to, and the one he made for himself.

Victory will break the back of Power. Failure will destroy Atlanta.

Thoughts on Dance with the Devil: It's Dani's time to shine and our lady has A LOT going on as she tries to avoid admitting she has a bucketload of feelings for Rafe while also having to go deep undercover in what is possible one of the worst places in Atlanta with the sex-on-a-stick hottie. You might think an undercover job in the glitzy, over-the-top TechCorps inner circle wouldn't be half bad, but IT REALLY IS. From the waste to the egos to the amoral parties, it's just a whole lot of terrible.

That said, Dani does get to spend some quality time with Rafe. Rafe, who very much sees Dani for what she is and would tear down the world if she needed him to. Rafe, who knows he needs to move slow so he doesn't ruin what could be between them before it really starts. Yeah, Rafe's smart and sexy and he absolutely knows pushing Dani will only result in her never allowing him past her walls.

MEANWHILE, bad things are happening, the crew are preparing for the worst, secrets are being uncovered, there's danger around every corner, and there's a reckoning on the horizon. Nina, Knox, and the others are determined to not only survive the coming fight, but live the lives they've only dreamed of after. Which means they have a lot riding on what's coming and their determination to win is epic.

As an aside, I'm being cautiously optimistic that we'll get to see more in this world. We got Nina, Maya, and Dani's stories (along with the corresponding Devils), but there are so many more desperate to break free from the entities holding them hostage. Plus, there's Ava and Mace (and Beth!) who need to figure things out. And and and...yeah. There's a lot under the surface that can still be tapped and I'm 100% here for it.

Fire in Her Dreams by Ruby Dixon [Review]

Fire in Her Dreams (Fireblood Dragons #9) by Ruby Dixon
Format: ebook
Source: borrowed through Kindle Unlimited
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Date read: April 7, 2021

Fireblood Dragons
1. Fire in His Blood
2. Fire in His Kiss
3. Fire in His Embrace
4. Fire in His Fury
5. Fire in His Spirit
6. Fire in His Veins
7. Fire in Her Eyes
8. Fire in His Chaos
9. Fire in Her Dreams - Paperback | Kindle
10. Dark Fire

Ruby Dixon
| Website | Amazon |

Synopsis (Goodreads):

Jenny’s dreams have turned to nightmares.

Every night, her thoughts are filled with evil. Something is reaching out…and she’s not so sure she wants to reach back. That is, until someone new appears in her dreams. Someone who protects her, comforts her, and thinks of Jenny as his mate. Imaginary friends aren’t real, but Jenny likes to pretend, anyhow.

Then, one day, one of the mindless dragons guarding the fort awakens…and Jenny realizes that the friend from her dreams isn’t a figment of her imagination. He’s a dragon.

And he’s looking to claim his female.

Thoughts on Fire in Her Dreams: All things considered, it might be a little odd to say I've missed these arrogant, possessive dragons and the messed up world they've unintentionally terrorized, but BOY do I like dipping my toes back into this world. These dragons are a hot mess of epic proportions and they caused a lot of damage when they came through the rift. They're arrogant and dangerous and when they find their special someone things don't always snap into place (well, the physical side snaps, but the mental clarity isn't always quite as quick to come back), but they are FUN to read about.

So. This time we have Mhal and Jenny. He's one of Azar's zombie dragons and she's a recruit into the panty program. Her distress over her weird dreams lets him break free of Azar's hold and she's entirely sure she's made him up right up until he really awakens and things go sideways. Unlike some of the earlier couples, at least Jenny has a friend who can provide a little guidance. She and Mhal still have to figure A LOT of things out, but at least she has some idea what to expect.

Which isn't to say things are easy. Mhal is mentally pretty messed up and only his instinctive desire to protect his mate keeps him from causing Jenny any damage. Like all the other dragons, he's gloriously arrogant, too. Jenny has to coax him around to understanding that doing things the drakoni way isn't going to work for her since she's very human. No lie, I dig when these dragons get to experience kissing and whatnot for the first time. They're just so darn enthusiastic about it once they try it out.

We get answers toward where all this is heading and, well, more Azar. Which is unfortunate. The Azar part, not the answers. That dude is...I don't know. I honestly can't wait to see how he fixes things with his lady and figures out that just because you can doesn't mean you should. His story should be pretty darn interesting, one way or another.

Bottom line: We got lots of arrogant dragon, plenty of steamy kisses, and a sliver of hope that the light at the end of the tunnel will lead to better things for all of the couples we've met so far. *thumbs up*

The Devil You Know by Kit Rocha [Review]

The Devil You Know (Mercenary Librarians #2) by Kit Rocha
Format: ebook
Source: provided through NetGalley
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Date read: August 26, 2021

Mercenary Librarians
1. Deal with the Devil
2. The Devil You Know - Paperback | Kindle
3. Dance with the Devil

Kit Rocha
| Website | Amazon |

Synopsis (Goodreads):

Maya has had a price on her head from the day she escaped the TechCorps. Genetically engineered for genius and trained for revolution, there’s only one thing she can’t do—forget.

Gray has finally broken free of the Protectorate, but he can’t escape the time bomb in his head. His body is rejecting his modifications, and his months are numbered.

When Maya’s team uncovers an operation trading in genetically enhanced children, she’ll do anything to stop them. Even risk falling back into the hands of the TechCorps.

And Gray has found a purpose for his final days: keeping Maya safe.

Thoughts on The Devil You Know: Hoo-boy! This is one dangerous, messed up world that I love to spend literary time in. Sure, sure, the dangerous part of it is THROUGH THE ROOF and the people in  charge are not good people, but change is in the air, my friends, and I AM HERE FOR IT.

As one of the three women working on bringing hope to their little slice of their city, Maya is in a dangerous position. She's not a fighter (or so she thinks) and the only way she can remain safe is if the people she escaped from think she's dead. But she's not one to sit idly by when the team uncovers genetically enhanced children being trafficked right under their noses. So she buckles down and starts stretching her wings (and abilities) to help guide that change I mentioned above.

Meanwhile, Gray is...well, he's not in a good place. He's on the not-so-slow road to an early demise as his body rejects his implants. He knows the score and he knows there's not much that can be done for him. Yeah, our boy is in a bad place, but he's also not willing to sit idly by, wallowing, and let things happen around him. Those sparks between him and Maya? Yeaaaaah. They're FANTASTIC!

Secrets, lies, truth, betrayal, and new allies. Am I excited for those allies? I SURE AM. Maya, Nina, and Dani have become so much more than three women fighting to build a better future for those in their neighborhood. They're on the cusp of revolution and their actions are going to affect so many people down the road. (After a long, bloody battle, if I had to guess.) The Silver Devils might have started their relationship with the ladies for questionable reasons, but THINGS ARE HAPPENING and I couldn't be happier!

Fire in His Chaos by Ruby Dixon [Review]

Fire in His Chaos (Fireblood Dragons #8) by Ruby Dixon
Format: ebook
Source: borrowed through Kindle Unlimited

Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Date read: April 23, 2020

Fireblood Dragons
1. Fire in His Blood
2. Fire in His Kiss
3. Fire in His Embrace
4. Fire in His Fury
5. Fire in His Spirit
6. Fire in His Veins
7. Fire in Her Eyes
8. Fire in His Chaos - Paperback | Kindle
9. Fire in Her Dreams
10. Dark Fire

Ruby Dixon
| Website | Facebook | Amazon |

Synopsis (Goodreads):

In dangerous Fort Dallas, Rachel is untouchable. All she has to do is hand over her panties every day. Sure, it’s weird, but it keeps her safe, right? And if there’s a reason behind it, she doesn’t care.

Until she finds out that she’s dragon bait. That changes things.

To stay in the fort’s sheltering walls, Rachel needs to ‘befriend’ a dragon and establish a mental connection with him. Drakoni male Jurik may be protective of her, and caring…but he’s still a dragon, and just as lost to the madness as any of them. He can’t be trusted. No dragon can. Rachel wears the scars from the last time she tangled with one, so seducing one seems absurd.

Or…is it?

Because Jurik doesn’t see her scars…all he sees is her. Is he her worst nightmare? Or everything she needed?

Thoughts on Fire in His Chaos: MAN, I like these Drakoni. They're a little whacked out from being dumped in our world, a lot dangerous when lost in their heads, and complete cuddle bugs once they find their special someone. Jurik is SO adorably cuddly. He just wants to stay as close to Rachel as he can get and she's both weirded out by it (because when all is said and done, the guy's still a predator) and comforted by it (because there's not much opportunity for sweet cuddling when the world's on fire around you). To be fair, the weirded out part really only comes into play before she gets to know him and accepts that he's totally into her and would never hurt her. After that, she's a-okay with it on every level.

Speaking of Rachel, she's the prickly sort of survivor you'd expect to find in the After. She guards her heart after being abandoned by her parents. She's pragmatic about her looks because of her scars. She's practical and hardy and she's willing to do most anything to keep on surviving. Putting the moves on a dragon, however, is sort of outside her comfort zone.

As for Jurik, he's one of the more sane unmated dragons we've met so far. That's mostly thanks to the human-Drakoni babies who are forcing him (and others) to stay in the here and now with their infant demands. Babies who can mind-speak and keep badass warriors focused are pretty awesome. When Rachel stumbles over him, Jurik finds a little more focus (although he does do the crazy thing occasionally, still).

We get a few more answers to the big question of how the humans and Drakoni are going to have to figure out how to co-exist on earth (there's a plan in the works, it's just...well, it's an interesting plan hatched by a guy who skates the line between good and bad). We also get a new complication that could have BIG ramifications for both the human survivors and the Drakoni alike. This is a crazy dangerous world and I'm loving it!

Deal with the Devil by Kit Rocha [Review]

Deal with the Devil (Mercenary Librarians #1) by Kit Rocha
Format: ebook
Source: provided through NetGalley
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Date read: July 4, 2020

Mercenary Librarians
1. Deal with the Devil - Hardcover | Paperback | Kindle
2. The Devil You Know
3. Dance with the Devil

Kit Rocha
| Website | Amazon |

Synopsis (Goodreads):

The United States went belly up 45 years ago when our power grid was wiped out. Too few live in well-protected isolation while the rest of us scrape by on the margins. The only thing that matters is survival. By any means. At any cost.

Nina is an information broker with a mission: to bring hope to the darkest corners of Atlanta. She and her team of mercenary librarians use their knowledge to help those in need. But altruism doesn’t pay the bills—raiding vaults and collecting sensitive data is where the real money is.

Knox is a bitter, battle-weary supersoldier who leads the Silver Devils, an elite strike squad that chose to go AWOL rather than slaughter innocents. Before the Devils leave town for good, they need a biochem hacker to stabilize the experimental implants that grant their superhuman abilities.

The problem? Their hacker’s been kidnapped. And the ransom for her return is Nina. Knox has the perfect bait for a perfect trap: a lost Library of Congress server. The data could set Nina and her team up for years...

If they live that long.

Thoughts on Deal with the Devil: This is one of those books I didn't know I needed until I picked it up. I mean, obviously I thought I'd enjoy it (because have you read Kit Rocha's other books???), but I wasn't expecting it to crawl under my skin and settle in the way it did. It worked for me on a lot of levels and OMG THAT ENDING!

But let's not get ahead of ourselves. We'll start with Nina and Knox. Nina who is so cheerfully optimistic (although that might be the wrong word) despite everything she's endured. She genuinely wants to change things for the better and she finds a way to make it happen (along with her librarian sisters) no matter what roadblocks are thrown in her path.

Knox is...a little less optimistic. He's battle-worn and recent losses have ground him down to the point where he makes a few questionable decisions to save the people who look to him for leadership. But Nina rekindles the spark of decency in him (not that he was ever morally corrupt or anything. Yeah. It's complicated. Sometimes good people have to do bad things to protect those who matter most.) and THINGS HAPPEN.

Seriously. This book. It was very good. Very VERY good. A crumbling, post-apocalyptic world where living the good life comes at a high price and those who choose to fight are battling uphill while trying to protect those who can't protect themselves. And because it's something I genuinely adore about KR books, the core ideas of found family and forgiveness and accepting those around you as they are hit all my happy buttons. Nina's librarian sisters might not be her sisters by blood (or however you want to put it), but they are hers all the same. Just like Knox's team are his brothers.

And somehow, this big, blood-thirsty group makes it work. Eventually. You know, after a few battles and threats and other bloody things. (And OMG THAT ENDING!)