However, after the abduction, (or more accurately, the trip, since Thomas really didn't abduct Fia, she decided to go along with him), the pace of the novel increases and I could barely put down the book.

After reading other reviews that say there was an unexpected twist at the end that involved Gunna and Carr, I started thinking
what would that be, and I'm happy to say it was what I thought. I also liked reading what was going on in Ash and Raine lives, and to see the reunion of the siblings.

However, since so much time had been wasted on the first part of the novel, where nothing happened, the sencond half was kind of rushed. I would have liked that more time was dedicated to the romance between Fia and Thomas. I somewhat felt that this book did not have the same poignant quality that characterized the previous ones of this series.

Maybe I had set too high expectations for this book and that is why I'm a little dissapointed, but in reality it was pretty good. However, my favorite is still "The Passionate One"

Fia Merrick is a fascinating heroine--so stunningly beautiful, precociously worldly yet innocent and deeply damaged by her past. She doesn't realize that Thomas Donne, the man she's secretly loved for half a dozen years, is a McClairen and her family's bitterest enemy.

Their romance is a pager turner of nonstop fireworks not to be missed! Fia's journey toward self-discovery and freedom from her evil father's ironclad rule is also a delight. This novel is full of unexpected plot twists and has a stunning surprise ending I never expected. Don't miss this entertaining series that delves deeply into the nature of love, passion and evil!

It turns out I could have waited...UGH...Of the three books in the McClairen saga this is the worst. Thomas is so mannerly/honourable that it eventually makes him seem as if he hasn't got a backbone to speak of....I guess I like my men to be men...he was, well...a wimp that ran around insulting her and not doing much else.

Fia was okay as a heroine (I really liked how strong she was and that she was capable of change) but she really had nothing to play off with a hero so weakly realized. She had little respect for him (evidence the scene where he comes to abduct her and she takes control and mocks him) and eventually so did I. I also got tired very quickly of being hit over the head with how 'wicked' she was...PLEEZE. Okay...we get it ...everybody thinks she's a bad girl and she's not..move on.

That said...I actually think Connie Brockaway is a great writer and the first book in this series is one of my all time favorites...and you can't please everyone with every story...but if you like your heros to be MEN...hmmm, well then I would say you should buy this book used.