Joint Review – Rogue’s Paradise (Covenant of Thorns #3) by Jeffe Kennedy – The Book Pushers | Book Reviews

Publisher: Carina Press
Publish Date: 8 Sep
How we got this book: ARC from the publisher via Netgalley; ARC from the author

Pregnant, possessed, and in love with a man I don’t dare to trust-those are the consequences of the risks I took to save my life. But Faerie, the land of blood and magic, is filled with bitter ironies, and the bargains I made now threaten me and my unborn child.

The darkly sensual fae noble Rogue still tempts me to danger and desire. As we await the birth of our child, I’ve been forced to question whether our offspring is part of a bargain Rogue once made to save himself. He can’t tell me the truth due to a spell the vicious Queen Titania has him under. Would he betray our family against his will? Could I ever forgive him if he does?

Rogue insists on an eternal commitment from me, even as Titania’s forces close in on us. I don’t know if Rogue and I can withstand her onslaught, or that of the beast within me. But I will not stop looking for answers-even if it brings the walls of Faerie crashing down.
This blurb came from the author’s website.

E: So I have been waiting for this story for over two years now, ever since I discovered Rogue’s Pawn back in early summer of 2012. I was immediately captivated by Gwynn, Rogue, and the very darkly sensual world Kennedy created. We won’t be able to avoid spoilers for the earlier books so if you need to avoid them I suggest you stop reading this review now.

Throughout the first two installments Gwynn learned about the Faerie world, its inhabitants, herself, and what was possible because she didn’t know enough to think it couldn’t be done. She also fought with and against Rogue even as she fought her attraction to him and what she promised to do in her original ignorance. I loved watching her find loopholes, try to make things fit into a “normal” with rational explanations and theoretical science, and the incredible sexual tension with Rogue. It was also a lot of fun to see her gather allies even if they appeared to be enemies at first. After all of the build-up and my expectations I was slightly worried that Rogue’s Paradise wouldn’t quite deliver but to my immense satisfaction Kennedy provided what I had been asking for.

Has: *Sigh* I so totally agree! Rogue’s Paradise was well worth the long wait for the very satisfactory conclusion to this trilogy. I loved how the plot threads which Jeffe Kennedy cleverly intertwined with clues and hints with the buildup and the climactic ending which really surprised me with the twists and turns.

The romance was also fantastically built up, with the scorching sexual tension between Rogue and Gwynn finally being consummated. The unresolved sexual tension with the first two books was pure torture but it was a delight to see them actually working together as a team as well figuratively setting fire between the sheets that I can forgive Jeffe for the torturous wait.

E: I agree Kennedy did a great job bringing the various plot threads together and throwing some twists! in at the end that caught me by surprise. I won’t mention what they were because of spoilers I will just say they were good. And while Has might forgive the torturous wait and while Kennedy delivered the goods and then some in this particular installment I still haven’t forgiven her for what she made happen in Rogue’s Possession and how she cruelly strung me along and then dashed my hopes (it was a really good read in case you were wondering).

Gwynn had some serious concerns following her rescue of Rogue and before the birth of their child because Titania had her hooks in practically everyone in Faerie. Gwynn also didn’t understand why Rogue was sooo extremely determined to (1) have a child with her and (2) to keep her under his possession when it became obvious he wasn’t always in full possession of himself. And at the same time Gwynn did need Rogue’s help not to mention his knowledge about the workings of Faerie as she tried to protect everyone she cared about. Despite Gwynn’s reluctance it was great watching how she and Rogue started to reveal who they were during quiet moments together. Seeing how hard Rogue worked to gain Gwynn’s trust and try to get her regard during the past was really sweet. I also enjoyed how Gwynn was forced to admit to herself she was fighting a losing battle with her attempts to not love Rogue. I mean if storming the castle of the enemy without an army meant anything.

Has: I loved those scenes when Gwynn gave Rogue her trust and belief that they could get out of their predicament and the curse that was predicted to fall upon them. It really showed how much growth and development evolved within their relationship. From their prickly and almost antagonistic beginning to that of a team who has learned to trust each other deeply. Although I did get a bit frustrated with Gwynn when she started to have self doubts but I am glad, Rogue gave her the space to work out her insecurites and showed how much he loved her.

I also loved how open Rogue was to Gwynn with the questions she had about his past and the world. But in good old Rogue style, he lets Gwynn figure out things on her own, which I really liked because it also showed how much her use of logic and scientific background was a gift in grounding her as well as cementing the world-building. I loved how she used scientific theory to explain many aspects of the fae world and it really gave a realistic an authentic feel to the world especially when it had this dreamy and surreal tone to it. I loved that combination because Jeffe Kennedy created a vividly beautiful world which is harsh and darkly sensual.

E: Rogue could be that teacher everyone hated in class until much later when they realized just how much the students really learned because he never give the answer. It was so much fun to watch her frustration and then glee as she discovered things for herself. It was like he knew how much Gwynn needed to use her brain in order to fully become and have a chance to change what was fated. I also enjoyed how Rogue started calling her out whenever Gwynn tried to deflect and avoid discussing her thoughts and feelings. Watching them interact in this story really demonstrated how well they complemented each other.

There were so many aspects about Rogue’s Paradise that I enjoyed. I was worried about how Gwynn and Rogue were going to have their HEA. What was going to happen to their child? What was going to happen to the other characters I enjoyed over the trilogy? And Kennedy hit everything I needed. Given some things unveiled towards the end of this installment I have some serious hopes, she will continue to write in this world. There is so much potential. **MAJOR HINT/HOPE/PUPPY EYES*

I give Rogue’s Paradise an A.

Has: Rogue’s Paradise is a fabulous conclusion to this trilogy. I really think you need to inhale this series in one huge glomfest because each installment is like puzzle pieces that slot together to create a rich tapestry of a world full of wonder, humour and surreal imagination with a dark jagged but sensual edge. Although I found it frustrating for the long wait for each installment, this is definitely a series which I will be rereading because I loved the vibrant and colourful characters and the memorable romance. This series is firmly engrained as one of my favourite fantasy romances and I hope you get the chance to read it because there is now no excuse since it has been completed. Although I also hope Jeffe Kennedy will revisit this world and characters because I think she has left a few tantalizing hints for more adventures and quests to come!

I also give Rogue’s Paradise an A

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