Publisher: Samhain
Publish Date: Out now
How I got this book: ARC from the publisher
When testing an enemy for weaknesses, prepare for things to get hard.
Bryn Cavanaugh and her coven like that the community they live in is isolated thanks to a storm that destroyed the bridge between them and the outside world. Now the state wants the bridge rebuilt. When the construction crew checks into the inn, Bryn begins to suspect something about the crew’s boss isn’t quite…human.
Bridges are Ethan Thorne’s thing—after all, he’s a troll—so building a simple span over a remote canal in backwater Louisiana shouldn’t be this much of a problem. When he follows the pretty little innkeeper to a midnight rendezvous, he discovers why his crew keeps running in to trouble. Bryn and her coven are casting spells in the moonlight.
As a troll, Ethan feels the sting of his low place in demon hierarchy. But finding an unprotected coven of witches in the middle of the bayou could lead to all sorts of adventure. And it’s better to keep your enemies close…
Warning: Contains a handsome troll (Hey, it can happen!) who’s skilled at building sexual tension with his hands—and several other body parts, as well—and a witch who’s determined to protect her home, but forgets to shield her heart.
This blurb came from the author’s website.
I thought the looked like I could have a lot of fun reading the story plus a troll as the hero and a witch as the heroine there was no way I could pass this up. I am very glad that I didn’t because it was a sometimes light, sexy, entertaining read with a very fascinating world and diverse characters.
Bryn and her coven weren’t originally from the small community on the river but over the years since their arrival, they made themselves an integral part and as such their unusual habits were overlooked or ignored. The women fled from an unsafe environment where they were subject to forced marriage and having their powers bound to a high-ranking demon. In the small community they found safety and acceptance so they were in no hurry to have the washed out bridge repaired but unfortunately for their peace of mind eventually their bridge came up to the top of the list and despite all of the additional delays, the crew and equipment finally showed up. From the moment they did and the sparks of attraction flew between Bryn and Ethan things continued to slide out of Bryn’s control.
Ethan was a troll but a rather unusual troll. Instead of making his living below a bridge terrorizing random crossers he owned a construction company that specialized in building and repairing bridges. He also dreamed of finding a witch of his own to bond with and move up in the demon ranks but was realistic enough to know his chances of finding an unattached witch were extremely slim. Then his crew arrived in the little community and discovered not one but an entire group of unprotected witches. Ethan was determined to bond with Bryn.
It was very amusing to watch both the coven and the crew conspire to help bring Bryn and Ethan together. I also enjoyed seeing what Ethan and Bryn did as they tried to seduce the other. While Ethan knew what Bryn was as he plotted I didn’t feel like he was really taking advantage of her because she was adding spells and trying to seduce the human she thought he was. When they eventually came together it was explosive but then the rest of the story came out and Ethan learned why the coven was alone and what he would have to face and defeat if he wished to keep her.
I thought the world Devlin established was rather interesting with some unusual rules. I really want to see more and learn about the different types of demons, their power base, organization, and their ruling council. I found it fascinating Ethan had such a mixture of different types of Demons at different levels in the demon hierarchy working for him instead of those equal or lower to his position. I enjoyed how the coven had a variety of different strengths and affinities. I am looking forward to seeing what they can make happen in the future now they have some protection. I would also like to see more of their individual personalities under less stressful conditions along with their interaction with the rest of Ethan’s crew. Several of whom seemed intriguing.
I am glad I requested Once in a Blue Moon because it was a story I enjoyed reading. Yes ,some areas could have used more fleshing out but I was never lost and found the action, sexy-times, and world rules fascinating. I hope Devlin continues to write in this world because there is so much more to explore.
I give Once in a Blue Moon a B
Great review E, this sounds right up my alley storywise. Adding it to my wishlist.
*waves* Hi Aurian! Great to hear from you. I hope you are doing well. Missed seeing you around. And this was a fun story. I am looking forward to the next one.