⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ 4/5
BURNING BRIGHT is the third novella in the Apex monster romance series by Vicky Walklate. Having read the first two books, I was excited for the third. It didn’t disappoint! Thanks for the opportunity to read it early, Vicky!
She couldn’t move, couldn’t speak. Charged particles between them sizzled, along with the echo of his earlier words.
She’s mine.
He’d fought for her, and now, if the look on his face was any indication, he was going to claim his prize.
Freya has left her abusive ex-husband, but she’s far from free. As a wealthy lawyer, he has the means and connections to stalk her without consequence. Fortunately, Freya’s sister (Evelyn from BLOOD FEATHERS) is looking out for her, and a monster named Severin owes her a favor.
A skilled mercenary who can shift into a humanoid saber-toothed tiger, Severin is the perfect beast to protect Freya from her fiend of an ex. But when he comes to her rescue, she gets hit in the head, complicating the situation. While Freya is unconscious, he abducts her, intending to look after her and keep her safe to repay his debt. Understandably, she freaks out and tries to escape, getting into more trouble. Severin takes his werecat form to get her out of it. To his surprise, he can’t shift back.
In a fated mate twist on the fuck-or-die-trope-style predicament, Severin will be stuck in his beast form forever unless he and Freya consummate the bond the universe has weaved between them.
Of course, neither one of them is looking for a relationship. Freya just gave up everything to escape a hellish marriage, and Severin abandoned his home realm to avoid living his life as destiny demands. There’s also the small (or not) matter of Severin’s anatomy. In addition to saber-tooth canines, a tail, and fur, he has a catlike cock (meaning it’s barbed 😬). Ever the gentleman, especially for a violent mercenary, he doesn’t press her to help resolve his dilemma. Though their bond makes resisting each other difficult, they agree to part ways.
But shrugging off their deep connection isn’t easy, and Severin isn’t about to take off while Freya’s ex is still a danger.
Despite the domestic violence, BURNING BRIGHT doesn’t feel heavy. The author does a great job of creating conflict and a despicable villain without dragging us to places so dark that it’s hard to enjoy the lighter parts of the story.
I loved this novella. Freya is such a realistic and relatable character whom I think many readers will identify with. She’s kind, innocent, and strong in a way you see in the real world. And Severin is just the sexy, badass protector she needs. The juxtaposition of his self-control and prey drive creates an especially tantalizing character. The chemistry between these two was scorching. Anyone searching for an excellent, spicy monster romance need look no further.
K.W. Bernard 