I found this one a bit frustrating. The gothic college setting in the heart of Salem immediately piqued my interest. Between Haven's tragic past and the mystery surrounding the Sons of Salem, I was excited to see where the story would go. The guys captured the same aura as "The Covenant", and their distinct branches of magic felt like a fresh, unpredictable take on witchcraft.

Unfortunately, the pacing never quite worked for me. Neither the magic nor the romance progressed enough to fully hook me, and just as the mystery deepened and the chemistry started to build, the book ended.

I don't mind a duology taking its time to set up what's next, but this installment left me feeling unrewarded for the time I'd invested. There's a lot of promise with the mysterious deaths, Haven's wild powers and the drama still to be reveal about their parent's love lives. But I was hoping for more payoff before the final page.

I loved how the story opens with a memory from Jax. That glimpse into his past helped me finally buy into the calm demeanor Sadie keeps insisting he has. Seeing him meet his adoptive little sisters gave me an emotional anchor to hold onto before the entire pack is dropped into a deeply messed-up battle-area competition.

The male characters really grew on me in this sequel, far beyond Sadie’s first impressions in book one. It’s not just that we learn more about their histories—this time, they’re forced to reassess their places in the world and in their relationships with each other. Watching those dynamics shift made their choices feel more layered and meaningful, especially when tensions rise.

If you're an audio reader, the new version with full cast is so helpful! Not only does it help you keep track of who's talking (bachelor 1, 2, 3, or 4 lol) but Teddy Hamilton was MADE to be Cobra.

Book-one me would laugh if someone told her Sadie would be my emotional touchstone in the sequel, but she truly holds it down for the group. I loved how steadily she maintains her sense of self. What once felt like a chaotic brain now seems like the most flexible and adaptable when it comes to navigating their new environment. I do hope she gets more decision-making power in the next book—the alphas tend to gang up on her—but I have faith in her. She’s grown into someone worth rooting for.

Playfulness is their love language.

The Vancouver Storm series is officially complete! It’s easily one of my favorite pro-hockey worlds to spend time in.

Coach Tate Ward sees the potential in everyone and pushes them to realize it. So I was heartbroken at first that he never quite saw Jordan that way— until they’re forced to work together to save the franchise. Thank goodness for the power of forced proximity!

There’s a level of silliness between them that I never expected, and I loved it. Tate has always been hard on Jordan, but seeing him relaxed and playful—especially with his daughter—softens the grudge between them. I once saw someone call playfulness a love language, and that really fits here. Learning that it’s safe to be light together is what allows them to move from opponents to friends to lovers.

Jordan was such a satisfying heroine. She’s capable, hardworking, and doesn’t need rescuing—but she does deserve support. Watching Tate step in to ease her burdens, rather than take control, gave her space to soften and thrive, and I loved seeing her finally get a place to land.

I also appreciated how the book handled Jordan’s relationship with her father. We learn more about what she endured after her mother’s death, and I admired that she was allowed to keep her boundaries while still working toward reconciliation. It felt thoughtful and honest, not rushed for the sake of a tidy ending.

This was exactly the send-off I wanted for the Vancouver Storm series. I’m going to miss this team and this world so much—but I couldn’t imagine a better way to say goodbye. 🏒💙