Rounded up from 3.5 stars. Wow - I did not see that twist coming!

As another reviewer said, where the first book was all plot and exposition, this sequel definitely prioritizes character development. This would have been an enjoyable change of pace had Fallon not remained such a brat most of the time. I have no idea what happened to her growth at the end of the last book, but she's back to being immature. She's just not a strong character & I don't find her particularly enjoyable.

That being said, I am still enjoying the world-building. The atmosphere of medieval Italian kingdoms and the magic of Celtic folklore are a great combination. I think the overall story arc is engaging, even though there is significantly less action and plot in book two, which is typical of trilogies.

I just hope Fallon gets a significant personality transplant and the plot kicks it up a notch in terms of speed in the next book. From how this installment ended, I hope both of those things will happen.

Lorcan quotes:
“ I don’t like touching people, and I don’t like being touched.” “ Could’ve fooled me. About the touching people part.”[…] “I don’t touch people, Behack Éan. I touch you. “I am people.” “You are not people.” His throat dips. “You are my…crow”.

“I think I’m dying.” “Would I ever let that happen?” “You may control many things, Lorcan Ríhbiadh, but you surely cannot control the rhythm of my heart.” “I control all that belongs to me, Behach Éan.” “My heart belongs to you?” “It’s always belonged to me. I’m hoping that soon you’ll understand this, so you stop wasting its precious beats on males who aren’t me.”