This book is a retelling of “Rise of the Phoenix” from Cole and Peter’s perspectives as they navigate their internal struggles while finding mates. I like that this was mostly light and fun to read, but I don’t think this is a must read book. Fine if you want more Blackbourne shenanigans with some LGBTQ spice. I was not a fan of Cole and Peter’s relationships. “Meh” is how I feel at the end of the day

because unlike Elijah and Alexander, they have no regard for their mortal mates’ consent and “mark” then without them having say in the matter! That low key felt like assault (it’s not like they can be unmarked). 

The relationships for all I care are surface level anyway and I have grown out of the “troubled bad boy-innocent girl” trope (especially when you’re 200-years old…c’mon now), but Ava/Cole,  and Sasha/Jeremy/Peter   grew on me . I would have loved a spin-off short of just Elijah, Marshala, Nick and their cutesy hybrid children because they’re my favorite coupling. But Oh well.