write_of_passages's reviews
572 reviews

 While the previous book in the series is my favorite so far, this book ended up taking me completely by surprise. Heart pounding from nearly the first page, this book doesn't let up until the very end. With suspension of disbelief, it's a wild, entertaining, but extremely emotional read. The overall theme of monsters and what makes a monster is breathtaking in the exploration in this book. I will say, however, after you read, if you start to really think about different pieces of the plot, the book will fall apart a bit (for example: I can't tell you what the title has to do with the story, to be honest). But I rated this based on how much enjoyment I got out of reading it, rather than picking apart any potential plotholes.


Knowing what I know now about this book, would I still read it if I went back in time?
Definitely.


 See below for the four criteria I use to decide whether and when to read a book



CHARACTERS: In some ways we have characters similar to what you'd find in the other books. Rhory is the same height, build, human that Jak and Arlo are, whereas Calix is our supernatural, larger in height, muscle mass, etc. character like Marius and Faenir. I adored having the link between this book and the previous books as well: Calix is the grandson of Auriol, Arlo's sister that we met in the previous book. This book also plays around with a few moments of different POV, including starting the book with a POV we only get once, and even one from Auriol's that we also have once. I'm not certain they were needed, per se, but in terms of the monster theme, it makes sense why they were included. I found myself impressed with Rhory, our main character, despite wanting to freak out so many times reading his POV. He's unbelievably strong given everything that he goes through and when he chooses to stand up to our antagonists, it's truly pulse pounding. I will say that sometimes his relationship with Calix felt a little bit off, especially for someone who experiences the amount of abuse he does throughout the story. But at least I found myself rooting for their relationship.



PLOT: Loosely a Little Red Riding Hood retelling this time, we find out about the newest secret supernatural in this world, werewolves (not a spoiler). Rhory is taken captive by Auriol and Calix, meant to be a hostage exchange for Auriol's other grandson, Silas. Throughout this beginning it's a little bit more beauty and the beast, with Calix giving Rhory his room and the relationship between them twisting and turning and deepening as more and more surprising, shocking, and confusing secrets are revealed. Throughout this plot we find that nearly every character except for Rhory can be considered a monster in some way, which is thematically significant. As Calix and Rhory go from enemies-to-lovers, they uncover a plot that could possibly doom all the vampires of Darkmourn and it's up to them whether they're going to save 'monsters' or not. High intensity, high stakes, and high action, this book truly didn't let up until the end.



EMOTIONAL INTENSITY: There is no good/bad here. Sometimes I just want a low-investment entertainment read whereas other times a high-stakes 'I need a therapist to recover' is what I need.


4:5/high, potentially 5:5. This book actually ended up much higher than I expected. I had several heart pounding moments, both from the themes, but also aspects that can be triggering. Not only do you have physical, emotional, and psychological abuse (already heart pounding the way it's read), but a personal trigger of mine is included (re:the amnesia/brainwash/memory wipe category). So yes, this book ended up being a higher pulse point than I thought, higher than the previous books, as well. This book puts the Dark in Darkmourn.



CATHARTIC FULFILLMENT: Is the emotional journey worth it? Do I finish this book feeling that I've crested the wave of the climactic moment and everything has been settled, leaving me settled and fulfilled? 


75%. I'm lowering this because it felt like there were so many loose threads left unanswered and hanging. Rhory and Calix get their HEA, though it sort of feels like the story just ends. Additionally, we have the issue with the single POV and a 'fade to black' which doesn't let us read into the aftermath as much as I'd always like. I had a few too many questions I wanted answered that felt like they didn't make sense for the story and were done only to enable to plot (re: One of the main characters isn't there at the end for some reason. Why?). Additionally, if we're expecting the strong one to ever get hurt and be vulnerable, it's not going to happen, but overall I did enjoy reading this one and I'm excited to read the final book in the series. 

 What a sweetly adorable light and easy read. I wasn't expecting anything too deep or emotional and this scratched exactly the right itch in my brain and my heart for what I needed. Some things are a little interesting if you really decide delve deeply into them (re: Quill has never been outside of his home but for some reason he has a cell phone?) but if you suspend that disbelief it's still a gently loving story that left me mushy here on Valentine's Day when I finished it. Quill and Liam are both just the right amount of sweet that makes sense for their ages and I have to admit I'm impressed with the sheer amount of oomph Quill can have for being as sheltered as he has been for seventeen years!



Knowing what I know now about this book, would I still read it if I went back in time?
Definitely!



 See below for the four criteria I use to decide whether and when to read a book



CHARACTERS: I'll admit that Quill is perhaps one of the most difficult characters to create: he's a seventeen year old (human years) dryad, the only male dryad they know of (how does that work?) and has never left his apartment home except for once when he was two. To create such a character that is as sheltered as he's been, it's surprising the amount of culture he does know. At other times, it makes perfect sense that he'd have social anxiety (how many people does he interact with?). He stands up for himself, thankfully, especially with how he first meets Liam, our LI. Liam is sweet as well, though both he and Quill deserved just a little bit more development to their characters. They aren't quite as complex as I'd want them to be, but again, in terms of just a bit of light reading, they hit perfectly.


PLOT: We have a mix of (forbidden) strangers-to-friends-to-lovers as the romance plot, as well as a whodunit plot because something is happening to the magical garden that Quill and his family grow and protect (that is also the source of their 'immortality'). The interplay of these two subplots could have done well with some more developmental edits to ensure that we're intertwining both with an even pacing. In the end, Quill and Liam are forced to work together despite a rather big betrayal on Liam's part that ultimately results in some pretty spectacular repercussions, yet they still have a HEA again due to some magic. Again, if you dig too deeply it will fall a bit apart, but for that light reading, it's enjoyable.




EMOTIONAL INTENSITY: There is no good/bad here. Sometimes I just want a low-investment entertainment read whereas other times a high-stakes 'I need a therapist to recover' is what I need.

1:5/low. A great beach or vacation read. Very relaxing.



CATHARTIC FULFILLMENT: Is the emotional journey worth it? Do I finish this book feeling that I've crested the wave of the climactic moment and everything has been settled, leaving me settled and fulfilled? 


75%. I would have wished for a little more of the build up to the final climactic moments, as well as really digging deep into the repercussions. As mentioned (without spoilers), what happens is quite a big deal that doesn't really get enough time to shine in the denouement and between Liam and Quill. That being said, at least it is an HEA, so I'm happy about that. I didn't go into this expecting anything high stakes and it met my expectations which made it enjoyable. 

 

This book is another addition to the 'ridiculous banter' that is a wonderful hallmark of an Alice Winters read. Although there are similarities in the banter, I will say I didn't think this was the author's best work. Perhaps because the characters aren't described well enough and/or quickly enough, or the banter/action ratio is quite skewed, but I felt like I was reading a bunch of talking heads and I couldn't quite find myself connecting with either main character. That could have just been me. This wouldn't be my first choice if I wanted a highest quality Alice Winters book, but it was sort of enjoyable.


Knowing what I know now about this book, would I still read it if I went back in time?
Maybe.


 See below for the four criteria I use to decide whether and when to read a book



CHARACTERS: As mentioned, the characters felt like talking heads to me quite a bit with a lot of banter that overtook the rest of the plot. Additionally, I personally felt that Liam underwent a massive transformation in character (as though he was suddenly two different characters) that had me a little bit confused. He's quite grumpy at the beginning but then it's as though a switch gets flipped and he's suddenly completely ridiculous with the banter, almost as though the author couldn't stop the banter and the character changed to accommodate it. Gabriel is sweet, although I can absolutely see where he's coming from in being unsure about dating a serial killer. There's a hefty punch to unpack in that dilemma and it colored Liam's character for me in a rather strange way that felt disingenuous. Again, I couldn't find myself quite connecting to them, I think because they seemed to be just the mouthpieces for banter that didn't quite make sense for their characters. But they're enjoyable enough to want to keep reading.


PLOT: The plot is rather fascinating and I wish we'd had more of it! There was a lot of missed potential in this plot: medium-paced instead of fast-paced, lower tension with the potential for some rather high tension that would have paired incredibly well with the absurdity of the characters and the way they interacted. Ultimately, a serial killer is targeting law enforcement and Gabriel is taken near the beginning. Liam quickly finds him and they spend the rest of the story trying to solve the mystery. There are some bloody moments, although nothing overly described. (Still, check TWs). They solve the mystery and get their HEA (which I'm quite positive isn't a spoiler).




EMOTIONAL INTENSITY: There is no good/bad here. Sometimes I just want a low-investment entertainment read whereas other times a high-stakes 'I need a therapist to recover' is what I need.


1:5/low.



CATHARTIC FULFILLMENT: Is the emotional journey worth it? Do I finish this book feeling that I've crested the wave of the climactic moment and everything has been settled, leaving me settled and fulfilled? 

50%. I think if the build up and the plot had been given it's rightful amount of the book, the potential would have been much higher. But as such, there are no loose ends and the mystery gets solved, although I did wish that the final outcome would have been handled differently, rather than playing into Liam's serial killer tendencies. Another missed opportunity, though a valid choice for the author to make.

I don't normally read low-stakes contemporary romance, but I wanted to give this one a go. I was pleasantly surprised and found this to be a very enjoyable read. Told in dual 1st-person POV, our MCs and the ensemble cast all feel very true to their ages (16/17 years old). I loved the dichotomy between Caleb who is out and proud and his view of life versus Theo's bi-awakening and discovering himself in the midst of being part of a Christian family and community. They're also surprisingly mature for what could possibly be an incredibly difficult set of circumstances (re: one boy not out and not ready for example). The main reason I gave this one a go is because of the 'haunting' that is mentioned in the blurb, but I was slightly disappointed to find that it is not very supernatural (if you're looking for something with more paranormal I recommend The Haunting Between Us.

Although I did find myself getting just a wee bit bored right before the climactic events, that could possibly have to do with my penchant for normally reading high-stakes/high-action stories. Overall, this was a feel-good, adorable read that had me smiling and rooting for the MCs!


Knowing what I know now about this book, would I still read it if I went back in time?
Sure! (If you personally love contemporary romance, this is a good one!)


 See below for the four criteria I use to decide whether and when to read a book



CHARACTERS: I really enjoyed Theo and Caleb, as well as the ensemble cast. They're diverse and dynamic, even our supporting characters. They're genuinely good people trying to figure themselves out in their teenage years. Theo is a little more reserved, quiet, and doesn't really rock the boat because he prefers that equilibrium. He's faced with some world-rocking discoveries about himself that are at odds with the life he's been taught. Meanwhile, Caleb struggles as a boy who is out but can't seem to find love and figure out whether someone is actually flirting with him or not. Seems silly the way I describe it, but his struggle is quite heartfelt as he navigates his feelings for Theo and having no idea how to be careful with the signs in their friendship. They're wonderful at communication and they have, in my opinion, a very healthy relationship even as they're learning who they are and how they want to be in terms of a couple.



PLOT: Theo and Caleb meet in a haunted basement after both sneak away from a tour group and find that there is a connection between them that has nothing to do with being haunted. Medium-paced, the plot then follows the pair as they discover what exactly this connection means and exactly how much they're willing to fight for the love blossoming between them. For Caleb, it's being there for Theo as he figures himself out, for Theo, it's choosing between what he's always been taught as a Christian and his love for Caleb. There are some truly beautiful moments that occur, especially near the end, that understated beauty that had me smiling and melting.



EMOTIONAL INTENSITY: There is no good/bad here. Sometimes I just want a low-investment entertainment read whereas other times a high-stakes 'I need a therapist to recover' is what I need.


2:5/low. This could also simply be because I'm used to higher stakes, of course. But I found this to be quite low. That being said, please check for trigger warnings, as there are hints of homophobia for example, but nothing very major.



CATHARTIC FULFILLMENT: Is the emotional journey worth it? Do I finish this book feeling that I've crested the wave of the climactic moment and everything has been settled, leaving me settled and fulfilled? 

100%. HEA. They choose each other, which I don't believe is a spoiler. And I think it's rather beautiful how it all works out. 

 If you're in the mood for more steamy scenes between the main pairing, you'll enjoy this one. The external plot to internal relationship ratio has changed with a lot more focus (in my opinion) on their relationship and how happy they are and getting it on as much as possible. The story is still incredibly realistic with more police procedural, similar to book one. The main overarching plot with the Seven of Spades gets set aside for most of the book and so the plot is just watching Levi and Dominic's relationship and then Levi working another murder case. Overall it was alright, but I didn't finish feeling particularly fulfilled.


Knowing what I know now about this book, would I still read it if I went back in time?
Sure, but likely not as quickly.


 See below for the four criteria I use to decide whether and when to read a book



CHARACTERS: Levi and Dominic are in those beginning relationship bliss moments, getting it on quite a bit in the book (and the scenes are excellently written). Overall I don't think we see much character growth so much as more introduction of some character flaws that were introduced in book one. The scenes with the two of them are always really fun to read, though, which is a big plus.



PLOT: Overall we have Levi working on a new case, the Seven of Spades case set aside for the time being, and a lot of scenes with Levi and Dominic happy in love. I felt this one was more evenly-paced throughout than book one, however overall it was more slow-paced.



EMOTIONAL INTENSITY: There is no good/bad here. Sometimes I just want a low-investment entertainment read whereas other times a high-stakes 'I need a therapist to recover' is what I need.

3:5/medium.




CATHARTIC FULFILLMENT: Is the emotional journey worth it? Do I finish this book feeling that I've crested the wave of the climactic moment and everything has been settled, leaving me settled and fulfilled? 


50%. Sure they're still HFN and there is a climactic moment, but it didn't feel quite as big as the lead-up I'd expected. Perhaps because it's hyper-realistic and I enjoy a little more action in my stories. I'll probably eventually read the next in the series, but based on the first two and then reading the blurb, I'm iffy on whether I'll really enjoy it or not. 

 I branched out a little bit in choosing to read a non-supernatural police procedural romance and I'm very happy I read this! Although this book has a slow start (which makes sense as it's the beginning of a series), I really enjoyed a lot of novelties in this book that I don't always see utilized in other romances! For example, our main duo (dual 3rd-person POV by the way!) don't start out together, but one starts out dating someone else and the other has casual flings. We see them before they get together and then how they get together. So much of this story felt incredibly realistic, which I adored. Dominic and Levi are incredibly easy to root for and I'm so grateful that neither of them ended up in trope city, either. They're truly dynamic and complex characters!



Knowing what I know now about this book, would I still read it if I went back in time?
Yes!


 See below for the four criteria I use to decide whether and when to read a book



CHARACTERS: Definitely a highlight of this story. We are gifted both Levi and Dominic's POVs throughout and the way they "meet" (technically they knew each other in passing before the story begins), is quite unconventional and I truly enjoyed that. Set against the backdrop of a serial killer mystery, Detective Levi Abrams and bail enforcement officer Dominic Russo run in similar circles but certainly not the same. The external circumstances that drive them together and their relationship forward are different from many novels I've read and I loved the interplay between such a police procedural and the murder mystery with a burgeoning romance.



PLOT: Levi and Dominic end up singled out by a new serial killer in town, the Seven of Spades (though the exact reason why Dominic ends up involved is a little more nebulous). They end up having to work together to discover who this mysterious serial killer is before they kill yet again. Especially because this killer has taken a strange personal interest and investment in their lives. It's fascinating and the mystery isn't easy to solve, which I also adored. It takes a little bit to get into the story, but once the plot picks up to medium-paced, we're in for quite the ride.




EMOTIONAL INTENSITY: There is no good/bad here. Sometimes I just want a low-investment entertainment read whereas other times a high-stakes 'I need a therapist to recover' is what I need.

2:5/low. High stakes but lower intensity. Perfect beach read for those of us who enjoy action and mystery.



CATHARTIC FULFILLMENT: Is the emotional journey worth it? Do I finish this book feeling that I've crested the wave of the climactic moment and everything has been settled, leaving me settled and fulfilled? 


75%. I'll admit, the climactic event didn't feel all that climactic to me and that left me a bit disappointed. The first book also ends a bit quickly (though without a cliffhanger), but I wasn't frustrated with the ending, which is a good thing. It's a HFN. 

 I adored this book, even more than book one! I had no idea going in that even though they're in the same universe that there would literally be overlap between the books. That discovery was such a treat! Our main character, Arlo, is that perfect type of headstrong stubborn that I adore in my characters, refusing to take anything either at face value or lying down, even death itself. Though it's mostly single POV, every now and then we are gifted with Faenir's POV as well, just enough that we truly don't end up missing a single moment of the story. My heart bursts with happiness! The Hades and Persephone 'retelling' part of this is also brilliant because Ben has completely twisted the tale into a moment in a larger universe and story. The complexities were wild and I actually found this book far more immersive and intense than I was expecting it to be. I even shed a few tears at one point.



Knowing what I know now about this book, would I still read it if I went back in time?
Yes!!!


 See below for the four criteria I use to decide whether and when to read a book



CHARACTERS: It's almost impossible not to root for Arlo and Faenir, both from enemies-to-lovers and as individuals. Arlo's drive and determination even in the face of death are so commendable. He'll do anything to take care of his sister, even if he isn't perfect about it. He's brash, brave, headstrong and stubborn, but driven by a beautiful heart that truly shines throughout the book as secrets are uncovered. As for Faenir, he's written in such a way that even as a master of death (re: his fae magic rules death), all you want to do is reach out and hold him, even at the very beginning, which is exactly what he can't have. He's touch-starved and has hidden his compassion so far down beneath his metaphorical armor because his entire life he's been painted to be a monster. And he's willing to be so if it means protecting those he loves. He's immensely powerful and yet that power doesn't go to his head. The two of them truly work so well together.



PLOT: In order to protect the human realm, the fae choose mates from the humans once a year. In order to succeed to the fae throne, the royal family must also have a human mate. But Faenir kills with his touch, so it appears impossible he'll ever ascend a throne he doesn't even want. But when he meets Arlo, shockingly Arlo doesn't die from his touch, the only person who doesn't. The secret of why is part of the mystery, but throughout the book, Arlo and Faenir need to come to terms with whether it's possible for them to have a relationship at all. Truly enemies-to-lovers, the duo navigates their shifting feelings for one another while mysterious attempts on Arlo's life occur. In this background of court politics, the two struggle to find a way to stay together before time runs out.




EMOTIONAL INTENSITY: There is no good/bad here. Sometimes I just want a low-investment entertainment read whereas other times a high-stakes 'I need a therapist to recover' is what I need.

4:5/high. Higher than I was expecting, honestly. This book deals with death in multiple ways as well as being incredibly immersive as well. Definitely be prepared.


CATHARTIC FULFILLMENT: Is the emotional journey worth it? Do I finish this book feeling that I've crested the wave of the climactic moment and everything has been settled, leaving me settled and fulfilled? 

100%. Guh. Just guh. The climactic moment was absolutely brilliant and had me on the edge of my seat. And the end of the book had me in shock and then squealing with excitement. I'm so happy. 

 Amanda has a wonderful way of writing a high-stakes yet low-intensity world that is pure enjoyment. The characters are wonderful and in this case unintentionally humorous and genuinely sweet in their own ways. The portrayal of Tolly is especially brilliant, straddling a fine line between feeling quite real and quite fairy tale simultaneously. And it was impossible not to root for Leigh as well, given his circumstances. I also adored the mermaid specific rules for this world as well, so it's not a straight Little Mermaid retelling (though Ariel does get a mention which is brilliant too!).


Knowing what I know now about this book, would I still read it if I went back in time?
Yes.


 See below for the four criteria I use to decide whether and when to read a book



CHARACTERS: I've already mentioned the characters above and I think this is one of the biggest strengths in the book. Leigh and Tolly are impressively good for each other despite their unconventional meeting. We jump right in (literally) at the start with their meeting. Tolly's faith in their relationship and Leigh is somehow both beautiful and bittersweet at the same time. On one hand, as a reader I wanted to be super skeptical with Leigh, while on the other I wanted to fully dive into the wholehearted belief with Tolly. Although low intensity, I was definitely rooting for the two of them from the very beginning!



PLOT: When Tolly saves Leigh's life, he creates a magical bond between them that can only be unbroken if they fall in love before the next full moon. But Leigh is desperately wishing to get out of the life of crime that put him in danger in the first place while refusing to believe it's possible. The book follows their shenanigans as Leigh grapples with the fact that Tolly is a literal mermaid who steadfastly insists that Leigh is his one, and Tolly becomes Leigh's bodyguard, helping him to believe in himself and love again.



EMOTIONAL INTENSITY: There is no good/bad here. Sometimes I just want a low-investment entertainment read whereas other times a high-stakes 'I need a therapist to recover' is what I need.

1:5/low. High stakes, but low intensity. A wonderful beach read if you're just wanting to get away from the world and enjoy a fairy tale love with some action.



CATHARTIC FULFILLMENT: Is the emotional journey worth it? Do I finish this book feeling that I've crested the wave of the climactic moment and everything has been settled, leaving me settled and fulfilled? 


95%. Near perfect. I did think that one of the other moments was more climactic than the climactic moment, in fact, but in terms of the relationship, everything came together so beautifully. I finished quite happy and smiling. 

I'm not rating this book because it simply wasn't for me but I can tell it would be for others. If you're into porn without plot, D/s elements and trope-filled characters and elements, this is a sexy and steamy book that does exactly what it sets out to do. I went into this book hoping for a balanced romance/high stakes plot, but left sorely disappointed and a bit confused by the deus ex machina ending.


Knowing what I know now about this book, would I still read it if I went back in time?
No.


 See below for the four criteria I use to decide whether and when to read a book



CHARACTERS: While the characters have a couple of quirks that make them dynamic, overall what we have here is your typical tropes: size difference, D/s elements, rich/poor, a compromising situation that rubbed me the wrong way, and ultimately the characters filled the roles they were designed for, rather than a story about characters. Even then, I didn't find myself rooting for them because it didn't feel like an actual love-bond at all.



PLOT: While there supposedly is an external plot that involves mafia families, the plot is simply ignored in favor of multiple and rather constant steamy scenes, the dominant character constantly saving the sub character, and in the end there wasn't actually an ending to the plot. It simply gets thrown by the wayside. I actually couldn't believe the book ended because it was missing all the major build up and climax. Sure, they get together with an obviously-constructed HEA, so if you're looking for that, you'll get it here.




EMOTIONAL INTENSITY: There is no good/bad here. Sometimes I just want a low-investment entertainment read whereas other times a high-stakes 'I need a therapist to recover' is what I need.


1:5/low. Which is fine. Surprising given the setting, but not a bad thing.



CATHARTIC FULFILLMENT: Is the emotional journey worth it? Do I finish this book feeling that I've crested the wave of the climactic moment and everything has been settled, leaving me settled and fulfilled? 

25%. There is a HEA. That's about all I can give it. But there is no major climactic event, all the build up is for nothing and suddenly everything is wrapped up so perfectly and neatly and focuses solely on making sure the two main characters are together at the end. And I wasn't all that enamored with their relationship by the end either. They didn't feel like they belonged together. Very unfulfilled and unsatisfying. 

A low stakes, pure entertainment, easy read. The characters are compelling enough to want to follow them and I enjoyed the set up enough to want to read this one. I've read other books by this author and felt this was a lovely addition to their body of work.



Knowing what I know now about this book, would I still read it if I went back in time?
Yes.


 See below for the four criteria I use to decide whether and when to read a book



CHARACTERS: I'll admit, half of what I enjoyed about Gabe and Alec were their names. I'm not sure why, but they fit very well with their characters. Both of them are just dynamic enough to create a compelling and quick read. Gabe could follow in the footsteps of the family empire, but chooses to be himself, from crazy hair colors to piercings, to wanting to get a degree in chemistry. I loved how much chemistry really infiltrated his POV. He felt realistic with his own demons even for being the rich boy. Meanwhile we don't know much about Alec's past, but he's an FBI agent undercover (hence the title) with 'permanent RBF face' which also drew me to his character when I read that in the blurb. He can be a bit grumpy and ends up rather endearing because of how poorly he seems to do with normal social interactions. The two of them make it work and it's a lovely read to just root for them.



PLOT: Alec is undercover in town attempting to find and infiltrate a drug operation. Gabe, a little lost in life after getting kicked out of grad school, purchases books for Alec in the titular Vino and Veritas bookstore where they first saw each other. At first Alec realizes Gabe would be a great way in to a possible crime connection, but realizes he's fallen for Gabe too much to even not move their relationship into something more physical. The majority of the plot is their romance and the dual-POV discovery of their feelings for each other, themselves, and whether they'll remain together when the secret finally comes out. When Gabe is threatened, Alec has no choice but to break his cover.



EMOTIONAL INTENSITY: There is no good/bad here. Sometimes I just want a low-investment entertainment read whereas other times a high-stakes 'I need a therapist to recover' is what I need.

1:5/low. Pure entertainment. Low stakes despite the undercover aspect.


CATHARTIC FULFILLMENT: Is the emotional journey worth it? Do I finish this book feeling that I've crested the wave of the climactic moment and everything has been settled, leaving me settled and fulfilled? 

90%. Sure, I always wish for a little bit of a higher climactic event, however this book is a low-stakes romance. Everything is wrapped up in a rather beautiful way, in my opinion, with the HEA I certainly was expecting in a way that made sense.