Review: Immortal Trust by Claire Ashgrove - 4 Wine Glasses!

Immortal Trust
(The Curse of the Templars #3)
by Claire Ashgrove
Mass Market Paperback, 464 pages
Published March 26th 2013 by Tor Books
ISBN 0765367602
ARC Courtesy of Publisher

When archaeologist Chloe Broussard accepts the contract to lead a dig in Ornes, France, she has no idea she will uncover the Veil of Veronica. When she does, she discovers a danger far greater than the demons she's confronted since childhood. Azazel wants her, as well as the Veronica, and his chosen minion is her brother. Her hope lies with immortal Templar Knight Lucan. Her life depends on oaths she knows nothing about.
For countless centuries, Lucan of Seacourt has lived with the knowledge that his brother killed their family. Now, as Azazel's darkness eats away at his soul, old betrayal stirs suspicion. He trusts no one. Not even the seraph who can heal his dying spirit.
With the fate of the Almighty hanging in the balance, Lucan must find faith in something more terrifying than the dark lord's creations. He must learn to believe his heart.

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Crystal's Thoughts:
Immortal Trust is the third book in a series that explores and evolves the myth of the Templars. It is a very involved series that builds with each book so I recommend reading each book in order. Azazel is gathering the Holy Relics to ascend to the heavenly throne and the Templar Knights must stop him, but with each fight a little piece of their soul is lost to the darkness. After hundreds of years of fighting, many Knights walk the line of good and evil and only one thing can save their soul. Their destined Seraph. Only with their light can they defeat Azazel's darkness and continue to fight in the battle for the Almighty.

Chloe Broussard is an archeologist, but she is also a Seraph. She just doesn't know it yet. But Lucan of Seacourt knows that she is destined for him, whether she wants to believe it or not. Unfortunately, demons follow Chloe and Lucan has to uncover whether she is working with them, or running from them. Azazel is close, and he wants Chloe and the veil she has uncovered. They must learn to put their suspicions aside and trust in each if they ever hope to leave the dig site alive, and with their souls intact.

Claire Ashgrove has a knack for bringing her stories to life and sweeping me away into the magic and romance surrounding the mysterious Templar Knights. With each book I fall more and more in love. ☺

I loved the relationship between Chloe and Lucan, it was rife with suspicion from the get-go but they couldn't deny their sizzling attraction. And each character had their own reasons to be this way, but for some reason I have an easier time accepting the hero then the heroine while reading, so Chloe's denial and constant pushing away did become frustrating at times. Chloe's brother Julian added an intriguing element to the story that was heart breaking at times as well, I'm happy that we will see more of him in future books. The series arc is so profound and intricate that sometimes it was difficult to remember all of the nuances of the story until the author hit upon it but that just added to the suspense. ☺
I find it interesting that in this series both characters have to work past the same hurdles as oppose to each having their own seperate issues. First it was a sort of a fear and commitment with Merrick and Anne, with Farran and Noelle it was trust, now with Chloe and Lucan it is suspicion. It's a nice little switch-up.

Immortal Trust didn't have quite as much action in it then previous books, and what it did have didn't come until the end. But the plot was filled with tension, suspense, sultry romance, captivating world building and an intriguing story line with more then it's share of hot and tender moments. A very satisfying read to say the least and I cannot wait to pick up the next book!

Rating: 4 Wine Glasses

Reviewed by: Crystal