4 Wine Glass #Review of Windburn by Juliette Cross

Title: Windburn
Series: Nightwing #2
Author: Juliette Cross
Format: Kindle Edition, 114 pages
Published: September 24th 2018 (first published February 3rd 2015)
ISBN: ASIN B07GTBN1ZQ
Links: Goodreads | Amazon
Reviewer: Linda
Source: Author
Rating: 4 out of 5 Wine Glasses

No man can win her heart—until now… 

In the Gladium Province, the boundaries between humans and Morgons, the dragon-hybrid race, continue to blur as a new generation surrenders to long-forbidden temptation…

Sorcha Linden does whatever she wants whenever she wants, and no one can stop her. Least of all a man. After all, they’re good for only one thing—warming her bed. But then she meets Lorian Nightwing, brother of Lucius. Seductive and iron-willed, he is determined to melt her emotional defenses—and warm her rebellious heart.

The beast within Lorian longs to cage Sorcha and mark her as his own. Forever. Yet the man within also longs to protect her. When a stalker starts leaving Sorcha suggestive gifts with cryptic messages bearing an ancient blood cult symbol, Lorian’s dragon side takes over. With her life at stake, Sorcha can no longer deny the love they share. But when evil tracks her into the night, will she be too late to claim it?

Linda's Thoughts:
The second fast-paced and addictive installment in the author’s sexy Nightwing series!

“When he was rough, my body soared. When he was gentle, he slayed me.” 

Juliette Cross’ Windburn is the second fast-paced and addictive installment in her sexy Nightwing series set in Gladium, a racially-charged world populated by Morgons, dragon/human hybrids, and humans. The races are slowly integrating – but, there’s still much animosity between them.

You could read this tale as a standalone if that is your preference, but I’d highly recommend that you read this series in order as the first book introduced the setting and the main cast of characters. The author doesn’t waste any time repeating the setup from Soulfire, but, even so, I don’t believe a newbie would ever feel lost. I do think that Windburn would be a richer experience if the reader is familiar with the Gladium world which was afforded in Soulfire. Windburn is the story of Morgan Lorian Nightwing and human Sorcha Linden.

As the story opens, we catch up with Sorcha who is running late for a project meeting after a night of carnal pleasure. Sorcha has been hired as the human consultant to ensure that the new Spire Maiden nightclub will be the first to appeal to both Morgans and humans. Honestly, in the beginning, I was a bit put off by Sorcha. She’s extremely strong-willed and came off as exceedingly brash.  In her relationships, she’s been free with her body, but never with her heart. That said, it did not take long to realize that her tough and sassy attitude is actually a cover for the protective wall she has built around her feelings and heart.

Dark and broody Lorian Nightwing is in charge of the Spire Maiden project. He’s a no-nonsense, alpha male who somehow sees through Sorcha’s defenses and decides that she’s meant to be his. He has his work cut out for him scaling and breaking through her defenses. Even though Sorcha is strongly attracted to Lorian, she wants nothing to do with him.

However, when Sorcha comes to realize that she’s in serious danger from an ancient Morgon cult who are against the mixing of the races, Sorcha has no choice but to relent and accept the protection that Lorian has offered. But, will it be enough?

OMG, these Morgon hybrids are to die for! Lorian’s and Sorcha’s chemistry is hot and their interactions are sweet, sensual and entertaining. The suspense is thrilling and the twists are true surprises. The villains in this read are creepy and there are some seriously chilling moments.

Following please find a few of my favorite lines from Windburn:

I hissed a frustrated sound out my teeth. “I don’t need any man to protect me.”
“No. You don’t need any man. You need me.”
--- 

”You wield sex as a weapon, striking whenever and whomever you please. But I won’t be your prey. There’s only one hunter here.” His grin sent a shiver down my spine. “I want something more from you, Sorcha Linden. More than your body.”
--- 

 “I let myself feel everything. Just this once, I wanted it all. I let him push our passion to the cliff, let my body synchronize to his in perfect harmony. Just this once, I let more than my body fall over the edge. With him.” 

Juliette has quickly become one of my must-read authors. This story is imaginative, sensual and gripping. It feels like a full-length novel, even though it’s a novella. Because it is a quick-read, it’s perfect to pick up when you crave a quick magical and sexy fix. Just know that once you start it, you won’t want to put it down until you’ve read every word. I’ve already got the third book, Nightbloom, on my reader. It will be Paxon Nightwing’s and Ella Barrow’s story. I can’t wait to dive in!



Suggested Reading Order: 
Soulfire (Book #1)
Windburn (Book #2)
Nightbloom (Book #3)