Review: Winterblaze

Author Kristen Callihan

Format e-book

Print Length 422 pages

Publisher Grand Central Publishing

Published Feb. 26, 2013

Once blissfully in love . . .

Poppy Lane is keeping secrets. Her powerful gift has earned her membership in the Society for the Suppression of Supernaturals, but she must keep both her ability and her alliance with the Society from her husband, Winston. Yet when Winston is brutally attacked by a werewolf, Poppy's secrets are revealed, leaving Winston's trust in her as broken as his body. Now Poppy will do anything to win back his affections . . . 

Their relationship is now put to the ultimate test.

Winston Lane soon regains his physical strength but his face and heart still bear the scars of the vicious attack. Drawn into the darkest depths of London, Winston must fight an evil demon that wants to take away the last hope of reconciliation with his wife. As a former police inspector, Winston has intelligence and logic on his side. But it will take the strength of Poppy's love for him to defeat the forces that threaten to tear them apart.

My Opinion

Wineterblaze picks up three months after the ending in Moonglow. The two most solidly in love characters of the series are apart. This one was a bit difficult to read at first, I didn’t realize that the book would have flashbacks in it or that it would be dual points of view. Once I got into the rhythm of it, it was awesomesauce.

The attack by a werewolf did not just damage Winston’s face it also ruined his marriage of fourteen years. His was a love match, the woman of his dreams yet her secrets destroyed his dreams. The attack on Winston caused Poppy’s other life to be revealed to him. The revelation- that his Poppy was not who he thought she was- sent him away more than his scars did. He is angry, rightfully so. Poppy so wanted to tell him, from the very beginning. It was not a matter of she wouldn’t instead that she couldn’t. An old enemy is messing with her mind, threatening her heart. Even though he left her, she will protect him.

Poppy is one kick butt gal. She is not afraid to protect what is hers. She knows she hurt Winston. She knows that she may have ruined their marriage beyond repair. Yet threaten what is hers and hell will have no match for what will rain down on you. She has had so much responsibility placed on her shoulders at an early age. This has made her seem stand-offish or even brutal to those around her. It is almost unfair how Winston reacts to the revelations. She takes full responsibility for the secrets she kept. Once those secrets were revealed though, the rationale behind keeping them is sound.

Winston, where on where did the logical police mind go? In the first two books, he was the analytical human eyes and ears. In this one, he is really emotional. I get that you were attacked, but three months man? That is a long time to be separated from someone you supposedly love, especially a self-inflicted exile. I get that he feels betrayed, I just thought he whined a little too much about it. Granted all the whine was internal, and we all tend to do that. Still, I felt horrible for his treatment of Poppy for about 3/4ths of the book. His internal dialog though makes me want to like him. He loves his wife, he is proud of his wife; he wants to protect his wife there is so much doubt standing in his way. 

The big baddie and what is revealed is a game changer, one that I welcomed with open arms. In fact, “how about them apples” popped up in my head. Although, I knew early on I would be cheering for Poppy in this one. Now I have even more reason to be on Team Poppy. 

Winterblaze is unique. It is a paranormal romance novel about a married couple who were deeply in love, can that love be found again? Before it is too late, or will one of them go to the land beyond. The threat is that deadly. Winterblaze brings the feels, from the first page to the last. You will get angry, you will laugh, you will sigh and you may even cry. Regardless, this is one emotional rollercoaster that you want to ride.

My Rating 4 out of 5 stars

Favorite Quote “If you fall, I will catch you.”

Other People

Mary- GIM, Poppy’s assistant

Talent- Winston’s valet (on loan from Ian)

Isley- demon