Review: Grandest of Grand Finales- Sad to Be Done With the Series
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 09 24, 2013
As I took up the grand finale book in the series about the five bad guys of Kingdom, I was full of anticipation and just a little anxiety because I was feeling such anticipation.  I didn't want to aim to high and have it disappoint, but I should have had more faith in the author.  I love a good rousing fairy tale retelling and pirates are pretty delicious fictional characters so I was thrilled down to my boots to realize not far in that Captain Hook would live up to expectation and the woman chosen for him had a bit of the pirate inside her to match him.James Hook only lives his days for revenge after the killing of the woman he loves.  Trishelle Page refuses to open her heart to love because she's never really witnessed it and can't believe in it particularly after her sister's tragic death.  Then again, she's not up for believing in this Kingdom place that her friend Betty is going on about either or that she has a fated mate waiting for her there.Hook can't believe his eyes when a female dressed as his dreaded enemy drops out of the blue into his cabin and his fairy godmother tries to convince him that she's the reincarnation of his lost love.  The woman looks nothing like Talia and she certainly doesn't act like her, but by the gods he isn't opposed to getting her into his bed.Okay, now she really should start believing that Betty spoke the truth.  She doesn't believe for a second that she was once this Talia woman, but the knock your socks off hottie who arrogantly challenges her and takes her breath away most definitely is Captain Hook and she most definitely is on his ship.  Trisha figures why not enjoy her brief little stay in Neverland.The plot on this one is probably my favorite next to the first one.  I do so love a tortured hero and there's just something about two characters who are refreshingly honest about their lust and attraction though love scares the crap out of them.  Hook takes Trisha on an adventure through Neverland that had me totally appreciating Marie Hall's creativity.  I loved the mermaid kingdom and I was thrilled that there was a scene with Peter Pan.  But best of all was my strong desire to see the main characters find their way to real happiness.I enjoyed how recurring characters in the form of Dannika, Gerard and Betty got some scene time.  The epilogue was a lovely touch, but that author's note promising to stretch out this series just a bit further was the best news of all.Those who enjoy sultry fairy tale retellings or something in the unusual way in their paranormal romance should give this series a try.  You don't have to read this one in order, but you can appreciate the references and characters if you do.My thanks to Net Galley for providing the book for review purposes.