Review: Is there hope for Hope in this kingdom?
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 05 10, 2014
I enjoyed the 3rd book in the Kingdom series because it gives us so much to think about, chew on, and digest.  I was immediately intrigued that the book was predominately about Steve and Hope, two characters that had such a devastating story arc in the first book I felt sure Ms. Henry wouldn’t dare put them in the same room together again much less the same book.  But brave heart she did and I cannot tell a lie, it was fun to watch Hope squirm and great to learn more about who Steve really is.I also loved seeing the relationship between Steve and Jason under a microscope with better light.  Jason is such a strong alpha character that it would have been easy to keep Steve a minor secondary character but he is clearly a strong, smart, and hot AA man.  My hope (no pun intended) is that with this story Steve emerges as a major character in the Kingdom saga.This book also featured a continuation of the relationship that brought us all to the table and as usual their story keeps us turning pages.  Jason and Aviva are still colorful and vibrant people who are fun to watch even when they aren’t getting along.  And when they do get along are the most superb parts of the book.My one critique of the book is subjective.  Because a good deal of the beginning gives us backstory on Hope (which I appreciated), her life and motivations dominate the book.  I don’t think I’m overstating it to say that until now Hope has not been a likable character and like one of the protagonists, I find it difficult to be forgiving where she’s concerned.  Despite knowing about her horrendous upbringing, it’s still challenging not to see Hope as her own worse enemy and her family and their story as the bane of the book.  Reading about Hope is important to the Kingdom saga because of her relationship with Aviva, I’m just not so sure if she’s more salvageable as a heroine or perhaps as something else entirely.Jake Kingdom and MacKenzie were standouts for me in this book.  The dynamics of their story interest me so much I wanted more and I’m curious about how it will all flesh out between them given the obvious obstacles.  I'm also eager to learn more about how Jason and his twin differ.  Ms. Henry has delivered another wonderful segment of the Kingdom brothers’ story and once again, I am looking forward to the next phase.