*I received an ecopy of this book from the authors. This has not influenced my review.*

*This review contains unmarked SPOILERS for previous books in the series.*

I have to be honest and say that I like Jasper, but I missed Jasper and Crimson in this one.

The story also started with a two or three year time jump, then there was about a year jump during the story, and they felt sort of jarring because I didn’t feel that time pass. I didn’t feel whatever Jasper had been feeling during that time. It made certain things feel sudden, even though they weren’t.

*SPOILER (for this book)* And I just couldn’t get into Jasper’s new relationship. It’s totally realistic for people to split up when life leads them in different directions! It’s totally normal to have a new relationship years after one ends! But part of the problem was just that time jump. It felt like Jasper moved on so suddenly and easily. I would’ve accepted the new relationship more, I think, if I’d had more a sense of Jasper’s feelings after leaving Crimson. But that was skipped over. And then most of Jasper and Elzeric’s relationship was skipped, so I just didn’t feel much between them, aside from mutual kindness. But then, maybe that’s how I’m meant to feel. It was nice and gentle, and their dynamic was a big contrast to Jasper and Crimson’s, which had a much rockier start but also a lot more chemistry. Also, the authors have done such a great job making me feel like Jasper and Crimson are perfect for each other that it might’ve been hard for me to accept Jasper with anyone else period. Although, I don’t mind if he has two boyfriends, as long as one of them is Crimson 😅 Jasper clearly still loves him. *END SPOILER*

I know this sounds pretty negative so far, but this was still an enjoyable book, the writing still flowed nicely, it was still easy to sink into, and I understand why this part of the story needed to happen. Crimson was right that Jasper would’ve regretted it and probably resented Crimson if he hadn’t made this decision. It does seem to have helped Jasper figure some things out and get some of his old self back. I like that for him. It was also cool to see this other realm and learn about the Elysians.

And the story isn’t over yet! I think certain things that happened here will make future books even more interesting. Like the introduction of another great character, one who’s gentle and kind and easily lovable. And hopefully, at some point, there will be a sweet, sweet reunion.

Anyway, I am still, as always, looking forward to more!

*Rating: 4 Stars // Read Date: 2024 // Format: Ebook via TTS*