Book Review: Bittersweet Darkness (The Order #3)

There are no monsters, only good guys and bad guys. That’s the creed by which Detective Inspector Faith Connolly has always lived.

When Faith discovers that she has a time bomb counting down in her head, she has one goal; to solve the murder case she’s working on—a young girl who was found drained of blood—and in doing so gain closure for a long ago murder never solved. Her investigation brings her in contact with Ash Delacourt. Ash is all black leather, big guns and sexy bad attitude—definitely not one of the good guys.

As payment for a debt, Asmodai AKA Ash Delacourt, finds himself working with the Order of the Shadow Accords. He’s the demon representative on the newly formed Committee for the Integration of Mankind and well…everything else. It’s a chance to be near his daughter, make a new start, and—once he’s met the delectable detective—maybe have a little fun.

There are no monsters. But as Faith’s investigation deepens, her beliefs are eroded and for the first time, she is falling in love—with one of the bad guys. But how can she ever let Ash close when her time is running out…?

Due to my overabundance of excitement at the premise of this book, I didn’t notice that Bittersweet Darkness is actually the third book in a series. My fault entirely. So, yes I did scramble for purchase a bit as I found my place in Faith’s story. Still, this is a solid read even as a standalone! Nina Croft’s writing has the ability to pull you straight down into the story. I might have been missing some details about the pasts of these characters, but in reality I didn’t feel the sting too much. In fact, I’ve found a new world to love. You can bet that this bookworm is headed back to read the first two of these, as soon as possible.

Now on the to the actual review, shall we? Faith’s character was absolutely wonderful. I have a place in my heart for characters like her. Characters who are loyal and kind, but also have no problem kicking ass when the situation calls for it. To Faith, the world lies in absolutes. There are good guys, and there are bad guys. There is darkness, and there is light. Most of all, monsters don’t exist. Or do they? I watched as Faith’s ideals were  put into question, and I was so impressed. She’s strong. She’s fierce. Best of all? Faith isn’t swayed by the bad boy type. That alone makes her a winner in my book.

Speaking of the bad boy type, Ash definitely fits that description. It still makes me giggle to call a demon “sexy”, but there’s no other word to describe it. In his human form, Ash is unstoppable. He’s intelligent, sarcastic, and yet just enough of a gentleman to make him delicious. Pardon my gushing, but he is definitely worth swooning over. The banter between Ash and Faith is filled with sass and sparks! I’d have loved Faith no matter what, but Ash definitely complimented her perfectly.

Let’s be honest, I’m a fan of PR. I eat Urban Fantasy up like it’s candy. So it’s really no surprise that I loved the premise of Bittersweet Darkness, what with it’s action and intrigue. However that only scratches the surface of my enjoyment. Nina Croft’s writing is easy to read, and fun to get lost in. This book is only a little over 250 pages, but I would have happily read for hundreds more. I loved the characters, I loved the world, and I honestly can’t wait for more.

FTC Disclosure: I received a copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. I was not monetarily compensated for my opinion.