Book #Review: Nightbloom (Nightwing, Book #3) by Juliette Cross ~ #Dragon #PNR ~ @Juliette_Cross

Nightbloom by Juliette Cross

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Amazon

About the Book:

The love between a human and a Morgon, the dragon-hybrid race, tempts fate once more…

All her life, Ella Barrow has allowed others to make her decisions. Forced to stifle her artistic talents and stay in a loveless relationship with Clayton Kerrington, the man her mother believes to be her perfect match, Ella’s life may be safe—but it’s not her own. Paxon Nightwing, on the other hand, is anything but the safe choice. 

A charming and alluring Morgon, Paxon sees Ella for the woman she truly is. His bold confidence and protective nature ignites a passion she’s never felt before. But a dark family tragedy forces their secrecy—until Clayton makes it impossible to hide their clandestine affair. Will Ella be strong enough to fight for herself at last? Or will she succumb once more and risk losing the only man she’s ever loved?

My Review:

This is my review of the re-release, updated version.

Ella Barrow is a rule follower. She allows others to dictate what she does, who she dates, where she works, and who she is friends with. She’s basically a prisoner in her parents’ home. She is creative and artistic; however, her parents forbid her from obtaining a job that allows her talents to shine or her to use the degree she obtained. Her current boyfriend, Clayton, who is a sleaze ball, doesn’t appreciate her, ignores while they are out, and is basically using her to advance himself in society. When he tries to pressure her into letting him take her virginity, it’s all downhill from there. That same night, while in a Morgan club, she finds him pants down with a waitress and puts an end to their relationship – by smooching hot Paxon.

Paxon is attracted to Ella and has been even while she was dating Clayton. Patiently waiting for their relationship to self-destruct, he didn’t expect quiet, shy Ella to stand for herself and then march over to him and plant a kiss on him. They both know that there is more to explore together beyond the kiss, but Ella is hesitant. There is something in her mother’s past that that brings fear to the woman’s eyes whenever she is around them. Then there’s Clayton. No just doesn’t mean no to him and he threatens Ella with things that may cause irreparable harm to her and her parents.

Just as with books 1 & 2 in this series, once I began reading, I was hooked. I devoured it in one sitting. The story is engaging, and the characters are wonderful. I enjoyed the interactions between Ella and Paxon. I love the tension the author builds up between the hero and heroine of her stories. Ella’s demure, meek character really opens up like a flower or a butterfly coming out of a chrysalis. She knows she wants to be with Paxon but there are secrets she hides that being seen with a Morgon would expose. Forced to make a choice, Ella finally followers her own heart. At the peak of the story, Ella steps out, front and center, to declare the love she has in hopes that it’s not too late for her and Paxon to be together.

I love both Ella and Paxon. She might allow others to make her decisions, but Paxon doesn’t take advantage of that part of her character. He helps her to break free of the hold others have had on her for so long. He helps her “lift the veil.” How Ella and Paxon are written is swoon-worthy and I think Nightbloom is my favorite of the 3 Nightwing novels.

Nightbloom is a riveting, fast paced story told with passion. I love Juliette Cross’s writing style and the way she tells stories. Nightbloom is not my first experience with this author, nor will it be the last. Her ability to create paranormal stories with romance, action and a solid plot is what keeps me coming back.

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