Iron Kissed

[sylvaxel]

OK, I'm going to change up the format this time; it makes no sense to have a setting section for a series that I've already commented on the setting of, for example

Comments

[jeweledhibiscus]

I think you're going to be a lot happier with the relationship issues (all of them in every direction) when you read the next one. And internally, it makes sense for a character who has grown up around werewolves and been romantically involved with werewolves to turn instinctively to an Alpha for reassurance and comfort- even one so independent as Mercy. In my opinion, of course; YMMV.

I suppose that, having had the ending more or less spoiled, you were more on the lookout for the bad guy than I was... or maybe you're just more observant. Either way, I wasn't surprised when he turned out to be involved, but I about screamed when I realized (about four lines before Mercy did) what the cup was.

And that's my two cents'!

[sistermaynard]

I can't really have a valid response until Bone Crossed shows up at the bloody library, but I'm kind of torn between you two here. Yeah, it makes sense for Mercy to turn to Adam for comfort; the "nose-bite followed by cuddling" evening was perfect for that. On the other hand, the jump to sex with Adam for the first time barely a week after she'd been raped read a little too neatly for my taste. Hopefully the next book will resolve that, but my feeling was that she got the psychology and handling 95% right and then slapped a quick resolution on.

Also, yes about the cup. It caught me absolutely off guard and was really really well done; I knew Tim was up to something, but the cup was a good twist.

[jeweledhibiscus]

Off-hand, I can't recall whether or not Mercy actually had sex with him that night. Either way, the opening pages of Bone Crossed will clarify that Mercy is still having LOTS of reaction to the rape. Additionally, it really isn't that uncommon for rape victims to reach out to close friends for sex afterwards just to confirm that they have control of their bodies again *shrug*

[sistermaynard]

Good to know that the reaction carries on: she doesn't directly say it's sex, but there are heaps of implications and shirt-dropping as the last line. Rationally I know that it's not uncommon, and the sex for control of herself kind of makes sense. It's just the "Was I going to let Tim have the final victory?...He's dead, and he always was a loser" phrasing means that the decision comes off as a little pat and little too quick (checked the paperback decision, her thought process is less than a page.) I don't eat up angst with a spoon, but...I don't know, the way it was written it just seemed like "think a second, easy decision." I am absolutely sure that that's not how it was meant, but it grated that way a little.

Again, YMMV, but it just felt strange.