Sea Dragon's Command: Royal Dragon Shifters of Morocco #3: A Red Letter Hotel Paranormal Romance by Ava WardMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
A Murder At The Hotel
This third book in the series is as good as the first two. In my previous reviews I’ve raved about how beautifully Ava Ward writes about magic, place and emotion. But in this book, her plot writing abilities shine through even more strongly than previously.
There are several strands to the plot in this book, magic, romance, murder and politics. Layla has been working on her magic and controlling her power, but as yet it’s not tamed. Her relationships with Dusk and Adrian have been put on hold as Reginald starts to train Layla as a Courtesan. It is during this training that, despite Layla’s resentment at being forced to take this path, we see glimmers of the real Reginald beneath his manners and elegance.
During the week long stay of the Owners of the Red Letter Hotel Paris we are introduced to Bastian, Reginald’s bitter and angry brother. His snarling fury at Bastian for shutting himself away as a Courtier, rather than fighting battles with his clan, knows no bounds and he rips away Reginald’s control of Layla during a ball in front of the Owners, making it difficult for Layla and Adrian to control their power.
We learn much in the aftermath of this confrontation about Reginald’s past and the depth of his character hidden beneath his control. His control snaps at the death of a loved one, a murder set up to make Adrian look like the guilty party. This is the second strand in the plot, the murder, and dealing with the police arm of the High Council. In order to clear Adrian, Layla has to go and seek out some answers, outside of the hotel.
We hear so much more of the story behind their enemy’s motivations, during this book, and why they seek out Layla, even in the midst of insanity. The information Layla gathers feeds into the overarching storyline.
We also find out a bit more about the politics of the Red Hotel and it’s owners. We see how politics manipulates every move that is made within the hotel. This strand of the plot is very clever and very interesting to read. It feeds into the overarching story in a big way, but is still feels like a separate strand from the magic and romance. I’ve a feeling in the future, that all the strands might bind together like the separate powers of Layla’s Dragon Binds.
Once again Ava Ward has written a riveting and passion filled book, where magic and romance weave tightly within plot lines that thrill and intrigue.
I really want to read the next book in the series. I hope I don’t have to wait for long!
At the time of writing this review, the first book in the series is free on Amazon and the second book is available for purchase for £0.99 in the UK and $1.24 in the US.
Borrow Free From Kindle Unlimited
Buy From Amazon UK
Buy From Amazon US
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