Okay I'm hooked I need more of this frightening world with sinister evil beings called Ruins.

The thing with fantasy is that there is usually a well drawn line between Good vs Evil/Heroes vs Monsters which sometimes gets a little tiresome and flat as the Evil is sooooo evil and the good is soooo good. I only find that this works when the good is not wholesome, I want rough around the edges, mystery and tough female and male characters with an interesting back story which this little gem has. Although this is the first book in the series for Rend the Dark I've since found out its the second book in a wider series of smaller series.

If you like your fantasy on the darker side add it to your TBR pile.

Holy Moly! Roan Parrish doesn't just tug at the heartstrings, she gives them a good, solid yank and twists until it hurts. Rend is emotional, raw, and at times, absolutely heartbreaking. The writing style combined with the character development make it impossible to not become invested in this couple, which makes the emotional aspect that much more of a roller coaster ride. The good news is the author also gives us a light at the end of that dark tunnel by way of hope, love, friendship, and family. The romance is a bit different than what we usually see. Matt and Rhys are into the second year of their marriage at the start of the book, so while we don't get that new relationship angst, there's still a whole lot of getting to know each other. Especially for Matt, who has grown up in a world where everyone leaves. His feelings of abandonment and the surety that everyone is going to disappoint him are well-founded, but that doesn't make his feelings of being unlovable any easier to read. Combine that with Rhys' determination to be Matt's protector only to find out that he doesn't always see the signs of a problem, and we have plenty of angst for this couple. In spite of that angst, or maybe because of it, there are some truly beautiful moments between Matt and Rhys as they figure out what each needs from the relationship. We also get to catch up a bit with Theo and Caleb from the first book in the series. Each book can be read as a standalone, but it's always nice to revisit past favorites. To sum it up, if you're a crier, expect tears - both the happy kind and the not so happy. But it's also a wonderful story of finding that special someone who can help lead you through the maze of this difficult life. All in all, a great addition to the series. 

This is book #2 in Riven series.  This book can be read as a standalone novel.  For reader understanding and to avoid spoilers, I recommend reading series in order.

Matt meets Rhys thinking he would be an amazing one night stand.  To his surprise, there is something more there.  Now he must learn to fight for what he has.

Rhys knows saying the wrong thing will scare Matt away.  He cannot help how he feels.  So he keeps Matt any way he can.

This story caught me by surprise.  As a breath of fresh air.  The men must learn to put each other above the rest, even with odds against them.  I loved the sincere feelings that came across.  The real search for the one who can love you most.  I give this book a 3/5 Kitty's Paws UP!

***This ARC copy was given in exchange for an honest review by Netgalley and its publishers.

I think I might have mentioned before that I'm enjoying this monthly series that consists of four series set in the same universe but which feature different genres and people.

Skinshaper is the second book after Rend the Dark and it continues to be a great story. Ferran and co encounter an abandoned mine and village, completely empty save for one survive hanging in a cage.

This series is by far the darkest of the four, but very nice to read. The one thing I really, really liked is the references that I start to notice between the different series. I'm looking forward a lot to the next story (both in this series and the next Echo of the ascended which will be more of an urban fantasy).

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!

Rend the Dark starts off with a slightly strange prologue—and then launches into a rich, well-done tale of fantasy and horror. The magic is unique, the evil the characters face is unusual (at least in my reading experience!), and the world-building is tidily woven into the meat of the story. The characters are diverse, cleverly sculpted, and appealing in their flaws. The pace is easily intense enough to keep the reader eagerly turning the pages. Gelineau and King have produced a first-class story that fits in a little bitty space.

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley, and I’m glad I got to read it!