Ami's Hoard

4.5 stars!!

Naasir, one of Raphael’s Seven, whom Elena has called ‘tiger creature,’ stole my heart when his presence became prominent in the previous book, after being released from his long-term duty to look over Amanat. Naasir has been so wonderfully intriguing that I couldn’t help wanting to know more about him. When I found out that the next book would be his, I did a little happy dance inside.

It has been seven months since Naasir told Ashwini that he was ready to find a mate and he has been actively looking for her with no result. Until Raphael tells Naasir to help a scholar by the name of Andromeda, in order to find and awaken Alexander, the Sleeping Ancient, to warn him about the threat coming from Zhou Lijuan. Turns out that Andromeda is the mate that Naasir has been looking for. Except … she has taken a vow of celibacy (and I couldn’t help giggling when I read Naasir’s reaction to that!)

I found this relationship compelling and amusing at the same time. Unlike the relationship in the previous books, there is a sense of ‘young love’ in this one – with Andromeda’s only 400 years of age, as well as Naasir’s penchant for being playful in that unique feral way of his. Naline’s feline nature shows in his tendency to pout, to bite, or to snap his teeth towards others. Not to mention his way of thinking about mates, which doesn’t come up with the other angels or vampires of Raphael’s court.

Just in case it isn’t clear enough, I loved Naasir so much. He’s just adorable. I loved Naasir’s view of family and the parts where he thinks of his childhood (he was such a trouble!) with Dmitri or Raphael or Jessamy made me smile. Naasir is unapologetically different and proudly ferocious. His past might be horrific but I loved that Naasir is not broken about it. Oh, I also thought the explanation of Naasir’s origin was brilliant; it shows how Singh can still pull new tricks out of her sleeve.

Meanwhile, Andromeda is charming and completely perfect as Naasir’s mate in every way. Although Andromeda is tied to a blood vow which obliges her to serve her grandfather’s court for the next five hundred years, she doesn’t let it bring her down. Andromeda keeps her positivity intact, especially after falling in love with Naasir. She refuses to let her family define who she is. I loved the way Andromeda quickly adapted to situations, no matter how difficult, by playing smart and bravely fighting depending on the circumstances. She’s a fighter through and through. This attitude has made Andromeda one of my favorite heroines in this series – even if her determination to keep the secret about her obligation from Naasir did make me feel slightly annoyed.

In a series that has spanned eight books (and few novellas), both Naasir and Andromeda feel like a breath of fresh air. In addition, the globe-trotting journey to find Alexander, as well as Naasir’s attempt to find a missing Grimoire as the key to break Andromeda’s vow of celibacy, is exciting. I enjoyed every minute of their adventure together, as Singh blends action, danger, humor, as well as romance, flawlessly.

The Epilogue gives a chilling and intense update about what the Cascade’s effect has done to our beloved Bluebell. And on that note, SERIOUSLY, I wish Nalini Singh could hear me begging her to write a full M/M novel for Illium and Aodhan. BEGGING! ON MY KNEES! Because, really, those two! My heart. Can’t Take It. Gah!!

The ARC is provided by the publisher for an exchange of fair and honest review. No high rating is required for any ARC received.