The Wrath by Gena Showalter

Read Dates: November 14, 2023 – December 14, 2023
Expected Publication Date: February 6, 2024
Source: ebook ARC via the author in exchange for an honest review

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Another Gena masterpiece.

I’ve come to think I know what I can expect when I read a new Gena book but she keeps proving me wrong. This was a classic Gena tale but it was a little different than what I’m used to. Not in writing style or anything that would have a negative impact on her incredible stories. Just the way the characters were presented and the circumstances both main characters were under.

When I first realized that our MMC was married, I was a little skeptical. And then I learned that he kept a stable of concubines and I was even MORE skeptical. I should have known I needn’t worry when it comes to a Gena book. She’s never going to lead me in the wrong direction.

So anyway… these characters. I’ve said before (a couple times actually) that I had a new favorite Gena couple. And, well, this couple was another favorite for me. At first, I wasn’t too sure about Neeka, our FMC, but as the story went on, I learned just what she was about and came to really love her spunk and enthusiasm despite her life circumstances and the hardships she was always enduring. Neeka is an oracle harpy who decides to aid Rathbone in his quest to obtain the lost bones of his dead wife so he can bring her back to life. Another thing I was low-key kinda uneasy about at first. But again, Gena doesn’t steer me wrong!

Rathbone was a nice change to the typical MMC actually. He had a hard outer shell and was a fierce warrior like most of the men we meet in Gena’s books but he was also REAL. He liked to lay in bed, eat food, and watch soap operas. He was open-minded and kind-hearted despite the rough exterior. I just really really liked Rathbone almost immediately. I especially loved reading the scenes that contained him and Hades. They always had me cracking me up.

He was McBoney. Or rather, Rathbone the Only, King of Agonies. A shapeshifter and spy without equal. Closest friend to Hades, the King of the Dead. Known as a royal playboy who lacked morals and boundaries, with a fearsome temper.

The plot was interesting and I wasn’t sure how things were going to end up going. I love it when a book keeps me guessing until the very end. This one did just that while also keeping me engaged and not wanting to put the book down until I had reached the end.

I loved getting to see past characters and what they were up to. Not too in-depth but just little glimpses, little morsels into their lives as the events of this book were happening. These past characters were affected by the plot as well.

I LOVED the villain in this story. Honestly, I don’t know why, but I was just all in on the villain. I don’t want to give anything away so I won’t say much but I WILL say that I typically have nothing but loathing for villains like the one in this book but I found myself drawn to them and… kind of intrigued by them. I’m wondering what future books may hold for this particular villain. *shifty eyes*

She is heartless, he is blinded, and you are screwed.

This was such an enjoyable read. It was fun, there was adventure and suspense and an enemies-to-friends-to-lovers vibe that I absolutely loved. Neeka and Rathbone are now in my top 10 favorite couples for sure. It used to be a list of just the top 5 but things got out of hand pretty quick. Especially when Puck came along. Sweet lord.

Definitely recommend this one! While you don’t have to read any of the previous books in the series, it DOES add to the reading experience as a few of the characters are featured in previous books.

Go pick this one up when it comes out and ENJOY! I sure did!

This book is available NOW whenever you buy books! Go forth and consume my smutty friends!