Archangel's Consort: The Guild Hunter Series (GUILD HUNTER NOVEL) [Paperback]

I have been looking forward to this book for some time and I have to say that I am slightly disappointed.

Firstly, there is too much sex. I'm only about mid way through at the moment, but even so there is so much focus on Rafael and Elena having sex that their developing relationship is barely touched upon. What captured me in the previous books is that both characters seemed so real and I was really looking forward to getting to know them and how they developed as a couple instead there is loads of gratuitous sex. I really hope Nalini doesn't fall into the Laurell K Hamilton trap of sacrificing story line for rounds of unending bed jumping.

I also hate the cover art. I have no idea why they changed the style but am definitely NOT a fan. I've just now finished the book which took several days as I was able to put it down! Something previously unheard of with Nalini's books. It improves in the last 50 or so pages as the story comes together however one is left unsatisfied by the purchase of this book.

Archangel's Consort gives us a third chapter to devour in the romance story of Archangel Raphael and Guild Hunter Elena. With that I cannot guarantee a spoiler free review and only advice readers to start at the beginning with Angels' Blood and work your way to this release which I can tell you will be quite the ride!

From the beginning there was an undeniable attraction simmering between Raphael and Elena and this had not diminished in any way in Archangels Consort. Next to their deepening relationship they both have to deal with family issues as well. From the get-go I fell hard for the synergy between Raphael and Elena. Their dialogues are full of wit and barbs, their personalities clashing at times in dominance and the sensual vibe is like a live wire between them. Over the course of the evolving storyline I witnessed their trials and tribulations, their strength, vulnerabilities and flaws, but at the foundation a love grew that encompassed them wholly.

In Archangels Consort, Nalini Singh demonstrates how utterly good she is at bringing characters to life and exploring their personalities. Raphael is a male character who isn't quite the anti hero nor "just" one who can be branded an Alpha, he transcends these character type's with his attitude that is born from his ancient age and view on life. He is without a doubt "other". He is an Archangel who makes me shiver with all of his personality traits and each reader should experience his personality first hand to understand what makes Raphael, Raphael.

To be the love interest of such an Archangel takes quite a woman but Elena holds her ground in her own unique way. She knows how to get through to Raphael when he goes all Archangel attitude and makes him more accessible to the softer side of emotions. Even though Elena has a strong backbone, even when she goes all warrior woman, she also is a sensuous woman and has her vulnerabilities. It is the sensual and emotional interplay between them as a couple that shows this the most. This story definitely created room for the romance part, for conflicts and the fiery passion that often set the pages ablaze. When two angels choose to dance the skies it is a sight to behold!

The one thing that was subdued was the mystery. Practically up front did I know what was going on and it lessened the thrill of the suspense. It made certain events less dangerous and I missed the one-two punch Nalini Singh can deliver when romance and suspense work as one and I can't read fast enough to know what's happening. Of course I did get a few small surprises in the end, creating possibilities for future installments but in this story it was the interpersonal relationships that did it for me.

Next to murders, some dangers, romance and challenges there was also Raphael's Seven. Each of these Seven is a compelling and intriguing character but like many avid readers of this series I have my favorites. My heart skips a beat with the uber powerful vampire Dmitri, I have a wicked grin on my face whenever Illium aka Bluebell, enters the stage, my curiosity is piqued with Aodhan, but it is Jason who yanks all of my chains. In this installment Nalini Singh tantalizes me with small snippets of mystery revolving his, and many other characters, from the Seven. I can't wait for her to start writing up their stories!!

Nalini Singh's is one of the powerhouse authors who rule in the Urban-Fantasy genre. Her imaginative writing never fails to invite me into her dynamic world. I get to go on adventures with her characters, enjoy the temperamental dialogues and feel every single shred of emotions sizzling between them! Archangel's Consort was a wonderful return again to the Guild Hunter world!

I was expecting great things from this book, having just finished the first two in the series which were fantastic.

Angel's Blood and Archangel's Kiss were both exquisitely written blends of sexual tension, world building and a rich plot full of twists and turns and excitement. Archangel's Consort was primarily sex scenes and romantic encounters between Elena and Raphael with a bit of a plot thrown in for good measure.

I kept reading because I just knew it would get better, Nalini wouldn't let me down. and it did- but only the last 25% of the book showed the promise of the first two.

I feel that so much more could have been made of Caliane's awakening and it's effect on the other archangels. And I know Elena witnessed terrible things in her childhood and has some serious Daddy issues. But really, does it need shoving down my throat every chapter? Because honestly I am getting bored of it now.

In a nutshell, about 50% of this book is "Oh look, Elena is sad because of her past. Let's have sex to make it better. Oh look, Raphael is sad because of his past. Let's have sex to make it better...."

When we finally get to the action in the very last part of Archangel's Consort, it is the usual action packed adventure I have come to expect and the very end has me gripped and waiting once again for the next in the series.....