Review: WEST OF WANT by Laura Kaye
West of Want by Laura Kaye Series: Hearts of the Anemoi, #2 Genre: Paranormal Romance Can be read as stand alone: Yes Pub. Date: July 10, 2012 Publisher: Entangled Publishing Format: eBook, 222 pages Received by: Publisher Betrayal is all he’s ever known, but in her, he’ll find a love strong enough to [...]
West of Want
by Laura Kaye
Series: Hearts of the Anemoi, #2
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Can be read as stand alone: Yes
Pub. Date: July 10, 2012
Publisher: Entangled Publishing
Format: eBook, 222 pages
Received by: Publisher
Betrayal is all he’s ever known, but in her, he’ll find a love strong enough to be trusted…When Marcella Raines’ twin brother dies, she honors his request to be buried at sea, never expecting the violent storm that swamps her boat. Recently divorced over her infertility and gravely injured, Ella still fights to survive.
Zephyros Martius is the Supreme God of the West Wind and Spring, but being the strongest Anemoi hasn’t saved him from betrayal and loss—worse, he’s sure his brother Eurus is behind it. When Zeph’s heartbreak whips up a storm that shipwrecks a human, his guilt leads him to save her, but he vows not to get involved.
Ella’s honesty, empathy, and unique calming influence attract Zeph like no other, and he finds himself wanting…everything. Ella knows Zeph’s different and fears rejection, but falls for his otherworldly masculinity and ancient, sad blue eyes. When Eurus threatens Ella, she and Zeph struggle to let go of the past, defend their future, and embrace what they most want—a love that can be trusted.
Having read both of the first two books of the Hearts of the Anemoi series, I can say that WEST OF WANT is definitely my favorite of the series so far!
Author Laura Kaye knows how to make romance as sweet as double chocolate brownies and seduction as warm as the wind the hero blows in on. With heroes that are alpha (or god) enough to fall in love and heroines who morn losses and face real-world challenges, but still know when to put on their ‘big girl panties on’ and move on with life, the characters from the Hearts of the Anemoi series are characters that you can’t help but enjoy. The humans face everyday struggles, and the gods … well they face everyday gods troubles, too (*g*), but still manage to find love, hope, and triumph over them all.
WEST OF WANT is the type of story that is perfect for a nice break from books that throw the protagonists lots of conflict curve balls. While there is a conflict (writing 101), in WEST OF WANT there is one major external conflict with a smattering of internal conflicts for each of the H/h. The only difference is that the heroine and hero tackle problems together. This keeps the angst slightly at bay. They know that their love is something out of this world (no pun intended … or is it? *g*) and therefore, meet these challenges head on together. Of course, as in all relationships that have a fear of betrayal attached, there are a few moments of doubt and suspicion, especially on the heroes part.
I really enjoyed this heroine and hero pairing, and the secondary characters (who were primarily the other gods) completely added to – and even played significant roles in – the development and plot of the story, and were fantastic additions. In fact, I can’t wait for Chrys’s story (the god of Summer). That should be all sorts of fun! 
I should also point out that while Laura did a great job at balancing character development and world-building simultaneously in this story, there was a focus on more of the ‘god world’ in opposition to the last book. I found this to be a fabulous addition into the writing and creation of WEST OF WANT. I hope Laura chooses to continue down this path as she creates the world-building and character conflicts. It helped to solidify the paranormal world a little more clearly than the first book, and simultaneously vested me as a reader into this world of Anemoi and characters.
The recommendation: This is a story for readers who really love their paranormal romance ‘sweet’. Seriously. Like I stated, the heroine and hero fall deeply in love and are not afraid to show, nor say it. They battle internal and external conflicts together while building each others confidence back up after each experiences betrayals galore. This really is a story of love conquers all. The banter is fun, sweet, and light. The heat is steamy without crossing the erotic line – and there’s less of it in this book than the previous.
WEST OF WANT can also be read as a stand alone. An appearance from the god from the last book shows up, but no knowledge of the previous book is necessary.
I always enjoy Laura’s work, and WEST OF WANT is no exception!
Hearts of the Anemoi series:
Book #1: North of Need
Book #2: West of Want
Book #3: South of Surrender {Coming Dec. 2012}
Book #4: East of Ecstasy {Coming 2013}
Tanya
I am looking forward to reading this series. I have pre-ordered the third book, but for some reason, the first 2 are way too expensive. Still, I have patience, I can wait, it is not like I have nothing else on my TBR.