Review: Nightbloom (Nightwing #3) by Juliette Cross

Nightbloom (Nightwing #3) by Juliette Cross
Purchase link: Amazon

My rating:   

Heat rating:    

The love between a human and a Morgon, the dragon-hybrid race, tempts fate once more…

All her life, Ella Barrow has allowed others to make her decisions. Forced to stifle her artistic talents and stay in a loveless relationship with Clayton Kerrington, the man her mother believes to be her perfect match, Ella’s life may be safe—but it’s not her own. Paxon Nightwing, on the other hand, is anything but the safe choice.

A charming and alluring Morgon, Paxon sees Ella for the woman she truly is. His bold confidence and protective nature ignites a passion she’s never felt before. But a dark family tragedy forces their secrecy—until Clayton makes it impossible to hide their clandestine affair. Will Ella be strong enough to fight for herself at last? Or will she succumb once more and risk losing the only man she’s ever loved?

I am so excited to be back in the world of Morgons where the men are sexy and the women are sassy. Okay, not all of them are sassy (it just sounded good!), but Juliette writes wonderful female characters.

This story focuses on Ella and Paxon Nightwing, another from the Nightwing clan. Funny story, the name of this series is Nightwing and it took me to well after book two to realise it was named after the clan. Duh!

Ella was a heroine I had a hard time identifying with because she kept so much of herself hidden away and coming across as a rather timid mouse. She pretty much went along with the flow, didn't rock the boat and kept all the strength, passion and boldness she had locked away inside and hidden in her art (which she also kept hidden from everyone). It's also understandable considering her upbringing and what her mother has been telling her her entire life. I kept waiting for the turning point, for moments when Ella became bold. I liked there were certain things triggering her to stand up for herself, but the moment when she truly stands up for herself and grabs hold of what she wants, she does it in a glorious, spectacular fashion, and boy, did she have to work for it!! I don't think I have the guts to do what she did. Bravo!

Paxon is a conundrum. He's one of those still waters run deep heroes, except he's still. He's deep but not still. He's a man of deep passions and strong convictions, and a wicked temper. Only, no one sees it because he hides it behind charm and flirtation, but for Ella, the dragon rises to the surface and will not be suppressed. For all the charm and flirtation, Paxon is an exceedingly private person. I also loved that Paxon was strong and had principles, and he would not compromise on those principles but Paxon does things because of Ella and for Ella that he has sworn never to do. She is his exception to the constrains he has put on his life. Paxon does not leave things to chance either. Once he has Ella where he's wanted her all along, he swoops in to make her his. Very swoon-worthy!

There's a twist in the story which surprised the heck out of me and while I was reading it, I'm thinking "OMG!! Juliette!! What have you done?!?!" but what a bold move and how incredible it was in terms of the way it brought Ella and Paxon together because c'mon it's a romance, you know they will end up together. :-) It is probably one of the most unique scenes I have read in a book in a very long time. Paxon's disappointment was palpable and it broke my heart. Ella's boldness was breathtaking and made me cheer.

I can't wait till there are more Morgon men in my life. Write faster, Juliette!

ps. I'm sorry I've used the word "bold" so many times but it fits.


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Other books in the series:

Book 1  - Soulfire 4 of 5 stars My Review

Book 2 - Windburn 4 of 5 stars My Review

About the Author:

Juliette calls lush, moss-laden Louisiana home where the landscape curls into her imagination, creating mystical settings for her stories. She has a B.A. in creative writing from Louisiana State University, a M.Ed. in gifted education, and was privileged to study under the award-winning author Ernest J. Gaines in grad school. Her love of mythology, legends, and art serve as constant inspiration for her works. From the moment she read JANE EYRE as a teenager, she fell in love with the Gothic romance--brooding characters, mysterious settings, persevering heroines, and dark, sexy heroes. Even then, she not only longed to read more novels set in Gothic worlds, she wanted to create her own.

Author links: Website - Amazon Author Page - Facebook - Twitter - Pinterest - Goodreads - Newsletter




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