The Sweetest Burn by Jeaniene Frost
Series: Broken Destiny, #2
PNR/NA
June 27, 2016
HQN Books

Favorite Quote: “Cock blocked by an angel..That’s new.”

Reviewed by Tori

Conquering a supernatural realm turned out to be easier than getting over a broken heart. But her initial victory has made Ivy a target for revenge, forcing her to reunite with the dangerous—and dangerously sexy—Adrian. Ivy isn’t sure which will be harder: finding the hallowed weapon that will repair the crumbling walls between the demon and human realms, or resisting Adrian, who’s decided that come hell or high water, he will make Ivy his.

At first, Adrian tried to resist his feelings for Ivy. Now, determined to break the curse that dooms their love, he’s vowed to save her and to have her. If only he can persuade her to forgive his past sins. But defying destiny—and surrendering to the smoldering desire between them—will bring consequences and sacrifices they never imagined…

The Sweetest Burn is the 2nd installment in Jeaniene Frost’s New Adult fantasy series-Broken Destiny. Book one-Beautiful Ashes– introduced us to a multi-dimensional world filled with demons and angels preparing for war and the one person who can save us. Destiny and the Bible claims that Ivy, the last Davidian, is the only hope humans have to beat back the demons who are readying to inherit the world. She meets and falls in love with a half demon prince who comes to help her train for what’s coming only to reveal at the end that he is the last Judian and like the original Judas, it is his destiny to betray her. At the end of book one, Ivy commands Adrian to leave her and he does, leaving us to wonder what now?  

The Sweetest Burn opens with Ivy angry that Adrian left her and stayed away with no communication or begging to be with her. He does come back though, declaring his love for her and determined to prove he will defy their destiny and not betray her. Ivy is on the fence but willing to give him  the benefit of the doubt. Zach, their middle man to heaven, alerts them to the second hallowed artifact and sets them on their course. They need to find the second artifact before the demons do as it is the one item that can stop the walls between the demon and human realms from collapsing.

Frost’s voice definitely seems louder and more settled in this installment. I found the pacing smoother and the characterization stronger though the story still dragged in places. We seem to still dealing with the same issues from book one though we do get more explanations this time around. Ivy and Adrian make peace and decide to deal with their attraction and everything else later as they begin their journey to find the second hallowed relic-the staff of Moses. This leads them on a worldwide adventure that offers readers more insight into the reasons behind the war and those that are a part of it. The story remains relatively laid back until the last quarter when the action, suspense, and intrigue explodes.

Ivy and Adrian continue to evolve, developing individually and as a couple. Ivy remains her tough, courageous, and snarky self though she whines more and makes some questionable decisions in here. What bothered me about Ivy in here is she instantly realizes the things she is doing are wrong and then a few chapters later does it again. I did appreciate that she continues to question everything. But… why she hasn’t sat down and brushed up on her bible studies?  Frost really opens up Adrian more in here and I feel readers definitely get to know him better. I like his commitment to Ivy and their relationship though he still isn’t being 100% honest with Ivy.  The use of a dual POV certainly helps. Book one felt more like Ivy’s book while this one is definitely a joint venture.

Chemistry wise, the passion and attraction between Ivy and Adrian is more intense and focused this go around though the soulmate/destiny issue remains iffy for me. On one hand, it allows Frost to gloss over the development of the romance-sort of a cheater in my opinion-but on the other hand, it does give us a weighted romantic conflict that works well in here. As it is right now, the physical attraction is still the strongest feature of this romance. Also, the story still has a distinct YA sound and feel to it; even with the racy scenes. Its disconcerting at times.

Frost continues to expand her character base, adding personality and essentially ‘humanizing’  those considered not human. We finally learn what is the motivation Zach’s and Demetrius’s actions and it’s definitely going to make things more interesting in the end.  I am enjoying the religious direction Frost takes here and in the overall premise though, as this series is heavily character driven, we only learn what the protagonists tell us which leaves you in the dark at times. Free will remains an important feature that the book uses to answer or avoid answering certain questions and situations.

Once again, there is a small cliffhanger at the end but nothing too major. While I did find this installment more stable and developed then book one, I still wasn’t as engaged as I would have liked to have been. All in all this is a quick read that basically delivers what it promises without much fanfare or expectations on my part.  

Grade: C

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