Returned (Forbidden #3) by Kimberley Griffiths Little

After tragedy strikes on the day they were to wed, Jayden must support Kadesh as he ascends the throne and becomes king of Sariba. But with the dark priestess Aliyah conspiring to control the crown, and the arrival of Horeb, Jayden’s former betrothed, Kadesh’s kingdom, as well as his status as king, is at stake.

Jayden knows that the time to be merciful has come and gone, and that some enemies can only be halted by death. Now she and Kadesh must prepare to fight not only for their love, but also for their kingdom.

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This is a series I have loved from the very beginning.  I have been waiting for this final third book to finally make it to my hands.  The last book left off in such a crazy place that left me feeling a bit desperate.  I don't like that feeling but finally the wait is over and the last book is HERE!  Yay!  This book picks up exactly where the last book left off.  It's like I never left (Well, except for the months of waiting in between.  There was that.).  If you haven't started this series, how lucky you are that you can read one right after another with no waiting at all!  This book is meant to be read last.  You will not understand what is happening if you do not read these books in order.

This series is really jam packed from beginning to end.  There is constant movement, danger and activity happening.  It's intense and somewhat consuming.  I am always drawn in and kept captive while reading these books.  This book whole book basically revolved around war.  I felt like this story was more plot driven and less character driven because I guess we had two books to get to know the characters and now the plot is in full force for a climactic ending.

I was so glad to get to the end.  Resolution always feels so good after a series like this.  It was a hard fought ending and not everything turns out rosy (boo) but still, it's nice to be at the end of a good series.  Sigh.

Content:  war and violence (some graphic in nature), black magic and human sacrifice

- I received a copy of this book from the author.  A positive review was not required and all opinions expressed are my own. 

Banished (Forbidden #2) by Kimberley Griffiths Little

She thought she’d lost everything…

After spending months traveling the harsh, unforgiving Mesopotamian desert, Jayden reunites with a broken, injured Kadesh. Although everyone was convinced the violent and unpredictable Horeb, Jayden’s betrothed, killed the handsome prince, Jayden knew in her heart that her love was alive and safe. But their reunion is short-lived, as they learn Horeb is on their trail and determined to take back the girl he has claimed. Soon, the two star-crossed lovers are on the run toward Sariba, Kadesh’s homeland, where, as heir to the kingdom, he plans to make Jayden his princess.

But the trek to Sariba comes with heartache and danger. After narrowly escaping being stoned to death for a crime she didn’t commit, and learning that her sister has disappeared, Jayden’s only solace is her love for Kadesh. But even he is keeping secrets from her…secrets that will change everything.

This gorgeous and enchanting sequel to Forbidden is fraught with love, danger, and heated passion that will leave readers breathless.

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Oh, man.  I get so worked up and tense when I read these books.  My whole body is just on edge and I have to force myself to relax but then one minute later I'm all worked up again.  That's because this book is full on, all the time.  It is so fast paced and there is always something happening.  I cannot help but be fully caught up in this story.  It's so intense!

The desert setting is so harsh and deadly.  I can feel the sand everywhere and the sun beating down on me.  I was so thirsty while reading this book!

I swear Jayden has a death wish- but she is like a cat with eternal lives.  Jayden is fierce and loyal.  She is a protector by nature and I love how she is always trying to right the wrongs of her world.  But Jayden would be no kind of fantastic character if she didn't have those moments of gentleness and weakness to help me connect to her.  I am always rooting for Jayden's success.  And yay!  She found Kadesh!  A bit broken but alive and with Jayden's love and trust in him, he steps up to be the man he needs to be- for Jayden and for his people.

I'm telling you- this book is crazy, full on.  I was so compelled to keep reading- it was nuts.  I finished this book just like I finished the first book in the series- desperate.  Ugh.  Cliffhangers just kill me.  I wish I had the next book right now.

Content:  violence (some fairly graphic), talk of prostitution without details, passionate kissing.  (I read this book the minute I got it and didn't take any notes because I was a bit obsessed.  And it was a month ago so forgive me if I've forgotten something in content to report!)