House of Scarlett
Meghan March
Add to Goodreads
Buy Website | Amazon | Paperback | Audio | Kobo | B&N | Apple
Release date December 10, 2019

I could not wait to get to this book after that cliffhanger in book one that made me just want to smack sense into Gabriel Legend. His self worth issues and need to protect those around him caused him to make a choice that affected them both (and made me crazy!).

But this is where we get to the nitty-gritty with these two characters. It is time to deal with the idea of going back to life as it was before. or to figure out what they can and cannot live without. Until they are ready to face their fears, issues from their pasts, and take a chance, then there is no hope. But if they can start to believe in the possibility of something good, then maybe there can be a chance. Now is the time to get real and get serious, or give it up for good.

But Legend has a lot of making up to do. He hit Scarlett right at her Achille's heel. She already has enough abandonment issues, not that Legend doesn't as well. They come from different worlds, but also have common issues, history, and traits. They are both stubborn, loyal, guarded, protective, and are fixers. They push each other out of their comfort zones. Something about the other just makes them feel more alive and happy.  But they have a lot of baggage to wade through. 

I am totally in love with Legend. He is such a dichotomy between the intimidating, tough, ex-fighter, alpha, and the tender, sweet, protective, loyal man underneath. And Scarlett could be an entitled diva due to her circumstances, but she is actually real, caring, and kind of quirky. These two have so much potential for growth and are catalysts for change. They both keep a small inner circle they trust and will do anything for those they care about. It will come down to whether they feel that they are worthy to be in each other's small trusted group.

And danger is lurking in the background. Legend's past is still haunting and chasing him. And even Scarlett has some enemies of her own. So even if they figure out where they stand, there is still no much more to deal with. 

The side characters are all so unique, fun, and opinionated. This world is so layered and well built and I feel like I just stepped into it and am one of the sidekicks seeing it all play out. It is intriguing, witty, sexy, emotional, and intense. There are so many working parts, possible antagonists, and mysteries left to uncover. And there is an underlying suspense thread adding tension, anxiety, and fear.

I was completely engaged and invested throughout this book. And even though I knew another cliffhanger was coming, I still was not emotionally prepared! I cannot wait for the last installment. There are still so many things to tie up and so much I want to see happen. And even then I am not sure I will be ready to let these characters go. I am already hoping for possible spinoffs with the side characters.
Normally, the second part of a trilogy is my least favorite, but not so in this case! This was everything I wanted to see between Scarlett and Legend and more!

We learn so much more about Legend’s history and his drive to succeed makes that much more sense after learning his past. This is a man who takes his promises seriously and he is very near to feeling like he’s failed someone very important to him. His loyalty is one of the things I love most about him, that and his perseverance. He has some making up to do, but when he sets his mind to it he is sure to succeed.

The chemistry between these two is off the charts and impossible to ignore. But even though they click together, there is still a lot to sort before they can fight for their forever.

Scarlett’s squad is such a strong support for her. I love how these women have each other’s backs, supporting without question, and willing to go to all sorts of lengths to protect one of their own. The addition of her sister, Flynn, to the group only ramps up the skill set of the women who surround Scarlett (and I love her addition to the storyline in general -- she’s a pretty BA little sister).

I can’t wait to see how things will wrap up for these two as they reach the final part of their story. The tension that has been building is coming to a head, and the threat that Gabriel has been hiding from is closer than ever before. I can’t wait to see why he has been on the run and how they can fix all the problems they are facing.