I thoroughly enjoyed the places this story goes to explore the bonds of family and clan. He carries the burden of a terrible secret and is resigned to never find happiness. In spite of being continuously pummeled her spirit finds wings in this story of evolving strength that takes the story in unexpected and exciting directions! Erik's journey is very different from Hollen's. On the contrary, from the very beginning Tysha's inner strength shines through the muck of her life. This series just gets better! It would be easy for a series like this to not have strong female characters given the way the bride's are found. While Dokiri men won’t let anything keep them from the woman they love, even that woman herself, all love scenes between the hero and heroine are consensual. This novel plays on the trope of abduction. Soon, Erik and Tysha will discover both the reward and cost of unconditional love.

But loving her comes with a great price: his family, his home, his purpose. With each passing day, Erik realizes his timid bride conceals the heart of a lion and finds it harder to turn from her sweet touch and haunting green eyes. However, fate brings him an unexpected bride, as nervous as she is lovely. Any woman will do, so long as he can easily say good-bye. Obligated to choose a bride for himself, Erik has spent weeks in half-hearted pursuit of a woman. With him, Tysha’s long-dormant heart awakens, helplessly drawn to the quiet, enigmatic man who seems content to keep his distance.

For once in her life, the gods show mercy and deliver her to Erik the Tempered, a man as wild as he is noble. Sold to whoremasters by her own husband, Tysha flees into the night with pursuers hot on her trail.

Hollen the Soulless by Denali Day