Title: Cold Flame
Author: Susan Copperfield
Series: Royal States #7
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Magic, Paranormal romance, Urban fantasy
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2020
Even though I know that Rachel is one of the more overtly traumatised of the characters in the Royal States series, it was still a bit of a hit and a bit sad. Although, I do enjoy how well Copperfield deals with such a touchy subject. She manages to make the trauma a serious and important aspect of her personality, without it being so heart heavy that it’s impossible to smile and enjoy the story. It’s a tricky balance to deal with parental abuse in a way that is respectful, but to still keep a light playfulness to the storyline, and I am, yet again, impressed with how Copperfield is able to do so.
Possibly one of the things which almost make Rachel’s abusive history kind of worthwhile is her therapy animals. She starts off adopting rats, and then, quite frankly, it gets more and more insane from there. I had multiple moments of joy and laughter throughout as I imagined this quiet and reserved woman spoiling her pets. And requiring the less than common animals to be her support and emotional comfort in times of stress. I just have dogs, she got a whole zoo of very cool animals to love and adore.
As a secondary character, Ian keeps showing up throughout the Royal States and Agents of the Royal States novels, but his importance and connections within Cold Flame just make me want to read his story all that much more. (I’m honestly not sure if it’s even out at the time of writing this review, but I know that it’s coming!) I love that he is kind of irritating, and initially seems to be this incredibly selfish and somewhat annoying side character. But, as the story and the series unfold, it becomes clear that he actually has the best intentions and is incredibly helpful… he just enjoys being somewhat insane and irritating whilst he does the helping thing.
The recognition that Rachel’s not so great background requires a patient and loving man is absolutely realised in Ethan. He is sweet and cute and so immensely supportive of all of Rachel’s quirks. Although, he is definitely a little bit too concerned when she freaks out, and his spirals are very entertaining. I also thoroughly enjoy all of his manipulations to get her within his life, but his patience at not jumping in and finding her immediately. He’s a great support and I really enjoyed reading their love story.
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