Title: Iron Unicorn
Author: Susan Copperfield
Series: Agents of the Royal States #2
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Magic, Paranormal romance, Urban fantasy
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2024

I very quickly fell for Terry in Cold Flame. He was such a good RPS Agent and so damn supportive of Rachel when she was trying to find her feet. Plus, the man is insanely talented and intriguing. Which meant that when I realised there was a story that was just about him, it made it extra special and unique. I also then happened to just dive into it and not want to come up for fresh air for a very long time. It was just too dang good.

Considering how the Agents of the Royal States series intertwines with the Royal States series, I did read this slightly out of order. But, as mentioned, I did have the pleasure of reading Cold Flame before this, so it wasn’t too bad. Plus, I already felt connected to all of the characters in this story because I had met them before. Honestly, reading this only gave me a hint into what happens in Trickster King – and some of the hints that are carried in both stories about Deidre and her future decisions.

Olivia’s lack of beauty is mentioned multiple times throughout the Royal States series, and I love that she is able to be a well loved human in spite of her looks. Something that gives me a sliver of hope for humanity if I’m being honest. Yet, even though her surgery ultimately improves her looks to a more conventional beauty, it is about her physical health. And I love that her story explores all of the mental health challenges and changes for someone who has gone through such intense physical transformations. And how people can be supported through mental health crises.

One of the moments that stuck with me the most throughout this story was the idea of a metalworker creating a roller coaster to escape. And the fact that he had no compunction with putting on a dress and makeup to sneak past the guards. I love that Terry is an intelligent and capable man, but one who is more than willing to take the help of women, or even, let them take charge throughout. Like all of Blain’s other characters, Terry and Olivia (and all of their friends) are cute, quirky and fun. There is mayhem and chaos throughout this whole story and I enjoyed this story thoroughly.

Image source: Goodreads

Title: The Vampire of Montana
Author: Susan Copperfield
Series: Agents of the Royal States #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Magic, Paranormal romance, Urban fantasy
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2023

I originally meant to read this after I had caught up with the Royal States novels, having only recently discovered Copperfield (aka Blain). However, I read the blurb and I just went down a wonderfully fun rabbit hole of discovery. And, although there were some characters and couples that I’m yet to meet, I really don’t regret my decision. Especially since I decided to read this right after Null and Void where I originally met the King of Montana. It gave me enough love that I seriously fell for the characters and family in this right away.

Daphne is a really fun voice and lead character. She is sassy and kind of insane, but a whole lot of fun. I mean, her hobby is killing terrorists, okay, you don’t normally think of the ‘good guy’ as someone who enjoys killing – but I love that her victims are those you can totally get behind being exterminated. It reminds me a bit of the whole idea of Dexter – someone who is maybe not ‘good’ but is not really ‘bad’ either. It’s even better when you find out more about the future of Daphne post-terrorist-killing.

Edward is a really great counterpoint to Daphne. He’s quite happy not being the one whose adept at all of the secret agent activities. And he’s pretty calm and good with going along with whatever insanity she concocts is seriously admirable. I love stories in which the strong woman doesn’t have to change a thing to match with the guy of her dreams. Rather, it is Edward that uproots his life, that needs to slot into Daphne’s busy reality. Not the other way around, it’s not something I see much of in stories, and it definitely made me love him a whole lot more.

The introduction of a lot of Europe to my experience of the Royal States was really fun, although, reading this novel did give away a little bit of the future actions in the novels. I figure I just need to catch up on the original series before Iron Unicorn comes out. This was yet another Copperfield book that I just couldn’t put down – it’s fun, engaging and has a whole heap of serious, hidden messages in the background.

Image source: Goodreads