Review: Archangel's Shadows by Nalini Singh

The Blurb:

In the wake of a brutal war, the archangel Raphael and his hunter consort, Elena, are dealing with the treacherously shifting tides of archangelic politics and the people of a battered but not broken city. The last thing their city needs is more death, especially a death that bears the eerie signature of an insane enemy archangel who cannot— should not—be walking the streets.

This hunt must be undertaken with stealth and without alerting their people. It must be handled by those who can become shadows themselves…

Ash is a gifted tracker and a woman cursed with the ability to sense the secrets of anyone she touches. But there’s one man she knows all too well without a single instant of skin contact: Janvier, the dangerously sexy Cajun vampire who has fascinated and infuriated her for years. Now, as they track down a merciless killer, their cat-and-mouse game of flirtation and provocation has turned into a profound one of the heart. And this time, it is Ash’s secret, dark and terrible, that threatens to destroy them both. 

This book focused mostly on the complex (and totally swoon-worthy) relationship between the Guild hunter Ashwini, and Janvier--a kukri-wielding Cajun vampire she's had to hunt on more than one occasion, only to have each hunt end with Janvier making amends with the angels before Ashwini could bring him in.


Southern drawl? Check. Sexy eyes? Check. Obsession with Jensen Ackles? Check check.

Now that Janvier is officially working for Raphael, the two have formed a very interesting dynamic after having gone through so much together. The two fought together in the battle for New York, which seems to have finally cemented their complete trust in one another. If you haven't already, I'd definitely recommend reading the novella Angel's Pawn beforehand, as it occurs before this book and the events from that are referenced a few times throughout.

I just love Janvier's open adoration of Ashwini. He's anxious to protect her, yet allows her to take the lead when she wants to. He isn't the type to dispute her ability to take care of herself, because it's what he admires so much about her. The playful banter back and forth is phenomenal. And I loved the way everyone around them just sort of sees them as a unit (ie "Where is your hunter?" or "Where's your Cajun?" type questions they both seem to get on the regular). Ashwini's hesitancy to get involved with him is ultimately explained, and the two have to find a way to work through it.

I got the audible for this, as with all of the Guild Hunter books thus far. Justine Eyre does such a fantastic job of bringing each character to life with their distinctive accents and cadences. It takes things to another level and I cannot recommend it enough.

Favorite bits: Janvier's use of Cajun French is just so deliciously sexy. The little nicknames, the dirty talk, just....gah! Also, any discussions of Javier holding his kukris. ::::drools::::

 

Less favorite bits: Given the complexity of the plotlines in Singh's books, there always seems to be a rather hasty way of addressing them in the end. It can come across as rushed after being taken on such a beautiful journey with so much intricate detail beforehand. Also, the chapters kept jumping back to Elena's POV and what she has been dealing with on her end. But for this book, I didn't want to hear about Elena, I wanted to hear about Ashwini!