****** - Verified Buyer
4.5
M. Pierce, you little devil. I knew I wouldn't be disappointed. I committed all Seven Deadly Sins reading Last Light. Any author who has me searching their erotic novel for biblical allusions like I'm deciphering the Dead Sea Scrolls is my hero. I may need a Bible study lesson soon. I read this book like someone was going to come in any minute and demand I give it up. So many times the sequel doesn't live up to the original--not this time. The beauty of the writing is mind boggling. I have waited a year to find out what happened to Matthew Sky and it was worth every hour, minute, and agonizing second. My theories were so boring compared to what actually happened, and my emotions were all over the place. Let's just say, the ride I went on was not at all what I was expecting.So, let me tell you what I wasn't expecting. Shall I do a list? Yes, I think I shall.This is my "Things I Didn't Expect List." Haha. I'm hoping that ends up on someone's "Most Boring Last Light List Names" list. Anyways...1. At the risk of sounding insane, I love Matthew Sky like he's real. He is in my top spot of "God, I want you to be real and fall in love with me." I would be embarrassed about that if I had any shame, but I don't. We all do this; admit it. My beloved Matt took me by surprise in Last Light. He is one of the most complex, beautifully written characters I've read. It's heartbreaking at times to see the depth of his emotions. And *gasp* for the first time, I was upset with him. What the hell, Matt? Matt was really fleshed out, as were all the characters, and I had a few issues with him when we were given a deeper glimpse into his mind. The hell you say? Believe me, no one was more shocked than me to have this reaction. He pranced right up to what I'll call my "You cross this line and we're done" line and wiggled his toes right over it-- Almost daring me to question his actions; lessen my love for him. Lucky for him, I just moved that line back a little further each time. Let me explain why I move that line for Matthew Robert Sky, Jr. He's not your typical "book hero" and I love him because of that. And because I love him, I will always move that line. Simple as that. I know he's flawed (understatement of the year), I accept it, and I don't want him to be perfect. I want him to shock me. And sweet Jesus does he ever. But his heart is good, and I know that he would move heaven and earth to be with Hannah. He may have made me mad but the next minute my chest was aching for him. I will always move that line for him. Always. Because he deserves it. Speaking of Hannah... 2. A reversal happened here for me. While reading Night Owl I was constantly empathizing with Matt. This time around, it was Hannah's turn. She is one of the most like able heroines I've read and I just want her to have her happiness. She is the light to Matt's dark, and I was pissed for her. Hannah had a lot to deal with and I was not looking forward to what was going to be revealed to her. She is selfless when it comes to Matt, so I was glad to see her call him out on a few things. Her pain was my pain. But then, my sweet Hannah had to go and... make. me. move. that. line. for. her. too. My stomach was a big ball of nerves.Which brings me to...3. Seth Sky. Um, hello Seth. I wasn't expecting to dislike this character so much ...and then become so attracted to him. I have a lust/hate relationship with Seth. Seth was a very riveting character and to my dismay I ended up connecting with him. You know he's hiding all the good things under that smart ass, sexy, rock god, tattoo'd exterior. I'm suddenly feeling disloyal to Matt because of one line from Seth. Sometimes a line strikes a chord with you and this one stuck with me. "He draws people in without even trying. Puts them under a spell. And then he does what he always does-lies or disappears-and you break on the rocks you were too dazed to see." Aaaand now I'm having to move that red line back for myself for Seth causing me to want to sleep with him and question Matt. Lucifer indeed. Good heavens...Now let's talk sex, it is erotica after all...4. Matt and Hannah have a chemistry like no other; they are beautiful together. Their sex scenes are so well written and detailed I feel like I'm in a threesome with them. I'm amazed that even "Get on my dick" has the ability to make me want to do just that. Matt's dirty mouth once again has the power to make me blush and keep him secure in my top spot. I could read a whole book with just him stroking himself. All the sex scenes are freakishly hot, but one in particular, you'll know when you get there, had me wondering if I even have any boundaries. I'm thinking I don't. It was intense, and I was so turned on that once again I found myself moving back that red line...Last thing...5. I was not happy with this Melanie person. Call me territorial, but I did not like the friendship between her and Matt. I felt my hackles rise over the developing intimacy between them. Don't be sharing that beautiful story that broke my heart with her over ice cream. And for sure don't be smiling and laughing with her. Now I'm pissed again. Great. She's sweet and was a dynamic new character integral to the story, but ... No. Just no. *retracts claws*Even though I was tortured and pissed at times, I love these characters so much; they are a part of me now. This sequel was phenomenal and I couldn't have asked for a better continuation. Like it's predecessor, Night Owl, Last Light is filled with gorgeous lines that gave me chills.M. Pierce is the master manipulator at writing--making me question my beloved, and then making me want to whisk him away and protect him. The plot is intelligent, fast paced, witty, sexy as hell and Last Light currently sits next to Night Owl as my favorite book. Now I have to start my wait for After Dark, but I'm okay with that because I'm going to be so sad to let these characters go. If you haven't read these books, I can't recommend them enough. If you have, I know you loved them. I really don't want to have to move that line again. And to you, M. Pierce, I say--"Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent." You were born to write.
