Depths of Hell – Clara Hartley

Clara Hartley has quickly become one of my favorite RH authors. I love her dragon shifter series, and this new series has proven to be just as enjoyable for me. The characters are so different, but Ms. Hartley’s writing style still shines through.

In the first book, Val and her twin brother, Jared, are thrust into this new world when it’s discovered that Jared just so happens to be one of the most powerful supernatural beings in the universe–they just have to unlock his power. Enter three sexy demons–Xeres, Vickal, and Sylver–all of whom Val is immensely attracted to and vice versa. A lot happens in the first book that I don’t really want to get into just because it would require me spoiling most of the book, but just trust me when I say the book ends with everyone wondering if they’re coming out on top or if they’re three steps behind.

This book opens pretty much where the last one left off, and I have to say, I enjoyed this one quite a bit more than the first. I’m sure part of it as to do with the fact that I felt like I got to see a bit of growth in Val’s character as she’s beginning to realize she can’t continue babying her brother and telling him what to do–plus she’s not nearly as money hungry as before, partly because they’re in hell, so earth money isn’t a necessity here. I actually really feel for Val in this book. She was basically Jared’s mother, despite the fact that they’re twins, and she’s taken care of him all their lives. They lived together–just the two of them–until finding out about Jared’s powers, so while he’s trying to be independent, he’s doing it recklessly. Val is simply trying to protect him in the best way she knows how, and while that’s kind of what I found so annoying about her at first, I also can completely understand it when you consider that all they’ve ever had is each other. How else is she supposed to react?

And, Jared. Oh, poor, pathetic, jerkhead Jared. He makes me so angry in this book. I get that he feels stifled and he’s trying to assert his independence, but he’s doing it in the worst way possible. Without giving any spoilers, he tries too hard to do things on his own when Xeres, Vickal, and Sylver are trying to help him reach his full potential. Sure, their way is twisted and violent, but it’s honestly better than the alternative–and of course, Jared doesn’t think about the big picture and goes against what the three demons and his sister have been telling him. *insert eye roll* I seriously just wanted to smack him upside the head and I felt SO bad for Val while reading those parts. Even though she can be a bit overbearing and kind of a know-it-all, she didn’t deserve the way Jared was treating her.

On the upside, there were some legitimate, actual feelings between Val and the guys. The guys were struggling with their feelings, especially Xeres, but they soon realize there’s something more going on with her than just a sexual relationship. I love the bonds that grow between the four of them and the steamy scenes were definitely steamy. 😉

There’s a slight cliffhanger at the end as well as a pretty decent shocker that I was suspicious about, but for it to actually happen was somewhat mind-blowing and I’m not sure how the guys and Val are going to deal with it in the next book. Needless to say, I’m excited to find out!

For my reviews of Clara’s other works, click here – Harem of Sin (Secrets of the Fallen #1), Bane of Dragons (Sera’s Curse #1)

Happy reading!

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