The Queen

4.5 stars
The Queen is the last book in The Masterpiece Duet and it's so hard for me to write this review because I can't believe this amazing series is over.

First of all, I have to admit my expectations were crazy high, I've been waiting a long time for Damon and Penny's story and after The King I was literally counting the days to my most anticipated book of 2017: The Queen. The story begins a couple of years after The King's events and I don't want to give much away because in an epic story like this one, too much information can clearly damage the reading experience, so forgive me for being a little vague. I think it started slow but it kept building and building. Penny is in college and like the baby genius she always was, she's a superstar academically. But socially, not so much. She thinks of Damon a lot but she knows that Damon and Tanglewood come hand in hand and the more time she spends away from home, the more she can see a future away from the darkness of her hometown. Or the more she tries to convince herself that there's a future away from Damon. But then there's a catalyst. And Penny knows that something is going on in Tanglewood. Something wrong. Something that might involve her father, Avery and Gabriel. And of course Damon Scott. Will Penny be able to solve the most important puzzle in her life?

Damon is leading his life like he always does. Always in control, commanding, dark and dangerous and forever lonely. Calculating, assessing, deflecting, ruling, protecting... But now, Penny's in his doorstep again. Will Damon be able to protect her from the darkness this time?

Penny has an amazing sense of loyalty and strength. I already loved her but now everything about her is even sharper and the way she sees through Damon's facade is mind blowing. Damon is probably one of the most engaging and compelling characters ever! Insanely complex and strong (probably one of the strongest characters I've read about, particularly when he reveals his weaknesses), Damon shattered my heart repeatedly and then he would just turn around to glue it back together. Definitely unconventional, broken, damaged and yet absolutely captivating and magnetic.

The chemistry and tension between Damon and Penny is intensely palpable, their connection is soul deep, all of their feelings are so raw and powerful that I was emotionally drained when I reached the end. I've got to say that the only reason I'm rating it 4.5 stars is because I felt that the story could go on a little longer, I wanted a little more... Maybe because my expectations were sky high or because I read it super fast but it did feel a little short. Maybe it's just me.

Anyway, I really loved The Queen and I'm inconsolable after the end of this alluring, brilliant series. I'm not ready to move on! That's how much I loved Damon, Penny and their wonderful, broken, perfectly imperfect journey.

All the books in this series are similar so basically the same comments apply. They are always a fantastic representation of the story found within. The author has a theme that continues through both series. So that creates a nice unity. The typography is eye-catching and interesting. That said it loses a star for the author's name being larger than the title.

I have a feeling I am going to be in the minority with this one. I liked it, but I didn't love it. In fact, it was probably my least favorite of the entire series. It felt rushed and a little all over the place. And I never really connected with Damon and Penny as a couple. Damon had SO much potential to be a smokin' hot and dirty anti-hero, and there wasn't even a spark. Quite the opposite, in fact, I thought his character came across a bit weak. I wanted more passion and heat between him and Penny.



On the positive side, it did keep me entertained and turning the pages. And even though this particular installment wasn't a complete hit with me I still think this series overall is one not to be missed. So like I said I most likely will be in the minority with my feelings so don't let me review stop you from giving it a go.