Reviewed by Roberta
TITLE: Double Alchemy: Climax
SERIES: Double Alchemy #2
AUTHOR: Susan Mac Nicol
PUBLISHER: Boroughs Publishing Group
LENGTH: 93,000 words
BLURB:
Powerful modern warlock Quinn Fairmont found ecstasy with the silver-eyed and not-quite-human Cade Mairston, but to know true happiness the pair must best both the shadow of a long-ago lover and an ancient enemy who seeks to destroy love, light and all they hold dear.
A BLINDING LIGHT
It begins with a Book of Shadows discovered by a London coven. The grimoire is as dangerous as it is rare, which is why it evokes modern-day warlock Quinn Fairmont’s desire. He collects objects of great power and beauty—like his lover, Cade Mairston.
Against all odds he and Cade found each other, but their perils have just begun. First is the ex-lover who once held Quinn in thrall. And, someone has been killing warlocks.
Could it be one of their own kind? There are those too who would challenge Quinn’s power in their quest to overthrow him as Grand Master. Or is the danger something darker, something invoked inadvertently, rising from the shadows, building from the very inside of a man until it brings an end with a quick flash of light? Of the truth, the surface has only been scratched. Now Quinn and Cade must go deeper and find both answers and an end. They must learn what lurks in the hearts of men…and whether it seeks to love or destroy.
REVIEW:
Wow, this book is action packed and filled with lots intrigue and suspense. I was hooked!! At one point, I hated anything that kept me away from this book. I couldn’t wait to finish this book and yet, I didn’t want it to end.
This is the continuation of Double Alchemy, which really should be read first in order to really get a feel for these characters and a bit of the plot. Now, I liked Quinn and Cade. A LOT!! I thought they each brought something to the table in their relationship, yet for me, it was Cade that had me. Let’s get into the characters for a bit.
Cade Mairston is this great character. He’s an anthropologist and professor and he’s worked really hard to get where he is in his life. He’s had such tragedy in his life and he’s finally got someone who loves him. Cade is starting to find out more about his Fey side and he wants so much to learn as much as he can. Cade is this wonderful blend of snarky and sarcastic when it’s needed, however, he’s also learning that there is more out there than the thought and sometimes it’s a really dirty fight. Cade is Quinn’s home, his salvation. What he needs to come home to and have a bit of sanity. Cade is more than willing to take up that job. He’s pretty damn good at taking on Quinn in whatever mood he’s in. It’s fun to watch Cade handle Quinn.
Quinn Fairmont is Warlock with so much going on in his world that he doesn’t even know how to get it all settled. He’s got QuinCo, his company running smoothly with his partner, Jomo. His Warlock duties on the other hand are keeping him hopping about. Quinn is dealing with rumblings in his group about him not being the right person for the job. He’s got people dying and he needs to find the Witchfinder General and stop whatever plans he’s got going on. But the very best thing that Quinn has going on in his life is Cade!! That’s the one thing that brings him any peace. The love that they share is what truly sustains him. Quinn is such a complex character. With all that has happened in his life and just how strong and determined that he is, I’d be in awe of him if it weren’t for some of the stuff that he does that made me unhappy with him, we’ll get to that in a bit.
Cade and Quinn’s relationship is central to this entire book. The other stuff that happens throughout the story is important, don’t get me wrong. But for these two men, they are each other’s whole world and what effects one of them, truly effects the other. They give each other the chance to be themselves and yet, also to become better men than they already are.
This book has some wonderful secondary characters. As always, there is Taliesin, Quinn’s Withinner, Percy who is Quinn’s Marshall and friend. There is also Jomo who is Quinn’s business partner. There are plenty of other characters that we get to see more of. James Barton Smith who is trying to take Quinn’s place of Grand Master and change the course of how the Consortium does it’s work in a direction that isn’t necessarily the right way. Justin Leichner who is a childhood friend of Quinn’s who has Quinn’s back. There’s Daniel, who is Quinn’s surrogate father as well as being his uncle. Valensia is such a wonderful character. She’s such a strong woman. She holds lots of power and the best part is that she’s not afraid to get her hands dirty. I like that about her. Granted, she tries to get back with Quinn, but she’s not the same person that she was when last they tangled. But then again neither is he.
The book was really cut into different parts, the first part was finding out to whom The Book of Shadows belonged too and also finding the Witchfinder General. Another part is his dealings with the Warlock consortium and those within that are trying to gain a foothold in order to remove Quinn from his job as Grand Master. The final part was in regards to Cade and his being a Water Sprite and what that would entail.
There were just a couple of things that I wasn’t sure about. I really didn’t understand the character, Cooper. I didn’t understand his purpose in this story. The fact that he was so forceful trying to get into Cade’s pants, even knowing that he’s with someone, that just didn’t sit right with me. Now the bit about Quinn that is actually a rollover from DA, that he was so hesitant when parceling out information to Cade regarding his Fey nature, his Water Sprite abilities. I really hated that part. If you love someone, you don’t keep something that important from them…just my humble opinion.
There was so much happening in this book that I swear that you won’t be disappointed. This was a wonderful continuation of the Double Alchemy storyline. This was such a wonderful ride. The suspense and action were just the right balance, especially alongside the romance of Quinn and Cade!! When I got to the end, I was like…WHAT?! There has to be more!! I’m hoping that Susan hears my plea and maybe has something else up her sleeve. Trust me…you’ll feel the same. So, if you’re ready to read a book that will keep you on the edge of your seat, and a fair amount of pulse-raising, hot and sexy times…this is the book for you. So, sit down and have a drink handy..you’ll need it and get ready to continue on Quinn and Cade’s journey.
RATING: 
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