Reviewed by Becca

TITLE: Tears of Life

SERIES: Druid’s Curse #7

AUTHOR: Shea Balik

PUBLISHER: self-published

LENGTH: 188 pages

RELEASE DATE: October 15, 2019

BLURB:

Mingus had one true love in life, animals. None of them were off the list, although, if he were completely honest, his favorite was his cat, Pretty Baby. He never imagined one day he might have to put someone else first. Not just anyone, but the man who has stolen his heart.

For centuries Oluf has dreamed of finding the one destined to be his. He’d even anticipated the need to woo him by becoming a chef. After all, according to his mother, the way to a man’s heart was through his stomach. What he hadn’t expected was that he would come in second to a cat with sharp claws, who seemed to enjoy using people as her personal scratching post.

As Mingus, Oluf, and their friends get closer to Samhain, the Fae will try to stop them using everything at their disposal. It means finding a way to work together, even if it takes shedding a few Tears of Life to do so. But in the end, will the fate of the human world come down to a cat?

PLEASE NOTE: Although each book in this series focuses on a different couple, to enjoy the overall story arc these books SHOULD be read in order!

REVIEW:

I’m getting sad. One more book and it’s all over. And things are getting hot right now. Seelie and Unseelie both are using every trick and everything in the book to stop the Veil from closing and to kill the druids.

This is Oluf’s story. He’s been a bit jealous of seeing everyone paired up. He and Brandt both, as they are the last two without their mates. But when Oluf sees Mingus, he knows this is the one for him. It’s even harder for him when Mingus is hurt by a Seelie, with a knife of all things. But when they are finally able to be home, it’s frustrating Oluf because the passion he had for cooking is being ruined because he can’t spend time with his new man. Everyone is being demanding of him in the kitchen. And when Mingus realizes what’s happening, he tried to help Oluf as much as he can so they can be together. To the point, Mingus puts his foot down. Everyone is going to help with food chores so Oluf isn’t slaving away all damn day. But the tension from the Fae are making things worse. First the Seelie showing up ready to cross the Veil in armies, then the Unseelie trying to come as a peace offering only to discover they were being distracted while others were trying to kidnap Tess. Unfortunately for the Fae, they have no idea how strong Tess really is or has become. To make matters worse, they were enthralled this time. And even though they broke it, it hit Kayleigh hard. Too hard. And they all agreed that maybe it was time to get her some counseling to help her. The hard part is finding someone who won’t try to put them all in a padded room. But the women they found and thought they could trust with Kayleigh, has either betrayed them all or has become a victim herself. Because Kayleigh is gone. The fae have got her and have given the druid’s a choice. Stop the ritual and save Kayleigh or keep going and she dies. And the only one left to make the right choice, is Mingus. Who is now dealing with the grief and guilt. Is she still alive? Can they save her? And if not, how do they go on? It’s getting to close to Samhain for the final ritual and all bets are off. It’s a fight for survival.

Mingus hasn’t exactly had the best of times with things. He knows and has known about the rituals and all it entails from the time he was a kid. He didn’t know the story of the Vikings or the immortality and such but he’s learning. And his magical power is amazing. His love for his ugly little kitty, has touched the hearts of everyone when they hear it and realize how compassionate he really is. But he’s had to make some tough choices since coming to be with the rest of them. And it’s all riding on his shoulders. He’s never had to make such hard decisions and the fact that it makes him cry, just shows how compassionate he really is. But it makes him feel weak. Which is so far from the truth it’s not even funny. And that’s where I love Oluf all the more. Oluf has done everything as a perfect gentleman for Mingus. And it has made Mingus feel more alive and more cherished than he has his entire life. He’s perfect for Mingus. Showing Mingus the decisions he had to make, while hard, were correct and the right thing. And Mingus has give Oluf, basically a new life. He feels whole and happy. Especially since Mingus stands up for him. Which no one has ever done.

I’m anxious for the last book to see how this is going to end. It’s been a rough journey for all involved and with the end in sight, it’s more frightening than ever. Because all the stops are being pulled by the Fae. But it’s been one hell of a ride. I’ve truly enjoyed this series. I hope you guys have too, and if you haven’t read it, then give it a shot. It’s really good.

RATING: 

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