The Umbra King by 
I picked up The Umbra King by Jamie Applegate Hunter while waiting for Obsessively Yours to be released. I was just in the mood for the type of MMC only Applegate Hunter can write. That’s basically all I knew going into this and it blew me away. This was so much more than I expected! There was rich worldbuilding, an intriguing plot separate from the romance, and then, of course, the romance itself!
The worldbuilding here is so interesting and unexpected! Whereas the Fae Kings of Eden series are romances with fantasy elements, this felt like a true blending of romance and fantasy. We’re immediately thrown into this new world that feels like it has depth behind it, that there’s a mythos waiting to be discovered complete with gods and in-world lore. I absolutely loved this, especially because it did feel well-developed. The concept of Vincula is so refreshing and honestly, something I think would in the real world would do well to think on and consider.
With such rich worldbuilding to expand on, the plot is equally intricate. This wasn’t simply a character driven romance where the plot was the romance. Instead, we have an overarching mystery that branches off into so many other questions and conflicts. Who killed Rory’s sister? Why? It is those questions that propel everything forward and affect not just Rory and Caius, but everyone in this world.
And, speaking of Rory and Caius, if you have followed my reviews, you know I live for good characters, probably more than I do good plot. This absolutely fed me! Not only did I love Rory and Caius, but all of the secondary characters were amazing as well! Rory was so strong and refused to bend or break. But, at the same time, she also allowed herself the grace to question and think and consider that she might be wrong sometimes. Meanwhile, Caius managed to be both a fool, an ass, and a sweetheart at the same time. Even when he was being a dick, he had his people’s best interests at heart – Rory’s especially. Also, his shadows? Ugh, drooling! But, my favorite character perhaps has to be Sam. My beloved baby boy who is so dense but smart and muscle and loving and kind and I love him. He is such an amazing friend.
If you pick up The Umbra King by Jamie Applegate Hunter (which I 100% suggest you do,) be sure to pick up the sequel at the same time. This ends on a heartbreaking cliffhanger that had me screaming at my cat before rushing over to grab Aeternum, the second book in the Vincula Realm series.