The Lure of Air by Sloane Calder

 

An undercover witch. A reluctant leader. A love that could get them both killed.

Graham Lennox never wanted to be continent leader for the North American Natura. He’d much rather spend his days in the lab. But when his grandfather is murdered, he no longer has a choice. Now it’s up to him to squash a brewing rebellion and lead his people. He can’t help but wonder if now is also the time to finally tell his gorgeous lab partner how he really feels about her.

Too bad he doesn’t know her as well as he thought he did…

Astrid Byrne is on a mission. She will find out who is responsible for the disappearance of her people. Justice will be served. She’s also sure her search will lead directly to a Lennox. But the one thing she never counted on was her inconvenient attraction to their sexy and brilliant new leader. If she’s not careful, she’ll make the most deadly mistake possible.

Falling in love with a Natura.

But worst of all? The real enemy is even closer (and more dangerous) than either Graham or Astrid ever could’ve realized…

I really really really enjoyed this book. I will admit that I am definitely a "judge a book by it's cover" kind of gal, ESPECIALLY when it comes to fantasy or paranormal books. If the cover isn't colorful and exciting, then I'm not going to read it. This cover is beautiful, which is what initially drew me to the series. This is the second full-length novel in the Natura Elementals series, and there are also two novellas. I do recommend, at the very least, reading the first full-length novel, and reading the novellas is highly recommended as well. While this is a standalone, as far as the romance goes, there is a lot of world-building in the first book that is beneficial to have before you start this one.

Firstly, I absolutely love Ms. Calder's writing style. Her writing is rich and detailed, without being too flowery or simply being "too much". You feel like the world she created is real and you can see and touch every aspect of it. It very much reminds me of Tamora Pierce's Circle of Magic universe, as much of the magic is highly connected to the elements. 

Graham and Astrid are the ideal main characters. They are passionate about what they believe in, not afraid of hard work and making difficult choices, and you can truly see how they are the other half of each other. I love when I can feel the chemistry between characters right from the beginning, even if one or both of them isn't willing to acknowledge it. I also love a nerd who is forced out of their shell and required to become someone other people look up to. Graham was so endearing and I loved watching him grow in to a leader.

Overall this book is rich in world-building, the characters are fantastic, the story is intriguing and suspenseful, and the love story is both sweet and sexy.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC I received.