Book 2 in the sizzling paranormal romance series She was promised to his brother for a thousand years…now he fears he’ll never deserve her… Although she cared for Sathan, and loved him as her king, secretly her heart yearned for his brother. When Sathan falls for another, Lila ends the betrothal, terrified at what her life will become now that she won’t be queen.
Latimus has loved Lila since they played together on the grassy riverbank as children. Knowing that his brother was the better man, he never begrudged his betrothal to the woman he secretly loved. Now that Sathan has married another, Latimus becomes aware of Lila’s feelings. Determined to push her into the arms of a worthier man, he believes that a war-torn army commander such as he could never offer her the life she deserves.
As the war against the Deamons rages, Latimus fights for his people, protecting them from the evil Dark Lord Crimeous. When Lila suffers a brutal attack, Latimus is shaken to his core. Resolved to avenge her, he acknowledges the emotion that has always burned for her in his blackened heart. But Lila has moved on and, as the war ensues, he worries that it might be too late to claim her…
**The Etherya’s Earth series is best read in order so the reader can enjoy the evolution of the characters. After all, the author loves a good twist and wants the reader to uncover them organically. However, readers of romance rest assured that each book has its own featured hero/heroine and HEA.
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The second installment of Etherya’s Earth does not disappoint!
We follow Lila and Latimus as they struggle with their attraction to each other and their changing roles in their lives now that Lila is no longer engaged. I loved watching these two become close and tear down years of miscommunication and hurt feelings. I adored the pair in book one and it was so satisfying to see them get their own story.
I also enjoyed how the story isn’t solely a romance. So much else is going on alongside it and all of the intricate pieces and separate plot points make this novel one that’s hard to put down. I highly recommend this series and I can’t wait to start the next book!
Book two of this epic fantasy/paranormal saga brings the characters Lila and Latimas to center stage. The time line picks up where the first book ends and all the main characters are still present as they continue the war against the Demon King. For over 1000 years they have loved each other silently because she was betrothed to the king. Now that the betrothal is broken let the fireworks begin. This is a slow burn love story mixed in with the bigger story of war and jointing forces to prevail against evil. The world that the author creates is so in depth and truly drawls you in. The story is a little slow for my taste but I enjoyed it and really Really my only complaint was some of the dialog it was just to much. While giggling I would think really would they say that. It’s very historical romance feel which I don’t read so please ignore this part of that’s your jam. Will I be listening to the next one yes! I’m excited for the next couple in the spot light and I need to know to know what happens in the war!
This book is an emotional journey. Best friends in childhood turned foes for a millennium, they need to overcome multiple obstacles, including the distance of their own making in order to be together again.
It is really nice to witness Latimer’s emotional journey to discover his self worth and Lila’s struggle to grow into her own independence.
Laughter, tears, frowns, I’ve experienced them all through this action-packed page turner that kept me coming back for more.
I can’t wait for the next book.
I received a free ARC copy of this book and this is my honest opinion
Latimus is commander of the Vampyre army. For over a thousand years he’s held that position. A strategist, a natural leader and stone cold killer. All he’s ever heard was Sathan is king, you’ll only ever be second best! As a child his only happy times were playing with his best friend Lila. He loved her fiercely, only as a young boy can. Swearing he’d rescue her from a loveless marriage to the king. But children grow up, and he watched his best friend Lila grow into a beautiful woman, knowing she’s destined for his brother, Latimus hardens his heart. Over time he becomes a heartless brute, a callous man and a Vampyre who will always be alone.
Lila knew she was meant to be queen, she’s been told often enough times, bound to the king at birth. Taught to be an asset, nothing more than a decoration. But her heart belonged to the kings younger brother Latimus. As childhood friends Lila stole a kiss from her “Lattie” hoping he would marry her and take her away from the King. But he never did….. And now the king has a new queen, Lila has to reevaluate her life. Asking the king to make her a diplomat helps, she still needs to help the people, but maybe it will fill a whole in her heart and her life……. And even thought Lila is now released from her promise to the King, Latimus doesn’t think he’s worthy, she needs a nobleman with a soft touch and a gentle heart, not a brute that he’s become. So he pushes Lila away even more, and watches from the shadows as she begins to Move on…… And move on she does, suitors and admirers line up, but they aren’t her Lattie…. Until one day a battle takes the life Lila has always dreamed of, and makes Latimus realise what he almost lost……. Lila needs to come to terms with her new life. Deciding she needs no man, she moves out of the castle to build a new life, and start living for herself. Second book in this series had me cheering for Lila, and wanting to smack Latimus so hard! That male Vampyre is so hardheaded, and I understand why. Being made to feel like your second in everything, his older brother is given everything, Latimus was trained as a soldier, so no luxuries, no emotions, just battle plans and tactics. Lila finally grew a backbone and lived for herself. This series just gets better. Definitely need to read in order. Love how all the characters are evolving. Like how the plot keeps twisting. And I like how when you think you have it all sorted in your head BOOM!!! It all gets blown apart!
I liked this book. It had a good plot and great character building. The main characters had great chemistry. I love that Latimus turned out to be so caring even though he can be a jerk and Lila really comes into her own as a strong character. Excited to see where this series goes next.
As I stated in my review of Book 1, The End of Hatred, I am a huge fan of JR Ward and other vampire series authors. Since listening to Book 1, I have added Rebecca Hefner to that list. I am also a very avid audiobook reader and can be very critical of the narrators. I noticed that again, Rebecca had a single narrator on this book. And again, Devon Wilcox did an amazing job of keeping the voices for the different characters distinct and not having any character confusion in his reading. Narrators with this talent amaze me, and I thank them always because I would miss out on some amazing books otherwise since I just don’t have time to sit down and read.
I really enjoyed watching Lila and Latimus work through their internal battles and end up together, while still following the underlying arcing battle with the demons. If this is the first book in the series you picked up, you won’t have any problems listening to it as a stand-alone. I am just one of those hardcore series readers that enjoys starting at the beginning. I am not a fan of giving away too much of the story in my review, but I can say that you won’t be disappointed in Lila & Latimus’ story. They are great characters and it was great watching them get their heart’s desire. I also enjoy this series because they aren’t just romance. They include the underlying story between the Slayers/Vampyres and the Demons. Rebecca’s storyline is a great new spin on the usual vampire/demon. I am now anxiously awaiting Book 3, The Reluctant Savior, to audio!
I was given a free review copy of this audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
Elusive Sun is the story of Latimus and Lila. Two best friends over a thousand years of heartache. Latimus is the commander of the Vampyre army and believes he is too dark to be bonded with the love of his life Lila. Lila was suppose to betrothed to Sathen the king, before he met Miranda in book one. Lila broke the betroth off. Now she is trying to find herself. When she moves out of the castle, she was determined to find a new life something that does not have her pining for Latimus. Then one day the unthinkable happens Crimeous finds her and takes away the most important thing from her. When everything you have known your whole life is stolen away you not only have to move forward, but it changes your whole outlook on life. Lila family wants to support her, but she is not letting them in, but they have one weapon to help her and that’s Latimus, but can he get pass his own issues to help hers.
I am so head over heels in love with this series. Latimus is a brute of a warrior and a major A-hole. Deep way deep down he has a heart of gold and don’t even realize it. Lila seems weak in book one and the beginning of book two, but when events start to happen this woman is stronger than what you perceive. She keeps fighting to make her life her own. Their chemistry is slow burning, hey it’s been a thousand years, but when they are together it is explosive. One scene in this story be prepared might just overheat your kindle. Just like book one, you will see a lot of the supporting characters in play. You will get bits and pieces of their stories so no worries you still have your favorites appearing. This book was an excellent read and I am looking forward to book three. Rebecca Hefner has built a special world with awesome characters, and I cannot wait to see how their journeys end. If you want a non traditional paranormal read that doesn’t follow the basic rules of paranormal world this one for you.
The Elusive Sun is the second book in author Rebecca Hefner’s Etherya’s Earth series. After finishing the first book in this series and absolutely loving it, I couldn’t wait to get to Latimus and Lila’s story.
Latimus is the commander of the Vampyre army and the brother of Sathan the King. Since the awakening, it’s been ingrained in him that he is second-best to Sathan. Latimus has always loved Lila since they were children but knew she was promised to his brother so he closed his heart to her. Now that Sathan is happily married to Miranda, Lila is free to marry another, but Latimus believes himself unworthy of her.
Lila was a baby when Etherya declared her to be the betrothed of the future king, Sathan. Daughter of a diplomat, she has dreams of following in her father’s footsteps and has spent her entire life being trained to be the future Queen. She’s never resented her betrothal; she loves and respects Sathan as her King but has always longed for another… Latimus, the man she has loved since childhood.
We’re back in Etherya’s Earth and I couldn’t be happier! If you’ve read the first book in this series then you’ve already met Lila and Latimus. If you haven’t read it yet, you really should! 😉 Oh my! My heart hurt for these two! It’s so obvious that these two have feelings for each other. In this book one year later, Lila is no longer betrothed and working to carve a new path for her future. Latimus has made it clear to her over and over he’s not good enough for her. After finally accepting that Latimus is intent on pushing her away, she starts to make plans to move on without him. I truly loved Lila! After spending a lifetime thinking she knew her destiny, everything has changed. It takes her some time to find her feet and stand up but she truly was a brave, and noble young woman who truly deserved happiness. Latimus is a tough, brave and hardcore warrior. He’s so convinced he doesn’t deserve happiness and that he can never be good enough for Lila that he’s willing to give her up a second time. But then a tragedy strikes Lila and out of that tragedy hope actually blooms…
Watching Latimus come to terms with his love for Lila and deciding to court her and regain her trust and love was magnificent to watch. I fell in love with him all over again! I can’t imagine two people who truly deserved to finally gain a HEA.
Ms. Hefner’s writing is fabulous. You become so caught up in the story you don’t even realize time flying by; you just want to read more! I loved getting to see all the familiar characters from the previous book and the interactions between them all. Ms. Hefner has created a fascinating world with unique, sexy characters, an evil villain and witty dialogue to keep the readers coming back for more! Another fantastic 5 star read from the pen of Rebecca Hefner!
Steamy and Emotional
Where do I even start? I feel like I’ve gone through so many emotions reading this one
I adore Lila and Lattie After spending a thousand years in this perpetual state of loving each other from afar, it was beautiful to see this relationship finally unfold. I was so pleased to see the softer side to Latimus after he’d been so mean to Lila.
Let me tell you, this book hits you in the feels at certain points. I’m not a huge crier at books, but man, my heart felt like it was in shreds. I got a little teary eyed at various points and that epilogue! So perfect!
I was so looking forward to this one and it really delivered. I’m so happy that Lila and Latimus finally got their happy ever after. And getting to see more of Miranda and Sathan – yes please! As well as my personal favourite, Darkrip. Be still my beating heart I’m so excited for his book next!
Sultry, Steamy, Tormented & Romantic!! 4.5 Stars
(Read using Kindle Unlimited)
A year on and the Deamon Lord has been gaining power ever since Miranda, Darkrip & both races tried to destroy him He continues to raid different compounds and things get worse for our good guys each time!!
Lila & Latimus haven’t made any headway in moving towards one another, much to their loved ones frustrations!! Latimus is convinced he’s not good enough for her & decides he must push her towards a ‘better’ man Lila has only ever loved Latimus so his continued refusal to even be civil to her hurts, a lot!! Being in close proximity for work starts to help but ends up being a disaster, so much so that Lila decides she’s going to live in one of the outlying compounds for a while!!
The Deamon Lord, Crimeous, may just take advantage of her being so exposed
This is book of tormented hearts. Two people who are so in love but both feel inadequate because of their upbringings. Constant misunderstandings & verbal tongue lashings just make things worse!! When things are good they’re sexy, sultry & steaming hot but when they’re bad they’re open wounds!!
Lila goes through massive changes throughout this book & she actually proves she’s always been much stronger & resilient than most ever realised I loved this couple once they’d started to communicate A fabulous 4.5 Star read
Roll on Darkrip & Arderin’s book in March
Debbie, 1970, UK
I just love Rebecca Hefner’s vampire/slayer series. Awesome, complex world building. Hot vamps and steamy love scenes. Great twisty backstories that set up hot romances. Lila and Latimus had a thing for each other back when they were kids. But he was the second unchosen brother, and she was betrothed to the king (his brother.) Um, ouch. Fortunately, things didn’t work out since Sathan/Miranda happened in book one (and oh yeah, we get to catch up with them in this book, yay! HAWT! I’m such a shipper of those two) and now Latimus has been assigned to be Lila’s bodyguard, which he’s super-pissed about. One of my favorite romance tropes.
In addition to being a super-swoony romance, I just really loved these two characters on their own. Latimus leading the military, and Lila and her selfless volunteer work made a great pair. There were also so many great, positive messages about dealing with infertility on a personal level and as a couple, the emotional effects of that, and families being formed in all sorts of beautiful ways. Lots of positive messaging. And great demon battles! I look forward to book three!