The Great Pursuit by Wendy Higgins

The Skinny: Lochlanach has traded the great beast for something far more terrible, a Lashed enemy veiled in beauty, deception, and a vengeance passed down through generations: Rozaria Rocato. And she’s offering the hunter Paxton Seabolt power and acceptance he could never receive in his homeland. Pax must decide how far he’s willing to go under her tutelage, knowing she is the opponent of Princess Aerity Lochson.

In a land where traditionalists dread change, the Lochlan throne must contend with mysterious foes and traitors, while attempting to keep revolt at bay. As dire circumstances strike the royal family, matters of the castle are left in Aerity’s hands. It’s time to put aside her fears and grasp the reign, taking actions that have the potential to save or destroy her people.

One hunt has ended, but the pursuit for love and justice continue. In this sequel to The Great Hunt from New York Times bestselling author Wendy Higgins, political intrigue and romance intensify in another thrilling fantasy. Princess Aerity embraces a quest for identity and passion before making the ultimate sacrifice for her kingdom. -From Goodreads

BFF?: So many people to choose from in this book! But since the main character is Aerity, I’ll talk about her being my BFF. I… liked her? I can’t say that I remember much about her from the first book, The Great Hunt, so I’m not sure if she grew as a character. She did undergo some major developments in the book, most of which were positive. I did feel like there were some moments were she was slightly petty and a bit timid, but towards the end she really steps up and manages to take control of the situation in the book.

Wow… could that BFF assessment BE any lamer? I genuinely enjoyed each of the characters and getting to know them all.

Readability: I didn’t so much struggle with reading this as I struggled with some boredom. That’s not to say that the book was boring, it just had lots of in between moments. The writing was really good, I will say that, and there were several funny moments and kissy scenes that were really good.

Crush Level: Questionable
There were quite a few boys to develop crushes on, which is always fun. And while I did have moments of “wow, that’s so sweet!” or “yowza!” I don’t think I actually developed any crushes. I know Paxton was supposed to be the main love interest in the book, but let’s take a moment to appreciate Harrison. I think he is one of those characters who you probably wouldn’t first glance at because he’s not dashing and charming and all those things we seem to love in a love interest. He’s attractive, but isn’t all IN YOUR FACE sexy. He also has a pretty stable job, a good head on his shoulders, and, I would imagine, has a good credit score.

Bonus Points
Monster Creatures

In The Great Hunt there is a monster that is plaguing the land. It literally takes the whole book to kill it. In The Great Pursuit, there are several monsters and they kill them in half a chapter. I’m not sure what that’s about. That fact aside, I will say that the monsters are pretty interesting. It’s like Doctor Moreau trained the bad guy in monster creation!

Anti-Bonus Points

Lief

Look… sometimes the douchey guy ends up becoming your favorite. <coughdamonsalvatorecough> Sometimes… he’s incredibly cringeworthy. I’m sure that Lief was super hot and I know he came from a land where people were very free sexually… but when you’re engaged to the crown princess and staying at her house, keep it in your pants.

Dangerous Sexy-Times

This could be my age talking, but when you’re in the middle of a battle and running from the bad guys, don’t bleepity bleep stop to have sex. ESPECIALLY when it’s your first time! WHO DOES THAT?!