Hawke (Men of Syn Series Book 1) by Anise Storm – Review by Angela Hayes

Hawke by Anise Storm
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Hawke is the first book in The Men of Syn Series by Anise Storm. This is my first read by Ms. Storm, so I really didn’t know what to expect going in. The blurb and cover intrigued me enough to want to read the book, so I took a chance and dove in. I am really happy that I did, because it is a really great romantic suspense- with an intense erotic element to it. The BDSM scenes are more ‘hardcore’ than you normally find in a romantic suspense- but the story isn’t ‘dark’ enough for me to categorize it as a ‘dark’ romance either. But be warned, there is some blood, references to self-harm, and horrific abuse… as well as lots of pain. The suspense part of the story is really well done, with plenty of danger and intrigue. But there is also an underlying story of seeking redemption, and ending torment.
Charlotte Maxwell is the owner of Platinum Dreams, an up and coming party planning business. She’s worked hard to make her business the success that it is- earning her the reputation as one of the best party planners that Denver has to offer. A year earlier she had decided to explore her submissive desires, with mortifying results. Now she finds herself at an appointment with a new client- only to discover that he’s the Dom behind her humiliating experience. But with a deranged killer right under their noses, and his sights set firmly on Charlotte, things are set to get quite intense. What happens next makes for an exciting read.
Charlotte is a great character I liked her a lot- she’s smart, beautiful, independent, and stubborn. She isn’t without some issues and insecurities, and that plays a part in the story. Nathaniel (Hawke) Hawkins is an intense, haunted character who has so much self-loathing. He’s broken and stuck in the past. I understand why he is the way he is, and I really feel for what he had been through. No one should ever have to experience what he endured. But he also frustrated me with his mixed messages, and all the push-pull- it drove me a little crazy.
The story is told from several POV’s- Charlotte’s, Hawke’s, and the serial killer’s- which builds a really great picture of what’s happening. There are some memories/flashbacks too, which helps to fill in all the backstory.
I am looking forward to book #2.

Thank you, Ms. Storm!

Reviewed by @angelahayes

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