In addition to this long anticipated leading male, was the leading female Lyssa. Though previously unknown to the Dirk & Steele series; I found her to be a finely crafted, uniquely gifted, and yet wholly believable character. One of which only added depth, and intensified my enjoyment of this book. I loved the way M. Liu allowed us to believe we knew all of Lyssa’s secrets from jump, yet continuously showed us MORE, and surprised us around every corner. It was a joy to peel pack the many layers of this multifaceted, original (even unto the PNR genre) heroine.

Eddie and Lyssa by far embodied all that the premise of Dirk and Steele represents. Extraordinary people, with extraordinary gifts, helping those in need under the guise of a well renowned detective agency….and more. We learn so much more with each book how the past returns to haunt the future. A lesson Eddie and Lyssa understood well by the end of their harrowing journey.

The connection between this couple was instant, and tangible, yet in no way an easily formed bond. Past experiences, self doubt, and necessary detachment from the world around them–in order to ensure survival–created authentic obstacles for this relationship to overcome. However, the soul-mate aspect of this series, is a beautiful touch of whimsy that gives each couple a fighting chance, and makes the heart of the reader sigh in contentment upon their culmination.

No matter that this is now the eleventh novel I have read by this author, I still find myself shocked at, staggered by, and completely enthralled with the profound emotion which flows in the pages of each. This has never been, nor ever will be your typical romance series. This is not an author who is afraid to add backbone to her stories. Instead, M.Liu tests her characters repeatedly, and forces them to earn their HEA–compelling readers to stand up, and cheer them along the entire way.

I simply cannot get enough of the magic Marjorie M. Liu weaves, as she crafts each individual plot within this amazing story-arc. For me, Within the Flames was the most entertaining installment so far. Complete with a few old friends, the introduction of new one’s, Roland’s “expressive” and insanely humorous dialog, a well constructed mystery, suspenseful danger, pulse pounding action, and a thrilling, climatic end.

Personally, I could not have asked for more, and anxiously await where this author will take us next.