Book Review: Kynhaven by Sarah Westill

About the Book:

Title: Kynhaven

Author: Sarah Westill

Series: Gen-Heirs: The Guardians of Sziveria #3

Page Length: 344

Publication Date: Jan. 6, 2022

Synopsis: Mason Dandridge thought he could survive anything—fate’s about to test his strength and resolve.
Tragedy sends Mason to Westica, on the hunt for Jessalyn Silverna, the only surviving victim of a sadistic killer-for-hire. What he finds is a broken woman, emotionally and physically scarred, unable to see her beauty or authority as a woman. Needing answers only she can provide, Mason is determined to persuade Jessi to return with him to Sziveria.

Learning her brutal past was a calculated plan turns Jessi’s life upside down.
The quiet, sheltered existence she’s been living isn’t feasible anymore. Outside forces prove she’s incapable of life on her own, leaving Jessi with little options but to agree to Mason’s plan.

But life in Sziveria isn’t any easier, or less dangerous.
Jessi’s genetic gift reveals a dark secret lurking in the Primary Guardian’s home. More than her talent is awakened though, as Mason urges Jessi to discover her sensual power, long hidden under the scars of her past. Wounds he’s determined to heal one kiss at a time…

LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon

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My Review:

The third book in the Gen-Heirs: The Guardians of Sziveria series, Kynhaven is Mason and Jessi’s story, and I was so excited to learn more about Mason since we met him in the first book. The story begins when a tragic loss shakes Mason and the rest of his team. Riddled with grief yet determined to find the person responsible, Mason travels to Westica in search of Jessi Silverna, the one person who might be able to help him. The only surviving victim of a despicable murderer, Jessi is emotionally and physically scarred, and she is hesitant to leave with and help Mason. However, the more she gets to know Mason and the more impossible her living situation seems, the more Jessi considers his offer.

When Jessi returns to Sziveria as Mason’s wife, she expects some obstacles. But with a target on her back, a mystery surrounding her father, the HRV a constant threat, Mason’s extended leaves, beautiful competition, a manipulative mother-in-law, and more standing in their way, will Mason and Jessi find happiness together?

I really enjoyed Mason and Jessi’s story. Jessi is a survivor and a fighter, and she grows and changes so much throughout the story. And Mason is wonderful! Patient and understanding, he is so supportive of Jessi all while dealing with his own struggles. I love how they help each other grieve and heal and learn to live again. It’s clear from the beginning that this pair has a strong connection, and their chemistry is wonderful. They’re drawn to each other and seem to fit right from the start, and I loved watching them grow closer. Both characters struggle emotionally, and they face so many challenges throughout their relationship, but they never stop fighting for each other. Their sweet and sexy love story is the bright spot in otherwise turbulent times as they search for answers and fight to stay alive and together.

Like the other books in the series, the world-building and storyline in this book are layered, intriguing, and immersive. Westill continues to expand the world, and each setting is as vivid and unique as the one before it. It’s such a complex mix of old and new with nods to our world while still feeling wholly original. There’s also a fascinating plot that stretches across the series, as well as many sub-plots that are unique to this book. The author weaves such an interesting and well-paced story, and I love the many twists and turns. Right from the beginning of the book, I was shocked by an unexpected and tragic loss, and the suspense and surprises never stopped. It made for an exciting and unpredictable read.

The story focuses on some difficult topics, including death, grief, kidnapping, rape, physical abuse, and more, so, I would recommend checking out the content warnings before reading the book. It’s an emotional read at times, especially since Mason and Jessi confront their feelings about their pasts and continue to suffer in the present. I related to Mason’s feelings of grief, his struggle with loss, and living without a person who meant so much to him. Losing someone changes you, and the feeling of loss never goes away, and I thought the author described these feelings well. The story also highlights more uplifting topics, including the healing power of love, acceptance, friendship, and new beginnings, which balances out the story well.

If you read the first books in the series, you’ll be thrilled to know that the main characters all have roles in this one. There are also many new and intriguing characters that I’m curious to learn more about. One specific character, other than Mason, in the series is deeply affected by the murder in this book, and I believe he is the focus of the next book in the series. I can’t wait! Jonathan has been a favorite of mine since his first introduction, and I’m eager to learn more about him. And there’s a news reporter and her brother that I need to see more of! lol

I would definitely recommend this book and series to lovers of paranormal romance or romantic suspense, and I’m so grateful to Sarah Westill for sending me a copy of the book. All thoughts are my own.