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Lily of the Desert by Shari L. Tapscott

Fantasy/Adventure. 195 Pages. 5 Stars

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Synopsis: 

Avery swore he would return, but one question haunts Lucia’s every waking moment: Can anyone truly trust the word of a pirate?

A spring cloaked in mystery and lore bubbles deep in the heart of Elrija’s high mountain desert. It’s a fountain of healing water, a natural concoction of minerals and magic, and on it grows the fabled lily of the desert—a flower rumored to carry the cure for old age.

It’s also impossible to find. Impossible, that is, if you’re anyone other than Lucia of Reginae, professional adventuress for hire…at least that’s what Lucia tells herself now that she’s knee-deep in sand and prickly ballo brush.

Lucia’s no stranger to dangerous territory, but Elrija’s desert is unlike any place she’s ever traveled. The wind is hot, the air is dry, and a person cannot turn over a stone without finding something venomous lurking underneath. She has a month and a half to track down the lily, but every clue she finds leads to another…and someone appears to be sabotaging the expedition.

As if all that were not enough, the ring Lucia wears on the chain at her neck grows heavier each day. Avery said he’d find her, but how long will it take? And how much trouble will she find herself in before the captain finally arrives?

If he arrives at all…

My Review: 

The finale!! This is book four of the Silver and Orchids series by Shari Tapscott, and I must say, I am very pleased with finding her as a new author! I can’t wait to read more of her books and am really thankful that I finally caved and chose to participate in Kindle Unlimited–cause it brought me to some really good new authors!

I think this book and book two tied for favorite plots in the series for me. Although I was whole-heartedly (and still am!) rooting for Sebastian, it is obvious that I did not win that battle. Not only has Avery completely stolen Lucia’s heart, but he’s stolen a tiny piece of mine as well. I absolutely loved seeing our recurring cast get together! Especially Yancy! We all adore Adeline and I was really proud to see how much she has grown over the series. And, let’s be honest, Flink is the true MC here. Tapscott writes beautiful characters that each work so well together, and she has a steady writing voice. In some bits, she began several chapters in a row with scenic descriptions that I tired of, but by the bottom of the page, she’d moved on. The setting of this story was, obviously, the desert and I think the final reveal of the Lily’s location did my expectations justice. It was lovely and didn’t feel anticlimactic. Similarly, neither did the plot.

Though I did find this story a little slow in the beginning and a little difficult to get into, once it picked up, it picked up. The pacing was…strange. There is one, ahem event in particular that was so out of the blue. And, as my sister said, although I do see the importance the event holds to the plot later on, I think it could have been approached and handled much better, in terms of pacing. Other plot elements included the series well-done adventurous spirit and, of course, Tapscott’s special brand of romance. While the book is 100% clean, there was some light insinuations of some specific actions that happened…as well as a few blush-worthy, contented sighing moments. As I mentioned before, I really liked the plot for this book. I loved the idea of the lily and how the team came to discovering it’s whereabouts, and how the problems that sent them off on their search were dealt with in the end.

I will say this, Tapscott totally played with my emotions and I would probably have left a slightly, very slightly, different review if the last chapter hadn’t been there. Just sayin’. However, I think her ability to toy with the reader and her fun plot route is what makes Tapscott’s writing so appealing, as well as those characters!! All in all, an excellent series that I would recommend to any adventure/romance/mild fantasy readers. And, oh, y’all!!! That bonus chapter!!!! YAS! <3 Sebastian!

Mild violence, no foul language, and some clean, sweet romance, including one very distantly implied sex scene (between a married couple and it was all off screen).

More: 

The Silver and Orchids Prequel is Fire and Feathers (4 Stars)

Book 1 is Moss Forest Orchid (4 Stars)

Book 2 is Greybrow Serpent (5 Stars)

Book 3 is Wildwood Larkwing (4 Stars)

I have reviewed each of the above on Goodreads. Follow the links to find more info on the books and then scroll down to see the reviews. Mine is among them.

This series should be read in order. The prequel isn’t necessary to the series, but it is a lovely addition and can be read at any time. 

ON GRACEBOUGHT

If you missed it, check out my review of the previous books here! 

Moss Forest Orchid, Greybrow Serpent, and Wildwood Larkwing