Midnight Soul

I'm one of the few, but I'd always liked Franka. I'd always felt like she had a backstory that would hurt my heart - make her actions more than what they seemed. I'm so glad she got her own story and I was proven right. I feel like this is a solid ending to the series, but I do have a fervent wish that we see a Valentine short story or something. (If ya'll know of one, cough it up.) I have a feeling Valentine might be a harder nut to crack than Franka.

I enjoyed this series thoroughly. The juxtaposition of the two worlds involved is nicely, and in many cases amusingly, drawn. I look forward to reading more of KA's work, especially the paranormal.

❝One night months ago, I sat down to wine and whiskey with a beautiful woman and by the time I watched her walk out of that room, she had me wrapped around her finger.❞

The magical conclusion to the 'Fantasy Land' series, 'Midnight Soul' is a slow burn romance that will have you laughing, crying and begging for more.

No matter when you finished reading 'Broken Dove (Fantasyland #4)', you will not be lost nor confused with this next book in the series, starring Franka and Noc. Because Kristen Ashley does a fabulous job reviewing the events of all previous books, without making you feel like you are reading a review of the previous books.

Coming to the rescue of a world that is under threat of the wicked, Noc finds more than he bargains for. He meets Franka. At first sight, he knows there's more to her than her defenses, and he's intrigued.

Noc is the perfect book boyfriend, the perfect male character, the perfect hero! He is patient, kind, thoughtful and a sexy alpha male! He knew the healing Franka needed and signed up to be her healer.
❝He was excellent company. Engaged. Amusing. Affectionate. Attentive. Thoughtful. Caring. And very much not hard to look at.❞

I love her inner struggle, not only can you see it, but you can feel it. She is fighting the urge to be the old Franka, stone cold and brutal with her tongue like a snipers rifle, honing in on her foe's weaknesses. Because this Franka has feelings and is nice, kind and empathetic. Franka fears these feelings and changes. She doesn't believe she deserves love or kindness from others. So she tries to push them away.
❝You should not be kind to me,❞
I whispered.
His expression changed.
It did not go wary.
It warmed with a gentleness that made it feel my insides were unravelling.
❝Franka,❞ he whispered back.
❝You should not be kind to me,❞ I repeated.
❝Babe---❞
❝I've done terrible things.❞

We are outsiders looking in as Franka transforms, and Noc breaks down her walls revealing the true Franka. Franka is smart, curious, and inherently funny! She had me rolling with laughter. Watching her experience new things and new languages was heart-warming and fun. Kind of like watching a toddler experiencing their world for the first time. There wasn't anything about Franka I didn't like. Her spunk made their banter fabulous, their discussions of their different languages, hilarious and it provided sparks to their relationship.

Midnight Soul

So, I said this was a slow burn, and I mean that! It takes a long time for them to kiss, let alone come together. But I appreciated that Ashley didn't rush things between these two. She allowed for Franka to heal, and start over, before proceeding with a relationship.

My FAVORITE scene (aside from the Epilogue) was when Franka confronts her parents at about 25%. That was THE BEST PARAGRAPH EVER! It instantly made me think of 'Rise Up' by Andra Day. The strength that took for her to do it is beyond comprehension to me. Yet she did it and became stronger because of it!

I don't think I can say it too many times, Kristen Ashley can write the heck out of an Epilogue! I know other fans will agree. And the Epilogue in this book, completely wrapped up this series into one beautiful package. Her Epilogues are like novella's, stories unto themselves. The only problem with them is they make you want more, and when a series is ending, this is a bad thing!!

Well, crap! My goal was to write a shorter review. Seems I've failed. Suffice it say, I loved this book, this series, and these characters!

An ARC was provided in exchange for an honest review and did not influence my opinion of the book.