Heart of the Warrior by Donya Lynne
Series: All the King's Men #2
Published by Phoenix Press on May 25, 2012
Genres: Paranormal Romance
Source: Purchased
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Severin was born to be a warrior. Conceived as a mixed-blood when his vampire father sexually assaulted his dreck mother over two centuries ago, Severin retained the power of iron skin inherent to newborn drecks. However, Sev keeps this secret closely guarded. If it's discovered that inferior dreck blood flows in his vampire veins, it could destroy his life. And to make matters worse, his father suddenly wants to make amends for his transgressions. Sev wants nothing of his father's apology, especially now, as he contends with both an assassin who has marked Sev for blood vengeance and his overwhelming attraction to his teammate, Arion.
Arion is the son of King Bain's liaison, Gregos Savakis, who had Ari's course plotted before he was even born. But what Ari's overbearing parents wanted for him wasn't what Arion wanted for himself, and a lifetime spent fighting through one relationship after another with females from all walks of life has left him weary in his search for a mate. After a startling and erotic encounter with Sev over a month ago, Ari has begun to realize why. He's gay. And now he can't stop thinking about Sev. Arion suddenly realizes he's been forcing himself to be with females because that's what his parents expected. But what he wants is a male, and not just any male. Arion wants Severin.
Can the two overcome the secrets, prejudice, plotting, and the threat on Severin's life to find happily ever after with each other?

Heart of the Warrior was a very intense read. The way it’s written really involves you emotionally and when things seem to go wrong, it can only mean a reader’s heartbreak is on its way . . . I must admit that I felt more connected with Sev, his struggling and suffering was stronger than Ari’s, but that doesn’t mean he didn’t have a hard time of his own, of course. Still, it was simpler to feel closer to Sev and practically inevitable to enjoy every single passionate scene! If you like reading M/M, you’re going to really appreciate every hot minute as much as every touching one. There are lots of both, sigh . . .

A special mention goes to Micah, the hero of the first instalment. Even if he keeps his attitude (and who are we to complain?), he shows a softer/compassionate side that only a mate could have brought up (thanks Sam!) and it doesn’t go unnoticed among the other warriors, too. He has changed indeed and now I like him even more, but perhaps he’s not the only one who’s gaining points . . .

The pace is great, it’s all well connected and you can’t help but gasp especially at a certain discovery . . . Boy, I didn’t see that one coming at all! This series just got better and I will definitely keep up with the reading.

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