
This one sits on my keeper shelves among books by Cat Adams, Suzi Love, Linnea Sinclair, Nora Roberts & Kalayna Price.
In 2016 this book called "Winter Halo" by Keri Arthur released and if you've missed the memo, yes we're friends but that doesn't automatically mean I'm going to love the book. But this one? I do... I really enjoyed this whole series and Winter Halo was like a 4.5 star read for me!
Hmm let me see, where should I begin?
Blurb:
Book 2: The Outcast Series
When the bombs that stopped the species war tore holes in the veil between worlds, they allowed entry to the Others. Now, a hundred years later, humans and shifters alike live in artificially lit cities designed to keep the darkness at bay….
The humanoid supersoldiers known as the déchet were almost eradicated by the war. Ever since, Tiger has tried to live her life in peace in hiding. But in the wake of her discovery that Central City’s children are being kidnapped and experimented on, Tiger’s conscience won’t let her look the other way.
The key to saving them lies within the walls of a pharmaceutical company called Winter Halo. But as Tiger learns more about the facility, her mission is derailed by a complication: Winter Halo’s female security guards are being systematically attacked by an unknown force.
Now Tiger must summon all her gifts to stop those responsible for both atrocities—no matter the cost to herself…
Okay, let's start with the first thing... Is this a romance?
Well, yes and no. It's a slow burn Urban Fantasy with a strong romance theme. Jonas, who turns up in book one and really doesn't like Tiger softens towards her. But she's ultimately a loner by training and design and it's very much her story.
I find Tiger to be a wilful character. I don't mean that as in, she's the kind to take advantage of those for her own gain... I mean, she's so damned determined in ways that wouldn't make sense until you read the book. The ghostly children she surrounds herself with are precious to her. She'll do anything, including facing the soldiers below. (You're going to have to read it to understand that, sorry.) More than once she risks herself and her sanity for those she's closest to.
Even more, She'll take the kind of risks even for those she's not personally connected to - especially children.
Okay, let's get back to the reasons I really enjoyed this book. It's a rollicking great read. I love action, adventure and women who are battlers in their own right. (No namby pamby misses for me!) and I want that kick of intimacy. (Doesn't have to be sexual for all of you with naughty thoughts!!)
The world is bold and dark but real. The writing powerful and emotionally connective.
Would I recommend it? Hell yes!
This, of course, isn't her only series, but is super. Right up there with Nicky and Michael's series and the Kingdoms of Earth and Air (all of which feature a very very strong female.)
Where to get them? Your best bet is to visit Keri's website direct, and choose the link best for you. https://www.keriarthur.com/books/the-outcast-series/