Ella Barrow is a rule follower. She allows others to dictate what she does, who she dates, where she works, and who she is friends with. She’s basically a prisoner in her parents’ home. She is creative and artistic; however, her parents forbid her from obtaining a job that allows her talents to shine or her to use the degree she obtained. Her current boyfriend, Clayton, who is a sleaze ball, doesn’t appreciate her, ignores while they are out, and is basically using her to advance himself in society. When he tries to pressure her into letting him take her virginity, it’s all downhill from there. That same night, while in a Morgan club, she finds him pants down with a waitress and puts an end to their relationship – by smooching hot Paxon.

Paxon is attracted to Ella and has been even while she was dating Clayton. Patiently waiting for their relationship to self-destruct, he didn’t expect quiet, shy Ella to stand for herself and then march over to him and plant a kiss on him. They both know that there is more to explore together beyond the kiss, but Ella is hesitant. There is something in her mother’s past that that brings fear to the woman’s eyes whenever she is around them. Then there’s Clayton. No just doesn’t mean no to him and he threatens Ella with things that may cause irreparable harm to her and her parents.

Just as with books 1 & 2 in this series, once I began reading, I was hooked. I devoured it in one sitting. The story is engaging, and the characters are wonderful. I enjoyed the interactions between Ella and Paxon. I love the tension the author builds up between the hero and heroine of her stories. Ella’s demure, meek character really opens up like a flower or a butterfly coming out of a chrysalis. She knows she wants to be with Paxon but there are secrets she hides that being seen with a Morgon would expose. Forced to make a choice, Ella finally followers her own heart. At the peak of the story, Ella steps out, front and center, to declare the love she has in hopes that it’s not too late for her and Paxon to be together.

I love both Ella and Paxon. She might allow others to make her decisions, but Paxon doesn’t take advantage of that part of her character. He helps her to break free of the hold others have had on her for so long. He helps her “lift the veil.” How Ella and Paxon are written is swoon-worthy and I think Nightbloom is my favorite of the 3 Nightwing novels.

Nightbloom is a riveting, fast paced story told with passion. I love Juliette Cross’s writing style and the way she tells stories. Nightbloom is not my first experience with this author, nor will it be the last. Her ability to create paranormal stories with romance, action and a solid plot is what keeps me coming back.

Review is of the 2018 re-release.

The final book in the series was good but not great. The story felt a bit rushed and I didn't like the instalove. But I did enjoy the story and am sad that this is the end.

Note: I reviewed Nightbloom along with the other two books in the trilogy (both of which I purchased myself) and so my review is a combined review. I am only sharing the excerpt specific to Nightbloom here:

Nightbloom (Nightwing #3) (Lyrical Press, 2015; 151 pgs)

Opening sentence: "Would you like to hear the story about tragic Princess Morga and the dreadful dragon king of the North again?"

Ella Barrow wears her own shield, only she is the picture of perfection--the dutiful daughter, the quiet agreeable woman. She's settled into a relationship with a human who comes from a respectable family. Only, she isn't completely happy. Especially not when Paxon Nightwing walks into the picture. He sees more in Ella than she sees in herself, and he wants her body and soul.

It's clear that Ella's human boyfriend isn't a good person. I really didn't like him, and was so glad when Ella realized she was better than that. I adored Paxon. I admit I wasn't sure I would given my impression of him in an earlier book. He seemed nice enough, but my first impression of him was that he was too much of a lady's man. In Nightbloom, the reader gets to see a different side of him. Paxon is so patient with Ella and really draws her out of her shell. Not only that, but he shows her genuine respect and often lets her make the first move. Ella cares a lot about her parents and what they think, about what others think, and it's one of the chains she must loosen (and break) before she can truly be herself. I could relate to her reluctance to let go of what was comfortable.

An interesting continuation to the series, but as with the previous stories, YA isn’t really my preferred genre. For those who like this type of story, I’m sure it will be found satisfactory.