Latest Read: Sweet Reckoning by Wendy Higgins

Here are the basics ...
Sweet Reckoning (The Sweet Trilogy #3) by Wendy Higgins
Publication date: Apr. 29, 2014
Publisher: HarperTeen
Category: Young Adult - Paranormal
Source: Received via Edelweiss from publisher (Thanks!)
Summary: Evil is running rampant and sweet Anna Whitt is its target. Nobody knows when or how the Dukes will strike, but Anna and her Nephilim allies will do anything necessary to rid the earth of the demons and their oppressive ways. The stakes are higher than ever, and Anna is determined that the love she feels will be her strength, not a liability. But trying to protect the ones she loves while running for her life and battling demonic forces proves to be perilous—especially as faces are changing and trust is fleeting. When the Duke of Lust sends Anna’s great love, Kaidan Rowe, to work against her, Anna must decide how much she’s prepared to risk. (Adapted goodreads.com) 

[Non-spoilery review but this is the third book in the series! Read my reviews of the previous books: Sweet Evil and Sweet Peril.]

The good

Sweet Reckoning was yet another series ender (so many these days!) that left me feeling satisfied with the conclusion. The fight of angels vs. demons came to a head, grand romantic moments made me swoon and friendships continued to blossom. I got everything I hoped for and then some, because there were some twists I didn't see coming. Anna Whitt and her friends continue to be under the scrutiny of the Dukes to make sure they're actually doing their jobs, which is badly influencing humans. Anna and Kaidan, in particular, are watched more closely than the rest and now that they've decided to be together (about freaking time!), the stakes are higher than ever. But the plan they've all been working towards is finally about to happen and the tension was palpable as obstacle after obstacle gets thrown in their way.

As much as I love a good battle between good and evil, it's really the characters and the different relationships between them all that made me feel invested in the series. Anna and Kaidan's romance continued to develop and tiny moments they managed to steal for themselves either made me chuckle or swoon. I really like them together and Kaiden shows he's more than just a (very!) pretty face. He wants to be a good man and I enjoyed watching his character grow. But Anna really came into her own as well. She has a firmer sense of who she is and what she wants. Despite the evil around her, she remains a big believer of love and goodness. Previously her innocence seemed like childish naiveté and now.. now, she owns it if that makes sense.

Then their Nephilim friends - Blake, Ginger, Kopano and Marna - got a lot more face time. We learned more about their relationships, their fears and how much they yearn to be free of the life forced upon them. I found myself really caring for them too as the story progressed. Not to mention, we got more Patti (love that kind woman!), Jay (Anna's BFF) and her devoted father Belial, who continued to be a driving force of the plan. I don't want to give anything away (obvs!) but there was this one moment in the book where they all got to be normal teenagers and it was definitely a highlight. It was a glimpse into the life they could've and should've had. And it made the need to win this fight against the Dukes that much stronger. Especially as we more of their evil doings and the evil doings of the Nephilim who happily follow their fathers (guys, it gets dark!).

(Super minor) reservations

So something happens in the book that other people may see coming, although I did not. And I can see how this direction might not sit well with everyone. Personally, I liked it! I think you always have to keep in mind that with paranormal books, there has to be  a certain level of disbelief and you know, when your life is at stake - crazy decisions are sometimes made.

Do I recommend?

Yes, I really enjoyed this series! I started the books feeling very skeptical and I am so, so glad I pushed those feelings aside to give them a chance. Fans of paranormal romance.. read this!

Happy reading!