I recently had the pleasure of reading Sam C. Leonhard's latest book - Forbidden Monastery. I was already into the Tainted Blood series, so I was very much looking forward to some steamy, slash romance scenes - and Forbidden Monastery does not disappoint. But this book isn't just plain smut, it's a thought-provoking and often suspenseful adventure in a uniquely different fantasy world.

I loved that Sam created a world where almost everyone can and does do magic. It's also a world where people don't seem too fazed by LGBTQA+ relationships, or - necessarily  - strong women.

Sam's characterization in Forbidden Monastery is, as usual, truly superb. I was especially struck by the complexity of our main (anti-)hero, Rage. He's dark. He's damaged. He's vulnerable. He's passionate. He's someone you feel like you're supposed to mistrust, at first, but you just can't help rooting for him, even with all of his faults.

Most of all, this is an especially engaging exploration of the complexities of "evil," and the central importance of love.

I'm hungry for more, and I can't wait for Empress and the Child!