Soulmate Cravings Part Two: The Retribution

Whew! This was a wild ride. I really love how the author didn't just end the story right after the capture of the villain. That happens so often. We get to the build up, the climax and then boom! we get an epilogue and that's it. In this the author wove their lives around the capture of the villain and the villain awaiting their trial. And even after that the author still gave this beautiful almost tribute-like description of what Cato and Asher's life looked like after the villain was vanquished.

Points I loved. I loved that Cato got mean. That he got to throw his stones and he did it with so much gusto. The author didn't make Cato some damsel in distress they made him strong and in a lot of ways even stronger than the vampire. I even learned some new insults from this that I've already put to good use! And I will never get over the finale of the villain's capture. That sweet power unlocked in Cato that blew everyone away.

I loved how the author didn't make everything perfect and seamless. How Cato didn't just magically wake up some perfect vampire. How he had to work for it. How he had to relearn to control his powers and then became the strongest of their kind.

I loved how the author wove the past into the present. At first that time jump was a little jarring because it was right at the pinnacle of a major revelation but I get why they put it where they put it and it added so much to the story.

I cried for a character whose death I had cheered for in the first book. I don't think I've ever gone from hating a character that much to loving him that much. And then there was another character that I thought I couldn't hate more and then bam! the author pulled the rug and flipped it all.

I loved the domestic breathers and Cato making Asher see himself in a different way. I never knew I needed a vampire with mental health issues on my bingo card, but here we are.

In the beginning of the first one, I thought Asher was going to be the complete hopeless romantic through this and in a lot of ways he was but I didn't see how boldly Cato would rise to that mantle.

I loved that the author dove deeper into some of the side characters as well. Their relationships and histories and really showing that there were lives lived and memories made during the 2500 year span it took for Asher to find Cato. And the several scenes that just ripped my heart out and made me cry. I kind of saw some of them happening but I didn't expect how much it would hurt when they happened.

And don't get me started on Anna's letter at the end. I laughed and then cried and then laughed again. So beautifully done.

I also liked how the author touched on the damage that fake allies can have on queer culture. It felt relatable especially with all the discourse going on about fetishizers right now.

The only reason I dock this down half a star is because there were a couple scenes that I don't really think needed to be in there. They didn't really add anything to the story or give new information. They were kind of fun and interesting but felt over-gratuitous. The book could have done without them. But other than that this duology is easily one of my favorite reads of the year!

I received a free copy of this book from Booksprout and these are my honest thoughts and opinions of the book.

This one felt so much better. Just so much I want to unpack but can't lol. No spoilers. Some very intense moments. Great characters. And so....realistic? Don't know if that's the right word. So many times people just make characters these magical, immortal beings in an instant, but in this they weren't..they went through a lot. They earned where they got to. Definitely recommend.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

I cannot believe how Kandyce has managed to improve on the first book but they have! This was an absolutely brilliant continuation of Aster and Cato's soulmate journey. So much going on in this nail biting journey for them! Fantastic read - highly recommend

Soulmate Cravings: Part Two: The Retribution by Kandyce Marie is an intense and emotionally charged conclusion to the Soulmate Cravings duology. Following the first book, this story delves deeper into the complexities of Asher and Cato’s relationship, spanning over 2,500 years of soul-crushing separation, brutal betrayals, and the promise of an all-consuming love.

Asher’s journey as a vampire who’s waited centuries for his soulmate, Cato, to return is filled with suspense and emotional turmoil. When Cato finally reappears, the two must navigate the tumult of their past lives and the dangerous enemies who continue to haunt them. The book masterfully blends sizzling chemistry between the leads with intense action and heartbreaking twists that keep the reader on edge.

What stands out is how the author skillfully mixes angst with heartwarming moments, creating a rollercoaster of emotions. Asher's devotion to Cato and Cato’s resilience in the face of past trauma make them a truly compelling pair. This book is not just about the romance—it’s about healing, redemption, and the power of finding true love against impossible odds.

If you enjoy dark, dramatic vampire romance with a lot of heart, The Retribution is a thrilling and satisfying read that offers both high stakes and deep emotional connections. It’s an unforgettable journey of love, pain, and the hope of a better future, making it a perfect conclusion to this duology.