Fast paced and intriguing magical realism
Gun Brooke has given us several excellent f/f scifi-reads, The Amaranthine Law is probably best described as magical reality: Brooke introduces her own - female - version of the Highlander in her newest novel. The story is intriguing with a good dose of twists and turns, fast-paced, well-written and for me it was a real page-turner. The f/f romance is blended into the story and worked for me.. Very entertaining. Well done.

Thanks for the ARC via netgalley and Bold Strokes Books. The review is left voluntarily.

At the beginning people are ill. An unknown woman makes a brew that is given to 9 young girls all under 10 years. (It’s not clear if everyone who was ill got this drink but still did not survive or only the girls under 10). The girls all survive the “plague”. But go on to live abnormally long lives.
The amaranthine law was made up by the women who survived the “plague” and then discovered they were destined to live longer than normal. The law was to help them try and live their lives responsibly and not knowingly hurt anyone in any way because of their longevity. They are not immortal as when the present day story begins there are only 2 left. The others having been killed.
The story is quite exciting as it tells of one of the two women left who is trying to determine who wants to kill them and the measures she and her companion have to take to avoid this happening.
The only gripe I have is that nothing more is ever said about the mysterious woman and her efficacious brew.

Tristan Kelly has an immediate attraction to her new intern Olivia Bryce but has firm rules for herself on such things. Not only is Tristan’s past complicated and duplicitous there’s the age gap to consider… of at least 200 years.

Now Tristan has to fight more than her sizzling chemistry with Olivia as they find themselves on the run from unknown assailants intent on bringing Tristan’s long life to an end – an act of revenge though for what sin she is unsure.

This one was a fun romp, I liked the globe trotting, the car chases and the relationships Tristan had with her staff and Olivia. Like if “Highlander” had more lesbians, less decapitation and way better sex scenes.

I would have loved to see a little more of Tristan’s past in the story with such history under her belt but the book isn’t lacking for not having it – just me wanting more of the character that’s seen so much.

The romance felt genuine and sizzled when Tristan and Olivia had time to themselves. It’s so nice to read sex scenes that read like actual sex real people who are hot as hell for each other would have, two big thumbs up there.

If there was a sequel or these characters opened up a new story that turned to follow Rosalee I’d be happy to return to their world.

A big old “Thank You” to Netgalley, the Publisher and of course to Gun Brooke for the chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review. Your efforts are in good hands and I appreciate the trust.