Series: The Walker
Release Date: December 15, 2017
Josiah’s unexpected engagement has me squinting down the barrel of heartbreak, and to make matters worse; I find myself traded to Cyler Black and his leadership council in a distant Providence.
Soon, Cyler and his team of passionate leaders start to feel like family, and I’m promised freedoms I never imagined were possible; But Josiah’s not through with me yet, and war is on the horizon. Can I find happiness in my new home? Or will Josiah finally choose me?
This is a slow-burn reverse harem romance and the first book in the series.
• BIPOC characters
• LGBTQIA+ characters
• characters with a disability
And doesn’t address fatphobia
• Fatal virus
• Death
• Abduction
• Does have OW/OM
– Heroine is in love with her childhood best friend (and, now, owner)
– One of the Hero’s has an ex-lover who he’s still in contact with
– The sister of one of the Heroes is (unrequited-ly) in love with one of the Heroes
• Does have the Heroes and Heroine pushing away
• Does have a separation between the Heroes and Heroine
• See Ending for HEA status.
• See Possible Triggers for Abuse and OTT sad parts.
Rating: 4.25/5 stars
I loved Wings of the Walker, mainly because it was so real. I know many of my reviews begin with an endorsing statement about how brilliant I found the book. Still, I feel most readers can support me in saying that it is rare to come across a dystopian reverse harem romance that is so true to real life.
Wings of the Walker definitely classified as a slow burn romance, but it’s also a series that you can see having lots of twists and turns as June takes us on the heroine’s journey. What I loved about the book was how June employed stereotypes in her book, but went against the grain in terms of the end goal of the plot. At the beginning of the story, we are introduced to the heroine, Ashleigh, who has been in love with her Master, Josiah, since they were children. But, due to their differing stations in life–him a wealthy politician and her a walker (servant)–they cannot be together. In a different book, I would have totally been rooting for the couple, and I have to be honest, there were quite a few moments that I hoped–at least for Ashleigh’s sake–that they would find a way to be together. But, this is not a basic Romeo and Juliet romance that June is telling here. It quickly becomes known that Ashleigh’s Master has agreed to an arranged marriage–which vastly and rapidly alters the shape and future of this could-have-been couple. Ashleigh now has to ask herself questions she never thought she would: to stay or go? Who is she without Josiah?
It’s not (much) of a spoiler to say that the heroine leaves. June does a fantastic job of detailing the experience of a girl who was scarcely let outside and was a possession her whole life. Ashleigh’s transformation into freedom–into someone who has choices on who to be and what to do with her life–felt very genuine.
When it comes to the RH genre, very few authors can authentically create an emotional foundation between all the characters that realistically explains their decision to be in this type of relationship. Dystopian (and some fantasy) novels have a better chance because it can be explained away by culture or lack of women. June takes the time to navigate the heroine’s relationship with each of the men you assume the heroine will eventually have a relationship with. There is no insta-love or lust really on any of the characters’ behalfs. Ashleigh, despite leaving her owner, is still very much in love with him, and many of the heroes have their own pasts, secrets, and faults (Cyler was using Ashleigh to mess with Josiah to get the upper hand in their trade agreement).
Although there was a little bit of the “special snowflake” going ’round, I didn’t actually mind because Ashleigh is re-assimulating into a new culture, status quo, and expectations. I also loved how every time she thought or said “I don’t deserve” or “I couldn’t,” etc. the guys would quickly shut her down and tell her to stop martyring herself. It was annoying in the beginning, but I appreciate June’s message, and I really enjoyed how Ashleigh spoke up for herself. It would take time for her to adjust; she can’t just get rid of or forget two decades of her “normal” behaviour.
What did twinge a little was how Ashleigh was still treated like an outsider. One of the heroes is not accepting or really okay with her living with him and his friends (they are all the co-leaders of the compound). He had valid concerns, but he also projected his past issues onto Ashleigh even though she hadn’t done anything wrong. It also felt at some parts that all the guys in Wings of the Walker were just using her–there didn’t really seem to be anyone that cared about Ashleigh’s interests first (I get that they only just met, but it still hurt).
June touches on subtle other woman drama but more so for Ashleigh to become aware of her feelings. The ending also sets up the next book for way more action but also a ton of questions that mainly revolve around Josiah and his fiancée.
Every book needs a good “bad guy,” and I think June nailed it with the book’s villain because he’s a man formed by his circumstances and familial expectations. He has to be cold and calculating because his position demands it of him.
I’m intrigued as to where June will take the story next–and I’m hoping this RH picks up some speed in the next book.
Buy Wings of the Walker
Other Books I’ve Reviewed by Coralee June
Sunshine and Bullets (The Bullets, #1)
Quick Take: A dark reverse harem romance that’s unforgiving and twisted; it’s a story where the good guys are bad, and the bad guys are worse.
It’s a nickname I haven’t heard since I lived on Woodbury Lane, where the houses were pretty but the secrets? Deadly. It was a pet name known only to the Bullets. Rough, violent, and ruthless, they laid claim to the town — and my heart.
I wasn’t supposed to fall for a boy from the wrong side of the tracks—especially not four of them. But they were the only ones who understood that sometimes hell hides in plain sight.
I was the girl with all the conveniences a privileged upbringing could provide. The world only saw two loving parents and a pristine home life, but I knew the truth. And it was going to get me killed. So, I disappeared, from everyone and everything I’d ever known. I changed my name and my appearance, but the scars I carry, they’re still the same.
The Bullets are all grown up now, too — a crime boss, a pro fighter, a bounty hunter, and a federal agent. Life took them in different directions, but they once shared the bonds of a brotherhood forged under the harshest conditions. Together they were fearless. Brutal. Unstoppable.
I’m praying they can find that unity again. If I’m going to survive this, it’ll take everything they have. Because that’s the thing about running from the past.
Eventually, it catches up to you.
Tags: Anti-Hero, Asshole Hero, Contemporary Romance, Cruel or Cold Hero, Dark Romance, Organized Crime, Other Women, Reverse Harem Romance, Romantic Suspense
Summer and Smoke (The Bullets, #2)
Quick Take: A surprisingly compelling and angsty sequel that focuses on character growth, yet Summer’s martyrdom creates a tedious subplot.
The Bullets are united once more, bonded by their demand for blood. There’s a vulnerability in their friendship, though.
Gavriel craves control.
Blaise fears losing me.
Ryker fights his guilt.
Callum’s moral compass will get us killed.
Chesterbrook may be where the old me died, but it’s also where I learned that hell isn’t a place, it’s a person. And if we aren’t careful, our plan for revenge could go up in smoke.
Tags: Angsty-AF, BDSM, Dark Romance, Emotional, Organized Crime, Reverse Harem Romance, Romantic Suspense
Thank you so much for the review. I enjoyed reading your thoughts and reactions to Ash’s story.
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