STONE COLD TOUCH by Jennifer L. Armentrout

STONE COLD TOUCH by Jennifer L. Armentrout

This is the second book in The Dark Elements series by @jennifer_l_armentrout and y’all...as far as second books in trilogies go, this was *chef’s kiss* PERFECT. I read this in a day, which is fast for me! I’m going to keep this as spoiler free as possible, but some overall plot points will have to be discussed in order to do this justice. So fair warning!

This series involves a love triangle — and I know what you’re thinking, “but Ashley you HATE love triangles!” True. Very true. But when they’re done this well? I can get behind them. First of all, my deep dive into JLA has taught me that she is the queen of spin-offs, which leaves me very satisfied to know that for whoever Layla doesn’t choose in this series, he’ll maybe get a second chance at love in a spin-off. And for this series?? WE NEED THAT.

While this book centered largely around Layla and the opposite love interest that was heavily featured in the first book, it didn’t feel like this was a “filler” relationship. It was actually quite the opposite. I thought I knew who I wanted to root for (and those feelings never changed 🐍) but JLA gives us such a beautiful, believable, and real romance in this book that I knew I would be content if it went the other way. I was so torn—just like Layla—as to who would be the better choice for her future. She doesn’t half-ass giving this relationship a real shot and I loved that. It felt like it mimicked real life—we live and we fall in love more than once—and we have to choose the path that makes the most sense.

This book also smacked me right between the eyes with the biggest reveal of the series, and even when I thought I knew where we were going, I was soo wrong. So, props to JLA, because that was masterful. After I realized what was happening, I picked up on all the breadcrumbs JLA left along the way. And it was so satisfying.

Overall, I standby my original recommendation: this series is perfect for those who love YA and Buffy the Vampire Slayer-esque dramas and fantasies. Think Lara Jean Covey-meets-Demons and you’ve got a pretty good idea for the tone and plot of this story!

Also, because I can’t help myself, I made a mood board for this series. Find it here.