Strong Wine

I loved this series, and this book was even better than the first two, somehow. There are several different plot threads: Damiskos and Varazda figuring out their future together, a mystery, and Damiskos's family troubles. The author wove them all together really well, with good pacing throughout, and the happy ending is very solid.

I'm so excited to find out what AJ Demas does next.

Very satisfying conclusion to a singular trilogy. While [b:Saffron Alley 56632501 Saffron Alley (Sword Dance, #2) A.J. Demas https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1610378350l/56632501.SX50.jpg 73895755] found former soldier Damiskos doing his best to fit in with his lover Varazda's free-spirited found family in Boukos, Strong Wine takes place in Dami's homeland of Pheme. What was supposed to be a quick visit in response to a summons from his parents turns out to be much longer and serious, as Damiskos is accused of murder. The victim was one of the annoying philosophy students from [b:Sword Dance 51856712 Sword Dance (Sword Dance, #1) A.J. Demas https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1564091594l/51856712.SX50_SY75.jpg 71873589] whose treasonous plotting led to the death of an innocent man. Dami is also confronted with his parents' irresponsible debt and heavy-handed matchmaking. Will he be able to disentangle himself from the mess and find his way back to Varazda? Fortunately, Varazda doesn't sit back and wait. He makes his way to Pheme, where he quickly uses his experience as a spy to find the real murderer. This is really his opportunity to shine; Dami doesn't have much to do for most of the story except appreciate Varazda's awesomeness, although he does a fine job of standing up to his parents and claiming his lover with pride. Frankly there were too few scenes that portrayed the MCs together, as Dami is under house arrest and Varazda is out and about solving the mystery for large portions of the book. But each moment they share is beautiful. There were so many opportunities for Big Misunderstandings (e.g., Varazda thinking that Damiskos wants to marry the woman his parents are pushing him towards), but each time that threatens, the two have a conversation and avoid thinking the worst of each other. There is a little reluctance on both MC's parts to voice the permanent commitment they both want to make, but a charming epilogue shows them celebrating their love in a very meaningful way. This entire series is full of memorable characters, wry humor, adventure, and a love story that deepens with each book. I'm a huge fan of A.J. Demas and although I'll miss Dami and Varazda, I know whatever she dreams up next will be a great read.