Having read Ms. Damschroder’s first two stories about Maggie and Devon, I was pleased when she gave Kalen Price his own story.

Slow Build picks up shortly after A Matter of Choice ends, but it focuses on Kalen's reaction to Maggie’s impending marriage. Unsure why a woman who walked away from him would want him at her wedding, Kalen decides to attend. He finds Maggie happily in love with her groom and himself more lonely than usual. Maggie’s partner Sylvie offers sympathy, but will it be enough to take his mind off Maggie?

Slow Build contains the magic and sensuality I have come to anticipate in any story about these dynamic mages. However, the passion is balanced with the emotional aspects of the story. The conflict doesn’t come from a rogue agent or a pending disaster; instead it is much more personal in nature. This really brings the reader in touch with the characters. Kalen and Sylvie must confront their wants and desires as the bonding heats the air between them. The sensuality they discover runs the gamut; their initial encounter is scorching with subsequent scenes continuing their erotic exchange with vivid imagery and heat. Ms. Damschroder knows how to deliver erotic heat laced with caring and emotion. It was nice to revisit old characters, but the stars of this story are definitely Kalen and Sylvie.

Reviewed by: Amanda