"Time does not matter if you are mortal or immortal. It is a blessing and a curse, no matter your existence."

Recently I’ve been reading a lot of dark fantasy/romance, and I feel like this book was what I needed for a change of pace. And for those that were wondering, there’s a lot of dark fantasy and romance elements to still keep you satisfied. As strange as this may seem to say, I felt like this book was an anticipated book I didn’t know I needed.

There are two other books prior to this, but they’re not ones you need to read though I feel if you wanted more backstory, it would be useful. My only complaint for this book is that the world building wasn’t where it should be. I felt like I was thrown into an already told story – which we are and that isn’t exactly a bad thing because it held my attention from the start – but I couldn’t help the feeling I was missing something even though information backstory was provided along the way, but it felt somewhat limited. While I could picture the world, I didn’t feel I was immersed in it.

"If hating me feels like this, hate me all you want, princess."

I absolutely loved the dynamic of all characters brought into the story and even moreso the chemistry with Nev, Declan, Luca and Kai. I mean.. I meaaan.. Ugh! They’re my new favorite even though not much has happened even though it has. Am I being vague on purpose? Your bet your ass.

Can I just talk about the tension for a sec? Because D.M. Simmons knows how to write it. The build up and the eventual temporary resolve was just.. I loved it. I don’t want to give too much away in that aspect because the writing is just what makes it.

Wait. Let me back track a little because I know I’m going to be asked in DMs. The romance of this book caught me totally off guard. I didn’t expect any scenes but they also did not disappoint. ;)

Overall, I ended up liking this more than I thought I would and I can’t wait to read the next installment! If you’re looking for fantasy that’s a quick read that has the following elements: angels, demons, friends to lovers, slow burn (but not torturous), RH, spice, and secret societies, I can expect you’ll like this one.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

Sing Our Bones Eternal by Kacey Rayburn

“It’s hard to be born into darkness, always searching for the light, but you can escape the darkness whenever you’re ready.”   Sing Our Bones Eternal is a Scottish folklore-inspired gothic fantasy by Kacey Rayburn — which involves mermaids! I can’t really say I’ve read any sort of retelling which involved mermaids, so the overall synopsis piqued my interest. I really enjoyed the dark elements and the atmosphere that was created, but I also felt like something more was missing; the world could have been developed more as could the characters. I was also hoping to see more interaction between Ivor and Senga, both in the romanic sense and in general. This is by no means a romance, but I think seeing what drew these characters together would have shown more development to understanding the couple. I liked that while there was a hint of romance, it wasn’t overly done.

I should also note backstory is provided in flashbacks during character POVs, so you may be a bit lost at first, but it’ll make sense as you read on. You can’t exactly blame a person for wanting to know more of how and why of these characters and by the end it’s exactly that. I cannot say that I was hooked from the beginning, but something about the story and Kacey’s lyrical writing hooked me. I normally chuck a book if it doesn’t pick up around chapter ten, so it says a lot that I kept reading. For me the story picked up around 43-50%. “Bless those who burn, for they bring us light.” The dark elements mixed with suspense and horror made for something I enjoyed. Based on personal preference, I’d rate this book somewhere between 3-4 stars.  

I also want to thank Kacey for sending me an ARC of her book in return of an honest review! :) Quick synopsis: Senga Goldie is an outcast on Hourglass Isle. Her father is wicked. Her mother is beguiled. Bound by a covenant to a hungry god, Senga has all the trappings of a huntress, but her world is shattered when a mirror-wielding mermaid befriends her. Caught between blood and water, she must choose between the only life she’s ever known and The Deep Dark Nether. If trigger warnings are your thing, be sure to check them out before reading.

A Kingdom of Flame & Fury by Whitney Dean

“Even the purest of hearts can find their darkness.”

Where to begin with this one!! I was surprised on many levels with this book, for one, the sheer size of it. It’s a little over 500 pages, but don’t let that discourage you — this is a pretty fast paced read (for me it picked up around chapter 10). And more spice than I thought there would be. There’s a bit of political drama, but not overly excessive where it takes over the plot, which I liked.

“Find yourself, Raven. Don’t let others do it for you.”

I’ll admit, I had my impatient moments where I wanted to learn a bit more about the characters, the world building and the magic system since it took a while to get there. But! it was all done in a matter of intent rather than it being informational overload all at once. Whitney knows exactly what she’s doing to keep us reading.

“You’re desperate to be the villain in her story when she already has one.”

Overall, I found this to be an enjoyable read even though the insta lust and love triangle mess stressed me out. I can’t explain it, it just does (this is in general for me). lol You know how it’s going to go, who’s going to end up with who to a point where you get the overwhelming urge to knock some sense into the main characters.

What to expect: elemental magic, morally gray characters, love triangle, insta love, friends to lovers, stabbing action, banter, spice

For ‘touch her and die’ fans: “I swear, Cade.. If you ever fucking hurt her again, not even Hades himself will let me into hell for what I will unleash on you.”

Rating: 4/5 stars

Available on Amazon!

Terra Nova by MtG

“Trust is not demanded. It is earned. I do not trust anyone who tells me to trust them.”

You ever get tired of the same ‘ol same ‘ol of vampire stories? Thankfully, this one veers away from that path with the authors own spin on it. It’s also not your typical vampire book and that’s a huge sigh of relief.

This book wasn’t what I was expecting at all — and I loved that!! I was a little hesitant when I heard about parallel universes as I’m very particular about that but MTG makes to work. I now have a new level of expectation.

Overall, I found this book to be written well and found it to be a fast paced read. While it starts off somewhat slow it’s totally justifiable with world building and character development and picks up around thirteen-ish.. fourteen chapters in. It’s not overly done with romance but just enough to keep the reader engaged and wanting to know how it all plays out for the second book. There’s a good amount of banter which makes my little black heart happy.

While this is a very human story, it does have its elements of the supernatural which balances it out to make it a very enjoyable read. I highly recommend for those who are looking for a different take of vampire fiction.

Rating: 4/5 stars

Purchase: Amazon

How the Heart Breaks by Stacey Marie Brown

“When you felt dead inside, the last thing you wanted to be around was cheerful people. It reflected what you didn’t have. Happiness.” I went into this book thinking I was going to be absolutely gutted because you read the title, you read the synopsis and then you read the first 10 chapters and you kind of have an idea as to where this may be headed. I picked up on so many foreboding clues that I was on edge. Let me just say.. this book hit on many different levels and in all the best ways possible. If you’ve read Stacey’s works before and/or are a fan of contemporary romance.. you’re going to want to pick this one up. One thing that I was a little hesitant about reading was the reverse age gap. I haven’t had too much luck with previous books where it could be a trope I could get on board with let alone read to feel the chemistry between the characters to be believable. I should have known better with Stacey’s style of writing because in no way was this cringe nor the dialogue cheesy, if anything it’s raising the bar. I went into this a little unsure but was totally rooting for the couple by the end. This book had me like a sidelines mom where I was laughing at the banter to yelling at the characters (“You IDIOT!” to include hand gestures) and wanting to throw the kindle across the room. Without a doubt you become invested in these characters. I finished this book pretty much in one sitting (which is rare) and then it spent the next couple of days living rent free (as did.. other.. parts) in my head which is something because I normally don’t read ‘contemporary. ROMANCE’ ya’ll guys. “..but at the end of the day, it’s up to us how much we let our own fears dictate the rest of our lives.”

Rating: 4/5 Spice: 4/5     Thank you to both Next Step PR and Stacey for this eARC to read and to leave an honest review.    

Available on Amazon! :)

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The Dark King by Gina L. Maxwell

I haven’t read anything by Gina Maxwell, but the synopsis of The Dark King sounded intriguing enough for me to want to read it, I mean when you mention dark fantasy and Fae? I wanna read what this one is about! Overall, it doesn’t disappoint but it does leave you wanting more.

The story was interesting enough where it kept my attention and also makes for a fast paced read. I was drawn in by the initial plot but stayed for the dynamic and banter between the two main characters, Bryn and Caiden. As much as I loved the banter between the two, I found his brothers to be a great addition (and brought much humor) to the story as well.

The one aspect that I wish there was more of was detail. Detail in the world building (a Fae world in Vegas? possibilities could be endless! and I wanted more of it) and detail in the characters. There is character development but I felt like it could have expanded a bit more (unless of course that will be divulged in the next book).

The spice was well written and justified. I do like when an author writes spice where it’s needed and not to just throw in a scene. On that note and for those that were wondering, I found it to be 3/5 stars. It wasn’t as dark as I thought it would be, but that could be a personal preference as well.

I wasn’t overly fond of the ending (which is where it starts to pick up again.. of course! ;) so I’m interested to see where book two leads.

Thanks again to NetGalley for providing me a copy of the eARC! :)

This book will be available on September 27th! Pre-order here!

“What you need to do is let go of everything that holds you back from being who you truly are. You need to live in the moment, live in your light. You need to follow your gut and trust your instinct. I think we both have learned that life is so desperately short and utterly fragile, and you must make sure you live, Emara. Not just exist, live.”

» The Review

Let me first start off by saying thank you! to Noelle for sending me an eARC! And also allowing me to pester you through DMs with my reactions. ^_^

I don’t even know where to start with this review! I finished this book not too long ago, so forming thoughts to words will be an interesting feat — and fingers cross it all makes sense!

There are so many things that I loved about this book, but one thing in particular that stood out was seeing the growth of Noelle’s writing and of these characters from the first book, An Empress of Air and Chaos, to the second. I can’t wait to see where we end up for the third. Friends, the books just keep getting better.

I’ll admit, I’m not one for emotional range, but there were certain parts of this book that just about got me. I won’t say any more, but I feel anything I’d elaborate on in that aspect will give something away. However, THE BANTER. I found myself not just giggling to myself, but actually laughing out loud. Artem has to be my newest favorite character. I can’t wait to see how his story unfolds. ;)

“From what I’ve gathered, you seem sweet and lovely. But sometimes you can look at Torin like you are about to stab him in the neck. I mean, if I am honest with myself, I am here for it.”

I absolutely can’t WAIT to get this book in my hands. September 10th cannot come soon enough. And if you haven’t already, you can preorder the book here! :)

Rating: 5/5 Smutation: 2.5-3/5

The Annihilator by RuNyx

RuNyx has the ability to absolutely ruin you.

“You invited the devil to play, don’t beg for mercy when he shows up.”

And I sit there and take it with every book I read of hers.  I mean, it’s almost expected of her books and with this fifth installment of the Dark Verse series that didn’t disappoint. Just like her previous books, this was one that I couldn’t put down and pretty much inhaled in one sitting. And just like previous books, it left me with a massive book hangover where any books that come after held no interest (it also had me wanting to do a reread all over again).

While I loved this new introduction of characters I also felt like there could have been more depth to the main characters, The Shadow Man and Lyla. I’m not sure if this is with intent (which I can kind of see) where it felt rushed to get the story moving or not but it felt lacking, like there was detail and chemistry but not enough to be fulfilling if that makes sense  — you can’t blame a person of wanting to read more about these characters is what I’m saying! Kinda selfish, I know. ;D

In terms of the healing process that takes place, I understand the intent for helping the main character heal, however the timeline of it all I didn’t find believable. Again, this felt rushed for me.

Overall, and in typical RuNyx fashion, this was an addicting and enjoyable read of equal parts dark romance and mystery with some resolve and spice sprinkled throughout to keep you satisfied. 

“Maybe she would never be whole. But maybe, one day she wouldn't be as broken either. And that alone gave her some hope.”

Bring on the next installment!!

Available on Amazon through paperback and KU (and trust me.. you’re gonna want the paperback).

Does It Hurt? By H.D. Carlton

“I love it when you’re hurt, baby, but only when it’s me who inflicts the pain.” There’s a trust in H.D. Carlton’s writing that is just a given. If she’s writing it, I’m reading it. Easy. Had there been any other author to write something that centered around a lighthouse of all things, it would have been an automatic pass. That being said, this book was a fucking roller coaster of crazy.. and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It definitely could have been darker, but I did like the added suspense and mystery to it all. There were some parts that had me wanting to throw the book out of frustration (i.e. the interaction between the main characters and Peg Leg Pete) and then other parts that.. had a different sort of frustration. I said it. “She’s walking lightning. Both beautiful and fucking destructive.” I found the first 10 chapters to be a slow build, but everything that came after definitely picked up. The pacing of the story to the gradual build up to creepy was written in a manner that just flowed effortlessly. That’s the main reason why I love H.D. Carlton’s writing, you can so easily be drawn in to the world and characters she’s created. The only nitpick I have was that I felt the connection between the two main characters, Enzo and Sawyer, seemed kind of rushed. “I’ve never feared death, Enzo. I’m only afraid to live and it all be for nothing. I’ve spent so much time running that I don’t remember why I’m living.” Star rating: 4/5 #Smutation rating: 5/5 What to expect: dark romance - enemies to lovers - suspense - spice - forced proximity - banter - stabbing action .. honestly just read the book but also check the trigger warnings if you’re the type to. I wasn’t bothered (which may or may not say a lot about me) but I get how this book may not be for everyone. Does It Hurt? is out now! Available on KU and physical copies. Let me also mention.. the physical copies are where it’s at. I received mine today and I absolutely love the chapter art. I also want to thank H.D. Carlton and Social Butterfly PR for sending me the eARC to read and review.        

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“I would go to the ends of the world and back, walking on hot coals barefoot and with a gun to my head, if it meant protecting this girl.”

For those interested in a Romeo + Juliet inspired maifa romance without it being so drab, these books are for you! Expect a fair share of banter and angst for this friends to enemies to lovers series.

A Very Rossi Christmas isn’t a novella you have to read first, but it helps a lot! I may have read that novella after book one and it helped to fill in the gaps.

Quick synopsis:

She's my best friend from childhood. The girl I thought I loved once. And the woman who just threatened to put me in jail, courtesy of the case she's prosecuting in court. She's also now my prisoner.

Sloane Brennan thought she was on top of the world. Hell, she was on top of the world. But she's also the daughter of my father's enemy, and when my father decides to kidnap her and use her as leverage against her own father, then puts me in charge of watching over her...

Goodreads Reviews: A Very Rossie Christmas - Her Romeo - Her Hero

________________

Overall rating: 3.5/5 stars Spice rating: 3/5 stars

Thanks again to Bookstagrammers.com and Spitfire Press for sending me a copy to review!

A Botanist's Guide to Parties and Poisons (A Saffron Everleigh Mystery)

Let me start first by saying, I normally don’t gravitate towards Historical Fiction because of the handful I’ve read that came off too textbook for me. However, when I read the synopsis for this book, I was intrigued!

Synopsis: Newly minted research assistant Saffron Everleigh attends a dinner party for the University College of London. While she expects to engage in conversations about the university’s large expedition to the Amazon, she doesn’t expect Mrs. Henry, one of the professors’ wives, to drop to the floor, poisoned by an unknown toxin.

Saffron’s mentor, Dr. Maxwell, is the main suspect in the investigation which  Saffron brings it upon herself, and fellow colleague, Alexander Ashton, to clear his name.

I found this book to be an enjoyable fast-paced read. I loved the descriptive elements and the sense of place such as the greenhouses to the university and at no point did it feel like parts were being dragged out or rushed. I also liked the fact that, while you get the sense of a romantic relationship building between the main characters, it wasn’t the main focus.

I think it’s safe to say that I absolutely adored this book, and that’s not a term I use a lot. I also think we need more Saffron’s in the world! I found her to be quick witted, intelligent and drive to be somewhat a breath of fresh air in female main characters.

This book is the first in its series and I can’t wait to read more about Saffron and Alexander.

I also want to thank Crooked Lane Books for sending me a copy of this book.

Preorder your copy: Amazon (available June 7th!)

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“Some days were good and some days were bad. Then some days your therapist turned out to be a sadist who enjoyed hacking off body parts and wanted you dead.”

I enjoyed this book more than I thought I would have.

I started this read because it sounded interesting but totally stayed for Baz and Nemo.

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The Predator by RuNyx

Prior to The Predator, I can honestly say I had no interest in any kind of ‘mafia’ book. Just the thought didn’t sound interesting nor did any sort of synopsis ever appeal to me. But after reading Gothikana, and loving RuNyx’s writing, I decided to give it a chance.

Holy hell people.. what have I been missing out on?!

I absolutely devoured this book — I absolutely hate the word/phrase, but it’s true. (I also ordered the next two books about halfway through so they’d be here when I finished.) This was a book that a friend and I buddy read together and we zoomed it. We normally set our chapter reads to 5 a day; we finished this in a day and a half — and I consider myself a slow reader!

While the story is slow building (this is book one of five, after all), the plot is well established by the end and there’s a lot going on inbetween for you to get wrapped up in it. I loved that there was so many other added factors to this and not just one focal point. This book is so good! And it hits all points for me, but here's a couple off the top of my head: a strong female MC, the brooding male MC that is the literal strong and silent type, mystery, stabbing action, quick witted banter, and some spice sprinkled in.

My only annoyance (though only just)? The amount of times ‘whiskey and sin’ was mentioned.

What I absolutely loved? The unsaid moments that just were. For example, the moment when Tristan and Morana sat side by side looking out the window as it poured down rain. I like to think this was a defining moment between the two.

Purchase your copy: Amazon

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F**k Buddies by Lisa Andrew

First and foremost I want to thank Lisa for sending me an e-copy of her book. And also allowing me to raid your DMs. ;)

Second, this book stressed me out so much that I almost didn’t finish it. The amount of miscommunication, lies and manipulation between the characters was enough for me to want to throw my kindle across the room. Thisclose. I was literally having conversations with these fictional characters of what idiots they were being — oh my god. I might have even yelled out, “kids today!” in frustration. And now look, I’m getting heated just talking about it. lol

That’s another thing.. I didn’t expect the roller coaster of emotions and that was something new for me. I haven’t read anything prior to this of Lisa's so I didn’t quite know what to expect, but I prefer it that way. Also, if trigger warnings are your thing, you may want to read those prior to reading this book.

Overall, even though I found the majority predictable in it's outcome, I still found the story to be intriguing enough to keep reading. The book itself is a face paced read, which I liked, and ties up nicely in the end.. at least for the dominate issue at the start.

Some things to expect with this book: Enemies to lovers Hair pulling (yours, that is) Friends with benefits Toxic relationships Spice

Purchase your copy: Amazon

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The Emperor

Dante. Maroni.

That’s it. That’s the review.

Oh my god, guys and gals.. while it may still be too early to tell, I think that this book, The Emperor, has to be my favorite of the Dark Verse series by far. Or.. the ones that come after have a lot to catch up to. I didn’t know I needed a Dante book until we got the Dante book.. and I’m so glad.

“Dante Maroni was a vision of masculine beauty and primitive badassery, with a dark gaze that missed nothing and a light smile that hid everything. He was contradictions and balances completing each other in one specimen; a slow, deceptive, undetectable poison to everyone except the people close to his heart.”

While I liked the story of Morana and Tristan and wanted to read more about them, my mind kept going back to little moments between Dante and Amara since The Predator. Since Morana asked, “May I ask what’s going on between you and Amara?” And then the looks! Subtle hints were there, but we all were too focused on Morana and Tristan, and rightfully so, BUT.. but you, reader, know as well as I know, our minds kept flittering back to Dante and Amara.

In this book you read about the early years of both Amara and Dante to the adults they are now when you meet them in the first book. I loved seeing glimpses of young Amara, Dante and even Tristan and learning more about them. There is so much that happens, so much that tests them. The struggles, heartaches (this more than anything) and overall love between these friends was so beautifully written.

“How do you forget?”

“You don’t. You need to find something or someone to live for. Something or someone who makes you want to push through all the shit the world will throw at you.”

You know how people use the word “obsessed” in a mere fleeting moment? This isn’t the case here. I know I was hooked by the first book, but I’m confirmed obsessed at this point. I can’t stop recommending this series!

Purchase your copy: Amazon

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The Reaper by RuNyx

“You’re with vultures now. They feed off the dead.”

Book two picks up where book one leaves off and with that leaving us with more questions than answers, but we do get some answers. While it’s driving me crazy of not knowing a certain plot point, there’s other events that happen that keep you occupied while still adding supportive elements to the story and it’s all well worth it. Yes, this is all very vague.. it needs to be. So much happens!!

What I like about this book is that we get a firm understanding of where Morana and Tristan are as a couple. But I also feel like the biggest development is Tristan himself. He’s ever the brooding main character that we all come to love and we learn a bit more as to why. It’s a great exchange between Morana and Tristan to see them opening up and being there for one another.

While this book is the end of Morana and Tristan’s story (kind of), it isn’t for this series.

Purchase your copy: Amazon

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Gothikana by RuNyx

I didn’t expect too much going into this book, nor did I want to. I had seen this one floating around bookstagram for a bit and normally don’t like to give into the hype because then I would have this way of thinking how good a book should be. It wasn’t until a friend suggested we should just try it, the synopsis sounded intriguing and we also had other credible reviewers that swore by it. “Gothic, dark academia and mystery with added spice” vibes is all that was really described but it was enough to get my attention. It also seemed like a great book to start off Spooky Season reads.

And it didn’t disappoint! Not even five chapters in and I was drawn in. Words were strung together as if lyrical when describing a sense of place and I loved that.

"Wearing the fog around her like a cloak, fearless of anything that hid inside it, Corvina followed the sound as it came. The woods thickened with her steps, the castle disappearing behind her from the sight in the foliage. Tall tress stood like sentinels against the battle of time, their barks thick, their leaves dewy, and the scent of crisp forest permeating the air."

Folks, at 444 pages we finished this book in about two days. What started as, ‘we’ll just read 5 chapters a day’ to texting one another to see where we were at and if we wanted to continue. I didn’t get much sleep those couple of days and I’m not complaining about it. It was a fast paced read without the sense of the plot being rushed and kept me wanting to read more; to learn more about Corvina and Vad and the mysterious events happening at Verenmore University.

My only complaint? It’s a standalone book.

Hands down one of my favorite books of 2021 and newest favorite author.

Purchase your copy: Amazon

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