feelinnocane's Reviews (253)

Let's start with the playlist for this book, which is chef's kiss. However, be prepared for a cliffhanger ending, so have book 2, "There are no Devils," ready. This book features dual perspective narration between Cole (MMC) and Mara (FMC). Cole is rich, mysterious, handsome, and talented in the art world, while Mara is the definition of a struggling artist. However, what she lacks in funds, she makes up for in taste and talent. Unfortunately, Mara finds herself stuck between two rival artists, Alastor and Cole. What she didn't know is that they are not just rival artists, but also rival serial killers. After all that being said please make sure you check your triggers. This book was heavy for me but I did enjoy it a lot and wasted no time diving into number 2. I like the dynamic between Cole and Mara and them being complete opposites yet the things they have in common bring a certain flow with them together, like their artwork. I would 100% recommend

If you have not read "There are no Saints," I would recommend going back and reading that first. This is Book 2, and it picks up right where Book 1 leaves off. Cole is rich, mysterious, handsome, and talented in the art world, whereas Mara is the definition of a struggling artist. However, what she lacks in funds, she makes up for in taste and talent. Unfortunately, Mara finds herself stuck between two rivals, Alastor and Cole. What she didn't know is that they are not just rival artists, but also rival serial killers.

Book two delves into past trauma and their dynamic more, making it an emotional roller coaster. The flow of the book is good and fast-paced, and the ending is satisfying. I do not want to give any spoilers but I really enjoyed this series.

"Taste of Darkness" by Carly Claire. I was first introduced to Carly Claire when I read "Their Hallowed Queen 1 ^ 2," and I loved them and her writing style. This book is no different. It features a dual perspective between Remington, aka Remy, and Claire. Claire is Remy's sister Rhea's best friend, who may be holding a secret, and Remy is hell-bent on finding out what it is. Remy's and Rhea's family business is definitely not the trusting business, and Remy will do whatever it takes to protect his family. The problem is that Claire's secrets are not what he thinks, but surprisingly enough, just as dangerous. This book ends on a cliffhanger, and book 2, "The Weight of Darkness," comes out soon. The author's style of writing makes it a fast-paced read. Even though it ends where it does, the immediate answers and a little of the backstory are explained. I cannot wait to see how this story unfolds and what happens with Remy and Claire's story.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I do want to first say, as I always do, to check for triggers before reading this. However, I also want to emphasize that for people who have a history with drugs, there is heavy drug use throughout the book, so make sure you are in a good mental state before you read.

That being said, this is a taboo (foster siblings), stalker, touch-her-and-die, MFM, dark romance, and is told from multiple perspectives. The MMC's are Lux and Donovan, and the FMC is Boston. They grew up as foster siblings in a nightmare-fueled foster home. Lux and Donovan leave when they are 17, with a promise to come back for Boston when they get settled. After a horrifying four years, Boston ends up leaving on her own. We then find out what happened to the boys and why they did not come back for her.

This is a story with highs and lows fast-paced read with action and spice combined. I feel for Boston because once she leaves the foster home, she just wants to find herself, and yet it seems like she hits roadblocks every step of the way. But don't worry, this is a HEA. Definitely a good quick read.

4.5 STARS ALL DAY. Audrey Rush is an author whose work consistently defies expectations. In her latest novel, Blaze, the MMC, and Ren, the FMC, cross paths while working at a mortuary. Blaze, a serial killer/grave digger, and Ren, a crematorium technician, form an unlikely pact: she seeks to end her life, while he seeks to take others'. Audrey's narrative unfolds with creativity, offering unexpected emotional depth by the book's conclusion. I wholeheartedly recommend it, rating it 10 out of 10.

I want to start off by saying that this book does not have a trigger warning list, as it was published in 2015 when they were not as prevalent as they are now. That being said, this is a dark romance with past events including child abuse, sexual assault, and child neglect. It also contains elements of violence, murder, and drug use. Now that that is out of the way...

Nine, also known as Storm (FMC), is a Vegas escort who has had to fend for herself since her parents kicked her out at a young age. With the help of her best friend and assistant, she starts an elite escort business with some of the richest guys in Vegas. One night, she takes on a new client, which is unusual, but the client is willing to pay top dollar. Things take a drastic turn when she wakes up to find Trig (MMC) and realizes she is no longer in the hotel room. Her brain is fuzzy as she tries to piece together what happened before her situation goes from bad to worse.

Without giving away any spoilers, let me tell you, if you're thinking "Pretty Woman," the answer is no, I did mention thee dark romance part earlier. Julia Roberts was not living in a nice house driving a Benz, and Richard Gere was not covered in tattoos and carrying a gun. Nine screams sex appeal and confidence, and Trig, well, he's the epitome of the bad boy, dangerous, which makes him sexy. There is a lot of character building when it comes to Trig and Nine, which alone keeps you engaged. It is told from Nine's POV, and the good thing is I can tell you that this is a HEA, and there is a Book 2 coming soon. I really did enjoy this book, and it was a quick read at around 200 pages.

To start, I would like to tell you that this is Book 2. Book 1 was called "Nine"; if you have not read "Nine", everything is going to be a spoiler.

****Book 1 Spoilers****
For those who need a refresher, here is a little recap: Nine, also known as Storm (FMC), is a Vegas escort who has had to fend for herself since her parents kicked her out at a young age. With the help of her best friend and assistant, she starts an elite escort business with some of the richest guys in Vegas. One night, she takes on a new client and things take a drastic turn when she is attacked. When she wakes up to find Trig (MMC) and realizes she is no longer in the hotel room, her brain is fuzzy as she tries to piece together what happened before her situation goes from bad to worse. One look at Nine and Trig saw some of the trauma that lays in him was in her too. The bond was undeniable even though everything stood in their way. Nine and Trig basically burned everything to the ground fighting for their freedom in the end they make it out on top and start a family of their own.

Book 2 starts by giving us a look into Trig's past and everything leading up to how he meets Nine, told from his perspective. Then it really starts to pick up when we learn that somehow Trig is back in the game. From this point on, we go on a wild ride which I was prepared for after reading book 1. The writing style is smooth, keeps you engaged, and has good character building. And we all know I love a good twist or shock, and this has it. 4.5 stars; I would recommend.

****ARC Read****

I am still in shock my book friends did not tell me to read this book earlier. I absolutely loved this. All the characters played a part in this book perfectly. Aero (MMC) is dark and manipulative, the absolute polar opposite of Briony (FMC). This is a story about men in power abusing that power, and Aero is set on his own path of revenge, using anyone and everyone, including Briony, to stop them. Watching Briony grow in this book is something else. If you love dark romance, I definitely recommend this.

One of my mutuals stated perfectly that if you love dark romance and want to take a dip into splatterpunk, then this book is a good place to start, and I agree 100%. This is a dual perspective with Lana (FMC) and Christian (MMC). Lana is put in a spot that ends up trading her life for her brother's debt. She soon finds out the men she hands her life over to run a snuff filming ring. To make things worse, she is saved by a rival snuff ring. There are 20+ triggers in this book. Christian is 100% unhinged and he doesn't appear in the snuff films if that tells you anything about him. What Lana goes through I would not wish on anyone and the fact that she is still standing is a miracle. If you like dark romance and splatterpunk, I highly recommend this book. Oh I almost forgot this is Dark Desires & Sinful Sweethearts Book One!

“Their Hallowed Queen” (Part One) - Carly Claire. Let me say that in the beginning of the book there is a note from the author, and it tells you exactly what you need to know about this book before getting started. The main Character of this story is named Marley, and she seems to be followed by tragedy. Her best friend was murdered on Halloween 2019 in her hometown and later her therapist in 2023 after she moves away. To deal with all of this Marley goes back to visit her sister in her hometown. Soon after arriving she is reunited with blasts from the past.

Now, the author does switch the chapters between 2019 and 2023 which is new for me and surprisingly brilliant. It keeps you engaged and leaves you feeling teased between timelines. You get a build up from the chapter then it flashes back to the past or present. This also gives answers to questions you may have as they arrive in the story. This book is fast-paced, full of spice all while being a who done it book. The author's writing is easy to read and easy to follow along with. Now this does leave you in a cliff hanger that made me literally scream “What?!?”. But it is OK, book 2 is out. I would give this book 4.5 out of 5 stars and would definitely be recommending.

I received an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this book in exchange for an honest review. This does not influence my thoughts, opinions, or the content of my review. My feedback is based solely on the merit of the book and my personal reading experience.