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4.61k reviews by:
loverofromance
This review WILL contain spoilers, so fair warning, upon reading the review. Also my tags may have spoilers in them so be forewarned before checking out full review.
Book Evaluation:
Plot: 🎞️🎞️🎞️🎞️
World Building:🌎🌎🌎🌎🌎
Cover:📔📔📔📔📔
Hero: 🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻
Heroine:🦸🏻♀️🦸🏻♀️🦸🏻♀️🦸🏻♀️🦸🏻♀️
Intimacy Level: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Relationship Building: 💒💒💒💒💒
Heart & Feels:💞💞💞💞💞
Witty/Banter/Reaction of Laughter: 😂😂😂😂
Page Turner Level:📖📖📖📖
Ending:🧧🧧🧧🧧🧧
Overall View: ✨✨✨✨✨
“There’s no saving you now. No one can stand against me. I’m too formidable. And you’re all mine. Tutto mio. Forever.”
First Impressions
Ruler of Hearts is the 6th installment in the Fausti family saga and this is a very LONG book haha It did take a while to fully get into the story. It does have moments where it drags at times but once it hits....it will hit you HARD!!! I absolutely adored it deeply. There is something beautiful in how this couple grows together. And this is WHY I love epic saga pairings. And this is the first time I have seen it in a dark romance. Although I don't really consider these books "Dark Romance" it feels closer to contemporary romance with dark elements to it, if that makes sense. I think if you like edgier romantic suspense with mafia family aspects, then this saga is definitely for you. And from what I know most of her books are all connected to each other, so this series you do want to read first.
She came forward and rested her forehead against my chest. “My skull shields my brain. My backbone protects my spine. Your rib shelters my heart,” she said in Italian. “Behind your bones, your strength, I find a place to rest.”
First Line
It was so quiet in our refurbished brownstone in Brooklyn, in the Park Slope Historic District, that I could hear the snow swirling outside of our picture window, a million susurrations floating around in then night.
The Main Protagonists
The Hero: Brando
The Heroine: Scarlett
“Despite it all and nothing, mio marito, I love you so much it hurts to breathe sometimes. Out of all I’ve done in my life, out of all of the accomplishments and accolades, the best thing I’ve ever done—the best thing I am—is being your wife, Brando Piero Fausti.”
Summary
Brando and Scarlett have settled in their home in New York City, after having to flee from Italy and having two enemies that could cause problems for them. Brando turned down his father's offer to take over the family business, but he knows that won't be the end of things and once Luca is out of prison....things will heat up but for now he wants to take this time with Scarlett and build their life in the states. Brando and Scarlett will have to face up to some demons, some monsters hiding tracking them and their relationship will be challenged in ways that they don't expect....and some uunexpected surprises along the way that will either break their relationship or fortify it even stronger...
“Roses are classic. Romantic. A reminder that all beauty comes with a price—their thorns can make you bleed.”
What I Loved
This pairing of Brando and Scarlett are simply perfection in so many ways. They are truly magic together especially when they decide to actually talk to each other and work out issues as a team...that is where their connection shows such deep layers and seeing the intimacy between grow stronger and more concrete with each challenge is what really makes this series "chefs kiss" good. In Ruler of Hearts, our couple is facing some things. Now much of this book is just seeing them living their lives. Scarlett is dancing still and there are some problems with them. Scarlett is exhausted from her career, Brando is jealous of her dancing partner and they are getting much media attention from it. Brando wants to be supportive but he is also seeing the strain it is putting on her and on their relationship.
matter what I do—you need to remember too. You are mine. Death can’t even take that away from me. Those words are mine. I’ve claimed them since that night in the snow. All mine. You alone. Even if you don’t remember, Scarlett Fausti, I do.
But there is also other aspects that is causing strain. Brando can't get over not having kids, he has issues from his childhood that is causing him to doubt and have reservations and its hurting Scarlett because she wants children more than anything but she won't deceive him into it, she wants him by her side and she is trying to accept that children may never be in her life with him. But what happens when fears come alive for Brando....will he stand by Scarlett's side or break completely? Well you will find out. But I will say the third act was just right. We really see how Brando has to face his fears and that Scarlett is HIS wife and you see how his literal soul gets pushed to the limits....but he comes out in the end being the true hero we know him to be. And the moment when he holds his little girl for the first time and truly accepts being a father??? I BROKE!!!! Literally. It was worth all the angst and conflicts building in this book to see him see the true joy of having a child and how that changes you for the better. Bella Di Corte hit this book hard. And while there were elements that I wish was done a bit differently, I was more than thrilled to be along for the ride. But now I am terrified for book 7.....because Luca will be fully on the scene and I just know it will have me on the edge of my seat.
Men could be as strong as iron, but when it came to a woman’s love and comfort, there was nothing in this world stronger—and I dared anyone to tell me otherwise. It could heal when nothing else was able to. It could hold back the forces of death long enough to see the man through to the other side. It was the antidote to all sickness, and the relief in all circumstances. It could make a man smile when he had nothing or everything to lose. I was my wife’s armor in this life, but she was the strength of my heart.
What I Struggled With
The only thing I am not a big fan of is all this inner angst when they have been together for years. Now we see great character growth in the conflicts that they have together, but some things like jealousy and not working out issues with honest communication, should NOT be a problem with how long they have been together. It was how the conflicts was written in this book that kept it from being a 6 star read.
I never believed in magic until I saw you dancing, my wife. I never believed in love until you touched my hand, my wife. I never believed in transcendence until I made love to you, my wife. I never believed in forever, until you became my wife.
Overall View
Ruler of Hearts is a epic saga tale that digs deep into the heartbreak of the soul, the battle that wages from within, it reflects the true facets of the human condition, of fighting to heal and to embrace the beauty that love and life has to offer. AN UTTER GEM OF BRILLIANCE IN EPIC LOVE THAT KEEPS FIGHTING!
“You are my heart. Your lifeblood sustains mine. Not my equal; you are more powerful than me.”
Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Contemporary Romance, Romantic Suspense, Dark Romance
Character Types: Mafia, Dancer/Ballerina, Alpha Male/Protector
Themes: Danger/Suspense, Tear Jerker, World Building A Focus, One True Pairing
Tropes: Epic Love
Book Perspective
Duo POV
Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
Both
If you like these authors, I recommend This Book
Nicole Fox
Cora Reilly
JM Darhower
Song This Book Inspires
Beautiful People by Ed Sheeran
Recommendation For Reading Order
YES ----you need to read these books in order
Steam/Spice Explanations
Simmering cup of tea---soft warm touches and light intimacy
Warmin' by the fire- a medium level of sexual tension, a balance of sexual and emotional intimacy, lighter on the details in the sexual moments.
Steamin' up the room -the sexual content is more explicit in the language and tone, heavier amount of sexual scenes.
Blazing fire to the building-The prime focus is the sex scenes, scorching hot, and could burn one. Less focus on the emotional intimacy to the relationship.
Book Evaluation:
Plot: 🎞️🎞️🎞️🎞️
World Building:🌎🌎🌎🌎🌎
Cover:📔📔📔📔📔
Hero: 🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻
Heroine:🦸🏻♀️🦸🏻♀️🦸🏻♀️🦸🏻♀️🦸🏻♀️
Intimacy Level: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Relationship Building: 💒💒💒💒💒
Heart & Feels:💞💞💞💞💞
Witty/Banter/Reaction of Laughter: 😂😂😂😂
Page Turner Level:📖📖📖📖
Ending:🧧🧧🧧🧧🧧
Overall View: ✨✨✨✨✨
“There’s no saving you now. No one can stand against me. I’m too formidable. And you’re all mine. Tutto mio. Forever.”
First Impressions
Ruler of Hearts is the 6th installment in the Fausti family saga and this is a very LONG book haha It did take a while to fully get into the story. It does have moments where it drags at times but once it hits....it will hit you HARD!!! I absolutely adored it deeply. There is something beautiful in how this couple grows together. And this is WHY I love epic saga pairings. And this is the first time I have seen it in a dark romance. Although I don't really consider these books "Dark Romance" it feels closer to contemporary romance with dark elements to it, if that makes sense. I think if you like edgier romantic suspense with mafia family aspects, then this saga is definitely for you. And from what I know most of her books are all connected to each other, so this series you do want to read first.
She came forward and rested her forehead against my chest. “My skull shields my brain. My backbone protects my spine. Your rib shelters my heart,” she said in Italian. “Behind your bones, your strength, I find a place to rest.”
First Line
It was so quiet in our refurbished brownstone in Brooklyn, in the Park Slope Historic District, that I could hear the snow swirling outside of our picture window, a million susurrations floating around in then night.
The Main Protagonists
The Hero: Brando
The Heroine: Scarlett
“Despite it all and nothing, mio marito, I love you so much it hurts to breathe sometimes. Out of all I’ve done in my life, out of all of the accomplishments and accolades, the best thing I’ve ever done—the best thing I am—is being your wife, Brando Piero Fausti.”
Summary
Brando and Scarlett have settled in their home in New York City, after having to flee from Italy and having two enemies that could cause problems for them. Brando turned down his father's offer to take over the family business, but he knows that won't be the end of things and once Luca is out of prison....things will heat up but for now he wants to take this time with Scarlett and build their life in the states. Brando and Scarlett will have to face up to some demons, some monsters hiding tracking them and their relationship will be challenged in ways that they don't expect....and some uunexpected surprises along the way that will either break their relationship or fortify it even stronger...
“Roses are classic. Romantic. A reminder that all beauty comes with a price—their thorns can make you bleed.”
What I Loved
This pairing of Brando and Scarlett are simply perfection in so many ways. They are truly magic together especially when they decide to actually talk to each other and work out issues as a team...that is where their connection shows such deep layers and seeing the intimacy between grow stronger and more concrete with each challenge is what really makes this series "chefs kiss" good. In Ruler of Hearts, our couple is facing some things. Now much of this book is just seeing them living their lives. Scarlett is dancing still and there are some problems with them. Scarlett is exhausted from her career, Brando is jealous of her dancing partner and they are getting much media attention from it. Brando wants to be supportive but he is also seeing the strain it is putting on her and on their relationship.
matter what I do—you need to remember too. You are mine. Death can’t even take that away from me. Those words are mine. I’ve claimed them since that night in the snow. All mine. You alone. Even if you don’t remember, Scarlett Fausti, I do.
But there is also other aspects that is causing strain. Brando can't get over not having kids, he has issues from his childhood that is causing him to doubt and have reservations and its hurting Scarlett because she wants children more than anything but she won't deceive him into it, she wants him by her side and she is trying to accept that children may never be in her life with him. But what happens when fears come alive for Brando....will he stand by Scarlett's side or break completely? Well you will find out. But I will say the third act was just right. We really see how Brando has to face his fears and that Scarlett is HIS wife and you see how his literal soul gets pushed to the limits....but he comes out in the end being the true hero we know him to be. And the moment when he holds his little girl for the first time and truly accepts being a father??? I BROKE!!!! Literally. It was worth all the angst and conflicts building in this book to see him see the true joy of having a child and how that changes you for the better. Bella Di Corte hit this book hard. And while there were elements that I wish was done a bit differently, I was more than thrilled to be along for the ride. But now I am terrified for book 7.....because Luca will be fully on the scene and I just know it will have me on the edge of my seat.
Men could be as strong as iron, but when it came to a woman’s love and comfort, there was nothing in this world stronger—and I dared anyone to tell me otherwise. It could heal when nothing else was able to. It could hold back the forces of death long enough to see the man through to the other side. It was the antidote to all sickness, and the relief in all circumstances. It could make a man smile when he had nothing or everything to lose. I was my wife’s armor in this life, but she was the strength of my heart.
What I Struggled With
The only thing I am not a big fan of is all this inner angst when they have been together for years. Now we see great character growth in the conflicts that they have together, but some things like jealousy and not working out issues with honest communication, should NOT be a problem with how long they have been together. It was how the conflicts was written in this book that kept it from being a 6 star read.
I never believed in magic until I saw you dancing, my wife. I never believed in love until you touched my hand, my wife. I never believed in transcendence until I made love to you, my wife. I never believed in forever, until you became my wife.
Overall View
Ruler of Hearts is a epic saga tale that digs deep into the heartbreak of the soul, the battle that wages from within, it reflects the true facets of the human condition, of fighting to heal and to embrace the beauty that love and life has to offer. AN UTTER GEM OF BRILLIANCE IN EPIC LOVE THAT KEEPS FIGHTING!
“You are my heart. Your lifeblood sustains mine. Not my equal; you are more powerful than me.”
Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Contemporary Romance, Romantic Suspense, Dark Romance
Character Types: Mafia, Dancer/Ballerina, Alpha Male/Protector
Themes: Danger/Suspense, Tear Jerker, World Building A Focus, One True Pairing
Tropes: Epic Love
Book Perspective
Duo POV
Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
Both
If you like these authors, I recommend This Book
Nicole Fox
Cora Reilly
JM Darhower
Song This Book Inspires
Beautiful People by Ed Sheeran
Recommendation For Reading Order
YES ----you need to read these books in order
Steam/Spice Explanations
Simmering cup of tea---soft warm touches and light intimacy
Warmin' by the fire- a medium level of sexual tension, a balance of sexual and emotional intimacy, lighter on the details in the sexual moments.
Steamin' up the room -the sexual content is more explicit in the language and tone, heavier amount of sexual scenes.
Blazing fire to the building-The prime focus is the sex scenes, scorching hot, and could burn one. Less focus on the emotional intimacy to the relationship.
This review may contain spoilers, so fair warning, upon reading the review. Also my tags may have spoilers in them so be forewarned before checking out full review.
Book Evaluation:
Plot: 🎞️🎞️🎞️🎞️🎞️
World Building:🌎🌎🌎🌎🌎
Cover:📔📔📔📔
Hero: 🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻
Heroine:🦸🏻♀️🦸🏻♀️🦸🏻♀️🦸🏻♀️🦸🏻♀️
Intimacy Level: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Relationship Building: 💒💒💒💒💒
Heart & Feels:💞💞💞💞💞
Witty/Banter/Reaction of Laughter: 😂😂😂😂😂
Page Turner Level:📖📖📖📖📖
Ending:🧧🧧🧧🧧🧧
Overall View: ✨✨✨✨✨
First Impressions
We are brought back into the world of lores and epic quests and the epic love of Erubu and Sorin. In this installment, they are faced up with traveling to a time of demi gods, magic and a most unusual pairing that neither of them will expect or be fully ready for because it might cost Erubu and Sorin just about everything to risk it for this quest and a love story that will test their resolves. Song of Dragons is a story I put off, I think because the blurb sounded a bit similar to the first book but I have to say that Song of Dragons is NOTHING like the first book. In fact, I enjoyed it so much more than the first one. And yeah it was the heroine. lol I know many don't enjoy her character, but she wasn't what I was worried about. But thank goodness....Aja James delivered in every way that matters here.
First Line
"I thought we were going to the Celestial Palace?"
The Main Protagonists
The Hero: Andros
The Heroine: Divina
Summary
Erebu and Sorin, our epic couple from the Pure Dark Ones, are on their second task from the Jade Emperor and in this one they will need to retrieve the Song of Destiny. And they will be accompanied by a she dragon, Divina, who is a upbeat energetic Marilyn Monroe who loves all animals and sex but is terrified of love but is accompanied by her giant Chinese Tibetan Mastiff and nothing could possible go wrong right? Well the troupe will run into a sexy alpha celibate hero who has only known abuse and captivity and dreams of freedom, they will battle some enemies and along the way there will be a fierce passionate love that will face its greatest test that could cost all of them .....will they succeed or fail in this most important quest?
What I Loved
Song of Dragons was a book I expected to enjoy just as much as the first book in the series so I ekpt my expectations medium. But I was completely BLOWN away by this book because I actually thought I was going to be DNF'ing this story. Was that the case though??? HELL NAW!!! The author pulled through for me. My fear was in some of the reviews mentioning what creature Andros actually was and I was like PLEASE PLEASE ....I am begging you don't let this be a monster pairing, cause I just don't do animals and humans mating lol But I can safely and confidently say that there was no beastiality and Aja James completely delivered in every single way.
So first....can we discuss the beauty of Erebu and Sorin!!! Each time we see them together, I fall back in love with them. I loved the intimacy that we are seeing growing, the little reveals and gifts that this author gives us with them ....and the roman bath scene was kinda epic!!! But seeing how they get tested in the third act was brilliant. We really see their conviction and connection to each other.
Now lets get to the really good part.....the romance between Andros and Davina. I fell so deep for these two. Now I know some struggled with the heroine....but I am scratching my scalp at "why???" LOL Cause I found her so refreshing and fun and a breath of fresh air and brightness. I could see how sometimes she could come off being closed off and flighty, but she isn't really like that. She has these layers to her character. For many years she hasn't been afraid of giving her body but she keeps her heart tightly latched. She is terrified in love because at the center of it....she wants to be loved and is scared that she won't be and unfortunately that means she hurts the one man with whom she can trust her heart. But no worries....what I appreciated was how she learns her lesson. She realizes her mistake, and works to redeem herself. I would have liked a bit of a longer grovel to be honest but there was one so BRAVO to this author. And when she needs to....she will fight for those she loves the most and sacrifice everything for the one who has her heart and soul.
Then we have Andros. Andros is delectable, sweet and deliciously alpha you want to to soak him up like a sponge. Andros is a hero that has never truly known kindness or being cherished. He is like a soaring eagle....powerful and full of class and royalty and needs his freedom but dreams of so much more in his life than the cards he has been dealt. Then comes in this gorgeous woman who gives him so much in her soft touches and sweet assuring words. But Andros is sensitive in some ways especially when it comes to the emotions of the heart. You see how he wants Divina forever but he won't force her to love him. But he aches to have someone truly love him and put him as a priority and being willing to RISK everything for him. Seeing these two hearts that ache for love in different ways and find a way to compliment each other's needs just right? Was truly magical in only the ways that Aja James can deliver. The moments that these two made me swoon with their declarations of love, seeing them let go of their reservations and fear, and learn the value in fighting for each other when it truly matters....is what made this book glow with epic love moments. Its a story where we see such honest portrayals of the human condition and sacrificing for your mate truly means and the beautiful rewards that come towards you in that sacrifice and giving all you have. And the ending was MAGNIFICENT!! Honestly I was sobbing buckets because it had me in all my feels and made me want to dance in joy in seeing these two find their HEA in all the ways that they deserved!!!
I was also intrigued by Hades!!! I adored his character and I am trying not to get my hopes up but I kinda would love to see him more in the series in upcoming books. *crossing fingers*
What I Struggled With
I would have liked to see more groveling from the heroine, she does hurt the hero pretty deeply and would have liked to see something more from her on that.
Overall View
Song of Dragons was a enthralling adventure that takes the reader through the paces of beautiful sacrifice, tender hearts and a poignant love that spans time and space.
Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Mythological Fantasy, Time Travel, Paranormal Romance
Character Types: Demi Gods, Shape Shifter, Dragons, Unique Shifter
Themes: Heart/Emotionally Touching, Tear Jerker, Love of Animals, Spicy
Tropes: Forced Proximity, Fated Love, Epic Love
Book Perspective
Multi POV's
Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
Some Relationship....more Plot Conflict Focus
If you like these authors, I recommend This Book
Sherrilyn Kenyon
Kerrilyn Sparks
Larissa Ione
Song(s) This Book Inspires
Ghost by Badflower
Unsteady by X Ambassadors
Silhouette by Aquilo
Still Falling For You by Ellie Goulding
Recommendation For Reading Order
Yes
Steam/Spice Explanations
Simmering cup of tea---soft warm touches and light intimacy
Warmin' by the fire- a medium level of sexual tension, a balance of sexual and emotional intimacy, lighter on the details in the sexual moments.
Steamin' up the room -the sexual content is more explicit in the language and tone, heavier amount of sexual scenes.
Blazing fire to the building-The prime focus is the sex scenes, scorching hot, and could burn one. Less focus on the emotional intimacy to the relationship.
Book Evaluation:
Plot: 🎞️🎞️🎞️🎞️🎞️
World Building:🌎🌎🌎🌎🌎
Cover:📔📔📔📔
Hero: 🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻
Heroine:🦸🏻♀️🦸🏻♀️🦸🏻♀️🦸🏻♀️🦸🏻♀️
Intimacy Level: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Relationship Building: 💒💒💒💒💒
Heart & Feels:💞💞💞💞💞
Witty/Banter/Reaction of Laughter: 😂😂😂😂😂
Page Turner Level:📖📖📖📖📖
Ending:🧧🧧🧧🧧🧧
Overall View: ✨✨✨✨✨
First Impressions
We are brought back into the world of lores and epic quests and the epic love of Erubu and Sorin. In this installment, they are faced up with traveling to a time of demi gods, magic and a most unusual pairing that neither of them will expect or be fully ready for because it might cost Erubu and Sorin just about everything to risk it for this quest and a love story that will test their resolves. Song of Dragons is a story I put off, I think because the blurb sounded a bit similar to the first book but I have to say that Song of Dragons is NOTHING like the first book. In fact, I enjoyed it so much more than the first one. And yeah it was the heroine. lol I know many don't enjoy her character, but she wasn't what I was worried about. But thank goodness....Aja James delivered in every way that matters here.
First Line
"I thought we were going to the Celestial Palace?"
The Main Protagonists
The Hero: Andros
The Heroine: Divina
Summary
Erebu and Sorin, our epic couple from the Pure Dark Ones, are on their second task from the Jade Emperor and in this one they will need to retrieve the Song of Destiny. And they will be accompanied by a she dragon, Divina, who is a upbeat energetic Marilyn Monroe who loves all animals and sex but is terrified of love but is accompanied by her giant Chinese Tibetan Mastiff and nothing could possible go wrong right? Well the troupe will run into a sexy alpha celibate hero who has only known abuse and captivity and dreams of freedom, they will battle some enemies and along the way there will be a fierce passionate love that will face its greatest test that could cost all of them .....will they succeed or fail in this most important quest?
What I Loved
Song of Dragons was a book I expected to enjoy just as much as the first book in the series so I ekpt my expectations medium. But I was completely BLOWN away by this book because I actually thought I was going to be DNF'ing this story. Was that the case though??? HELL NAW!!! The author pulled through for me. My fear was in some of the reviews mentioning what creature Andros actually was and I was like PLEASE PLEASE ....I am begging you don't let this be a monster pairing, cause I just don't do animals and humans mating lol But I can safely and confidently say that there was no beastiality and Aja James completely delivered in every single way.
So first....can we discuss the beauty of Erebu and Sorin!!! Each time we see them together, I fall back in love with them. I loved the intimacy that we are seeing growing, the little reveals and gifts that this author gives us with them ....and the roman bath scene was kinda epic!!! But seeing how they get tested in the third act was brilliant. We really see their conviction and connection to each other.
Now lets get to the really good part.....the romance between Andros and Davina. I fell so deep for these two. Now I know some struggled with the heroine....but I am scratching my scalp at "why???" LOL Cause I found her so refreshing and fun and a breath of fresh air and brightness. I could see how sometimes she could come off being closed off and flighty, but she isn't really like that. She has these layers to her character. For many years she hasn't been afraid of giving her body but she keeps her heart tightly latched. She is terrified in love because at the center of it....she wants to be loved and is scared that she won't be and unfortunately that means she hurts the one man with whom she can trust her heart. But no worries....what I appreciated was how she learns her lesson. She realizes her mistake, and works to redeem herself. I would have liked a bit of a longer grovel to be honest but there was one so BRAVO to this author. And when she needs to....she will fight for those she loves the most and sacrifice everything for the one who has her heart and soul.
Then we have Andros. Andros is delectable, sweet and deliciously alpha you want to to soak him up like a sponge. Andros is a hero that has never truly known kindness or being cherished. He is like a soaring eagle....powerful and full of class and royalty and needs his freedom but dreams of so much more in his life than the cards he has been dealt. Then comes in this gorgeous woman who gives him so much in her soft touches and sweet assuring words. But Andros is sensitive in some ways especially when it comes to the emotions of the heart. You see how he wants Divina forever but he won't force her to love him. But he aches to have someone truly love him and put him as a priority and being willing to RISK everything for him. Seeing these two hearts that ache for love in different ways and find a way to compliment each other's needs just right? Was truly magical in only the ways that Aja James can deliver. The moments that these two made me swoon with their declarations of love, seeing them let go of their reservations and fear, and learn the value in fighting for each other when it truly matters....is what made this book glow with epic love moments. Its a story where we see such honest portrayals of the human condition and sacrificing for your mate truly means and the beautiful rewards that come towards you in that sacrifice and giving all you have. And the ending was MAGNIFICENT!! Honestly I was sobbing buckets because it had me in all my feels and made me want to dance in joy in seeing these two find their HEA in all the ways that they deserved!!!
I was also intrigued by Hades!!! I adored his character and I am trying not to get my hopes up but I kinda would love to see him more in the series in upcoming books. *crossing fingers*
What I Struggled With
I would have liked to see more groveling from the heroine, she does hurt the hero pretty deeply and would have liked to see something more from her on that.
Overall View
Song of Dragons was a enthralling adventure that takes the reader through the paces of beautiful sacrifice, tender hearts and a poignant love that spans time and space.
Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Mythological Fantasy, Time Travel, Paranormal Romance
Character Types: Demi Gods, Shape Shifter, Dragons, Unique Shifter
Themes: Heart/Emotionally Touching, Tear Jerker, Love of Animals, Spicy
Tropes: Forced Proximity, Fated Love, Epic Love
Book Perspective
Multi POV's
Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
Some Relationship....more Plot Conflict Focus
If you like these authors, I recommend This Book
Sherrilyn Kenyon
Kerrilyn Sparks
Larissa Ione
Song(s) This Book Inspires
Ghost by Badflower
Unsteady by X Ambassadors
Silhouette by Aquilo
Still Falling For You by Ellie Goulding
Recommendation For Reading Order
Yes
Steam/Spice Explanations
Simmering cup of tea---soft warm touches and light intimacy
Warmin' by the fire- a medium level of sexual tension, a balance of sexual and emotional intimacy, lighter on the details in the sexual moments.
Steamin' up the room -the sexual content is more explicit in the language and tone, heavier amount of sexual scenes.
Blazing fire to the building-The prime focus is the sex scenes, scorching hot, and could burn one. Less focus on the emotional intimacy to the relationship.
This review may contain spoilers, so fair warning, upon reading the review. Also my tags may have spoilers in them so be forewarned before checking out full review.
Book Evaluation:
Plot: 🎞️🎞️🎞️🎞️
World Building:🌎🌎🌎🌎🌎
Cover:📔📔📔📔📔
Hero: 🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻
Heroine:🦸🏻♀️🦸🏻♀️🦸🏻♀️🦸🏻♀️
Intimacy Level: 🔥🔥🔥
Relationship Building: 💒💒💒
Heart & Feels:💞💞💞
Witty/Banter/Reaction of Laughter: 😂😂😂😂
Page Turner Level:📖📖📖📖
Ending:🧧🧧🧧🧧
Overall View: ✨✨✨✨
First Impressions
Shameless is the fourth installment in the "House of Rohan" series and this one was on the top of my TBR for the Happily Ever After A Thon that was focused on historical romance. I am not sure why I keep forgetting about this author or this series but I have loved it so much here. Shameless was probably the most tame book of the series as a whole though. For those new to this author or this series, the heroes are definitely more edgier and darker in many respects. This author was a epic rake and so delicious but not quite as dark as some of the previous heroes in the series but I am not truly complaining. This book was delicious and entertaining.
First Line
Benedick Francis Alistair Rohan, Sixth Viscount Roha, arrived at his town house with a mission.
The Main Protagonists
The Hero: Benedick Rohan
The Heroine: Melisande Carstairs
Summary
Benedick Rohan, is a bit different from some of the other members in his family. He has been burned by love and faced tragedy and is wanting someone prim and proper for a wife, so he can indulge his appetites and not get emotionally entangled. Then Lady Melisande Carstairs come storming into his life like a fierce fiery storm intent on bringing down the revived Heavenly Hosts. At first, Benedick doesn't believe the claims, but while posing undercover together, clues start to add up that makes it so the revived Heavenly Hosts are leagues worst than what they once were and innocent girls are at risk of being murdered....will Melisande and Benedick survive this dangerous game....
What I Loved
Shameless had such a sensual ring to the story. I loved the chemistry between Benedick and Melisande. They had such fun banter with each other. There is a level of angst between them though. I loved the dramatic differences between them. Despite Melisande being someone who has a home of women and girls who have lived as sex workers, she is very naive when it comes to the more sexual appetites and Benedick is more than willing to teach her. But through the teaching, something more deeper develops between them. Their dialogue with each other, the sensual moments and the fun feels in their relationship is what really made this book work so well for me.
What I Struggled With
The pacing was a bit off in this book here, it just had some slow parts at times. The ending was very rushed. I didn't quite feel the swoons in this book as I have felt in the other books in the series. While I loved the sensual notes within this story, the feels was a bit lacking in this one here. I just didn't feel the "love" aspects of their relationship and would have liked to have felt the build up of the emotional intimacy more in this story.
Overall View
Shameless was a titilating sensual romance that had deep notes of danger, intrigue and a couple that have such dramatic differences but find such unity when they least expect it.
Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Historical Romance
Time Era: England-Victorian Era
Character Types: Rake/Rogue, Bluestocking, Widow/Widower
Themes: Delicious Swoons/Kisses, Danger/Suspense, London Underground, Sensual, Working Together Undercover
Tropes: Forced Proximity, Opposites Attract
Book Perspective
3rd POV
Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
Both
If you like these authors, I recommend This Book
Charlotte Featherstone
Elizabeth Hoyt
Anna Campbell
Recommendation For Reading Order
Yes but you could read these as standalones if needed.
Steam/Spice Explanations
Simmering cup of tea---soft warm touches and light intimacy
Warmin' by the fire- a medium level of sexual tension, a balance of sexual and emotional intimacy, lighter on the details in the sexual moments.
Steamin' up the room -the sexual content is more explicit in the language and tone, heavier amount of sexual scenes.
Blazing fire to the building-The prime focus is the sex scenes, scorching hot, and could burn one. Less focus on the emotional intimacy to the relationship.
Book Evaluation:
Plot: 🎞️🎞️🎞️🎞️
World Building:🌎🌎🌎🌎🌎
Cover:📔📔📔📔📔
Hero: 🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻
Heroine:🦸🏻♀️🦸🏻♀️🦸🏻♀️🦸🏻♀️
Intimacy Level: 🔥🔥🔥
Relationship Building: 💒💒💒
Heart & Feels:💞💞💞
Witty/Banter/Reaction of Laughter: 😂😂😂😂
Page Turner Level:📖📖📖📖
Ending:🧧🧧🧧🧧
Overall View: ✨✨✨✨
First Impressions
Shameless is the fourth installment in the "House of Rohan" series and this one was on the top of my TBR for the Happily Ever After A Thon that was focused on historical romance. I am not sure why I keep forgetting about this author or this series but I have loved it so much here. Shameless was probably the most tame book of the series as a whole though. For those new to this author or this series, the heroes are definitely more edgier and darker in many respects. This author was a epic rake and so delicious but not quite as dark as some of the previous heroes in the series but I am not truly complaining. This book was delicious and entertaining.
First Line
Benedick Francis Alistair Rohan, Sixth Viscount Roha, arrived at his town house with a mission.
The Main Protagonists
The Hero: Benedick Rohan
The Heroine: Melisande Carstairs
Summary
Benedick Rohan, is a bit different from some of the other members in his family. He has been burned by love and faced tragedy and is wanting someone prim and proper for a wife, so he can indulge his appetites and not get emotionally entangled. Then Lady Melisande Carstairs come storming into his life like a fierce fiery storm intent on bringing down the revived Heavenly Hosts. At first, Benedick doesn't believe the claims, but while posing undercover together, clues start to add up that makes it so the revived Heavenly Hosts are leagues worst than what they once were and innocent girls are at risk of being murdered....will Melisande and Benedick survive this dangerous game....
What I Loved
Shameless had such a sensual ring to the story. I loved the chemistry between Benedick and Melisande. They had such fun banter with each other. There is a level of angst between them though. I loved the dramatic differences between them. Despite Melisande being someone who has a home of women and girls who have lived as sex workers, she is very naive when it comes to the more sexual appetites and Benedick is more than willing to teach her. But through the teaching, something more deeper develops between them. Their dialogue with each other, the sensual moments and the fun feels in their relationship is what really made this book work so well for me.
What I Struggled With
The pacing was a bit off in this book here, it just had some slow parts at times. The ending was very rushed. I didn't quite feel the swoons in this book as I have felt in the other books in the series. While I loved the sensual notes within this story, the feels was a bit lacking in this one here. I just didn't feel the "love" aspects of their relationship and would have liked to have felt the build up of the emotional intimacy more in this story.
Overall View
Shameless was a titilating sensual romance that had deep notes of danger, intrigue and a couple that have such dramatic differences but find such unity when they least expect it.
Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Historical Romance
Time Era: England-Victorian Era
Character Types: Rake/Rogue, Bluestocking, Widow/Widower
Themes: Delicious Swoons/Kisses, Danger/Suspense, London Underground, Sensual, Working Together Undercover
Tropes: Forced Proximity, Opposites Attract
Book Perspective
3rd POV
Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
Both
If you like these authors, I recommend This Book
Charlotte Featherstone
Elizabeth Hoyt
Anna Campbell
Recommendation For Reading Order
Yes but you could read these as standalones if needed.
Steam/Spice Explanations
Simmering cup of tea---soft warm touches and light intimacy
Warmin' by the fire- a medium level of sexual tension, a balance of sexual and emotional intimacy, lighter on the details in the sexual moments.
Steamin' up the room -the sexual content is more explicit in the language and tone, heavier amount of sexual scenes.
Blazing fire to the building-The prime focus is the sex scenes, scorching hot, and could burn one. Less focus on the emotional intimacy to the relationship.
Man I am so sad now. I put a story on Instagram that I was nervous for book 4 because the heroine is prickly and those can be hard for me to enjoy. She comes into my mentions and claims I am being hateful and then blocks me so I can't access her posts anymore. So unfortunately I am going to put her on my not to read list anymore. It makes me sad because her writing really was so engaging for me. So someone would have had to report me to her and then she would have had to look into my stories to find it because I did that story weeks ago. I just try to be honest in how I view things, but I don't go out to attack authors or readers.
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
This review may contain spoilers, so fair warning, upon reading the review. Also my tags may have spoilers in them so be forewarned before checking out full review.
Book Evaluation:
Plot: 🎞️🎞️🎞️🎞️🎞️
World Building:🌎🌎🌎🌎🌎
Cover:📔📔📔📔
Hero: 🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻
Heroine:🦸🏻♀️🦸🏻♀️🦸🏻♀️🦸🏻♀️
Intimacy Level: 🔥🔥🔥
Relationship Building: 💒💒💒💒
Heart & Feels:💞💞💞💞
Witty/Banter/Reaction of Laughter: 😂😂😂
Page Turner Level:📖📖📖📖
Narration:🎧🎧🎧🎧🎧
Ending:🧧🧧🧧🧧🧧
Overall View: ✨✨✨✨
First Impressions
Lord of Shadows is a medieval historical romance that is part of the "Executioner Knights" series and I was in the mood for a softer heroine, so I picked up one of her older books and decided on Lord of Shadows cause it had a knight rescuing a damsel type of scene and I am glad that I picked this one up. I really needed a good historical that would pull me in and I was looking for an audiobook that I could do. LOVE Brad Wills, he does some of the best narrations. This is set around the time of the reign of King John in the early 1200's. I found the premise of this story so fascinating, it has a sense of forbidden, courtly politics and some soft sweet courting. So it definitely delivered a solid story.
First Line
He shouldn't have bothered.
The Main Protagonists
The Hero: Sir Sean de Lara (Lord of Shadows)
The Heroine: Lady Sheridan St. James
Summary
Sir Sean, or also known as the Lord of the Shadows, is the right hand man of King John. He has built the king's trust for almost a decade and dedicated his life to building that trust because not everything is at is seems with the Lord of Shadows. Lady Sheridan is pulled into his magnetism when her sister almost commits suicide and Sir Sean is the knight that saves her life. Even though Sheridan is part of the group that is in rebellion against the king, she can't resist the pull that she feels for Sir Sean. Because despite his position and his terrifying reputation, when he is with her, she feels cherished in a way she has never experienced. But there are dangerous secrets about Sir Sean's true mission and those secrets could destroy the sweet love they have...
What I Loved
I found the time era so fascinating, I am not sure that I have ever read this type of court politics before and it was interesting to see how the author really dug deep into it. I really love how she implements Welsh plot lines within her stories. No other author writes them like she does. And if you want a more authentic heroine, then I definitely recommend this one here. The sweet courting between them was so endearing. I liked the dynamic of the dangerous plot and the poignant soft endearing and very romantic love story that builds. It delivered some unique elements to the story. And wow what a ending. I didn't want to put it down and I loved how it kept me on the edge of my seat waiting to see what would happen in those moments.
What I Struggled With
Some of the pacing could have been better, but that might have been my fault as I probably had the speed of the narration too fast, I normally keep it slower but I didn't this time and I am wishing I had kept it at 1.3 instead of 1.6x.
Narration
Brad Wills is actually one of my favorite historical narrators, and especially if you want a medieval feeling narrator, he needs to be your goto! I actually adored the moments. I do think you will need to keep it slower than you normally have. Not that he has super strong accents, but he does a full cast and to get the best enjoyment keep it around 1.35x speed.
Overall View
Lord of Shadow was a brilliantly mastered historical that really showcased the time period in a authentic way. Its a tale to keep you edgy, thrilled, and swoony from beginning to end!
Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Historical Romance
Time Era: The Normans, The Plantagenets, House of Lancaster
Character Types: Knights, Bodyguard, Spy, Soft Heroine
Themes: Tear Jerker, Court Politics, Heart/Emotionally Touching, Couple A Courting
Tropes: Forbidden Love, Forced Proximity
Book Perspective
3rd POV
Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
Plot Conflict
If you like these authors, I recommend This Book
Julie Garwood
Amanda Quick
Elizabeth Lowell
Recommendation For Reading Order
You can read as a standalone
Steam/Spice Explanations
Simmering cup of tea---soft warm touches and light intimacy
Warmin' by the fire- a medium level of sexual tension, a balance of sexual and emotional intimacy, lighter on the details in the sexual moments.
Steamin' up the room -the sexual content is more explicit in the language and tone, heavier amount of sexual scenes.
Blazing fire to the building-The prime focus is the sex scenes, scorching hot, and could burn one. Less focus on the emotional intimacy to the relationship.
Narrators:
Brad Wills
Book Evaluation:
Plot: 🎞️🎞️🎞️🎞️🎞️
World Building:🌎🌎🌎🌎🌎
Cover:📔📔📔📔
Hero: 🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻
Heroine:🦸🏻♀️🦸🏻♀️🦸🏻♀️🦸🏻♀️
Intimacy Level: 🔥🔥🔥
Relationship Building: 💒💒💒💒
Heart & Feels:💞💞💞💞
Witty/Banter/Reaction of Laughter: 😂😂😂
Page Turner Level:📖📖📖📖
Narration:🎧🎧🎧🎧🎧
Ending:🧧🧧🧧🧧🧧
Overall View: ✨✨✨✨
First Impressions
Lord of Shadows is a medieval historical romance that is part of the "Executioner Knights" series and I was in the mood for a softer heroine, so I picked up one of her older books and decided on Lord of Shadows cause it had a knight rescuing a damsel type of scene and I am glad that I picked this one up. I really needed a good historical that would pull me in and I was looking for an audiobook that I could do. LOVE Brad Wills, he does some of the best narrations. This is set around the time of the reign of King John in the early 1200's. I found the premise of this story so fascinating, it has a sense of forbidden, courtly politics and some soft sweet courting. So it definitely delivered a solid story.
First Line
He shouldn't have bothered.
The Main Protagonists
The Hero: Sir Sean de Lara (Lord of Shadows)
The Heroine: Lady Sheridan St. James
Summary
Sir Sean, or also known as the Lord of the Shadows, is the right hand man of King John. He has built the king's trust for almost a decade and dedicated his life to building that trust because not everything is at is seems with the Lord of Shadows. Lady Sheridan is pulled into his magnetism when her sister almost commits suicide and Sir Sean is the knight that saves her life. Even though Sheridan is part of the group that is in rebellion against the king, she can't resist the pull that she feels for Sir Sean. Because despite his position and his terrifying reputation, when he is with her, she feels cherished in a way she has never experienced. But there are dangerous secrets about Sir Sean's true mission and those secrets could destroy the sweet love they have...
What I Loved
I found the time era so fascinating, I am not sure that I have ever read this type of court politics before and it was interesting to see how the author really dug deep into it. I really love how she implements Welsh plot lines within her stories. No other author writes them like she does. And if you want a more authentic heroine, then I definitely recommend this one here. The sweet courting between them was so endearing. I liked the dynamic of the dangerous plot and the poignant soft endearing and very romantic love story that builds. It delivered some unique elements to the story. And wow what a ending. I didn't want to put it down and I loved how it kept me on the edge of my seat waiting to see what would happen in those moments.
What I Struggled With
Some of the pacing could have been better, but that might have been my fault as I probably had the speed of the narration too fast, I normally keep it slower but I didn't this time and I am wishing I had kept it at 1.3 instead of 1.6x.
Narration
Brad Wills is actually one of my favorite historical narrators, and especially if you want a medieval feeling narrator, he needs to be your goto! I actually adored the moments. I do think you will need to keep it slower than you normally have. Not that he has super strong accents, but he does a full cast and to get the best enjoyment keep it around 1.35x speed.
Overall View
Lord of Shadow was a brilliantly mastered historical that really showcased the time period in a authentic way. Its a tale to keep you edgy, thrilled, and swoony from beginning to end!
Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Historical Romance
Time Era: The Normans, The Plantagenets, House of Lancaster
Character Types: Knights, Bodyguard, Spy, Soft Heroine
Themes: Tear Jerker, Court Politics, Heart/Emotionally Touching, Couple A Courting
Tropes: Forbidden Love, Forced Proximity
Book Perspective
3rd POV
Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
Plot Conflict
If you like these authors, I recommend This Book
Julie Garwood
Amanda Quick
Elizabeth Lowell
Recommendation For Reading Order
You can read as a standalone
Steam/Spice Explanations
Simmering cup of tea---soft warm touches and light intimacy
Warmin' by the fire- a medium level of sexual tension, a balance of sexual and emotional intimacy, lighter on the details in the sexual moments.
Steamin' up the room -the sexual content is more explicit in the language and tone, heavier amount of sexual scenes.
Blazing fire to the building-The prime focus is the sex scenes, scorching hot, and could burn one. Less focus on the emotional intimacy to the relationship.
Narrators:
Brad Wills
This review may contain spoilers, so fair warning, upon reading the review. Also my tags may have spoilers in them so be forewarned before checking out full review.
Book Evaluation:
Plot: 🎞️🎞️🎞️🎞️🎞️
World Building:🌎🌎🌎🌎🌎
Cover:📔📔📔📔📔
Hero: 🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻
Heroine:🦸🏻♀️🦸🏻♀️🦸🏻♀️🦸🏻♀️🦸🏻♀️
Intimacy Level: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Relationship Building: 💒💒💒💒💒
Heart & Feels:💞💞💞💞💞
Witty/Banter/Reaction of Laughter: 😂😂😂😂
Page Turner Level:📖📖📖📖📖
Narration:🎧🎧🎧🎧🎧
Ending:🧧🧧🧧🧧🧧
Overall View: ✨✨✨✨✨✨
Its you and me forever, Seeley Whiskey. I'll never let you go."
First Impressions
Love Lies and Whiskey is the latest release in the "Dark Knights" series and this is where we get Doc's book. I have been wanting Doc's book from the very beginning. He is the one siblings I have had the most fascination over. He has had the aura of bad boy, mystery, and tortured soul out of them all. And to finally get his book, had me more excited more than anything else this year. Love, Lies and Whiskey is a story that I guarantee that you are NOT ready for. Get your box of tissues ready and open your heart for Doc and Juliette who will melt your heart with every beat of heart of this story.
After sixteen years of missing her, his sweet, fiery Jule was right there in his arms, and he was never letting her go...
First Line
The rumble and road of Seeley "Doc" Whiskey's motorcycle drowned out by the cheering crowd as he and a convoy of the other members of the Dark Knights motorcycle club drove into the parking lot of Hope Valley Hospital.
The Main Protagonists
The Hero: Seeley "Doc"
The Heroine: Juliette Chambers
Summary
Love, Lies and Whiskey is a story that showcases the deep damaged heart of Doc Whiskey and the girl he never stopped loving. Because as they say once a Whiskey gives his heart....its forever. Doc fell hard for the Governor's daughter, when she visited their ranch when she was sixteen. Their love was epic, adventurous and their hopes were full of stars in those beginning days. But then she was torn away from him, and both Doc and Juliette were betrayed. Now its been almost sixteen years, and Juliette is back in town, and the hurt is deep between them. But what is even deeper.....is that Doc is a father and his son is fifteen years old. The secrets of the past become revealed and Juliette and Doc realize their love and their lives were stolen from them and now they will have to do the work to rebuild the bridges and not just for their love which was never forgotten....but for their son who never had the father he deserved in Doc...
Its always been you, darlin'. You're the only person who could ever tear me to shreds or heal me in a single breath. The world was cold and gray without you. You are my light, my fucking heart...and you completely utterly own me.
What I Loved
This book was perfection. But I think I say that about every single book in this series. Am I the only one that feels this way or is there something about this series that just HITS different? Because these books just dig deep in a way I never expect. Love Lies and Whiskey was a story that I breathed so deeply into. And from the beginning I knew this story would break me in all of the best of ways.
Its a story that digs deep into the heart and covers some issues that I love seeing being represented. And first off I want to say BRAVO to this incredible author who wrote a good honest secret baby that is WORTH reading. This is a trope that is so rarely written well....but Melissa Foster wrote it so brilliantly. My heart broke for both Doc and Juliette. Both of them were deceived and had to learn to move on without each other. But seeing the little glimpses of how despite the pain and heartbreak, they never forgot each other and kept each other alive even though there was reason for them to become hard and cynical. Seeing how they rose above it to become beautiful humans and deliver light and goodness to others....is just the cherry on top.
Tell me you're mine. We'll figure the rest out. Just tell me you're mine."
We do see some flashbacks in this one, but its not many of them. So no worries on that one there. I really loved how they were implemented because they were short and just showcases the sweet heart that is this couple. We see some angst in the beginning before the full truth is revealed. But once everything comes out, we get to see our couple "court" each other again and learning to reconnect. But then we have the relationship with their son that is built within the story. I truly became so endeared to the "family" element here especially in the moments where Doc and his son learn to connect with each other.
That wasn't the end of our story Darlin', We are just getting started...
The third act of the story was a hard time at times. This will really push at some boundaries (so I would recommend checking the trigger warnings for some of it. I honestly didn't expect this author to write this element if I am being honest. And that is probably why I fell so hard for this story in a way that just delivered so many more layers than even some of the other books in the series. You really see this family become tested in some of the worst ways you can be tested, but seeing their journey in rising above the challenges and becoming so unified as a family. And literally that scene with the MC standing in solidarity ....I BROKE!! Literally! I am not sure I can wait another year for the finale and I SO don't want this series to be over.
She was so damn tight, so insanely perfect and familar, he felt like he'd been lost, starved, and she was the only person who could satiate him. He felt like he'd finally come home.
What I Struggled With
Nothing! LOL It was perfect in every way.
Narration
Gorgeously done. It was well worth the wait for the release of it. Its why I took longer to read this, because I wanted to do it in audio. I loved this duo narration, they are one of the best pairings for a romance audiobook. They really tackled the emotional undertones just right. So if you love audiobooks....grab it from the author!!!
Overall View
Love, Lies and Whiskey is a tale that tackles hidden secrets, riveting emotion to curl your toes and a love story that will make you want to soar across the wild skies of Redemption Ranch.
Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Contemporary Romance
Character Types: Tortured Hero, Single Mom, Biker Hero, Cowboy Hero
Themes: Small Town, Tear Jerker, Heart/Emotionally Touching, Kids/Teens
Tropes: Forbidden Love, Second Chance, Secret Baby
Book Perspective
Duo POV
Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
Both
If you like these authors, I recommend This Book
Jennifer Ryan
Catherine Cowles
Joan Johnston
Song This Book Inspires
Say Something-A Great Big World
I Guess I'm In Love by Clinton Kane
Recommendation For Reading Order
Yes I would say its best to read this series in order if you can.
Steam/Spice Explanations
Simmering cup of tea---soft warm touches and light intimacy
Warmin' by the fire- a medium level of sexual tension, a balance of sexual and emotional intimacy, lighter on the details in the sexual moments.
Steamin' up the room -the sexual content is more explicit in the language and tone, heavier amount of sexual scenes.
Blazing fire to the building-The prime focus is the sex scenes, scorching hot, and could burn one. Less focus on the emotional intimacy to the relationship.
Narrators:
Aiden Snow
Erin Mallon
Book Evaluation:
Plot: 🎞️🎞️🎞️🎞️🎞️
World Building:🌎🌎🌎🌎🌎
Cover:📔📔📔📔📔
Hero: 🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻
Heroine:🦸🏻♀️🦸🏻♀️🦸🏻♀️🦸🏻♀️🦸🏻♀️
Intimacy Level: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Relationship Building: 💒💒💒💒💒
Heart & Feels:💞💞💞💞💞
Witty/Banter/Reaction of Laughter: 😂😂😂😂
Page Turner Level:📖📖📖📖📖
Narration:🎧🎧🎧🎧🎧
Ending:🧧🧧🧧🧧🧧
Overall View: ✨✨✨✨✨✨
Its you and me forever, Seeley Whiskey. I'll never let you go."
First Impressions
Love Lies and Whiskey is the latest release in the "Dark Knights" series and this is where we get Doc's book. I have been wanting Doc's book from the very beginning. He is the one siblings I have had the most fascination over. He has had the aura of bad boy, mystery, and tortured soul out of them all. And to finally get his book, had me more excited more than anything else this year. Love, Lies and Whiskey is a story that I guarantee that you are NOT ready for. Get your box of tissues ready and open your heart for Doc and Juliette who will melt your heart with every beat of heart of this story.
After sixteen years of missing her, his sweet, fiery Jule was right there in his arms, and he was never letting her go...
First Line
The rumble and road of Seeley "Doc" Whiskey's motorcycle drowned out by the cheering crowd as he and a convoy of the other members of the Dark Knights motorcycle club drove into the parking lot of Hope Valley Hospital.
The Main Protagonists
The Hero: Seeley "Doc"
The Heroine: Juliette Chambers
Summary
Love, Lies and Whiskey is a story that showcases the deep damaged heart of Doc Whiskey and the girl he never stopped loving. Because as they say once a Whiskey gives his heart....its forever. Doc fell hard for the Governor's daughter, when she visited their ranch when she was sixteen. Their love was epic, adventurous and their hopes were full of stars in those beginning days. But then she was torn away from him, and both Doc and Juliette were betrayed. Now its been almost sixteen years, and Juliette is back in town, and the hurt is deep between them. But what is even deeper.....is that Doc is a father and his son is fifteen years old. The secrets of the past become revealed and Juliette and Doc realize their love and their lives were stolen from them and now they will have to do the work to rebuild the bridges and not just for their love which was never forgotten....but for their son who never had the father he deserved in Doc...
Its always been you, darlin'. You're the only person who could ever tear me to shreds or heal me in a single breath. The world was cold and gray without you. You are my light, my fucking heart...and you completely utterly own me.
What I Loved
This book was perfection. But I think I say that about every single book in this series. Am I the only one that feels this way or is there something about this series that just HITS different? Because these books just dig deep in a way I never expect. Love Lies and Whiskey was a story that I breathed so deeply into. And from the beginning I knew this story would break me in all of the best of ways.
Its a story that digs deep into the heart and covers some issues that I love seeing being represented. And first off I want to say BRAVO to this incredible author who wrote a good honest secret baby that is WORTH reading. This is a trope that is so rarely written well....but Melissa Foster wrote it so brilliantly. My heart broke for both Doc and Juliette. Both of them were deceived and had to learn to move on without each other. But seeing the little glimpses of how despite the pain and heartbreak, they never forgot each other and kept each other alive even though there was reason for them to become hard and cynical. Seeing how they rose above it to become beautiful humans and deliver light and goodness to others....is just the cherry on top.
Tell me you're mine. We'll figure the rest out. Just tell me you're mine."
We do see some flashbacks in this one, but its not many of them. So no worries on that one there. I really loved how they were implemented because they were short and just showcases the sweet heart that is this couple. We see some angst in the beginning before the full truth is revealed. But once everything comes out, we get to see our couple "court" each other again and learning to reconnect. But then we have the relationship with their son that is built within the story. I truly became so endeared to the "family" element here especially in the moments where Doc and his son learn to connect with each other.
That wasn't the end of our story Darlin', We are just getting started...
The third act of the story was a hard time at times. This will really push at some boundaries (so I would recommend checking the trigger warnings for some of it. I honestly didn't expect this author to write this element if I am being honest. And that is probably why I fell so hard for this story in a way that just delivered so many more layers than even some of the other books in the series. You really see this family become tested in some of the worst ways you can be tested, but seeing their journey in rising above the challenges and becoming so unified as a family. And literally that scene with the MC standing in solidarity ....I BROKE!! Literally! I am not sure I can wait another year for the finale and I SO don't want this series to be over.
She was so damn tight, so insanely perfect and familar, he felt like he'd been lost, starved, and she was the only person who could satiate him. He felt like he'd finally come home.
What I Struggled With
Nothing! LOL It was perfect in every way.
Narration
Gorgeously done. It was well worth the wait for the release of it. Its why I took longer to read this, because I wanted to do it in audio. I loved this duo narration, they are one of the best pairings for a romance audiobook. They really tackled the emotional undertones just right. So if you love audiobooks....grab it from the author!!!
Overall View
Love, Lies and Whiskey is a tale that tackles hidden secrets, riveting emotion to curl your toes and a love story that will make you want to soar across the wild skies of Redemption Ranch.
Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Contemporary Romance
Character Types: Tortured Hero, Single Mom, Biker Hero, Cowboy Hero
Themes: Small Town, Tear Jerker, Heart/Emotionally Touching, Kids/Teens
Tropes: Forbidden Love, Second Chance, Secret Baby
Book Perspective
Duo POV
Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
Both
If you like these authors, I recommend This Book
Jennifer Ryan
Catherine Cowles
Joan Johnston
Song This Book Inspires
Say Something-A Great Big World
I Guess I'm In Love by Clinton Kane
Recommendation For Reading Order
Yes I would say its best to read this series in order if you can.
Steam/Spice Explanations
Simmering cup of tea---soft warm touches and light intimacy
Warmin' by the fire- a medium level of sexual tension, a balance of sexual and emotional intimacy, lighter on the details in the sexual moments.
Steamin' up the room -the sexual content is more explicit in the language and tone, heavier amount of sexual scenes.
Blazing fire to the building-The prime focus is the sex scenes, scorching hot, and could burn one. Less focus on the emotional intimacy to the relationship.
Narrators:
Aiden Snow
Erin Mallon
This review may contain spoilers, so fair warning, upon reading the review. Also my tags may have spoilers in them so be forewarned before checking out full review.
Book Evaluation:
Plot: 🎞️🎞️🎞️🎞️
World Building:🌎🌎🌎🌎
Cover:📔📔📔📔📔
Hero: 🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻
Heroine:🦸🏻♀️🦸🏻♀️🦸🏻♀️🦸🏻♀️
Intimacy Level: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Relationship Building: 💒💒💒💒
Heart & Feels:💞💞💞💞💞
Witty/Banter/Reaction of Laughter: 😂😂😂😂
Page Turner Level:📖📖📖📖📖
Narration:🎧🎧🎧🎧
Ending:🧧🧧🧧🧧🧧
Overall View: ✨✨✨✨.5
First Impressions
King of Envy is the most latest release in the Kings of Sin series and this is where we get the sin of Envy and this book features our characters "Vuk and Ayana" and a great forbidden love romance. This story I was really curious about and to see what this author would deliver with this one. I fell so hard for Vuk in "King of Sloth" and I did want him to have such a beautiful story. And while this book wasn't quite what I was wanting...it was still a story that delivered on swoons and emotion and captivated me in many ways and I did a mixture of both the audiobook and physically reading the kindle book.
First Line
"Congratulation. Half the people here want to kill you, and the other half want to be you."
Summary
Ayana is engaged to be married to Jordan, but what most don't know is that their relationship is completely based on friendship and there is nothing more than platonic love between them. Jordan needs a wife in order to inherit the family business and Ayana needs the funds to be able to break her modeling contract due to some uncomfortable situations with her agent. But to the world and everyone that knows them...its a love match. But there is one man that is falling hard for the woman that he can't have...Vuk Markovic. Vuk has been wanting Ayana for quite some time, and due to some circumstances he and Ayana are forced to be together has Jordan, his best friend, has some family issues coming up. But Vuk wants Ayana and its complete torture being so close to her and knowing he can never have her....but sometimes love and destiny has a way of coming together when you least expect it to.
What I Loved
King of Envy while not the best of the series ....King of Wrath/Sloth are so far my favorites. Its definitely right beneath those books. I really loved seeing this author tackle a morally grey hero, she hasn't done one since the Twisted series and it was so refreshing because I actually do enjoy how she writes them to be honest. Although much of the morally grey aspect you don't see to much of until the second half of the story but you do see those elements. I found this dynamic to be very interesting though. Ayana is a model, and is a complete natural in it. She is of Ethiopian heritage, she comes from a loving family in the restaurant business. But while it seems everything is going for her, we see the dark side of the modeling business and while she is successful, her life is more challenging than most would suspect for her.
The romance between Vuk and Ayana starts to really pick up speed once they are in some forced proximity situations included a one bed situation and where the pining that Vuk is feeling for Ayana starts to come out even though he tries to keep it from her as long as possible. There is a strong chemistry between them and while Ayana has a very business arrangement with Jordan, there are reasons that both of them have no choice but to get married. Vuk knows that he can't have Ayana but he also can't deny what he is feeling for her either. There is a hidden passion and fierce connection that builds between Vuk and Ayana and with each chapter that longing that they both are feeling for each other only builds in gradual steam. My heart went out to Vuk, who has gone through so much hardship in his life and can't even have something simple like being able to marry the woman he loves and will have to watch his best friend be with the woman he aches for. It melted my heart in so many moments but seeing how Ayana fights for Vuk in the same way, had me wanting to cheer for her in so many ways. One of my favorite elements is seeing a heroine fighting for the relationship and the man she loves. The mutual giving in the relationship delivered this book in the best of ways.
What I Struggled With
The pacing was a bit off, and I will admit I wasn't a fan of this audiobook as much. The narration was just a bit different than what this author has had in the past and didn't care for the female narrator all that much. Once I switched to the kindle book though it got much better for me and I didn't want to put it down at all.
Narration
It was "meh" not my favorite narration and I think the female narrator ruined it a bit. Just didn't portray the emotion and chemistry as well as previous female narrators have done in this series.
Overall View
King of Envy was a story that digs deep into the slowly building yearning that captivates with each chapters. Its a story of redemption, healing and growth and the value in learning to fight for the relationship in a mutual way that will stun your heart and make you swoon in the best of ways.
Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Contemporary Romance
Character Types: Morally Grey Alpha, Tortured Hero,
Themes: Pining Hero, Heart/Emotionally Touching, Tear Jerker, Danger/Suspense
Tropes: Forbidden Love
Book Perspective
Duo POV
Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
Both
If you like these authors, I recommend This Book
LJ Shen
Jay Crownover
Lisa Renee Jones
Song This Book Inspires
Love in the Dark by Adele
Recommendation For Reading Order
Yes
Steam/Spice Explanations
Simmering cup of tea---soft warm touches and light intimacy
Warmin' by the fire- a medium level of sexual tension, a balance of sexual and emotional intimacy, lighter on the details in the sexual moments.
Steamin' up the room -the sexual content is more explicit in the language and tone, heavier amount of sexual scenes.
Blazing fire to the building-The prime focus is the sex scenes, scorching hot, and could burn one. Less focus on the emotional intimacy to the relationship.
Narrators:
Jason Clarke
Nia Surge
Book Evaluation:
Plot: 🎞️🎞️🎞️🎞️
World Building:🌎🌎🌎🌎
Cover:📔📔📔📔📔
Hero: 🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻
Heroine:🦸🏻♀️🦸🏻♀️🦸🏻♀️🦸🏻♀️
Intimacy Level: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Relationship Building: 💒💒💒💒
Heart & Feels:💞💞💞💞💞
Witty/Banter/Reaction of Laughter: 😂😂😂😂
Page Turner Level:📖📖📖📖📖
Narration:🎧🎧🎧🎧
Ending:🧧🧧🧧🧧🧧
Overall View: ✨✨✨✨.5
First Impressions
King of Envy is the most latest release in the Kings of Sin series and this is where we get the sin of Envy and this book features our characters "Vuk and Ayana" and a great forbidden love romance. This story I was really curious about and to see what this author would deliver with this one. I fell so hard for Vuk in "King of Sloth" and I did want him to have such a beautiful story. And while this book wasn't quite what I was wanting...it was still a story that delivered on swoons and emotion and captivated me in many ways and I did a mixture of both the audiobook and physically reading the kindle book.
First Line
"Congratulation. Half the people here want to kill you, and the other half want to be you."
Summary
Ayana is engaged to be married to Jordan, but what most don't know is that their relationship is completely based on friendship and there is nothing more than platonic love between them. Jordan needs a wife in order to inherit the family business and Ayana needs the funds to be able to break her modeling contract due to some uncomfortable situations with her agent. But to the world and everyone that knows them...its a love match. But there is one man that is falling hard for the woman that he can't have...Vuk Markovic. Vuk has been wanting Ayana for quite some time, and due to some circumstances he and Ayana are forced to be together has Jordan, his best friend, has some family issues coming up. But Vuk wants Ayana and its complete torture being so close to her and knowing he can never have her....but sometimes love and destiny has a way of coming together when you least expect it to.
What I Loved
King of Envy while not the best of the series ....King of Wrath/Sloth are so far my favorites. Its definitely right beneath those books. I really loved seeing this author tackle a morally grey hero, she hasn't done one since the Twisted series and it was so refreshing because I actually do enjoy how she writes them to be honest. Although much of the morally grey aspect you don't see to much of until the second half of the story but you do see those elements. I found this dynamic to be very interesting though. Ayana is a model, and is a complete natural in it. She is of Ethiopian heritage, she comes from a loving family in the restaurant business. But while it seems everything is going for her, we see the dark side of the modeling business and while she is successful, her life is more challenging than most would suspect for her.
The romance between Vuk and Ayana starts to really pick up speed once they are in some forced proximity situations included a one bed situation and where the pining that Vuk is feeling for Ayana starts to come out even though he tries to keep it from her as long as possible. There is a strong chemistry between them and while Ayana has a very business arrangement with Jordan, there are reasons that both of them have no choice but to get married. Vuk knows that he can't have Ayana but he also can't deny what he is feeling for her either. There is a hidden passion and fierce connection that builds between Vuk and Ayana and with each chapter that longing that they both are feeling for each other only builds in gradual steam. My heart went out to Vuk, who has gone through so much hardship in his life and can't even have something simple like being able to marry the woman he loves and will have to watch his best friend be with the woman he aches for. It melted my heart in so many moments but seeing how Ayana fights for Vuk in the same way, had me wanting to cheer for her in so many ways. One of my favorite elements is seeing a heroine fighting for the relationship and the man she loves. The mutual giving in the relationship delivered this book in the best of ways.
What I Struggled With
The pacing was a bit off, and I will admit I wasn't a fan of this audiobook as much. The narration was just a bit different than what this author has had in the past and didn't care for the female narrator all that much. Once I switched to the kindle book though it got much better for me and I didn't want to put it down at all.
Narration
It was "meh" not my favorite narration and I think the female narrator ruined it a bit. Just didn't portray the emotion and chemistry as well as previous female narrators have done in this series.
Overall View
King of Envy was a story that digs deep into the slowly building yearning that captivates with each chapters. Its a story of redemption, healing and growth and the value in learning to fight for the relationship in a mutual way that will stun your heart and make you swoon in the best of ways.
Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Contemporary Romance
Character Types: Morally Grey Alpha, Tortured Hero,
Themes: Pining Hero, Heart/Emotionally Touching, Tear Jerker, Danger/Suspense
Tropes: Forbidden Love
Book Perspective
Duo POV
Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
Both
If you like these authors, I recommend This Book
LJ Shen
Jay Crownover
Lisa Renee Jones
Song This Book Inspires
Love in the Dark by Adele
Recommendation For Reading Order
Yes
Steam/Spice Explanations
Simmering cup of tea---soft warm touches and light intimacy
Warmin' by the fire- a medium level of sexual tension, a balance of sexual and emotional intimacy, lighter on the details in the sexual moments.
Steamin' up the room -the sexual content is more explicit in the language and tone, heavier amount of sexual scenes.
Blazing fire to the building-The prime focus is the sex scenes, scorching hot, and could burn one. Less focus on the emotional intimacy to the relationship.
Narrators:
Jason Clarke
Nia Surge
DNF Review:
So I was actually pretty excited for this book and to see how this author would handle writing a mafia romance. And to be honest I was disappointed, it just didn't seem to fit right. I think this was just an example of why many authors should just stick in their lanes. Its very rare for authors to write various sub genres well. It just didn't feel dark or even mafia like in any way. And the reason for the DNF was the heroine and really the romance too. I just didn't feel their chemistry at all, the heroine was a bit of a man user and the dynamic felt odd. The setup is that these two use each other for sex and while I was intrigued about the set up for the other two books, I am on the fence if I want to continue with this trilogy. I go to about 60% before I decided to just put this one aside. While I appreciate the author trying something new, (and maybe the other books are better) this one just didn't quite work for me.
So I was actually pretty excited for this book and to see how this author would handle writing a mafia romance. And to be honest I was disappointed, it just didn't seem to fit right. I think this was just an example of why many authors should just stick in their lanes. Its very rare for authors to write various sub genres well. It just didn't feel dark or even mafia like in any way. And the reason for the DNF was the heroine and really the romance too. I just didn't feel their chemistry at all, the heroine was a bit of a man user and the dynamic felt odd. The setup is that these two use each other for sex and while I was intrigued about the set up for the other two books, I am on the fence if I want to continue with this trilogy. I go to about 60% before I decided to just put this one aside. While I appreciate the author trying something new, (and maybe the other books are better) this one just didn't quite work for me.
This review may contain spoilers, so fair warning, upon reading the review. Also my tags may have spoilers in them so be forewarned before checking out full review.
Book Evaluation:
Plot: 🎞️🎞️🎞️🎞️
World Building:🌎🌎🌎🌎
Cover:📔📔📔📔📔
Hero: 🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻
Heroine:🦸🏻♀️🦸🏻♀️🦸🏻♀️🦸🏻♀️
Intimacy Level: 🔥🔥🔥
Relationship Building: 💒💒💒💒
Heart & Feels:💞💞💞💞💞
Witty/Banter/Reaction of Laughter: 😂😂😂😂
Page Turner Level:📖📖📖📖📖
Narration:🎧🎧🎧🎧🎧
Ending:🧧🧧🧧🧧🧧
Overall View: ✨✨✨✨✨
First Impressions
Painful is the male POV version that matches up with "Effortless" and this is a much longer story and has more details to the story for part two of their saga. And for me this version was definitely leagues better than "Effortless". This isn't saying that I didn't love Effortless, because I definitely loved it way more than the first book, but there is something that just delivers so much more for me when it comes to seeing Kellan's POV. And especially since in this book, our heroine and hero are doing a long distance relationship so I do think reading both POV was truly essential and his POV is like 100 pages longer so there is much more details in it that you don't see in Effortless.
First Line
The summer sun pounded on me as I waited in the backstage area with my bandmates, Evan, Matt and Griffin.
The Main Protagonists
The Hero: Kellan
The Heroine: Kiera
Summary
Kellan Kyle has everything he could have dreamed of....his band is becoming more and more lit, he finally has the love of his life and he is rebuilding his friendship with Denny. But then things get even more interesting when his band is offered a position on our multi rock band tour. At first he doesn't want to leave Kiera as things are just starting to be good for them. But he can't put his relationship above the dreams of his brothers. So with the encouragement of Kiera, he goes on tour but while on tour he has to face the torments of his past and dealing with the anxiety of fearing losing her while on tour. But Kellan will have to learn the value of trust and the lack of it could cost him everything...
What I Loved
Painful was a gorgeous story that I couldn't put down. I was so on edge and didn't want to put this one down. I loved seeing Kellan's POV story, and it really had so many more details than what Effortless contained. We also get to see Kellan's bonds to his band mates, seeing his torments that happen dealing with his PTSD from his childhood, the fear of losing Kiera and having to face up to some uncomfortable emotions that he isn't used to facing. We also get to see more sides to Griffin lol And I am finally on Team Griffin (it took a while but it happened, he made me swoon) and also the HUMOR in this book just had me laughing all over the place. Especially the ketchup scene and Griffin and Anna's reveal in the end.
What I Struggled With
The one issue I had with the story here was some of the angst between the couple. I get that some aspects were needed, I just didn't truly understand his fear of not communicating with her for so long.
Narration
Brilliant!!!! The voice was dreamy and really captured the essence of Kellan just right.
Overall View
Painful was a charming, emotionally driven story that keeps you on your toes and will dig deep on your emotions.
Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Contemporary Romance, New Adult
Character Types: Rock Stars, Musician
Themes: Angsty, Heart/Emotionally Touching, Musical, Big Tomes
Tropes: Epic Love
Book Perspective
1st POV-Male POV
Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
Relationship
If you like these authors, I recommend This Book
K. Bromberg
J. Bengtsson
Emma Chase
Recommendation For Reading Order
Yes --please read this series in order
Thoughtless=Thoughtful
Effortless=Painful
Reckless=Wonderful
Untamed
Steam/Spice Explanations
Simmering cup of tea---soft warm touches and light intimacy
Warmin' by the fire- a medium level of sexual tension, a balance of sexual and emotional intimacy, lighter on the details in the sexual moments.
Steamin' up the room -the sexual content is more explicit in the language and tone, heavier amount of sexual scenes.
Blazing fire to the building-The prime focus is the sex scenes, scorching hot, and could burn one. Less focus on the emotional intimacy to the relationship.
Narrators:
J.F. Harding
Book Evaluation:
Plot: 🎞️🎞️🎞️🎞️
World Building:🌎🌎🌎🌎
Cover:📔📔📔📔📔
Hero: 🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻
Heroine:🦸🏻♀️🦸🏻♀️🦸🏻♀️🦸🏻♀️
Intimacy Level: 🔥🔥🔥
Relationship Building: 💒💒💒💒
Heart & Feels:💞💞💞💞💞
Witty/Banter/Reaction of Laughter: 😂😂😂😂
Page Turner Level:📖📖📖📖📖
Narration:🎧🎧🎧🎧🎧
Ending:🧧🧧🧧🧧🧧
Overall View: ✨✨✨✨✨
First Impressions
Painful is the male POV version that matches up with "Effortless" and this is a much longer story and has more details to the story for part two of their saga. And for me this version was definitely leagues better than "Effortless". This isn't saying that I didn't love Effortless, because I definitely loved it way more than the first book, but there is something that just delivers so much more for me when it comes to seeing Kellan's POV. And especially since in this book, our heroine and hero are doing a long distance relationship so I do think reading both POV was truly essential and his POV is like 100 pages longer so there is much more details in it that you don't see in Effortless.
First Line
The summer sun pounded on me as I waited in the backstage area with my bandmates, Evan, Matt and Griffin.
The Main Protagonists
The Hero: Kellan
The Heroine: Kiera
Summary
Kellan Kyle has everything he could have dreamed of....his band is becoming more and more lit, he finally has the love of his life and he is rebuilding his friendship with Denny. But then things get even more interesting when his band is offered a position on our multi rock band tour. At first he doesn't want to leave Kiera as things are just starting to be good for them. But he can't put his relationship above the dreams of his brothers. So with the encouragement of Kiera, he goes on tour but while on tour he has to face the torments of his past and dealing with the anxiety of fearing losing her while on tour. But Kellan will have to learn the value of trust and the lack of it could cost him everything...
What I Loved
Painful was a gorgeous story that I couldn't put down. I was so on edge and didn't want to put this one down. I loved seeing Kellan's POV story, and it really had so many more details than what Effortless contained. We also get to see Kellan's bonds to his band mates, seeing his torments that happen dealing with his PTSD from his childhood, the fear of losing Kiera and having to face up to some uncomfortable emotions that he isn't used to facing. We also get to see more sides to Griffin lol And I am finally on Team Griffin (it took a while but it happened, he made me swoon) and also the HUMOR in this book just had me laughing all over the place. Especially the ketchup scene and Griffin and Anna's reveal in the end.
What I Struggled With
The one issue I had with the story here was some of the angst between the couple. I get that some aspects were needed, I just didn't truly understand his fear of not communicating with her for so long.
Narration
Brilliant!!!! The voice was dreamy and really captured the essence of Kellan just right.
Overall View
Painful was a charming, emotionally driven story that keeps you on your toes and will dig deep on your emotions.
Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Contemporary Romance, New Adult
Character Types: Rock Stars, Musician
Themes: Angsty, Heart/Emotionally Touching, Musical, Big Tomes
Tropes: Epic Love
Book Perspective
1st POV-Male POV
Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
Relationship
If you like these authors, I recommend This Book
K. Bromberg
J. Bengtsson
Emma Chase
Recommendation For Reading Order
Yes --please read this series in order
Thoughtless=Thoughtful
Effortless=Painful
Reckless=Wonderful
Untamed
Steam/Spice Explanations
Simmering cup of tea---soft warm touches and light intimacy
Warmin' by the fire- a medium level of sexual tension, a balance of sexual and emotional intimacy, lighter on the details in the sexual moments.
Steamin' up the room -the sexual content is more explicit in the language and tone, heavier amount of sexual scenes.
Blazing fire to the building-The prime focus is the sex scenes, scorching hot, and could burn one. Less focus on the emotional intimacy to the relationship.
Narrators:
J.F. Harding
This review may contain spoilers, so fair warning, upon reading the review. Also my tags may have spoilers in them so be forewarned before checking out full review.
Book Evaluation:
Plot: 🎞️🎞️🎞️🎞️
World Building:🌎🌎🌎🌎
Cover:📔📔📔📔📔
Hero: 🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻
Heroine:🦸🏻♀️🦸🏻♀️🦸🏻♀️🦸🏻♀️🦸🏻♀️
Intimacy Level: 🔥🔥🔥
Relationship Building: 💒💒💒💒
Heart & Feels:💞💞💞💞💞
Witty/Banter/Reaction of Laughter: 😂😂😂😂
Page Turner Level:📖📖📖📖📖
Narration:🎧🎧🎧🎧🎧
Ending:🧧🧧🧧🧧🧧
Overall View: ✨✨✨✨✨
First Impressions
Effortless is the second book in the "Thoughtless" series, its companion book is "Painful" (which I will be doing a review for shortly here) In Effortless, this is Kiera's POV. In Effortless, we see our couple that are dealing with learning to overcome the fears of the past and to build trust more within their relationship. This book is basically a summary of seeing them make mistakes at times, learn the value of trust in their relationship more than anything else and seeing them rise above the challenges they will face.
First Line
According to the Channel Four weatherman, it was the hottest summer on record in Seattle.
The Main Protagonists
The Hero: Kellan
The Heroine: Kiera
Summary
Kellan and Kiera are fully embracing their new life together, having overcome the pains of the past that came with a painful love triangle and learning to see what it means for them now. Kiera is about to start her final year in college, and Kellan has just received a huge invite to be part of a multiple band tour for six months which will challenge his and Kiera's relationship. At first Kellan is terrified to go on tour, he doesn't want to risk losing the woman he loves because of it. But on both sides they will have to learn the value of trust in their relationship.
What I Loved
Effortless kept me on the edge of my seat. There were so many aspects to this story I just fell so hard for. I loved seeing our couple enjoying so much happy page time together. Seeing them really embrace what being in a relationship means for each other. We see them going through this adjustment period. I really enjoyed the heroine so much more in this book though. While she made some mistakes here and there, you really see how much she loves Kellan and will fight for him. Even when things look hopeless at times, she still fights for the heroine in the end and that was so sexy to me. We definitely need more heroines willing to do this more often. There were so many hilarious moments that really balanced out some aspects of the angst at times. And while I was worried about the level of angst that would be in this story, it was minimal in comparison to what I expected. And the ending here was perfection. And side note: I am finally on the Griffin train because he won me over in the end there, even though he is so clueless lol
What I Struggled With
Some elements of the angst aspects, I do wish our couple would have trusted each other more but unlike the first book, many of the mistakes were equally on both sides. The hero not being honest with Kiera about his father, and the heroine not being honest about her interactions with Denny.
Narration
Wonderful! I loved being able to listen to this one, although I did mix of listening and physically reading this one here.
Overall View
Effortless was a story that dug deep into the human element of trust and healing, of pain and redemption, one that brings together a love story of growth and swoons!
Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Contemporary Romance
Character Types: Rock Star/Musician, College Student, Tortured Hero
Themes: Small Town, Tear Jerker, Kids/Teens, Danger/Suspense, Heart/Touching, Pining Heroine.
Tropes: Epic Love
Book Perspective
1st POV
Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
Relationship
If you like these authors, I recommend This Book
Sylvain Reynard
K. Bromberg
J. Kenner
Recommendation For Reading Order
Yes
Steam/Spice Explanations
Simmering cup of tea---soft warm touches and light intimacy
Warmin' by the fire- a medium level of sexual tension, a balance of sexual and emotional intimacy, lighter on the details in the sexual moments.
Steamin' up the room -the sexual content is more explicit in the language and tone, heavier amount of sexual scenes.
Blazing fire to the building-The prime focus is the sex scenes, scorching hot, and could burn one. Less focus on the emotional intimacy to the relationship.
Narrators:
Rebekkah Ross
Book Evaluation:
Plot: 🎞️🎞️🎞️🎞️
World Building:🌎🌎🌎🌎
Cover:📔📔📔📔📔
Hero: 🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻
Heroine:🦸🏻♀️🦸🏻♀️🦸🏻♀️🦸🏻♀️🦸🏻♀️
Intimacy Level: 🔥🔥🔥
Relationship Building: 💒💒💒💒
Heart & Feels:💞💞💞💞💞
Witty/Banter/Reaction of Laughter: 😂😂😂😂
Page Turner Level:📖📖📖📖📖
Narration:🎧🎧🎧🎧🎧
Ending:🧧🧧🧧🧧🧧
Overall View: ✨✨✨✨✨
First Impressions
Effortless is the second book in the "Thoughtless" series, its companion book is "Painful" (which I will be doing a review for shortly here) In Effortless, this is Kiera's POV. In Effortless, we see our couple that are dealing with learning to overcome the fears of the past and to build trust more within their relationship. This book is basically a summary of seeing them make mistakes at times, learn the value of trust in their relationship more than anything else and seeing them rise above the challenges they will face.
First Line
According to the Channel Four weatherman, it was the hottest summer on record in Seattle.
The Main Protagonists
The Hero: Kellan
The Heroine: Kiera
Summary
Kellan and Kiera are fully embracing their new life together, having overcome the pains of the past that came with a painful love triangle and learning to see what it means for them now. Kiera is about to start her final year in college, and Kellan has just received a huge invite to be part of a multiple band tour for six months which will challenge his and Kiera's relationship. At first Kellan is terrified to go on tour, he doesn't want to risk losing the woman he loves because of it. But on both sides they will have to learn the value of trust in their relationship.
What I Loved
Effortless kept me on the edge of my seat. There were so many aspects to this story I just fell so hard for. I loved seeing our couple enjoying so much happy page time together. Seeing them really embrace what being in a relationship means for each other. We see them going through this adjustment period. I really enjoyed the heroine so much more in this book though. While she made some mistakes here and there, you really see how much she loves Kellan and will fight for him. Even when things look hopeless at times, she still fights for the heroine in the end and that was so sexy to me. We definitely need more heroines willing to do this more often. There were so many hilarious moments that really balanced out some aspects of the angst at times. And while I was worried about the level of angst that would be in this story, it was minimal in comparison to what I expected. And the ending here was perfection. And side note: I am finally on the Griffin train because he won me over in the end there, even though he is so clueless lol
What I Struggled With
Some elements of the angst aspects, I do wish our couple would have trusted each other more but unlike the first book, many of the mistakes were equally on both sides. The hero not being honest with Kiera about his father, and the heroine not being honest about her interactions with Denny.
Narration
Wonderful! I loved being able to listen to this one, although I did mix of listening and physically reading this one here.
Overall View
Effortless was a story that dug deep into the human element of trust and healing, of pain and redemption, one that brings together a love story of growth and swoons!
Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Contemporary Romance
Character Types: Rock Star/Musician, College Student, Tortured Hero
Themes: Small Town, Tear Jerker, Kids/Teens, Danger/Suspense, Heart/Touching, Pining Heroine.
Tropes: Epic Love
Book Perspective
1st POV
Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
Relationship
If you like these authors, I recommend This Book
Sylvain Reynard
K. Bromberg
J. Kenner
Recommendation For Reading Order
Yes
Steam/Spice Explanations
Simmering cup of tea---soft warm touches and light intimacy
Warmin' by the fire- a medium level of sexual tension, a balance of sexual and emotional intimacy, lighter on the details in the sexual moments.
Steamin' up the room -the sexual content is more explicit in the language and tone, heavier amount of sexual scenes.
Blazing fire to the building-The prime focus is the sex scenes, scorching hot, and could burn one. Less focus on the emotional intimacy to the relationship.
Narrators:
Rebekkah Ross