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4.61k reviews by:
loverofromance
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
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
The Predator is the first book in the "Dark Verse" series and this series has been so intimidating for me if I am being honest. So many rave about this one especially on instagram, its EVERYWHERE. I wasn't sure if I wanted to invest into it but after really enjoying Gothikana, I had to rethink it and decide on this one. Well I grabbed it in audio (and if you are a audio fan, get it in audio, you won't regret it) and it was superb. I loved everything about it. And honestly with how hooked I was into this one, its definitely on the list of favorites for the year too. I was so consummed by this book and literally couldn't put it down, and as a audiobook that is saying something for sure.
First Line
On a cold dark night in winter, with the wind howling and the skies crying in sleet, two men from the Tenebrae Outfit met the two men from Shadow Port in the middle of nowhere.
The Main Protagonists
The Hero: Tristan Caine
The Heroine: Morana Vitalio
Summary
The Predator begins with our heroine, Morana Vitalio, comes after Tristan Caine and attempts to kill him as she believes that he knows the truth about a mystery and is her target and with him being her family's enemy, she won't lose sleep over it, but Tristan Caine is a not a man you can easily kill and she finds herself on the other end of her own knife and where Tristan makes his own vow to her but ends up protecting her in his own way. Even though Tristan has vowed to kill her, they end up in this sexy tango of secrets and myterious reveals and when she ends up on the run from her own family, Tristan is the man that offers sanctuary. But why does he want to kill her and why does the hate run so deep?
What I Loved
This book tore me upside down and sideways and I never knew what was going to happen next. I absolutely couldn't get enough of this book. In fact, this book is WAY better than Gothikana. And yes I know they are completely different but I was so CONSUMED by this book in a way that Gothikana didn't even come close for me. There was so many delicious alpha vibes and loved how strong these characters are. The heroine I know comes off strong and she may not work for everyone, but honestly, I ended up loving her, and that is a rarity for such a prickly heroine but she really worked for me.
She had such relatable vulnerabilities and how she just wants to be loved by anyone because she has been so neglected was so empowering. Even though she knows how to kick ass and fight on her own terms, she also has a sweet spirit too. She isn't your typical kick ass heroine which I really respected because I found her so likeable in the end. You can see how she has been abused over the years and I really wanted her to find her HEA because she deserved it.
The secrets that surround this book were so impactful and man I was beyond intrigued. I love a good mystery but the way that this book is layered was so intricate in many ways. There is some mystery behind the hero and why he has such a hate filled vendetta against the heroine when she hasn't really done anything to him to actually warrant it, so getting the reveals in the end was so fascinating and really adds depth to the hero. There are so many "touch her and die" vibes and the alpha moments with the hero were so captivating.
What I Struggled With
Not much to be honest. At first I was curious why the hero wanted to kill the heroine so badly but that gets satisfied so I have to say it was just about perfect.
Narration
This narration was PERFECTION! Honestly they made this one so so addictive and really made the world building and the characters jump off of the page so vividly.
Overall View
The Predator is a fascinating beginning to a world that will pull at your curiosity from the get go. You won't want to let go of this story or these characters who literally take your breath away! CAPTIVATING AND ENTHRALLING!
Favorite Quote(s)
Don't you know not to run away from predators, sweetheart? We like the hunt."
" You twitch and you die."
...."Interesting," he remarked evenly (yeah I was laughing so hard)
“No one else gets to kill you, Ms Vitalio, the last face you see before you die will be mine. When it comes to death, you're mine."
Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Dark Romance, Romantic Suspense
Character Types: Alpha Male, Mafia
Themes: Kick Ass, Touch Her and Die, Family Feud, Dirty Talkin'
Tropes: Enemies to Lovers
Book Perspective
1st POV
Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
Both
If you like these authors, I recommend This Book
Penelope Douglas
Ana Huang
Rina Kent
Song This Book Inspires
Russian Roulette by Rhianna
Recommendation For Reading Order
Yes
Steam/Spice Explanations
Steamin' up the room -the sexual content is more explicit in the language and tone, heavier amount of sexual scenes.
Narrators:
Kai Kennicott, Michael Pierce
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
The Predator is the first book in the "Dark Verse" series and this series has been so intimidating for me if I am being honest. So many rave about this one especially on instagram, its EVERYWHERE. I wasn't sure if I wanted to invest into it but after really enjoying Gothikana, I had to rethink it and decide on this one. Well I grabbed it in audio (and if you are a audio fan, get it in audio, you won't regret it) and it was superb. I loved everything about it. And honestly with how hooked I was into this one, its definitely on the list of favorites for the year too. I was so consummed by this book and literally couldn't put it down, and as a audiobook that is saying something for sure.
First Line
On a cold dark night in winter, with the wind howling and the skies crying in sleet, two men from the Tenebrae Outfit met the two men from Shadow Port in the middle of nowhere.
The Main Protagonists
The Hero: Tristan Caine
The Heroine: Morana Vitalio
Summary
The Predator begins with our heroine, Morana Vitalio, comes after Tristan Caine and attempts to kill him as she believes that he knows the truth about a mystery and is her target and with him being her family's enemy, she won't lose sleep over it, but Tristan Caine is a not a man you can easily kill and she finds herself on the other end of her own knife and where Tristan makes his own vow to her but ends up protecting her in his own way. Even though Tristan has vowed to kill her, they end up in this sexy tango of secrets and myterious reveals and when she ends up on the run from her own family, Tristan is the man that offers sanctuary. But why does he want to kill her and why does the hate run so deep?
What I Loved
This book tore me upside down and sideways and I never knew what was going to happen next. I absolutely couldn't get enough of this book. In fact, this book is WAY better than Gothikana. And yes I know they are completely different but I was so CONSUMED by this book in a way that Gothikana didn't even come close for me. There was so many delicious alpha vibes and loved how strong these characters are. The heroine I know comes off strong and she may not work for everyone, but honestly, I ended up loving her, and that is a rarity for such a prickly heroine but she really worked for me.
She had such relatable vulnerabilities and how she just wants to be loved by anyone because she has been so neglected was so empowering. Even though she knows how to kick ass and fight on her own terms, she also has a sweet spirit too. She isn't your typical kick ass heroine which I really respected because I found her so likeable in the end. You can see how she has been abused over the years and I really wanted her to find her HEA because she deserved it.
The secrets that surround this book were so impactful and man I was beyond intrigued. I love a good mystery but the way that this book is layered was so intricate in many ways. There is some mystery behind the hero and why he has such a hate filled vendetta against the heroine when she hasn't really done anything to him to actually warrant it, so getting the reveals in the end was so fascinating and really adds depth to the hero. There are so many "touch her and die" vibes and the alpha moments with the hero were so captivating.
What I Struggled With
Not much to be honest. At first I was curious why the hero wanted to kill the heroine so badly but that gets satisfied so I have to say it was just about perfect.
Narration
This narration was PERFECTION! Honestly they made this one so so addictive and really made the world building and the characters jump off of the page so vividly.
Overall View
The Predator is a fascinating beginning to a world that will pull at your curiosity from the get go. You won't want to let go of this story or these characters who literally take your breath away! CAPTIVATING AND ENTHRALLING!
Favorite Quote(s)
Don't you know not to run away from predators, sweetheart? We like the hunt."
" You twitch and you die."
...."Interesting," he remarked evenly (yeah I was laughing so hard)
“No one else gets to kill you, Ms Vitalio, the last face you see before you die will be mine. When it comes to death, you're mine."
Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Dark Romance, Romantic Suspense
Character Types: Alpha Male, Mafia
Themes: Kick Ass, Touch Her and Die, Family Feud, Dirty Talkin'
Tropes: Enemies to Lovers
Book Perspective
1st POV
Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
Both
If you like these authors, I recommend This Book
Penelope Douglas
Ana Huang
Rina Kent
Song This Book Inspires
Russian Roulette by Rhianna
Recommendation For Reading Order
Yes
Steam/Spice Explanations
Steamin' up the room -the sexual content is more explicit in the language and tone, heavier amount of sexual scenes.
Narrators:
Kai Kennicott, Michael Pierce
Just not feeling this story right now and the plot just doesn't intrigue me right now. Its not really working for me so I am going to pass on it right now but might revisit.
adventurous
challenging
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Quickie Review (May contain spoilers, fair warning upon reading this review)
There was a delay in writing this review as I had totally forgotten about writing the review for this one. So I am doing a quick review for this one.
So Night Pleasures was a very interesting setup. We have a setup where our characters are in a forced proximity situation. They were both kidnapped by someone that is out for revenge against our hero. The hero is a dark hunter and has been alone for many centuries. The heroine is a bit prickly in the beginning, but she grew on me. There are quite a few kick ass moments in this story, loved the forbidden feel and seeing how these two find their way to a HEA. It ended a bit different than I expected it to end, I am still unsure how I feel about it, but our couple does end up together. I did love the intensity that builds up to them finding their HEA. It was creative and thrilling and add a certain edge to it that was intriguing.
Overall it was a fun adventure and loved returning back to this world!
There was a delay in writing this review as I had totally forgotten about writing the review for this one. So I am doing a quick review for this one.
So Night Pleasures was a very interesting setup. We have a setup where our characters are in a forced proximity situation. They were both kidnapped by someone that is out for revenge against our hero. The hero is a dark hunter and has been alone for many centuries. The heroine is a bit prickly in the beginning, but she grew on me. There are quite a few kick ass moments in this story, loved the forbidden feel and seeing how these two find their way to a HEA. It ended a bit different than I expected it to end, I am still unsure how I feel about it, but our couple does end up together. I did love the intensity that builds up to them finding their HEA. It was creative and thrilling and add a certain edge to it that was intriguing.
Overall it was a fun adventure and loved returning back to this world!
challenging
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
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
Making Faces is a standalone romance, and I chose this from my TBR for Romanceopoly for 2024. I have had a goal to read more from this author. I really am curious to see where this author develops with her stories, but also heard that this book is one of her best works and after having read it, I definitely agree that its one of the best books I have read so far this year. This story had so many emotional layers to it, and it really tears you apart, but also delivers such poignant feels to take your breath away.
First Line
The ancient greeks believed that after death, all souls, whether good or bad, would descend to the underworld, the kingdom of Hades, deep in the earth, and dwell there for eternity."
The Main Protagonists
The Hero: Ambrose Young
Athlete in Wrestling
Popular in High School
War Veteran
Disability
The Heroine: Fern Taylor
Shy
Plain Jane
Butterly Beauty
Summary
Fern Taylor has been in love with Ambrose Young for years. Through a set of events, they started writing letters to each other. And their sweet young words connected with each other. But when Ambrose learns of a betrayal, its hard to trust Fern. But Fern has been falling hard for this boy since he showed compassion on her cousin. Ambrose is training to be a wrestler and even though there is a connected between himself and Fern, when there are attacks on the towers, he starts to shift into a direction of service to his country. But the end result is him coming home alone, scarred and damaged. And Fern has developed into a beauty, but Fern always saw Ambrose, and they find solace with each other...
What I Loved
There was so beauty in this story. It had an almost poetic lyrical feel to the story that just takes your breath away. We see a reversal of beauty and beast. We see flashbacks to their time of before and the way that they connect as children and teens. And then we get to the present, seeing them as adults, and fighting through the scars and healing of the trauma they must face. We see their friendships and how they connect on a deep level, and that level is through the written word. They also discover a bond that will carry them through grief and heartache and loss. Both characters were so loveable. And really the whole crew of friends were so endearing. It is hard reading their story knowing what is going to happen, but I also am glad that I was prepared for it as well. I especially loved the cousin Bailey. His story was so heartbreaking but also teaches some beautiful lessons in embracing the moment of life.
This story had me crying buckets of tears! My goodness, I have read this author before, but I have never read a book from her that was so tearful and deep in emotion. Even though the romance is beautiful, this story has so much depth that encompasses so much more than just the romantic relationship. There is great growth in our characters. I was so curious to see where this author would take this book, and with each chapter, I was getting more and more addicted to it. These characters come alive so easily. Seeing their struggles and battles they face, but also their strength and healing they find in the adversity was beautiful. This author captivated me completely with this one here!
What I Struggled With
Nothing, it was perfect!
Narration
What powerful narration. It was duo narration and really captured the emotion and journey so well. These characters come alive and I think a part of the experience with this book is all thanks to the great talent of the narration here.
Overall View
Making Faces was a brilliant story that really captivates you instantly. Its a story of slow burn love, sparks of love through letters, emotion portrayed in a poignant manner that strikes deep and real. BEAUTY WRIT ON EVERY PAGE!
Favorite Quote(s)
We all fit together to create this experience we call life. None of us can see the part we play or the way it all turns out. Maybe the miracles we see are just the tip of the iceburg. And maybe we just don’t recognize the blessings that come as a result of terrible things.
We can’t always control what happens to us. Whether it’s a crippled body or a scarred face. Whether it’s the loss of people we love and don’t want to live without”
Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Contemporary Romance, Young Adult, New Adult
Character Types: Athlete, Shy Heroine, Playboy Hero, Military/Veteran Hero
Themes: Pining Heroine, Disability, Love Letters
Tropes: Unrequited Love, Fairy Tale Retelling-Beauty and Beast
Book Perspective
Multi POV
Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
A Blend
If you like these authors, I recommend This Book
Mia Sheridan
Catherine Cowles
KA Tucker
Song This Book Inspires
Joy of My Life by Chris Stapleton
Steam/Spice Explanations
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.
Narrators:
Bob Shapiro
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
Making Faces is a standalone romance, and I chose this from my TBR for Romanceopoly for 2024. I have had a goal to read more from this author. I really am curious to see where this author develops with her stories, but also heard that this book is one of her best works and after having read it, I definitely agree that its one of the best books I have read so far this year. This story had so many emotional layers to it, and it really tears you apart, but also delivers such poignant feels to take your breath away.
First Line
The ancient greeks believed that after death, all souls, whether good or bad, would descend to the underworld, the kingdom of Hades, deep in the earth, and dwell there for eternity."
The Main Protagonists
The Hero: Ambrose Young
Athlete in Wrestling
Popular in High School
War Veteran
Disability
The Heroine: Fern Taylor
Shy
Plain Jane
Butterly Beauty
Summary
Fern Taylor has been in love with Ambrose Young for years. Through a set of events, they started writing letters to each other. And their sweet young words connected with each other. But when Ambrose learns of a betrayal, its hard to trust Fern. But Fern has been falling hard for this boy since he showed compassion on her cousin. Ambrose is training to be a wrestler and even though there is a connected between himself and Fern, when there are attacks on the towers, he starts to shift into a direction of service to his country. But the end result is him coming home alone, scarred and damaged. And Fern has developed into a beauty, but Fern always saw Ambrose, and they find solace with each other...
What I Loved
There was so beauty in this story. It had an almost poetic lyrical feel to the story that just takes your breath away. We see a reversal of beauty and beast. We see flashbacks to their time of before and the way that they connect as children and teens. And then we get to the present, seeing them as adults, and fighting through the scars and healing of the trauma they must face. We see their friendships and how they connect on a deep level, and that level is through the written word. They also discover a bond that will carry them through grief and heartache and loss. Both characters were so loveable. And really the whole crew of friends were so endearing. It is hard reading their story knowing what is going to happen, but I also am glad that I was prepared for it as well. I especially loved the cousin Bailey. His story was so heartbreaking but also teaches some beautiful lessons in embracing the moment of life.
This story had me crying buckets of tears! My goodness, I have read this author before, but I have never read a book from her that was so tearful and deep in emotion. Even though the romance is beautiful, this story has so much depth that encompasses so much more than just the romantic relationship. There is great growth in our characters. I was so curious to see where this author would take this book, and with each chapter, I was getting more and more addicted to it. These characters come alive so easily. Seeing their struggles and battles they face, but also their strength and healing they find in the adversity was beautiful. This author captivated me completely with this one here!
What I Struggled With
Nothing, it was perfect!
Narration
What powerful narration. It was duo narration and really captured the emotion and journey so well. These characters come alive and I think a part of the experience with this book is all thanks to the great talent of the narration here.
Overall View
Making Faces was a brilliant story that really captivates you instantly. Its a story of slow burn love, sparks of love through letters, emotion portrayed in a poignant manner that strikes deep and real. BEAUTY WRIT ON EVERY PAGE!
Favorite Quote(s)
We all fit together to create this experience we call life. None of us can see the part we play or the way it all turns out. Maybe the miracles we see are just the tip of the iceburg. And maybe we just don’t recognize the blessings that come as a result of terrible things.
We can’t always control what happens to us. Whether it’s a crippled body or a scarred face. Whether it’s the loss of people we love and don’t want to live without”
Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Contemporary Romance, Young Adult, New Adult
Character Types: Athlete, Shy Heroine, Playboy Hero, Military/Veteran Hero
Themes: Pining Heroine, Disability, Love Letters
Tropes: Unrequited Love, Fairy Tale Retelling-Beauty and Beast
Book Perspective
Multi POV
Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
A Blend
If you like these authors, I recommend This Book
Mia Sheridan
Catherine Cowles
KA Tucker
Song This Book Inspires
Joy of My Life by Chris Stapleton
Steam/Spice Explanations
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.
Narrators:
Bob Shapiro
challenging
dark
Quickie Review (May contain spoilers, fair warning upon reading this review)
Staying In Vegas, is the continuation of the Morelli Saga. I was wanting to see what this author would do with this story. I did NOT expect a love triangle at all. This is my least liked trope and was a bit disappointed this author went this way. It just went a weird way and I am not sure how I feel about this story. I will continue with the trilogy so I can find out what happens but will space them out here. But one of my more least favorite Mariano books. I do have high hopes that it will get better with the next books.
If you have read this series let me know if it improves!
Staying In Vegas, is the continuation of the Morelli Saga. I was wanting to see what this author would do with this story. I did NOT expect a love triangle at all. This is my least liked trope and was a bit disappointed this author went this way. It just went a weird way and I am not sure how I feel about this story. I will continue with the trilogy so I can find out what happens but will space them out here. But one of my more least favorite Mariano books. I do have high hopes that it will get better with the next books.
If you have read this series let me know if it improves!
Quickie Review (May contain spoilers)
I really had high hopes for this one but unfortunately, it didn't work for me. This is not really a romance. Its erotica. Its not even erotic romance. Its basically fantasy smut. If that works for you, that is great. It just wasn't for me because I need a plot and story not something that is just about the sex. I was really going into this book expecting a epic fantasy and coming out with being disappointed by this one. Now if you are just looking for just plain smut and nothing deeper than that, then it will work for you.
I really had high hopes for this one but unfortunately, it didn't work for me. This is not really a romance. Its erotica. Its not even erotic romance. Its basically fantasy smut. If that works for you, that is great. It just wasn't for me because I need a plot and story not something that is just about the sex. I was really going into this book expecting a epic fantasy and coming out with being disappointed by this one. Now if you are just looking for just plain smut and nothing deeper than that, then it will work for you.
challenging
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Quickie Review- (May contain spoilers upon reading the review. Proceed at your own risk)
Forever Wicked is the first book in the 1001 Dark Nights. I have been wanting to work through these a bit more here. Forever Wicked is a story that I really had fun with. I love marriage in trouble setups and this one was very interesting. I enjoyed how the author had this hero pining after the heroine. I didn't really understand her motivations on why she was always pulling away. The hero has to really pull some alpha moves to get her to give them a second chance. We see a man that is determined to fight for his marriage and he does it so creatively. The interactions between her family and the hero was perfection. The romance was a great erotic romance theme. There are deep layers within these more sensual scenes where we see this couple learn to reconnect.
Overall I had a good time with this one and enjoyed this Shayla Black and definitely want to explore this series more.
Forever Wicked is the first book in the 1001 Dark Nights. I have been wanting to work through these a bit more here. Forever Wicked is a story that I really had fun with. I love marriage in trouble setups and this one was very interesting. I enjoyed how the author had this hero pining after the heroine. I didn't really understand her motivations on why she was always pulling away. The hero has to really pull some alpha moves to get her to give them a second chance. We see a man that is determined to fight for his marriage and he does it so creatively. The interactions between her family and the hero was perfection. The romance was a great erotic romance theme. There are deep layers within these more sensual scenes where we see this couple learn to reconnect.
Overall I had a good time with this one and enjoyed this Shayla Black and definitely want to explore this series more.
challenging
emotional
funny
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
The second book which is also the conclusion to Johnny and Shannon's story. In this one it picks up right off of where Binding 13 ends. Now this conclusion was so heartbreaking at times. It really strikes a deep chord with you on a human level. We see the determination and commitment that our pair have together. There is even more forbidden feels in this book due to the circumstances. I just felt for these two and what they have to overcome. Shannon is having to deal with feeling even more trapped with her new situation but willing to sacrifice so much just to have some alone time with Johnny. Johnny really shows his true colors in what he is able to sacrifice for his girl in this one here. I just wanted so much to see these two find their way through their struggles. And really well the whole family of Shannon I just wanted to cry for. We also get some great laughs with the group of Johnny's friends. We also see the difference between Shannon's home to Johnny's home. The difference between loving supportive parents and parents that are only out for their own interests. I had so much love for Johnny and Shannon and their group. Seeing these two find their own way, that is different than what everyone else would have for them was so poignant at times in the strength of their relationship together.
I had a beautiful experience reading the beginning of the Boys of Tommen. Its a story of pain and sacrifice, but of healing and growth and fighting for the one that you love that concludes with such hope and promise. A TRUE GEM AND A TOP READ OF THE YEAR!
I had a beautiful experience reading the beginning of the Boys of Tommen. Its a story of pain and sacrifice, but of healing and growth and fighting for the one that you love that concludes with such hope and promise. A TRUE GEM AND A TOP READ OF THE YEAR!
challenging
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Quickie Review- (May contain spoilers, fair warning upon reading this review)
Binding 13 is the first book in the infamous “Boys of Tommen” series. This series I have literally been seeing everywhere and I decided to pick it up. I don’t really read YA as many of you know, but honestly these books have definitely changed my mind in being more open to this sub genre in romance. There was something so rich and vibrant in these books that truly packs a punch. Binding 13 is the first book in their story. Our characters are Johnny and Shannon. Johnny is 17 and Shannon is 15 when they first meet. Johnny is training to be a professional rugby player and is from a loving stable financially secure home. Then we have Shannon, who has suffered abuse and bullying most of her life. Her home situation is rough with an alcoholic abusive father and a neglective mother who enables the abuse and the siblings having to protect each other when they can. But on top of that, Shannon has been bullied at every single school she has been in. But when she has a fresh start at Tommen and meets Johnny, who is protective and caring, she comes into herself. But the relationship she has with Johnny is forbidden by her family.
I couldn’t get enough of Binding 13 and what we see happen within this story here. I was so hooked into the writing so easily, and if you love audiobooks then the narration is very well done. It takes place in Ireland (which isn’t common in contemporary) and their relationship is so heartfelt. Johnny is a character that is so in tune with Shannon and willing to do whatever it takes to protect her. There are many things that he just doesn’t understand but he just wants to look out for even knowing what could happen if they are caught together by anyone in her family. Shannon has never known such a protector outside of her own siblings, so to have a boy look out for in and connect with makes Shannon believe in something more.
I will warn you all that this book does end in a cliffhanger and I know these books are long, but I couldn’t get enough of it. The writing was so consumming and just instantly pulls you into the story. This is a story of a hero that comes off being misunderstood as a playboy but is so protective, and a heroine who is sweet and shy and a true survivor. Their romance is so endearing because we see what a deep connection they have together and the first book really focuses on establishing the foundation of their relationship in such a promising way.
Binding 13 is the first book in the infamous “Boys of Tommen” series. This series I have literally been seeing everywhere and I decided to pick it up. I don’t really read YA as many of you know, but honestly these books have definitely changed my mind in being more open to this sub genre in romance. There was something so rich and vibrant in these books that truly packs a punch. Binding 13 is the first book in their story. Our characters are Johnny and Shannon. Johnny is 17 and Shannon is 15 when they first meet. Johnny is training to be a professional rugby player and is from a loving stable financially secure home. Then we have Shannon, who has suffered abuse and bullying most of her life. Her home situation is rough with an alcoholic abusive father and a neglective mother who enables the abuse and the siblings having to protect each other when they can. But on top of that, Shannon has been bullied at every single school she has been in. But when she has a fresh start at Tommen and meets Johnny, who is protective and caring, she comes into herself. But the relationship she has with Johnny is forbidden by her family.
I couldn’t get enough of Binding 13 and what we see happen within this story here. I was so hooked into the writing so easily, and if you love audiobooks then the narration is very well done. It takes place in Ireland (which isn’t common in contemporary) and their relationship is so heartfelt. Johnny is a character that is so in tune with Shannon and willing to do whatever it takes to protect her. There are many things that he just doesn’t understand but he just wants to look out for even knowing what could happen if they are caught together by anyone in her family. Shannon has never known such a protector outside of her own siblings, so to have a boy look out for in and connect with makes Shannon believe in something more.
I will warn you all that this book does end in a cliffhanger and I know these books are long, but I couldn’t get enough of it. The writing was so consumming and just instantly pulls you into the story. This is a story of a hero that comes off being misunderstood as a playboy but is so protective, and a heroine who is sweet and shy and a true survivor. Their romance is so endearing because we see what a deep connection they have together and the first book really focuses on establishing the foundation of their relationship in such a promising way.
adventurous
challenging
funny
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
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:🌎🌎🌎🌎.5
Cover:📔📔📔📔📔
Hero: 🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻
Heroine:🦸🏻♀️🦸🏻♀️🦸🏻♀️🦸🏻♀️🦸🏻♀️
Intimacy Level: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Relationship Building: 💒💒💒💒💒
Heart & Feels:💞💞💞💞
Witty/Banter/Reaction of Laughter: 😂😂😂😂😂
Page Turner Level:📖📖📖📖
Ending:🧧🧧🧧🧧🧧
Overall View: ✨✨✨✨.5
First Impressions
Dream of Dragons is the first book in the connecting series by Aja James. This is a series that I have been really eager for. There is something about dragons that just draws me in. As much as I adored the Pure/Dark Ones, one of my motivator's in reading it was to read this series. I will say that these two series are very different if this first book is any indication on what the rest of the series will be like. I really respected what was delivered in this installment. I am not sure exactly what I was expecting, but it went a different direction than I expected because even though I knew it would be different, it was a whole new shift from what she delivered on the Pure/Dark Ones.
First Line
Ere was having the most decadent dream.
Summary
Erubu, along with his mate Sorin, are to fulfill his obligation to the Jade Emperor in the promise he made him from the debt that he owes from the epic battle. They are summoned and called to a mission to go back through time to a time that is obscure in legends.....The Arthurian Court and their partner in crime is Rui, a treasure dragon. Their mission to find the Jewel of Dreams. On their road to finding the jewel, they run into a warrior, who is an infamous dragon hunter "Wolfe". There is an instant connection between Wolfe and Rui, and despite them being on opposing sides of the tournament to win the jewel, they build a powerful relationship, but their love is forbidden because there is no happy ever after on the horizon.
What I Loved
The dynamics within this story was complex and unique in what is delivered. We also get another perspective in how we are taken back into the past. This was a thrilling road trip adventure with a blend of time travel bonded into it. Also you add in some fabulous laughs and a forbidden theme to the romance, its going to be my catnip. The first element to the story that was beyond infectious was the humor. The dialogue from Ere especially, was *Chef's Kiss* he was simply lively and just lightens the mood of the more serious plot that is placed into this story. While this author has some great humor in previous books, there is something about Ere that just adds a unique element in an aspect that I haven't found before in her books.
The plot of the story kept me on edge all the way through. I was fascinated with the world building. I rarely see Arthurian themes in books (And I have read a TON of historical romance in my time of living) so to see the way the author implemented this element was so different. I always knew she could write some superb plots in her stories, but the way this plot is developed on the surface seems like its not super deep, but with chapter, the complexity in the plot on builds greater. This is what truly shows her talent in plot development, is writing such complex plots in manner of ways that you don't expect to be handled. And how the conflict in the end was resolved especially involving the romance had such a deep resonating feel to it and so satisfying.
So even though we have two couples in this story, there isn't much confusion. On the surface, it might seem to be baffling, but it really is a delightful mix in how James really delved these two couples together. Getting to see some fun interactions between Ere and Sorin became so endearing. I apparently didn't get enough of these two in Purity, because seeing these two after their proposed HEA was so poignant at times. We get to see how well they get on together after their story has happened and it only reaffirms why their story is so powerful. Then we have the romance between our MF pairing, Wolfe & Rui, who are simply delightful. They are both warriors and they don't clash in the way that you would expect such strong personalities would. Even though they have such alpha warrior like behaviors at times, they also are both lonely souls yearning for more in their lives. We see how they are able to fill the void they feel and the way in which they are able to connect but also build such a beautiful vibrant bond.
What I Struggled With
So as much as I loved this book, it was far from perfect. The pacing in the first half, felt a bit off. Not sure if it was just a "Me" aspect or what, or maybe it was the author's change in how she writes that added to the pacing element of the story. But I really struggled staying completely hooked into the story. But once we get to the second half, I didn't want to put it down!
Overall View
Dream of Dragons is a story that enthralls you with rich history, fascinating relationships, laughs and thrills, and with the right touch of mystery to have you searching for more!
Favorite Quote(s)
What she wasn’t ready for was being in love. Especially with a man like Wolfe. Her dragon-hunter nemesis. The one and only male she would ever love. The most precious treasure she would give everything for, that she had no choice but to leave behind.
Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Historical Mythological Fantasy, Time-England-Camelot & Arthurian
Character Types: Warrior, Alpha Hero/Heroine
Themes: Kick Ass, Laughs & Giggles, Danger
Tropes:Forbidden Love, Forced Proximity, Road Trip Adventure
Book Perspective
Multi POV
Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
A Blend
If you like these authors, I recommend This Book
Deborah Cooke
Abigail Owens
Jeffe Kennedy
Song This Book Inspires
Power Over Me by Dermot Kennedy
Recommendation For Reading Order
Yes! But at minimum you will want to read Dark Purity first before this one.
Steam/Spice Explanations
Steamin' up the room -the sexual content is more explicit in the language and tone, heavier amount of sexual scenes.
Book Evaluation:
Plot: 🎞️🎞️🎞️🎞️🎞️
World Building:🌎🌎🌎🌎.5
Cover:📔📔📔📔📔
Hero: 🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻
Heroine:🦸🏻♀️🦸🏻♀️🦸🏻♀️🦸🏻♀️🦸🏻♀️
Intimacy Level: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Relationship Building: 💒💒💒💒💒
Heart & Feels:💞💞💞💞
Witty/Banter/Reaction of Laughter: 😂😂😂😂😂
Page Turner Level:📖📖📖📖
Ending:🧧🧧🧧🧧🧧
Overall View: ✨✨✨✨.5
First Impressions
Dream of Dragons is the first book in the connecting series by Aja James. This is a series that I have been really eager for. There is something about dragons that just draws me in. As much as I adored the Pure/Dark Ones, one of my motivator's in reading it was to read this series. I will say that these two series are very different if this first book is any indication on what the rest of the series will be like. I really respected what was delivered in this installment. I am not sure exactly what I was expecting, but it went a different direction than I expected because even though I knew it would be different, it was a whole new shift from what she delivered on the Pure/Dark Ones.
First Line
Ere was having the most decadent dream.
Summary
Erubu, along with his mate Sorin, are to fulfill his obligation to the Jade Emperor in the promise he made him from the debt that he owes from the epic battle. They are summoned and called to a mission to go back through time to a time that is obscure in legends.....The Arthurian Court and their partner in crime is Rui, a treasure dragon. Their mission to find the Jewel of Dreams. On their road to finding the jewel, they run into a warrior, who is an infamous dragon hunter "Wolfe". There is an instant connection between Wolfe and Rui, and despite them being on opposing sides of the tournament to win the jewel, they build a powerful relationship, but their love is forbidden because there is no happy ever after on the horizon.
What I Loved
The dynamics within this story was complex and unique in what is delivered. We also get another perspective in how we are taken back into the past. This was a thrilling road trip adventure with a blend of time travel bonded into it. Also you add in some fabulous laughs and a forbidden theme to the romance, its going to be my catnip. The first element to the story that was beyond infectious was the humor. The dialogue from Ere especially, was *Chef's Kiss* he was simply lively and just lightens the mood of the more serious plot that is placed into this story. While this author has some great humor in previous books, there is something about Ere that just adds a unique element in an aspect that I haven't found before in her books.
The plot of the story kept me on edge all the way through. I was fascinated with the world building. I rarely see Arthurian themes in books (And I have read a TON of historical romance in my time of living) so to see the way the author implemented this element was so different. I always knew she could write some superb plots in her stories, but the way this plot is developed on the surface seems like its not super deep, but with chapter, the complexity in the plot on builds greater. This is what truly shows her talent in plot development, is writing such complex plots in manner of ways that you don't expect to be handled. And how the conflict in the end was resolved especially involving the romance had such a deep resonating feel to it and so satisfying.
So even though we have two couples in this story, there isn't much confusion. On the surface, it might seem to be baffling, but it really is a delightful mix in how James really delved these two couples together. Getting to see some fun interactions between Ere and Sorin became so endearing. I apparently didn't get enough of these two in Purity, because seeing these two after their proposed HEA was so poignant at times. We get to see how well they get on together after their story has happened and it only reaffirms why their story is so powerful. Then we have the romance between our MF pairing, Wolfe & Rui, who are simply delightful. They are both warriors and they don't clash in the way that you would expect such strong personalities would. Even though they have such alpha warrior like behaviors at times, they also are both lonely souls yearning for more in their lives. We see how they are able to fill the void they feel and the way in which they are able to connect but also build such a beautiful vibrant bond.
What I Struggled With
So as much as I loved this book, it was far from perfect. The pacing in the first half, felt a bit off. Not sure if it was just a "Me" aspect or what, or maybe it was the author's change in how she writes that added to the pacing element of the story. But I really struggled staying completely hooked into the story. But once we get to the second half, I didn't want to put it down!
Overall View
Dream of Dragons is a story that enthralls you with rich history, fascinating relationships, laughs and thrills, and with the right touch of mystery to have you searching for more!
Favorite Quote(s)
What she wasn’t ready for was being in love. Especially with a man like Wolfe. Her dragon-hunter nemesis. The one and only male she would ever love. The most precious treasure she would give everything for, that she had no choice but to leave behind.
Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Historical Mythological Fantasy, Time-England-Camelot & Arthurian
Character Types: Warrior, Alpha Hero/Heroine
Themes: Kick Ass, Laughs & Giggles, Danger
Tropes:Forbidden Love, Forced Proximity, Road Trip Adventure
Book Perspective
Multi POV
Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
A Blend
If you like these authors, I recommend This Book
Deborah Cooke
Abigail Owens
Jeffe Kennedy
Song This Book Inspires
Power Over Me by Dermot Kennedy
Recommendation For Reading Order
Yes! But at minimum you will want to read Dark Purity first before this one.
Steam/Spice Explanations
Steamin' up the room -the sexual content is more explicit in the language and tone, heavier amount of sexual scenes.