This review may contain spoilers, so fair warning, upon reading the 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
Everything I Left Unsaid is the first book in the "Everything I Left Unsaid" series and this is the first of two books which involved our couple and this is also my first book from this author and I absolutely adored the writing style. For fans of edgier contemporary or dark romance, I can't recommend this one enough. I was so hooked into this story and the narration was so brilliant, I just didn't want to put it down. The romance that develops was so UNIQUE and I loved the development that grows between our couple here.

First Line
Escape smelled like a thick layer of Febreeze over stale cigarette smoke.

The Main Protagonists
The Hero: Dylan
Works in the background
Ex Racer and Gambler
Alphamellow + Bad Boy

The Heroine: Annie
On the run from her abusive husband
Reserved and Shy

Summary
Annie realizing that her husband wouldn't be keeping her alive for much longer, abandons her life and goes on the run. She knows that he needs her to sell her farm, but she refuses to sell it. Annie goes on the run and settles into one of the smallest communities she could find and starts living in a trailer park, working as a landscaper in North Carolina. When she finds a phone and starts talking to a stranger, they start exchanging texts and phone calls that with each call starts to really build the tension and connection between them. Both Dylan and Annie have secrets and its obvious that there is more happening in Annie's trailer park than meets the eye but their fates are intertwined if they only trust in the love that is growing between them.

What I Loved
This book just left me breathless and anticipating all the delicious tension that grows between Annie and Dylan. Both characters have so many secrets and seeing them slowly dig into each other was so intriguing. I really adored the moments between this couple and seeing them find their way that was so different than I expected it to happen. Dylan was such a bad boy secretive hero and I just wanted to peel his heart like an onion and the author really reveals him so slowly that I have to admire her writing talent within this story and if her other books are ANYTHING like this one, I have to say that I will be paying close attention to her backlist.

Then we have Annie. Annie isn't quite your typical heroine on the run from an abusive husband. She keeps her secrets close, and she isn't perfect. But I really admired her strengths that we see come into this book. We can see how the abuse have treated her and damaged her strong spirit. We see slowly her rediscovering her life and realizing her own power and what she is capable of. I love how explorative she becomes and how creative Dylan becomes with her and her "bucket list". The plot was so intricately laid out within this story and leaves you with such a ending that will have you jumping right into the second one!

What I Struggled With
There wasn't anything I truly struggled with, no a fan of the cliffhanger but since I was able to jump easily into the second book, I can't complain that much when the romance was so well developed.

Narration
The narration was incredible. There was so much deep emotion but also their tones really built up the chemistry just right between the couple that you could feel the actual tension building.

Overall View
I found this gem to be an incredible find, a TBR read that I am glad I picked up. Its a story of self discovering, slow burn that is a mix of salty and sweet and a romance to curl your toes and leave you with high expectation....

Favorite Quote(s)
"No one missed me. Or worried. Or wondered. I'd vanished and the world just kept spinning."

"Carefully, as if he were a live bomb, I wrapped my arms around his shoulders. I was struck with the very real fear that nothing was going to be enough with him. Not ever."

He'd learned the hard way to keep his wants and desires on a short list. Wanting too much, either one thing or a million, only meant he wouldn't get it. He was clumsy with fragile things- always trying to hold onto them so hard they broke.


Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Contemporary Romance, Dark Romance, Erotic Romance
Character Types: Bad Boy, Alphamellow, Shy Heroine
Themes: Small Town, Danger Elements, Slow Burn, Hot Smexy Times, Voyeurism
Tropes: Friends to Lovers

Book Perspective
Duo POV

Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
A Mix

If you like these authors, I recommend This Book
Jay Crownover
Katy Evans
Beth Kery

Song This Book Inspires
Snooze SZA-SOS

Recommendation For Reading Order
Yes I do recommend reading this series in order. The characters are all interconnected.

Steam/Spice Explanations

Steamin' up the room -the sexual content is more explicit in the language and tone, heavier amount of sexual scenes.


Narrators:
Joe Arden
Maxine Mitchell
 

 Quickie Review (May contain spoilers, fair warning upon reading this review.)

Hades is the next installment in the "Demonica Underworld" series that features the 1001 Dark Nights series. I really was excited to read Hades. I love him as a demi god (in fact he is probably my favorite other than Poseidon) and I was curious to see how Larissa Ione would handle his character. I adore a tortured hero and he was such a tortured hero. My heart went out to Hades, he really had been neglecting himself and been torturing himself. We really see him work on redeeming himself and I admired this element within the story. I also was curious to see how this romance would develop. The heroine was so likeable. I enjoyed her journey and seeing her fight for Hades was so empowering. Loved their fun witty banter that these two have together and mix that in with the suspenseful plot in the underworld was so intriguing. We also have a forbidden element to their romance. We see the ways in which they learn to fight for each other. And Azagoth was pretty funny in this one lol Typical Ione male. The more I read this world the more I want to read more of the Demonica world. If you are a fan of this world, highly recommend these novellas. So well done! 

 This review may contain spoilers, so fair warning, upon reading the 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
Madness of the Horde King is the third installment in the "Horde Kings of Dakkar" by Zoey Draven. This one was a bit different than the previous two books. The setup for the couple was unique and I enjoyed the meet cute that we have here. I was really intrigued by the hero in this one, he is a bit unhinged but there is a good reason behind him being so unhinged. If you love dark romance, then I can definitely see you enjoying this story quite a bit. The kidnapping setup was intriguing, and the plot behind the heroine I found fascinating and Draven delivered another solid read.

First Line
The windows of the towering turrets looked like golden jewels, shining and glittering and beckoning me in the dark.

What I Loved
The Madness of the Horde king was a BLAST of a read. I enjoyed the kidnapping element here. It definitely fit with the barbarian king element. The connection that our couple has with each other and the way that they connect over their losses was so fascinating. I enjoyed the whole unhinged alpha hero with the shy damaged heroine. I found the plot super intriguing. The magical aspects I really had a fun time with. It added something more deeper to the plot and how it connects our characters together? I felt added more intimacy to their relationship. These books aren't five star reads for me or anything, but they have a vibe to them I enjoy reading.

What I Struggled With
I did struggle with the heroine not being honest with the hero. I didn't understand why she didn't convey to him the truth about what was happening to her.

Narration
Very well done. I enjoyed how they brought the story to the surface with some relatable depth.

Overall View
The Madness of the Horde King was a solid installment in this Horde King series that delved into some deep issues with some remarkable emotion being conveyed.

Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Epic Fantasy Romance, Sci Fi Romance
Character Types: Barbarian, Royalty
Themes: Danger/Suspense, Psychic Abilities
Tropes: Kidnapping

Book Perspective
Duo POV

Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
Plot Conflict

Recommendation For Reading Order
Either

Steam/Spice Explanations

Steamin' up the room -the sexual content is more explicit in the language and tone, heavier amount of sexual scenes.

Narrators:
Lia Langola, Aaron Shedlock
 

 This review may contain spoilers, so fair warning, upon reading the 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: ✨✨✨.75


First Impressions
The Rebel King is the second book in the "Deviant Kings" series which I am assuming is going to be a trilogy. I was really intrigued with this one especially with the ending in the "Dark King" that we received. I have found that this author's writing is very interesting. Its not really my favorite when reading a PNR fantasy as some of the world building aspects she writes, but it has some great plot dynamics and her relationships tend to be wildly entertaining.

First Line
Power is as ruinous as it is advantageous

Summary
Tiernan is the playboy of the brothers and the least likely to take on the role of king. He was never trained for years like his brothers were and was considered the brother that handled things differently. His only current passion has really been chess and women. He never became invested in courtly politics of the fae realms but when his brother abdicates he is forced to change his perceptions. While he is in a relationship with Fiona, he knows that they can never truly be together in the long term aspect. But when he realizes he most likely will have to give her up completely while also trying to solve a murder mystery with her, tensions will rise both in the relationship and within the fae court. Can Tiernan find a way to embrace his destiny while also keeping the woman he loves at his side?

What I Loved
I found "The Rebel King" to be quite a interesting take. I also love to see the unconventional character take on a leadership role. And we do see some many aspects to a court politic element that was intriguing. So I do think fans of fantasy romance or historical romance, will find themselves intrigued by this element. I also can't get enough of the "Forbidden" elements that rise within this one here. I had a fun time seeing how our characters work with each other here. We do have a fun murder mystery that contains some undercover spy work that really pulled me in. We also have some BDSM elements that I had fun with. I didn't expect BDSM in this one, but I really enjoyed what we received in this one, especially the focus of the safety portions of the lifestyle. The forbidden romance was quite interesting. I also love it when a couple finds their way over restrictions on them being together. And how it happens I adored. It happens in a way you don't expect but loved the intellectual enlightening that is implemented to showcase the path forward for our couple. I found these characters to be very likeable and wanted to see them through to their HEA and after that ending I am curious to see what the author has planned for "Vicious King" which releases this summer.

What I Struggled With
So there was a couple of things I struggled with. I wasn't a fan in how the hero pushes the heroine away without telling her what was happening and getting her input on it. It effects her too so it wasn't really explained why he was so secretive on it. Another aspect was the different ways the authors put in some political stuff here. There was some references to the pandemic (I am NOT a fan of COVID references in books) I know some readers don't mind it, but I am not a fan of it but also the whole making so much about the court being all about racism and sexism. I want to see issues like this addressed, it was just done in a way that felt preachy in the writing style and turned me off a bit. Despite this, I still do want to read more from this author, because I didn't see it in the first book and curious about her backlisted books.

Narration
SUPERB in every way. I couldn't put this audio book because of how much I enjoyed the style of narrating that these narrators used. They really brought the emotional aspects behind the intentions of the characters to life. I quickly became invested in their story and I do think some of it is due to the narration being so well messaged.

Overall View
The Rebel King is a story that will take you into a world of fantastical imagination and sensuality. Its one that will take you on some adventures, a mystery to be solved and solid teamwork with our couple to reaching their HEA! A SATISFYING GEM!

Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Fantasy Paranormal Romance
Character Types: Royalty, Fae
Themes: Hot Smexy Times, BDSM, Court Politics, Danger/Suspense
Tropes: Forbidden Love, Friends to Lovers, Fling

Book Perspective
Duo POV

Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
Plot Conflict

Recommendation For Reading Order
Yes you want to read this series in order if possible

Steam/Spice Explanations

Steamin' up the room -the sexual content is more explicit in the language and tone, heavier amount of sexual scenes.

Narrators:
J.F. Harding, Kelsey Navarro 

 This review may contain spoilers, so fair warning, upon reading the 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
Ever Yours, Annabelle is the prequel to the "Rescued from Ruin" series. This is a book I have been forgetting to read about but I keep seeing as being one of the best Elisa Braden books so I am not sure how I misssed this one. If you want to read this author, this book is in KU right now so. Elisa Braden is a fresh voice in the historical romance genre currently especially in a time where historical romance is NOT what it used to be and it can be hard to find fun sexy adventurous historical romances these days. This is a story that deals with childhood connections, trauma, disability and a beautiful love story.

First Line
Lady Annabelle Huxley had loved Robert Conrad for her entire thirteen years of life.

The Main Protagonists
The Hero: Robert Conrad
Robert Conrad has been battling a body that fights him constantly and has become hardened and a bit of a "beast" and very moody. Best friends with Annabelle Huxley's brother and been in love with Annabelle for over a decade.

The Heroine: Annabelle Huxley
Been in love with Robert since she was young
A writer
Kind but strong

Summary
Annabelle Huxley has been in love with her brother's best friend "Robert Conrad" ever since she was a girl. When she chases him one day and it goes a bit too far, in an attempt to save her life, Robert ends up crippled and his body practically broken. Robert Conrad lost so much when his body became broken. In an attempt to save Annabelle and protect her, he had to push her away. Now its been seven years, and when Annabelle and Robert are to face each other, the love that has always been there rises to the surface and will the past mistakes keep them from the love they hold or push them away forever...

What I Loved
This book was one of my favorites of the series. It completely surprised me by how much I adored it. I was NOT expecting to find what I did find with this book. I can see now why so many call this one their favorite. This romance was a utter delight. It starts off with such sweet tones, the friendship and connection between Robert and Annabelle was so endearing. Even when the brother was being a jerk sometimes, Robert treated Annabelle with such attentive care and gentleness and respected her so much. Both Robert and Annabelle change in some ways after losing each other in this way. The trauma that we see happen here was so real and delivered all the painful notes that you could expect from seeing someone you love go through this struggle.

I truly adored both characters. They are genuine and believable and felt authentic. The hero is such an alpha male. He doesn't start out that way. We see how he has to cut himself off from Annabelle, and how his body is so broken and your heart breaks for him. He does become such a delicious alpha male. He is so possessive and determined to win over Annabelle and correct the mistakes he made. But he had a reason for hurting he like he did. While I think it was misguided, he had good intentions behind it and wasn't to be callous and mean on purpose. I adored this heroine though. She was so naturally strong and feminine and never ashamed of the love she held for Robert. She never loses her devotion to him and he does have to work on rebuilding her trust.

The plot in this story has a bit more than just the romance that comes into play here. We see how there is a level of danger and suspense elements that come into the story and how our characters react to this. I do think that Elisa Braden handled the plot aspects of a story so well. She really implements this style of plot building that blends in well with the relationship that is happening at the same time.

What I Struggled With
I didn't really struggle with much in this book. It wasn't a 6-star read, but it takes a LOT for a book to get to that rating for me. But I had a blast with this book. I think if the heroine hadn't been pushing the hero away for as long as she does, it felt a bit weird at times in the third act.

Overall View
Ever Yours Annabelle was a passionate romance that delivered strong notes of adventure, suspense, reconnecting with your soulmate and portraying a deep endearing romance to melt your heart!

Favorite Quote(s)
“Do not bloody well run from me.” He reached for her. She shoved his arm away. He grunted, but rather than retreat, he advanced. Moved inside the tiny space. Closed the door behind him, forcing her back against the closet’s wall and trapping them both inside utter blackness.
“Is that very clear, Annabelle?” The growl was low and throaty now, near enough to tickle her skin. She could not see him, but she felt him, felt his arm brace on the wall by her ear. Felt his breath wash against her cheek. Felt his heat and size surrounding her like a furnace.
“Never run from me,” he rasped, “I will always catch you.”

“I expect you to vex me. That’s what bumblebees do.”

"Home, my love," she replied. "Wherever else we may wander, our ship will always carry us home."

Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Historical Romance, Regency Era
Character Types: Aristocracy, Alpha Hero, Brooding/Tortured, Pining Heroine
Themes: Childhood Ties, Leading Lady, Book Boyfriend, Disability
Tropes: Best Friend Sibling, Unrequited Love, Second Chance, Childhood Sweethearts

Book Perspective
3rd POV

Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
A Mix

Song This Book Inspires
Just You and I by Tom Walker

Recommendation For Reading Order
Yes for the serial plot, but you can read these books as standalones

Steam/Spice Explanations

Steamin' up the room -the sexual content is more explicit in the language and tone, heavier amount of sexual scenes. 

 This review may contain spoilers, so fair warning, upon reading the 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
Fury of Isolation is the fifth installment in the "Dragonfury: Scotland" series. I was really stoked to try this book because this pairing was teased so well in the previous book and it was a blast of a good time. If you love paranormal romance with sexy dragons and a bit of kidnapping, then yes go with this one. There is some fantastic laughter and a thrilling plot with so much fun suspenseful times.

First Line
Her cell phone rang, dragging Cate Biscayne from a fitful sleep.

Summary
Cate and Rannock have been sharing phone calls and text for quite a bit and keeping it hidden from their family and Rannock's pack as their relationship wouldn't be encouraged. But when Cate's father gets into trouble with some dangerous immortal demi gods, she is taken captive and Rannock brings some of his pack to help rescue her. But what he finds is a different situation than he expected to find. But now he will have to go on a dangerous mission in order to save the woman he loves...

What I Loved
This is a story that has the whole protector/damsel in distress vibes. Even though the heroine isn't a true damsel in distress, she is a mere human in comparison to these immortal beings so yes the power dynamic is NOT on her side haha although she is fiery and passionate when she needs to be. I really adored these two together. Their connection was intense and dramatic and really kept me captivated. I kinda was also cheering for these immortals. *I may be reading too much of dark romance* but I also really couldn't get enough of how the plot was incorporated with these beings. It also delivered some powerful humor along the way and if you love some great spice....this author delivers on that!

What I Struggled With
It was a solid read, but it didnt quite make me fall in love with it. But it was entertaining from beginning to end.

Narration
Fabulous narration. She really handles the Scottish accents just right.

Overall View
Fury of Isolation was a fiery passionate romance that delivered on the suspense, spice and plot building!

Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Paranormal Romance
Character Types: Dragons, Shifters, Alpha Male
Themes: Hot Smexy Times, Danger/Suspense
Tropes: Fated Love, Protector

Book Perspective
Duo POV

Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
Plot Conflict

Recommendation For Reading Order
You can read as standalones if you like or read in order if you want the serial plot to make more sense

Steam/Spice Explanations

Steamin' up the room -the sexual content is more explicit in the language and tone, heavier amount of sexual scenes.
 

 This review may contain spoilers, so fair warning, upon reading the review.

Book Evaluation:
Plot: 🎞️🎞️🎞️🎞️🎞️
World Building:🌎🌎🌎🌎🌎
Cover:📔📔📔📔
Intimacy Level: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Relationship Building: 💒💒💒💒💒
Heart & Feels:💞💞💞💞💞
Witty/Banter/Reaction of Laughter: 😂😂😂😂😂
Page Turner Level:📖📖📖📖📖
Ending:🧧🧧🧧🧧🧧
Overall View: ✨✨✨✨✨✨


First Impressions
Dark Purity is the EPIC finale of the "Pure/Dark Ones" and this has been the long awaited story for "the creature" and I had such a blast with it. It was utterly satisfying and completely opposite then what I actually expected Erebu's story to actually be. And the fact that this is a MM romance---BROWNIE POINTS because this element was so incredible. From beginning to end, you will be captivated by this powerful chemistry that just melted my heart and kept me at the edge of my seat *Literally*. Dark Purity packs a punch of emotion, thrills and barrels of laughs.

First Line
My name is Benjamin Larkin D'Angelo. That's Warrior Angel to you! (I mean EPIC beginning with some Benji delights)

The Main Protagonists
The Other Protagonist: Erebu aka 'The Creature'
Tortured and Tormented
Blood related father to Benji
Change Forms
Hidden Identity

The Other Protagonist: Sorin
Big badass Viking Supreme
Broody
Secretive
Lots of Grunts
Possessive

Summary
There is a darkness within Erebu, he has had a lifetime of pain and torment and being changed against his will. But this time, he is choosing his own path, and that path is to protect his child, Benji. It's a secret most don't even realize. He has found a new family that accepts him but they have an enemy, an enemy who will never let him go and he will have to destroy her and he knows it will take everything he has and that his time is limited. Then he meets, with Benji's aid of course, a Viking looking stranger, Sorin who is broody and says very little but Ere only wants to be consumed by Sorin. But there are secrets, a identity he isn't aware of, and a love he will find with Sorin....but can he survive the coming battle with the man he loves with the deepest parts of his soul?

What I Loved
Dark Purity melted my heart from the get go. There was something so much "more" to this story than I expected. And seeing my dear Erebu with this viking lookalike who holds him captivated to the point where he can't speak? Yep I LOVED it. There was something about the chemistry between these two that was so heart melting. Literally I stayed up half the night reading their story because I literally couldn't put this down. Their connection is so riveting and deep. You sense from the very beginning that there are secrets for Erebu and boy are there SECRETS and REVEALS!! WOWZA I didn't think that this author could constantly leave me so surprised but yeah she delivered 150% on this one for me.

I first want to get into my favorite character of the series....BENJI. This boy is incredible and his dialogue literally gave me happy feels, the type of feels that gave me the urge to dance in the street like I am in a "singing in the rain" musical. That is the type of goodness and light this little boy conveys and its so endearing. He sets up the story so well and his bond to Erebu literally had me sobbing at times throughout the story.

The romance between Erebu and Sorin was literally EPIC and will make you SOAR! From the beginning, they have a powerful chemistry. Literally, you can feel it bouncing off of them in waves. There is this courting game between them and it was quite fun seeing when the other would fall first. Both are so stubborn haha but determined to win. It felt like watching a romantic game of chess when it came to these two. Then enter in the flashbacks. I know I KNOW flashbacks aren't going to be for everyone BUT these flashbacks were by far my favorite in the series. But they really showcase the HISTORY between these two and WHY their connection is so powerful and where these two originally come from. Then we have the smexy times in the "nest" yeah I adored seeing them together in their nesting grounds lol It was so different and unique and explosive. The MM aspect of the romance was so resonating, it flowed so smoothly and felt so "right" for them. Seeing Erebu and Sorin embrace the precious moments will thrill your heart. They have such a relationship that might seem unexpectation but it fit so well.

Now we have the plot of the story. Okay so this book gets INTENSE! If you need some good thrills and action, then look no further than this one. It was action packed and I felt like I was watching the biggest badass story of my life with these scenes. Our villain, is such a villain. and she really pushes our team that come together to defeat her. And YES we get ALL of our favorites that come into the mix. But seeing their unity and working together and never GIVING up in the end was what was so powerful in the experience of seeing the events play out in the end.

And the ENDING....Yeah I totally didn't see that happening. In all honestly, this book was a whirlwind and only Aja James could deliver such a story. This book is 6 STAR TIER LEVEL GOODNESS and I can't recommend it enough. So NOW BRING ON THE DRAGON ERA!!! Because after this book I need to indulge in this series.

What I Struggled With
Honestly with all these 600 page contemporaries coming out....Aja James couldn't have made this longer??? Because I did NOT get enough of Sorin and Erebu!!! That's my only complaint, their book needed more length because I could stay with them forever!


Overall View
Dark Purity is a powerful tale that sweeps you away into enigmatic thrills, a romance to touch deeply to the soul, delivering an epic finale while ushering in a fresh new chapter....A KEEPER OF THE HEART!

Favorite Quote(s)
Where to start? he wondered.
But then, he realized it didn’t matter. It wasn’t the where that was important. It was simply that he start. - Ere thinking about the bounty that is Sorin

I love the feeling of falling with you. I want the world to be spinning around us when I come inside. When I make you lose your mind, and you plummet and soar to your little death, so I can revive you with my breath and start all over again

Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Fantasy Paranormal Romance
Character Types: Shape Shifter, Vampire, Uncommon Shifter, Dragons, Broody, Alpha
Themes: Tear Jerker, All the Feels, One True Pairing, MM Lovin', Kids, Danger
Tropes: Second Chance Romance, Epic Love

Book Perspective
Multiple POV's

Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
A Blend of Both

Song This Book Inspires
What is Love? by Frances
Tangled Up by Billy Currington

Recommendation For Reading Order
Yes read in order if possible. It will improve your experience of the series as a whole.

Steam/Spice Explanations

Steamin' up the room -the sexual content is more explicit in the language and tone, heavier amount of sexual scenes. 

 This review may contain spoilers, so fair warning, upon reading the 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
Asa is the finale in the "Marked Men" series. This is a story that features a truly opposite couple and their story has been building slowly throughout the series so this was my most anticipated story and I really did enjoy it for the most part. I will always be drawn to the opposites attract trope and you don't get more opposite than a cop/ex criminal pairing. There is some powerful chemistry that builds between these two but the sweet pining between them was so magnetic and Jay Crownover really delivered in that aspect.

First Line
Not too long ago when I watched a girl purposely get as drunk as this pretty one did, I would've moved in for the kill.

The Main Protagonists
The Hero: Asa
Bad boy, Tattoed, ex criminal and working on redeeming his past.

The Heroine: Royal
Working in Law Enforcement, dealing with some emotional trauma and pining for a man that would be her most unlikely match

Summary
Royal Hastings has been working in law enforcement with her best friend. But when her partner is almost killed, she blames herself and is working through the shame and guilt she feels from it and starts second guessing her own abilities. Then jumps into the mix is Asa Cross, who is working on his own path of redemption. The easy way is his old way of being a criminal but Asa is determined to make his sister proud of him and forge a new life for himself. But being with a woman like Royal will push his limits and may be too much of forbidden fruit.

What I Loved
There were many elements to this story that I DID enjoy quite a bit. The way in which Asa rescues Royal in the beginning was so heartfelt. She is on a path of emotional self destruction, and he is there, a steady rock for her and determined to save her from herself if necessary. The journey that Royal goes on in healing and learning to accept things she can't change was powerful. I adored her growth and seeing her find her own place in her career as a officer. I had a blast seeing the chemistry build between Royal and Asa. They are such an unlikely match, but they really fit so well together. They are the epitome of why opposites attract works so well.

What I Struggled With
So there was done factor in this story that completely ruined the book for me and that was in the third act. I didn't really understand what the author was trying to do here because you build up a conflict and then it leaves you mad as a hatter. I coudn't even enjoy the epilogue like I wanted to because of how the conflict was resolved. I did not feel satisfied in any way. I get the motivations on both sides but I just felt like I was given this big meal of promise and expectation and it was ripped away at the last minute lol

Narration
This duo team did a superb job in narrating this story and I really had a fun time doing most of this series in audio. The narration really brought the characters to life.

Overall View
Asa had a powerful match up that delivers strong emotional connection, a vibrant sexual attraction and a pairing that you can fall head over heels in love with!

Favorite Quote(s)
What I want to do is love the Asa that’s here with me now. You need to let go of those boulders weighted with all the bad things from the past that are dragging you down before you get crushed under them

Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Contemporary Romance, New Adult
Character Types: Law Enforcement, Business Owner
Themes: Tattoo's/Piercings, Secrets, Pining Heroine
Tropes: Opposites Attract

Book Perspective
Duo POV

Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
Relationship Conflict

Song This Book Inspires
Only For You by Hearless Bastards

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:
Christian Fox, Kendall Harper 

 This review may contain spoilers, so fair warning, upon reading the 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
This is the first time that I have read this author. I know I know, it probably shocks some of you on that. I am not sure why, maybe its because hardly any of her books are in audio and I always like to have a backup for historicals on the methods of reading it. But I finally bit the bullet and picked this one up and it was such fun! And wow was it authentic. The dialogue especially just made me feel like I was really in the Victorian age from the gutter snip style of dialogue to the Aristocratic style, it all worked so well together and I appreciated what the author delivered.

First Line
By the time the whistle finished shrilling, Nell was already out the door.

The Main Protagonists
The Hero: Simon St. Maur
Recently inherited an earldom. Has a good jolly sense of humor, knows how to entertain people around him, but has a deep heart that surprises others.

The Heroine: Nell Whitby
Nell is from East End, she grew up poor and is barely surviving. She is sassy and strong and independent and generous towards others

Summary
Nell Whitby finds out that a certain earl treated her mother poorly and when he rejects her letters to him of her being his daughter, she comes for him out for revenge, but she doesn't find her father, she finds a young handsome man, in the nude, who disarms her quickly and then proposes marriage to her. Well, Nell isn't one to let a good opportunity pass her by to create a better life for herself and she reluctantly agrees. Nell and Simon have mutual interests so it makes sense for them to come to a marital agreement, but there is a connection between them that goes far deeper. But there are also enemies who don't want to see them receive what they are striving for and will stop at nothing to keep it from happening...

What I Loved
This basically has everything that you need in a solid historical romance. I really enjoyed the authenticity in this story. And what really drew me in the most was the connection between Nell and Simon. They really connect in all the ways I love to see a couple bond to. They have a sexual attraction and when they get together....its empowering. Man these two could make me curl my toes without even thinking, that is how much chemistry is on the page. But there is also so much more to their relationship than that. I enjoyed how they get along with each other, the way they just "play" together and fight for each other when its needed the most.

The plot was especially fun to see. I really didn't expect there to be any intrigue really, but the way it catapults in the third act was especially thrilling.

What I Struggled With
No surprise to anyone but the heroine. Now I was drawn to some aspects of her character, but I just didn't feel the growth in her. It just felt almost superficial at times and I didn't feel the heart I wanted to from the heroine or really any type of solid redemption to really make her more likable. She was especially prickly in the beginning, but to be honest, the only reason it softens is because of the hero, not because of her character growth in any real way.

Overall View
A Lady's Lesson in Scandal was a intriguing story that brings two opposites into a mutual accord and their connection breathes fresh air into the story that makes you searching for more.

Favorite Quote(s)
Loving him would not be easy. It would mean never again completely belonging anywhere – save with him. But she would belong with him. He would be her home, she thought.

Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Historical Romance, Victorian Era
Character Types: Earl
Themes: Prickly Heroine, Class Difference, Fun Witty Banter
Tropes: Rags to Riches, Forced Proximity, Opposites Attract

Book Perspective
3rd POV

Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
A blend of both

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.
 

This review may contain spoilers, so fair warning, upon reading the 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
Ruthless Vows is the conclusion to this epic duo series by Rebecca Ross. I didn't know what I expected, all I knew is that "Divine Rivals" blew my heart out of the water with that ending and I had to jump into this conclusion and it was everything I could have hoped for and more. I literally took my time reading this because it was so good. I didn't even look at my progress percentage like I normally do because I was so swept away by this story. The conclusion is not an easy one, but its a journey of heart and soul and courage and I soaked it up like a sponge and never wanted to let go of this one.

First Line
There was never any doubt in her mind, even after all these dust-streaked mortal years, that Dacre would one day come for her.

Summary
In the previous book, our couple, Kitt and Iris were seperated by the consequences of battle and war. Now Iris is working in the city of Aoth to try to get word out of the truths of what is happening with Dacre and his agenda. Kitt has been healed by Dacre but at a very heavy price, forced to write for him with no memory of who he was before or the woman who holds his heart. But as Roman gets closer to Oath and as Iris gets closer to Roman, they find their way back to each other. But will they be able to bring peace to their people once again or will vengeance of a demi god destroy them all...

What I Loved
There was so much to enjoy about this one here. I was instantly drawn into this story and my heart bled for Iris and Kitt and the journey they need to go through. There is such longing between them that cuts deep to the reader. I was so fascinated to see where Ross would take this story. I can definitely see the talent that she hides behind and if you enjoyed the journey in "Divine Rivals" then you most definitely will be excited with what is delivered in this one.

The seperation between them just after they get married and embrace the love that they have for each other was so real and heart wrenching. You feel the distance between them and you just want them to find each other again. Even though they are apart, they find their own ways to connect...through writing letters. And the words that they share with each other as they rediscover their love and Kitt finds his own way back to even being a stronger man melts the heart. I was intrigued about the plot with Dacre and it stunned me in so many ways. Even though some of it was predictable, some of it really had some turns I didn't expect to happen. And there were some actions taken that I literally wanted to get pom pom's and cheer my couple on. Even though it ends in a HEA, doesn't mean that Iris and Kitt don't lose some people they love deeply. That broke my heart....I was literally sobbing. But there is also such a message of redemption, hope and healing that completes this story. Definitely a story worthy of getting physical copies on my shelves and reading again pretty soon because I am not ready to let go of this couple.

What I Struggled With
Nothing.

Overall View
Ruthless Vows is a conlusion that is a epic sweeping finale of truths being revealed, personal rediscovery and the power and atonement behind honest true love that wins the day! AN FLAWLESS WINNER OF A READ!

Favorite Quote(s)
"Let me be your secret, then. Tuck my words into your pocket. Let them be your armor."

write me a story where there is no ending, Kitt. write to me and fill my empty spaces.

Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Historical Mythological Fantasy
Character Types: Journalists
Themes: Danger Elements, Love Letters, Magical Realism, Married Couple Pairing
Tropes: Amnesia

Book Perspective
DUO Pov

Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
Plot Conflict

Song This Book Inspires
Come Back...Be Here-Taylor Swift

Recommendation For Reading Order
Yes

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.