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: ✨✨✨✨.5


First Impressions
Claimed by the Horde King is the second installment in the Kings of Dakkar series. And this is where we get the horde king that was hinted at in the previous book. I really had a fun time with this one and enjoyed it even more than the first book even though this had more inner conflict haha that is not like me, I honestly think I just was too distracted with the world building to really enjoy the first book like I truly wanted to but now that I am familar with this world, the heart of this book just impacted my experience on a deeper level. This is a slow burn, forbidden romance feel to it. Some may term this an enemies to lovers, but its really not. I didn't sense any of that type of angst. The conflict is centered towards the "forbidden" theme of them being together.

First Line
I watched her in the darkness. She was small, sad, focused, and completely unaware of the danger she was in.

The Main Protagonists
The Hero: Arokan
Barbarian Horde King
Self Made Hero
Fearless Warrior
Compassionate and Loyal

The Heroine: Serrin
Kind
Determined
Neglected by her village and forced to hunt to survive
Talented Bow(woman)

Summary
When the Horde King King, Arokan, learns that justice must be dealt towards a young woman being found hunting in a way that is against their laws, he is sent out to meet the justice she deserves. But when he arrives, he finds himself torn between meting out punishment and showing her compassion. After he is forced to deal out the punishment, he takes her to his horde to heal from her wounds and a slow and steady love builds between Arokan and Serrin. But Arokan became a horde king out of nothing, and he is determined to keep his position. But loving Serrin and making her his queen, could make him lose everything he has worked so hard for all of his life. And he will be forced to make a difficult decision.....the woman he loves or the future of his horde surviving.

What I Loved
There was so much to enjoy with this story and I am not sure exactly what it was that really turned this book into a 4.5 star when the first half I was so sure it would only be a 4 star. Now granted, this week has been so busy with getting ready for the new year so I was highly distracted so I do think this could have been a 5 star if I had been more focused. But I will say I adored this relationship between these two. It probably won't have the inner angst that some readers expect, but it has PLENTY of conflict. Just a different type of conflict. This type of conflict is my catnip. I adored seeing what this couple faces. It really escalated for them in the second half. The first half is really the slow burn that builds between them. I love how patient Arokan is with Serrin. And yes he makes mistakes, but he is really stuck between a rock and a hard place and it takes him a while to figure things out. But don't worry, Serrin, makes him work for that redemption. I truly enjoyed this story, and once you get to about 45%, the story will keep you on the edge of your seat.

What I Struggled With
The pacing could have been a bit quicker in the first half. I would have also liked to have seen more focus on the plot with the king of Arokan, the head honcho of all the horde kings, it felt like some aspects to that was missing a bit. The grovel was dragged out a bit too long by the heroine. I understood she was really hurt, but she had to have known their road was difficult as he warned her and she could have stood by him a bit longer than she did. And the ending was a bit rushed. However, despite these factors the heart and soul of the book connects with you so deeply, that it won't affect your enjoyment too much.

Overall View
I found Claimed by the Horde King to be a superb read that left me on edge, in excitement and anticipation on the forbidden road this author leads us towards......a satisfying fantasy romance to curl your toes!

Favorite Quote(s)
" I am yours, Nelle," I rasped. She froze as a gust of wind whistled past us, rustling her braid. Then she turned in her seat until she met my eyes. "And you are mine," I said. "You know this."

Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Epic/High Fantasy Romance, Sci Fi Romance
Character Types: Barbarian King, Poor Heroine
Themes: Class Difference, Slow Burn
Tropes: Rags to Riches, Forbidden Love, Opposites Attract

Book Perspective
Duo POV

Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
A blend of both

Song This Book Inspires
All to Me by Giveon

Recommendation For Reading Order
Yes for the serial world building plot, I do recommend reading these in order. But if you aren't invested in that aspect, you can read as a standalone.
 

 

 Quickie Novella/Short Story Review:

What a delightful story this one turned out to be. I absolutely had a blast with this one here. This was literally just released today and I was utterly charmed. I have had a blast with these characters and being able to see them all together and in love celebrating the holiday together reigns supreme in what delivered for me. Just the best for New Years Weekend to kick off the New Year for. I really enjoyed the flashbacks that we got, those were really delightful as we got to see different perspectives and time frames for their HEA. We also got hints for future books I am hoping anyway. If you are a fan of the series, then I highly recommend reading this Christmas short story, it just has a great mix of everything we love as romance readers. 

 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
Cruel Promise is the finale in the "Oryolov Bratva" series and I really had such a fun time with this one here. Even though I didn't quite enjoy it like I did the first book "Cruel Paradise" but it was still a solid read but it does have a style of angst that was a bit too drawn out and really took out some enjoyment of the story for me. These two just had some issues that took them a while to get through. This book literally picks up right from when the first book leaves off so the cliffhanger from the first book won't seem so bad if you pick this one up right away. I do want to say how addictive this author's writing is. I just love her stuff and its so fun to read. It just hooks you in right away.

First Line
I'm compiling a comprehensive mental list of all the things you shouldn't do when you're on the run from a violent mob boss.

Summary
The story with Ruslan and Emma continue with the lies and deceit and Ruslan pushing Emma out of his circle of trust and Emma has found out that she is pregnant and she goes on the run with the kids to escape his reach. She doesn't trust him now after he has hurt her with believing lies over trusting her. But in her attempt to escape him, Josh ends up being kidnapped by their enemies and she will have to work with Ruslan to get him back. But once Ruslan realizes that she is pregnant, he is determined to make sure that she never leaves but he still doesn't trust her and getting through the deceit won't be an easy road for either of them...

What I Loved
So once we get through the angst aspects of the relationship, that is where their relationship really shines. I am grateful that it wasn't dragged out through most of the story, that we were able to get some solid relationship aspects to the story. We also see some fabulous growth in the connection between Ruslan and the three kids especially Josh. I really enjoyed seeing these kids just truly shine in this one here. Both Ruslan and Emma have to work through their own insecurities and I appreciated seeing that growth in this one. The romance between these two really gets even deeper and their level of teamwork that we see develop was so heartwarming. I was easily swept away by their connection and seeing them grow together and the way in which Emma accepts Ruslan when he is truly honest with her, just made me love her even more.

What I Struggled With
I struggled with the angst in this book. It was the type of angst I am not really a fan of always and the only reason this book isn't a five star, is because the angst was a bit too long. And I also didn't like that the heroine didn't tell the hero about the baby right away. Now granted he is a mafia boss, so I allowed a bit of leeway for the heroine as he did learn about it fairly early, but I do think she could have told him earlier especially when it was obvious he would find out soon anway.

Overall View
I found Cruel Promise to be a fascinating read that delivered an intense ride of relationship angst, adorable humor to bring balance and a suspenseful plot which delivers a thrilling adventure.

Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Contemporary Romance, Dark Romance, Romantic Suspense
Character Types: Alpha Male, Mafia, Single Parent
Themes: Angst, Pining Heroine, Kids invoved
Tropes: Forced Proximity, Accidental Pregnancy

Book Perspective
Duo POV

Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
A mix

Song This Book Inspires
Too Deep by dvsn

Recommendation For Reading Order
Yes you want to read this duo in order

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:📖📖📖📖📖
Ending:🧧🧧🧧🧧
Overall View: ✨✨✨✨✨


First Impressions
Cruel Paradise is the first book in the Oryolov Bratva duo series by Nicole Fox. This is a story that I was intrigued by the premise of the blurb. The moment I read the blurb, I knew that I needed to read this book. I really was fascinated and curious about this author. And not going to lie in that the cover was a contributing factor. Its super gorgeous. My general impression is that if you love alpha males, domination in the bedroom, dirty talkin and adorable children charming the socks off of this alpha male, a likeable heroine, then you definitely need to read this one. I was so impressed with the writing and it definitely delivered on all the feels for me on this one.

First Line
"Do I have your full attention, Ms. Carson? "

The Main Protagonists
The Hero: Ruslan Oryolov
Bratva boss, devoted to his family, domineering and possessive but craves his own family.

The Heroine: Emma
Hard working, devoted to her two nieces and one nephew after her sister was killed.

Summary
Emma is the personal assistant to Ruslan Oryolov. He is a hard taskmaster and very demanding. What she doesn't plan on is releasing some tension through some sexual satisfaction and with Ruslan being her source of inspiration, only to find out she butt dialed the man and left him a voicemail of the experience. Her embarassment knows no bounds, but when he drafts up a contract for her to be his sexual plaything in return for some financial compensation, she reluctantly agrees. She is barely making it by living in New York City and supporting three children with a pile of debts. She does what she needs to do, but she can't deny the attraction that she holds for him, but betrayal and secrets could tear them apart before their relationship can get off the ground...

What I Loved
So many aspects to this story that I loved. Now its not a perfect story. There will be readers that will not enjoy this book. However, I found this one to be catnip for me. It just worked for me in every way. I just so hooked on the romance, and Ruslan was a sexy alpha dreamboat. I found the heroine to be pretty likeable, she could be a bit naive at times, but you can see how drained she is. The stress is getting to her and I really appreciated that she was written in a way that I could easily relate to her character.

There is so much great sexual tension that builds between our characters. Ruslan has such strong alpha vibes so if you appreciate a sexy alpha male, then you will fall hard for Ruslan. But what intrigued me more was his reaction to the three children, especially Josh. The relationships that he builds with these children was so infectious and I couldn't help but be intrigued by it. It had such an endearing poignant quality to it. Ruslan isn't use to having to use his heart or emotion and faces up to what he has been neglecting in his life since his mother and brother were killed. We really see such growth among the characters here.

What I Struggled With
The ending. While I didn't mind the conflict that arises, how the heroine faces up to the challenge I was a bit disappointed in at times. I won't reveal to much but I just wished she had faced up to it in a different way and been more patient.

Overall View
Cruel Paradise is a sexy romance that has intense emotion and powerful energy. A story with powerful spice and emotion and delivers an intriguing heart.

Favorite Quote(s)
“I chose you for you, Emma Carson. For your character, your compassion, your capacity to love. I chose you because there’s no one else in this whole fucking world I can see myself raising a child with.”

Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Contemporary, Dark
Character Types: Mafia, Billionaire, Alpha Male, Single Parent/Guardian
Themes: Office Love, Boss and Employee
Tropes: Rags to Riches

Book Perspective
Duo POV

Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
A mix of both

Song This Book Inspires
Every Kind of Way by H.E.R.

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.
 

 Novella/Short Story Review:

This is a book that I found through my Libby. I had no clue that this book even existed and I was more than delighted to try it out. Jeaniene Frost trying out shifter romance?? Sign Me Up. The only downside to this book was how short it was. I would have loved to see her do more shifter romance as I was highly impressed with this short story. I think what impressed me the most was how well she developed the pack dynamics within such a short period.

The premise of the story was quite interesting. I really had a blast seeing how this romance developed. We basically have a story where our heroine gets attacked, she is kidnapped in a way but the pack can't let anyone know they exist. She and our hero are fated mates, but she is struggling facing with reality and wants to run away from the hero.

It has some fun bantering, great interesting dynamics for a shifter pack and really enjoyed the way in which the romance developed. The forced proximity aspects were fun and Tavia Gilbert really elevated the suspense elements. I always appreciate how she narrates a story and she really brought this one to life.

Overall I had a blast with this one and very intrigued to see if the author plans on writing anymore shifter romance in the future. 

 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: ✨✨✨✨.5


First Impressions
Kingdom of Corruption is the 4th installment in the Fausti Family series. This series has been so delightful, and this is where we get the continuation of Kingdom of Corruption with our couple. I have really enjoyed seeing this couple grow in their relationship. In Kingdom of Corruption we have some very interesting reveals that happen and there is some strong level of suspense that develops within this one here. I do think its essential to read the previous books before reading this one here.

First Line
The weatherman had predicted snow.

What I Loved
What I truly loved is the connection that we see Brando and Scarlett building together. I just loved seeing what they have together. The way in which they connect and have such faith in one another. Even though there are some secrets being kept, its more out of protecting each other and wanting the right time to have them be revealed. There is some level of suspense, it didn't come out in the way that I expected, but I truly enjoyed seeing it be revealed and what happens in the end for what is hinted at what our couple will get into, was beyond crazy. But we also see quite a bit of happy couple page time which I really enjoyed. And the descriptions that this author uses, is just brilliant. I love how authentic it feels entering one of her books and how I can literally feel the setting and how vibrantly its written truly impresses me every single time.

The conflict that our couple faces was so heartbreaking. I really felt for these two and what they had to face here and how each of them dealt with it, just felt so real. The author really handled the emotional aspects of this just right.

What I Struggled With
Not really much I struggled with, the pacing was a bit off at some moments so I knocked off half a star for that aspect because I loved everything else in the story.

Overall View
I found this story to be a true delight, packed with sweet and spice and heart that tied me up in knots!

Favorite Quote(s)
I don’t know how to not love you. It’s as natural as breathing, mio marito. Anger passes. So does hurt. But my love for you is constant. I’ve known it my entire life, and before it, and will even after it. Could you hate the one person who makes you feel everything?”

Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Contemporary Romance, Romantic Suspense, Dark
Character Types: Dancer, Mafia, Blue Collar
Themes: Married Couple Pairing
Tropes: Epic Love

Book Perspective
DUO Pov

Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
Plot Conflict

Song This Book Inspires
Yours in the Morning by Patrick Droney

Recommendation For Reading Order
Yes you must read this in order

Steam/Spice Explanations

Simmering cup of tea---soft warm touches and light intimacy 

 Christmas in a Cowboy's Arms is a anthology that features six different stories from different authors who have written some westerns in their writing career. I have seen this duo of anthology's around for a while and I have to admit that I was highly curious on what it would contain. I have read from the majority of these authors and I was highly curious to see the type of stories that they would write.

Father Christmas by Leigh Greenwood
In this delightful tale, we have a hero is on the run from the law. He was falsely accused of a crime he didn't commit, and he needs to find the gold his partner stole on his farm to redeem himself and clear his name. He ends up falling hard for the widow of his partner.

This tale was really endearing. I really enjoyed how Joe forms a bond to Mary and her little stepdaughter Sarah and their newborn baby. And it had some delightful Christmas ties to the story that got wrapped up in a bow.

A Chickadee Christmas by Rosanne Bittner
This story is where we are taken back to the Harkner family with Jake and Randy and this novella takes place between books 4 and 5. This was a truly delightful novella. And My favorite of the six stories because this couple is by far my favorite so I will never complain being brought back into the fold. This is where they celebrate the holiday season, they bring in an unlikely young man into their fold and some Christmas miracles happen for the family.

The Christmas Stranger by Linda Broday
So this book takes place before book three in her Men of Legend series. Lonely Sidalee rescues a drifter who gets caught in a winter snowstorm and was in jail. But he needs to have a place where ppl will stand by him and he definitely finds that stability with Sidalee and Stoker Legend. I truly had a fun time with this one. I had forgotten how much I loved this group and was fun to get to revisit it.

A Texas Ranger for Christmas by Margaret Brownley
This novella is part of the "Match Made in Texas" series. This is where we have a heroine who is told she is a new widow. Sadie is a bit bitter against any rangers. Her father and late husband were both rangers and would put their service in place of their family. As she starts to fall hard for Cole, who she helped take care of when he takes ill, she starts to fall hard for Cole. Who is so much more than her late husband ever was. She doesn't believe his promises, and Cole will have to work hard to win over his lady and prove his devotion to her and their life ahead.

I really enjoyed this one and the author really had me so invested in this couple. I just loved them so deeply. They were so captivating. The heroine could wear on your emotions a bit though but its understandable after she is has been hurt so deeply in her life. Loved the hero and what he was willing to do to show her he was serious about them and standing by her. A bit crazy and wild but his love was so unyielding and strong.


A Christmas Baby by Anna Schmidt
This is the only author of the group that I haven't read before and I fell so hard for this one. There is something about a forbidden romance that I will always go to the bat for and that is how I felt about this one here. I really had a blast with this one. This is where we have an interracial romance. The hero is latino and the heroine is caucasian and her parents forbid the match. They wed in secret and now she has been disowned by her family. When she gets pregnant, all she wishes for is that their families can be together. This story really showcases a heartfelt miracle of two people that just fell in love and didn't think it mattered what race each other were. I loved the take on this book, an honest one, of a type of racism we rarely see addressed in books and I appreciated it so deeply. Definitely will be trying this author more soon.

A Christmas Reunion by Amy Sandas
This features a second chance romance with a mix of enemies to lovers in this. As much as I love Amy Sandas, this was my least favorite book from her. I am not sure if I just wasn't expecting an angsty book or what, but the heroine especially just grated on my nerves. Not sure exactly what it was, but wasn't a fan of how she treats the hero at times.

Overall I had a fun time with this anthology, it did feel longer than 500 pages, but I still enjoyed these stories. And they all had some fun Christmas aspects and a poignant emotional vibe that I was drawn to. Definitely eager to read "Longing for Christmas" shortly. Maybe I will do that one closer to Christmas. 

 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: ✨✨✨✨5


First Impressions
God of Fury is the fifth installment in the "Legacy of Gods" series and this series has completely blew me away and I was so curious to see how this author would handle a MM romance as this is her very first novel in this type of romantic interest and she knocked this aspect right out of the park. God of Fury is a story that I think may push some readers and may not exactly work for everyone but I was so fascinated in the growth that we see our couple go through within this story. I had such a fun time with this match up because on the surface you wouldn't think that these two would have anything in common, but when it comes to the heart and mind....they truly find what they need in each other but their journey is a battle.

First Line
What am I doing here?

Summary
So the setup of the story is that we have our two male protoganists: Bran and Niko. Niko is the psychopath of the two. He is such an alpha male, and he has his eye on Bran and wants him more than anything. So much so that he is losing interest in what he normally has interest in. Then we have Bran, who has his own mental struggles he has been battling it, and is more of a demisexual. So we see how struggles being in relationships...until Niko. Niko has him feeling things especially more sexually that he has never really experienced but he has always considered himself straight, and doesn't know how to face up to being attracted to Niko in the way that he is. There is this pull and push between Niko and Bran on what they have and if its worth fighting for....will Bran be able to fight for Niko and their love before Niko gives up on him completely?

What I Loved
Wow! this book packed such a punch and I was there for the ride that this author takes us on. I absolutely adored Niko so much. He was a hoot. Seriously this character had me laughing all over the place. He is such a anti hero and its delicious. I have always loved Niko though and if you have read the other books in the series you are very familiar with his crazy. Then we have Bran who is the prentious prideful of his group of friends. Bran has been the character that we have seen to be the most mysterious. We just know he is the serious twin, but his character is more in the background. In God of Fury we get to see his story and see his background and his story melted my heart and broke it just a bit. What we see Bran struggle with was so heartbreaking. Through much of the story you aren't sure what he is struggling with exactly or what trauma he was dealt, but you know its pretty bad and you know his family is ignorant of it. He has kept it hidden and for years has been dealing with severe depression and is on the verge of being suicidal. I really connected with his character and his struggles. I think if any reader has dealt with depression of any kind, they will be able to see so much of themselves within Bran's character.

So the romance is very push and pull. Bran is always on the run and Niko is the one chasing. But there is so much more happeni9ng with Bran than meets the eye. Niko knows that there is something deeper driving Bran's fear then just him coming out of the closet as gay. But Bran is on the run not just sexually or physically but also very emotionally. Niko is pretty patient considering the fact that he is a bit of a psychopath. We see how much he is having to deal with but also knowing that their relationship is practically forbidden and that Bran's twin is his greatest enemy. What we see being developed within the plot was so superb. It kept me on edge all the way through. What will really carry the reader through though is the depth of their relationship. I loved the feel of cat and mouse play game that these two go through and the third act was simply perfection. I knew going into this what was ahead for this one and its hard to see but Rina Kent really handled this scene so very well. I was highly impressed with how it was handled, and seeing how the family and especially Niko deals with it, just breaks your heart. But these two come out on top in the happily ever after and Kent has created such a unique dynamic romance that melted my heart from beginning to end.

Spoiler
(view spoiler)

What I Struggled With
The pacing in this book dragged a bit in some parts. The middle section of the story kinda was a bit slow at times. So I feel like there were aspects to the battle between Niko and Bran going back and forth that could have been reduced just a bit because it did get slightly repetitive. But I only knocked off half a star for this element as the rest of the story was a win for me.

Overall View
God of Fury is a powerful story that tugs at your heartstrings and melts your heart at the deep vibrant emotion that carries the romance through. Its a story of identity, growth and learning to heal past wounds and embrace the love that is steady and impactful.

Favorite Quote(s)
Seems that Bran runs way deeper than I thought, but as he hangs on to me as if I’m his only anchor, I know that I’ll never let him go. Not even if I burn with him. For him. In him. I’d willingly catch fire if he so much as asked me to.

Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Dark Romance, New Adult
Character Types: Alpha Male, Anti Hero, Athlete, Psycopath
Themes: LGBTQ, Hot Smexy Times, PTSD, Secrets
Tropes: Forbidden Love, Unrequited Love, Enemies to Lovers

Book Perspective
Duo POV

Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
A Mix of Both

Song This Book Inspires
k( all I got to say) by NUVILICES

Recommendation For Reading Order
You can read as standalones, as the events intermingle with all books in the series
 

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

Book Evaluation:
Plot: 🎞️🎞️🎞️🎞️🎞️
World Building:🌎🌎🌎🌎
Cover:📔📔📔
Hero: 🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻
Heroine:🦸🏻‍♀️🦸🏻‍♀️🦸🏻‍♀️🦸🏻‍♀️
Intimacy Level: 🔥🔥🔥.5
Relationship Building: 💒💒💒💒
Heart & Feels:💞💞💞💞
Witty/Banter/Reaction of Laughter: 😂😂😂
Page Turner Level:📖📖📖📖
Ending:🧧🧧🧧🧧🧧
Overall View: ✨✨✨✨.25


First Impressions
Captive of the Horde King is the first book in the "Horde Kings of Dakkar" and I have been seeing this series just about everywhere. I honestly was on the fence on it, but decided to really pick it up after hearing it had barbarian "golden dynasty" vibes to it. And I have to say that I really enjoyed it. Its not a perfect one, but it was definitely the type of fantasy romance that I do like to see. I also really enjoyed the whole setting. And I do think if you are like I am and struggle with monster romance, these books are much more better to read. Now granted the heroes are full on humanoid or anything, but they are pretty close to it.

First Line
It all began with a burning field

Summary
On the planet of Dakkar, humans are the third class citizens of the world, mostly living in poverty. Our heroine, Luna, is forced to sacrifice herself to the Dakkari, the native species of Dakkar who control the economy and politics and laws of the world. Her brother makes a mistake hoping to bring good things to their small village, but commited a crime in the process. Luna sacrifices herself to one of the leaders and king of Dakkar, Arokan. What Luna doesn't realize is how much her life is about to change, as she won't merely be a slave to Arokan, but to be his wife and queen and she is thrown into a situation that she won't be ready for. But as she starts to accept where her life is going, she is still concerned for the life she left behind including her younger brother. But the politics of her new life has thrown her into and will have to find ways to embrace her life as the wife and queen of the Dakkar.

What I Loved
This book was so interesting and I really enjoyed it. It definitely had vibes for "Golden Dynasty" by Kristen Ashley and really enjoyed the barbarian theme there. I had a blast seeing what all the hype was about surrounding this book and why its so well loved. I can definitely see why people are drawn to this one. It does have similar vibes for epic fantasy with barbarian warriors. I really enjoyed this one. I also think if you struggle with monster romance, then these type of Dakkari warriors will work for you as they are mostly humanoid looking.

I really enjoyed the setup of the whole heroine sacrificing herself and going into a forced marriage of sorts. It was such a fascinating setup and I really loved the way that this story was developed. Even though it wasn't perfect, it really delivered the type of vibes you look for in this type of sci fi or fantasy romance. This is the type of epic fantasy feels I like to read in my books. I am really curious to see where the series will go here.

Now to touch base with the romance, I really had a fun time with it. The hero Arokan, was so deliciously alpha male. I love how he is so attentive to the heroine, and he does have a temper when she refuses to meet her basic needs. I love how he is with her, so patient at times, wanting her to learn their ways but he also isn't a pushover either. He stands up for what he believes in and love that he is firm with the heroine on their customs and culture. He embraces the bond that they have with each other and never gives up on her. Definitely eager to see what this author delivers with this series here.

What I Struggled With
Now I will say what kept this book from being a higher rating is some of the actions from the heroine. While in some ways it was understandable, some of it was just stupid decisions for the sake of her pride. I did enjoy seeing her grow within the story and accept what her new life could bring to her but it took a while for her to come to this realization and it was a bit frustrating to get her to this mindset.

Overall View
Captive of the Horde King was a fascinating story that captivated me from beginning to end, packed with a unique culture, a rich passionate filled romance and writing that just keeps you engaged.

Favorite Quote(s)
I'm learning to give myself permission to be happy. Guilt was a large part of my life. It fueled a lot of my decisions. But I've paid my dues, I did what my mother asked of me. Now I just want to be free to make the choices I want to make without fear.


Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Science Fiction/Fantasy
Character Types: Barbarian Warlord, Royalty
Themes: Angst, Forced Marriage/Reltaionship
Tropes: Enemies to Lovers, Marriage of Convenience, Opposites Attract

Book Perspective
1st POV

Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
Relationship Conflict

Song This Book Inspires
Are You by Julia Michaels

Recommendation For Reading Order
Yes from what I have seen from other reviewers, its a series to be read in order.

Steam/Spice Explanations

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

 

What a adorable novella this turned out to me. I was kinda nervous with this one because the reason for the christmas miracle that is needed with this is about a couple that has a book in this series so I was so terrifed the author would kill them off or something haha but I should have trust in Le Veque a bit more. It was a delightful read, about the heart and family and faith and miracles. You can read this as a standlone and it was so sweet. Love the sense of beautiful emotino that is conveyed in this one and reminder on how much I need to read more of this author. Medeival romance for the win!