DNF Review

I really hate doing this so close to release date but I think its important to really be honest about this book. I am a bit baffled over all the five starred reviews for this one because I could barely get through the first half. I absolutely adored the hero, he is not the problem in this book. The issue in this book is the heroine. I can't believe that I am doing this to a Samantha Young book but the heroine was horrid in this book. She was petty and abusive. You will never get me to enjoy a heroine like this. One of my hard no's in a romance is when the heroine is either physically or emotionally or both to the hero. And the reasons on why she treats him so horribly, well she is attracted to him and doesn't trust her heart because of a bad experience so of course it makes it justified in what she does to him. The hero does NOT deserve what she does to him. He is just honest with her and she doesn't like that honesty and literally hurts him in a way that unless he is raping you, should never be done. This is the type of toxic romance I do not care to read and I cannot condone when its this type of story. This is just a regular contemporary/romantic suspense. I haven't ever seen this author write a heroine like this and I had such high hopes for this and all I wanted to do was push the heroine over a cliff and into the freezing cold water to shake some common sense of human decency into her.

If you need a solid heroine who is a woman of integrity and non abusive, I would not recommend this book to you. You will need plenty of patience to push through it. Its a toxic AF romance that I can't condone in any way and want to honestly convey to future readers what to expect on this one. It will not be an easy read, it's a rough road of reading. 

 Quickie Review

So this book was so so delightful! I absolutely LOVED this one so dearly. There was something so much more to this one. Now the book starts out a bit slow, but once we get through to about 25% of the book that is when the story really picks up. This book is a bit wild at times, especially how it begins. So you kinda need to suspend your belief on this one to really go with it. I will say that this is probably the most heartwarming romance that I have read from this author. I honestly think Mariano could make any scenario work, her writing is so powerful. The christmas themes to this story was so poignant and the deep emotion that is conveyed in this one was powerful. I just couldn't get enough of this romance. The sweet vulnerable moments that they have, the affection in front of his family, how charming they are together and how much they ache to be together in the end was so beautiful. I love that they were able to find the type of ending that they were able to and the connections to the Morelli Family was pretty amazing. I just loved seeing that. 

 Quickie Review- May contain spoilers upon reading this review

Reveal was such a captivating conclusion to this duo series. I really was curious to see how the cliffhanger would be resolved and even though I understood why the heroine was so upset, she did force the hero to drag out the grovel more than was called for on this. I also wasn't a fan of the secrets that she keeps from him in the third act. Because she was so angry over him not trusting her but she isn't willing to give out the same type of trust when he is in trouble. So the main issue in their relationship is the way that these two don't trust each other. Now I admired the hero in this one, because he is so understanding. The suspense aspects of this conclusion was superb and this author definitely knows how to write a good plot. I found their vulnerabilities so endearing and their chemistry is off the charts. I did enjoy the heroine in how she battles against those wanting to destroy her in the end and how crafty she gets there. So this was definitely a keeper for me and definitely eager to read more from this author. Even though the type of drama she writes can be wild, she writes it compelling and packed with solid emotion. 

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

Resist is the first book in this duo series by K. Bromberg. Even though I am not always a fan of so much drama and angst in a relationship, there is something charming and addicting in the way in which this author just pulls you into a story. I had the time of my life with this book and even though at times I did struggle with the heroine, it was still a solid story and their chemistry was on point. Their bantering was lively and they really have this conflicting relationship that just seems to work for them. But boy do they have some communication issues that they need to work through in this one. It was so interesting to see how the plot developed. The heroine was so prickly, so she takes some getting used to but the more you get into the story, the more she becomes likeable. She has reasons for how she acts so while its understandable she could be very hard to swallow. So just be patient with her. I adored the hero though, he knows how to stand up to her and set firm boundaries. And his jerk aspects I found quite fun to read, he is such an entertaining read. Definitely a keeper for me from this author and what a cliffhanger. Jump straight into book 2!! 

 Quickie Review (May Contain Spoilers, Fair Warning Upon Reading Review)

What a true delightful story this was! And it was a surprise too. Ever since I discovered this author, I have had this one on my watchlist and it was so cute. Now could this have been a full length novel with more relationship depth to it? Yes it most definitely could have been. But it was charming, full of Christmas cheer and the romance was spot on. I love how our hero and heroine connect to each other and the vivid emotions in this book that just struck deeply. I just couldn't get enough and I was so easily caught up in the story as well. There is something so addictive about this writing style that this author uses that sucks you into a story. And I don't think I have read a romance that features a bake off tv show, so that was so so interesting and different but fun and lively and I am just craving more of this author. 

 Quickie Review (May Contain Spoilers)

Old Flame was such an interesting installment and what a finale to this series. I know technically there is still Mateo's POV (which I am still not sure I will do that one or not, but maybe I will just to see his side of things) but have really enjoyed Dante's book. It definitely had its challenges for sure and I appreciated what the author was able to deliver on this one here. I also was fascinated by the power in this one here. It had some aspects to it that I wasn't expecting but also wasn't quite as angsty as I thought it would be either. Dante is such a mystery in the series so it was good to see his side of events. I was glad that I had read the previous books so that I could appreciate his version of events. There were aspects to him like the human trafficking that was SUPER hard for me to deal with. My heart did break for him for the sacrifices he had to make over some of Mateo's decisions. I did enjoy the way in which the romance was developed although I didn't really understand the beginning that much. I felt like that was really harsh and going to be honest in that it was something I almost wanted to DNF this book for. This book was probably the hardest Mariano that I have ever read. But it was good to see this just to see a different perspective on events. I am not eager to read the Las Vegas Morellis and how those will differ from the ones in Chicago. 

 Quickie Review (May Contain Spoilers)


Montana Sanctuary is the first book in a series that surrounding a ranch that is about healing and helping people and animals overcome trauma and abuse. This is where we just see the beginnings of this. Its run by a group of ex military friends and I am very curious to see how this series will grow and develop and eager to see what is ahead in future books. I really had a blast with this one here. It was superb in every way. The suspense elements were on point, the villian was truly evil and crafy and cunning and I really adored that and how the plot is developed especially in the third act was super intense. I really appreciated what we see delivered with this story. The heroine is very off putting at times, but when you see the abuse that she has suffered, you can see why acts the way that she does. The hero is so patient and understanding. You can see that he wants to help her and love his steadiness and what it gives to her.

Montana Sanctuary was a pure delight, even though it wasn't perfect, it was a solid story which left me even more curious for more! 

 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
Consumed by Deception is the finale in the Deception Trilogy and this is by far my favorite book of the series. I absolutely had a blast with what Rina Kent delivered on this story. This is where we such much more issues finally being resolved, our couple fighting for each other, and finally actually communicating. In the previous books there was so much angst, misdirection in their relationship and just them both being too prideful to resolve the situation. But in this final installment, we actually get solid relationship building aspects and its books like this in why I love this author so much.

What I Loved
So what I loved most was our couple resolving their issues. Actually realizing that their mental illnesses is what is causing so much confusion, and seeing them both together work on rebuilding their relationship into what it needs to be. The actions with the mafia also escalated in this book so I really enjoyed the danger elements that were introduced into this one. I really fell hard for Lia and her strength and seeing her fight for the relationship was so attractive. Its not super common to have the heroine fight equally for the relationship and I found it refreshing to see her fight for the hero and knowing he is worth fighting for. We also see how well they do together when they are in sync in their relationship and how that reflects in them being parents. I just found it so sexy and attractive in so many ways. I wish this book was longer because this book just was everything I could have hoped for and more.

What I Struggled With
Nothing really, its not a 6 star read, but its definitely a five star read so definitely up there with top favorite of the year!

Overall View
Consumed by Deception was a thrilling edgy mafia romance that melted my heart with poignant emotion, characters to cheer on and writing that keeps you up at night. A TREASURE OF A READ!

Favorite Quote(s)
will always want more with Adrian, even more than he can give me. Like his heart. His soul.

Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Romantic Suspense, Dark Romance
Character Types: Mafia, Ballerina, Parents
Themes: Kids/Teens, Tear Jerkers, Heart/Emotion
Tropes: Marriage in Trouble

Book Perspective
Duo Pov

Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
A mix of both

Song This Book Inspires
Lovely by Billie Eilish & Khalid

Recommendation For Reading Order
Yes read in order---its worth it!

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: ✨✨✨✨.25


First Impressions
This is the second installment, but you need to read the first book for many things in this installment to make sense. This is a trilogy of plot complexities and character dynamics that I wasn't even expecting. I will say that this installment is the origins between Adrian and Lia. And it was really fascinating to see how they journey goes from when they actually first meet and the revelations that are unveiled at the end of book one. Rina Kent really blew me away with this one, I did enjoy this installment a bit more than the first book. And the author really elevated this couple in so many moments. But boy do they go through the wringer because the relationship angst in this one is unreal.

What I Loved
I think what impressed me the most with this one was how well-layered this story turns out to be. I honestly wasn't expecting it to have this type of depth to it and one of my favorite things about reading is reading an author you think you know what to expect and then she turns your world upside down. There is so much going on with this book and Adrian is not a simple alpha male. He is a thinker and researcher and he doesn't know how to deal with someone to love. He is really great with his son, but when it comes to romantic relationships, he definitely has a more challenging time. Seeing our characters find each other and figure out what their relationship is can be pretty combative at times, and sometimes I don't know I felt the BDSM was a bit too strong, but these moments were really important because that is where the emotional intimacy really builds in these scenes. I really adored these characters and even though they are all over the place, they have such real connection that you just want to cheer them on with and it really tore through my emotions. So heartfelt.

What I Struggled With
So this style of BDSM isn't really my thing, it really should be better developed. Sadism isn't something you can just easily place into a story and I do wish it was more fleshed out to be honest. And I do wish that we saw a bit more of sweet vulnerable moments between these two here.

Overall View
Tempted by Deception is a fascinating story that captured my heart and only added more mystery to what is being built for the finale!

Favorite Quote(s)

Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Romantic Suspense, Dark Romance
Character Types: Mafia, Dancer
Themes: Angst, Tear Jerker, Kids/Children Involved, Danger Elements
Tropes: Forced Relationship, Forced Proximity

Book Perspective
Duo POV

Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
A Mix of Both

Song This Book Inspires
Hurt Me Harder by Zolita

Recommendation For Reading Order
Yes, you must read these 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: ✨✨✨✨.25


First Impressions
Vow of Deception is the first book in the "Deception Trilogy" and I really went into this book blind and the blurb is a bit vague into what is actually happening with this book. This book was really hard to get engaged with so my best piece of advice with this one is be patient with it and stick with it and if by halfway you aren't into it, then it might not be for you. Sometimes Rina Kent's books aren't going to be for everyone and I really had to be patient with how this one was written here. I really found it so intriguing and the way in which this author developed this book was so well developed. At first, I didn't know what she was really going on with this story, but it turned into something so much more deeper than even I expected but the hero is one of the darkest heroes I think she has written.

First Line
Death can come in the form of a doppelganger.

The Main Protagonists
The Hero: Adrian Volkov
Works for the Bratva, Assassin, Works Remotely, Is a single father

The Heroine: Lia (Winter)
Started out as a professional ballerina, lost her way when she had a miscarriage and ended up on the streets and an alcoholic.

Summary
Lia is taken from her home of the streets and being homeless and forced into the home of Adrian Volkov where she is forced to pose as his wife and the mother to their son who is just a lost child yearning for his mother. Lia is at a loss because she is in a difficult position, Adrian is not a man to disobey but Winter finds her own way to disobery him to stand her ground and retain her independence but she also knows how dangerous Adrian is and there is a bond that she is forming with Adrian that she doesn't want to fully admit to. But there are secrets, she is having nightmares and she ends up learning secrets, secrets that could destroy them all...

What I Loved
Vow of Deception had some aspects to the story that just intrigued me. First off, the chemistry in this book is off the charts. The way in which these two connect in the smexy moments between them is very intense. I was intrigued by the premise of the story and you could tell pretty quickly that the author was really digging deep to write such a complex story that had so many layers to it. Just when you think ( as the reader) that you have it all figured out, then something new enters into the story that completely blows you away. I was shocked in where the author led this book because I was NOT expecting that ending, because that reveal in the ending, oh boy. The author really throws you for a loop into this one. I absolutely love what she wrote here, I wasn't sure I wanted to continue this series until the later half of the book. The first half of the book is very slow going and doesn't make sense but I do think if you are patient, it will give you the rewards you can expect from this author and I can't wait to jump into the next book. This is definitely a trilogy you want to read together.

What I Struggled With
The first half of the book is really hard to keep up with. There were many times I wanted to DNF this one, but I wanted to give this trilogy a good chance as I really wanted to read Adrian's book and have been curious about his character as there has always been so mystery surrounding him. But the pacing was really off and it could have been me, it just starts off really strange and can be hard with at times. I really was intrigued by the characters but it just didn't make sense in the first half, but I promise if you keep up with, then it will bring out rewards.

Overall View
Vow of Deception was a captivating, angst filled romance that kept me on the edge of my seat...all the intrigue and dark vibes will carry you through and keep the reader fascinated to read the next one.

Favorite Quote(s)
The big deal is that no one looks at you the way I do. No one get's a glimpse at what's mine."

Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Romantic Suspense, Dark Romance
Character Types: Mafia, Assassin, Anti Hero, Alpha Male, Ballerina
Themes: Danger Elements, Kids involved
Tropes: Mistaken Identity, Forced Relationship, Kidnapping

Book Perspective
Duo POV

Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
A blend of both

Song This Book Inspires
What Have I Done by Dermot Kennedy

Recommendation For Reading Order
Yes you need to read this trilogy 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.