This is going to be a short review but I really wanted to talk about this book for a bit.

I grabbed up this one, because one I am wanting to look for more alien romance to read and also I am wanting to read more indie authors and yeah this cover is interesting haha but I love a good fated mates but also my weakness is the whole "nanny" character type, with some fun little kiddies that drive the hero a bit crazy. Our hero, is king of his people, but when his brother and his wife are killed in a accident which leaves a set of triplets orphans, he takes in his brothers kids. But he has no clue how to handle them, so he then orders a human woman to take care of them. She does teach kids, so he feels like she would be perfect for the job never planning that this human female would be his fated mate....

It was quite an interesting story here and I found myself intrigued by the story and the series as a whole. Now it was only a three star, and let me explain why. I liked the story, I liked the characters, the plot was fun but it wasn't a story that just won me completely. I was frustrated with the first half of the story, I didn't care for the hero's arrogance and how he treats the heroine. I like my alpha males, but he just didn't have many redeemable qualities that I could truly enjoy. The story was likeable as a whole and a good palette cleanser. Just something fun to read in between the more serious books.

This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance

First Impressions
After I read the first book, I didn’t know how Emperor could even come close to what I felt for Overlord, well guess what? Yeah, I was definitely wrong about that. The reason that I picked this one up so quickly is I just know that I can depend on this author to get me into a book, and after a slow read from the historical, I just knew that I had to read something that would be a page-turner and Anna Hackett definitely fulfilled everything that I expected and more from this one. It was everything that I was looking for and also added some elements that I didn’t realize I needed. I do think that if you want to try some great imagery in a science fiction romance, or just want to explore this genre a bit more, I couldn’t recommend Anna Hackett and especially this series has been a blast so far and I can’t wait to read the connecting books to this series. The romance was on point and so solid in so many respects and there was so much competence porn in this one that it just blended so well together.

Summary
This story begins with our two protagonists are: Dr. Poppy Ellison and Emperor Brodin Damar Sarkany. Poppy wakes up in intense pain and the only thing that brings comfort is being held in the arms Brodin and in this moment there is an intense bond that is formed between Brodin and Poppy, one that neither of them fully realize at that moment. Poppy is an earth female who crash-landed on a planet across the galaxy and was experimented on and now she is part shapeshifter, and Brodin is by her side being her protector and building the courage she needs to survive the coming tide. As Poppy is learning more about her new abilities and what she is capable of, the relationship that she builds with Brodin develops into something deeper than they ever expected. But Brodin’s wolves are disappearing and when a handful of kids go missing, he is determined to find them, but their nemesis has found their weakness, and only Poppy has the capabilities to fight the change and bring balance back to their people. But they have an enemy who is determined to destroy them all. But will Poppy and Brodin find a way to defeat a crazy scientist who will stop at nothing to destroy them?

What I Loved
There are so many things that I just fell so hard for. The first is the setting, the descriptions that this author builds up are so vividly portrayed and it just felt like a magical setting that I wanted to kick back and relax into. Anna Hackett definitely displayed her talents in what she built here with this setting. I had such a fun time with this clan of shape shifter wolves, it was so so fascinating. I honestly have loved the sense of paranormal mysticism that blends so well with these sci fi worlds that are pure magic on the page. When you combine that with a powerful romance, you are bound to fall in love. Which definitely happened. I adored Brodin and Poppy together, while they seem vastly different from each other, they ended up complimenting each other so well in this one. I looked forward to every moment that had together, and seeing them interact and build their relationship definitely had its powerful moments. There is also a very intense plot that builds within the story that while it doesn’t detract too much from the romance, it really adds depth to the characters that come into play here. And as a side bonus we got a teaser to the next pairing in the series and that one is going to be a firecracker.

What I Struggled With.
I am not sure what I can say about this as there wasn’t really much I struggled with. If I had to pinpoint what kept this from being a full five-star of a read, it would definitely have to be some slow aspects to the story. It only happened a couple of times which is the only element to this book I could see better.

Overall View
Emperor is a read that will twist you up in knots and will inspire you to fly to your imagination’s soul. It brings together beautiful aspects of heart and thrills that you will be hunting down more books from this author. Definitely won’t disappoint any romance lover.

This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance

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

Captain of the Guard is the most recent release in the Galactic Kings and I absolutely had a blast with this one, maybe not quite as much as the previous two books, but it was still such a solid read from this author. I will say that if you are a fan of sci-fi romance, then this series is a MUST-read! I haven’t read much of her other sci-fi romance though so I can’t say how this compares to her other sci-fi series, but it’s definitely some of the best sci-fi romance I have read in a while. I really loved how atmospheric these books are described, I really feel so caught up in the world-building but what is amazing about these books is that it isn’t overwhelming. It’s so well balanced within the story. I really have enjoyed seeing the way the author has crafted this series and how different each heroine is from the previous one. This story though has been teased for the first two books and I really enjoyed seeing this angsty love fest happen. This is where we have the “first claw” Annora who is tough and strong and simply badass. Then we have Captain Thadd who is working on protecting their people and standing by his Overlord. When he and Annora are put together on a mission, sparks fly between them. But when they have to work together to bring down an enemy, they discover something worth holding onto.

She was Emperor Brodin Damar Sarkany’s right-hand, his First Claw. She was known for being tough and deadly. But she wanted this one day. A child. A family. A mate.

I will say that this book was everything I was looking for in a diverting sci-fi romance. It definitely will keep you on the edge of your seat and it’s a story that will deliver all the angsty fun. These two are HILARIOUS together. I mean the hero is a broody alpha male who is so stubborn in his masculinity at times. Then we have our heroine who is kick-ass but his stubbornness drives her crazy. The plot is so engaging and just packed with so much action and intrigue. I never knew where the story was going to head and I really adored that. Anna Hackett is an author that definitely knows how to keep me on my toes and in this book I fell so hard for this romance. Once they get past their stubbornness and pride to hate each other, we see how much they fall for each other. I also adored their devotion and loyalty to their people and most especially in their relationship. And we get a teaser for the upcoming book and man this heroine is going to break my heart but I need it NOW!!

Annora narrowed her gaze. “What did you call me?” “Thistla. It’s a wild plant that grows on Zhalto. There’s some outside my window in Citadel. It’s covered in beautiful, fragrant, white blooms, and thorns. Lots of thorns. I think the name suits you.” He strode up the ramp into the Talnian ship. She swallowed a growl. You can’t claw up your Zhalton ally.

Overall I found this story to be a thrilling, kick-ass romance that delivers the satisfying emotion, and edgy action and is out of this world type of a romance!

I will be reading this again, later on. I think the narrator ruined this for me and I was super super lost in the world building and details. I will begin with book one in the trilogy and read it physically and see if that helps. I got to 50% and just need to set it aside, as the narration was too distracting to focus on the story.

Antonio was a book I was so excited to be offered for a honest review from the publisher/author. I have adored this author's work, but her Vampirs in America series is by far my favorite from her. These are delivered so well and I love how atmospheric that they actually are. I really enjoyed the way in which this author showcased this story. I couldn't seem to get enough of this one but it was by far from perfect of a read. I really REALLY struggled getting into this story. I am not sure if it was me, or the book itself, but I just couldn't get fully engaged with the story so this is going to be reflected in my rating.

I did enjoy many aspects of this story overall though. I really liked the heroine being a badass assassin and being able to really push the hero's buttons. The hero is an alpha in his own right, and I love how they keep each other on their toes and really push in all the right ways. I adored the manner in which they come together. Now the story starts out slow, our couple don't really meet for a while in the story, so make sure you are aware that will happen. I was hoping for a bit more couple time, I felt like this pairing just didn't get enough page time and wish there was more couple page time in this one because it felt a bit lackluster in that respect. I do prefer more couple time on the page. It was just fun seeing them together and didn't want to have it end. I did feel like the ending was a bit rushed a bit.

Overall I found myself charmed by Antonio, it was an endearing kick ass romance that kept me on the edge of my seat and thrilled me from head to toe. If you are a fan of this author, you will have a blast with the latest addition.