Hello hello! I'm back with some more books that didn't really work for me, but might be winners for you.

Breakdown by Aly Zigada

My Rating - ★

BLURB - An unforgettably searing and unapologetically honest romance about enemies, lovers, and the music that binds them.

Atticus Creed saved my life. His voice talked me down. His lyrics stripped me bare. His tattoos against my hidden scars made me feel beautiful. In turn, I wrecked him with a love that exposed his soul and lies that called to his vilest demons.

We were innocent then.

I’m not a broken girl anymore. Now I’m the woman who reigns over the corrupt record label he abandoned, and he’s a tortured musician who wants retribution as viciously as I want another taste of his lips. Inevitably, he will crash in my arms, and I will burn in his.

Depravity is all we know. It’s in the air we breathe, it’s in our sweat, it’s the music we make.

Boy Toy Auction by C.A. Harms

My Rating - ★

What was meant to be a fun evening to benefit charity, suddenly became so much more…

They were both volunteered into attending the Boy Toy Auction.
One as a contestant.
One as an attendee.

Emerson lost an internal battle the moment Nicholas stepped onto the stage.

As soon as he started moving his hips to the rhythm of the music, she was captivated. Suddenly, the timid girl became a warrior as she fought to have the highest bid.

There was no way she was leaving without him at her side.

From the moment Nic saw her, Emerson became his focal point.
The beautiful woman in the silver dress.
The one that held his stare.
He needed her to win.
He needed her.

He’d make sure this was the best money she’d ever spend.
Or the worst…depends on how you look at it.

Because sometimes, it doesn’t matter what you want, life has a way of throwing you a curve ball that you aren’t prepared for…

Fighting Destiny by Amelia Hutchins

My Rating - ★

Have you ever heard of the old Celtic legends of the Fae—beautiful, magical, and deadly creatures that have a love of messing with humans just for kicks and giggles?

Welcome to my world.

What started out as a strange assignment, led to one of the most gruesome murder mysteries of our times. My friends and I are set and determined to find out who is killing off Fae and Witches alike.

Couple of problems in the way – I hate the Fae and the Prince of the Dark Fae is bound and determined that I work for him. He’s a rude, overbearing egotistical ass with a compulsive need to possess, dominate and control me. Oh—did I mention that he is absolutely sex-on-a-stick gorgeous and he makes me feel things that I never ever wanted to feel for a Fae... every time he touches me or looks at me with those dangerous golden eyes he seems to pull me further in under his spell, despite my better judgment.

My friends and I can’t trust anyone and nothing is as it seems on the surface—not even me.

Lor by Lily Mayne

My role as Moric—ruler of a small and prosperous fiefdom in a quiet corner of the world—has always been painfully dull and stifling.

Until a beautiful, otherworldly creature with pink skin and a mane of golden hair falls through a strange void that has appeared in my guestroom.

And I am instantly captivated by him.

I have never seen anything like him. I have no idea where he came from, and what else is through that unsettling void—another world filled with soft-skinned, defenceless creatures like him? No tails, no horns, no claws, no sharp teeth. Tiny clothing, rounded ears, bright blue eyes. He is fascinating. And I want to keep him.

But I have no idea how my citizens and councillors will react to his presence—to the knowledge that a whole other world exists, and there is a portal to it in my guestroom. As much as I try to keep him my secret, the truth starts to slip out.

And those in my fiefdom who cling desperately onto power do their best to tear us apart. To take him from me.

I won’t let them.

Find it here: Goodreads * Amazon

My Rating - ★★★★★

A himbo from Earth falls into a void and lands at the feet of monsters. He's scared, they're scared, and there's a language barrier. It didn't take them long to figure things out and turn an awkward meet-cute into something beautiful. Jugs was an absolute sweetheart and Lor was no slouch.

I really enjoyed getting a behind-the-scenes look at the monster world. Learning about all of the monsters, how they interact, the politics that are way too similar to real life, how they live... it gave me all that I thought I could want from this series.

So the monsters we've met and their human mates are in the monster world. I'm so excited to see how all of these people act when they're together.

How is it possible that this series just keeps getting better and better? I'm already in love with the world-buiding, the connections between the characters (both monsters and humans alike), and everything in between. This author captures the bonds these people share so beautifully and I can't get enough!

Here's some fantastic fanart!!

Lily Mayne writes what she loves to read: achingly sweet yet gritty romances against unusual backdrops—dark, futuristic, dystopian and more.

She enjoys reading and writing (duh), cooking and baking, watching terrible horror movies and many other hobbies that would have potentially made her an ideal Victorian maid. Just a really lazy one.

She currently lives in the UK with her husband and several fluffballs, who like to make a lot of noise while she’s writing.

Find out more at lily-mayne.com

Have you ever taken a look back on the books you read years ago? How much has your choice of books changed? Mine... A LOT! And while I don't remember reading this series all that well, I liked it enough to review it at a time when I hadn't really started writing reviews. So HAPPY MONDAY and welcome to another day where I'm sharing old books that might be new to you. Or something you've read and haven't thought about in a while. Let me know if you've read this one!

Today's flashback is the Playing With Power series by Adele Huxley. I can tell it's indie origins and its earlier release by the covers themselves. Remember when this was the standard for indie books? I'm so grateful that the trend for covers has changed so much. I'm not familiar with the ins and outs of book marketing, creating covers, or the like, but I'm just glad that these stock impersonal photos are largely a thing of the past.

So here were my thoughts...


Blurb from Goodreads ~ The office is heating up!
A last minute dinner with billionaire Damon Kael will change the course of Lauren Kemp's life.
The intense entrepreneur is able to look right through her and pinpoint exactly what she wants...success. He offers to mentor her, with the aid of a cryptic book, but does his kindness come with ulterior motives?
Meanwhile, Lauren and her boyfriend Nick are trying to make it work while living in New York City. Unfortunately, her misogynistic boss keeps getting in the way. Presenting at the largest tech expo, Agitate, might be great for her career but could also spell death for her relationship.
Life is becoming more complicated with each day. With everything she wants to achieve, can Lauren have both a personal and professional life? With Damon's help, will Lauren learn the rules of power or is she just another piece in his game?

My Rating - 3 stars

I wasn't even sure how to classify this book. I realize it's a romance, but what type? Ah well. I think it's best to give this review by character.

Lauren: I tried really hard to like her. I haven't gotten there yet. I don't dislike her, I have connected with her at all. Her views on the world around her seem warped to me, and she was a bit too condescending towards her boyfriend, Nick. I get being focused on one's career, but she was focused to the point of foresaking all others. Simply, her superior attitude was a turn-off.

Nick: I felt bad for this character right from the start. He's busting his butt trying to keep up with her demands and gets no appreciation. Just complaints. Poor guy. I could see that things were not going to work out for him in the end.

Damon: He seemed crazy hot and mysterious. Who wouldn't be a victim to his charms? I guess time will tell what role he'll play in this story. But that ending sure gave me some ideas.


Blurb from Goodreads ~ After a heart-wrenching breakup, Lauren has no choice but to throw all of herself into work; it's the only way she'll stay sane after the way Nick left her.
Lauren's life will never be the same when a twist of fate takes her on a last-minute trip to San Francisco over the Fourth of July weekend. With Ali at her side, she quickly learns there's a lot the West Coast can offer.
When she meets Landon, Lauren realizes she may have just gotten more than she can handle.

My Rating - 3 stars

Adele Huxley turned up the heat in San Francisco!! I honestly tried to have sympathy for Lauren with regards to Nick leaving her at the curb, but I just couldn't. Nick had all of my sympathy. I don't know how this man put up with her crap for so long. Patience of a saint I tell ya. The man kept trying to be romantic and give her his all. We saw that he tried. Maybe there was more happening behind the scenes that would make me not as sympathetic towards him, but since it wasn't written, I have to true.

Landon was a wonderful addition to the story. He sounds amazing. The sexual tension between him and Lauren was off the charts. And I enjoyed how Ali played off of the both of them. However, the entire time I was reading about Lauren's developing feelings for Landon, I kept wondering how her heart could hold so many men. Landon, Nick, Damon... Things developed pretty quickly between her and Landon, but when she comes home from SF, she is met by Nick, who wants to work things out. I was hoping she would let him go, but she doesn't. Another example of her selfishness. Smh.

BTW, Parker (her boss) is a real creep. Just sayin. I'm not sure in which work environment it is ok to deal with his misogyny, his assault, or his abusive behaviour, but it is definitely not ok. Why does Lauren allow it to continue???


Blurb from Goodreads ~ Lauren is fighting to keep her head above water but slowly, her dreams are coming true. My Best Friend’s Closet is now a reality!
Landon gives her a big surprise by arriving in New York unannounced, showing up to the StyleSpur offices posing as a potential investor. The connection between them is undeniable, but will they be able to remain professional? Can they ignore what happened between them for the sake of the business, not to mention her strained relationship with Nick?
As if that weren't enough, while she and Nick work through their issues, Lauren discovers a possible thorn in her side named Rose. How can she make time for Nick if he's spending it all with someone else?
There are powerful forces at play. Will Lauren have the strength to control them in her favor?

My Rating - 3 stars

Third book in and the story is still moving at quite a steady pace. I didn't find it lagging at all, which is what I kind of expected. I really wish I could have gotten another POV in this story because to be honest, I still don't much care for Lauren. Landon seems to be such a great supporter of her and it seems that she is still harboring strong feelings for him, despite the fact that she is trying to work things out with Nick. As for Nick, it seems that he's been giving some of his affection to another woman (Rose). Not that I really blame him. I don't condone cheating, but I do think these two definitely need to go their separate ways. Stop beating a dead horse. I'm ok with her being with Landon. At least he's above her level and she can't look down her nose at him lol.

The cliffhanger involving her frenemy Sahra and Parker is a bit baffling. Not sure when these two characters would have had a chance to hatch a scheme but I'm sure that is exactly what they're doing.


Blurb from Goodreads ~ Lauren starts to question how well she really knows Landon DeWitt. Can she truly trust this handsome businessman, especially after the stunt he pulled with Sahra? How can she be sure he'll always work in her best interests?
During a whirlwind weekend trip to San Francisco, Lauren's confidence is shaken. Landon's top adviser is less than impressed and right when she begins to question why anyone would want to invest, the MyBFC prototype comes in.
Can Lauren keep fighting now that she's so close to realizing her dream? Who will be there for her once the dust settles?

My Rating - 3 stars

Book 4 had a bit of the unexpected. I'm glad that Lauren finally grew some balls in this one!! She accepts that her future may lie with Landon and is finally ready to say goodbye to the life she was building with Nick. Little did she know that coming home from a trip to SF would be the catalyst to their breakup. Walking into your room and seeing your man banging some chick in your bed kinda spells out the end, dontcha think?! At least she still has her fledgling business to fall back on (My Best Friend's Closet), as well as Ali, Landon and Damon. Actually, this chick has one heck of a support group.

Rochelle (or Rachel or intern-extraordinaire) is scheming with both Parker and Sahra. Losers tend to travel in packs lol. I can't wait to see what Ms. Huxley has planned for their comeuppance.


Blurb from Goodreads ~ MyBFC is on the brink of launching and Lauren has to decide if she is willing to leave New York City to make it a reality.
Someone isn’t happy with the choices she’s making. With a violent and invasive stalker tracking her every move, Lauren turns to the only person who she knows can protect her, Damon Kael. Can she resist the power he has over her?
Sparks fly when Landon finally confronts Nick and Parker finally takes it too far.
Can she find the inner power she needs to demolish those who stand in her way? Will she find Damon or Landon at her side?

My Rating - 3 stars

I'm not sure if this is the last book. If it is, then I feel like the series is incomplete.

Lauren and Landon have a stalker. Someone who is taking pictures of them, sending them animal hearts and heads, and infiltrating all of their communications. A very determined stalker. Is it Nick? Parker?

I feel like there was so much unsaid in this series. In book one, we see Lauren reach out to Damon. We're told through a jumble of sentences that they had a sexual encounter, but there are no details. Actually, most of the communication between her and Damon is unwritten. I just didn't get this strong connection between them, however, she almost cheated on Landon with him! This just didn't make sense.

Also, Lauren, Faith and Landon finally get an opportunity to turn the screws on Parker, to get him to confess to all of his wrongdoing. And it was a great scene to read. However, two broken hands later (Lauren's and Landon's lol), we still don't know what happened with Sahra and Rochelle, considering that they were equally culpable in his actions.

My sympathy is obviously no longer with Nick. What he did was wrong. But I'm sorry, I totally get why this character acted the way he did.

I'm not even sure if Lauren and Landon got their HEA. It's almost implied, just like Damon and Faith's. Speaking of which, why the heck did Damon and Faith hook up???? And how did Faith go from being a simple woman with gorgeous looks to being a 'forensic accountant'????? Now she's brilliant? Ummmm... just no.

My Rating - ★★★
Genre/Trope - Paranormal Romance / instalove
Perspective - Dual 1st person
Heat - descriptive
Source - ebook from Kindle Unlimited
Length - 270 pages

Goodreads * Amazon

Pray for the Devil started off really slow and I wasn't sure if it was my type of read, but it started to really pick up towards the end and I'm intrigued enough to want to give the second book a chance. I felt bad for Eliza for the entirety of this story. She was living to please people, probably the wrong people, all to have a place to belong. She was devout, an exorcist for the church, but she quickly realizes that all is not as it seems. She's actually a very powerful witch and with the help of Luk, she begins to discover who she really is. I enjoyed the connection between these characters, despite the fact that their relationship literally blossomed from nothing, but I'm hoping to get more of them in the next book. I also really enjoyed her bestie, Olivia. I loved that she was a demon playing up as being a pious member of the church. Hilarious!


My Rating - ★★★
Genre/Trope - Dark Romance / mafia
Perspective - Dual POV
Heat - descriptive
Source - ebook from Amazon
Length - 296 pages

Goodreads * Amazon

Let me start off by saying that I liked this book. It had a lot of elements to it that it was hard not to like it. However, it also had quite a few annoying components that affected my star rating.

What I liked:

* Kyle's character was freaking hot. I love an alpha with military experience. Throw in some Black Ops or Special Forces and we have a winner! He's the bad boy you can't help but love and he makes no apologies for it
* Kyle's compassion for Chloe. Their love story was unconventional but beautiful
* some of the scenes were absolutely hilarious... Show/hide spoiler
* how the author kept Chloe's brainwashing relevant. She didn't have her hopping into a "normal" relationship with Kyle. She suffered setbacks and mental breaks, which would be typical of anyone who suffered from abuse and the writer didn't belittle or sugarcoat that. Kyle had his own share of problems and together they had to jump over some mighty obstacles to get to their HFN

What I didn't like:

* the idea of the "pun" was overused. Once is funny. Twice is cute. Three times it's quirky. Infinite times is... I almost gave up because of it. I get that it was supposed to be a quality that endeared her to me, but it was abused way too frequently. Made me miss the fuckbot.
* though the plot was great, there were times it felt rushed

Overall a good book. Not terribly dark but a quick yet gritty read.


My Rating - ★★★
Genre/Trope - Thriller / Mystery
Perspective - Dual POV
Heat - descriptive
Source - ebook from Amazon
Length - 372 pages

Goodreads * Amazon

I almost DNF'd this book. I came close so many times but I persevered.

I have a strong appreciation for dark romance. So when a friend of mind suggested Lily White, I chose this book to get my feet wet.

It was somewhat dark. More twisted than anything. It was erotic. It tried to blow my mind.

However...

I failed to connect with these characters. I couldn't like Autumn because she came across too prudish and closed-minded. I have a low tolerance for ignorance and judgment, even in fiction. Then she showed herself up as a hypocrite by succumbing to Lucas's manipulations. I liked Lucas simply because he kept it real. I respected that.

So although there were intriguing plot twists and crazy 'I didn't even think of that' revelations, the book was just okay for me. And what was with the ending? It seemed like the manipulation hadn't ended.

A decent read and there were many elements to whet the appetite of any mystery lover.

Every Monday, at least for the next little while, I'll be sharing books that I've read in the past, before my blog was a reality or I just forgot. Oops. I realize that there are a ton of books I haven't shared with everyone and some that we've probably forgotten about. These books still deserve some shine, don't they? I foresee this type of post going on for months because I have TONS of them to post about.


I'm starting with the Manwhore series by Katy Evans. I read this series back in 2017 and I can still remember how much I enjoyed this author and this new series she had introduced. I actually think the first heroine of the series was the first one who truly irritated me! She made me realize certain things that I wouldn't put up with LOL. Do you remember this series? If you've read it or have it on your TBR, please share XO


Manwhore #1
My Rating - ★★★
POV - Heroine

Blurb from Goodreads

I went into this book with pretty high expectations. I've been a fan of Katy Evans since Real and thought that based on the reviews for this book, I was guaranteed to love it. Not so!


Don't get me wrong. This book was fantastic even with the cliffhanger (luckily I started this series when the other books were printed or I'd be extra pissed). It just wasn't as powerful as I thought it would be.

A lot of that had to do with the fact that I could barely stand Rachel.


Honestly, this chick kept riding my last nerve. Imagine how much it pissed me off that the entire book was told from her POV. Arrrrrrggggghhhhh!! One of her characteristics that really annoyed me the most was her "coyness". To me it seemed she was constantly playing freaking games (I get that he was an assignment) and I dislike mindgamers. Wasn't she the one showing up everywhere Malcolm was like some stalker/groupie in order to get his attention? Then as soon as she got it she played fickle. She even tried to treat him like a one-nighter when she had next to no sexual experience. Also, was I really supposed to take her journalism career seriously??? She barely made any money. Successful businesses weren't trying to poach her. Yet she went on ad nauseam about her "notes" and her "investigation" and how knowledgeable she was about things beyond her tax bracket. She wasn't realistic and if she were, she's be TSTL.

Malcolm, however, made this story worthwhile for me. I would have sold my left breast (not literally) to have gotten his POV. Mrs. Evans did a great job creating his mysterious character. I constantly wanted to know what he was doing, what he was thinking, how he was feeling. Everything about him intrigued me. His fictional looks, quirks, actions, etc.

I'm looking forward to reading book 2 and finding out how Malcolm deals with Rachel after her betrayal.

Manwhore #2
My Rating - ★★★★
POV - Heroine

Blurb from Goodreads

I loved this installment. This book definitely turned the tide for me and allowed my opinion and rating of the series to reflect drastic improvement.

I didn't have a lot of love for Rachel in book 1, for many reasons. However, Katy Evans did such an excellent job in redeeming and humbling this character that I couldn't help but like her. She ate her crow and stayed dedicated and determined to atone for her betrayal of Malcolm and win him back.

I really liked that they didn't immediately reconcile. It made the story and pain believable to see them work through forgiveness and earn back lost trust. I think that their second chance was beautiful and I couldn't get enough of them together.

As for Malcolm, I still loved him. He did no wrong. I really wish there was something from his POV, but I could still appreciate his words and actions as seen from Rachel's perspective.

Fave Line:
"You're the only heaven I will ever know, Rachel" - he looks into my eyes - "and if you were hell, I'd sin my whole life just to stay with you."

Manwhore #2.5
My Rating - ★★★★
POV - Heroine

Blurb from Goodreads

Extra sweet. Extra mushy. Extra sappy. Extra gooey.

Katy Evans did a spectacular job with this novella. It was like being gifted an extended epilogue to conclude the beautiful story of Malcolm and Rachel. However, I'm slightly peeved that there still wasn't a Malcolm POV. I honestly believe that this would move this series from like to love for me. Why? Because in the end I still don't LOVE Rachel when compared to how I feel about Malcolm. He WAS the story.

Anyways, this was just as beautifully written as any other book in the series. I'm starting Ladies Man as I do this. I'm really excited to find out how Mrs. Evans finagles a HEA for jaded Gina and renowned manwhore Tahoe.

Manwhore #3
My Rating - ★★★★
POV - Heroine

Blurb from Goodreads

I was pleasantly surprised with how much I enjoyed this book!

I thought for sure that Gina's thoughts and views (more like doubts) on love would irk me but somehow it really worked in this story. I think the fact that Tahoe wholeheartedly shared her perspective helped because I adored him!

Despite the fact that Gina wasn't super confident or as ambitious as Rachel, or as sure about her future or about who she was as a person as Wynn was, she willingly accepted her flaws, her lot in life and acknowledged that she had room for improvement and growth. This outlook was very refreshing as opposed to books with heroines who are exceedingly too perfect to be real. I especially liked how she admitted that her makeup was a mask.

I knew there was more to Tahoe than meets the eye and when what broke him was revealed (view spoiler) he, along with Gina, became that much more real to me. That's when I finally got invested in their HFN/HEA and became excited for how was going to come to pass.

This was an amazingly easy book to read. Hot characters, loads of chemistry, and there's even a huge update for what has been going on with Malcolm and Rachel.

Manwhore #3
My Rating - ★★★★
POV - Heroine

I happen to love books by Katy Evans. I fell in love with her writing when I met Remy in Real and I've been hooked on this woman ever since. I think the problem I've been having with the Manwhore series is that I went into it expecting the same level of intensity and was disappointed to find it lacking. It's not the book's fault because the story is fine. It's just a matter of me not adjusting my expectations. Well, I tried to do just that with this one.

And I have to say this. I'm sure there will be those who disagree with me.


There were way too many times that I wanted to slap the crap out of Olivia. In a "knock some sense into her" type of way.


Or shake her until her marbles aligned.


She drove me freaking nuts!! At one point in the story, Callan offers to take her on as his assistant. To really teach her what he knows. She OF COURSE declines. Then a bit later she says:

I came here to work, to learn. Did I let my own personal prejudices and confusing feelings keep me from learning all that I can, from the best man I could possibly learn it from?

Actually don't answer that. Because this chick said a variation of the same thing more than once in this story. MORE THAN ONCE!!

Well, I gave all 4 of my stars to Callan. I loved everything about him, from his smoking (although it is such a nasty habit) to his seduction skills (bring those over her handsome) to his business acumen (teach me). What I really liked about his story is that despite the book's title and his so-called reputation, there was barely a hint of his indiscretions. Yes, women were everywhere, virtually throwing themselves on him and willing to act as human ashtrays, but he wasn't caught kissing or inappropriately fondling anyone much less encouraging them. Nice!
There was another book released from this series about 2 years later, Playboy, but I never read it. I've seen some interesting reviews for it (both amazing and not so much), but I'm not interested enough to give it a shot. This series was alright, but never quite reached the level of greatness I wanted or needed to continue it. I do recommend it for the most part though, so there's that.

I'm sure I'm not the only blogger who has read books that they forgot to share. I read a ton of books before starting this blog and many of them are part of a genre or subgenre I'm no longer interested in. This particular series has elements of BDSM, which isn't something I search for anymore. I read this trilogy in 2016 and I remember enjoying it. I wonder if you've read them and if not, is this a trilogy you'd like to give a try? Let me know in the comments!


Dear Ladies,
I’m the man of your dreams and I can prove it. All shapes and sizes are welcome. I’m ready to settle down and start a family. Must be open to a long term relationship. The true kind. One that will last forever (contract required and only voided by me). I’ll show you how a woman is really supposed to be treated. Submissive preferred, but not required. Will train. It’s time to Dom up.
Sincerely, Devlin Black

(To be printed in the Los Angeles Herald, Sunday after next - Bachelor’s Edition. Front Page.)

Victoria. The one that got away. When she left I spiraled out of control. Two years of misery led me to write my Ad. Now she’s back and even as I go forward with my plan, my feelings for her haven’t diminished.

Secrets. Deception. Betrayal.

Can our relationship survive? Can we become the family I know we are meant to be? Or will our secrets ruin everything?



My Rating - ★★★

Is it weird that I found this book freaking hilarious?!

Devlin's internal monologues about the women in his life were cracking me up.

I'm baffled by him though. If he's so set on Victoria, and such an alpha, why is he taking her no as final? Whatever happened to persistence?

He was a glorified, rich manwhore (what else is new) and kept making excuses and talking about changing. What changed?! I didn't blame Victoria for not wanting to get involved with him. It seemed like he was still pretty much a manwhore, but the rationale is that now he's looking to settle down and have a family. By putting an ad in the newspaper!!! He would be a hard man to trust.

However, that doesn't justify the secret she's been keeping from him. I can't wait to find out his reaction in book 2.

My Rating - ★★★★

This author has an amazing talent for twisting my mind!!

I was completely absorbed in the story, just waiting for Devlin's secret to be revealed.

There was never a dull moment.

Between his dating, their bonding as a family, the incredibly hot sexy times, and a bitter sub, there is so much to enjoy in this story.

Victoria was so badass at the end and I was cheering her on! Loved how she put his whoring and deceitful ass in check!

However, I adore Devlin so hopefully there is some extreme grovelling in the next book. I also hope the baby is okay :(

My Rating - ★★★★

I'm not going to wax poetic about the author's writing. Obviously it's splendid. This is strictly a reaction review.

For the first 40% or so, I wanted to throat punch Victoria. I wanted her to shut her mouth, shut her mind, just shut the flip up. She said some really hurtful and hateful things to Devlin and the fact that he took it and stayed should have given her (and everyone else) a clue that his intentions for her were honourable. In a short time, he had proven that he was a changed man. I felt bad that this Alpha was given such a subservient role all in the name of forgiveness. Especially for a betrayal that wasn't really a betrayal. Was what he did shady? Heck yeah. But he didn't cheat and that was her biggest fear. And if we're really going to point fingers, I believe her lie by omission was by far worse than his, with more lasting consequences if he hadn't found out the truth. I'm just glad she got her act together and had faith in their HEA, which they got. That epilogue was super sweet. Devlin cracks me up!

I still really loved Devlin. He was such a sweetheart and his POV was the best part of the book. Hands down!

The man he'd been before—the young soldier Luke Buckley,
who'd already been all alone in the world—was gone.
He was only Seraph now.
The monster the military had made him.

Seraph by Lily Mayne

Previous books in the series: Soul Eater * Edin * The Rycke * Gloam * Moth

I’ve already mentally prepared myself to kill the screaming, murderous monster in the cage outside our camp.

I’m used to it. It’s what I do here. Kill monsters and other people. And this monster, Seraph, is particularly unstable—has been since the moment he arrived from Collector Mary’s monster menagerie to the west, where the military stashed him away.

He’s in pain. I can see it. But he’s not a mindless beast. Not like some of the others think.

When I start guarding him in his cage every night, I begin to see the person beneath the agony that tortures his every waking moment. I begin to see who Seraph could have been if he hadn’t been twisted into this monstrous creature.

I realise that I wouldn’t be able to bring myself to kill him, even for his own sake, but it doesn’t matter anyway. He’s already dying, and there’s nothing I can do to stop it. Not even when new visitors at our raider camp bring with them secrets about Seraph. Secrets the military has tried to hide.

Secrets that reveal the true extent of the horror he’s been put through.

And now… Now, I will kill anyone who tries to hurt him again.

Find it here: Goodreads * Amazon

Have tissues and a strong fan ready because Seraph and Lilac were so heartbreaking and explicitly filthy together!

For years, Lilac had isolated himself within the walls of the raider camp. He was the go-to killer of monsters, although his job was getting kinda redundant with all the monsters moving in. He hadn't learned to get close to anyone, though he did consider Rig and Ghost friends. And then Seraph made an appearance and everything changed.

I had an inkling of Seraph's background and I was very sad to realize that I was right. However, I fell in love with the way this author created his story. The pain of his new journey as a monster touched my heart so deeply. The humanity she infused his character with made me smile SO HARD. And what ended up growing, slowly but surely between Seraph and Lilac, was illustrated so beautifully that I'm not sure if I'll ever be the same after witnessing it.

Can I just say... the scenes between Seraph and the other monsters... so freaking sweet. I already loved them, but the tenderness, patience and understanding they showed Seraph made me love them all so much more. I can't wait to see what is next for these monsters and their human mates. Heading to the monster world sounds like it's going to be a trip!

Some gorgeous fanart:

Lily Mayne writes what she loves to read: achingly sweet yet gritty romances against unusual backdrops—dark, futuristic, dystopian and more.

She enjoys reading and writing (duh), cooking and baking, watching terrible horror movies and many other hobbies that would have potentially made her an ideal Victorian maid. Just a really lazy one.

She currently lives in the UK with her husband and several fluffballs, who like to make a lot of noise while she’s writing.

Find out more at lily-mayne.com