One of the things I love about the bookish world is that one book can evoke different feelings in all sorts of readers. One book can be a five-star read for me and a DNF for someone else. We all see something different because we're all different and I love exploring those differences by reading reviews.
Full disclosure: I read these books years ago, but I do remember enjoying them. Have you read them? Are you interested?
Flame by Adriana Locke
Carmichael Family #5
Contemporary Romance / marriage of convenience
I swore I would only get married if my life depended on it. Oh, the irony.
Many things have happened over the past few weeks that I didn’t see coming. My family imploded. Our business was turned upside down. And someone threatened to harm me if I didn’t make good on my father’s promises.
But the biggest thing I didn’t see coming?
Foxx Carmichael demanding marriage.
He’s doing it out of loyalty to my brother. I know that. But I can’t help but think if, through that deliciously hot, grumpy exterior, my bodyguard doesn’t have ulterior motives.
There’s no denying the fire in his touch or the heat in his blue eyes. He protects me with a ferocity that leaves me breathless. He makes me rethink many things I thought I knew for sure—like my position on marriage.
But how we dance around our fake relationship makes me wonder what part of this is pretend. None of it matters if he doesn’t admit he feels the same way.
Our sham wedding will fall apart as soon as the threat is contained. But what happens if the flames between us burn everything to the ground first?
Rating - 
I enjoyed myself, but I think I may have benefitted from reading some of the prior books in this series.
I missed the connection between Foxx and Bianca. He was supposed to be mysterious, but I saw everything laid bare and an enigma he was not. Bianca was head over heels for him, but played hard to get in the moment. Game playing is a no-no for me. There was chemistry, but I didn't really feel it, despite the incredibly spicy scenes these characters shared.
Bianca's family dynamic was a bit confusing, but again, I think I would have understood if I had read one of the other books. Her father is dangerous and threatening and... Why though? The suspense element fell flat for me.
However, I enjoyed so many other things about this book, such as Foxx owning his feelings once he had the all-clear; Bianca discovering a part of herself that she was quickly falling in love with; all of the side characters and the ways they interacted with the main characters; and overall the writing.
I guess I need to add the previous books to my to-read list.
I enjoyed myself, but I think I may have benefitted from reading some of the prior books in this series.
I missed the connection between Foxx and Bianca. He was supposed to be mysterious, but I saw everything laid bare and an enigma he was not. Bianca was head over heels for him, but played hard to get in the moment. Game playing is a no-no for me. There was chemistry, but I didn't really feel it, despite the incredibly spicy scenes these characters shared.
Bianca's family dynamic was a bit confusing, but again, I think I would have understood if I had read one of the other books. Her father is dangerous and threatening and... Why though? The suspense element fell flat for me.
However, I enjoyed so many other things about this book, such as Foxx owning his feelings once he had the all-clear; Bianca discovering a part of herself that she was quickly falling in love with; all of the side characters and the ways they interacted with the main characters; and overall the writing.
I guess I need to add the previous books to my to-read list.
A Humble Heart by R.L. Mathewson
Hollywood Hearts #1
Contemporary Single Parent Romance
After wasting too many years on the wrong guy, Dana frees herself and her two children to live her dream.When she's forced to deal with paparazzi, offers from porn companies, magazines, Hollywood and crazed fans Dana does everything she can to keep it together for her kids. She never dreamed she'd catch the eye of the most sought after bachelor in the world. Things like that just didn't happen to women like her, or did they?
Having a life? What the hell was that? Edward couldn't remember what it felt like to live his own life without someone watching his every move. Thanks to the paparazzi and the internet nothing in his life was sacred. Out of desperation to keep some semblance of a life he stops living his own. His family and work are all he has left until he's made an offer he simply can't resist. Working with the famous author forces him to open his heart and take a chance. Winning the heart of the woman he loves while the world watches is anything but easy, but he never thought it would be dangerous. His only hope is that they get through it together.....and alive.
Rating -
This book was not what I expected. I've read quite a few books by Mathewson and had high expectations. I'm not sure if the let down is because this is one of her earlier works, but I was a little disappointed. One of the things I appreciate about Mathewson's writing style is her ability to grab my attention. Whether she's pulling my heart strings or making me bust a gut laughing, I'm always completely enveloped and involved with the story. I just couldn't connect with these characters. There was so much meat there but with so many life-altering events occurring, without any real repercussions, I felt lost.
To me, this story seems to be told mainly from Edward's POV. I hardly heard from Dana. So while I can say that I adore, admire and respect Edward's character, there isn't much I can say for Dana. I do admire her strength, kindness, tenacity and perseverance, in light of the struggles and hardships she has faced, but even though she seemed to suffer through these times, I didn't FEEL it. That is why I was unable to give this book the 5 star rating I thought I would.
Overall, it is a good read. I don't regret picking it up. And it in no way alters my love for the work of R.L. Mathewson.
This book was not what I expected. I've read quite a few books by Mathewson and had high expectations. I'm not sure if the let down is because this is one of her earlier works, but I was a little disappointed. One of the things I appreciate about Mathewson's writing style is her ability to grab my attention. Whether she's pulling my heart strings or making me bust a gut laughing, I'm always completely enveloped and involved with the story. I just couldn't connect with these characters. There was so much meat there but with so many life-altering events occurring, without any real repercussions, I felt lost.
To me, this story seems to be told mainly from Edward's POV. I hardly heard from Dana. So while I can say that I adore, admire and respect Edward's character, there isn't much I can say for Dana. I do admire her strength, kindness, tenacity and perseverance, in light of the struggles and hardships she has faced, but even though she seemed to suffer through these times, I didn't FEEL it. That is why I was unable to give this book the 5 star rating I thought I would.
Overall, it is a good read. I don't regret picking it up. And it in no way alters my love for the work of R.L. Mathewson.
Chase: Complete Series by Cassia Leo
Contemporary Political Romance
Follow presidential candidate Chase Underwood and former escort Larissa Jacobs' sensual and tumultuous journey from beginning to end.
PART I: Chase
Larissa Jacobs' financial debt is climbing after a failed attempt at becoming the next big thing in Hollywood. After losing her job as a party clown, Larissa's roommate gets her a gig working for an escort service. Her first client is Senator Chase Underwood: hot, married, and the current presidential candidate. Will his penchant for sexual domination destroy his prospects of world domination?
PART II: Disclosure
Larissa Jacobs' financial debt may be a thing of the past, now that Senator--and the all-but-certain future president--Chase Underwood has offered her a lucrative position in his campaign. But, like the rest of Chase's staffers, Larissa is asked to sign a nondisclosure agreement; only Larissa's NDA comes with some interesting stipulations that may make or break their arrangement.
PART III: Exposure
Larissa Jacobs has finally found the man of her dreams in presidential candidate Chase Underwood, but her dreams of happily ever after have been put on hold indefinitely. When a feature in the L.A Times exposes their affair, Chase and Larissa are thrust into the center of a scandal that will rock the nation and the very foundation of their love.
PART IV: Closure
After the scandal caused by her affair with presidential candidate Chase Underwood, Larissa Jacobs is flown to his lavish villa in Tuscany. Larissa watches the news coverage of Chase's victory and fantasizes about him storming into the villa and making good on his promise to marry her. But her fantasies are becoming less and less appealing with every day they spend apart. It doesn't help that the hot Secret Service agent assigned to guard her has become the only person she can speak to.
Will Larissa remain true to her promise to wait for Chase? Will Chase finally put his love for Larissa before his career?
Rating -
Not what I expected from reading other books from Cassia Leo. The story's premise was good (a little Scandel-esque), but I think the plot and characters needed more meat. It wasn't terrible at all and I don't regret reading this series, I just needed more.
Not what I expected from reading other books from Cassia Leo. The story's premise was good (a little Scandel-esque), but I think the plot and characters needed more meat. It wasn't terrible at all and I don't regret reading this series, I just needed more.
Hello hello! I'm back with some more books that didn't really work for me, but might be winners for you.
Let me know if you've read any of these or plan to. I'd love to know your thoughts :)
The Last Phone Booth in Manhattan by Beth Merlin
Women's Fiction
Avery Lawrence thought she had it all—a charming fiancé, a Broadway-themed star-studded engagement, and a picture-perfect life. But when her fraudster of a fiancé’s true identity is exposed and he’s hauled away in handcuffs, Avery’s world comes crashing down faster than the chandelier in Phantom of the Opera. Left stranded on Christmas Day outside the federal prison without her cell phone or wallet, Avery stumbles out of the cold and into the last phone booth in Manhattan. With nothing left to lose, Avery is directed by a mysterious voice on the line to the doorstep of the college boyfriend she thought she’d moved on from over six years ago.
When a second encounter with the phone booth leads Avery to a life-changing audition for Marley Is Dead, a new musical based on Dickens’s A Christmas Carol, Avery is blown away by the striking similarities between the show and her own life. Convinced the phone booth is somehow responsible for reuniting her with “the one that got away” and reigniting her acting career, maybe she will finally have the chance to rewrite her future. But as she grapples with the ghosts of her past and the uncertainty of her present, Avery must decide whether to follow her heart or pursue her dream.
My Rating: — Why is this categorized as a romance?
IT IS NOT A ROMANCE!!
Luckily, I got this as a free book from Prime or I'd be pissed!!
It's about a woman named Avery finding herself, rediscovering her past with a man named Gabe, and getting closure so she can move forward.
Honestly, if I'd known what it was about, I'd probably still read it. I just wouldn't have gone in with these expectations of a love story.
What a downer :(
— Why is this categorized as a romance?IT IS NOT A ROMANCE!!
Luckily, I got this as a free book from Prime or I'd be pissed!!
It's about a woman named Avery finding herself, rediscovering her past with a man named Gabe, and getting closure so she can move forward.
Honestly, if I'd known what it was about, I'd probably still read it. I just wouldn't have gone in with these expectations of a love story.
What a downer :(
Bad Boys After Dark: Carson by Melissa Foster
Contemporary Second Chance Romance
As the founder of a multimillion-dollar international security business, Carson Bad exposes secrets for a living. He knows better than to forge relationships built on them. But for years he did just that with his best friend, and secret lover, Tawny Bishop. She brought a sense of calm and understanding to his life—in and out of the bedroom. Until one fateful night when a knock at the door changed everything.
Tawny is no longer a naive college student. She’s a sought-after perfumer living in Paris. She has plenty of resources at her fingertips, and lots of lonely nights to think about the only man she’s ever loved—the one she ran away from all those years ago. She needs to move forward with her life, but how can she when Carson still owns her heart?
Maybe showing up in the middle of the night unannounced isn’t the best route to unraveling the past and figuring out her future, but Tawny has played it safe for ten long years, and it's only made her long for the man she never should have walked away from. Now she's back in Carson’s life, and he’s determined not to make the same mistake twice. If only he knew what that mistake was…
My Rating: — I really wanted to like this one because I really like this author.
But it was hard to deal with the heroine.
She and the hero, Carson, were college besties... and something more.
She left him.
She married another man (poor Keith) when her heart still belonged to Carson. Married him, made him feel second class, had him begging to be with her again after their divorce, etc.
It's been ten years and she's looking for something from Carson.
And he just accepts her back into his life because he's such a great guy.
But I didn't like her.
I didn't trust her.
So no. I didn't care for a happy ending for her.
Carson deserved better.
— I really wanted to like this one because I really like this author.But it was hard to deal with the heroine.
She and the hero, Carson, were college besties... and something more.
She left him.
She married another man (poor Keith) when her heart still belonged to Carson. Married him, made him feel second class, had him begging to be with her again after their divorce, etc.
It's been ten years and she's looking for something from Carson.
And he just accepts her back into his life because he's such a great guy.
But I didn't like her.
I didn't trust her.
So no. I didn't care for a happy ending for her.
Carson deserved better.
The First Taste by Jessica Hawkins
Contemporary One Night Stand Romance
Andrew Beckwith has already devoted his life to one girl—and as far as he’s concerned, she’s all he needs. The rough-around-the-edges bad boy left his reckless ways behind six years ago when his daughter Bell was born. To the female population’s dismay, he’s unapologetically single. When Bell’s mother walked out on them years ago, he vowed never to let another woman close enough to hurt them again.
Amelia Van Ecken isn’t just another woman. She’s an independent, smart, and savvy businesswoman who doesn’t have time for sex, much less love. In the midst of a drawn-out, bitter divorce, all she wants is to bury herself in work. But when sharp-tongued Amelia and stubborn Andrew cross paths, sparks fly—and burn. Two things are obvious in an instant: they want each other, and they’re from different worlds. It’s the perfect formula for an off-the-charts one-night stand. After all, it’s not as if opposites ever attract.
My Rating: — I’m a sucker for a story about a single parent. I’m not sure if it’s because I enjoy the parallels I can draw between fiction and reality, being a single parent myself. I just enjoy watching the way these characters, who give so much of themselves to their child(ren), trying to navigate a world in which they are people separate from said child(ren). Who says having kids and raising them alone means you stop being an individual with wants and needs?
Andrew was content to live the life of a bachelor raising his daughter. And honestly, I couldn’t blame him. After Bell’s mother abandoned them, he became everything to make sure his little girl wanted for nothing. Both suffering from abandonment issues, he doesn’t want to try for anything permanent again. He’s all about having some fun and when he meets Amelia, it seems she’s all about the same thing. Coming out of bad divorce, she doesn’t think she has what it takes to give herself over again.
Sounds like a good story right? And it would be for many people. I’m just not one of them. I actually enjoyed both characters… separately. When they were together… not so much. I couldn’t feel their chemistry and I couldn’t connect with the idea of them evolving into anything serious. They didn’t work well for me and the more I tried to convince myself to give them a chance, the harder it was. So I had to just let this story go.
— I’m a sucker for a story about a single parent. I’m not sure if it’s because I enjoy the parallels I can draw between fiction and reality, being a single parent myself. I just enjoy watching the way these characters, who give so much of themselves to their child(ren), trying to navigate a world in which they are people separate from said child(ren). Who says having kids and raising them alone means you stop being an individual with wants and needs?Andrew was content to live the life of a bachelor raising his daughter. And honestly, I couldn’t blame him. After Bell’s mother abandoned them, he became everything to make sure his little girl wanted for nothing. Both suffering from abandonment issues, he doesn’t want to try for anything permanent again. He’s all about having some fun and when he meets Amelia, it seems she’s all about the same thing. Coming out of bad divorce, she doesn’t think she has what it takes to give herself over again.
Sounds like a good story right? And it would be for many people. I’m just not one of them. I actually enjoyed both characters… separately. When they were together… not so much. I couldn’t feel their chemistry and I couldn’t connect with the idea of them evolving into anything serious. They didn’t work well for me and the more I tried to convince myself to give them a chance, the harder it was. So I had to just let this story go.
Today's flashback is The Beast series by Jaden Wilkes. I read these books many years ago and each book made the series better and better. Per the author: This is not a fairy tale, this is what happens when the music ends and life goes on after the credits roll. This is about simply existing until you find yourself and write your own happily ever after, no matter what form it takes.
1. The Beast
Dimitri Sokolov is a man scarred, physically and emotionally. From the rough streets of Moscow to the highest ranks in the Solntsevskaya Bratva, he has seen it all.
An attack four years ago left him disfigured and in seclusion, hiding from reactions to his appearance and in safety from those who failed to kill him the first time.
Comfortable in his penthouse, managing his billion dollar businesses, he's resigned himself to be alone, simply called The Beast among those who've dealt with him in the past.
Columbia Grey is a pseudo-activist trying to save her neighbourhood from a developer intent on levelling it to build apartment towers. She goes along with a plan to confront the CEO of the company on his own turf, to force him to listen to her demands...all in a pathetic attempt to impress a man she barely likes.
Little does she know, she's taken herself into the mouth of the beast, a man familiar with death and destruction, sex and seduction, a man used to getting exactly what he wants and a man with nothing left to lose.
She's a beauty, but will that be enough to tame the beast and save her life?
Rating -
This is the first book I've read from Jaden Wilkes and I thoroughly enjoyed it's dark and twisted theme. She surely drew my mind into a nightmare. This book does touch on some BDSM but more on the S & M side.
Unfortunately I suffered a disconnect from the characters. I'm not sure what I was looking for but by the end I hadn't found it. It was hard to like Columbia. I couldn't really get into her head although half the story is told from her POV. And she truly pissed me off at one point. When Dimitri was trying to get her to submit she kept begging to go home. Internally she wanted to get back to her life. What life? Wasn't she molested by her dad/step-dad for over a decade? I get she wanted to protect her sister, but when Dimitri offered to kill him, she wasn't exactly screaming "YES PLEASE!!" So yeah, she didn't exactly float my boat. I'm hoping for better from her in the next book, especially because of that epilogue.
I actually really liked Dimitri. He's the sole reason this book gets 3 stars. He was dark, twisted, disfigured, vengeful, a killer, a wee bit insane, etc. Everything I want in a dark hero. He's not a good guy and he's not sorry about it. However, I do think he's the perfect match for Columbia. What he's gone through is excruciating, from childhood to now, and I like that he's finally able to grab a slice of happy with her.
I'm off to read book 2 and hopefully find what was missing in this one.
This is the first book I've read from Jaden Wilkes and I thoroughly enjoyed it's dark and twisted theme. She surely drew my mind into a nightmare. This book does touch on some BDSM but more on the S & M side.
Unfortunately I suffered a disconnect from the characters. I'm not sure what I was looking for but by the end I hadn't found it. It was hard to like Columbia. I couldn't really get into her head although half the story is told from her POV. And she truly pissed me off at one point. When Dimitri was trying to get her to submit she kept begging to go home. Internally she wanted to get back to her life. What life? Wasn't she molested by her dad/step-dad for over a decade? I get she wanted to protect her sister, but when Dimitri offered to kill him, she wasn't exactly screaming "YES PLEASE!!" So yeah, she didn't exactly float my boat. I'm hoping for better from her in the next book, especially because of that epilogue.
I actually really liked Dimitri. He's the sole reason this book gets 3 stars. He was dark, twisted, disfigured, vengeful, a killer, a wee bit insane, etc. Everything I want in a dark hero. He's not a good guy and he's not sorry about it. However, I do think he's the perfect match for Columbia. What he's gone through is excruciating, from childhood to now, and I like that he's finally able to grab a slice of happy with her.
I'm off to read book 2 and hopefully find what was missing in this one.
2. Perfectly Normal
Take a girl like Columbia, put her in a vastly different life with a man unlike anyone she's ever known. Throw in Dimitri's nightmares, the Concierge's disdain for Dimitri's new house guest and a few hundred people looking high and low for the both of them...and it makes for a very interesting read.
Picking up at the end of the last chapter, this novel covers the time until the two leave Hong Kong, before the epilogue of the first bestselling novel in this series, The Beast.
Two twisted and imperfect beings must adjust to their new lives together while avoiding detection from authorities and an international crime ring.
Rating -
I just love when the heroine of the story gets a backbone. In this installment, Columbia is determined to learn what it takes to be a part of Dimitri's life, including how to kill.
This book had all the excitement and action I was missing in the first one. I really liked it. I got a little bothered by how lovey dovey Dimi and Col were, but it was still sweet lol. Dimitri is still my favourite character, however, Columbia has definitely come into her own and has endeared herself to me. I'm not quite as annoyed by her as I was in the previous book. Nico's new role, or rather no longer hidden role, was intriguing, however, I'm not a fan of threesomes. I am a firm believer in one man for one woman and vice versa. It may be old fashioned but I am crazy possessive and have no intention of sharing or being shared. Maybe it's part of my older sibling syndrome. Who knows. But that was the only big issue I had with this book. It was hot as f*ck but not my cup of tea. It didn't take away from my enjoyment of the book, so that's a plus. And I'm still interested in finding out more about the mysterious Nico.
I'm really curious about who this Ioana character is and how she ties in with Columbia and Dimitri. I'm sure it's going to be one fun adventure in book 3.
I just love when the heroine of the story gets a backbone. In this installment, Columbia is determined to learn what it takes to be a part of Dimitri's life, including how to kill.
This book had all the excitement and action I was missing in the first one. I really liked it. I got a little bothered by how lovey dovey Dimi and Col were, but it was still sweet lol. Dimitri is still my favourite character, however, Columbia has definitely come into her own and has endeared herself to me. I'm not quite as annoyed by her as I was in the previous book. Nico's new role, or rather no longer hidden role, was intriguing, however, I'm not a fan of threesomes. I am a firm believer in one man for one woman and vice versa. It may be old fashioned but I am crazy possessive and have no intention of sharing or being shared. Maybe it's part of my older sibling syndrome. Who knows. But that was the only big issue I had with this book. It was hot as f*ck but not my cup of tea. It didn't take away from my enjoyment of the book, so that's a plus. And I'm still interested in finding out more about the mysterious Nico.
I'm really curious about who this Ioana character is and how she ties in with Columbia and Dimitri. I'm sure it's going to be one fun adventure in book 3.
3. Little Dove
How can you ever hope to find normal when your life is anything but?
Determined to make amends for his past, and show Columbia he truly is a changed man, Dimitri sets out to right wrongs and decimate those who bring nothing but sorrow to the world.
Something goes wrong and Columbia is taken, spirited away into the underground world of sex trafficking and international crime syndicates.
Dimitri must fight his way across the Europe to find her and bring her home. He would rather see the world burn than live without her in it.
He will tear the world apart looking for his little dove.
This is a tragic story exploring the consequences of daring to love in the midst of chaos and terror.
Rating -
HOLY FREAKING SH*T!! This was the BEST book out of the entire series!!
This book had everything I was looking for from the previous books. EVERYTHING!!
Torture. Killing. Fighting. Dubious consent (although there was absolutely no doubt that most people would not be consenting to the madness!). Love. Devotion. Loyalty. More killing. More torture. Mercenaries. New alliances. Rocket launchers. New friendships. Just wonderful wonderful wonderful things.
I actually loved Columbia (finally!) in this book. She was freaking amazing. Girl could hold her own in a male dominated ?industry? Not sure what you would call it, but she did her thang. She still got a little too stuck in her head, but overall her character was stellar!
Dimitri. Dimi. Frig I loved this dude. All things Dimi were amazing as usual. His madness. His torture schemes. His freaking love, loyalty and devotion were off the freaking charts. This man could do absolutely no wrong in my eyes. I want a Dimitri in my life too dammit!
Honestly, I could list point for point why this book was incredible but I'm not going to ruin the plot for anyone. And I'm not going to take away from Jaden Wilkes' profits. She did an awesome job with writing this story and you need to do yourself a favour and freaking read it!
HOLY FREAKING SH*T!! This was the BEST book out of the entire series!!
This book had everything I was looking for from the previous books. EVERYTHING!!
Torture. Killing. Fighting. Dubious consent (although there was absolutely no doubt that most people would not be consenting to the madness!). Love. Devotion. Loyalty. More killing. More torture. Mercenaries. New alliances. Rocket launchers. New friendships. Just wonderful wonderful wonderful things.
I actually loved Columbia (finally!) in this book. She was freaking amazing. Girl could hold her own in a male dominated ?industry? Not sure what you would call it, but she did her thang. She still got a little too stuck in her head, but overall her character was stellar!
Dimitri. Dimi. Frig I loved this dude. All things Dimi were amazing as usual. His madness. His torture schemes. His freaking love, loyalty and devotion were off the freaking charts. This man could do absolutely no wrong in my eyes. I want a Dimitri in my life too dammit!
Honestly, I could list point for point why this book was incredible but I'm not going to ruin the plot for anyone. And I'm not going to take away from Jaden Wilkes' profits. She did an awesome job with writing this story and you need to do yourself a favour and freaking read it!
Find the series here - Goodreads * Amazon
Trial of the Sun Queen
Rating -
Part of a series - Artefacts of Ouranos #1
Release - November 15, 2022
Genre/Trope - Fantasy Romance / enemies to lovers / fated mates
POV - dual 1st and 3rd person
Heat - descriptive scenes
Source - ebook from NetGalley
Length - 407 pages
Ten women. A deadly contest. Only one can win the Sun King's heart.
Lor has endured twelve long years of torment under the Aurora King’s rule. Her only desire is to escape and pay him back for every moment of misery she's endured.
When a surprise release finds her in the hands of the rival Sun King, Lor is thrust into the spotlight as she competes against nine other Tributes for the role of queen. If she wins his heart, she'll earn her freedom and finally get her revenge.
But Lor doesn't belong in the Sun Queen Trials. Not only does she not understand why she was freed, she isn’t a citizen of the Sun King’s court. The other Tributes resent her presence and will stop at nothing to ensure Lor is removed from the competition, permanently.
Now Lor must win, because if she loses, she dies. Or worse, she'll be returned to the evil—and now vengeful—Aurora King.
With a temper like mine, a girl is bound to get in trouble now and then…
or often.
or often.
After all the hype I've seen for this book, I had to give it a try and I'm glad I did!
While Lor was a difficult pill to swallow, I couldn't get enough of her story. Hunger Games meets the Bachelor? Kinda. There was definitely a King whose hand had to be earned through deadly trials. But was he really worth it?
From the age of twelve, all Lor knew was the isolation, degradation and abuse she suffered in the prison of The Aurora—a kingdom full of secrets and shadows. Every day, she did all she could to protect herself and her family. But her smart mouth and poor impulse control led her to being punished. When she's kidnapped and brought to the Sun Kingdom, full of luxury, fresh air and sunshine, she can't decide if it's a boon or a curse.
I'm not the only one who pretty much guessed everything early on, right? Atlas grossed me out, but I guess if I was desperate for kindness, maybe I'd be into all of that. I only wish I felt some sort of sympathy for Lor.
While I didn't really like Lor, I was entertained by everything that happened in this story (aside from her silly decisions). I did want the world building to be more fleshed out. Actually, I expected it, but alas, these details were nowhere to be found. I hope to learn more about the different kingdoms, the different types of fae, and the different kinds of magic in the books to come.
While Lor was a difficult pill to swallow, I couldn't get enough of her story. Hunger Games meets the Bachelor? Kinda. There was definitely a King whose hand had to be earned through deadly trials. But was he really worth it?
From the age of twelve, all Lor knew was the isolation, degradation and abuse she suffered in the prison of The Aurora—a kingdom full of secrets and shadows. Every day, she did all she could to protect herself and her family. But her smart mouth and poor impulse control led her to being punished. When she's kidnapped and brought to the Sun Kingdom, full of luxury, fresh air and sunshine, she can't decide if it's a boon or a curse.
I'm not the only one who pretty much guessed everything early on, right? Atlas grossed me out, but I guess if I was desperate for kindness, maybe I'd be into all of that. I only wish I felt some sort of sympathy for Lor.
While I didn't really like Lor, I was entertained by everything that happened in this story (aside from her silly decisions). I did want the world building to be more fleshed out. Actually, I expected it, but alas, these details were nowhere to be found. I hope to learn more about the different kingdoms, the different types of fae, and the different kinds of magic in the books to come.
Rule of the Aurora King
Rating -
Part of a series - Artefacts of Ouranos #2
Release - August 15, 2023
Genre/Trope - Fantasy Romance / enemies to lovers / fated mates
POV - dual 1st person
Heat - descriptive scenes
Source - Kindle Unlimited
Length - 505 pages
Freed from the golden clutches of the Sun King, Lor now finds herself in the hands of Nadir, the Aurora Prince. Convinced she’s hiding something, he’s willing to do whatever it takes to make her talk. But Lor knows the value of secrets—she’s been keeping them her entire life—and she’s not letting hers go without a fight.
When Lor and Nadir team up to search for a lost item that holds the key to her past and her future, she isn’t sure she can trust him. All she knows is she won’t fall for another royal fae’s promises again.
With the Sun King determined to reclaim her, Lor must keep on the move, but nowhere is safe. Not until she destroys him and the Aurora King. But she soon learns that the future of Ouranos depends on much more than avenging her shattered legacy.
I am not his conquest.
I am not his to claim.
I am my own castle.
I am not his to claim.
I am my own castle.
I enjoyed this one so much more than the first!
Nadir MADE this book and I couldn't get enough of his voice. Lor was still very hard for me to take, but with everything else going on, I was able to push through her ridiculous thoughts, feelings and actions. What an entitled hot mess of potential epicness!!
I'm not sure how I feel about the flashback chapters. I was hoping to learn more about the history of the kingdoms and where it all went wrong. However, aside from falling in love with Wolf (and seriously, who wouldn't?), I didn't learn much else. Two fated primaries destroyed the world. Maybe I'm completely oblivious, but I still don't know HOW!!!!
I am so tired of Lor and her games. It makes NO SENSE. She's a young woman who knew NOTHING about the real world besides what she learned from fellow inmates. She claims to remember virtually nothing prior to entering the prison at the age of twelve (which seems preposterous because I remember plenty from my years before 12). And yet... she seems to know it all. Let's be clear: she had no way to know how to navigate the world she lived in, yet she alone could protect her siblings. Despite the more powerful and knowledgeable group she found herself with, she knew better. And what was with her putting so much blame on Nadir and Amya for what their father did to her family??? I was so sick of her coming for them about something they had NO WAY of knowing about. Weren't they doing everything they could to help her now?
Whatever.
I'm hoping the next book gives me a Lor who doesn't feel so entitled. A Lor who humbles herself and recognizes her own strengths. A Lor who can finally see all that she can share with the allies she currently has. People who have done nothing but help her. And you know, there's Nadir, a male she shares a profound connection with. Maybe she'll finally give him a break, even if she chooses not to be with him romantically.
The next book's release seems so far away. I'm impatient to read Fate of the Sun King. Knowing our heroes are going back to his kingdom is freaking me out!
Nadir MADE this book and I couldn't get enough of his voice. Lor was still very hard for me to take, but with everything else going on, I was able to push through her ridiculous thoughts, feelings and actions. What an entitled hot mess of potential epicness!!
I'm not sure how I feel about the flashback chapters. I was hoping to learn more about the history of the kingdoms and where it all went wrong. However, aside from falling in love with Wolf (and seriously, who wouldn't?), I didn't learn much else. Two fated primaries destroyed the world. Maybe I'm completely oblivious, but I still don't know HOW!!!!
I am so tired of Lor and her games. It makes NO SENSE. She's a young woman who knew NOTHING about the real world besides what she learned from fellow inmates. She claims to remember virtually nothing prior to entering the prison at the age of twelve (which seems preposterous because I remember plenty from my years before 12). And yet... she seems to know it all. Let's be clear: she had no way to know how to navigate the world she lived in, yet she alone could protect her siblings. Despite the more powerful and knowledgeable group she found herself with, she knew better. And what was with her putting so much blame on Nadir and Amya for what their father did to her family??? I was so sick of her coming for them about something they had NO WAY of knowing about. Weren't they doing everything they could to help her now?
Whatever.
I'm hoping the next book gives me a Lor who doesn't feel so entitled. A Lor who humbles herself and recognizes her own strengths. A Lor who can finally see all that she can share with the allies she currently has. People who have done nothing but help her. And you know, there's Nadir, a male she shares a profound connection with. Maybe she'll finally give him a break, even if she chooses not to be with him romantically.
The next book's release seems so far away. I'm impatient to read Fate of the Sun King. Knowing our heroes are going back to his kingdom is freaking me out!
Nisha J. Tuli is the bestselling author of Trial of the Sun Queen—the first in the Artefacts of Ouranos series—which became a BookTok hit thanks to her amazing fans. The originally self-published series was acquired by Forever Publishing and Orbit UK in 2023, and will soon be published in 15 other languages around the world.She's also the author of Heart of Night and Fire, a South Asian-inspired fantasy romance and the first in a four-book series. Look for her rom-com debut in 2025 with NSFW (Not Suitable for Work), a workplace rivals to lovers rom-com publishing with Forever.
Nisha lives in Canada, where she spends most of her time reading and writing while enjoying travel, food, and camping with her partner, two kids, and their fluffy Samoyed, Mora.
Visit https://nishajtuli.com for more information.
Hello hello! I'm back with some more books that didn't really work for me, but might be winners for you.
Let me know if you've read any of these or plan to. I'd love to know your thoughts :)
Becoming Us by Amy Daws
New Adult Contemporary Friends to Lovers Romance
The dreaded friend-zone...
The last place Finley ever want to be with college basketball God, Jake LaShae. She is losing her mind trying to figure out what this guy wants from her. Between their late night phone calls, cuddle sessions and him showing up at parties, causing a scene, his mixed signals are giving her whip lash.
When a mind-blowing betrayal knocks the wind out of Finley and she thinks she can’t feel any lower, Brody stumbles into her path—barefoot and charmingly sexy.
This boy next door is a breath of fresh air. And he’s not shooting her any mixed signals.
But even he has a past. A past that makes him anything but perfect.
When Finley begins to think she’s found the one in Brody, will Jake try to make one final play and ruin the game for everyone?
My Rating: ★ — So... I hate Finley. Hate her so much that I couldn't find it in me to give this book a real chance.
She was almost everything I can't stand in a protagonist.
And she was the one narrating this story.
NO.
She was almost everything I can't stand in a protagonist.
And she was the one narrating this story.
NO.
Dangerous Love: an Anthology
A Paranormal Romance collection
Includes:
Blood's Fury by C.M. Owens
Eternal Vows by Chrissy Peebles
Awakened by Brenda K. Davies
Finding Forever by Melisa Hamling
Rae of Hope by W.J. May
My Rating: ★ — So mainly I picked up this collection for a list of reasons...
1. It was free. Can't argue with the price.
2. It had Brenda K. Davies in it and I really enjoyed her Road to Hell series.
3. It also had C.M. Owens contributing and although I've never read anything from her, I've heard great things and thought this would be my chance to give her a shot.
So what happened?
The first book was by Owens and it was so ridiculous that I couldn't even finish it. I'm not a fan of single perspective stories. They try my patience because not every author can give me what I need from one view. The other main character may fall flat. Side characters may seem irritating and one-dimensional. And what if I don't like the voice I'm reading from? I'm just stuck with this person for a bunch of pages until the end?
That's what happened. I couldn't stand the heroine and she lacked the ingenuity to properly capture the nuances of the other characters. And there were so many other seemingly interesting characters to be found. Unfortunately, that could all be down to my imagination because the words just weren't there.
The writing was annoying. The heroine was annoying. And so the entire book became annoying. I didn't finish it and have no plans to do so in the future.
The End.
1. It was free. Can't argue with the price.
2. It had Brenda K. Davies in it and I really enjoyed her Road to Hell series.
3. It also had C.M. Owens contributing and although I've never read anything from her, I've heard great things and thought this would be my chance to give her a shot.
So what happened?
The first book was by Owens and it was so ridiculous that I couldn't even finish it. I'm not a fan of single perspective stories. They try my patience because not every author can give me what I need from one view. The other main character may fall flat. Side characters may seem irritating and one-dimensional. And what if I don't like the voice I'm reading from? I'm just stuck with this person for a bunch of pages until the end?
That's what happened. I couldn't stand the heroine and she lacked the ingenuity to properly capture the nuances of the other characters. And there were so many other seemingly interesting characters to be found. Unfortunately, that could all be down to my imagination because the words just weren't there.
The writing was annoying. The heroine was annoying. And so the entire book became annoying. I didn't finish it and have no plans to do so in the future.
The End.
Waking the Dragon by Juliette Cross
Paranormal Romance
The Gladium Province is on the verge of civil unrest as humans and Morgons, the dragon-hybrid race, clash once more. But amid disorder can also arise passion.
When the bodies of three human women are discovered in Morgon territory—with the DNA of several Morgon men on the victims—it’s just a matter of time before civil unrest hits the Province. But for ambitious reporter Moira Cade, it’s more than just a story, and it may mean risking her own life.
Descending into the dark underworld of Morgon society, Moira is paired with Kol Moonring, Captain of the Morgon Guard, for her protection. Fiercely independent, Moira bristles at his dominance, and defies his will at every turn. Yet resistance proves futile when passion flares between them, awakening powerful emotions within both, body and soul. But as the killings continue, can their fiery newfound bond survive an even greater evil—one that threatens all of humanity, Morgonkind, and Moira’s very soul?
My Rating: ★ — I freaking love Juliette Cross. She's written some my favorite books EVER!
This just wasn't one of them.
It's the single POV. I really hate those.
It's the manufactured tension between the heroine and the hero that didn't feel real to me.
It's just one book. That didn't work for me. I'm not gonna love everything, right?
I'll still be reading everything from this author.
This just wasn't one of them.
It's the single POV. I really hate those.
It's the manufactured tension between the heroine and the hero that didn't feel real to me.
It's just one book. That didn't work for me. I'm not gonna love everything, right?
I'll still be reading everything from this author.
Today's flashback is the Change of Heart series by Scarlett Edwards (S.E. Edwards). I read this back in 2016 and it's a fairly light contemporary romance featuring an opposites attract sort of theme. The hero is rich and the heroine came from nothing. Together, they create something special.
Have you ever read these books? Are you interested?
1. Change of Heart
Persevere. That's how I've gotten through nineteen years of life. It's what I do every single day--no matter how badly the odds are stacked against me.Persevere, and survive.Those are my two guiding words. I never knew either of my parents. I have no family and no home. The only person I could ever rely on was myself. In this cruel world, that's about as much as I can ask for.Love? Hah. Don't talk to me about love. I stopped believing in it the day my first boyfriend ripped out my heart three years ago.That's why love is the last thing on my mind when I leave a packed college bar with a captivating stranger. Yet everything changes when I'm awakened in the middle of the night by a pounding at the door. Suddenly, an arrangement meant for just one night threatens to become something much deeper. All expectations are thrown to the wind as I'm tangled in a dangerous world unlike anything I can believe. The man I met has secrets swirling around him like a dark cape. I'm about to become his biggest one...
Rating -
So I didn't like Penny but I liked Rich. What is with me not liking the heroines of these stories?! I think I get annoyed rather easily... maybe. Or it could be that not every author is able to create a character that appeals to me... that I don't want to throat punch... who knows?
Penny is an orphan. The only thing she values other than control is a locket containing a picture of her father. Rich comes from an affluent background, but his father was cold and heartless. Together they may just be able to fill the holes left by their experiences.
What Rich did, the way he manipulated Penny in order to protect his sister was hilarious to me. The initial scene with his ex Amanda was hilarious. The buildup of their love is sweet and corny.
Well, I'm interested enough to see how this ends, so I'm off to read book 2.
So I didn't like Penny but I liked Rich. What is with me not liking the heroines of these stories?! I think I get annoyed rather easily... maybe. Or it could be that not every author is able to create a character that appeals to me... that I don't want to throat punch... who knows?
Penny is an orphan. The only thing she values other than control is a locket containing a picture of her father. Rich comes from an affluent background, but his father was cold and heartless. Together they may just be able to fill the holes left by their experiences.
What Rich did, the way he manipulated Penny in order to protect his sister was hilarious to me. The initial scene with his ex Amanda was hilarious. The buildup of their love is sweet and corny.
Well, I'm interested enough to see how this ends, so I'm off to read book 2.
2. Change of Heart, Part 2
If you told me two weeks ago that I would fall in love with my would-be kidnapper, I would have laughed in your face.
Yet here I am today. Madly, deeply, and hopelessly in love. With Richard Blackthorne. With the man who drugged me and left me for myself... but with the same man who came back for me later.
Nobody in my life has ever given a shit. I've always been on my own—before Rich.
Now, things are different. Feelings I'd never have thought possible are rushing through me. With Rich, I feel... alive. Alive, and treasured.
Yet doubts still poison my thoughts. Can a relationship that began with a lie lead to true happiness? How will Rich and I escape our pursuers? Will Min ever be free?
As I open my heart to the man I love, our devotion to each other will be tested. In this tumultuous world, friends become enemies and enemies friends. Every choice I make leads to consequences for those around me. The secrets Rich holds spread far deeper than he ever let on. When cracks begin to show in our relationship, I'm faced with the most important question of all: Can Rich and I ever find the peace I so dearly crave?
Rating -
Was this the greatest love story of all time? No. But it was a good one. It had elements of suspense which made it very interesting and the male lead character was dreamy. Tortured, alpha, strong, Rich was a catch for sure. Penny was annoying as many female leads seem to be these days. But not too annoying to destroy the story. It was light, sappy, and enjoyable to read. Oh hey and watch out for the scheming, vindictive, devious, maybe psychotic ex-girlfriend lol.
Was this the greatest love story of all time? No. But it was a good one. It had elements of suspense which made it very interesting and the male lead character was dreamy. Tortured, alpha, strong, Rich was a catch for sure. Penny was annoying as many female leads seem to be these days. But not too annoying to destroy the story. It was light, sappy, and enjoyable to read. Oh hey and watch out for the scheming, vindictive, devious, maybe psychotic ex-girlfriend lol.
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