I went into this not knowing what to expect because it only landed in my inbox one day. Once I saw the audiobook cover I knew I should have exp[image]
I went into this not knowing what to expect because it only landed in my inbox one day. Once I saw the audiobook cover I knew I should have expected some sort of twisted dark romance. And, yo, bonkers it indeed was.
Rain has just turned 21 but she finds herself being kidnapped at the dead of night by a cult (that worships the devil). A cult that intends to make her the next heir because its run by her long lost father. Though shes been promised to who finds out is her step-brother, things take a turn when her father decided to make her his wife instead. Let me tell you, I gagged so hard.
The plot of the book was pretty good. It kept me entertained all though out. I did wish Rain had more personality apart from suddenly throwing herself into being Elijah's girl and matching his freak lol. After all this, they sure need therapy. I need therapy.
They've gotten closer and the game has got even more dangerous. Good and bad continue to cross while evil reigns. Sapphire Scare starts where E[image]
They've gotten closer and the game has got even more dangerous. Good and bad continue to cross while evil reigns. Sapphire Scare starts where Emerald Bruises left off. It kept me on the edge of my seat all the way through. Henry and Ily face off new challenges and their feeling towards one another.
Henry's battle between good and bad continues to confront him and he spirals. There's so much about him that he struggles with -- things from his past that affect him even now. Ily tries to find ways to help him. Together, they find ways to keep each other afloat. Henry has turned back to his original mission on Victor's island.
I saw someone mention that this book was like the calm before the storm and, God, I agree. I was NOT expecting that cliffhanger. All of Victor's games have somehow left me speechless.
[image] I have been waiting to read this duet since it was announced, and I'm so excited to read the conclusion in a month. The Sinners Duet focuses on[image] I have been waiting to read this duet since it was announced, and I'm so excited to read the conclusion in a month. The Sinners Duet focuses on the story of Ezekiel and Blue, who are brought together when she tries to blackmail him.
Ezekiel has been living in Amsterdam but comes back to New Orleans to find the girl who's trying to hold him by puppet strings. Blue doesn't fit the bill to make him the blackmailer, but he's determined to bend her to his will to make sure she understands that he cannot be dominated—not even for money.
Blue's past has made hold a lot of guilt. She must worry about her older sister who has been suffering from a traumatic head injury for the past couple of years. When Blue finally meets Ezekiel, she finds herself thrown behind lock and key in one of the St. James homes.
Something that struck me as different in their duet has been that Ezekiel isn't as harsh as the rest of the men in this universe have been. He's more sentimental and doesn't force her to stay in her land as the other girls have been. He's been willing to let her talk and visit her sister... of course, with a strong arm. Even Jericho, his brother, has questioned his motives for keeping her with him. The question is will he continue to be this way or will the conclusion of their story change him as a character?
This book took a turn somewhere and I loved it! I took a recovering period after listening to the audiobook because oooff *fans self*
Graves beg[image]
This book took a turn somewhere and I loved it! I took a recovering period after listening to the audiobook because oooff *fans self*
Graves begins with Zayden - the unhinged twin with blue eyes - obsessing and stalking his "angel," Blake. Blake has recently moved to Seattle and has felt something off in her apartment come morning. But things go awry when Zayden follows her home one night and fights off her would-be-burglar, which she doesn't notice anything of because she blasts music in her ears walking home to and from work. This ordeal sends him to jail where he's sentenced to 5 years. He enlists the help of his twin brother, Dominic (the one with the brown eyes) to watch over his angel. Little did Zayden know this would also bite him in the bum.
Because Dominic and Blake fall in love. Zayden gets fed up with his brother's radio silence. He pulls strings and those strings get him out of jail at around the 2-month mark. What he finds on the outside makes him more unhinged than he already is. The strings he pulled come with repercussions that cause trouble, not only for the twins but for Blake as well.
How do I begin to tell you what an amazing read this is? After reading Transcendenceby Shay Savage, I have been looking for something [image]
4.5 stars
How do I begin to tell you what an amazing read this is? After reading Transcendenceby Shay Savage, I have been looking for something similar. The Wild Man is perfect for fans of Transcendence. Opposed to the book written by Shay Savage, The Wild Man does take place in modern times.
Everlee is a journalist who is out looking for her next big story and she has chosen the infamous "Wild Man" who allegedly lives in the forest. So without telling her dad and brothers until the last second, she embarks into the trip to find him. What she doesn't know is that this "Wild Man" is honed in with his instincts that he actually finds her first but makes her think she found him first. Once he lands his eyes on this beautiful female, his one thought is "Mine." In fact, those are his first words to her.
Things were going perfectly fine on this trip until it wasn't. The beginning of their relationship is harsh and very animalistic. As she learns more about his life, Ever finds herself changing her views of him and giving in to the life he's willing to offer her.
[image] I was not expecting this one to be an accidental mate bond trope but it was perfect for this series. It just absolutely worked. Mind you, I wen[image] I was not expecting this one to be an accidental mate bond trope but it was perfect for this series. It just absolutely worked. Mind you, I went into reading this book blind. No blurb was read. Of all the previous books, this is one that was the most fluffy. Verity and Theon embodied a grumpy x sunshine couple. Theon was so grumpy through out until Verity got hurt. He turned into a complete simp for her. Verity has been looking for a purpose in life and she found it with Theon. She does everything to make him see that they're perfect for each other in more ways than one.
[image] Agh, finally, I am as caught up as I'll get (but I'll get more and get behind again *crying). Anyways, that's not what we're here to talk about[image] Agh, finally, I am as caught up as I'll get (but I'll get more and get behind again *crying). Anyways, that's not what we're here to talk about. I had to divide this book into two sittings or else I would have never slept. I read 50% the first night I started it and finished it the next morning. Kenzo is so obsessed with Evaline... because she left him at the altar. He's been looking for her and stalking her ever since until he gets the opportunity to take her. And, boy, does he force her into marrying him. How did she even sign? Wait, did he forge her signature? *shocked* See? It's all coming together now.
Evaline has been raised to be the perfect bride for Kenzo. Her parents even had her blonde hair dyed black to make her more appealing to him. To find the freedom she longed for a long time, she ran, until Kenzo caught up with her. What she didn't know was that Kenzo could have given her the freedom she craved if she only asked for it (with limitations, of course). Kenzo loved her just as she was. She didn't need to change anything about her. He protects her from her parents and one of his assistants who takes things a bit far. Despite all that, Evaline isn't going to let people walk all over her. She does give the assistant and anyone who dares to choose for her a piece of her mind, including Kenzo.
I just would like to say that I'm deceased. This series is starting to get good!! We saw Henri being the good guy in book one. He wanted to be accepteI just would like to say that I'm deceased. This series is starting to get good!! We saw Henri being the good guy in book one. He wanted to be accepted by his brother, Q. He wanted to do good for Ilyana because he was the reason why she was taken as a slave. Now, in book 2, we see him get corrupted by the actions he was to perform with Ily to be accepted into this macabre society. I love a good corruption arc and Pepper is delivering it!
On the opposite side, we see Ilyana struggling to keep up with all the secrets that get unfolded in this book. She must take in the man she thought she knew versus the man he is becoming on this island of wickedness. Despite all the bad things Henri does, she still manages to, somehow, look for the good in him. But we also see her struggle with the fact that she likes receiving what Henri gives her.
Henri and Ilyana have discovered that they fit. Henri has realized that he is a sadist and would like nothing more than for Ilyana to remain by his side forever. And well, Ilyana is still not 100% on accepting that she is a masochist. She does know that if things had gone differently, she would have explored a relationship with Henri. Maybe then they would have had a happily ever after. But here, not on this island that only causes pain to the ones stuck there.
[image] After reading the first few chapters, I wholeheartedly believed that this would be a "I'll never love as much as I loved your sister." Then the[image] After reading the first few chapters, I wholeheartedly believed that this would be a "I'll never love as much as I loved your sister." Then the plot twist hit me at the speed of an incoming train saying, "What did you sayyyy??" I'm like "Never mind. I'll take that back. I didn't say anything."
Liana and Louisa are identical twins and when Kingston was taken by their family and trained, he was assigned as their bodyguard. Very quickly, Louisa and Kingston fell in love. The three of them came up with a plan to escape the clutches of the twin's mother, Sophia. Unfortunately, Liana never made it to their spot to escape. Kingston and Louisa were caught when they tried to escape. Kingston and Louisa were tortured by Sophia and Kingston saw her die.
For 8 years, Kingston has lived with grief over the death of Louisa; Liana has too. Kingston, though, holds resentment towards Liana for surviving. But something that they don't know is that Liana is (view spoiler)[ not Liana -- she's Louisa. (hide spoiler)] Sophia tortured her so badly with electroshocks and brainwashing for the past 8 years that Liana's mind has broken. (view spoiler)[ She thinks she is Liana. (hide spoiler)] With every detail she'd get wrong, she was punished until she turned into (view spoiler)[ her twin. (hide spoiler)] With all of this, it begs the question: What truly happened to (view spoiler)[Liana (hide spoiler)]?
It was so good! Despite my allergies getting in the way and my meds making me want to sleep all the time, I wanted to enjoy their book the best I could. It took me longer than expected but I loved every bit of it...more
[image] I love everything that Pepper writes. Though I have yet to read Q's books, I didn't feel lost when I read the prequel novella to The Jewelry Bo[image] I love everything that Pepper writes. Though I have yet to read Q's books, I didn't feel lost when I read the prequel novella to The Jewelry Box series, The Mercer Curse. I honestly didn't know where this was gonna go. Henri can either remain "innocent" or lean into the darkness. We already see him struggling with that in Ruby Tears as he infiltrates a sex trafficking ring and buys Ily at a nightclub. He craves Ily's submission and the reactions she gives him, but there's always that little voice in his head telling him it's wrong. Despite it all, his first instinct is to protect her because he blames himself for getting her into that mess. He makes it his mission to ensure she's only given to him.
Ily, herself, finds that it's difficult to play that part of the submissive to anyone but Henri. She thinks that he's a cop that'll get her out. She does find in inkling of light within all the dark in Peter, another slave at the compound. I felt wary of him because of everything that's happened so far in Ruby Tears. He was a little possessive of her -- just a bit. like barely there but it was there. Henri, of course, felt jealousy brewing within himself because he thinks Ily likes Peter in *that* way. All in all, I cannot wait to see what else happens. Ruby Tears does end in a cliffhanger.
✨️
Merged review:
[image] I love everything that Pepper writes. Though I have yet to read Q's books, I didn't feel lost when I read the prequel novella to The Jewelry Box series, The Mercer Curse. I honestly didn't know where this was gonna go. Henri can either remain "innocent" or lean into the darkness. We already see him struggling with that in Ruby Tears as he infiltrates a sex trafficking ring and buys Ily at a nightclub. He craves Ily's submission and the reactions she gives him, but there's always that little voice in his head telling him it's wrong. Despite it all, his first instinct is to protect her because he blames himself for getting her into that mess. He makes it his mission to ensure she's only given to him.
Ily, herself, finds that it's difficult to play that part of the submissive to anyone but Henri. She thinks that he's a cop that'll get her out. She does find in inkling of light within all the dark in Peter, another slave at the compound. I felt wary of him because of everything that's happened so far in Ruby Tears. He was a little possessive of her -- just a bit. like barely there but it was there. Henri, of course, felt jealousy brewing within himself because he thinks Ily likes Peter in *that* way. All in all, I cannot wait to see what else happens. Ruby Tears does end in a cliffhanger.
I wholeheartedly recommend going into this book blind. Literally, all I read was the blurb, and got hooked. What happens in this book is n[image] ★★★★☆
I wholeheartedly recommend going into this book blind. Literally, all I read was the blurb, and got hooked. What happens in this book is nothing that you'll expect. There are so many twists and turns that you won't know what to believe. You really have to pay attention to the smallest of details. There's so much angst, longing, and even betrayal. Lyric, Bianca, and Madden's story is complicated, heart-wrenching, and so beautiful at the same time. So bring in your psychology-thinking hat because this one will make you put your brain to work. Despite me saying three names, this is a MF romance. You will understand why once you read it.
Edit: As much as I loved the concept of the book as a whole. I kinda wish it had gone in order cause I found myself skipping some of the flashback chapters to get the present time ones. The flashback chapters did give background about the relationship they had previously, but it would have been better to just write their story in order tbh.
I found myself crying again because of Natasha Knight book. Devil's Redemption is the conclusion to Isabelle and Jericho's [image]
Every. Single. Time.
I found myself crying again because of Natasha Knight book. Devil's Redemption is the conclusion to Isabelle and Jericho's story and picks up on the cliffhanger Devil's Pawn left behind.
Isabelle and Jericho continue to struggle through their relationship. Jericho does things that threaten Isabelle and his brother Zeke is always quick to come to her defense. Even situations involving Zeke put Jericho is haywire. Even then, Jericho has a soft spot for Isabelle. He cannot deny that she's grown to be much more for him than he'd ever could have thought. His own daughter, Angelique, loves her to bits.
Their story is heart-wrenching. In many ways Jericho seems unredeemable; I'm still trying to figure out if he does have a redemption at all. Isabelle is young - 19 years old - and still trying to find her way in life. Despite that, this is their story and this is how it was meant to be told.
Merged review:
[image]
Every. Single. Time.
I found myself crying again because of Natasha Knight book. Devil's Redemption is the conclusion to Isabelle and Jericho's story and picks up on the cliffhanger Devil's Pawn left behind.
Isabelle and Jericho continue to struggle through their relationship. Jericho does things that threaten Isabelle and his brother Zeke is always quick to come to her defense. Even situations involving Zeke put Jericho is haywire. Even then, Jericho has a soft spot for Isabelle. He cannot deny that she's grown to be much more for him than he'd ever could have thought. His own daughter, Angelique, loves her to bits.
Their story is heart-wrenching. In many ways Jericho seems unredeemable; I'm still trying to figure out if he does have a redemption at all. Isabelle is young - 19 years old - and still trying to find her way in life. Despite that, this is their story and this is how it was meant to be told....more
I remember reading this trilogy for the first time before it was released. For real, listening to it now ma[image] edited to include audiobook review
I remember reading this trilogy for the first time before it was released. For real, listening to it now makes me remember how much I enjoyed it the first time around.
...and so the plot thickens. I was not expecting that cliffhanger twist. I'm so excited to see it through and what the Bellanti Brothers think about this new information.
Candi and Armani are now further developing their relationship now that they're married. Armani does try to open up to her, and she does too. But the tension between them -- and his family -- is palpable as Candi was placed in their lives as a spy for the Bruno family, their rivals. When another spy is found, they begin to lift that restrictive approach to her.
But nothing is gonna stay happy.
Now, Candi's friend is arranged to marry another one of their rivals (they have connections to the Bruno family). This has set off Candi. She spends a lot of time in turmoil and Armani begins to be suspicious of her. Slowly, Candi begins to open up to him and his brother's wives as they begin to not be so apprehensive of her. Candi is determined to make them see that she is on their side, even if she doesn't know what's right or wrong anymore.
Armani does his best to make her feel safe -- but not always with the best intentions. As he grows to know more about her and she confides in him, he begins to change the way he treats her in and out of the comforts of their privacy.
Ever since I read Marcos' story, I've been intrigued by Armani. He was described almost as the "enforcer" o[image]
edited to include audiobook review
Ever since I read Marcos' story, I've been intrigued by Armani. He was described almost as the "enforcer" of their mafia shenanigans. His story revolves around figuring out who their mole is. There's been so many things happen to Frankie (Dante's wife) and her sisters, as well as with Karina (Marcos' wife). Frankie reveals to Candi or Cassandra (Armani's love interest) that Armani has always been the one who's made her feel comfortable when she went to live in the house. Now, it's Candi's turn to dragged into the house with these three men and their wives.
Armani wants proposes a somewhat indecent proposal to Candi where she must live in their house and share a bedroom with Armani. Eventually, they find themselves involved in so much more than sharing a bed and warmth. Rings are nested on their fingers. And the mole Armani has been set out to find - well, it's closer than the brothers thought. Armani suspects her. Everything bad that happens to their wine warehouses seems to point to Candi.
Reading and listening to books are different experiences. I don't know why at the time, I felt like I didn't quite enjoy the book when I first read it. Not in terms that I didn't like it but in terms of that I read it too fast. Listening to it now, I feel like I've got a better understanding of what's happening.
As usual book 1 ends in a cliffhanger that will continue into book 2.
[image]So, in Spanish, we have this saying that goes "me van a sacar canas verdes." The literal translation to English would be "I'm going to get gree[image]So, in Spanish, we have this saying that goes "me van a sacar canas verdes." The literal translation to English would be "I'm going to get green gray hair" which absolutely makes no sense ...more
I haven't read a Persephone and Hades retelling in a while that wasn't a modernized one. Dead of Spring stayed true to that Greek Mythology sto[image]
I haven't read a Persephone and Hades retelling in a while that wasn't a modernized one. Dead of Spring stayed true to that Greek Mythology story, with it's respective time-era.
Kore is very hesitant with Hades sudden interest in her but that doesn't stop her from speaking her mind about it. All her life, she's lived in her mother's shadow, steering clear of any god who'd have any interest in her. Her mother has pushed her to want to take the vow to stay a v!rgin and husbandless. In fact, the two gods who've asked for her hand in marriage she's turned down without telling Kore.
Hades is having none of this nonsense. He's been watching Kore for many years from the underworld and asked Zeus for his blessing. As one thing after another gets in his way, he's taken it upon himself to take her from the underworld instead. Now that I think about it, it reminds me of an old tradition in Mexico (I'm not sure if this still happens or not) but a male who'd wanted to marry a woman would steal said woman from her home. Eventually, they'd being her back and ask her hand in marriage.
“Five hundred bucks,”I added, grunting as I shifted my weight. “Just don’t let me break my legs. They are worth a lot." “Yeah, they look prett[image]
“Five hundred bucks,”I added, grunting as I shifted my weight. “Just don’t let me break my legs. They are worth a lot." “Yeah, they look pretty good from down here,”he mused, humor coloring his deep voice. “Priceless.”
This book completed my 2022 100-book Goodreads goal and honestly, I could not have thought of a better book to complete it with.
Anyways, it took me forever (but not as long as reading this book because of my brain fog shenanigans) to write this review. I swear I'm speechless... flabbergasted... brain d3ad... shooketh. I don't even know anymore.
Bas and Wyn were something else. Basilio is much darker than the rest of the guys from this universe. He's unhinged. My sister and I were speechless as we read the second half of Villianous Kingpin. The first half was sunshine and rainbows between the two of them. I swear they fell for each other instantly. But that second half, we see exactly why they call Basilio the Villainous Kingpin. He will do anything for the people he loves - for Winter. No matter what.
Wynter, on the other side, is legit sunshine and knows what she wants. One of those things is Basilio - the Italian that's supposed to be the enemy. What does one do when you're forbidden? Well, you sneak around and make the best of it... Until it's not. Wynter goes through so much in this book, my heart broke for her. I'm so happy that Sasha was there for her and they bonded. I can't wait to see their friendship grow and push Bas' buttons because of it ...more
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