I liked the concept of this much more than the exacution. The premise is what initially drew me in, it was definitely intriguing and I'm all for anythI liked the concept of this much more than the exacution. The premise is what initially drew me in, it was definitely intriguing and I'm all for anything dark, depraved and unusual, of which this seemed to have all three. That and this author is one that I'm usually all-over. Unfortunately whilst there was nothing overly wrong with this I just wasn't connecting and though I did enjoy parts of this I also found myself heavily skimming the further I read.
This has some real darkness especially the beginning when we join an abused Ember who has been at the mercy of her sadistic husband for years. When he finally takes things to.far leaving her near death Ember calls for the the darkness to save her. A visit to Cirque Obscurum as a child provided her with a joker card and It's this card that calls Diamond, Spade, Club and Heart to her side ready and willing to avenge and reap hurt upon her husband.
Now faced with a choice Ember leaves her old self behind and becomes Queen and the Cirque Obscurum becomes her new family. The Cirque is a sentiment entity and Ember it's newest acquisition so she now too must answer when they are called upon to avenge those that need saving from the true monsters.
So the concept of this was so good but I do wish much more had been made of the fact that the Cirque was apparently sentient. I also wasn't sure about the time this was set in as a war was mentioned, so that confused me. It was very insta-love which isn't my favourite and I didn't think the connections Ember made with the men stood out separate in any way. Apart from Heart they all kind of merged together and it all felt very surface level superficial. There was also and i can't believed I'm saying this too much sex and not enough substance and some of the sexy talk was majorly cringy.
So now the bits that hit the mark for me, well the whole theme and the sense of found family was a plus. I also appreciated the dark themes and how vindictive and ruthless they all were when they hunted the monsters. Heart was especially adorable and I loved his brand of Cray Cray. I definitely appreciated the creepy masks and how unhinged they all were. Finally the beginning and the finale here were the strongest parts of this and had the most impact on me.
So yeh totally mixed bag, overall this was a middle of the road read for me I liked it enough but probably won't revisit in the future and it isn't my favourite by this author. Be aware this does have some very dark themes the beginning of this mostly, when Ember is being brutalised and abused at her husbands hands. There's also a lot of blood and gore and violence which didn't phase me but thought I'd give you the heads up....more
I found this one really intriguing and unusual and I definitely enjoyed it a lot. This is part of the dirty hero’s collection and they are all s[image]
I found this one really intriguing and unusual and I definitely enjoyed it a lot. This is part of the dirty hero’s collection and they are all standalone reads with a loosely connected theme. This is the second book I’ve tried from this series and my first experience with this particular author. This is unusual in the fact that we are dealing with an already established couple so essentially not a typical romance but more of a suspenseful edge of your seat journey. This has Jared and Harper heading to his family cabin for a romantic weekend. The cabin and the surrounding land it stands on has been in Jared’s family for years and there are certain family rules that Jared is now breaking to bring Harper here. It’s not long after there arrival that things start to go downhill and basically spiral culminating in some seriously shocking events. This one does need to just be experienced raw to get the full effect so no spoilers from me but do be aware that It did have some dark aspects and situations so be mindful if you do have triggers. It’s told in dual POV but I did find it easier to connect to Harper than Jared I think mostly because for the majority of this we are dealing with his alter-ego. This drew me in easily and then kept me on my last nerve throughout it was also well written and a page-turner, I enjoyed it a lot.
I found this one really intriguing and unusual and I definitely enjoyed it a lot. This is part of the dirty hero’s collection and they are all standalone reads with a loosely connected theme. This is the second book I’ve tried from this series and my first experience with this particular author. This is unusual in the fact that we are dealing with an already established couple so essentially not a typical romance but more of a suspenseful edge of your seat journey. This has Jared and Harper heading to his family cabin for a romantic weekend. The cabin and the surrounding land it stands on has been in Jared’s family for years and there are certain family rules that Jared is now breaking to bring Harper here. It’s not long after there arrival that things start to go downhill and basically spiral culminating in some seriously shocking events. This one does need to just be experienced raw to get the full effect so no spoilers from me but do be aware that It did have some dark aspects and situations so be mindful if you do have triggers. It’s told in dual POV but I did find it easier to connect to Harper than Jared I think mostly because for the majority of this we are dealing with his alter-ego. This drew me in easily and then kept me on my last nerve throughout it was also well written and a page-turner, I enjoyed it a lot.
The premise of this book was right up my street and this was a book I had high expectations for. I'm a sucker for anything dark and disturbed so I actThe premise of this book was right up my street and this was a book I had high expectations for. I'm a sucker for anything dark and disturbed so I actually went into this blind. Unfortunately it didn't really deliver for me and whilst there were parts I enjoyed i also found it somewhat rushed and underdeveloped in places.
This type of fiction is hard to pull off with authenticity. There also needs to be decent back story and character development to give some nuance and hook in the reader. I just wasn't invested enough in the characters, they were not developed enough for me to experience that connection to them. Their actions didn't make much sense and the turn around in personality especially in regards to Dax just didn't feel believable or authentic.
This also didn't flow well, the narration style was overly simplictic with not enough added meat. The transition from captive to Stockholm occured over such a short period of time and there was no pivotal lightbulb moment for Flora when she then slipped over that edge. Basically the way I see it they just wore her down.
This also didn't feel that dark or shocking and for large parts of this I was wondering where that promised darkness was. When it did arrive it was such a 360 that I felt like I was reading a totally different book that just happened to share the same characters, it was that extreme. Dax and Lyka came across more as tyrannical schoolroom bullies than dark and without moral compasses which I'm assuming was the intent.
I also wasn't a fan of all of the earlier sexual shenanigans, it added zero to the overall plot. The Marty inclusion didn't lead anywhere so why even include it. Lyka and Dax's hook ups again why? Especially when Flora wasn't afforded the same courtesy and the fact every female except Nancy seemed to be a mega bitch.
I did like the whole set-up I just didn't think this was executed well. Also before anyone comes at me it wasn't the dark themes and content I had an issue with, these things I was 100% there for I just didn't find anything here that shocking if I'm honest.
The spice though that was definitely on point and I have no complaints in that department. The encounters between Flora Dax and Lyka were scorching. So if your after a hot read it definitely has you covered in that department.
Be aware though if you want to give this a go we do have dub-con and borderline non-con, but again it didn't even blip me, we also have some sexual sadism which honestly wasn't that bad. I was more shocked by the bear incident that was bloody sadistic. You're not me though so I'd definitely suggest you check your triggers before picking this up....more
This was a highly anticipated read for me, the blurb just totally appealed and ticked so many of my boxes so I was excited to pick this one up. It's aThis was a highly anticipated read for me, the blurb just totally appealed and ticked so many of my boxes so I was excited to pick this one up. It's a dark psycholocal occult romance with some pretty toxic romance and so many triggers I actually lost count. Got to say I totally devoured this one all 500 plus pages and in one sitting as well, I was that absorbed.
So our heroine Mia is a young girl without a past. She's currently living on the streets, an addict and her whole life before this is a blank. When she is taken at a gas station her whole life is placed in further upheaval as she now finds herself being whisked off to Russia in the company of some very bad individuals.
Alexander Ruslanovich, Sacha to those that know him is Mia's new jailor when he first encounters her he is intrigued but suspicious. He questions and doubts her motives including her story from day one and is determined to uncover her truths. He is also a ranking member of a very shady secret society and he believes Mia's sudden appearance maybe more than mere coincidence which could definitely result in some severe consequences on her end.
Mia now confined and isolated in Sachas home finds herself thrust into a world she didn't know existed. Sacha has dark secrets and is treated almost like a god by those that surround him. More of Mia's fractured memories are resurfacing every day but there's also so much she is still in the dark about. She's also totally disgusted with herself at the pull she feels towards her captor especially with the way he frequently treats her, he also blows hot and cold on her constantly. As the truth gradually emerges Mia is appalled and also terrified at the world she now inhabits and just what Sascha is capable off and what it could also then mean for her future.
So first thing this has triggers, it doesn't pull it's punches in any way. The relationship between these two is toxic and unhealthy as fuck but honestly that was definitely part of the appeal. Sasha is a true anti-hero who doesn't stray very far from his origins and Mia has to learn to accept him and his strange beliefs for what they are.
We have kidnapping, some serious dub-con, drug addiction, self harm, murder, an abusive and controlling relationship, and so much more, the list is endless. The sex between these two is rough and violent with lots of degredation and praise kink included. Also be aware that this involves worshipping the Occult and all that entails this is basically a cult romance. So don't be expecting a healthy normal relationship as this is so far removed from all that, this one is the true definition of a dark romance.
It had twists and turns around every corner and it was all so incredibly addictive and made for some compelling reading. I found it well written and it was also dual POV which is my favourite. So If your after a dark romance with a difference this one has you covered for sure. It's getting five stars for the sheer fact I couldn't put it down....more
This was in a word amazing, such a unique concept. Do not be put off by the title as the way this is set-up made it easy to get on board with and it jThis was in a word amazing, such a unique concept. Do not be put off by the title as the way this is set-up made it easy to get on board with and it just worked.
Derek, oh man where do I start, I bloody adored him. He's totally unhinged, extremely single minded and with such focus that when he's fixated he'll do anything to achieve his end goals, which ultimately is acquiring Chloe for his own. Theres nothing he won't do, no line he won't cross. He's like an incredibly hot steamroller that believes the end justify the means.
His methods are toxic and unorthodox and Chloe's own wishes are secondary. Hes prepared to give her anything her little bunny heart desires except freedom from his attentions and I was completely won over by him, regardless of his pyscho stalker tendencies.
Chloe well she's a good girl at heart, loyal and a people pleaser. She stood by her fiance Adam after his accident even when he wasn't supportive and there for her. When Derek completely derails her life she fights till the bitter end refusing to succumb. She's wary of just how far he'll go to keep her in his life and worried what will happen when he loses interest. Though Derek assures her that will never happen.
The chemistry between these two is off the charts there encounters together electric. Derek and Chloe sizzle red-hot and even when Chloe is telling Derek he's crazy and it will never happen he still does it for her. His hyper focus towards her and her needs is enticing and new and there's a part of her that definitely gets of on all of his intense attentions even if she won't admit it aloud. There's also some definite dubious consent here Derek is a walking red-flag and he makes no apologies for it. In fact he's refreshingly upfront about most things including his intentions.
This was a long read with plenty of angst but I wasn't once bored and read it super fast. Derek is such a curious mix of ruthless toxicity crossed with a huge slice of gooey sweetness it shouldn't have worked but it did. Totally enjoyed this it was a complete hit that I thoroughly recommend reading....more
Izzy finds herself on the wrong side of Montez Flores with her prior actions resulting in his men apprehending her alongside Adelmo a sc [image] [image]
Izzy finds herself on the wrong side of Montez Flores with her prior actions resulting in his men apprehending her alongside Adelmo a scarred stone cold killer who also has a hidden agenda and a penchant for murder.
I really enjoyed this one, you should know it's dark and twisted as fuck so please do check your triggers before reading but if you like your fiction with sharp edges this one more than has you covered.
It's a prequel read to the main CNC series but can definitely be read as a standalone, it's only related in as such that it's set in the CNC world. Be aware that this is pure dub-con and at times also non-con as the boundaries here are very hazy. Our FMC Izzy is also kinda into the twisted nature of the encounters between her and Adelmo and she's his perfect counterpart. He's also fascinated that she seems to enjoy the depraved stuff he's into and saving Izzy at least initially is more about his own selfish motives, in as such that he's not yet quite finished with her.
This is a shorter read but it's also a pretty decent length. It's consensual non-consent, so expect plenty of delicious dubious deeds and descriptive on-page depravity If you're ok with the dark nature of this then you're good to go with this one.
It actually has alternative endings a nicer version and the more evil twisted one. Though I liked both I personally preferred the evil version, what can I say I'm just wired that way. The karma of it just really appealed to me and I love a good anti-hero who stays true to his nature, makes it all feel more authentic.
This was well written and though the romance is very dark I could still sense the bond between these two. It's more implied than voiced, but this one is truly a definition of a dark romance where the actual relationship is dark rather than just the scenario. If all the above sounds like your jam I highly recommend reading. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of Killer Bones.
Unfortunately, this wasn't for me, I have read one prior book by this author which I five-starred so I was expecting to be all over this[image] [image]
Unfortunately, this wasn't for me, I have read one prior book by this author which I five-starred so I was expecting to be all over this one. It had so much potential and I usually adore anything post-apocalyptic, add in the alien angle and I thought I was on to a sure winner. I thought the first half was miles better than the second and to be honest, I think it kind of started to lose its way.
The first half of this is told from the heroine's POV and the second from the hero's. Our heroine is Hannah Savinski and after uncovering a conspiracy of girls being trafficked she's attacked and raped. She managed to escape and this story begins when she's traveling to give evidence against these powerful individuals.
Falk Eckhart is the lead bodyguard assigned to her protection, his job was to escort her safely to DC to testify, he's also the only thing standing between her and any others who would now use her for their own ends, everything has gone to shit and she's become a hot commodity being one of only a few females left behind by the aliens. Then there's her past which is swiftly catching up on her. Now stranded and with no idea what has occurred and with limited skills Hannah must rely on Falk for her very survival.
So my first problem was Hannah herself I didn't particularly like her as a character finding her whiney, immature and she had not a lick of common sense. I could have ignored that but the stuff that occurred here was so outlandish it erred on the edge of ridiculous. Furthermore, I refuse to believe practically every single man here lost their morals and turned into a potential rapist, granted there were a few good uns but you could count them on one hand.
The second half was where this really lost me and Falk seemed a different man than in part one, it's like he had a personality transplant. Then there's the fact Hannah spent seven months separated from him experiencing horrendous torment, add in the random alien encounter which was just bizarre. I don't know, this was just a strange one with some very unlikable characters and a lack of believable chemistry between the two main characters. I'd still read this author again but this one was a bit of a fail for me.
I liked some parts more than others. The story set-up was interesting and I liked the fact that the heroine Emily Snow worked at her fam[image] [image]
I liked some parts more than others. The story set-up was interesting and I liked the fact that the heroine Emily Snow worked at her family business which happened to be a funeral home, the same one that our anti-hero Ruark is using to dispose of any inconvenient bodies. But then I found Ruark to be quite cold and one-dimensional in his behaviour. There was one main persona with him and he stuck to this religiously. We saw maybe a bit of emotional growth in the conclusion but frankly, Ruark was frustrating and didn't have much of a personality.
Emily could also be equally irritating and her metamorphosis from good girl to lovesick gangster moll just wasn't that convincing. If I'm honest I found the romance portion of this rather uninspiring and I did feel that something in their chemistry together was absent. I just couldn't see how they'd fallen for each other as their interactions together just weren't that deep, beyond the physical that is.
I did like the general storyline but I felt it took forever for Ruark to cease stalking and get on with kidnapping Emily. He was also very naive when it came to the traitor in his midst as it was so obvious who it was. I also liked the club storyline but did think it would be a bigger part of the story so I was disappointed when it wasn't.
Overall this was enjoyable enough and the writing was good I just didn't like it as much as I was expecting and at times struggled to connect, it also didn't feel that dark despite the content.
This was an easy read with some scorching hot smut included. I was in the mood for this type of book and this one managed to scratch tha[image] [image]
This was an easy read with some scorching hot smut included. I was in the mood for this type of book and this one managed to scratch that itch. I actually got this one from a book box sub and I was definitely intrigued mostly because of the stalker aspect. it's book three in a larger connected series but I did manage to read this as a standalone with no issues, I'll admit I'd probably have appreciated this more if I'd initially read the first two in the series as there were some recurring characters, so some added background would have made me feel more connection but it can also easily be read on its own.
This focuses on Katie and Mac, there's a criminal element involved and also some history to their story. Mac is the brother of Katie's newish sister-in-law and he's been quietly obsessed with her for the last two years. Not that she has any idea. Katie is oblivious, she's also completely cowed and under the control of her abusive and narcissistic boyfriend who is the lead singer in the band The Gilded Knife, I think the band is called.
Initially, I found Katie hard to relate to, the way she behaved and her mindset were totally battered down, and her self-esteem was in tatters. I do think some of this is down to her background as well as her boyfriend Tommy's treatment, but it was still a hard watch. Also, be aware this book has triggers for SA from Tommy and it's not glossed over either, he's just not a good guy and it does take Katie a while to catch up to that and stop making excuses for him.
Mac inserts himself into Katie's life initially thinking he stands no chance with the girl of his dreams. He mostly wants her to wake up a realise her worth and leave Tommy. Before long his obsessive desires for Katie explode especially when Katie seems to get off on their games just as much as he does. The only issue is she has no idea her mysterious stalker is Mac and when she does realise he knows it will be game over for him. I felt sorry for Mac the guy has it bad and it's obvious he worships the ground Katie walks on.
The smut with this one is on point, totally depraved and contains equal praise and degradation play. This is definitely where this story shines most and I'll be honest this one's more smut than plot, but I enjoyed and appreciated this for exactly what it was. If the plot had been a bit more I would have rated it much higher, but the steam basically carries it. We do have some danger and a slight suspense storyline included but still this one I read mostly for the filth and also because I have a thing for sexy depraved dirty-talking stalkers in masks which I don't mind admitting to you.
This is the final book in the series and I thoroughly enjoyed myself. Again I'm going to make clear that this series is super dark and i [image] [image]
This is the final book in the series and I thoroughly enjoyed myself. Again I'm going to make clear that this series is super dark and it deals with bad individuals who make no apologies for their actions. It's probably one of the darker ones I've enjoyed and I read a lot of this genre and even for me, it was way up there on the scale. The heroes in this series are not shades of grey they are pitch black, you've been warned so If that is your jam then this series has you covered. It's full of twists and turns and is constantly making you think and question your morality. These do need to be read in order as though each book focuses on an individual pair there is an ongoing story running throughout.
Here we are joining the youngest Cortez and current scapegoat Shaw. He's the twin of Marianne who we met in a previous book. Shaw struggles with the family business and what it entails. Don't get me wrong he's a Cortez to the bone but he's also so much softer on the women and struggles with how It makes him feel. Separating business and his ideals is much more of an issue for him but he's still prepared to do what he must. He also feels constantly belittled and unimportant to his siblings, making it all the more crucial that he carries out his assigned jobs even when difficult. This is how he ends up being sent to retrieve Miri from London. It's a test of sorts, one he is failing at miserably.
Miri is the younger sister of a previous character she was originally trafficked by the Cortez family she and her sister along with some assistance managed to escape, not without collateral damage though. She's now a loose end and also someone the Cortez family hold responsible for the death of a certain loved one and this family is not known for their forgiveness. So Shaw is sent to retrieve the family property and that sets in motion everything that happens here and let me prewarn you that it's not a pretty flowers and rainbows-filled love story. This is brutal and dark, which makes this all the more poignant, hard-hitting and impactful.
Both Shaw and Miri are on a journey of metamorphosis and during this, they evolve beautifully but all without losing that dark edge. Also, don't be fooled by the fact that Shaw has a tad more empathy than his siblings as he actively tries to overcome this and Shaw is and can be just as brutal and toxic as his family. I think it made it worse because when Shaw is putting on the charm he is like a whole different person, maybe who he could be if he was born into a different family. It showcases the extreme differences when we see him reverting to type and all of his prior conditioning.
This series took us on quite a journey and this is the last part of the puzzle so we do get our closure. As it closes a door on the Cortez's and their criminal empire it also opens a window and gives a brief snapshot into potential futures. It's obvious from this glimpse that this family are on the up in the criminal circles they inhabit. I'm happy with how we left things and I've enjoyed the series immensely. This is not going to be for everyone but for myself I bloody loved it. I do hope this isn't the last we see of the Cortez's. I'm hoping for some brief cameos in future books maybe set in the same world. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of When Sinners Rise.
This is a reread for me and even though this is so far removed from my usual fare, angsty as all hell and at times a total Trainwreck I [image] [image]
This is a reread for me and even though this is so far removed from my usual fare, angsty as all hell and at times a total Trainwreck I can't help but inhale it. I don't do angsty but this is an exception as the story just sucks you right in, it's so addictive. This is Jeremy Kyle MC style and everyone was fucking around on each other like twenty-four-seven. For the safety squad, this is a totally unsafe read and if you like your romances all sweet and wholesome this is probably not the read for you.
This is the story of Deuce and Eva, it takes place over a long space of time and the road to their future happiness is paved with many bumps, it's a rocky ride. There's also a significant age gap, eighteen years difference. When these two first connect it's on a prison visit where they randomly cross paths and make a connection. We then see them as ships passing in the night with years going by between meetings but always gravitating towards each other. Despite the age difference it didn't feel weird and this felt like authentic natural growth as time elapsed.
There is tons of OM and OW stuff and even other spouses, Frankie the man Eva grew up with was obsessed and a total head case this definitely has some unhealthy love bombing and I'm not just talking about him everyone had their issues here. Eva and Deuce themselves were not exactly the poster children for sound mental health either.
Don't read this if you don't like your books filled to the brim with angst and toxicity as this has that in abundance. But it was also a highly addicting journey that I enjoyed a whole lot.
This is a captive dark reverse harem set in a town that is corrupted by its criminal element, The Hawks. Alana our FMC had only known da[image] [image]
This is a captive dark reverse harem set in a town that is corrupted by its criminal element, The Hawks. Alana our FMC had only known darkness and pain that was until she found her salvation in an unexpected place. Mav rescued and protected her for five years, even marrying her though it was in name only, until that is Alana's choices see her locked up and imprisoned in Reid's secret basement for things she has been forced into to protect the one she loves, now he wants answers and he's determined to get them.
Reid is the son of the man in charge but he also hates his father. Convinced that Alana and Mav are somehow in league he's keeping her under lock and key until he discovers just what she's up to. We also have JD, Reid's best friend and housemate he's the good cop to his buddy's bad cop and together they work at discovering the truth behind Alana's actions.
This was such a good read my heart broke for poor Alana all of her choices were about survival and she is definitely a product of her trauma. She doesn't trust easily and no wonder considering her horrific background so far Mav has been her only lifeline.
This wasn't at times an easy read as Alana's past was bloody horrific as we get to witness from her many flashbacks, it's also very much shaped her, especially in regards to her sexuality and needs and because of this she's a strange mix of strength and vulnerability, she's also not afraid to use her assets to achieve her aims. The ending of this was dramatic and left me wanting more and Reid still has a long way to go for me in terms of redeeming himself.
This was well-written absorbing stuff and such an addictive read but be aware this has triggers. I've only recently discovered this author but I'm definitely going to be reading their back list now for sure.
This was a really pleasant surprise, I wasn't expecting it to be so heart-warming but it was. Melanie is having a bad day fired from her[image] [image]
This was a really pleasant surprise, I wasn't expecting it to be so heart-warming but it was. Melanie is having a bad day fired from her high-end job due to her father's crimes, her father's facing jail time, when an unusual offer from an unexpected place sees her agreeing to have a baby with a mysterious stranger all to spare her father his fate. If Melanie agrees to act as an incubator her father will be taken somewhere safe and all she has to do is take a year out of her life, for Melanie who has never wanted kids it seems the only option to save her father.
So Melanie finds herself in the middle of nowhere at a ranch with only Xavier for company. Xavier who insists he's her master and calls her my pet and later precious. Who feeds her by hand and expects obedience and control in all things. He treats her like one of his wild horses taming and earning her trust and it's not long before Melanie finds she's no longer just playing along, but actually wants this life and man for herself.
Xavier is a conundrum, a huge beast of a man who is methodical and stern but also gentle and kind he's a strange mix of all of these traits and there is a method to his madness and an end game. He also has trauma of his own, a mysterious past hence the isolation, he also has physical scars something that Melanie stops noticing the longer she is around him.
This was actually really heartwarming and such a sweet love story despite the initial beginning between these two and despite the majority of this it only being Xavier and Melanie, I wasn't once bored. Be aware this story has BDSM elements, nothing too extreme though. I'll definitely be picking up more from this author in the future.
This is bully reverse harem romance done right, I'm selective over the bully romance books I enjoy, for me there has to be some sort of [image] [image]
This is bully reverse harem romance done right, I'm selective over the bully romance books I enjoy, for me there has to be some sort of valid reasoning for me to get behind the story and find redemption in the individuals involved. Even know we don't know the exact whys here it's obvious that something is lurking below the obvious and this one worked for me in every single way.
It's the first thing I've read by this author and at the moment I'm attempting to read some of my physical TBR as it's multiplying by the day and I can't justify adding to it without tackling the backlog. I picked this series up at the British book bash a couple of years prior, someone in line with me highly recommended it. Whoever that individual was thank you so much I loved this. It's a series, so four books in total of which this is the first, it's a reverse harem bully romance with suspense and the majority of this is from Octavia's POV with a few pieces from the men involved sprinkled in.
When Octavia Royal's father commits suicide under somewhat suspicious conditions under the terms of his will she has to return to Echoes Cove until she finishes high school. On the road for the past few years with her musician father, it's been five years since she's been back home. She left behind four childhood friends Lincoln, Finley, Maverick and East, they were once her whole world. Now back she finds all except East seem to hate her and she has no idea why. They make her home and school life a living hell and push her to breaking point all to get her to leave town, but Octavia or V as the boys call her has no intentions of going anyway.
So the bullying with this one was at times hard-core but this still managed to strike a balance that you could tell there was something more. Also, it helped that Octavia was such a strong individual and even when she was breaking she bounced back. This also had elements of dub-con so be aware this isn't a warm and cosy romance, It's a dark and twisted one, so addictive and I bloody loved it. The chemistry here was also off the charts and the couple of intimate scenes, though brief, were bloody scorching and were done so well.
For the moment East is the only truly likeable male though I can see the light peeking through in places with the others, cracks are growing and there's still enough sprinkled in here to show that ultimately they are trying to protect Octavia despite their cruel actions and words, in fact there words were bloody vicious. Add into the mix the suspenseful ambience and an unknown stalker and I was sold. This was compulsive reading and very well written and I definitely recommend reading it if you like a series that practically reads itself. I'm checking out this author's backlist now.
Well, this one was certainly different and not in a bad way either: more of a particular area of fetish play, in this case, pet-play and if you[image]
Well, this one was certainly different and not in a bad way either: more of a particular area of fetish play, in this case, pet-play and if you asked me earlier I would have said Nah!! so not my kink but I actually found this surprisingly hot and steamy: who'd have thought.
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This was a relatively quick read with elements of suspense thrown into the bdsm narrative. Yes, it starts out that he takes Nora to protect her after she witnesses a shooting at the flower shop where she works: but really this story concentrates mostly on the unique developing relationship between Nora and Greg and the suspense is more of a secondary aspect to this tale. I read this is one sitting and can honestly say though a different kink to what I am used to this was greatly enjoyed by me and was also really well written. I connected very easily to both main characters and though this is not some angst-filled epic it definitely has its place as an easy and at times fun read. A different but delicious story that I am happy to give a thumbs up to. I voluntary reviewed an Arc of becoming his pet. All opinions expressed here are entirely my own.
Well, this one was certainly different and not in a bad way either: more of a particular area of fetish play, in this case, pet-play and if you asked me earlier I would have said Nah!! so not my kink but I actually found this surprisingly hot and steamy: who'd have thought.
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This was a relatively quick read with elements of suspense thrown into the bdsm narrative. Yes, it starts out that he takes Nora to protect her after she witnesses a shooting at the flower shop where she works: but really this story concentrates mostly on the unique developing relationship between Nora and Greg and the suspense is more of a secondary aspect to this tale. I read this is one sitting and can honestly say though a different kink to what I am used to this was greatly enjoyed by me and was also really well written. I connected very easily to both main characters and though this is not some angst-filled epic it definitely has its place as an easy and at times fun read. A different but delicious story that I am happy to give a thumbs up to. I voluntary reviewed an Arc of becoming his pet. All opinions expressed here are entirely my own.
After the way we left things previously I must confess I was slightly apprehensive embarking on this third book I was imagining all sort [image] [image]
After the way we left things previously I must confess I was slightly apprehensive embarking on this third book I was imagining all sorts. So this begins where we left off previously and in the aftermath of Angelo's meltdown, Sabella now finds herself banished from the main house by her husband. Angelo doesn't trust her one bit and despite knowing that logically she's not to blame for his family's fate he still can't help but hold her partially responsible.
Angelo struggles here with reconciling his conflicted feelings towards his new wife. He blames himself for feeling any sort of affection and care when all he thinks he should be feeling towards her is loathing and hate. Because of this he overcompensates with showing his contempt, It's almost like he believes what he projects will eventually find its way into his heart if he gives it his best effort. Regardless he can't resist Sabella no matter how hard he tries and this means in this third book his behaviour is erratic as he swings back and forth between two extremes. One minute loving and the next loathing, it's enough to give you whiplash.
Sabella by contrast tries to make the best of it despite the confusion and hurt she is feeling she's a pragmatic sort and attempts to pick her battles. She also manages to integrate herself with those meets her natural warm persona a hit with even the toughest judge.
We also have some secondary characters introduced and I'm sure there's more going on in the background regarding false information and stirring so I'm intrigued to discover what Angelo's family is hiding from him because there's definitely something.
This was an enjoyable read and even when Angelo was at his worst i still felt for his pain and suffering. He's his own worst enemy though and his mother and sister would be so mad at him for his current behaviour towards his innocent wife and Sabella well she came into her own here actually blossoming which is ironic considering all of the pressure she is under but she did find her feet here despite her less than ideal circumstances
I'm now looking forward to the conclusion of this story and seeing just how we get there. This is well-written and if you like dark toxic romance stories set in the criminal world this series has you covered. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of Tears Like Acid.
This author-writing team totally managed to knock it out of the park with their latest instalment in the House of Skin series. Together [image] [image]
This author-writing team totally managed to knock it out of the park with their latest instalment in the House of Skin series. Together these two are truly a power-house of such deadly deliciousness and this one is dark depraved as hell and chock full to the brim of descriptive morally skewed dark deeds. House of Skin is definitely a series about bad people that do truly questionable and amoral things and book four was the darkest to date, but it’s also a story about the latent humanity lurking beneath the skin of the monster and this time we get up close and personal with another Cortez sibling Knox.
So Knox and Peyton couldn’t be more different, he’s a criminal with a skewed moral compass and she’s a PhD student home from her studies to care for her ailing mother, she has no idea initially just who she is potentially climbing into bed with and just what that now means for her, Knox’s appearance in Peyton’s life is the catalyst that causes everything in hers to go to absolute shit. Previous events have accumulated and each act has had a cause and effect the resulting ripples meaning that Peyton is now trapped in a living nightmare, literal hell, Where the cause of her pain is also her only protection.
This deals with that pain and also the aftermath, especially regarding how Peyton and Knox both now deal with their new emerging feelings. As Peyton becomes more aware of just what Knox is she struggles to reconcile her fragile emotions with her own conscience. Whilst with Knox his whole world has been turned on its head and he’s never been so conflicted, especially considering what he usually does for a day job and all of the lingering guilt he has for Peyton and his usual everyday life, well the two just don’t correlate well.
This isn’t a fluffy feel-good love story it’s dark, gritty and shows us that even a monster has a heart buried way down deep, be aware though that this series deals with some extremely dark themes and it makes no apologies for this fact. it’s not for those who want a hero to ride to the rescue, this one is for all of us girlies who fixate on the villain of the piece which Knox most definitely is. Also, be aware nobody is getting redeemed here or having an epiphany just a heads up and definitely check your triggers as this one’s pitch black.
This moved along the overall story and opened up new avenues going forward. It wasn’t always an easy read and I was in a constant state of tension and shock throughout anticipating the worst. It was as usual brilliantly written and incredibly engrossing edge-of-your-seat stuff. There was stuff here that totally shocked me and I didn't see coming. I definitely recommend reading this series especially if you like dark twisty unpredictable sagas set in the criminal underbelly but again I can’t emphasise enough the level of dark here know your own limits.
House of Skin needs to be read in order as there’s an ongoing story vein running throughout, it’s not essential you read the other connected series set in the same world but I do recommend checking them out as this will definitely enhance the whole experience and a heads up, they are also really good. If you do want to start at the beginning start with the Cane’s but otherwise, you can just read House of Skin as a stand-alone series no problem. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of When Sinners Fear.
This for me was just OK, though I did like the premise and that was what initially drew me to this one as I do so love a good old stalke[image] [image]
This for me was just OK, though I did like the premise and that was what initially drew me to this one as I do so love a good old stalker romance. This is the first book in a trilogy and centres around Charlotte a girl who suffered and survived a horrendous ordeal at the hands of a monster. Attending an art therapy class as a way to deal with her trauma brings Charlotte to the attention of another predator her Art professor Gideon Fyre. He instantly develops a fixation on his student and it’s not long before this obsession is taking over every aspect of his life as Charlotte becomes the centre of Gideon’s world.
This was told in dual POV which is my favourite It deals with some dark themes and I believe this first book has the least triggers and it’s definitely going to escalate further as the story progresses. This is of decent novella length and I mostly enjoyed it with some minor issues. I just wasn’t sold on the connection between Charlotte and Gideon it just felt slightly underdeveloped but maybe the short length impacted this a tad. It also had some continuity issues and I did get turned around slightly as the flow at times felt somewhat disjointed. The writing itself was fine but I don’t think I’ll be continuing on I’m just not that invested in the characters so unfortunately this is the end of the road for me.
Willow finds herself the newest attendee of the Chryseum Reformatory Academy called the Asylum by the unlucky teenagers who currently wa[image] [image]
Willow finds herself the newest attendee of the Chryseum Reformatory Academy called the Asylum by the unlucky teenagers who currently walk its halls. It’s a reform school where the wealthy send their troubled offspring to rot. The staff are much worse than the students who seem bad enough themselves and when she becomes one of the reigning king's newest fixation her new nightmare is only just starting.
Sent by her perfectionist father after her mother's death and a failed suicide attempt Willow a former straight-A student naturally feels like a fish out of water, the kids that attend here are extreme, way more than she has ever dealt with before and she feels like she’s entered literal hell.
I enjoyed this it's a new to me author and I found it a well-written gripping read. Genre-wise it’s a new adult dark academia romance that deals with some serious subjects. The romance at its centre is on the extreme side with a heavy slant of dubious consent and a somewhat bully vibe from Saint. Though I actually found him weirdly sweet at times I’ve always had a soft spot for the psycho ones and Saint was definitely all that, the bullying here for me took on a more obsessive vein than a bullying one.
The coercion here felt different due to the extreme personalities and natures involved and the antihero Saint is one seriously messed up dude with numerous quirks and zero boundaries. He fixates on Willow and then has an obsessive need to possess her to stave off his boredom and stagnation by making her his pet.
Once you get to dig deeper you realise just why he is this way and in his own twisted way, he does believe that he is helping Willow giving her the tools to own her own strength and step up by challenging her, even if his way is also extremely diabolical. Let’s be real he also just likes the way she responds to him her fear and tears are their own rewards and are the icing but he’s also the only one allowed to torment his new pet, to all else it’s hands off or else and he does protect her making her off limits to anyone but himself.
Saint has a diagnosis of antisocial personality disorder he’s a self-confessed psychopath who can flip personas on a dime. He can be charming, tell you what you want to hear and present a false face when needed. With Willow, he strips the mask which initially she finds terrifying especially since she also feels an unwanted draw to him.
Definitely read this one if you like your reads on the darker side be aware that there are a lot of blurred boundaries and dubious consent involved. This is the polar opposite of a healthy romance it’s a toxic messed up one but was also completely addictive and totally gripping. I will definitely be reading more from this author in the future.
This is the first book in a new series and as usual, this author brought forth the goods. Genre-wise it’s a romance set in the organised [image] [image]
This is the first book in a new series and as usual, this author brought forth the goods. Genre-wise it’s a romance set in the organised crime world in her usual stomping ground of South Africa and this first instalment managed to draw me in and invest me in what’s to come.
A contract promising Sabella’s hand in marriage was arranged when she was just a child something she has no knowledge of. Her father’s shady business practices connect him to the Russo family a prominent but dangerous lot who have now come in person to make sure when she reaches her majority the debt will be settled.
When Sabella’s father backtracks refusing to honour the original agreement it sets in place a chain of events that causes Sabella to get caught in the ensuing crossfire. This story is messy dark and has an unconventional and obsessive tone to the romance that I instantly appreciated.
Angelo is a brilliant anti-hero he’s dark ruthless possessive and totally razor-focused on obtaining his desires which in this case is that which was initially promised and then taken away from him. He’s now prepared to take Sabella however he can have her even if that means she ends up hating him in fact he’s kind of expecting her to. Despite Angelo being totally ruthless there were also times we observed a much sweeter side to his persona though these were only fleeting glimpses that Angelo managed to swiftly shove deep and quash.
These two are still young so this book wasn’t majorly explicit mostly due to Sabella’s age as she’s only yet sixteen to Angelos twenty but this then also made it so much more tragic when her blinkers are taken away well halfway as she still wears them regarding her family.
This is the first part of their journey together and Sabella is still yet to learn her fate which her family have kept her ignorant of. She has no idea of what her father is mixed up in or even that she was a pledge used to his advantage so at the moment all of her hate is focused on the one she believes has manipulated her which is Angelo.
We leave this on a shocking cliffhanger which is definitely going to have some major repercussions for all and I’m excited to see where we go from here. As usual, this was well written and was an easy please read be aware this has triggers and is a dark romance the hero does some questionable things during the course which of course I loved. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of Love Like Poison.
Bex (Beckie Bookworm)
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