What an amazing start this is actually a reread as I’ve decided to read the whole series so thought I’d better recap as it’s been a whil[image] [image]
What an amazing start this is actually a reread as I’ve decided to read the whole series so thought I’d better recap as it’s been a while. Genre wise this is a paranormal/sci-fi read it’s incredibly imaginative but very slow-burn on the romance front. It’s not really a graphic one and relies more on its narrative and storyline to draw the reader in. It’s told from various POVs but focuses mainly on the main characters and the romance part of this doesn’t kick in till quite far in. It’s also a long book which are always my favourite to read.
The story centres on Elora Laiken an unexpected visitor from an alternate dimension who suddenly appears out of thin air gravely injured and near death at the headquarters of the order of the black swan. Elora is from an alternate dimension and finding her place in this new reality and with everything that has occurred prior well she’s not got an easy road ahead.
We are also introduced to the members of the elite B-team who are all present in the chamber when Elora makes her appearance. During the course of this, we get to know them well and it’s these men who give our girl a sense of belonging when she’s feeling so lost and misplaced. First Storm who is literally her rock and guardian angel then later Ram who is totally kicking himself for his initial lack of awareness and foresight when he realises just what this girl potentially means to him. The third member of the team is Kay a total peacemaker and the glue that keeps the other two stable especially as they are all still reeling from the loss of the fourth member and Rams teammate who was killed in action before Elora arrived.
The Order of the black swan is a secret paranormal military organisation that fights the scourge of hidden vampires in this dimension. This world is the same yet with subtle differences one being there are elves and fairies here they are just regular people but it was definitely a cool touch to have.
This doesn’t have any major shocks or jar-dropping twists and was an easy read relying on the emotional connections to sell itself. We do have a bit of a love triangle but it’s more two men developing feelings for the same woman there’s no real play off and it’s obvious who Elora really wants and as a girl who abhors any sort of love triangle this didn’t bother me here so it’s a small piece of this and not an angsty one.
I’m definitely going to be reading the next one in the series and I’m happy there’s quite a few as well. I totally recommend reading this it was seriously fabulous and I enjoyed it immensely....more
Absolutely devoured this The Dominion Brotherhood is my happy place and this delivered in every single way. This is Jesse and Gia’s stor [image] [image]
Absolutely devoured this The Dominion Brotherhood is my happy place and this delivered in every single way. This is Jesse and Gia’s story and two things stood out here that really upped this to the next level for me, the fact that Gia is a former club bunny; I do love a HEA for the underdog and Gia was definitely that and also this was written practically exclusively from the male POV which was like a breath of fresh air. We do also get a small snapshot into Gia’s headspace from the prologue and epilogue so this then managed to provide some needed perspective. This style of narration totally appealed to me in every way. So even though this series focuses on an individual couple in each book you do need to read from the beginning as there’s an ongoing story- arc running throughout, you might be a bit lost otherwise.
I loved Jesse so much he’s a salty no bullshit type of male and I adored his complete lack of judgment and disregard for what anyone else thinks. He decides that Gia is what he wants and he’s all In no matter her past and history with his club brothers. His heart is massive and he just wants Gia to see herself the way he does. I also appreciated that he didn’t allow his past to dictate his behaviour now rising above it and not closing himself off because of past hurts.
Gia definitely lacks self-esteem she fell into her current role through naivety and an inability to stand up for herself. Circumstance has taught her to be somewhat of a pushover and people-pleaser but what really shone through for me was that she just wanted to be loved and so she has allowed others to take advantage of her good nature which has all led to her current situation in life.
She evolved so much throughout the course of this Jesse’s love taught her she has worth and it was ok to stand up for herself. Gia is always going to be a sweet girl and that ok as by the finish here she’d with Jesse's assistance managed to grow a backbone whilst still managing to retain all of the loyalty kindness and heart that Jesse initially fell for.
We also had the usual drama and danger brought forth by the club's war with the Jackals and there were some truly poignant moments here. This author writes with such heart and I always become so invested in whatever she produces and this one hit the bar for me In every single way. Jesse for me was the total package and Gia was just perfect for him in every way I adored them as a couple. Totally recommend this series it’s a favourite of mine. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of Jaded.
So this is the third book in this series and my god what an emotional journey this turned out to be. This continues the story after that shockin[image]
So this is the third book in this series and my god what an emotional journey this turned out to be. This continues the story after that shocking finale with the whole of calico being locked down and Valdys being trapped inside an impenetrable prison trapped within with all those dangerous mutations and Ragers.
Cali who is not prepared to give up on her lover and Alpha scours the deadlands with Alphas Cadmus and Titus and Former Legion Brandon searching for the Skulls, The Rebels she believes can assist her in opening the gates of Hell itself.
This was not just Cali and Valdys story but also a continuation of Wren and Six's from book one as here the two timelines collide in a dramatic fashion and all roads lead back to where this all began the nightmare that is Calico. Raw dark and gritty right from the onset this certainly didn't pull any punches.
Kings of Carrion is a stark post-apocalyptic dystopian drama and I literally had my heart in my mouth throughout this tense and heart-stopping tale. Cali here showcases her blind loyalty and steadfast determination prepared to do whatever in the liberation of her mate. While Cadmus also comes into his own here and I just adored how protective he was of Cali in the absence of Valdys.
This one also had me bawling my eyes out I was an emotional wreck and it's not often a book reduces me to these levels, I was a bloody mess. But beneath the tragedy was also a flickering hope for the future and despite the sadness and tears, I shed that epilogue managed to lift my spirits making me smile even with the grief. I was so glad that we arrived where we did and that Happiness was achieved but also bittersweet at what we lost along the way.
This was an epic masterpiece that I enjoyed immensely. It's dark and gritty and an emotional rollercoaster but one I am ever so glad I caught a ride on. Highly recommend this series it is fantastic. I voluntary reviewed a copy of Kings of Carrion (Juniper Unraveling, #3).
So this is the third book in this series and my god what an emotional journey this turned out to be. This continues the story after that shocking finale with the whole of calico being locked down and Valdys being trapped inside an impenetrable prison trapped within with all those dangerous mutations and Ragers.
Cali who is not prepared to give up on her lover and Alpha scours the deadlands with Alphas Cadmus and Titus and Former Legion Brandon searching for the Skulls, The Rebels she believes can assist her in opening the gates of Hell itself.
This was not just Cali and Valdys story but also a continuation of Wren and Six's from book one as here the two timelines collide in a dramatic fashion and all roads lead back to where this all began the nightmare that is Calico. Raw dark and gritty right from the onset this certainly didn't pull any punches.
Kings of Carrion is a stark post-apocalyptic dystopian drama and I literally had my heart in my mouth throughout this tense and heart-stopping tale. Cali here showcases her blind loyalty and steadfast determination prepared to do whatever in the liberation of her mate. While Cadmus also comes into his own here and I just adored how protective he was of Cali in the absence of Valdys.
This one also had me bawling my eyes out I was an emotional wreck and it's not often a book reduces me to these levels, I was a bloody mess. But beneath the tragedy was also a flickering hope for the future and despite the sadness and tears, I shed that epilogue managed to lift my spirits making me smile even with the grief. I was so glad that we arrived where we did and that Happiness was achieved but also bittersweet at what we lost along the way.
This was an epic masterpiece that I enjoyed immensely. It's dark and gritty and an emotional rollercoaster but one I am ever so glad I caught a ride on. Highly recommend this series it is fantastic. I voluntary reviewed a copy of Kings of Carrion (Juniper Unraveling, #3).
Wow!!! mind blown completely if the first book managed to completely bowl me over this one blew me away with its sheer brilliance. Calico[image]
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Wow!!! mind blown completely if the first book managed to completely bowl me over this one blew me away with its sheer brilliance. Calico Descending is book two in the series and it can technically be read as a stand-alone read as though it is set in the same world as its predecessor it involves a completely different set of characters, Saying that this series is just so good you most definitely want to read them all. This is book one in a two-parter, I believe this concludes in December and I for one can't wait for the conclusion here it was that good.
Genre-wise this is a dark dystopian romance set in a post-apocalyptic future and it doesn't pull its punches one little bit. This was every bit as horrific as its predecessor with wicked and cruel intent throughout. The cruelty and total depravity visited on these young adults and children completely shocking to experience, where humanity has evolved to the point it is devoid of all ethical morality and the lack of conscience observed here simply unimaginable.
This story is told in two separate time-frames the then and the now of four years later. After the raid on her hive by Ragers and the death of her mother Fourteen-year-old Calithea along with her ten-year-old sister Bryani are left to fend for themselves until they are both tricked and captured and taken to the medical facility at Calico for processing. This is the beginning of Cali's story, placed in the Alpha program Cali is assigned to a champion (Valdys). Her only function now a potential tool to control a powerful weapon, one who will do what he must to protect her from danger.
This wasn't always easy reading with its dark themes but I was so emotionally invested in these tragically complex characters. Imaginative and so original this story dug in its claws and infected me, it was one hell of an emotional rollercoaster and it deserves every one of its five-stars, I highly recommend this it was just so bloody amazing. I voluntary reviewed a copy of Calico Descending (Juniper Unraveling, #2).
Wow!!! mind blown completely if the first book managed to completely bowl me over this one blew me away with its sheer brilliance. Calico Descending is book two in the series and it can technically be read as a stand-alone read as though it is set in the same world as its predecessor it involves a completely different set of characters, Saying that this series is just so good you most definitely want to read them all. This is book one in a two-parter, I believe this concludes in December and I for one can't wait for the conclusion here it was that good.
Genre-wise this is a dark dystopian romance set in a post-apocalyptic future and it doesn't pull its punches one little bit. This was every bit as horrific as its predecessor with wicked and cruel intent throughout. The cruelty and total depravity visited on these young adults and children completely shocking to experience, where humanity has evolved to the point it is devoid of all ethical morality and the lack of conscience observed here simply unimaginable.
This story is told in two separate time-frames the then and the now of four years later. After the raid on her hive by Ragers and the death of her mother Fourteen-year-old Calithea along with her ten-year-old sister Bryani are left to fend for themselves until they are both tricked and captured and taken to the medical facility at Calico for processing. This is the beginning of Cali's story, placed in the Alpha program Cali is assigned to a champion (Valdys). Her only function now a potential tool to control a powerful weapon, one who will do what he must to protect her from danger.
This wasn't always easy reading with its dark themes but I was so emotionally invested in these tragically complex characters. Imaginative and so original this story dug in its claws and infected me, it was one hell of an emotional rollercoaster and it deserves every one of its five-stars, I highly recommend this it was just so bloody amazing. I voluntary reviewed a copy of Calico Descending (Juniper Unraveling, #2).
If you like dark gothic academia romance with forbidden love, suspenseful mystery, dark deeds and so many secrets then this is the book [image] [image]
If you like dark gothic academia romance with forbidden love, suspenseful mystery, dark deeds and so many secrets then this is the book for you. It’s a stand-alone slow-burn age-gap story that managed to pull me in instantly. Lilia is just about getting by it’s been four years since her mother's death and she’s currently juggling a dead-end job, classes and all whilst contributing to her sister's specialist education. An invitation inviting Lilia to enrol in Dracadia University a prestigious school on a scholarship is unexpected, especially given Lilia’s current circumstances but it’s also a dream come true and means she will be able to delve deeper into the true circumstances of her mother's illness.
Here she encounters Deveyck nicknamed Doctor Death and her new professor. He’s a closed off cold man that projects an aura of danger but despite this Lilia can’t help but feel drawn intensely towards him. It’s also his research that may provide the answers Lilia is ultimately looking but.
There are secrets here waiting to be discovered and connections that are more than just coincidence. I loved everything about this book especially the dark gothic vibe that this was heavily saturated in. I definitely loved the forbidden slow burn build-up and the chemistry here projects of the page it was well worth the wait and definitely lived up to all of my prior anticipation. Devryck and Lilia as a couple were perfect and I was rooting for them every step of the way.
Be aware this does contain some dark themes but in my opinion, they were relatively low on the scale it’s mostly dark situations and themes the romance itself isn’t really that dark but definitely check the triggers before reading this. This one was a long book which is my favourite sort but I was never once bored and managed to read this super fast. As usual, this author has pulled it out of the bag and this for me was another fabulous winner. Well written and suspenseful with some amazing flawed characters. I definitely recommend this it was fantastic and I was transfixed throughout. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of Nocticadia.
Abel didn’t exactly endear himself to me in the previous book so with my many preconceptions I was intrigued to see if he could manage t[image] [image]
Abel didn’t exactly endear himself to me in the previous book so with my many preconceptions I was intrigued to see if he could manage to pull it together enough to make me like him even a smidgin. To be fair this was absolutely bloody mental Abel is certifiable loco but so incredibly unique his many eccentricities and demented sense of fun made me smile despite his murderous tendencies.
The contrast between psychopathic killer and wisecracking comedian was extreme Abel’s mood changes as swiftly as the weather. He’s unpredictable totally unhinged and definitely insane and despite all of his evil deeds I still couldn’t help liking him. His logic only makes sense to him and this logic is at times incredibly childlike.
Again be aware this is extremely graphic and the villain doesn’t have some major redemption here Abel is just Abel and Aspen eventually accepts him for exactly who he is a cold-blooded not quite sane monster. To everyone else he’s totally deranged and dangerous but for Aspen, he becomes her unlikely hero.
Again imagine all of the triggers and this story throws them all out there for you. It was an easy well-written page-turner and it’s certainly unique. It bravely goes where other books fear to tread and I think it’s the contrast between the horror and humour here that made this mainly work. it distracted from the intensity of Abel’s actions making you unexpectedly laugh out loud and introducing a certain levity to the scene.
I definitely think Aspen’s unique past has moulded her into accepting the train wreck that is Abel. But I also genuinely think he gets her and it was so incredibly amusing to witness Abel in sheer denial and having to then backtrack with his brother and Kirby.
Finally, what the heck was that bonkers poem at the end of this OMG I laughed it was just so wrong that I couldn’t help myself Ode to a bitch In a box is morbid black comedy at its finest and I’m British so Im so there for all of that. This duet is for all those that adore a good old psycho romance this is definitely not for the easily offended though it has some extreme triggers and plenty of questionable content you’ve been warned.
Think of all of the triggers you could imagine and that's this book. Deviantly depraved and full of so much delicious darkness this stor[image] [image]
Think of all of the triggers you could imagine and that's this book. Deviantly depraved and full of so much delicious darkness this story is a rabbit hole of wickedness and though graphic and all sorts of wrong it was also equally wonderful and incredibly engaging just be prepared to leave your moral compass firmly at the door with this one.
Cain and Abel psychopathic brothers monsters that definitely don’t suffer from empathy or guilt and they both make zero apologies for their many deviances and depravities. Identical twins with a penchant for murderous mayhem and polar opposites in their personalities and approaches. Cain is a methodical planner where Abel is an unhinged loose cannon that is only tethered by his more controlled brother and the rules he set in place. Their only real loyalty up until now is to each other both operating as a single entity to avoid outside suspicion.
When Kirby catches the attention of Cain he is instantly fascinated especially by her unusual eyes. Initially thinking her his usual prey he stalks and analyses moving her expertly into a place of vulnerability. It’s not long before Kirby is Cains's newest obsession and his sunshine as he names her feels very different to those that have come before.
Kirby attends Quantico coerced by her ambitious mother who pulled strings to get her into the academy it is something Kirby neither wants nor appreciates. Her mother is also leading the pursuit of the notorious serial killer dubbed the chameleon.
Cain presents here as highly intelligent but with zero emotional attachment to anyone but his twin. He is cold collected and methodical in his kills. He’s well aware of right and wrong just chooses to disregard these rules as they apply to him. The ability to project an affable mask helps him hide in plain sight but it doesn’t always come easy to him.
I actually liked the dynamic between these brothers and was intrigued by their obvious loyalty towards each other. I was fascinated by Cains's thought process as well as his growing possessiveness of Kirby. He actually appeared clueless over the whys and seemed oblivious to the wider repercussions regarding his emerging fragile feelings.
I even found myself liking Cain despite his obvious flaws and immoral behaviours he seems to have accepted the way he is but it was also obvious he’s looking for something more to connect to and he thinks he may have maybe found this in Kirby. Seeing something buried deep that she doesn’t even recognise herself though it does take him some time to arrive at this conclusion. Be aware though that Cain is definitely no Dexter and this isn’t a story where he’s cured and saved all by the love of his woman. Cain stays true to his nature throughout.
Going forward I’m intrigued to dig deeper in regards to Abel where Cain seems to have some control of his many violent tendencies Abel came across as totally emotionally triggered and lacking in any control over his murderous impulses and with the additional damage he’s caused to the ties that bind him to his brother it will be interesting to see if he spirals or in fact instead manages to find some semblance of control and take some responsibility.
This was well written and incredibly engaging the transition from adversaries to partners felt believable and the connection authentic. Be aware though this story has a lot of triggers and is extremely graphic in its descriptions. This definitely isn’t going to be for everyone that’s for sure and at times it’s far from pretty personally I loved it. On a side note before I sign off can I just mention the cucumber incident my god that was such a lol moment and pure viewing gold.
This is the conclusion to that shocking and delicious finale we were treated to from the previous book. Here we get to experience the fa[image] [image]
This is the conclusion to that shocking and delicious finale we were treated to from the previous book. Here we get to experience the fallout from Violet discovering just what her new husband has going on down in the basement of their beach house retreat and naturally she’s bloody devastated feeling betrayed and like her whole world is imploding and a lie. Now not knowing what to believe Violet starts to question every aspect of her and Killian's life together going so far as to question if his feelings are even genuine and not some sort of misguided revenge aimed are her ex.
Killian well he knows he messed up in a big way he still doesn’t regret his actions feeling them justified but he is remorseful and also gutted that he has hurt Violet so badly but he would do it again in a heartbeat just next time make sure she doesn’t find out. now though he is just terrified of losing Violet over this and he’s prepared to do whatever he must to convince her of his sincerity and love and hopefully win back her trust.
I could actually feel Killian’s deep regret and utter devotion over Violets distress the last thing he ever wanted but she does need to come to terms with the darker aspects of her husband's character if they can ever move forward except both the light and the dark in him and be willing to love him unconditionally just as he does her.
This was filled with such heart and feeling and full of so much emotion. There was drama and angst heartache and smiles. This author always manages to pull me into the narrative and immerse me entirely in the unfolding drama. Killian and Violet face many trials here events which only make them stronger in the long run. I enjoyed this a whole lot and both Violet and Killian grew so much during the course of this until finally, they are both on the same page together. I Definitely recommend this but be aware it’s not a stand-alone so you do need to read book one as well but it’s so worth it and a great duet. I voluntary reviewed a copy of Dirty Stack (The Devious games duet #2).
This book was seriously amazing I experienced so many different emotions throughout and I adored every single second of Killian and Viol[image] [image]
This book was seriously amazing I experienced so many different emotions throughout and I adored every single second of Killian and Violet's journey together. This is the first book in a duet and genre-wise it’s a slow burn romance with some elements of organised crime included. It is set in the same world as the Ferraro brothers but you don’t need to have read that series to appreciate this one it’s a completely separate standalone duet.
This was such a trip a sort of back to front love story which places Killian in the unlikely role of Violet’s knight where he proceeds to place his personal chips down in such a way that this time around he walks away with the girl unlike three years ago and the house always wins.
Violet is so broken three years of emotional abuse and gaslighting have left her a shadow of her former self all she wants now is a life separate from Ray who terrifies and intimidates her the love she once felt for him has turned completely sour and she just wants out.
Killian bulldozing his way into her life and taking charge is something she is incredibly grateful for he gives her an easy way out. She also feels drawn to him but doesn’t feel she now has anything left to offer or at least not at this moment. She also running scared her emotional state still fragile and doesn’t want to jump headfirst into something she may later regret.
But Killian is like a tornado battering down her walls with his charisma and allure, He wants Violet and isn’t afraid to lay his cards on the table. He pulls out all the stops and Violet’s never been treated so well. This forged the bond between Killian and Violet with baby steps and by the time these two connected you could singe your fingers on their combined heat. The slow burn was so very well done and I totally believed in the bond that eventually developed.
Of course, there are secrets and lies here stuff that is going on behind the scenes. Violet is actually adorably naive when it comes to Killian and what he is capable of the girl really has no clue who she’s now in bed with. While Killian he will do whatever to keep Violet safe in her bubble and oblivious. This one ends on a cliffhanger and god it was good and I now need the conclusion like yesterday. Anyone worried about being left hanging don't, it's not that kind of cliffhanger this does have some resolution and it's more of an Oh my god you so didn't kind of one.
This was of course really well written this author is a definite auto-buy of mine and her stories always deliver every time and this one is no exception. Totally recommend this one and I devoured it. I voluntary reviewed a copy of Kill Game.
Oh my, where do I start with this one it was just so absorbing and I practically inhaled the whole thing I’m so sad this is the last one[image] [image]
Oh my, where do I start with this one it was just so absorbing and I practically inhaled the whole thing I’m so sad this is the last one in the series and it’s up there with my favourite series ever everyone was definitely a five star read.
So that being said you’ll get the most from this if you start at the beginning of the journey with book one, this is a completely separate couple so I suppose you could read it as a stand-alone but you need it really to understand the world this is set in and it will make more sense if read in order. There are definitely things that will fly over your head subtle nuances and prior events that add substance and without this background and reference you might flounder somewhat. Reading from the beginning will add a lot of clarity to the world and the inhabitants of it.
So this is dystopian post-apocalyptic and the worlds gone to ruin after the dredge and if the rager’s or Marauders don’t get you then the rest of the occupants of this new dark world sure will. Here we get to see the black hearts of humankind at there absolute worst, stripped back to there base instincts and surviving no matter the cost, bestowing cruelty and a complete lack of morality and just doing whatever they need to thrive and it’s bloody dark and brutal stuff. I’m not going to go into great detail as I’ve already done that in previous reviews of this series but basically it’s completely fucked up if you get my drift.
All the books in this series are somewhat dark but this one I think was the darkest so far what Thalia is subjected to so heartbreaking and just showcases her inner strength and resilience to overcome her circumstances endure them and then survive and overcome it all with Titus love and support.
Not just Thalia though, Titus certainly gets put through the wringer as well and when these two first originally meet both of them captives of a sadistic and cruel master it’s obvious that he’s given up and just accepted his circumstances, basically turned off his humanity switch which isn’t surprising really. Thalia is the key that reawakens his spirit and his will to escape her arrival relighting his spark of rebellion and will to break free from his chains. She stands for everything he despises but he’s also drawn to her and wants to protect her at the same time.
So this one mostly takes place in the dead-lands and features Titus a genetically altered human a survivor from the original calico experiments that we met previously. Thalia is a brand new character and up until now has lived a life of relative comfort behind the gates of Szolen. Finding herself a Chosen a coveted role in her community she rebels and finds herself exiled to the sisters of mercy convent for a period of five years and when a sand-storm takes out her transport on the way there Thalia finds herself stranded and at the mercy of the deadlands many dangers and there’s a whole lot of them.
This is where her journey begins and it’s not an easy one. Thalia really had little idea of the realities beyond her cosseted upbringing and she definitely has to change to survive during the course of all this. She evolves from a wide-eyed naive idealist into something more equipped to deal with the harshness of her new existence.
It’s not an instant connection with Titus for Thalia she’s drawn to him of course but it isn’t until she gains some needed life-experience and has her eyes fully opened to this new reality that she begins to finally understand the whys of Titus and his actual behaviour. it’s this insight that is the catalyst that finally removes her blinkers and though Titus initially fights there connection his way of protecting Thalia when their bond does finally blossom it was beautiful and so heartwarming. Especially in the face of all the surrounding harshness their light shone so brightly and made such a contrast when held up against all that stark brutality.
This had a lot going on and at times my heart was in my throat, so many emotions this brought forth in me this is one series that puts you through an emotional ringer. And man all of the misplaced guilt Titus feels in regard to his dead friend Cadmus was just so poignant and heart-breaking I felt so much for him which is why I really appreciated that sweet epilogue.
This is mostly told from Thalia’s POV we do get a couple of inputs from Titus one at the start and again at the end but Thalia is the one who’s head we inhabit mostly throughout and she’s definitely a completely different individual than she was at the start of this. Harder more resilient but still essentially a good person just an evolved one that is prepared to make the hard choices if anyone threatens her chosen family. Titus well I’m just so pleased he got his eventual happiness, he so deserves all the love in the world I just adored him so much.
So yeh amazing series that provides all the feels but be aware this does have some deep triggers and it does get dark before it gets better, but it’s also so worth the journey to actually arrive where you do and other than that warning your good to go with this. I do Highly recommend this if you like dystopian post-apocalyptic fiction it is a fantastic series.
Bloody loved this it was fantastic you need to read blind for the best experience. It’s a twisty age-gap romance with an intense gothic [image] [image]
Bloody loved this it was fantastic you need to read blind for the best experience. It’s a twisty age-gap romance with an intense gothic vibe and dark mysterious undertones. it has so many twists and turns and though I did guess some it definitely didn’t detract from my enjoyment.
Isadora Quinn a local girl from Tempest cove accepts a job to work as a companion for Lucian Blackthorne’s ailing mother up at the manor. The Blackthorne family are wealthy and powerful rumours abound regarding the heir Lucian a scarred man with a well earned black reputation. Called the devil of Bonesalt or the mad son the locals whisper and speculate behind his back of the things they believe he has done including the murder of his wife and son.
Lucian is in his early thirties he’s definitely an enigmatic man. Secrets and darkness blanket him and with his scarred visage and hostile persona he terrifies all he deals with. He’s not completely sane and embraces what he believes is his insanity. A definite adrenaline junkie who lives for the rush and his self-preservation seems limited.
Closed off and remote Isadora’s appearance into Lucian life gradually kickstarts his cold heart but he has every intention of resisting its savage call. No matter how fascinated he is by her he is determined to save her from himself. A man of endless responsibility’s ones he neither wants or adheres to but his family legacy is something he can’t just cut ties with.
Isadora is young nineteen but maturity-wise she seemed much older she hasn’t had it easy herself no father a junkie mum and raised by her aunt. In town, the locals targeted her the sins of the mother rubbing off the child. There are also secrets in her past ones that are gradually revealed as this story progresses. This is a story of misdirection it’s told in a past and present manner so we get to experience Lucian’s backstory firsthand it easily kept my attention throughout and I read it in one sitting. The romance part of this is slow burn and this ramps the tension beautifully. When Lucian and Isa finally connect it was everything it had promised and their chemistry together was brilliant.
Overall this was a story of two broken individuals coming together and I think their fragmented pieces complemented each other beautifully. Two outcasts that manage to find a common ground together. I can’t express how much I enjoyed this it was dark gothic enthralling and ever so sexy a real gem that blew me away. Such a well-written story with complex layers and multifaceted characters a story of greys rather than black and white I definitely recommend reading this it’s one I definitely won't forget in a hurry.
So incredibly unique and very imaginative this is a sci-fi retelling of Alice in Wonderland and I bloody adored it. It was just so immer[image] [image]
So incredibly unique and very imaginative this is a sci-fi retelling of Alice in Wonderland and I bloody adored it. It was just so immersive and terribly clever in its execution such a surreal trip of creativity that totally worked. I’ve never experienced an Alice in wonderland retelling or at least I don’t think I have. I’ve read so many stories It’s entirely possible It’s slipped my mind. No matter this one is definitely going to stick as it was such a well-written entertaining endeavour.
Alice finds herself committed to the Liddell psychiatric hospital after inheriting her father's estate. Her greedy relatives contrive to remove her from the equation and this corrupt facility hides secrets behind its government-approved doors. Now asleep and trapped in a simulation Alice awakens to Wonderland a place where everything is upside down turned around and totally surreal.
This had all of the inhabitants you would expect other patients also trapped and unaware that this reality isn’t real. We have the hatter and a red king who is the antagonist of the story. It’s also here she makes the acquaintance of Shadow who follows a different set of rules, he’s a glitch a ghost able to appear and disappear at will, slightly unhinged an adorable sarcastic fruitcake and he loves to play games, especially with the other inhabitants of wonderland. Shadow a feline-type alien in the vein of the Cheshire Cat (yes this world has aliens) was such an enticing character.
Now all Alice needs to do is convince Shadow that reality isn’t real, defeat the red king, wake up from this waking dream and hopefully escape this alternate reality. Shadow during this is her constant protective guide and Alice is falling deep under his spell.
This was imaginative unique and so much fun. I adored the dynamic between Alice and Shadow and they were adorable in all of their banter together. The intimate scenes were hot and this had plenty of chemistry. I definitely recommend this if you're looking for something different as this is sure to hit the spot. I Love this author team and their books consistently deliver the goods every single time.
Bloody hell this book!! I don't even know where to start with this review all I know is this was just so magnificent from start to finish and wo[image]
Bloody hell this book!! I don't even know where to start with this review all I know is this was just so magnificent from start to finish and words can't do justice to how much this actually managed to impress me. Everything about this worked for me and I was transfixed from the second I picked this up.
A totally new author for me but one I will definitely be reading again. So this was set against a dystopian postapocalyptic backdrop and for humans, life has essentially evolved into a battle of daily survival against the Ragers. Ragers are essentially people infected with a virus called "Dredge" that in stages regresses them back to the basic functions of feeding and breeding. So in some ways like zombies but unlike the undead, these infected individuals are still very much alive and as the disease progresses they eventually develop a taste for human flesh, there is at this time no cure.
So this is a story of two parts and though this does contain a romance at its centre this is not really all this is. The romance itself is really just a piece of the bigger picture and there is so much more going on here than what I originally expected. So as I said two parts or essentially two POV's Wren a girl who lives with her Papa within a community of the Pure safely living behind a wall that separates them all from the Deadlands and the contagion and Dani an infected girl taken from her home by soldiers and thrown into a living nightmare of daily survival.
There's one other major contributor here Six, a mysterious and mute boy from the other side of the wall that Wren encounters and feels an almost bonded sense of solidarity towards. The atrocities being committing here were both heartbreaking and at times so hard to comprehend. This is a compelling and hard-hitting rendition of what could happen if you strip back the layers of supposed humanity and expose the underbelly of corruption all in the name of the greater good.
This is also a coming of age story between two young individuals set amid some horrific circumstances, A story of love and surviving against all the odds. I Loved Wren and my heart hurt for both Dani and Six that fragile organ broke many times over at what these individuals were forced to endure living in such a nightmare. An incredibly brutal but also a beautiful love story set against a post-apocalyptic landscape.
This story will most certainly wring you out emotionally so don't go expecting to walk away from this unscathed, This will and did leave deep battle scars. This was hands down one of my favourite books this year but please do be aware that it is also a dark and at times bleak portrayal of human corruption and cruelty and as such contains major triggers throughout, Highly recommend this one. I voluntary reviewed a copy of Juniper Unraveling (Juniper Unraveling, #1)
Bex (Beckie Bookworm)
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