📚 Our Book Picks for the Week of Feb 7th
👑 Destructive King by Rachel Van Dyken
💔 Kian's Focus by Misty Walker
🧝 Curse of Darkness by C.R. Robertson
🔥 Burning Hope by Kathryn Ann Kingsley
🩸 Moth by Lana Sky
🌴 Swallow it Down by Addison Cain
See all of our reviews and recommendations
Destructive King by Rachel Van DykenDescription:
A mafia romance about love and loss by Rachel Van Dyken, the number one New York Times bestselling author of the Eagle Elite series.
I didn’t lose. It was taken from me.
I’ll bring down an entire Empire and continue my reign as King.
Bow down, I’ll say as I bring the Five Families to their knees.
Blood in.
Never out.
Damned
Our Thoughts 💭:
"Sometimes you never know the value of a moment until it becomes a memory"-Dr. Seuss
What an emotional rollercoaster this series has been.
Angst - Family - Violence - Betrayal - Courtship - Love
It's not perfect.
Just like life isn't perfect.
The characters are flawed
They stumble - They bleed - They hope
I think that is what makes each journey so significant
"You have. You love. You lose. And then you live."
Ash is lost in a sea of anger. His world was ripped from his grasp. The other half of his soul and his unborn child were stolen from him.
In his darkness there shines a light
How dare she brightens his world
Lightens his misery
Forces him to feel
To question
To hope
"And just like the rain, I fell"
Annie just wanted to be more
More than "the orphan " - the charity case
Her mother told her she would be safe here
She was wrong
This was a two tissue box read
The heart knows and Annie knew. Her life has been a warped version of hades since she could remember. She thought things were going to be different.
I loved how she stayed true to her feelings even when they were not reciprocated. Yeah, a touch stalkerish but like calls to like and all that. There were a couple of scenes that threw me for a loop emotionally, enough that I either squeaked out or gasped loud enough to garner the attention of others who were in the room
Wait till the why's of certain events are revealed - Holy Schznick!!
The back and forth between her and Ash - that underlying chemistry that burned just beyond reach - Cosmic!
Ash was so lost like most survivors he was afraid if he laughed, hoped, or lived it would be a betrayal to their memories.
Instead of confronting his feelings and going through the steps of grief he pushed and pulled at those around him.
Created targets for his pain, even if the reasons were merely manifestations of his own - a means to expel his pain.
Now if the family can just reign him in before they are forced to put him down
"Perfect. Wonderful. Actual unicorns stampeded out of my a#* as I drove here under a double rainbow and waved at a leprechaun."
That above is what makes this series so enjoyable. The mix of ,IDK, common - relatable events - with what we expect from a mafia read -
Blood blended with laughter -
yeah it is a bit outside of the norm but not impossible
#destructiveking #dark #newadult #mafia #suspense #romance #rachelvandyken
Amazon
Kian's Focus by Misty Walker
This has all the feels and then a few more
Loss - Acceptance - Hope - Family - Second chances
Learning to live again
Kain emits the bouncy outgoing 'the world is my oyster' persona but on the inside, he wishes for those moments-
The quiet nights wrapped in the arms of someone who knows him
A safe person to call his during the good and the bad
Something he never believed he would truly have -
He was okay with that
He spent his time building his business' there was no time left for relationships and happily ever after
Until Asher
Big grumpy - Smexy as hades Asher
But Asher has his own walls -
His own reasons for believing happily ever after had already come and gone
What happens when two romantics (they may not admit it but they are) are forced into the same orbit?
One heart-melting romance that will have you laughing, crying, and whooping (don't judge I was happy)
#kiansfocus #brigsferrybay #MM #steamy #angsty #romance #smalltown #mistywalker
Kian's Focus by Misty WalkerDescription:
Kian always gets what he wants...
and now his focus is on Archer.
Brigs Ferry Bay is a steamy MM romance series.
While each book can be read as a standalone, to get the full experience, they’re best read in order. Enemies to lovers, friends to lovers, hurt comfort, age-gap romance, and so much more. Fall in love with the charming small town gay romances of Brigs Ferry Bay
Our Thoughts 💭:
Two tissue box read!!!This has all the feels and then a few more
Loss - Acceptance - Hope - Family - Second chances
Learning to live again
Kain emits the bouncy outgoing 'the world is my oyster' persona but on the inside, he wishes for those moments-
The quiet nights wrapped in the arms of someone who knows him
A safe person to call his during the good and the bad
Something he never believed he would truly have -
He was okay with that
He spent his time building his business' there was no time left for relationships and happily ever after
Until Asher
Big grumpy - Smexy as hades Asher
But Asher has his own walls -
His own reasons for believing happily ever after had already come and gone
What happens when two romantics (they may not admit it but they are) are forced into the same orbit?
One heart-melting romance that will have you laughing, crying, and whooping (don't judge I was happy)
#kiansfocus #brigsferrybay #MM #steamy #angsty #romance #smalltown #mistywalker
Amazon
Curse of Darkness by C.R. Robertson
This is Raegel and Agathas story
It follows Curse of Seduction
Holly Crispy Crackers!!
If you read the first book then you know Raegel is the stuffy grumpy pointy-eared hoity-toity prince of the elves with absolutely NOOOOO sense of social niceties
When you put him and our firecracker of a witch Agatha in the same vicinity?
The resulting explosion? ATOMIC! 💥
And I though Ezekiel and Ilana's story was a roller coaster of emotional torment
Agatha's love for her family and friends almost broke me
We see the battle from an entirely different perspective as well as all the little moves that were made decades before
As I said in my review of Curse of Seduction
This has got to be one of the best fantasy reads this year.
I can't even begin to list all the positive things I adored about this story
The world-building?
Phenomenal
The story line?
Magical
The characters?
💞 Enchanting
#curseofdarkness #darkprincesofpurgatory #PNR #occulthorror #suspense #romance #crrobertson
Curse of Darkness by C.R. RobertsonDescription:
An evil queen cursed the princes of Purgatory to claim their magic. Only their fated witch mate can save them, but a blood sacrifice is required that demands the highest emotional cost.
Raegel was cursed by The Blood Queen, compelled to be her assassin he stalked Purgatory in a solitary life. Arrogant and proud, he refused to take a mate until a feisty witch wandered into his path.
Compelled to kill, can he save them before darkness claims them both?
Our Thoughts 💭:
I love this seriesThis is Raegel and Agathas story
It follows Curse of Seduction
Holly Crispy Crackers!!
If you read the first book then you know Raegel is the stuffy grumpy pointy-eared hoity-toity prince of the elves with absolutely NOOOOO sense of social niceties
When you put him and our firecracker of a witch Agatha in the same vicinity?
The resulting explosion? ATOMIC! 💥
And I though Ezekiel and Ilana's story was a roller coaster of emotional torment
Agatha's love for her family and friends almost broke me
We see the battle from an entirely different perspective as well as all the little moves that were made decades before
As I said in my review of Curse of Seduction
This has got to be one of the best fantasy reads this year.
I can't even begin to list all the positive things I adored about this story
The world-building?
Phenomenal
The story line?
Magical
The characters?
💞 Enchanting
#curseofdarkness #darkprincesofpurgatory #PNR #occulthorror #suspense #romance #crrobertson
Amazon
Burning Hope by Kathryn Ann Kingsley
I wanted Nero's story sooooo bad and Wow did Kingsley deliver!
"You will march into this new world with me—or I will march us all into Hades as I burn this city to the ground.” He let a sadistic smile spread over his face. “I care not either way.”
- Nero
This is the second book in the series and it jumps right into Nero's story. I was already attached to him emotionally from book one so the connection with him was solid. I knew he would be a handful. There is a line in the book that sums up Nero's personality perfectly
"He was playful. Like a murdering puppy. But still a puppy, all the same."
- Hope
I can not think of a villain that has held my heart more than Nero.
He just wanted someone to love him, fine going after Rose maybe was not the best idea but ...
He sat before Hera threatening, cursing, and pleading. He deserved someone to call his own. He needed a reason to keep going, he needed hope.
And dang is Hera did not deliver
Hope
I fricking loved her character! She was such a spitfire! She tested Nero's patience at every turn not backing down when his fiery personality came forth.
I think it actually drove her attitude.
Let's talk about the chemistry between these two?
His lips hovered over hers, his breath washing over her. He smelled of violence. Of the bitter metallic scent of blood. “Brace yourself, pretty girl…you’re in for a real rough night.”
The constant touches - The small "love taps" 😂 -
The way Hope brought out the child in Nero -
The way Nero brought out the woman in Hope-
The turbulent emotions that simmered right below the surface
I could feel the tension and desire the volatile passion between them
Gawds they were perfect for each other
I could rant for days how this read left me with a major book hangover and a desire to crawl into my kindle and take root
but judge for yourself - You will not be disappointed
Burning Hope by Kathryn Ann KingsleyDescription:
Nero is a madman and a murderer…and now Hope belongs to him.
Hope’s life as an enslaved priestess in the Temple of Hera is all she has ever known. Born to slavery and the golden chain she wears around her neck, very little ever came as a surprise. Bought by a man who is unpredictable at best and a madman at worst, she has to be careful not to get burned.
Our Thoughts 💭:
YESSSS!!! I wanted Nero's story sooooo bad and Wow did Kingsley deliver!
"You will march into this new world with me—or I will march us all into Hades as I burn this city to the ground.” He let a sadistic smile spread over his face. “I care not either way.”
- Nero
This is the second book in the series and it jumps right into Nero's story. I was already attached to him emotionally from book one so the connection with him was solid. I knew he would be a handful. There is a line in the book that sums up Nero's personality perfectly
"He was playful. Like a murdering puppy. But still a puppy, all the same."
- Hope
I can not think of a villain that has held my heart more than Nero.
He just wanted someone to love him, fine going after Rose maybe was not the best idea but ...
He sat before Hera threatening, cursing, and pleading. He deserved someone to call his own. He needed a reason to keep going, he needed hope.
And dang is Hera did not deliver
Hope
I fricking loved her character! She was such a spitfire! She tested Nero's patience at every turn not backing down when his fiery personality came forth.
I think it actually drove her attitude.
Let's talk about the chemistry between these two?
His lips hovered over hers, his breath washing over her. He smelled of violence. Of the bitter metallic scent of blood. “Brace yourself, pretty girl…you’re in for a real rough night.”
The constant touches - The small "love taps" 😂 -
The way Hope brought out the child in Nero -
The way Nero brought out the woman in Hope-
The turbulent emotions that simmered right below the surface
I could feel the tension and desire the volatile passion between them
Gawds they were perfect for each other
I could rant for days how this read left me with a major book hangover and a desire to crawl into my kindle and take root
but judge for yourself - You will not be disappointed
#burninghope #cardinalwinds #dark #villain #steampunk #dystopian #romance #kathrynannkingsley
Amazon
Moth by Lana Sky
😬 You cannot leave me hanging by a breath like this!!
I knew it!
Let me start with the brother...
You need to stop suffocating your sister.
How your partner has not pieced together something is off leaves me with all kinds of red flags.
Your over attentiveness.
Your constant need to monitor her.
As an outsider, I wasn't given a lot of clues but I pieced together the little things
That she is not living in the best of areas
She is a bit on the innocent side, overly trusting
She has a habit of submitting to peer pressure
She seeks out that thrill
I could be wrong here, but I doubt it ...
Rabbit honey you need to listen to Rafe -
Use your words -
Open your eyes!
Rafe, 😍 you know you enjoy the game too much to give up the hunt
This was one twist after another.
In true Sky fashion, she tosses her reader into a labyrinth of possibilities with no solution in sight just endless twists and dead ends that leave the reader
😬 uggghhhh!
I think the on the edge of your seat exasperation coupled with the unknown and endless possibilities is why I torture myself every time she has a new release
What can I say
I'm a glutton for emotional torment
I need the next in series pleasssseeee
Moth by Lana SkyDescription:
He thought he could make my life hell.
But it already was.
The one time Hannah Dewitt tries to live a little, she winds up in the crosshairs of a local thug who seems hellbent on terrorizing her.
But Rafe isn’t the only monster in her life. Another looms in the background, and he won’t let her go so easily
Our Thoughts 💭:
😱No!😬 You cannot leave me hanging by a breath like this!!
I knew it!
Let me start with the brother...
You need to stop suffocating your sister.
How your partner has not pieced together something is off leaves me with all kinds of red flags.
Your over attentiveness.
Your constant need to monitor her.
As an outsider, I wasn't given a lot of clues but I pieced together the little things
That she is not living in the best of areas
She is a bit on the innocent side, overly trusting
She has a habit of submitting to peer pressure
She seeks out that thrill
I could be wrong here, but I doubt it ...
Rabbit honey you need to listen to Rafe -
Use your words -
Open your eyes!
Rafe, 😍 you know you enjoy the game too much to give up the hunt
This was one twist after another.
In true Sky fashion, she tosses her reader into a labyrinth of possibilities with no solution in sight just endless twists and dead ends that leave the reader
😬 uggghhhh!
I think the on the edge of your seat exasperation coupled with the unknown and endless possibilities is why I torture myself every time she has a new release
What can I say
I'm a glutton for emotional torment
I need the next in series pleasssseeee
#moth #dragontriad #dark #newadult #romance #lanasky
Amazon
Swallow it Down by Addison Cain
I have to know!
I need more of this world! More of the cast!
This is post-apocalyptic romance, that for me hit all the right triggers eliciting such emotions.
I laughed, I cheered (Eugina was a firecracker), I cried, I even cringed a couple of times
I did not want to leave
Eugenia was in love, on track for the career of her dreams.
Smart, healthy, happy.
Until the world ended.
Now she seeks the elusive, the once abundant - simple things like -freshwater - safety - food - shelter
Traveling with her companion, getting comfortable with her survival she lets down her guard and soon finds herself trapped in a "city" that offers all those elusive comforts but at a price, one she isn't willing to pay
And that's all the spoiling I'm giving
Eugenia was a thorn in everyone's side 🤣 that girl just put it out there - no filter - no forethought.
What better way to get kicked off/out than to be the proverbial pain in the backside?
But she failed to see all the truths -
blinded by her anger, her judgment
She finds herself having to choose between old world values and new world realities
Aaron saw the whole picture.
It wasn't pretty, it wasn't fair, but it was the safer evil
He wasn't going to put her out.
Her fire was new, enticing
No, he would tame the little red-headed vixen
Get her to accept what was best for her even if she didn't agree
The chemistry, the hatred, the misguided anger that burns between these two?
They were a perfectly balanced combination of reactants
Holy apocalyptic implosion!
His patience in the face of her temper?
I was rolling only because I too would have been livid
Her storm in the face of his calm?
UGHH these two were epic together
Yeah there is some heartache but there is also acceptance and a Happy Ever After or Happy Enough...
for now
This is a must-read for 2020
Swallow it Down by Addison CainDescription:
SWALLOW IT DOWN is an angst-ridden, enemies to lovers romance, boasting a strong female lead and a swoon worthy hero. This standalone features an HEA that will keep you turning the page all night.
Our Thoughts 💭:
Please tell me there is a next coming?I have to know!
I need more of this world! More of the cast!
This is post-apocalyptic romance, that for me hit all the right triggers eliciting such emotions.
I laughed, I cheered (Eugina was a firecracker), I cried, I even cringed a couple of times
I did not want to leave
Eugenia was in love, on track for the career of her dreams.
Smart, healthy, happy.
Until the world ended.
Now she seeks the elusive, the once abundant - simple things like -freshwater - safety - food - shelter
Traveling with her companion, getting comfortable with her survival she lets down her guard and soon finds herself trapped in a "city" that offers all those elusive comforts but at a price, one she isn't willing to pay
And that's all the spoiling I'm giving
Eugenia was a thorn in everyone's side 🤣 that girl just put it out there - no filter - no forethought.
What better way to get kicked off/out than to be the proverbial pain in the backside?
But she failed to see all the truths -
blinded by her anger, her judgment
She finds herself having to choose between old world values and new world realities
Aaron saw the whole picture.
It wasn't pretty, it wasn't fair, but it was the safer evil
He wasn't going to put her out.
Her fire was new, enticing
No, he would tame the little red-headed vixen
Get her to accept what was best for her even if she didn't agree
The chemistry, the hatred, the misguided anger that burns between these two?
They were a perfectly balanced combination of reactants
Holy apocalyptic implosion!
His patience in the face of her temper?
I was rolling only because I too would have been livid
Her storm in the face of his calm?
UGHH these two were epic together
Yeah there is some heartache but there is also acceptance and a Happy Ever After or Happy Enough...
for now
This is a must-read for 2020
#swallowitdown #dystopian #fairytale #gothic #romance #addisoncain
Follow the Authors on
Twitter: @RachVD @mistywalkerbook @vodriel @lanasky101 @Addison_Cain
Instagram: @rachvd @authormistywalker @crrobertsonauthor @kathrynannkingsley @lanasky101 @authoraddisoncain
Comments
Post a Comment