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4.04 AVERAGE
4.04 AVERAGE
Audiobook Review:
What an awesome surprise! This is a new-to-me author and I really enjoyed this book. I want the next one out asap!
Before I get to the story, this was such a good audiobook! I loved both narrators, it was duet and there were even added sound effects (not too over the top!). I really enjoyed it.
As for the story, I need the next one to really understand what’s going on here, but I still had a good time. Jane is a survivor filled with secrets. She’s lived alone, believing both of her parents are dead. There was also a prophecy/promise that if she ever came back home then many people would die.
Soren has the ability to read intentions and emotions so he is excellent hunting down wanted criminals and getting the truth out of people. He’s morally gray with hidden intentions of his own, but he is tasked with hunting down Jane without knowing why she’s wanted.
Jane has the ability to heal so she loves putting up a fight and constantly tries to escape Soren. Soren is extremely intrigued by the troublemaker. He wants to know all of her secrets and plans to get them out of her.
There’s a lot of mystery surrounding Jane and who she is and who her father is. Some people want her dead, but Soren was told by a witch to keep her alive. Soren and Jane are extremely attracted together each other, but that’s not the problem. Soren says how Jane is different for him and she should trust him, but he can read that she just can’t.
This book doesn’t explain too much about who Jane is and ends on a cliffhanger, but I don’t care. The spice was great, the chemistry is great and I really like Soren. I can’t wait to find out what happens next!
What an awesome surprise! This is a new-to-me author and I really enjoyed this book. I want the next one out asap!
Before I get to the story, this was such a good audiobook! I loved both narrators, it was duet and there were even added sound effects (not too over the top!). I really enjoyed it.
As for the story, I need the next one to really understand what’s going on here, but I still had a good time. Jane is a survivor filled with secrets. She’s lived alone, believing both of her parents are dead. There was also a prophecy/promise that if she ever came back home then many people would die.
Soren has the ability to read intentions and emotions so he is excellent hunting down wanted criminals and getting the truth out of people. He’s morally gray with hidden intentions of his own, but he is tasked with hunting down Jane without knowing why she’s wanted.
Jane has the ability to heal so she loves putting up a fight and constantly tries to escape Soren. Soren is extremely intrigued by the troublemaker. He wants to know all of her secrets and plans to get them out of her.
There’s a lot of mystery surrounding Jane and who she is and who her father is. Some people want her dead, but Soren was told by a witch to keep her alive. Soren and Jane are extremely attracted together each other, but that’s not the problem. Soren says how Jane is different for him and she should trust him, but he can read that she just can’t.
This book doesn’t explain too much about who Jane is and ends on a cliffhanger, but I don’t care. The spice was great, the chemistry is great and I really like Soren. I can’t wait to find out what happens next!
This book was so much fun! It was spicy, Soren was a top tier MMC. Jane is sassy and fiery which I loved. And the storyline was so good, certain parts made me want to shake certain characters (no spoilers here) so I hope they redeem themselves in book two. I’m also really looking forward to the resolution from the plot twist at the end! Overall if you’re wanting a spicy romantasy filled with secrets then don’t wait to read this one!
This dark, gritty ride has to be one of my favorites of the year. If you are looking for something soft and sweet, you won't find it here. This, THIS, is a book about improper bastards and it is brilliant. Charlotte Mallory became an auto-buy author with this one.
The book follows Jane (our FMC on the run from a council of questionable morals) and Soren (our MMC and mercenary sent to take her back to Skull’s Row). These two characters are hardened from living in their dangerous world, where everyone has an ulterior motive and is out for themselves. Soren and Jane do not give each other an inch in the beginning. They are true adversaries and they are really going to do some damage. But watching these two learn to yield and start to trust each other -- it is a delicious moment in the book. They don't simmer, they sizzle.
I need to know what happens next because plot might simple like a simple game of cat and mouse, but Mallory does this amazing job of pulling back the layers and showing a plot of political intrigue, shifting alliances, and ensuing battles. And I, for one, cannot wait.
As for the book itself, I loved the dark and gritty world that Charlotte Mallory delivered. I was actually stalling finishing this one because I did not want it to end (book 2 isn't out yet and I need it).
Audiobook review:
Also, if you haven't listened the audiobook. You are missing out. I love this audiobook. Both Jacci Prior and Anthony Palmini delivered stunning performances as Jane and Soren. Honestly, I am I think they might have ruined me a little bit for other audiobooks. Jacci's feisty and fierce tone blended perfectly with Anthony's gritty and raw narration of Soren's devil may care attitude. I will legit listen to this duo read me a restaurant menu. They are that entertaining. Their voices paired with the ambient background noises, which added to so many scenes and made this a fun read.
The book follows Jane (our FMC on the run from a council of questionable morals) and Soren (our MMC and mercenary sent to take her back to Skull’s Row). These two characters are hardened from living in their dangerous world, where everyone has an ulterior motive and is out for themselves. Soren and Jane do not give each other an inch in the beginning. They are true adversaries and they are really going to do some damage. But watching these two learn to yield and start to trust each other -- it is a delicious moment in the book. They don't simmer, they sizzle.
I need to know what happens next because plot might simple like a simple game of cat and mouse, but Mallory does this amazing job of pulling back the layers and showing a plot of political intrigue, shifting alliances, and ensuing battles. And I, for one, cannot wait.
As for the book itself, I loved the dark and gritty world that Charlotte Mallory delivered. I was actually stalling finishing this one because I did not want it to end (book 2 isn't out yet and I need it).
Audiobook review:
Also, if you haven't listened the audiobook. You are missing out. I love this audiobook. Both Jacci Prior and Anthony Palmini delivered stunning performances as Jane and Soren. Honestly, I am I think they might have ruined me a little bit for other audiobooks. Jacci's feisty and fierce tone blended perfectly with Anthony's gritty and raw narration of Soren's devil may care attitude. I will legit listen to this duo read me a restaurant menu. They are that entertaining. Their voices paired with the ambient background noises, which added to so many scenes and made this a fun read.
I loved this!
It gave me everything I wanted and was better than expected considering it only has a little over 4 stars (idk how). Both main characters are strong and determined and make choices that make sense. There’s something about the MCs being “older” that just makes the story even better because the reader doesn’t have to suffer through any and every childish decisions they, undoubtably, are going to make.
Supporting characters are great. The world building and flow of the story was great. There’s plenty of action, realistic convos about affection vs love, spice, and sooo many emotions that I never got bored.
I can’t stand a cliff hanger but can’t wait for the final/next book!
It gave me everything I wanted and was better than expected considering it only has a little over 4 stars (idk how). Both main characters are strong and determined and make choices that make sense. There’s something about the MCs being “older” that just makes the story even better because the reader doesn’t have to suffer through any and every childish decisions they, undoubtably, are going to make.
Supporting characters are great. The world building and flow of the story was great. There’s plenty of action, realistic convos about affection vs love, spice, and sooo many emotions that I never got bored.
I can’t stand a cliff hanger but can’t wait for the final/next book!
Spice: 3 peppers
I knew from the moment I saw the cover that I would vibe with this book, and I did.
THE SECRETS OF JANE is the first book in a spicy dark romantasy duet that is pitched as perfect for fans of Pirates of the Caribbean and The Witcher. And guess what? I’m a fan of both, and I see it. It’s there.
The story has quite the interesting setup. Jane, our badass female protagonist, is immediately shown as a woman who isn’t afraid to throw punches and also as someone who is clearly hiding from something or someone. And then we have Soren, the male main character, who is a mercenary from Skull’s Row, tasked to find Jane and bring her back. But why? Who is she? These are questions that Soren keeps asking himself, and honestly so did I. I was very intrigued.
Once Jane and Soren meet, their banter is like dynamite and they’re quite attracted to each other rather quickly. Can’t blame them for that. Especially Soren, and sure, Jane’s gorgeous, but a lot of it I think has to do with the fact that he’s been trying to figure her out ever since being given his mission. The mystery, the enigma, are all part of the attraction and his need to have her. The man is willing to have her be his mistress just to keep her. I do wish we would have seen a little more hesitation on Jane’s part. Between the two, she’s the one who’s in danger and was taken. I appreciate her attempt to flee, but I think slowing down her attraction to Soren at the start would have been even more impactful.
Thank you to the author for gifting me a copy. Opinions are my own.
I knew from the moment I saw the cover that I would vibe with this book, and I did.
THE SECRETS OF JANE is the first book in a spicy dark romantasy duet that is pitched as perfect for fans of Pirates of the Caribbean and The Witcher. And guess what? I’m a fan of both, and I see it. It’s there.
The story has quite the interesting setup. Jane, our badass female protagonist, is immediately shown as a woman who isn’t afraid to throw punches and also as someone who is clearly hiding from something or someone. And then we have Soren, the male main character, who is a mercenary from Skull’s Row, tasked to find Jane and bring her back. But why? Who is she? These are questions that Soren keeps asking himself, and honestly so did I. I was very intrigued.
Once Jane and Soren meet, their banter is like dynamite and they’re quite attracted to each other rather quickly. Can’t blame them for that. Especially Soren, and sure, Jane’s gorgeous, but a lot of it I think has to do with the fact that he’s been trying to figure her out ever since being given his mission. The mystery, the enigma, are all part of the attraction and his need to have her. The man is willing to have her be his mistress just to keep her. I do wish we would have seen a little more hesitation on Jane’s part. Between the two, she’s the one who’s in danger and was taken. I appreciate her attempt to flee, but I think slowing down her attraction to Soren at the start would have been even more impactful.
Thank you to the author for gifting me a copy. Opinions are my own.
Spice rating: 3
THE SECRETS OF JANE is marketed as Pirates of the Caribbean meets the Witcher, and I definitely see it! Add also a sizzling romance with touch her and d!e vibes, a fast attraction and delicious spicy scenes, and you have yourself one engaging romantasy book!
The protagonist of this book is Jane, a feisty woman with a habit of getting into fist fights. Her past is wrapped up in mistery, and of course it catches up to her! In comes Soren, a mercenary tasked with finding Jane by a council of warlords, and bring her back to them. But what are the secrets of Jane's past? That's what Soren wants to find out, and what Jane wants to protect at all costs.
This fantasy is a treat for those (like me) who love reading books that are more on the dark side. The world-builing is quite dark, and there isn't a character that isn't morally gray to be found! I found that really refreshing. It was interesting to see that even the protagonists are following their own agenda without necessarily trying to be heroes. I also enjoyed both Soren and Jane as individuals, and I loved their banter! Their scenes were HOT, and I cannot fault Jane for being so immediately drawn to our smexy pirate mercenary. I for one love a good fast attraction, and I think the quick spicy payoff serves these characters well, but I might have liked to see some more meaningful events or conversations before Soren decided to keep Jane for himself.
The book ends on a fantastic cliffhanger, and I cannot wait to get some answers in the next book!
Thank you to the author for gifting me a copy for review. Opinions are my own.
THE SECRETS OF JANE is marketed as Pirates of the Caribbean meets the Witcher, and I definitely see it! Add also a sizzling romance with touch her and d!e vibes, a fast attraction and delicious spicy scenes, and you have yourself one engaging romantasy book!
The protagonist of this book is Jane, a feisty woman with a habit of getting into fist fights. Her past is wrapped up in mistery, and of course it catches up to her! In comes Soren, a mercenary tasked with finding Jane by a council of warlords, and bring her back to them. But what are the secrets of Jane's past? That's what Soren wants to find out, and what Jane wants to protect at all costs.
This fantasy is a treat for those (like me) who love reading books that are more on the dark side. The world-builing is quite dark, and there isn't a character that isn't morally gray to be found! I found that really refreshing. It was interesting to see that even the protagonists are following their own agenda without necessarily trying to be heroes. I also enjoyed both Soren and Jane as individuals, and I loved their banter! Their scenes were HOT, and I cannot fault Jane for being so immediately drawn to our smexy pirate mercenary. I for one love a good fast attraction, and I think the quick spicy payoff serves these characters well, but I might have liked to see some more meaningful events or conversations before Soren decided to keep Jane for himself.
The book ends on a fantastic cliffhanger, and I cannot wait to get some answers in the next book!
Thank you to the author for gifting me a copy for review. Opinions are my own.
This book 100% worth the hype, and draws you in with the grit and toughness of the characters from page one. Jane is no prim and proper lady, fighting and cursing from the get go and I am absolutely here for it! Soren is her perfect match, and their chemistry literally flies off the page.
The plot is engaging, full of secrets, action and mystery and I cannot wait for book 2! I got serious Witcher and Black Sails vibes from this book which I absolutely LOVED!
@cmalloryauthor has a good one here, don’t sleep on it!
☠️ Enemies-to-Lovers
The plot is engaging, full of secrets, action and mystery and I cannot wait for book 2! I got serious Witcher and Black Sails vibes from this book which I absolutely LOVED!
@cmalloryauthor has a good one here, don’t sleep on it!
☠️ Enemies-to-Lovers
This was an action packed book that left me with more questions than answers. My brain was running on overtime to figure out all the secrets, twist and turns.
I enjoyed reading it and loved the gritty pirate vibes. We got some spice scenes too that I, of course, lived for.
Even though the FMC has trust issues, as one should in her situation, I did feel like she let her guard down a little too fast with the MMC. I wouldn't have minded some more tug and pull, and let the tension brew some more.
Overall a good read that leaves you wanting to know more.
Thank you to the author for sending me an arc to review!
I enjoyed reading it and loved the gritty pirate vibes. We got some spice scenes too that I, of course, lived for.
Even though the FMC has trust issues, as one should in her situation, I did feel like she let her guard down a little too fast with the MMC. I wouldn't have minded some more tug and pull, and let the tension brew some more.
Overall a good read that leaves you wanting to know more.
Thank you to the author for sending me an arc to review!
EASILY A TOP FAVE READ OF 2024!! I cannot begin to tell y'all how much this book blew me away. I’ve been a bit of a slump lately, but this book?! Pulled me right out of it and all because of the page-turning tension and banter between Soren and Jane—such a beautifully written romantasy, complete with so many explosive sp!cy scenes!! I'm super looking forward to the second and final book--fingers crossed for more Bones/Kathleen content!!
What to Expect:
—Enemies-to-Lovers
—Morally Grey MMC
—Bada** FMC
—Multi-POV
—Banter + Tension
—Forced Proximity
—Plenty of
What to Expect:
—Enemies-to-Lovers
—Morally Grey MMC
—Bada** FMC
—Multi-POV
—Banter + Tension
—Forced Proximity
—Plenty of
Slow Clap
Really well done slow burn of a book. Pacing is super good, writing is good. I like the building of the world and story, how slowly secrets are revealed and even the cliffy at the end (which made me yell OH COME ON). Can't wait for the sequel!
Really well done slow burn of a book. Pacing is super good, writing is good. I like the building of the world and story, how slowly secrets are revealed and even the cliffy at the end (which made me yell OH COME ON). Can't wait for the sequel!