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firequeen_ash23's reviews
125 reviews
Deadly Little Promises by K.G. Reuss
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Title: Deadly Little Promises
Author: K.G. Ruess
Series: Kings of Bolton #3
Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆
Spice: 🌶🌶🌶🌶
Deadly Little Promises, Kings of Bolton #3, is another one of my favorites. I can't get enough of the Kings; Levin, Vincent, and Dominic are everything you'd want and more. Of course you can't forget about their queen, Bianca.
These characters never get much down time, there's always something going on or some fued with another group of people. KG keeps us readers on our toes and our hearts in a vice grip. I'm always on the edge of my seat, biting my nails to the quick while reading her books and it was no different with Deadly Little Promises. DLS starts off with a BANG, quite literally. I love the character development in every book KG writes as well as how the story develops. There's constant character feuds, constant wars and new alliances made, but that doesn't stop bad men from doing bad things and before long the KOB will need the horsemens help when someone decides they want to take the one thing that means the most to the KOB. The KOB are scrambling trying to figure out who crossed them. Of course Deadly Little Promises ends on quite the cliffhanger as all of KG's books do.
I loved and hated this book for so many different reasons. A lot of characters in this book do some crazy things and for that I ended up disliking some characters that I thought I loved. Loyalties will be tested in this book and some will make it, others won't. I highly recommend this book and this series if you love lots of mafia style reverse harem dark romances with a lot of spice and action.
Author: K.G. Ruess
Series: Kings of Bolton #3
Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆
Spice: 🌶🌶🌶🌶
Deadly Little Promises, Kings of Bolton #3, is another one of my favorites. I can't get enough of the Kings; Levin, Vincent, and Dominic are everything you'd want and more. Of course you can't forget about their queen, Bianca.
These characters never get much down time, there's always something going on or some fued with another group of people. KG keeps us readers on our toes and our hearts in a vice grip. I'm always on the edge of my seat, biting my nails to the quick while reading her books and it was no different with Deadly Little Promises. DLS starts off with a BANG, quite literally. I love the character development in every book KG writes as well as how the story develops. There's constant character feuds, constant wars and new alliances made, but that doesn't stop bad men from doing bad things and before long the KOB will need the horsemens help when someone decides they want to take the one thing that means the most to the KOB. The KOB are scrambling trying to figure out who crossed them. Of course Deadly Little Promises ends on quite the cliffhanger as all of KG's books do.
I loved and hated this book for so many different reasons. A lot of characters in this book do some crazy things and for that I ended up disliking some characters that I thought I loved. Loyalties will be tested in this book and some will make it, others won't. I highly recommend this book and this series if you love lots of mafia style reverse harem dark romances with a lot of spice and action.
The Pretty Savage by L.K. Reid
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Title: 𝕿𝖍𝖊 𝕻𝖗𝖊𝖙𝖙𝖞 𝕾𝖆𝖛𝖆𝖌𝖊: 𝔄 𝔇𝔞𝔯𝔨 𝔈𝔫𝔢𝔪𝔦𝔢𝔰-𝔱𝔬-𝔏𝔬𝔳𝔢𝔯𝔰 ℜ𝔬𝔪𝔞𝔫𝔠𝔢
Author: 𝓛. 𝓚. 𝓡𝓮𝓲𝓭
Series: St. Vasili's Academy book 1
Rating: ☆☆☆☆.5
Spice: 🌶🌶🌶
Two assassins.
He's her target.
One last mission to gain her freedom.
What could go wrong?
Vega
is an assassin who wants her freedom and is pushed to do one more mission for the organization she works for. She's to go to St. Vasili's Academy to kill one man.
Adrian
Assassin
A solider
He has no idea why Vega is at the academy or who she really is but he's determined to find out all there is to know about the woman that's turned his life upside.
The Pretty Savage is a gritty, emotional, spicy enemies to lovers dark romance. I was on the edge of my seat during this book. Vega is surrounded by killers, her enemies and she knows she can't trust anyone but herself. I love that Vega is a strong fmc and can take care of herself, but Reid also showed the other side of Vega, who wants nothing more than to be loved and cared for. I loved the way Reid told the story as well the depth that Adrian and Vega had. I loved the double pov. It was interesting and refreshing being able to see how Adrian felt and what he was thinking. Reid definitely knows how to end a book with a cliffhanger *BAM* (mind blown) which made it even more interesting and suspenseful. I can't wait to read what happens in book 2. I'll be reading L.K. Reid's other books until book 2.
Author: 𝓛. 𝓚. 𝓡𝓮𝓲𝓭
Series: St. Vasili's Academy book 1
Rating: ☆☆☆☆.5
Spice: 🌶🌶🌶
Two assassins.
He's her target.
One last mission to gain her freedom.
What could go wrong?
Vega
is an assassin who wants her freedom and is pushed to do one more mission for the organization she works for. She's to go to St. Vasili's Academy to kill one man.
Adrian
Assassin
A solider
He has no idea why Vega is at the academy or who she really is but he's determined to find out all there is to know about the woman that's turned his life upside.
The Pretty Savage is a gritty, emotional, spicy enemies to lovers dark romance. I was on the edge of my seat during this book. Vega is surrounded by killers, her enemies and she knows she can't trust anyone but herself. I love that Vega is a strong fmc and can take care of herself, but Reid also showed the other side of Vega, who wants nothing more than to be loved and cared for. I loved the way Reid told the story as well the depth that Adrian and Vega had. I loved the double pov. It was interesting and refreshing being able to see how Adrian felt and what he was thinking. Reid definitely knows how to end a book with a cliffhanger *BAM* (mind blown) which made it even more interesting and suspenseful. I can't wait to read what happens in book 2. I'll be reading L.K. Reid's other books until book 2.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent, Forced institutionalization, Sexual content, Death, Injury/Injury detail, Violence, Misogyny, and Cursing
Moderate: Death of parent and Murder
Minor: Injury/Injury detail, Sexism, and Infertility
Within the Solstice Cages by Sadie Hewitt
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Title: Within the Solistice Cages
Author: Sadie Hewitt
Series: The Mage book 2
Rating: ☆☆☆☆
I loved book one As the Fallen Rise when I read it last year as an arc. I was even more excited to be apart of the arc group for Sadie Hewitt for the second book, Within the Solistice Cages!
You pick up right where book one left us in book one. Book 2 is just as good as book one. I really enjoyed all the main and side characters as well the new characters. about this series is exciting and interesting. I was intrigued to see what would happen to Greer after she was taken at the end of book one. She's a feisty, strong mage and she was pissed when she was taken.
Of course you also have more to learn about Odettes past and what she must do to help her old friend when she's needed most even if she isn't interested in going back to where she ran from centuries ago. Will she run again or will she be willing to sacrifice herself and possibly her life for her friend?
Then you have Delia and Cian, enemies who are forced to work together just to try and find Greer. They embark on quite a journey together, not knowing who they will come across or what they will have to face just to bring Greer back home. Everyone will be tested, enemies coming for everyone at all times and Greer will have the weight of more than one realm on her shoulders.
I loved this dark fantasy so much. I loved the characters and their banter along with the internal struggle some of the characters had with the pain of losing someone dear to them. The author takes us for a wild ride with a ton of adventure. The characters are pushed to their breaking points only to find out whether or not they can handle it and succeed in their mission. You won't regret giving this series a go if you haven't already. Sadie Hewitt is definitely an author to watch this year. I can't wait for the next book!!!
Author: Sadie Hewitt
Series: The Mage book 2
Rating: ☆☆☆☆
I loved book one As the Fallen Rise when I read it last year as an arc. I was even more excited to be apart of the arc group for Sadie Hewitt for the second book, Within the Solistice Cages!
You pick up right where book one left us in book one. Book 2 is just as good as book one. I really enjoyed all the main and side characters as well the new characters. about this series is exciting and interesting. I was intrigued to see what would happen to Greer after she was taken at the end of book one. She's a feisty, strong mage and she was pissed when she was taken.
Of course you also have more to learn about Odettes past and what she must do to help her old friend when she's needed most even if she isn't interested in going back to where she ran from centuries ago. Will she run again or will she be willing to sacrifice herself and possibly her life for her friend?
Then you have Delia and Cian, enemies who are forced to work together just to try and find Greer. They embark on quite a journey together, not knowing who they will come across or what they will have to face just to bring Greer back home. Everyone will be tested, enemies coming for everyone at all times and Greer will have the weight of more than one realm on her shoulders.
I loved this dark fantasy so much. I loved the characters and their banter along with the internal struggle some of the characters had with the pain of losing someone dear to them. The author takes us for a wild ride with a ton of adventure. The characters are pushed to their breaking points only to find out whether or not they can handle it and succeed in their mission. You won't regret giving this series a go if you haven't already. Sadie Hewitt is definitely an author to watch this year. I can't wait for the next book!!!
One Dark Window by Rachel Gillig
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
One Dark Window is such a unique book. I went in reading it blind and was taken by surprise by how much I enjoyed it. It's nothing like I've read before and I mean that in the best way possible. I enjoyed Rachel's imagination and her story.
Dark Magic, providence cards, infected children. It's dark, scary, but magical and do good. This dark fantasy is something like a bedtime story told to children to keep them from being bad. It's chilling and intense. The characters are all so good even if they're technically bad, they do bad so well.
I love that every chapters start with these little riddle/rhymes. This book is wholly unique and fascinating.
I don't want to give too much away but go into this book blind. Give it the chance it so deserves. You'll be surprised just how easily you fall for it and are holding on to the very end with such a desire to see what will happen. I look forward to reading Book 2.
I highly recommend this series and I look forward to reading whatever Rachel Gilling writes next!!!
Dark Magic, providence cards, infected children. It's dark, scary, but magical and do good. This dark fantasy is something like a bedtime story told to children to keep them from being bad. It's chilling and intense. The characters are all so good even if they're technically bad, they do bad so well.
I love that every chapters start with these little riddle/rhymes. This book is wholly unique and fascinating.
I don't want to give too much away but go into this book blind. Give it the chance it so deserves. You'll be surprised just how easily you fall for it and are holding on to the very end with such a desire to see what will happen. I look forward to reading Book 2.
I highly recommend this series and I look forward to reading whatever Rachel Gilling writes next!!!
The Love of My Next Life by Brit Benson
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
informative
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I really loved The Love of My Next Life. It was such an emotional read from start to finish. I really got sucked into the story and the characters. They were so easily relatable and easy to like. You can't help but love Macon, the typical bad boy next door. Then you have Lennon, the sweet nerdy girl next door who's friends with Claire, Macon's sister who is the typical selfish popular girl who thinks she's the best friend who needs to be the most important.
I loved that there was a lot of things in the book that were hidden from everyone else except Lennon and Macon. I loved how they were this undeniable force for one another yet forbidden and not allowed. It made what they had that much more special and sweet. I didn't like Claire's jealousy or her childish attitude about Macon.
I knew without a doubt something bad would happen though in this book and it did. Then the author throws quite a cliffhanger at you. There were a few times I wanted to throw my kindle across the room during this book but I refrained myself. LOL
This book, while written in the high school setting, it's more geared towards the adult section. It's got some dark romance vibes and it's definitely got some graphic parts in it. But for me that's what I look for. I love dark romance; the darker the better!!! I highly recommend this little duet by Brit Benson. She's a great writer, she evokes different emotions throughout this story. I highly recommend this duet.
I will read anything Brit Benson writes now that I've read this book.
I loved that there was a lot of things in the book that were hidden from everyone else except Lennon and Macon. I loved how they were this undeniable force for one another yet forbidden and not allowed. It made what they had that much more special and sweet. I didn't like Claire's jealousy or her childish attitude about Macon.
I knew without a doubt something bad would happen though in this book and it did. Then the author throws quite a cliffhanger at you. There were a few times I wanted to throw my kindle across the room during this book but I refrained myself. LOL
This book, while written in the high school setting, it's more geared towards the adult section. It's got some dark romance vibes and it's definitely got some graphic parts in it. But for me that's what I look for. I love dark romance; the darker the better!!! I highly recommend this little duet by Brit Benson. She's a great writer, she evokes different emotions throughout this story. I highly recommend this duet.
I will read anything Brit Benson writes now that I've read this book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment, Bullying, Alcohol, Death of parent, Addiction, Death, Drug abuse, Drug use, and Grief
Moderate: Addiction, Sexual content, Death of parent, Cursing, Alcohol, Violence, and Drug use
Minor: Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Toxic friendship, Suicide attempt, Toxic relationship, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Suicide, and Suicidal thoughts
Still Beating by Jennifer Hartmann
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I went into this book blind and I'm glad I did. It wasn't what I expected. (in a good way)
I loved the characters, well most of them and thought the author did a great job with writing about the trauma and the healing.
I honestly wasn't sure if this book was going to be a HEA especially with all the stuff that happens to Cora and Dean. They go through a very traumatic event and aren't sure if they're going to survive or not. It's a very emotional book. I think the way the author turns the book around and is able to show what love should be when it's healthy was beautiful.
I know I cried a time or two because the book just spoke to me in a way you want your romantic type of books to do. I think the author did a fantastic job at makin the readers experience several different emotions throughout the book which in my opinion is the best because if I'm not feeling sad, angry, happy and overjoyed at one point in the book, was it really that good? I need my books to connect to my emotions and feelings. That's how I know I really enjoyed the book.
Not to mention after everything that Dean and Cora experienced together, they deserved a HEA. I was also glad that Mandy got her happy ending as well.
I loved the characters, well most of them and thought the author did a great job with writing about the trauma and the healing.
I honestly wasn't sure if this book was going to be a HEA especially with all the stuff that happens to Cora and Dean. They go through a very traumatic event and aren't sure if they're going to survive or not. It's a very emotional book. I think the way the author turns the book around and is able to show what love should be when it's healthy was beautiful.
I know I cried a time or two because the book just spoke to me in a way you want your romantic type of books to do. I think the author did a fantastic job at makin the readers experience several different emotions throughout the book which in my opinion is the best because if I'm not feeling sad, angry, happy and overjoyed at one point in the book, was it really that good? I need my books to connect to my emotions and feelings. That's how I know I really enjoyed the book.
Not to mention after everything that Dean and Cora experienced together, they deserved a HEA. I was also glad that Mandy got her happy ending as well.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Kidnapping, Sexual harassment, Sexual violence, Confinement, Cursing, Sexual assault, and Sexual content
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders, Suicide attempt, Rape, Self harm, Sexual content, and Suicide
Minor: Miscarriage and Pregnancy
All the Lies by S.T. Abby
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This series has been nothing if not amazing since I started it and book 4 was no different.
Lana Myers is still a total bad@$$ and takes no prisoners. She's out for revenge; vengeance if you will and she'll stop at nothing to right the wrongs of the town that ruined her life and her partners life.
I don't know what I'm going to read after I finish book 5. This series is one of those series you have a book slump after reading because nothing seems as good once you finish!!
If you're looking for a dark romance with a stabby H and a hot agent who's looking for a serial killer all wrapped in one, this is your series.
Lana Myers is still a total bad@$$ and takes no prisoners. She's out for revenge; vengeance if you will and she'll stop at nothing to right the wrongs of the town that ruined her life and her partners life.
I don't know what I'm going to read after I finish book 5. This series is one of those series you have a book slump after reading because nothing seems as good once you finish!!
If you're looking for a dark romance with a stabby H and a hot agent who's looking for a serial killer all wrapped in one, this is your series.
Scarlet Angel by S.T. Abby
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Finished Scarlet Angel and I'm still obsessed with this series. I love how dark, raw, and gritty this series is as well as full of hope, love, redemption and truth. This series is so complex and complicated due to the actual story and characters.
Lana Myers, the fmc who wants to right all the wrongs. She's the avenging angel who is to good for this world and yet people tried to rid the world of her and her family but she will have her revenge. Even if it breaks her heart and ends her!!
Agent Logan Bennett is trying to find the killer and isn't sure if he wants to side with the killer or arrest them. Will he lose everything that means something to him in his crusade for justice?
I love this series because it delves into the psyche of a serial killer and why they are doing what they are doing. It also shows the complexity of why a person would be driven to do such heinous acts against a group of people all in the name of "revenge!" Not everything is as black and white as it seems. Not everything is as easy as right and wrong. Things aren't always what they seem and sometimes you have to look at things from a different perspective and realize that justice isn't always given, sometimes you have to take it because it was never given!!!
Stay Tuned for my review of book 4
Lana Myers, the fmc who wants to right all the wrongs. She's the avenging angel who is to good for this world and yet people tried to rid the world of her and her family but she will have her revenge. Even if it breaks her heart and ends her!!
Agent Logan Bennett is trying to find the killer and isn't sure if he wants to side with the killer or arrest them. Will he lose everything that means something to him in his crusade for justice?
I love this series because it delves into the psyche of a serial killer and why they are doing what they are doing. It also shows the complexity of why a person would be driven to do such heinous acts against a group of people all in the name of "revenge!" Not everything is as black and white as it seems. Not everything is as easy as right and wrong. Things aren't always what they seem and sometimes you have to look at things from a different perspective and realize that justice isn't always given, sometimes you have to take it because it was never given!!!
Stay Tuned for my review of book 4
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny, Injury/Injury detail, Blood, Car accident, Death, Death of parent, Gaslighting, Grief, Rape, Sexual violence, Torture, Child death, Murder, Sexual assault, Cursing, and Sexual content
Moderate: Violence and Torture
Sidetracked by S.T. Abby
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Book 2 and I'm officially hooked on The Mindfcked Series. S.T. Abby is one hell of a dark romance author. Plus I love that she's added the whole serial killer/murder side to the story.
I can't get over Lana Myers. She's a force to be reckoned with and I'm really hoping that she gets a happy ending though I'm not sure that's what will happen for her!!!
Of course can't forget about sexy, bad@$$ SSA Logan Bennett. Of course I like the side characters throughout the series so far, like Logans team but the bad guys are definitely bad.
Waiting to see how this is going to play out. I love the storyline. I enjoy the "on the edge" of my seat feeling as I wait for the ball to drop. I think the author is not only skilled in writing dark romance but she's also well versed in criminology lingo and information as well as psychology and facts about serial killers and their methods and behavior. Which only adds to the overall story, giving it authenticity.
Stay tuned for book 3 review.
I can't get over Lana Myers. She's a force to be reckoned with and I'm really hoping that she gets a happy ending though I'm not sure that's what will happen for her!!!
Of course can't forget about sexy, bad@$$ SSA Logan Bennett. Of course I like the side characters throughout the series so far, like Logans team but the bad guys are definitely bad.
Waiting to see how this is going to play out. I love the storyline. I enjoy the "on the edge" of my seat feeling as I wait for the ball to drop. I think the author is not only skilled in writing dark romance but she's also well versed in criminology lingo and information as well as psychology and facts about serial killers and their methods and behavior. Which only adds to the overall story, giving it authenticity.
Stay tuned for book 3 review.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Injury/Injury detail, Sexual assault, Child abuse, Cursing, Murder, Pedophilia, Sexual content, Torture, Violence, Child death, and Adult/minor relationship
Moderate: Murder, Sexual assault, Child abuse, Child death, and Death
Minor: Rape
The Risk by S.T. Abby
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
informative
mysterious
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
My first thought after finishing this book was, "HOLY S**T, that was a really good book!!!"
I really liked the FMC Lana. She seems like this quiet, reserved woman who doesn't really like anyone, but then you get to know her and she becomes someone else altogether. She's bad@$$, hardcore, but bit of a loner until Agent Logan Bennett. Boy is he hot. Gotta love a man in uniform. Not sure how it's going to work out but it does seem like things are going to end up coming to a head sooner rather than later.
I have to say this author must have had a lot of fun when she got to the ending of book 1. I mean it's one of those nail-biting, "HOLY sh**t, This can't be happening" type of endings.
Stayed tuned for my review of book 2.
"In Memory of S. T. Abby"
I really liked the FMC Lana. She seems like this quiet, reserved woman who doesn't really like anyone, but then you get to know her and she becomes someone else altogether. She's bad@$$, hardcore, but bit of a loner until Agent Logan Bennett. Boy is he hot. Gotta love a man in uniform. Not sure how it's going to work out but it does seem like things are going to end up coming to a head sooner rather than later.
I have to say this author must have had a lot of fun when she got to the ending of book 1. I mean it's one of those nail-biting, "HOLY sh**t, This can't be happening" type of endings.
Stayed tuned for my review of book 2.
"In Memory of S. T. Abby"
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Death, Blood, Sexual violence, Car accident, Rape, Sexual content, Torture, and Injury/Injury detail