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firequeen_ash23's reviews
125 reviews
Sunshine and Madness by Alyssa Green
adventurous
challenging
funny
hopeful
informative
lighthearted
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
4.0
Title: Sunshine and Madness
Author: Alyssa Green
Series: The Mad Love Series
Rating: ββββ
Steamy: πΆπΆ
This was a true enemies to lovers romance filled with a he falls first and forced proximity between a bad boy rockstar and a don't believe in love, force of nature firecracker. The tension between Jules and Lucas from the first time they met and continues to build every time they end up in situations that force them together.
Lucas: "You came into my life, knocked me off its axis, I want you to know, You're the sunshine to my madness!"
I loved the banter in this book as well as the steamy moments. The music video shoots.... π₯΅π₯΅π₯΅!! Lucas is the hot rockstar you just can't resist.
I also really liked the best friend, Mia who thanks to her for introducing Lucas and Jules. Mia was a fun character and easily the type of friend every girl would love to have.
This was such a great debut for Alyssa Green, she definitely delivered with this rockstar romance. I can't wait to see where this series goes. I highly recommend this contemporary romance novel.
Author: Alyssa Green
Series: The Mad Love Series
Rating: ββββ
Steamy: πΆπΆ
This was a true enemies to lovers romance filled with a he falls first and forced proximity between a bad boy rockstar and a don't believe in love, force of nature firecracker. The tension between Jules and Lucas from the first time they met and continues to build every time they end up in situations that force them together.
Lucas: "You came into my life, knocked me off its axis, I want you to know, You're the sunshine to my madness!"
I loved the banter in this book as well as the steamy moments. The music video shoots.... π₯΅π₯΅π₯΅!! Lucas is the hot rockstar you just can't resist.
I also really liked the best friend, Mia who thanks to her for introducing Lucas and Jules. Mia was a fun character and easily the type of friend every girl would love to have.
This was such a great debut for Alyssa Green, she definitely delivered with this rockstar romance. I can't wait to see where this series goes. I highly recommend this contemporary romance novel.
The Snows of Nissa by Isabella Khalidi
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
mysterious
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
Title: The Snows of Nissa
Author: Isabella Khalidi
Series: Forgotten Kingdom Chronicles #1
Rating: βββββ
Spice: πΆπΆπΆπΆ
From the moment I saw the cover of The Snows of Nissa I knew I had to read it. The cover is gorgeous and intriguing. The Snows of Nissa is the first novel I've read by Isabella Khalidi but I'm obsessed with her writing and story telling. Khalidi's type of writing is unique yet captivating. I'm obsessed with the diversity and personalities of the main characters. Things aren't what they seem nor are some of the characters which kept me on the edge of my seat, unable to put the book down
The twists and turns on this adult dark fantasy weren't predictable and kept me guessing from beginning to end. I absolutely love a good book filled with an ancient curse and myths weaved through time until a prophecy can be fulfilled. I loved the suspense and mystery in the book, not knowing which character was trustworthy or if they were who they said they were. I couldn't get over how beautiful the world was inside this book; the descriptions so vivid and enchanting. Not only was the world building magnificent but the attention to detail only made for a more realistic reading experience. This author's ability to weave one of the most alluring and poetically story is unparalleled. I cannot wait to read The Storm of Fury. I can't recommend this book enough.
*** The Storms of Fury (Book 2) will be released later on this year. Make sure to check out this series by Isabella Khalidi!!!
Author: Isabella Khalidi
Series: Forgotten Kingdom Chronicles #1
Rating: βββββ
Spice: πΆπΆπΆπΆ
From the moment I saw the cover of The Snows of Nissa I knew I had to read it. The cover is gorgeous and intriguing. The Snows of Nissa is the first novel I've read by Isabella Khalidi but I'm obsessed with her writing and story telling. Khalidi's type of writing is unique yet captivating. I'm obsessed with the diversity and personalities of the main characters. Things aren't what they seem nor are some of the characters which kept me on the edge of my seat, unable to put the book down
The twists and turns on this adult dark fantasy weren't predictable and kept me guessing from beginning to end. I absolutely love a good book filled with an ancient curse and myths weaved through time until a prophecy can be fulfilled. I loved the suspense and mystery in the book, not knowing which character was trustworthy or if they were who they said they were. I couldn't get over how beautiful the world was inside this book; the descriptions so vivid and enchanting. Not only was the world building magnificent but the attention to detail only made for a more realistic reading experience. This author's ability to weave one of the most alluring and poetically story is unparalleled. I cannot wait to read The Storm of Fury. I can't recommend this book enough.
*** The Storms of Fury (Book 2) will be released later on this year. Make sure to check out this series by Isabella Khalidi!!!
The Sinner by Shantel Tessier
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
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: The Sinner
Author: Shantel Tessier
Rating: βββββ
I really have enjoyed these standalone dark romances by Shantel Tessier that are all in the same world that follow individual characters. The Sinner follows the story of Sin and Ellington. Sin and Ellington grew up together as next door neighbors and now both attend Barrington College. Sin is a Lord and has decided that he will do whatever it takes to make Ellington his lady.
But Ellington is on the list of ladies that Sin can choose from and so he decides that no matter what he has to do whether it's kill, steal or blackmail anyone and everyone to have what he wants most. But nothing is as it seems and there's so much going on behind the scenes that Sin isn't aware of and is working against Sin and what he wants.
Ellington didn't have a normal childhood especially after her father died. Elli's mom is a lady and her father was a lord. So when her father died, her mom remarried to a different lord but he wasn't trying to be a father at all. Elli suffers at the hands of so many and Sin doesn't find out until the damage is done but it makes Elli the perfect match for him. Will Sin be able to save Elli from the past and present? Will he be able to have her when all is said and done?
This story was so dark and smutty. I loved everything about Elli and Sin. Their story was hearts and flowers but more chains and pain. I love Sins obsession with Elli and what he does to show her that she belongs to him. He doesn't let her self destruct and instead protects her. π€i
Author: Shantel Tessier
Rating: βββββ
I really have enjoyed these standalone dark romances by Shantel Tessier that are all in the same world that follow individual characters. The Sinner follows the story of Sin and Ellington. Sin and Ellington grew up together as next door neighbors and now both attend Barrington College. Sin is a Lord and has decided that he will do whatever it takes to make Ellington his lady.
But Ellington is on the list of ladies that Sin can choose from and so he decides that no matter what he has to do whether it's kill, steal or blackmail anyone and everyone to have what he wants most. But nothing is as it seems and there's so much going on behind the scenes that Sin isn't aware of and is working against Sin and what he wants.
Ellington didn't have a normal childhood especially after her father died. Elli's mom is a lady and her father was a lord. So when her father died, her mom remarried to a different lord but he wasn't trying to be a father at all. Elli suffers at the hands of so many and Sin doesn't find out until the damage is done but it makes Elli the perfect match for him. Will Sin be able to save Elli from the past and present? Will he be able to have her when all is said and done?
This story was so dark and smutty. I loved everything about Elli and Sin. Their story was hearts and flowers but more chains and pain. I love Sins obsession with Elli and what he does to show her that she belongs to him. He doesn't let her self destruct and instead protects her. π€i
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Sexual harassment, Suicide, Death of parent, Drug use, Physical abuse, Rape, Self harm, Stalking, Sexual assault, Bullying, Violence, Toxic friendship, Adult/minor relationship, Addiction, Drug abuse, Death, Alcohol, Torture, Blood, Emotional abuse, Cursing, Sexual violence, Grief, Gun violence, Murder, Pedophilia, Suicide attempt, Toxic relationship, Abandonment, Child abuse, and Gaslighting
Moderate: Mental illness
The Dare by Harley Laroux
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Title: The Dare
Author: Harley Laroux
Series: Losers 0.5
Rating: βββββ
"Little angels need to learn not to touch themselves without permission, don't they?"
-Manson
Jessica Martin is the cheerleader captain at her high school and is miss popular. She's everything you would expect the Queen bee to be like except she's got a huge secret.
Manson Reed is the leader of the outcast group in his high school. His life sucks, his dad is abusive and his mom wasted away. Manson wasn't liked by anyone in high school but now that schools out and after moving in with his school counselo, he's tolerated.
One night Jess Martin decides to go to a party with her friend Ashley when she ends up bumping into Manson at the party. They decide they will play truth or dare beer pong. Manson knows Jess wants more out of life, but also knows Jess isn't going to admit it, so he uses beer pong to get her to do the things she's scared to do on her own. Before Jess knows it, Manson has won at beer pong and she's dared to be his slave for the night. She knows she could say no and walk away but deep down, she wants this, she needs it. So she says yes and is Mansons slave for the night. Manson gets her to submit to him and she has the best night of her life. But when the morning comes, she decides it was all for one night only and disappears from Wickeston and leaves for college, leaving Manson and what she needs behind in Wickeston.
This novella was so good. I was so disappointed when it was over. I just had to know more, needed to know more. I'm so glad Harley decided to write the losers duo so that we could have a deeper look into Jess and the guys life before and after high school. So if you loved this novella, go read Losers: Part 1 and Losers: Part 2. You're in for one wild ride!!
Author: Harley Laroux
Series: Losers 0.5
Rating: βββββ
"Little angels need to learn not to touch themselves without permission, don't they?"
-Manson
Jessica Martin is the cheerleader captain at her high school and is miss popular. She's everything you would expect the Queen bee to be like except she's got a huge secret.
Manson Reed is the leader of the outcast group in his high school. His life sucks, his dad is abusive and his mom wasted away. Manson wasn't liked by anyone in high school but now that schools out and after moving in with his school counselo, he's tolerated.
One night Jess Martin decides to go to a party with her friend Ashley when she ends up bumping into Manson at the party. They decide they will play truth or dare beer pong. Manson knows Jess wants more out of life, but also knows Jess isn't going to admit it, so he uses beer pong to get her to do the things she's scared to do on her own. Before Jess knows it, Manson has won at beer pong and she's dared to be his slave for the night. She knows she could say no and walk away but deep down, she wants this, she needs it. So she says yes and is Mansons slave for the night. Manson gets her to submit to him and she has the best night of her life. But when the morning comes, she decides it was all for one night only and disappears from Wickeston and leaves for college, leaving Manson and what she needs behind in Wickeston.
This novella was so good. I was so disappointed when it was over. I just had to know more, needed to know more. I'm so glad Harley decided to write the losers duo so that we could have a deeper look into Jess and the guys life before and after high school. So if you loved this novella, go read Losers: Part 1 and Losers: Part 2. You're in for one wild ride!!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content and Cursing
Balance by Lucia Franco
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-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? It's complicated
4.5
Title: Balance
Author: Lucia Franco
Series: Off Balance #1
Rating: ββββ.5/5
I really did enjoy this book. I found that learning more about gymnastics was very intriguing. I also can't help but love Adrianna's love for gymnastics and her drive. She never gives up. Adrianna is strong and resilient for her age. She pushes through her pain and has the drive to become good enough for the Olympics. Coach Kova is a sexy Russian God so it's no surprise that Adrianna would find him attractive. The passion and love for gymnastics brings Coach Kova and Adrianna together. Everyday they spend together, it gets harder and harder to ignore. I loved the angsty build up, stolen glances and lingering touches between Adrianna and Kova. This book does get quite hot and spicy. I also really liked getting to know each character especially Coach Kova. We get to know about his past and what shaped him not only as a gymnast but as a man which only makes him more attractive. I'm really excited to start book two and see what Franco has in store for us readers in the rest of this series! I do believe I'm going to experience all the emotions in this series and I can't wait. I guess I'm a glutton for punishment!! π
Author: Lucia Franco
Series: Off Balance #1
Rating: ββββ.5/5
I really did enjoy this book. I found that learning more about gymnastics was very intriguing. I also can't help but love Adrianna's love for gymnastics and her drive. She never gives up. Adrianna is strong and resilient for her age. She pushes through her pain and has the drive to become good enough for the Olympics. Coach Kova is a sexy Russian God so it's no surprise that Adrianna would find him attractive. The passion and love for gymnastics brings Coach Kova and Adrianna together. Everyday they spend together, it gets harder and harder to ignore. I loved the angsty build up, stolen glances and lingering touches between Adrianna and Kova. This book does get quite hot and spicy. I also really liked getting to know each character especially Coach Kova. We get to know about his past and what shaped him not only as a gymnast but as a man which only makes him more attractive. I'm really excited to start book two and see what Franco has in store for us readers in the rest of this series! I do believe I'm going to experience all the emotions in this series and I can't wait. I guess I'm a glutton for punishment!! π
Hollow Veins by J. Rose
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
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
Title: Hollow Veins
Author: J. Rose
Series: Sabre Security #3
Rating: βββββ
Spice: πΆπΆπΆπΆπΆ
Hollow Veins -book 3 in the Sabre Security series was a perfect ending to a great series. Hollow Veins is the perfect ending to Harlow's story. Harlow was kidnapped at the age of 9 and held in captivity for 13 years. She finally escaped after her captor, Michael Abaddon, but Michael Abaddon isn't so easily beat. Harlow and the rest of Sabre Security need to end this once and for all. They refuse to let Michael win. Harlow refuses to let him take anything else from her after he's taken so much. Throughout this series, Harlow has managed to grow and thrive with the help of the loves of her life: Hunter, Enzo, Leigh, and Theo. Everyone is ready to live their lives and not have to constantly look over their shoulder, so failing isn't a option. They will go down fighting if that's what it takes to get Harlow the justice she deserves.
J. Rose did an amazing job of telling Harlow's story. While this series was heart-wrenching and dark, it made me love this series that much more!!! Hollow Veins may have some triggering content for some, but if you decide you can push through, this story shows that even with our wounds and pain we can survive and heal. Oh, I had to mention the spice in this series is top notch! I love Harlow and her strong, sexy bad@$$ men and their relationship makes this series 10 for 10. I highly recommend the Sabre Security series!!
** If you want another series that takes place in the same world as this series check out Blackwood Institute Series by J. Rose.**
#arc #arcread #darkromance #darkreverseharemromance #sabresecurity #jrose #darkromanceauthor #series #authorshoutout #readandreview #bookishwhore #bookstagrammer #mustshare #mustreadseries #helpauthorsbeseen #helpauthorssucceed #readerssupportingauthors #review #bookpost #booktour
#nowavailable #Amazon #kindleunlimited #addictedtoreading #alwaysreading #5starsread #5starsauthor #5starseries #ilovesupportingauthors #booksof2023 #booksofinstagram #authorsofinstagtam
Author: J. Rose
Series: Sabre Security #3
Rating: βββββ
Spice: πΆπΆπΆπΆπΆ
Hollow Veins -book 3 in the Sabre Security series was a perfect ending to a great series. Hollow Veins is the perfect ending to Harlow's story. Harlow was kidnapped at the age of 9 and held in captivity for 13 years. She finally escaped after her captor, Michael Abaddon, but Michael Abaddon isn't so easily beat. Harlow and the rest of Sabre Security need to end this once and for all. They refuse to let Michael win. Harlow refuses to let him take anything else from her after he's taken so much. Throughout this series, Harlow has managed to grow and thrive with the help of the loves of her life: Hunter, Enzo, Leigh, and Theo. Everyone is ready to live their lives and not have to constantly look over their shoulder, so failing isn't a option. They will go down fighting if that's what it takes to get Harlow the justice she deserves.
J. Rose did an amazing job of telling Harlow's story. While this series was heart-wrenching and dark, it made me love this series that much more!!! Hollow Veins may have some triggering content for some, but if you decide you can push through, this story shows that even with our wounds and pain we can survive and heal. Oh, I had to mention the spice in this series is top notch! I love Harlow and her strong, sexy bad@$$ men and their relationship makes this series 10 for 10. I highly recommend the Sabre Security series!!
** If you want another series that takes place in the same world as this series check out Blackwood Institute Series by J. Rose.**
#arc #arcread #darkromance #darkreverseharemromance #sabresecurity #jrose #darkromanceauthor #series #authorshoutout #readandreview #bookishwhore #bookstagrammer #mustshare #mustreadseries #helpauthorsbeseen #helpauthorssucceed #readerssupportingauthors #review #bookpost #booktour
#nowavailable #Amazon #kindleunlimited #addictedtoreading #alwaysreading #5starsread #5starsauthor #5starseries #ilovesupportingauthors #booksof2023 #booksofinstagram #authorsofinstagtam
Veiled In Hate by BJ Alpha
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
mysterious
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
Title: Veiled in Hate
Author: BJ Alpha
Rating: βββββ
Spice: πΆπΆπΆπΆ
This dark mafia romance, Veiled in Hate, is about the MMC, Luca and the FMC, Camille who are from two different mafia families forced into a marriage as a truce between the families. Luca hates Camille and her family because he thinks they did something unspeakable to him. Luca consumed by his hate, ends up punishing Camille because the very blood that courses through her veins is the same blood that took something so precious from him. Camille doesn't hate Luca, but she knows no matter what happens, Luca will never love her or see her for who she is. Luca is consumed so much grief and pain that he can't see beyond the need for revenge.
Veiled in Hate is one of my new favorite dark mafia romances. The book is filled with passion, lust, pain, loss, betrayal, revenge and murder all wrapped together. The storyline and characters flowed flawlessly. I absolutely loved the tension and push and pull between Luca and Camille. I connected with this story immediately and was enthralled with some of the topics that were discussed in this story. I do recommend reading the TW's before reading this story so you aren't triggered. I highly recommend this book for my dark romance or mafia romance lovers!! You won't be disappointed.
Author: BJ Alpha
Rating: βββββ
Spice: πΆπΆπΆπΆ
This dark mafia romance, Veiled in Hate, is about the MMC, Luca and the FMC, Camille who are from two different mafia families forced into a marriage as a truce between the families. Luca hates Camille and her family because he thinks they did something unspeakable to him. Luca consumed by his hate, ends up punishing Camille because the very blood that courses through her veins is the same blood that took something so precious from him. Camille doesn't hate Luca, but she knows no matter what happens, Luca will never love her or see her for who she is. Luca is consumed so much grief and pain that he can't see beyond the need for revenge.
Veiled in Hate is one of my new favorite dark mafia romances. The book is filled with passion, lust, pain, loss, betrayal, revenge and murder all wrapped together. The storyline and characters flowed flawlessly. I absolutely loved the tension and push and pull between Luca and Camille. I connected with this story immediately and was enthralled with some of the topics that were discussed in this story. I do recommend reading the TW's before reading this story so you aren't triggered. I highly recommend this book for my dark romance or mafia romance lovers!! You won't be disappointed.
The Stars are Dying by Chloe C. PeΓ±aranda
Title: The Stars are Dying: A Nytefall Novel
Author: Chloe C. PeΓ±aranda
Series: A Nytefall Novel #1
Rating: βββββ/5
Spice: πΆπΆπΆπΆ
The Star are Dying is going to be one of the most talked about dark romance fantasy of 2023. PeΓ±aranda swept me away into a world of unrest and darkness, abandoned by the celestial guardians, filled with vampires lurking in the darkness barely being contained by the King, nothing is as it seems and the world feels like it's on the brink of war.
I don't think there isn't one thing I didn't like about this novel. The story flowed perfectly, there was many twists and turns and every time I thought I had it figured out, I realized I didn't. There is quite a variety of characters that I found quite intriguing even if they were a villain. Nothing, not even the characters are who they seem. The Stars are Dying is such a captivating story filled with mystery, romance, heartbreak, loss and betrayal. I couldn't help but fall for Nyte even without knowing who he really was, he's the dark, broody, sexy, baby guy every girl can't help but fall for. The spice in this book was intense and sexy. I loved everything about this epic dark romance. The Stars are Dying is my first novel by Chloe C. PeΓ±aranda but it most definitely won't be my last.
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? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Title: The Stars are Dying: A Nytefall Novel
Author: Chloe C. PeΓ±aranda
Series: A Nytefall Novel #1
Rating: βββββ/5
Spice: πΆπΆπΆπΆ
The Star are Dying is going to be one of the most talked about dark romance fantasy of 2023. PeΓ±aranda swept me away into a world of unrest and darkness, abandoned by the celestial guardians, filled with vampires lurking in the darkness barely being contained by the King, nothing is as it seems and the world feels like it's on the brink of war.
I don't think there isn't one thing I didn't like about this novel. The story flowed perfectly, there was many twists and turns and every time I thought I had it figured out, I realized I didn't. There is quite a variety of characters that I found quite intriguing even if they were a villain. Nothing, not even the characters are who they seem. The Stars are Dying is such a captivating story filled with mystery, romance, heartbreak, loss and betrayal. I couldn't help but fall for Nyte even without knowing who he really was, he's the dark, broody, sexy, baby guy every girl can't help but fall for. The spice in this book was intense and sexy. I loved everything about this epic dark romance. The Stars are Dying is my first novel by Chloe C. PeΓ±aranda but it most definitely won't be my last.
Bitter End by Penn Cassidy
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? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Title: Bitter End
Author: Penn Cassidy
Series: Noc City Series #5
Rating: ββββ/5
Blurb:
They're trying to pin me with a crime I didn't commit. The death of a traitor and a rival for one of the men I'm slowly falling for. Gareth is a mess of rage and pain, Warrik and Thane are out for blood, and I just want to escape yet another prison cell. All of this comes on the heels of one of the most important criminal trials of the century, and I'll be damned if I'm not there to see my tormenter put away forever. These bars can't hold me anymore.
This is book five in the Darkverse series. 18+ for violence, graphic content and language.
Review:
Bitter End is the fifth book in the Noc City Series by Penn Cassidy. Beatrix and Serenity are in Sol City for the Trial of Estelle Nightingale, the witch who kidnapped darklings and took them to a facility where she could do experiments on the darklings. Estelle was taking darklings DNA and trying to figure out a serum that would allow her to make hybrids. Beatrix is still trying to heal from the emotional and mental trauma that was caused by Serenity's father and Estelle Nightingale. While in Sol City, Beatrix meets two brothers, Thane and Warrick who end up helping her pack member Garreth with keeping Beatrix safe. Beatrix makes a decision to go out on her own to a club one night after a tough day spent in court and ends up fighting a fellow exiled shifter from her Blood Moon pack, Savannah. War, Thane and Gareth end up getting to the club in time to stop the fight before Savannah and Beatrix end up killing one another. Beatrix Castwell wakes up the next day to head to Estelle's sentencing when she's surrounded by Sol City's police and arrested for the murder of Savannah. During the arrest of Beatrix, Estelle ends up escaping from prison and disappears into thin air. Will Beatrix end up escaping the facility only to end up in prison for life for a murder she didn't commit? Will Estelle get away with her heinous crimes against darklings and humans? What's happening between Trix and the three men who are watching over her? Will she give into her desires and allow herself to get to know these men who look at her with a hunger and desire she's never known before?
I enjoyed this book and the story that Cassidy has brought to life in the Noc City series. I love Serenity's stories in book 1-3 as well as Trix's story in books 4 & 5. This book as well as the other 4 books have quite a few twists and turns throughout that kept me on my toes. Not to mention the cliffhangers that each book ended with, Bitter End included. Those cliffhangers are what kept me reading the next book because I had to know what was going to happen. I loved the spice in all of these books. Cassidy is a great at writing spicy paranormal dark romance. The spicy scenes are π€π» *chef's kiss*... perfection!!! The men in this series: the Vampires, shifters and Warlocks are so yummy and hot. I need one of each for me. I do think that there were quite a bit of typos in the books as well as some parts of the story that seemed like they were repetitive and long winded but I did enjoy the characters and their stories. I think this series has great potential, it just needs to be polished! I definitely can't wait to see what Cassidy has in store for us with book 6 of this darkverse series. If you like paranormal romance filled with shifters, vampires, witches and warlocks, then give Noc City series is perfect for you!!
Author: Penn Cassidy
Series: Noc City Series #5
Rating: ββββ/5
Blurb:
They're trying to pin me with a crime I didn't commit. The death of a traitor and a rival for one of the men I'm slowly falling for. Gareth is a mess of rage and pain, Warrik and Thane are out for blood, and I just want to escape yet another prison cell. All of this comes on the heels of one of the most important criminal trials of the century, and I'll be damned if I'm not there to see my tormenter put away forever. These bars can't hold me anymore.
This is book five in the Darkverse series. 18+ for violence, graphic content and language.
Review:
Bitter End is the fifth book in the Noc City Series by Penn Cassidy. Beatrix and Serenity are in Sol City for the Trial of Estelle Nightingale, the witch who kidnapped darklings and took them to a facility where she could do experiments on the darklings. Estelle was taking darklings DNA and trying to figure out a serum that would allow her to make hybrids. Beatrix is still trying to heal from the emotional and mental trauma that was caused by Serenity's father and Estelle Nightingale. While in Sol City, Beatrix meets two brothers, Thane and Warrick who end up helping her pack member Garreth with keeping Beatrix safe. Beatrix makes a decision to go out on her own to a club one night after a tough day spent in court and ends up fighting a fellow exiled shifter from her Blood Moon pack, Savannah. War, Thane and Gareth end up getting to the club in time to stop the fight before Savannah and Beatrix end up killing one another. Beatrix Castwell wakes up the next day to head to Estelle's sentencing when she's surrounded by Sol City's police and arrested for the murder of Savannah. During the arrest of Beatrix, Estelle ends up escaping from prison and disappears into thin air. Will Beatrix end up escaping the facility only to end up in prison for life for a murder she didn't commit? Will Estelle get away with her heinous crimes against darklings and humans? What's happening between Trix and the three men who are watching over her? Will she give into her desires and allow herself to get to know these men who look at her with a hunger and desire she's never known before?
I enjoyed this book and the story that Cassidy has brought to life in the Noc City series. I love Serenity's stories in book 1-3 as well as Trix's story in books 4 & 5. This book as well as the other 4 books have quite a few twists and turns throughout that kept me on my toes. Not to mention the cliffhangers that each book ended with, Bitter End included. Those cliffhangers are what kept me reading the next book because I had to know what was going to happen. I loved the spice in all of these books. Cassidy is a great at writing spicy paranormal dark romance. The spicy scenes are π€π» *chef's kiss*... perfection!!! The men in this series: the Vampires, shifters and Warlocks are so yummy and hot. I need one of each for me. I do think that there were quite a bit of typos in the books as well as some parts of the story that seemed like they were repetitive and long winded but I did enjoy the characters and their stories. I think this series has great potential, it just needs to be polished! I definitely can't wait to see what Cassidy has in store for us with book 6 of this darkverse series. If you like paranormal romance filled with shifters, vampires, witches and warlocks, then give Noc City series is perfect for you!!
Lady of Istok by Isabelle Olmo
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
informative
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-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? It's complicated
5.0
Title: Lady of Istok
Author: Isabelle Olmo
Series: The Queenβs Red Guard #2
Rating: βββββ
Isabelle Olmo has cemented herself as one of my all time favorite female authors with her quick wit, the ferocious love she has for bad ass heroines who get to be the hero in every book, and because she's hands down one of the absolute sweetest authors I've had the honor of knowing. She is a shining light for all women, young and old, who desperately need someone to look up to and to remind us that we are all badass women and we are more than capable of saving ourselves. Olmo is an unapologetical feminist who is all about girl power and her stories have forever been embedded in my heart & soul.
Lady of Istok follows Hira as she leaves her cousin, Queen Almira and the red guard to head back to Istok to rule Istok and Istokian people. Hira never wanted to be a ruler. She wants to remain in the red guard and protect her cousin, but unfortunately Hira doesn't have much say in what she's to do. She has to follow what her cousin tells her to so Hira boards a ship, The Sea Wife to start her journey back to Istok, what she doesn't plan for is Commander Justan and his attitude towards her. Only reminding Hira that the journey back home will not be a easy. She will face obstacles and complications at every turn which might kill her or will make her rise to her rightful place and in turn causing her to rise to the challenge and take her place as ruler of the Istokian people.
Lady of Istok is action packed from beginning to end. This adult feminist fantasy series is hands down one of my all time favorites. The females in this series are badass, strong, they love and fight fiercely, loyal to a fault, and they command but demand respect. Isabelle Olmo wrote a fantastic book filled with pirates, queens, commander's, betrayal, revenge, love, loss and so much more. Make sure if you start this book, you have time to finish it because you won't want to put it down. I recommend this series 1000x times over!
Author: Isabelle Olmo
Series: The Queenβs Red Guard #2
Rating: βββββ
Isabelle Olmo has cemented herself as one of my all time favorite female authors with her quick wit, the ferocious love she has for bad ass heroines who get to be the hero in every book, and because she's hands down one of the absolute sweetest authors I've had the honor of knowing. She is a shining light for all women, young and old, who desperately need someone to look up to and to remind us that we are all badass women and we are more than capable of saving ourselves. Olmo is an unapologetical feminist who is all about girl power and her stories have forever been embedded in my heart & soul.
Lady of Istok follows Hira as she leaves her cousin, Queen Almira and the red guard to head back to Istok to rule Istok and Istokian people. Hira never wanted to be a ruler. She wants to remain in the red guard and protect her cousin, but unfortunately Hira doesn't have much say in what she's to do. She has to follow what her cousin tells her to so Hira boards a ship, The Sea Wife to start her journey back to Istok, what she doesn't plan for is Commander Justan and his attitude towards her. Only reminding Hira that the journey back home will not be a easy. She will face obstacles and complications at every turn which might kill her or will make her rise to her rightful place and in turn causing her to rise to the challenge and take her place as ruler of the Istokian people.
Lady of Istok is action packed from beginning to end. This adult feminist fantasy series is hands down one of my all time favorites. The females in this series are badass, strong, they love and fight fiercely, loyal to a fault, and they command but demand respect. Isabelle Olmo wrote a fantastic book filled with pirates, queens, commander's, betrayal, revenge, love, loss and so much more. Make sure if you start this book, you have time to finish it because you won't want to put it down. I recommend this series 1000x times over!