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maxarcreads's reviews
236 reviews
On Tyranny: Twenty Lessons from the Twentieth Century by Timothy Snyder
5.0
Quick, Short and to the point with great tips on how to push back against tyranny. It gave me chills the examples he used to back up his points and it's given me some ideas. I am buying a physical copy for myself (I listened to the audio book), buying a copy for my friends and heck I might send it to my politicians and push them to get off their butts and do something before it's too late which honestly it might be.
That Time I Accidentally Took Over The Mafia. by Rebekah Sinclair
funny
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
4.5
This book was a wild, chaotic, SPICY, hot mess of a book and I really enjoyed it. This book will have you laughing from the banter and sweating from all the heat it gives off. This book also showed how versatile kitchen cutlery is for self-defense. As with a lot of why chooses I had a hard time picking a favorite partner because I loved them all for different reasons.
I will say this is more character driven than plot driven because while there is a plot it sometimes became more of a background element while the characters got their spicy time on. Which is a change from her Forgotten Goddess series which sometimes I do just want to read a fun spicy book but for others keep that in mind. I also think this would be a good book for people wanted to start to dip their toes in dark romance as with all the comedy and banter it lightens up the book.
Overall, I enjoyed the book and the characters and as this is the start to a new standalone series, I am excited to see what the next book holds.
This book is about Delany who thought she was living the dream at least professionally with her taboo romance novels and living in Seattle as far as she could from her old life. Her personal life however has been rocky to say the least, but it is what it is. That is until she wakes up one morning after a horrible date and 1 nightstand to her kitchen full of her 3 exes' telling her that not only is her father dead but that he was head of the mafia which makes her the heiress the Caputo mafia family. Honestly, I don't know which part shocked me most. My Exes make up of my billionaire boss, my hacker stepbrother or my convict ex-fiancé all together in my kitchen, the news about my father or the fact he was a part of the mafia and now I am supposed to take his place! And if that wasn't the wasn't enough of a rough start to the morning, my house gets blown up, my best friend tries to unalive me and I have 5 days to get back home with a massive hit out on my head to stop me from taking his seat. For now, I need to focus on staying alive but it's a little hard with these men that I never forgot who ruined me for other men insist on being hot, controlling assholes who make me want to forget about what they put me though as they work to keep me safe.
I will say this is more character driven than plot driven because while there is a plot it sometimes became more of a background element while the characters got their spicy time on. Which is a change from her Forgotten Goddess series which sometimes I do just want to read a fun spicy book but for others keep that in mind. I also think this would be a good book for people wanted to start to dip their toes in dark romance as with all the comedy and banter it lightens up the book.
Overall, I enjoyed the book and the characters and as this is the start to a new standalone series, I am excited to see what the next book holds.
This book is about Delany who thought she was living the dream at least professionally with her taboo romance novels and living in Seattle as far as she could from her old life. Her personal life however has been rocky to say the least, but it is what it is. That is until she wakes up one morning after a horrible date and 1 nightstand to her kitchen full of her 3 exes' telling her that not only is her father dead but that he was head of the mafia which makes her the heiress the Caputo mafia family. Honestly, I don't know which part shocked me most. My Exes make up of my billionaire boss, my hacker stepbrother or my convict ex-fiancé all together in my kitchen, the news about my father or the fact he was a part of the mafia and now I am supposed to take his place! And if that wasn't the wasn't enough of a rough start to the morning, my house gets blown up, my best friend tries to unalive me and I have 5 days to get back home with a massive hit out on my head to stop me from taking his seat. For now, I need to focus on staying alive but it's a little hard with these men that I never forgot who ruined me for other men insist on being hot, controlling assholes who make me want to forget about what they put me though as they work to keep me safe.
Take Me To Your Leader: Tides And Terra by S.D. Walker
3.5
I want to say this is a 3.5 for me. The author reached out asking me to read it off of KU and I agreed. I want to say I think this book is a great concept and has good bones. I liked the 2 FMCs and thought they were cool and interesting. But as the book currently stands, I think needs some edits. Now I just want to state I am not an editor or proofreader I am just an avid reader and that is just my 2 cents as I read it. I am not going to go in full depth as to the changes I think need to be made because I don't think that is my place on a public forum. In the end I think this is a great start to a book and I am interested in where the plot could go because I am very intrigued by what I did read. So great potential.
This book is about Tachari who a rising star queen is who in defiance to her mother and her plans escapes to earth on her own to look for something taken and hidden from her people possibly under Earth's oceans for thousands of years. During her mission she comes into contact with Aries for whom she believes can help her in her mission. For Aries this 21st birthday is one that will not be forgotten anytime soon as she learns that there is life outside of Earth in their universe as well as mermaids hidden on her own planet deep within the ocean and if that wasn't enough, she learns that she is also rising Star Queen. It's a lot to say the least and with Tachari at her side she will have to deal with parental manipulation, emotional abuse, psychological warfare and so much more while trying to decide if they want to conform to what destiny has laid out for them.
This book is about Tachari who a rising star queen is who in defiance to her mother and her plans escapes to earth on her own to look for something taken and hidden from her people possibly under Earth's oceans for thousands of years. During her mission she comes into contact with Aries for whom she believes can help her in her mission. For Aries this 21st birthday is one that will not be forgotten anytime soon as she learns that there is life outside of Earth in their universe as well as mermaids hidden on her own planet deep within the ocean and if that wasn't enough, she learns that she is also rising Star Queen. It's a lot to say the least and with Tachari at her side she will have to deal with parental manipulation, emotional abuse, psychological warfare and so much more while trying to decide if they want to conform to what destiny has laid out for them.
The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness by Michelle Alexander
informative
reflective
5.0
I found this book to be really eye opening. It's one thing to know the police are militarized, policies that claim to be "color" blind are really used to target black and brown communities over the white communities and the economies built around these private prisons but to hear each policy and how it's used and the legal methods they have chipped away systematically at the protections put in place to fight this kind of abuse is just... I don't have words. Any word I come up with just doesn't seem enough to describe how I feel about it. I will say growing up I was told we must all be color blind but as I got older, I knew that in fact we need to see color and listen to and recognize people's stories because by being color blind we are ignoring their lived experience. But I was also someone who saw the election of Obama as the changing point that while America is/was a racist country that this turning point showed a shift in the culture and how now the real work could be done especially at a policy level to really progress things forward. I see now that was silly to say the least of me to believe because you can change policy, but you can't change people, and it has to on both ends usually at a grassroots level because policy is one thing but it is people who enforce that policy that if left unchanged will twist those policies in a way where they will have racists effects. Then the reason it has to be done on the grassroots level is that these major civil rights organizations are run by lawyers who sometimes rather than just fighting the fight will instead wait for the perfect case or client to really just appeal to white people so that they can then get on board with a moment and feel comfortable. But that is hard to do on so many levels because not only are people complicated and not perfect but with policies in place meant to target the youth that they will rarely be that perfect client so no progress is moved and with the chipping away of laws and protections to be used to prove racism now make it impossible to do so it will also be nearly impossible to have a perfect case. That is not to say we don't need the civil rights organizations/lawyers and policy changes, but it also needs to happen at a grassroots level to change the people as well as they are the ones enforcing those policies. It can seem overwhelming especially when you have whole local economies structured around private prisons that are very motivated around the current system and even want to expand it. It was just a very eye-opening book when you start to put everything together.
Leave Something Behind by Daniele Vaccaro
4.0
Wow this book packs a punch for less than 100 pages. You really feel for Robert whose life has been one gut punch after another with only his mother for love and support until Julie came along and even their love story while enduring is one full of heart break. I do wish there had been one more chapter with everyone reuniting because I just needed that closure but this book def got me choaked up as seems to be the habit for this author. They might be short, but they are mighty with the feels.
This book is about Robert whose life is has been spent looking to the stars in hopes of proving that they are not alone in the universe. This need to prove they are not alone so that his name stands the test of time for such a groundbreaking discovery becomes an obsession following the death of his wife because now he is filled with so many unanswered questions. So, while battling with the grief and loss that haunts him, he is also confronting the mysteries of the universe that leads to an amazing discovery that changes him and the world forever.
This book is about Robert whose life is has been spent looking to the stars in hopes of proving that they are not alone in the universe. This need to prove they are not alone so that his name stands the test of time for such a groundbreaking discovery becomes an obsession following the death of his wife because now he is filled with so many unanswered questions. So, while battling with the grief and loss that haunts him, he is also confronting the mysteries of the universe that leads to an amazing discovery that changes him and the world forever.
Bearly Gold: A Goldilocks and the Three Bears Reimagining by N.D. Jones
5.0
This is a 4.90 rounded up for me. The reason not for 5 stars is a personal reason is that I wish there had been a little breakdown or smidge more worldbuilding or even a map at the start of the book. I just wanted to know more about this world and how it got like this and to understand the conflict a little more or which territories were fighting and who they fell under. I know it wasn't the main focus of the story but that is just something my brain was wanting a little more of. Which is why I think it was a personal reason which made the start of the book a little harder for me to get into because I was trying to piece together everything. Other than that, I really loved this book. I have enjoyed each book by ND Jones and have bought physical trophies for my shelves after I finish each one.
Each book had an underlaying theme and this one was about the effects of war on the most vulnerable communities especially children. In this book she explored the exploitation of children into human trafficking for such reasons as domestic slavery, child soldiers or for sexual exploitation. It talks about governments/soldiers who willfully turn a blind eye to the effects of these wars/missions/policies and the effects it can have and how they can benefit from these systems in place. But then the question becomes what do you do when you are forced to look and see what is going on. Do you pretend to see nothing, see what is going on but choose to do nothing or do you try to do something.
Overall, I loved the story and the characters. You had action, heart, romance, family bonds (blood and the ones you make), humor and strength of character and purpose. I loved Fayola who is the FMC who is our reluctant hero but believes in the purpose of the mission and will stop at nothing to help those children she feels responsible for. A great read as always.
This book is about Fayola who is a veteran impundulu shifter who has 1 more mission before her compulsory military service is complete. While she has always done her duty it was one of reluctance and a means to an end to return back home to her father. This final mission is to rescue a humanitarian doctor from a war zone, but the doctor won't leave the children under her care preventing Fayola from completing her mission. So, what is she willing to do and risk for this mission so she can close this chapter on her life. But when there are those who hide who they truly are and abuse the trust, they are given by those most vulnerable then what is a soldier like Fayola supposed to do. Especially when a child puts her faith in Fayola to rescue her and the other orphaned children from a fate worse than death.
Each book had an underlaying theme and this one was about the effects of war on the most vulnerable communities especially children. In this book she explored the exploitation of children into human trafficking for such reasons as domestic slavery, child soldiers or for sexual exploitation. It talks about governments/soldiers who willfully turn a blind eye to the effects of these wars/missions/policies and the effects it can have and how they can benefit from these systems in place. But then the question becomes what do you do when you are forced to look and see what is going on. Do you pretend to see nothing, see what is going on but choose to do nothing or do you try to do something.
Overall, I loved the story and the characters. You had action, heart, romance, family bonds (blood and the ones you make), humor and strength of character and purpose. I loved Fayola who is the FMC who is our reluctant hero but believes in the purpose of the mission and will stop at nothing to help those children she feels responsible for. A great read as always.
This book is about Fayola who is a veteran impundulu shifter who has 1 more mission before her compulsory military service is complete. While she has always done her duty it was one of reluctance and a means to an end to return back home to her father. This final mission is to rescue a humanitarian doctor from a war zone, but the doctor won't leave the children under her care preventing Fayola from completing her mission. So, what is she willing to do and risk for this mission so she can close this chapter on her life. But when there are those who hide who they truly are and abuse the trust, they are given by those most vulnerable then what is a soldier like Fayola supposed to do. Especially when a child puts her faith in Fayola to rescue her and the other orphaned children from a fate worse than death.
Masquerade of Bones by J. Ember Hintz
3.5
This was a 3.5 for me. It wasn't a bad book at all, but it wasn't a book I found myself sinking into. It was easy to read but honestly whenever I put it down, I didn't feel the need to rush back to find out what happens next. This could all very well be a me issue so I encourage people to give the book a try for themselves.
The premise of the book sounded cool, the characters were likeable, and the world building was fine though I was sometimes a little confused on the magic system so maybe a little more explanation there would be nice. Like I get those with magic go through the burning and using their magic too much can cause them to go mad and die but then what was the point of the relics and why did what relic they get affect their type of magic.
Honestly, it wasn't a bad book, but it just never took off for me, and I can't pinpoint one reason as to why that is as it had so many elements of things I like but, in the end, it was just forgettable to me.
This book is about Everly whose family has fallen on hard times since the death of her parents and her betrothal to the prince was broken. She is doing everything she can to keep a roof over their heads while protecting her brother from the harder aspects of their situation. In doing so she ended up racking up massive gambling debts where their house the last connection to their parents could be taken from them in payment because her job is not enough to keep up with the payments. But that is not the only thing she is keeping from her brother. She is a witch and a special kind of witch that can hear the whispers of bones of magical creatures, and she knows if her gift were to be found out not only would she be conscripted to the military, but her gift would be used to track down other witches in hiding. However, as well as she has kept her secret an infamous outlaw Silas Drake found out her secret and has presented her a "choice". Enter into a blood oath with him to steal a relic that was just placed in the vault at her job, and he will pay off her debts or he will hand her over to the authorities. With little choice she enters into the oath but do not be mistaken she is done taking orders from men who want to control her, and she is going to fight back for the time she has left and undermine his plans whatever they might be.
I received an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.
The premise of the book sounded cool, the characters were likeable, and the world building was fine though I was sometimes a little confused on the magic system so maybe a little more explanation there would be nice. Like I get those with magic go through the burning and using their magic too much can cause them to go mad and die but then what was the point of the relics and why did what relic they get affect their type of magic.
Honestly, it wasn't a bad book, but it just never took off for me, and I can't pinpoint one reason as to why that is as it had so many elements of things I like but, in the end, it was just forgettable to me.
This book is about Everly whose family has fallen on hard times since the death of her parents and her betrothal to the prince was broken. She is doing everything she can to keep a roof over their heads while protecting her brother from the harder aspects of their situation. In doing so she ended up racking up massive gambling debts where their house the last connection to their parents could be taken from them in payment because her job is not enough to keep up with the payments. But that is not the only thing she is keeping from her brother. She is a witch and a special kind of witch that can hear the whispers of bones of magical creatures, and she knows if her gift were to be found out not only would she be conscripted to the military, but her gift would be used to track down other witches in hiding. However, as well as she has kept her secret an infamous outlaw Silas Drake found out her secret and has presented her a "choice". Enter into a blood oath with him to steal a relic that was just placed in the vault at her job, and he will pay off her debts or he will hand her over to the authorities. With little choice she enters into the oath but do not be mistaken she is done taking orders from men who want to control her, and she is going to fight back for the time she has left and undermine his plans whatever they might be.
I received an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.
Down the Aisle by Rose Chase
4.0
This was a fun and easy read. This is described as a cozy dark romance, and I can agree with that. It is def on the lighter spectrum of dark romance because while there are dark themes it didn't feel like a dark and heavy book. I will say I read some pretty dark stuff at times so please keep that in mind because what could be the lighter end of dark for me might be dark for others. I will also say that sometimes I forgot this was a dark romance but then Adam would do something and I would be like oh yea and it was usually those moments that were my favorite because Adam would been this super sweet guy who was just so obsessed with Eliza who just wants to take care of her and be there for her and her son but to do that he sometimes did some crazy and unhinged things which again I loved. Trying not to give clues away. Now he is supposed to be the head of a Mafia, and the trope does say secret mafia, but I sometimes forgot there was he was in the Mafia so if you're looking for a mafia book this might not be the book for you.
Now with Eliza, I really liked her. She was a survivor who is doing everything she can to take care of herself and her child and I loved that about her. I will say she did her best to stay firm and say no to Adam and in some ways, she did win but in others Adam did have a way of convincing her to let him help out where he could regardless of if she said no. So, her strength is a little softer but at the end you do see she has some bite to her as well.
I will say for me the plot in the middle did dip for me a little and felt a little long and maybe could have been cut down just a smidge but overall, I enjoyed the plot and characters. It is definitely an easy page turner and might be a good starter for those wanting to dip their toes into dark romance.
This book is about Eliza who after drugging her abusive husband ran away under a hidden identity to get her and her baby to safety. Thankfully with her best friends help she is able to land on her feet. She is surviving but it's a struggle and as a single mom she can't afford any distractions especially when she fears that somehow her husband will find her and who knows what would happen then. So, when her son in the middle of a grocery store tugs on a handsome man's sleeve, she knows that she needs to resist him no matter how charming he is. But as he charming as she finds him, he seems just as taken by her and her son that he persists in being there wanting to get to know them and take care of them that she starts to let him into their lives. But as the she starts to feel hope again; she starts to wonder if this is too good to be true and if when the other shoe is going to drop and take a turn for the worse. Unfortunately, she is correct because her hidden past comes for her with a vengeance that everything starts to fall apart. But the thing is she wasn't the only one in the relationship with a dark secret and Adam is not going to let anyone take his light from him no matter how bloody it gets.
I received an ARC Copy in exchange for an honest review.
Now with Eliza, I really liked her. She was a survivor who is doing everything she can to take care of herself and her child and I loved that about her. I will say she did her best to stay firm and say no to Adam and in some ways, she did win but in others Adam did have a way of convincing her to let him help out where he could regardless of if she said no. So, her strength is a little softer but at the end you do see she has some bite to her as well.
I will say for me the plot in the middle did dip for me a little and felt a little long and maybe could have been cut down just a smidge but overall, I enjoyed the plot and characters. It is definitely an easy page turner and might be a good starter for those wanting to dip their toes into dark romance.
This book is about Eliza who after drugging her abusive husband ran away under a hidden identity to get her and her baby to safety. Thankfully with her best friends help she is able to land on her feet. She is surviving but it's a struggle and as a single mom she can't afford any distractions especially when she fears that somehow her husband will find her and who knows what would happen then. So, when her son in the middle of a grocery store tugs on a handsome man's sleeve, she knows that she needs to resist him no matter how charming he is. But as he charming as she finds him, he seems just as taken by her and her son that he persists in being there wanting to get to know them and take care of them that she starts to let him into their lives. But as the she starts to feel hope again; she starts to wonder if this is too good to be true and if when the other shoe is going to drop and take a turn for the worse. Unfortunately, she is correct because her hidden past comes for her with a vengeance that everything starts to fall apart. But the thing is she wasn't the only one in the relationship with a dark secret and Adam is not going to let anyone take his light from him no matter how bloody it gets.
I received an ARC Copy in exchange for an honest review.
Heavenly Tyrant by Xiran Jay Zhao
5.0
OMG I loved this book. I loved book 1 because it was all about feminine rage and fighting the system that oppressed you and then you have book 2 which is about what happens next after you have taken down those at the top of that government. What do you do next??? For people who need a comparison instead of Katniss in hunger games sitting on a hill enjoying her peace what if she now has to lead the government and change everything. A poor girl with limited education who has been oppressed for so long even by those closest to her who really never thought passed keeping herself and those she loved safe. That is this book and then you throw in a man who you must share power with who is a legend in her time but for him has awaken to a future that is worse than when he left it, and he is now determined to change it by any means necessary. So still, she is under the thumb of some man because society is still not ready to listen to a woman and she is admittedly doesn't have the tools to lead the revolution herself. So, for now she must prove that she is more valuable to have at his side while learning all that she can and plotting for the future and how she can take back control.
I really like this book because I love political intrigue/machinations, and this was dripping in it. With betrayals, plotting and making you question what the proper way is to lead a revolution. For some small changes to allow for those to adjust are the best way but the question becomes how slow is too slow where essentially you are standing still because for some any change is too fast because they don't want it to change. But then there are those who essentially say burn it to the ground and rebuild it and while their goals and ideals might be what you believe sometimes the manner by which they go by is no better or even worse than those who were in charge prior. Like when it came to Qin Zheng policies a lot, I would agree with but then he would do something, and I was oh nooo not that because it would be the signs of an oppressive dictator. So again, this book brings about the question what the right way is to bring about and maintain a revolution as you fight against these oppressive systems that are so ingrained that people don't even realize they are being oppressed from the top to benefit the top. Then there becomes the question in this book who the true oppressors are because of what was revealed at the end of the book 1. So, can you truly fix an oppressive system within an oppressive system and who should you target.
This ends on a cliffhanger which I was a little surprised by as I thought this was a duology, but I am actually happy about that because I need more of those worlds in my life and I can't wait for the next book. I will also admit there were a couple passages where the writing wasn't as smooth as I would like but I was so lost in this world that it didn't fully take me out of what I was reading and enjoying. I did however have to stop at certain points to absorb what I was reading so it took me a little longer to get through it, but I don't mind because that means I am absorbing and processing something I am really enjoying.
So, this book is about Zetain finding herself in control of her government after she took down the sages that were plotting to kill her as she had become too much of a liability. But with the revelations about the "gods" still fresh in her mind she is shaken to say the least. So, for now she has decided to share power with Qin Zheng a legend of an emperor in her time but who is now back to right the country that he sees as being worse off from when he left. So together they must deconstruct this system built on corruption, misogyny and the exploitation of those for the gain of others. But as they work to change this system there are those who will target them to maintain it. But as they worry about those threats, they must also keep in mind the "gods" who have their own plans and ideas for the Zetain, Zheng and their country and if they step out of line, they or their remaining loved ones will pay the price for it.
I really like this book because I love political intrigue/machinations, and this was dripping in it. With betrayals, plotting and making you question what the proper way is to lead a revolution. For some small changes to allow for those to adjust are the best way but the question becomes how slow is too slow where essentially you are standing still because for some any change is too fast because they don't want it to change. But then there are those who essentially say burn it to the ground and rebuild it and while their goals and ideals might be what you believe sometimes the manner by which they go by is no better or even worse than those who were in charge prior. Like when it came to Qin Zheng policies a lot, I would agree with but then he would do something, and I was oh nooo not that because it would be the signs of an oppressive dictator. So again, this book brings about the question what the right way is to bring about and maintain a revolution as you fight against these oppressive systems that are so ingrained that people don't even realize they are being oppressed from the top to benefit the top. Then there becomes the question in this book who the true oppressors are because of what was revealed at the end of the book 1. So, can you truly fix an oppressive system within an oppressive system and who should you target.
This ends on a cliffhanger which I was a little surprised by as I thought this was a duology, but I am actually happy about that because I need more of those worlds in my life and I can't wait for the next book. I will also admit there were a couple passages where the writing wasn't as smooth as I would like but I was so lost in this world that it didn't fully take me out of what I was reading and enjoying. I did however have to stop at certain points to absorb what I was reading so it took me a little longer to get through it, but I don't mind because that means I am absorbing and processing something I am really enjoying.
So, this book is about Zetain finding herself in control of her government after she took down the sages that were plotting to kill her as she had become too much of a liability. But with the revelations about the "gods" still fresh in her mind she is shaken to say the least. So, for now she has decided to share power with Qin Zheng a legend of an emperor in her time but who is now back to right the country that he sees as being worse off from when he left. So together they must deconstruct this system built on corruption, misogyny and the exploitation of those for the gain of others. But as they work to change this system there are those who will target them to maintain it. But as they worry about those threats, they must also keep in mind the "gods" who have their own plans and ideas for the Zetain, Zheng and their country and if they step out of line, they or their remaining loved ones will pay the price for it.
Reaper's Wish by S.A. Burd
4.75
This is a 4.75 rounded up. I really enjoyed this book. I have been so excited for Jamie and Dumah to get their stories. While this book is intended as a standalone book in a series world and it definitely stands on its own in my opinion, I really enjoyed seeing all the characters I love coming together again from previous books. The author does provide a breakdown at the start that those who haven't read the other series I think will appreciate it.
As always, I really enjoy the way the author writes their characters and for Jamie and Dumah I just thought they were the perfect fit. First you have Jamie who is so sweet, funny who has been through a lot of shit honestly as he a Djinn whose masters have abused him. Then you have Dumah a reaper who is eons old (great play on the age/gap with a centuries old djinn and an eon old reaper), and who has also been abused by his patron goddess but while he is possessive when it comes to Jamie, he is so gentle and understanding at the same time letting him set the pace. So, I just love these two together and reading about their journey was so fun.
I also really enjoyed the really strong found family vibe. This is a family that is very mischievous and while some may not always like each other they will show up for each other. I just loved when the whole group was together interacting especially when Owen would run his mouth.
Overall, this is a fun book that I enjoyed and could probably have finished in one setting. I can't wait to see what the author comes up with next.
This book is about Jamie who can't seem to forget a kiss that he received on the hand by the mysterious reaper Dumah. It was such a tiny kiss but after being alive for centuries it's the first kiss he has ever willingly received. But what are the odds this man will pop back into his life. While he may be a free Djinn now, what does he have to offer someone like that. Thankfully he has his amazing friends who are his family tp love him and support him and now know the truth about him. That is until the Reaper literally comes knocking at his friend's house on an errand for Goddess Maude to bring his friends to Vegas, for what they don't know but he gets to tag along to find out and spend more time with this reaper who haunts him. For Dumah he has been around for eons never thinking he would get to have a mate and then he stumbles across this sweet Djinn who has the prettiest of blushes. Happy to use this retrieval errand as an excuse to be around his fated mate and spend a relaxing weekend with him in Vegas of all places, he knows he has to be careful. The reason is his patron goddess, the goddess of death is looking for a Djinn for what reason he doesn't know but he knows that it can't be good. So, he will enjoy the time he has with his mate away from the prying eyes of death but knows that he has to resist the pull of his mate so as to keep him safe. Will the odds be in his favor but remember the house always wins.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
As always, I really enjoy the way the author writes their characters and for Jamie and Dumah I just thought they were the perfect fit. First you have Jamie who is so sweet, funny who has been through a lot of shit honestly as he a Djinn whose masters have abused him. Then you have Dumah a reaper who is eons old (great play on the age/gap with a centuries old djinn and an eon old reaper), and who has also been abused by his patron goddess but while he is possessive when it comes to Jamie, he is so gentle and understanding at the same time letting him set the pace. So, I just love these two together and reading about their journey was so fun.
I also really enjoyed the really strong found family vibe. This is a family that is very mischievous and while some may not always like each other they will show up for each other. I just loved when the whole group was together interacting especially when Owen would run his mouth.
Overall, this is a fun book that I enjoyed and could probably have finished in one setting. I can't wait to see what the author comes up with next.
This book is about Jamie who can't seem to forget a kiss that he received on the hand by the mysterious reaper Dumah. It was such a tiny kiss but after being alive for centuries it's the first kiss he has ever willingly received. But what are the odds this man will pop back into his life. While he may be a free Djinn now, what does he have to offer someone like that. Thankfully he has his amazing friends who are his family tp love him and support him and now know the truth about him. That is until the Reaper literally comes knocking at his friend's house on an errand for Goddess Maude to bring his friends to Vegas, for what they don't know but he gets to tag along to find out and spend more time with this reaper who haunts him. For Dumah he has been around for eons never thinking he would get to have a mate and then he stumbles across this sweet Djinn who has the prettiest of blushes. Happy to use this retrieval errand as an excuse to be around his fated mate and spend a relaxing weekend with him in Vegas of all places, he knows he has to be careful. The reason is his patron goddess, the goddess of death is looking for a Djinn for what reason he doesn't know but he knows that it can't be good. So, he will enjoy the time he has with his mate away from the prying eyes of death but knows that he has to resist the pull of his mate so as to keep him safe. Will the odds be in his favor but remember the house always wins.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.