Book Review: Stolen Kingdom

Title -  Stolen Kingdom

Author - Sara Snow 

Genre - Dark Retelling 

Format - Ebook Arc 

Published - October 27th 2023 

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Add to your shelf (Goodreads)

Synopsis

This imprisonment thing is getting really old!

After being banished from the castle, I am kidnapped and held hostage by The Prince. My every thought is consumed by the need to make it back to the Alpha King…

If someone had told me that my path would lead to the Palace of Kings in Larose Kingdom, I'd have said they were mad.

Yet, here I am, ensnared by this Prince, darker and more menacing than even the Alpha King.

His malevolence can no longer hide from me.

Above all, I must return to Kaine.

The haunting memory of our last encounter remains: Kaine, sacrificing himself to the Dark Fae, all to keep me safe…

What cruel bargain did he strike in my name?

A gut feeling assures me he's still alive.

His presence is palpable... He draws nearer with every heartbeat.

The void he left is immense. I yearn to be by his side and aid him in reclaiming his rightful throne.

------------------------------

This is the second book in the dark and steamy Beauty and the Beast retelling featuring an Alpha-hole and unwitting human. This is an enemies-to-lovers and second fated mate romance. It's the first of a trilogy, ending on a cliffhanger.

Review

I received Stolen Kingdom in return for an honest review from the author. 

Sophie just seems to keep getting captured as she was forced away from the fight and found herself in the hands on the prince. All she can think about is returning to Kaine, and hoping that the Dark Fae didn't win the battle that she was sent away from. Plus I know I would want to get to her magical library. 

I love Sophie she's a sweetheart who's in love with a beast well Kaine is a shifter but thanks to the dark fae he's got some issues. I loved both characters right from the start I really felt like I was able to connect with them. I love the light fae living in the kingdom that Kaine rules they are lovely supporting characters. My heart goes out to Sophie because she's very unlucky when it comes to getting captured. 

This is the second installment in the Shattered Kingdom series which continues right after the first left off and ends in another cliffhanger that made me want to toss my kindle across the room. I'm terrible when it comes to cliffhangers because I hate waiting for what's going to happen next. I've always enjoyed Beauty and the best retellings but this one is quickly becoming my favorite I love a shifter magical romance. 

I think the author did a lovely job putting her own unique spin on the Beauty and the Beast concept. I ended up devouring each book in just an afternoon, and I loved every moment even when I wanted to throw my kindle. I'm a huge fan of Sara Snows writing style she creates some of the most beautiful worlds with characters that just spark the heart as well as imagination. I can't wait for the next book to come out and see the HEA I know is coming 

Teaser Tuesday

 

It's Teaser Tuesday time! 

New week all new books. I'm currently reading a review book that I'm so excited to have gotten the chance to be apart of. 

A Hunt So Wild and Cruel 

by Rebecca F. Kenney 

Published November 2nd 2023

Dark Spicy Romance Retelling 

(Amazon)(Goodreads)

Teaser 

My brain won’t let me sleep. It churns through what I witnessed tonight over and over, replaying Helix’s words in my head like an endless refrain.

Synopsis

She's been a bad girl...

They’ve been summoned for a reckoning.

Queen Lauriel hoards wealth and persecutes anyone with magic. She even cancels the Midwinter Glee festival, claiming that it wastes the Crown's money. But one cold night, the Wild Hunt rides across the sky, led by three majestic Fae. They've been called to teach the Queen a lesson, and if she can't learn it by their deadline, her throne won't be the only thing she'll lose.

For the three riders, visiting the Queen is a welcome reprieve from their existence as bodiless spirits. But if they fail in their task, their place in the Wild Hunt is at risk, and the alternative is a far worse fate.

Three ghost riders...

One chance to change.

This book is a standalone spinoff of the Wicked Darlings series. It's a spicy fantasy-romance retelling of "A Christmas Carol" by Charles Dickens, with a female main character and three hunky Fae spirits.

Trigger/content warnings will be available in the front matter of the book and on the author's website.

What are you currently reading? 

Book Review: Crash

Title -  Crash 

Author - Nicole James 

Genre - Dark MC Romance 

Format - Paperback 

Published - Published March 14th 2014

Buy it on (Amazon) 
Add to your shelf (Goodreads)

Synopsis

From Wall Street Journal bestselling author Nicole James, comes a sexy opposites attract, enemies-to-lovers MC standalone romance.

A troublemaker, that's all she was to him...

When outlaw biker, Crash, suddenly finds himself a rich girl's bodyguard & babysitter, he thinks he'll teach the stuck-up girl a lesson. The world saw a classy wealthy lady. All he saw was a spoiled little rich girl.

Until she reveals the shattered girl inside who tries so hard to hide her fears with a façade of arrogance, attitude, and sass. He'd tear down those walls she tries so hard to build, if only she'd let him.

Could the love of a man so wrong for her be the only one to save her?

And in his darkest hour, would her love be enough to save him?

Review

I received Crash in return for an honest review from the lovely Nicole James.

Shannon is being stalked and the only place she can think to go where she will be safe is returning to Cole and the Evil Dead crew for protection. Cole and the boys saved her life several years ago and she knows they are the safest place to be while she's being stalked by her ex. Crash is assigned to be her bodyguard while she's with the crew but neither can deny the attraction. 

I loved Cole so much but I think Crash just elbowed him out as my favorite by just a touch. Angel is still my favorite girl but Shannon is a close second. I love that while their story is over they are very much a part of Crash and Shannon's story. I wasn't ready to let them go yet and loved getting to see them so much in the story. I loved so much that while he's a tough guy he still has a sweet side. They just complement each other so much and the chemistry between them is sizzling. 

I really enjoyed the whole motorcycle crew concept it's quickly becoming one of my favorites. Crash is a fast paced action packed, steamy story, that keeps you drawn in till the last page. I devoured this chunky book in just a couple days because I had to know how it was going to all play out. Plus I never seem to get enough of the Evil Dead Crew they just are this rough yet sweet group that you can't help falling in love with. 

The author Nicole James nailed Crash it's a beautiful story that captured my heart as well as my imagination. I loved all the characters the more time I spend with the Evil Dead crew the more I can't wait for them each to get there own happy ever after. I truly loved every moment of the book even when it made me cry like a baby I still got that perfect HEA. This is my second book by the author and she continues to blow me away with each book. I'm looking forward to the rest of the series. It's one of my favorite series! 

Happy Release Day + Review of Tempt Me With Darkness

Title -  Tempt Me With Darkness

Author - Shayla Black

Genre - Paranormal Romance 

Format - Kindle Review Copy  

Published - Published October 24th 2023 

Buy it on (Amazon) 
Add to your shelf (Goodreads)

Synopsis

I hate her as much as I can’t live without her.

Marrok

I’ve been cursed, and I’m out for revenge. I’ll do anything to end my damnation, including kidnap an innocent with telling violet eyes.

For a thousand years I’ve been an immortal recluse. Suddenly, I’m tortured by filthy dreams that leave me craving my captive. Worse, once I lay rough hands on her soft skin, I demand things from her I shouldn’t. I feel things beyond the hatred that has consumed me.

Protectiveness.

Possessiveness.

And a hunger more demanding than any vengeance.

***

Olivia

The second I meet Marrok, my heart stutters. My world stops. I’m drawn to the brash stranger, until…

He abducts me.

He vows to slake fifteen centuries of lust on me.

He demands I uncurse him, or he’ll kill me.

We should never have met. We’re enemies. Fate makes us lovers. Magic decrees us mates, unlocking secrets and unleashing a dark, paranormal power determined to burn down the world. Unless we band together, we’re doomed.

Review

I received Tempt Me With Darkness from Valentine PR in return for an honest review. 

Marrok was cursed by Morganna over 1500 years ago and hasn't be able to die force to live in a world he doesn't know holding out hope to break the curse. When a chance encounter he finds himself face to face with her descendent he can't deny the attraction to her and maybe she has what it takes to break the curse. Will Olivia be up for the challenge of breaking the curse? Will she loose her heart in the process what about the darkness looming hunting her. 

I love Marrok he's a little broken but who wouldn't be after living during Arthurs time only to be forced to wander for 1500 years unable to die or get a release. I liked Olivia right from the start she's a little broken thanks to her mom but with Marrok hopefully she will have what she's always needed. I love the fated mate connection between them it just works so perfect they have this steamy undeniable connect. 

I devoured Tempt Me With Darkness in just one afternoon it was hard to put down and I needed to know what would happen next.  It's a steamy paranormal romance that blends story with just the right about of spice between the characters. I love the Arthurian elements as I don't see those very often in the modern world it was blended so well into the story. The characters are easy to connect and I just really loved Marrok and Olivia's story it's steamy and sizzling. 

This is my first book by the author and I'm obsessed she's created this beautiful steamy urban fantasy that made my heart so happy. I loved every moment it captured my attention from the first page till the last. The author has done a lovely job creating a captivating story that sparks the heart as well as the imagination. I can't wait for the next book to in the series and see how we get to meet next. Perfect for fans of steamy paranormal romance with Arthurian elements and swoon worthy men. 

Book Review: Courting Death and Destruction

Title -  Courting Death and Destruction 

Author - Emily Shore 

Genre - Dark Fantasy Romance Dragons 

Format - Kindle Review Copy  

Published - Published October 16th 2023 

Buy it on (Amazon) 

Add to your shelf (Goodreads)

Synopsis

From bestselling Kindle Vella author comes a steamier Twilight meets Throne of Glass in this dark romantasy featuring a true 'enemies-to-lovers-sharing-one-bed' forced marriage.

Will I conquer the Dragon Prince of Destruction and make him my warrior, or will I share the dark fate of his past murdered brides?

I just wanted to spend my life rescuing children from human blood farms and vampire courts.

Until the father of all vampires and his son, Neoptolemus, the Prince of Destruction, destroyed my home and family.

Now, it’s time for some righteous revenge.

When the Mother Goddess offers me my revenge on a gold platter in the form of a magical Halo, I take it. I will embrace this heavenly hula hoop with its star-fire power, become Neo's bride, and share his bed. I will learn his weaknesses and then kill him. I'm sure it's just an urban legend that he can turn into a dragon.

Did I mention how the Prince is sex-on-a-vampire-stick and just my type? If only he wasn't a bloodthirsty warrior who destroys all his brides.

The Halo doesn't get the hint!

I keep shedding stardust and lighting up like a Christmas tree whenever he's around. Perhaps...there is more to his destructive mask.

Could I break the patriarchal bond with his father and claim him as my warrior instead? If I fail, the Father will use Neo to destroy me, and with my halo power, he will enslave the world for eternity...

From Fourth Wing to Tethered to A Court of Mist and Fury, readers will fall in love with this slow-burn but steamy forbidden love story where the age-old fairytale gets a modern facelift to prove the princess can save the dragon.

*Courting Death and Destruction includes a symbolic trauma-healing theme based on author's overcoming journey. *Dissociative Identity Disorder systems is featured through the eyes of a significant supporting character to show the beauty of this community. Please read the Mental Health Author's Note.

*Trigger Warning on author's website.

Review

I received Courting Death and Destruction from the author in return for an honest review. 

Elysia has a destiny that has haunted her knowing eventually her time is coming. Her mission is to slay the dragon but the more time she spends with Neo she learns he's not the monster that she expected and finds herself falling for her husband. However, time is running out and they can't hide who she is forever. 

I love Elysia she's a fantastic character you can't help cheering her on as she risks no only her life but heart as well. I love that when she takes on the powers she asks about her wings, she's a girl of my own heart. I think Neo just perfect he's my favorite type of love interest the morally grey just works so well with Elysia's light. The longer they are together the stronger the connection grows it's steamy and sizzling. 

I ended up devouring Courting Death and Destruction in two quick reading sessions I couldn't put it down I had to know how it would all play out with Elysia and Neo. This was a wild ride the characters are easy to connect with I just love Elysia she's such a great character in this crazy world she lives in. I did have a few moments where I wanted to throw my book across the room like the last page as now we have to wait for the next one. 

This is my first book by the author and I think I read the first installment on Vella but I'm not sure why I never finished it because I loved every moment of Elysia's story. The author has done a beautiful job creating a story that captures the heart as well as the imagination. I loved the concept for the Halo it was very unique and I can't wait to see her abilities grow. I eagerly waiting for the next installment in the meantime I'm going to check out her other books since this is a crossover. Highly recommend if you like a romantasy with magic, vampires and a dragon prince. 

Book Review: King of the Dead

Title - King of the Dead

Author - Ryana Hunter 

Genre - Paranormal Romance 

Format - Kindle Review Copy  

Published - October 13th 2023

Buy it on (Amazon) 
Add to your shelf (Goodreads)

Synopsis

In a world ruled by the undead, Renee is one of the last survivors. Forced into captivity by the king of the dead, she discovers a secret that could save humanity - or destroy it. To get the information she needs, she must get close to the one man who holds the key to everything: the king himself.

Zane is a zombie, but he’s also a man who was once in love with Renee. Years ago, he saved her from his horde, but she doesn’t remember him. Now, he’ll stop at nothing to make her his queen - even if it means risking everything. Together, they’ll explore the forbidden love that binds them, and the dark secrets that threaten to tear them apart.

In this haunting tale of love and death, Renee and Zane will discover that life and death may not be what they thought - and that they can be reborn through love. Don’t miss your chance to enter the Kingdom of the Dead.

Review

I received King of the Dead in return for an honest review from Bound by Mischief. 

Renee is alone after losing everyone she cared she's always been the one in the group if she didn't come back no one would really care. That is till she catches the attention of Zane a zombie who's not your typical zombie. He saved her from the hoard many years ago and has been in love with her ever since and after finding her again he's not going to let her go. Will this unlikely duo find the home they are looking for. 

I love Renee the fact that she's a read even after the zombie break just makes me love her more. When Zane brings her a book to read he stole my heart. I hope if we have a zombie apocalypse that I get books to instead of just a meal. Zane is an interesting twist on the zombie trope because he's more than just a tradition zombie. I love the idea of Renee and Zane together it was a sweet twist. 

I've read a bunch of zombie books but not very many zombie romance and this is my favorite so far. The author has created engaging character's that I really felt like I could connect with and cheer on through the whole story. The whole idea behind the different zombies I found unique and kept me curious what we would encounter next. I love the idea of the idea of a sweet zombie romance it's not your typical zombie story. 

This is my first book by the author but I'm hooked, she does a beautiful job creating a captivating story that just captured my attention making it hard to put my book down. I ended up devouring King of the Dead in just two quick reading sessions due to real life but given the chance I would have finished it in one. The characters are wonderful I loved Renee and Zane was totally swoon worthy even if he is undead. I love the teaser for the next one and can't wait for it to come out and learn more about the Queen of the Dead. Just enough time to explore the authors backlist while I wait. I love monster romance and this one nailed it. Highly recommend checking it out. 

Book Tour & Review: The Cursed Soul

Welcome to the tour for K.C. Smith's new fantasy adventure, The Cursed Soul! Read on for more details!

The Cursed Soul (Waves of Sorcery #1)

Publication Date: October 3, 2023 

  Genre: Fantasy Adventure/ Pirates 

  ☠️ Reluctant Hero

 ☠️ Sea Adventure 

 ☠️ Elemental Magic

 ☠️ Pirates

 ☠️ Evil Sorceress

 ☠️ Dual POV 

  Cursed. Forgotten. Reborn.

Doraan and his entire crew are cursed to never walk on land again. For ten long years, they have roamed the sea, attacking and pillaging to survive. Doraan placed all his faith in his family to find a way to break their wretched curse, but when he discovers that his hope of freedom was nothing more than a dream, his world comes crashing down. Kamira is on the run from a life she never wanted. Finding shelter by stowing away on a ship docked far out to sea, Kamira disguises herself as a boy in the hope of making it to the ship's next port alive. Little does she know-their craft won't be stopping at any port. Stuck aboard a vessel full of pirates with no destination in sight, Kamira fears they will not only discover that she is a woman but also a sorceress. Now she must face the threat of being thrown overboard-or worse, being turned in to the empire for hiding her outlawed gifts. As Kamira struggles to keep her identity hidden and gain their trust, Doraan sees her as a glimmer of hope for their cursed fate, even if it comes with a steep price. With danger at every turn, Kamira and the crew of the Cursed Soul must navigate treacherous waters in an attempt to not only save themselves but all of Emmoria. 

  Add to Goodreads

Available on KU and on Amazon 

  Get Signed Paperbacks Here

Review

I received The Cursed Soul in return for an honest review as the tour hosted by R&R Book Tours. 

Doraan is cursed he has been for over 10 years after he killed the son of a sorceress and in return she forced him to become a pirate unable to walk on land. However, it's becoming more important for him to break the curse to save he sets out on a mission to break the curse. Kamira is fleeing from the only life she's known after having to protect herself she ends up on board The Cursed Soul as if fate brough her to Doraan and his cursed crew. With the help of Kamira will they be able to break the curse. 

I really like Doraan as a character he may be a pirate but he's not your typical pirate and his whole crew was cursed into this life. I just love Kamira she's a sweetheart who pretends to be a boy to save her life. I really liked Cormac he's the perfect partner in crime for Doraan and support after everything they've been through. I think the sweet chemistry between Doraan and Kamira fits the story perfectly. 

The author did a beautiful job creating a captivating story that kept me hooked till the very end. The characters are engaging and I found myself able to connect with both of the main characters. The dual pov is one of my favorite parts of the story because I enjoyed seeing what they both were thinking. I haven't read a lot of pirate stories but this one I found unique and exciting I couldn't wait to know what would happen next on their adventure. 

This is my first book by the author and I loved every moment of the story I ended up devouring it in one afternoon. The Cursed Soul is an action packed whirlwind adventure that kept me on the edge of the set till the very end I couldn't wait to see what happens next. I really enjoyed the story and love the budding relationship between Dorran and Kamira. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series to see how everything plays out and in the meantime I plan to read the authors other book because I really enjoyed her storytelling. 

About the Author

K.C. Smith (Katelyn) is an author of fantasy and adventure novels plagued with curses. Working as an accountant by day, writing has given Katelyn a creative escape from the corporate world. She lives in Maryland with her husband and their chihuahua, Tank. When not writing or reading, Katelyn can be found rock climbing and traveling the world! 

  KC Smith 

  Book Tour Organized by R&R Book Tours

Book Tour & Review: Twisted Bond

 The wait is finally over! Twisted Bond is coming out on October 18th, and we couldn’t be more excited about it! Visit one of our Bookstagram hosts to win a hardcover edition of this stunner!

Twisted Bond (Twisted Series #1)

Publication Date: October 18, 2023

Genre: YA Fantasy

🗝️ Found Family 

🗝️ Hidden Royalty 

🗝️ Friends to Lovers 

🗝️ Chosen One

Three Girls.

Three Lives.

One Bond.

After almost a decade apart, Cammie, Hannah, and Sabina never expected their paths to cross again so suddenly. But when Cammie is plagued by memories of a person she has never met, she has no choice but to reach out to the friends she lost touch with years ago.

A charismatic stranger—by the name of Caelan—claims he holds the answers to her mounting list of questions. Instead, Cammie winds up in a comatose state. With Caelan’s help, Sabina races against time to find the man in Cammie’s memories who holds the key to an unseen world… before her friend is lost within her own mind forever.

Meanwhile, Hannah finds herself fighting for her life after being thrust into the middle of a war between beings rumored to be myth. In the midst of the chaos, one element holds true… fate pulled them back

together for a reason. Will the trio uncover the truth they seek? Or run from an answer they fear will shatter their world as they know it? 

Available on Amazon

Add it to your Goodreads shelf

Review

I received Twisted Bond in return for an honest review as part of the tour hosted R&R Book Tours. 

Three former friends each living their own lives until they suddenly collide in a whirlwind adventure that will test them all and change their lives forever. Sabrina can't seem to do anything right living at home and jumps at the chance to help Cammie who's struggling with a forgotten memory while Hannah jumps at the chance to leave home with her friends only to end up kidnapped by a stranger. 

I love the girls each one brings something to the trio and they each complement the others even if they haven't seen each other in a while. They still have this strong connection, but I think Sabrina is my favorite there is just something about her I find interesting. However, I feel like Cammie is a lot like me as she loves books too and Hannah is a bit of a wildcard at the moment. 

I really felt like I was able to connect with all the girls as we had a little more inside into how they are feeling and their story even thought Hannah wasn't my favorite I still liked her in the end. I love multiple pov I think it's why I was able to connect with all the girls. Twisted Bond is full of action packed suspense adventure that kept me on my toes till the very end. I loved all the paranormal elements, and the way the girls are dragged into another world. 

I really enjoyed the world building that went into tying the girls together and into another magical world it. I ended up devouring the over just a couple days as she's a little on the chunky side, but I'm sure if I had all day to read I could easy finish it in just one. I found the story captivating and it just drew me in I had to know what would happen next to our girls. The author has done a lovely job weaving an enchanting story and I can't wait for the next book to see what happens next. 

About the Author

Katlyn DeRouen is a multi-genre author who dabbles in science fiction, fantasy, and romance. Driven by her love of the written word, she penned her debut book of poetry in 2019, which received an outpouring of glowing reviews. Encouraged by the support of her readers, she allowed her imagination to take her to the stars and back with countless new engaging characters and compelling novels. She lives in Kansas with her husband and two fur babies where she can always be found getting lost in a story. 

Katlyn DeRouen