Release Day! Book Review: Sanctuary of the Shadow

 Title - Sanctuary of the Shadow

Author - Aurora Ascher   

Genre - Fantasy 

Format - Arc Review Copy  

Published - Jan 6th 2024

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Synopsis

A Refinery29 Most Anticipated Book of 2024

"Ascher's latest is a fantasy romance that has everything nice—a hot love interest, a relatable main character, female friendship—and plenty of (consensual) spice." ―Booklist

Some follow their destiny.

Others fall for it.

For humans, Salizar’s is a place of mystery and wonder. For Harrow, it’s a place to hide from those who slaughtered her entire clan. A haven where she can disguise both her abilities and who she really is.

Until he arrives.

He has no recollection of who—or even what—he is. He only knows that he’s a monster, with wings and powerful abilities never seen before. But beneath the layers of rage and isolation, one glimpse into those inky black eyes reveals a soul that calls out to the loneliness in Harrow.

And so she chooses him.

She is drawn to the mystery of him, her unquenchable need for his kiss. And as powerful enemies align and conspire against them, Harrow knows their only hope is escape.

Now, with every secret she unlocks from his past, a shadow from her own whispers free—luring enemies who will stop at nothing to get their final revenge on Harrow. And she’s given them the perfect weapon…because her winged beast is not what he seems.

But maybe it’s time they finally learn—neither is she.

Review

I received Sanctuary of the Shadows in return for an honest review from the publisher as part of a advance read-along. 

Harrow is living among a supernatural circus which is traveling from town to town. After losing her entire family she's keep her ears hidden pretending to just be a human but who she really is she's keep secret. When a handsome stranger shows up at the Circus everything changes. Raith is more than he appears and Harrow knows that she can't leave him at the hands of the circus. 

I love Harrow she's such a great character and after everything that has happened to her it just makes her stronger willing to risk it all for those she loves. Raith is interesting I wasn't sure at first but the more time Harrow spends with him the more I loved him for her. They have this connection that the more time they are together the more steamy it gets. I just felt I was really able to Harrow. 

 I'm hooked I really enjoyed Harrow and Raith's story it's a beautiful sweet love story with just the right amount of spicy blended in. I found the world that they live in fascinating and while we get just a taste of the circus it's really unique. We are introduced to a few characters like her best friend Mal who I can't wait to see show up in the next book. I'm glad that each book is going to be set in the world with the characters overlapping but with new couples. 

This is my first book by the author and I'm obsessed with her storytelling style she's created a captivating story that tugs at the heartstrings. With engaging characters, a magical world, a steamy romance and darkness looming around it was perfect. I devoured this book over a couple days even though I tried to stay with the read-along I had to finish it and see how it would all play out. I'm so glad that I had the chance to read this one it was lovely. 

Book Review: Man Hunt

Title - Man Hunt 

Author -Vanessa Vale 

Genre - Contemporary Romance 

Format - Paperback

Published - December 27th 2022 

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Synopsis

What’s worse than spilling coffee all over my billionaire boss? Accidentally emailing him my answers to a sex quiz.

That was me. I did that. I might be a genius, but that was really dumb.

I sneak into the office to delete it, but it’s too late. He knows my naughtiest fantasies.

Instead of firing me, he wants to fulfill every one of them.

He’s everything I didn’t know I wanted: Older, fiercely protective and a possessive streak the size of Montana.

But can he really want someone like me with a past full of man struggles and a head full of math problems?

Find out the answer in this steamy small town romance where a nerdy heroine is outsmarted by a lumberjack-sized billionaire in a test of love. With all the books in the On A Manhunt series, it’s always open season on men.

Review 

I received Man Hunt in return for an honest review from Valentine PR. 

I love Bridget she's a girl after my own heart, I loved that she put Jake Ryan on her sex quiz very 16 Candles which is one of my favorite movies. He would totally have been my answer too. I loved our pink wearing older love interest Maverick he's just a perfect complement to our girl. They have this undeniable instant chemistry that's just very sweet and very steamy.

Man Hunt is a whirlwind fast paced adorable romance with engaging characters you just fall in love with them. I felt like I was able to really connect with Bridget and Maverick they just stole a place in my heart. The supporting characters are great I can't wait to see more of them as the series progresses. 

This is my first book by the author but I'm hooked I loved her style of storytelling. She's created a captivating story that I devoured in one afternoon and loved every moment of it. I loved the pop culture references. Man Hunt is a beautifully written steamy romance perfect for fans of insta-love billionaire romance.

Book Review: All I Want for Christmas is Utahraptor

Title - All I Want for Christmas is Utahraptor

Author - Lola Faust

Genre - Monster Romance 

Format - Kindle Review Copy

Published - December 12th 2023

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Synopsis

This big-city hottie is home for the holidays... but will she rekindle romance with her high-school dino flame?

In the snow-dusted streets of her hometown, Holly Grant, a dazzling figure from the glittering world of high society, finds herself at a crossroads. Trapped in a loveless relationship with the wealthy yet unfeeling Thad, her heart longs for an escape. As Christmas bells chime and families gather, Holly's perfectly manicured life is on the verge of unraveling in the most unexpected way.

Enter Rocky, a breathtakingly majestic Utahraptor, who once set Holly's world ablaze with forbidden passion. Their paths cross again, reawakening a whirlwind romance that defies not only the laws of nature but also the conservative norms of Holly's Mormon community. As the festive lights twinkle, Holly is torn between the life she's always known and the wild, untamed love she never forgot.

Amidst the scandalous whispers and shocked stares, their reunion ignites a fiery debate between desire and decorum. Will Holly choose the safety of her gilded cage, or will she surrender to the primal call of a love that once set her soul on fire? This holiday season, witness a love story that is as passionate as it is controversial, as Holly grapples with the deepest desires of her heart.

Review 

I received All I Want for Christmas is Utahraptor in return for an honest review from NetGalley. 

Holly's life isn't going as she planned and when her boyfriend is working the holidays she heads home. Upon returning home Holly meets up with her old friend that she had a crush on Rocky and the chemistry is sizzling. As things heat up between the unlikely pair what happens when her boyfriend shows up? 

All I want for Christmas is Utahraptor is a sweet very steamy fast paced friends to lovers dino romance. I love that the story is a perfect balance of plot with just the right amount of spice. The characters are engaging and I felt that I was really able to connect with them. I love that Rocky has emotions and is a sentient dino who felt very human aside from the feathers and claws.  

I've be seeing this series around for a while and have been on the fence to check it out for a while. When I saw it on NetGalley I decided to give it a shot and I'm so glad that I did. I ended up devouring the book in less than an hour and rushing to amazon to grab the rest of the series. I'm excited to explore more of Lola Faust's dino erotic romance. 

It's a cute steamy story that hooked my attention right from the start and sparked my imagination. I'm a little obsessed with monster romance and this story doesn't disappointment it's better than I could have expected! I loved every moment of it and can't wait to explore more of her dino romance stories. 

Happy Release Day + Book Review: Ruined Kingdom

Title - Ruined Kingdom

Author - Sara Snow 

Genre - Dark Fantasy Romance

Format - Kindle Review Copy

Published - December 29th
2023 

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Synopsis

In the ethereal balance between life and death, I find myself at a crossroads.

It's here I encounter Helene, and the truth of my destiny unfolds - I am the chosen mate of Kaine Ulric.

Kaine is a storm of conflicting instincts as his curse nears its end.

As Kaine battles his inner demons, our bond deepens, intertwining our fates more than I ever imagined.

A shocking revelation dawns on me...

My fate is the key to the Dark Fae King's immortality. My very existence is a beacon of hope and destruction.

To save our world from decay and to free Kaine from his curse, I must embrace a destiny as the sacrificial lamb.

If I falter, the world plunges into an abyss from which there is no return.

But as shadows gather and destiny calls, can we truly be the shield that guards our world from its darkest hour?.

Review 

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

Ruined Kingdom is the epic conclusion in the Shattered Kingdom trilogy. Sophie and Kaine's bond continues to grow as they are more connected. Everything hinges on Sophie's sacrifice which will save them all but at what cost? Will they be able to defeat the dark fae before time runs out? 

I just love Sophie she may not have planned to be the hero but she's totally kick ass when and willing to do it all to save those she loves. Kaine is just so swoon worth even if he does turn furry he's just a perfect partner for Sophie. I love the steamy chemistry between them that has grown over the series. 

This may be my favorite retelling of Beauty and the Beast it's dark steamy and filled with adventure that kept me on the edge of my seat till the very end. I attempted to devour it in just one afternoon but real life got in the way so I finished it in two quick reading sessions. 

Ruined Kingdom is a beautifully written story that captures the heart as well as the imagination. Sara Snow has created another beautiful series that I couldn't put down this may be my favorite series by the author. I loved the characters they are engaging you can't help connecting with them and rooting for them through the whole series. This series is perfect for fans of action packed dark steamy romance who enjoy Beauty and the Beast Retellings. I still think that Sophie has the best library ever created and I need this to be real. Highly recommend one of my favorite series of 2023. 

Book Review: To Kill a Shadow

Title - To Kill a Shadow 

Author - Katherine Quinn

Genre - Fantasy Romance

Format - Kindle Review Copy

Published - November 28th 2023 

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Synopsis

The instant New York Times bestseller

Britannia meets The Mist―with a touch of Evil Dead―in this illusory fantasy horror about a kingdom left to darkness…

Jude Maddox knows nothing of love or even light. He knows only his grim duty as the Hand of Death, to lead the Knights of the Eternal Star into a land filled with nightmares and certain demise. It’s only when he sees her―a young woman with wild, amber eyes who’s as fierce, defiant, and swift as the shadow beasts themselves―that he feels the warmth of life in his blood…

The other Knights may fear their lethal commander, with his hard, merciless demeanor. Outcast Kiara Frey sees only a leader, a man who knows how to survive. Someone like her. But wanting him is as treacherous as the shadows themselves…and just as seductive.

With a kingdom on the verge of collapse, the Knights must now venture into the darkest heart of the land and uncover the secrets of the misted shadows, where evil will prey upon their minds and feast on their flesh.

It will betray their senses.

It will surpass their nightmares.

Most of them will die.

But they have no other choice. Because the only way to fight the darkness…is to become it.

Review 

I received To Kill a Shadow in return for an honest review from the publisher via NetGalley. 

Right from the start I knew I liked Kira and the more the story progressed she just kept getting better. I loved that she cared about her group doing everything she could to keep them alive. She's just the kind of character I would want to have my back. Jude is an interesting character at first I wasn't sure but the more we learned about his past the more I started to like him. I love the sweet connection between them it just works so well. 

I typically don't read a lot of horror but when I saw the cover for this one I just had to sign up. I enjoyed this one immensely the story is a fast paced adventure into the darkness of the mist. I was hooked right from the start and ended up devouring this one in just 24 hours. I just had to know how it was going to play out and I want more. I wasn't ready for this one to end. 

This is my first book by the author so I wasn't sure what to expect. She nailed it with To Kiss a Shadow. I loved her storytelling she's created a beautifully captivating story that I couldn't put down. I enjoyed every moment of Kira and Jude's story and look forward to the series continuing. Highly recommend if you enjoy exciting story with just the right amount of slow burn romance and banter. 

Happy Release Day! + Book Review: Filth

Title - Filth

Author - Torri Heat 

Genre - Dark Romance Standalone Novella 

Format - Kindle Review

Published - Dec 21st 2023

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Synopsis

Alora has a dirty soul.

Ever since she was a child, she knew something was wrong with her. Off. Twisted. And as she got older, her sins grew bigger.

Enter Alexander. Polished. Older. Put together, and respected. When Alora meets him at her art show, she's instantly attracted to the charismatic gentleman. But no one can be that perfect, can they?

Desperate to find something wrong with her newest obsession, Alora turns to her dark side. Stalking Alexander's every move might not make sense to the average person, but Alora has never been average. And if she can just find one thing wrong with Alexander, she can move on with her life.

Or so she tells herself.

But Alexander is keeping secrets of his own. As the two's twisted relationship deepens, they discover things about each other that would've been better off buried.

That is...if anything actually is what it seems.

Filth is a dark romance standalone novella.

Please see www.torriheat.com for a complete list of triggers.

Review 

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

Alora is unique and when fate brings Alexander into her life he becomes an obsession. She can't get him out of her mind and she keeps telling herself if she figured him out she can move on. The more time she spends looking into his world the more her obsession grows but what will he think if he learns the truth that she's been watching him? 

I adore Alora she's a little broken but I feel like we all are a little broken at the end of the day. I'm sure we've all done a little stalking over the years thanks to social media as well. I found Alora easy to connect with she's such an engaging character and I just loved her. 

I absolutely loved Filth it's dark and gritty with characters that felt so real. I ended up devouring the novella in an hour it was impossible to put down and I had to know how it would play out for Alora and Alexander. This is a new concept for me the female stalker but I really enjoyed it because she's done a beautiful job telling Alora's story. 

I'm a huge fan of Torri Heat she creates these complex characters and enchanting stories she always blows my mind. I think Filth may be my favorite of her works that I've read so far it just captured my imagination and stole a spot in my heart. My only complaint is that I wanted more just another couple hundred pages as I wasn't ready to walk about yet. Highly recommend a quick fast paced story that will leave you wanting more.