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

Release Day! Book Review: The Endurance of Wildflowers

 Title -  The Endurance of Wildflowers

Author - Micalea Smeltzer 

Genre - 

Format - Kindle Review Copy  

Published - Published October 17th 2023 

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

Synopsis

When I met Thayer Holmes, I had no idea how much he would single-handedly change my life.

Our journey hasn’t been an easy one, but it has been ours.

We’ve fought through the impossible and come out stronger because of it.

But happily-ever-after isn’t a destination. It’s a never-ending road trip with bumps along the way.

Some bumps are bigger than others, but none of it matters as long as we have each other, right?

Review

I received The Endurance of Wildflowers in return for an honest review from Valentine PR. 

Salem and Thayer have come so far to get to this point life is perfect for them. They've been trying to get pregnant but it hasn't happened yet. Caleb is still living next door they are co-parenting perfectly and while life is full of bumps things are going really good for them all. 

I love Salem and Thayer they ripped my heart to pieces and mended it in the duet.The Endurance of Wildflowers is a continuation of their sweet love story. It's just as beautiful as the duet and I love being able to revisit some of my favorite characters. I love Salem she's one of my favorite characters to this day.

I ended up devouring The Endurance of Wildflowers in one quick reading session and as I turned the last page I wasn't read for it to end. I loved my time with Salem and Thayer it was a beautiful continuation of the story. The authors done a beautiful job creating a story that captures the heart as well as the imagination. Highly recommend taking a chance on the series it's one of my top 5 of 2023.

Book Tour: Review: The Secrets of Jane

Seriously, how gorgeous is this book?! Have you read The Secrets of Jane yet? We highly suggest you do! Read on for more details, and visit one of Bookstagram hosts to win 1 of 2 book boxes.

The Secrets of Jane: Forgotten (Improper Bastards Series #1) 

  Publication Date: September 19, 2023

Genre: Dark Romantasy 

 🗝️ Enemies-to-Lovers 💀 Empath Daddy 🗝️ Everyone is Morally Grey 💀 EPIC Pirating World 🗝️ Secrets and Mysteries 💀 One bed/ One Horse 🗝️ Captor becomes Protector 💀 Steamy, Angry Scenes until Alphahole Catches Feelings First

  “I’m a disciplined man, Jane. I can stay here for as long as you need before the lesson sinks in that you don’t run from me while in my charge." -- Soren.

He's a Mercenary with powers that allow him feel the hearts/desires/fears of others. She's his target, and must guard her identity at all costs.

My village is aflame, and a deadly legend becomes my captor.

 I’m to appear before the most elite faction of mercenaries and warlords, commanded to answer for a crime they refuse to explain. Even if my only guess for why they want me is wrong, they cannot have me. I’ve sworn to never return to Skull’s Row, home to thieves and killers; the graveyard of my childhood.

  He plans to unbury every memory until my soul is stripped bare: Soren, my captor, is strangely fascinated by me. By what I hide. Of the scars I have. 

 I’m unwillingly drawn to him. To his brutality. He harbors the same viciousness that coats my veins. He even seems persistent in taking me for himself… 

 He’ll either be my reckoning, or my undoing.

  The Witcher Meets Pirates of the Caribbean

This Dark Fantasy Romance is a Duet full of foul language, sensual scenes, and improper bastards.

Content Warning 18+: This series contains explicit scenes (3.5 chili peppers), depictions of war, battle violence, abduction, graphic depiction of violence, drugging, and overall a very crude world.

Add to Goodreads 

  Available on Amazon

Signed Copies

Review

I received The Secrets of Jane in return for an honest review from R&R Book tours. 

Jane has been on the run most of her life hiding but now her village is on fire and a stranger with a mask has arrived in town determined not to leave without her. Soren is on a mission capture the auburn haired beauty at any cost. However, she's not what he expected and the spark is instant for both. The more he learns about her secrets the more he's not willing to give her up yet if at all. 

I love Jane she's an awesome character she has her softer compassionate side but is always willing to risk it all for her friends and doesn't back down. Soren is swoon worthy for a morally gray guy who's been working for the council. The have this instant little spark that grows as the book progresses and starts to sizzle.  I love the relationship between Jane an Soren they have this steamy chemistry that just works.  I also like the few side characters we had the chance to get to know Bones and Kathleen. 

I devoured The Secrets of Jane in just one afternoon I was captivated by Jane's story right from the start I had to know what was going to happen next. I love that it's written in a dual pov because I really liked getting to see what Soren was thinking and going through. I really loved that I was able to connect with both characters they are engaging and I just love them together. 

This is my first book by the author and I'm obsessed with her storytelling style. The Secrets of Jane is a captivating whirlwind action packed adventure that keeps you drawn in till the very end. This is a cliffhanger but don't let that keep you from diving right in. It's a unique story that mixes magic and pirates in a dark gritty world. I loved The Secrets of Jane its a beautiful story that I can't wait for the sequel to get my happy ever after. In the meantime I'm going to work my way through the authors other books. Highly recommend. 

About the Author

 

 Charlotte Mallory is eager to share her love for Dark Fantasy Romance stories, and dabbling in a few Contemporary Romances. What she enjoys most is taking well loved tropes and adding her own take on them. Right now, she greatly enjoys anything with Fantasy or Contemporary with an Alpha male lead, paired with a female lead that can absolutely handle her own! In her spare time, she enjoys nature, bonsai trees, coffee, and taking random art classes. 

  Charlotte Mallory 

  Book Tour Organize by R&R Book Tours

It's Monday! What Are You Reading?

 

 Hosted by The Book Date 

New week new books. I'm all over the place with my reading tastes at the moment. I've got a few review books to read as well as some on my Dusty TBR list. I've been on a manga kick recently. 

October is flying by it's almost Halloween. 

Finished 

The Secrets of Jane by Charlotte Mallory (Review to come later in the week)

Arrived by Ashley Jacobs & S.S. Rich (Review) 

Court of Moonlight and Shadows by Poppy Ireland (Review)

The Curse Keepers by D.G. Swank (Review) 

Prince of Never by Lorelei Johnson & Hailey Jade (Review) 

Pebbles and the Biggest Number by Joey Benun & Laura Watson (Review) 

Dirty Letters by Vi Keeland and Penelope Ward (Review to come) 

Currently reading list for the week. 

I still need to finish off these two before the end of the month. 

I'm buddy reading A Soul of Ash and Blood with my bestie. 

Still working on Beach Shots & Monster Knots by multiple author anthology (Goodreads)

What are you reading this week?