"It didn't matter anyway; whatever we did, fate was coming for both of us.
But none of it could ever touch my heart.
Including the prince who liked t"It didn't matter anyway; whatever we did, fate was coming for both of us.
But none of it could ever touch my heart.
Including the prince who liked to hide, the prince who wanted to juggle, the prince trying to bring hope back to his court. The prince who had fooled me."
Nash warned us. She said this was going to be dark, and dark it was. It was also spellbinding, intriguing, and had so many moving pieces on the chessboard I was never going to be able to figure out the moves in advance. That's what Nash's books are like and why they are almost always a 5 star read for me. There's so much going on with brilliant misdirections that you can never unravel it all until the final book is finished, bringing the entire picture together. Only then will everything finally make sense. It's truly a talent.
"I'm sorry Lark...For everything you've endured, and for the pain yet to come."
I think my heart was in pain for the majority of this book, which makes the series title very apt. It hurt for Lark. It hurt for Prince Arin. It even hurt for Draven, whom you will come to know and I honestly don't trust. Draven is a wildcard in this book and based on previous experiences with this author I would peg him as someone who is going to bring great pain in the end. Whether that's with his death or awful betrayal remains to be seen. Either way it's going to hurt.
" There was no use clinging to the memory of a man who hadn't existed. It had all been a lie."
The horrendous things Lark has endured in his short life were truly terrible. If Prince Razak doesn't die in a way that causes him to suffer I'll be wildly disappointed. I don't think I would have lasted as long as Lark has in his "care". Fortunately, Lark has a fire in him. It is ironic he plays the fool when he's often the smartest person in the room. I did take a little pleasure from Prince Arin getting one over on him though. I don't think Lark could have truly developed feelings for him without seeing him as a worthy opponent instead of the weak Prince who hides behind closed doors. This one ends on a bit of a cliffy. There's a major power play in motion and I honestly have no idea who's going to win....more
"I'd looked at Max thousands of times. I'd seen him change from a boy into a man. It would never be enough. He was and would always be my eyes' fav"I'd looked at Max thousands of times. I'd seen him change from a boy into a man. It would never be enough. He was and would always be my eyes' favorite resting place."
Whoa... I wasn't expecting this book to hit me so hard in the chest. Usually Cambria Heberts books are light and funny. They always pack in the feels and focus on the romance, but I'm not used to such angst from her. This is not me complaining. Wish included many moments of the laughter and jokes and lightness I've come to expect. It also included some tough moments and such longing I even felt it in my own heart. Wes and Max's journey to their HEA was not easy. There were many obstacles to overcome. I had tears in my eyes more than once while reading this book, however both times had to do with the amazing woman who was called Mom by Wes, Win, and Max, not due to any relationship angst in case you were worried.
" I thought I would have a lot more years before I handed him over to you."
Can you blame me for my blubbering after that quote? I think not. But back to the boys. On top of loving this trio that made up their family, I also adored the found family they had. Jamie and Ryan along with their ladies were exactly what true friends should be. Wes had such a supportive group of people in his life and by extension Max did too. Win, Wes's brother, was such an amazing character too. If it wasn't for him I don't know how long Max would have silently hidden and beat himself up over how he felt about Wes. Max was right when he said that Win was their sunshine and it took Win shining some much needed light on Max for him to truly open up.
"When you were your most broken and beaten, it was him you sought. Little curly-headed Wes who slept with a nightlight just so you could find your way to him if you needed to."
This truly was such a beautiful story. It was also a pretty steamy story once Max finally pulled his head out of his ass. And the steam was HOT. I'm talking scorching and possessive, my favorite. There were also a few subplots, with one kinda OTT, but mainly the focus was on the dynamic and romance between the MCs. I'm happy the author stated that they are planning more MM in this series and this is me putting it out into the universe for this to include Win's book. I need more of that man and since MM is my jam I have my fingers crossed for a good ol bi-awakening, maybe with the mysterious Lars. Just Saying ...more
"Love is a fire. But whether it is going to warm your hearth or burn down your house, you can never tell."
It seemed fitting to start my review wit"Love is a fire. But whether it is going to warm your hearth or burn down your house, you can never tell."
It seemed fitting to start my review with the same Joan Crawford quote the author did. It definitely set you up for the tone of the book and also made me laugh which is a great way to begin a read. I really loved the majority of the book. The premise was fun. I mean a mafia don falling in love with an undercover cop while thinking he's some poor prostitute? Sign me up! The protectiveness Damon showed with Micah hit all my buttons. Micah was a snarky little fucker and I enjoyed being inside his head, but really would have loved to have gotten Damon's POV. He wasn't a man of many words so getting inside his head would have added to the story in my opinion.
The plotline had a few things going on at once. You had the case Micah was working on as a police detective and then you had Micah's budding relationship with Damon, all the while Damon has no idea the man works for the police. There was plenty of UST to go around, but only one detailed tumble between the sheets. I would have liked a bit more steam in my mafia romance if I'm being honest. Also I had two niggles when it came to the steam as well. One, the author compared a BJ to breastfeeding which right away made the scene go from HOT to EW. Not sexy at all. The second was that the MCs had sex without a condom, no discussion, which I thought was strange since Damon was under the impression Micah was a sex worker.
Though I would have liked an epilogue where we got the see the MCs happy together after the events that led to the ending, what the author did instead was really cool. We didn't get a glimpse into Damon's head, but we did get a glimpse of what the man was like when he wasn't around Micah and let me tell you that man is terrifying. Like Micah, I had a hard time seeing Damon as this evil mafia man with how gentle and caring he was with him. After that peek, I would not say no to a book 2 on this couple if we get to be inside Damon's head. All in all, Pretty Policeman was a pretty solid debut for a new author.
Note: I read this as an uncorrected ARC so I cannot comment on editing. This was my unbiased review....more
"Probably. But man, we're going to go down majestically."
That quote right there sums up the tone of this entir"We're both going to die aren't we?"
"Probably. But man, we're going to go down majestically."
That quote right there sums up the tone of this entire series opener. I freaking loved this book and can now see why many others have compared Lake to our beloved Leland from the Hitman series. If you liked this book and haven't met Leland yet? Check out his series here: The Hitman's Guide to Making Friends and Finding Love. You will thank me later, promise. But back to Monstrous Intent. It contains all of Winters trademark banter, OTT moments, and of course a bit of sexy times sprinkled in for good measure. Lake may be a monster and an absolute lunatic, but he sure is a lovable one. Declan was grumpy AF to Lake's sunshine and it was so much fun watching Lake rile him up.
"You fucking ate a granny, Lake?"
This one ends with a HFN ending as there is more to come with this series. The plot has many more directions it could go in since even though some major players have been taken off the board, we still don't know all the people playing the game and why. If that makes sense. I'm still not convinced Emma, an ex-coworker of Declans, isn't some secret spy. I would have run for the hills if I had been in her shoes. I also have to mention Mittens because she is most definitely an epic pet. I wouldn't want to snuggle her in my bed, but I'd totally want her on my side in a fight. If I mention Mitten, I have to mentioned Sir Reginald. I was convinced that it was going to come out that Lake's beloved pet was really dead, but like Declan I guess I was wrong. I had a lot of fun with this read and cannot wait for more. I also wouldn't say no to getting to know Indigo and Sy better, as in them having their own books! Just putting that out there into the Universe!...more
No, that wasn't true. Betrayal implied he had ever been more than an enemy in the first place. Of all the sins Camero"He had betrayed us all.
No...
No, that wasn't true. Betrayal implied he had ever been more than an enemy in the first place. Of all the sins Cameron had committed, deception wasn't one of them."
This series man. It's so fast paced and addictive! I devour the pages as quickly as I can because I can't wait to see what's going to happen next. Been aWhile since I've had a series suck me in so hard. I love that we get all the MCs POV. It's fascinating being inside some of their heads, Camerons especially. His mind is constantly at war with itself and his instincts.
Things are heating up in Blue Blood. New enemies new allies. I'm still on the fence about trusting anyone, even in the harem, but I'm now leaning more toward their side after finishing the book. It ends on another cliffhanger which makes me want to shout because I want the next one now damnit! You'll find me not so patiently waiting for book 4. ...more
Cold Blood had me just as riveted as book 1 in the series. I am so thankful I was able to jump right into this one after finishing the first because, Cold Blood had me just as riveted as book 1 in the series. I am so thankful I was able to jump right into this one after finishing the first because, well cliffhangers am I right? I never thought I could see myself so invested in a Vampire Harem romance but here we are. Sometimes it works when one steps out of their comfort zone and this series is definitely working for me. There is so much going on and the pacing of the story is just as fast. I'd finally make up my mind about someone and then BAM! They would do something unexpected and I'd realize my earlier assessment was wrong. Except when it comes to Alex and Cameron. Those two are definitely shady for different reasons and are following along with how I have been expecting. Cyrus was my biggest surprise. How L.C. Davis has gotten me to start rooting for him and Sam is some type of wizardry. However, Chase is still leery when it comes to any of these vampires and I don't blame him a single bit.
"The tenderness of his touch hurt. It hurt because I knew it was a lie."
I was expecting Cameron to maybe care at least a little about Chase being pregnant with his possible offspring, but as usual he cares about nothing but restoring the Queen of Blood. Thankfully, the blind devotion to the goddess seems to be starting to waver with the other three. I don't trust Alex as far as Cameron can throw him, but Cyrus and Sam have certainly been putting their money where their mouth is when it comes to protecting Chase and not just for the sake of the vessel. It's still anybody's ball game here and let's not forget the unfortunate fact that Sarah is still alive and kicking out there somewhere. I'm positive we haven't seen the last of that witch.
Whoa what a ride! King Hunt gives us the conclusion of Marsh and Levi's suspenseful story which all started with a good ol fashioned marriage of conveWhoa what a ride! King Hunt gives us the conclusion of Marsh and Levi's suspenseful story which all started with a good ol fashioned marriage of convenience. There were a lot of twists and turns in this series. An entire board full of major players. I didn't know if these two could pull everything off in the end with how many different ways the ending could go.
The majority of the book was focused on the suspense aspect as our MCs weren't working in the same vicinity for most of it. But you best believe they made up for it in their little stolen moments in between working the case. Damn Marsh has got a dirty mouth. Such a cowboy. I loved him. I also loved him with Levi. Falling in love gave both men everything they ever wanted. For Levi it was stability and a partner to go through life with. For Marsh, it was a person for him to give his big heart to. And he even got a bonus son in the deal. It was a perfect match. Their trilogy was enthralling and I hope to see these characters pop up again in future books.
"You gave me a home for my heart. Let me give you a heart to come home to."
We made it!!! After 6 wonderfully psychotic, morally gray, and deliciously steamy books it's finally time for the family patriarch to get his HEA. AndWe made it!!! After 6 wonderfully psychotic, morally gray, and deliciously steamy books it's finally time for the family patriarch to get his HEA. And get his HEA he did. He just had to go through an epic blackmail scheme and endless teasing from his beloved family to get there. Oh, and to finally forgive himself after years of self-torture and denial of the thing he wanted most in the world. Aiden.
"Why was he thinking about touching Aiden when someone was threatening everything he loved? He knew the answer. He suspected Aiden did, too. Because he loved Aiden most. He loved Aiden above all others."
When truths came to light about why Thomas had denied himself and Aiden all these years my heart utterly broke for them. All that time wasted and lost. All that time causing Aiden the same misery Thomas caused himself. It was a perpetual cycle of longing and fighting, then running away until one of them couldn't take it anymore and the cycle began again. It was toxic and heartbreaking and all because of some fucked up preconceived notion that Thomas was the monster his sons fought so hard against. The only really monstrous thing Thomas ever did was break Aiden's heart, while simultaneously never letting him move on.
"I hate you sometimes...So much I feel like I'm choking on it."
I loved how the family all came together for Thomas. It was almost like everything came full circle. Thomas dedicated his life to saving his sons, giving them the ability to lead fulfilled lives. To be content and settled to the best of their somewhat limited capabilities. Now it was their turn to do the same for Thomas. To help him heal and move on. To help him forgive himself so he could in turn beg Aiden to forgive him, even though Aiden swore there was nothing left to forgive. He just wanted Thomas. That was all he ever really wanted since he was just a teen. And it was a beautiful thing to see them finally get what they both dreamed of having, but thought they'd never get. A life together. A life filled with crazy psychopathic sons and their partners. Grandkids and children and the whole shebang. A life worth living. A truly fitting end to this insane series, but an amazing series none the less....more
Saying I've been looking forward to the second book in the Dark Forest Pack series would be a massive understatement. Book 1, Claiming Rys, was a 5 stSaying I've been looking forward to the second book in the Dark Forest Pack series would be a massive understatement. Book 1, Claiming Rys, was a 5 star read for me and I'm ecstatic to report Redeeming Nick was just as fantastic. The worldbuilding is so interesting, while the fast moving plot kept me up way past my bedtime turning pages. That's rare for me, as I have a high demanding job and two young girls at home which make sleep a precious commodity in my house.
I found the connection between the MCs super intriguing. With Nick being a powerful witch and Dathal a fae who's own magical abilities are nothing to sneeze at even among his people, the pull they had to each other had me asking all sorts of questions. If neither witches, nor fae believed they had a fate given mate like the shifters, then what was it that kept drawing them to each other? What was making them feel an ache in their chests when they were apart? Why did their magic always seem to seek each other out when they were near, and especially during their intimate moments? It seems a bit far fetched that there wasn't something magical going on. Speaking of magic, it really was beautiful how theirs entwined whenever they came together. It added such a fantastical element to their steamy scenes and racked up my enjoyment of the book as a whole.
Plot wise, the mystery of the Blue Alhuirn is still going strong. There's definitely forward momentum on the whole investigation, but for every twist we uncover, there's another player added to the board. It seems Axel's past may have a part to play in this whole thing and I am beyond overjoyed that his and Talis' book is next. If I had to spend another book with them awkwardly dancing around one another I might have thrown my kindle in frustration. (Just kidding I would never hurt my baby. It's like my 3rd child, just much more well behaved.) Honestly though, with the little glimpses we get in this book I'm almost positive Axel must be Talis' Soulmate. This breaks my heart because I can't imagine how hard it must be for Talis to not have his mate by his side. We saw what this did to Rhys in book 1, and Rhys didn't see Gabriel for years. What must it be like for your mate to be a part of your own pack, but still out of reach? I guess we'll find out when book 3 comes out in 4 months. ...more
Things are heating up in this marriage of convenience between everyone's favorite cowboy Marsh and single dad Levi Bishop. When these men entered intoThings are heating up in this marriage of convenience between everyone's favorite cowboy Marsh and single dad Levi Bishop. When these men entered into this deal neither expected to find exactly what they'd been looking for in one another. Marsh wants a family, people he can protect and care for. People who will stick by him and never leave. Levi is a widower. He wants stability for himself and his teenage son David. They both find this in Marsh.
"I will have your back, however I can do that, however you need me to, and I will give you a home and a heart to come home to. I promise I won't leave you."
I loved seeing Marsh slowly come to believe Levi when he said he was in it for the long haul. There is so much uncertainty surrounding their investigation, but none of that bleeds into Levi's convictions. He wants Marsh and not just for right now. My heart hurt for Marsh's vulnerability when it comes to relationships. How could anyone not love that big lug. Levi certainly found it impossible.
A lot of headway is made on the case, but it's not over yet! Secrets are revealed and by the end I was left with even more questions about who the major players really are. I'd even go so far as to say this one closed out with a soft cliffhanger. Definitely enough that I was taken by surprise at where we were left. The final book in this trilogy can't come out soon enough!...more
OK. So horror is not my go to subgenre in my romance. Actually, this one may be my first. I'm a scaredy cat on a good day. I still haven't recovered fOK. So horror is not my go to subgenre in my romance. Actually, this one may be my first. I'm a scaredy cat on a good day. I still haven't recovered from my cousin forcing me to watch Gremlins with her when I was 7. I didn't sleep in my own bed for a year. I hope that puts into prospective my trepidation with this read and how my review, even though I did give the book 4 stars, should likely be taken with a grain of salt.
First off...this was creepy AF. We spend the majority of the book in Ari's head, but we also have a couple of chapters of Theo, aka bluebeard, thrown into the mix. I felt those were necessary as it really gave us a glimpse of Theo's mindset and obsessions. Ari, bless him, was the most "normal" of the bunch, but by the end I was convinced he might be a little crazy himself. I'll tell you right now that I wouldn't have made it even halfway through the book if it were me in Ari's place. I'd be out of that house faster than kicking off heels after a night of dancing.
There were definitely parts of the book that had me glad I read this during the day with the light on. The pacing was a bit off in the middle. I admit it dragged a little for me then, but after it picked right back up into freaking me out territory and I was drawn back into this unusual romance. I see now where the MMM element mentioned fits into the story. This is definitely not your classic romance, but I promise it does end in a pretty satisfying HEA befitting of the subgenre....more
Jacqueleen the Reading Queen♡
>
Books:
romantic-suspense
(111)
Loading...
