** ARC was generously provided in exchange for my honest review. **
Ooh-wee. Lots to unpack here because this book was hella jam-pacMy Rating: 4 stars!
** ARC was generously provided in exchange for my honest review. **
Ooh-wee. Lots to unpack here because this book was hella jam-packed with characters and different narratives— all in a complex, expansive interconnected criminal underworld.
Although this can be read as a standalone, I’m going to be real honest and say, if you haven’t read the previous books in the series or the Thorns of Omertà series, then there’s a good chance you’ll find yourself a little lost when it comes to some of the character crossovers and the connections they have with the MCs. There are so many familial links and ever-growing allies that it can be pretty overwhelming if you’re not up-to-scratch with Winners’ dark mafia multiverse.
Christian (aka Priest) and Ivy are both likable characters. I had gravitated towards Priest as a character from the very beginning of this series just because of the mystery and darkness that surrounded him. Ivy was somewhat similar. She was never quite the centre of attention, always just lingering in the background… that is, until this book.
There are two sides to every coin, and same can be said for Priest. I knew there was constant darkness lurking around him, but after learning the full extent of his backstory, I have an even deeper love and admiration for him. He might just be my favourite Kingpin. (Sorry Basilio. Sorry Dante). Priest is an overly complex character and his brutal and disturbing upbringing is the result of his volatile mental stability. He knows it. The people closest to him know on some level too. But what I found myself marvelling at is his determination to change, when most of his life he has moulded himself in armour. Winner written a mafia romance and included raw, real-life issues that many could connect and relate with.
This story is not for the fainthearted. I, myself who normally doesn’t have triggers found this one to have an effect on me. Please err on the side of caution. It contains dark themes that some readers may find triggering such as child abandonment, child abuse, sexual assault, blackmail, kidnapping, exploitation, graphic violence and torture— which are all by-products of severe mental, physical, and emotional trauma. Priest’s backstory also broaches on his religious upbringing, and is one of the key reasons behind his actions and demeanour. This book is intended for readers 18+ only.
It’s character-driven. It’s emotionally-charged, and with the past coming back to haunt not only the MCs but the secondary cast of characters as well, it’s packed with action and suspense.
The complexity of this story stems from the totally twisted, totally dysfunctional familial relations present. The dynamics you see between Priest’s family, as well as Ivy’s equally intricate one, will have you questioning whether or not you’ve walked into a telenovela or soap opera. Everyone seems to be linked to someone one way or another, and anyone that was deemed done and dusted, may very well be alive and kicking. Like I said, it’s a damn soap opera! LOL. It’s equally entertaining, as it is overwhelming.
It’s well-paced storytelling, told from multiple POVs. The story has a very sombre, heartbreaking atmosphere, but there are bouts of lightness and banter throughout that keeps it from going overly dark. Ivy injects a lot of sweetness, calmness, and loyalty into Priest’s life, and seeing him trying to navigate through it all is probably one of my favourite things from this book, along with his overall character growth.
Priest and Ivy’s story is one that felt full-circle. It started out with loneliness, pain, and uncertainty, and ending with stability, love and family.
This story also hints at various other storylines, which I’m excited for. There are a handful of characters that have intrigued me for a while now, and this book only reiterated my anticipation to read their stories next.
If you like big chunks of spice, this one has it. I’m all for spice if it heightens the story and the characters’ developing relationship. But in this case, there was a bit too much of it (I know, shocking) for my liking, to the point where the story occasionally dragged. There were also instances where I found the storytelling jumped from one subplot to the next, and back again, and with big portions of the book being sexual content, the writing felt choppy and didn’t flow as well as the other books. Whilst certain subplots were understandably introduced and left open for future books, there were others that I thought developed and concluded rather abruptly. There were particular developments that I also thought deserved a shit-ton of grovelling for and deserved major grudge-holding, but alas, it just felt short of my torturous liking. Oh well.
I still enjoyed it regardless. I think it’s a beautiful addition to the series, and Priest is a refreshing change of pace from the previous broken heroes of the Kingpins of the Syndicate. Ivy is the softness to Priest’s hard-heartedness, and the balance between them is just warming to witness. Theirs is a journey of highs and lows, and it’s evident their relationship is a work-in-progress as they work through insecurities and open up about their emotions. I love the relatability of their relationship, their willingness to repair damaged relationships with friends and family, and how realistic they went about with their overall healing process. The fleshed-out scenes that were added and the genuine developments amongst the characters in my opinion, were the absolute factors that made this book a weighty little gem.
** ARC was generously provided in exchange for my honest review.**
Athena and Manuel are THE go-to couple for romance readers who arMy Rating: 4 stars!
** ARC was generously provided in exchange for my honest review.**
Athena and Manuel are THE go-to couple for romance readers who are “here for the smut and not the plot”. This is the perfect naughty little book for when you’re in-between reads. It’s relatively fast-paced but it’s undoubtedly smut-a-plenty! ...more
** ARC was generously provided in exchange for my honest review. **
Ooh this world has plenty of potential. The premise was what My Rating: 3.75 stars!
** ARC was generously provided in exchange for my honest review. **
Ooh this world has plenty of potential. The premise was what initially had me curious to read this book, and now that I have, all I can say is it has kept me intrigued throughout.
Although this was marketed as Mafia Romance, I don’t think the mafia elements were as dominant as it could’ve been. Whilst there is some introduction to the world-building, it’s character-driven with the romance aspect very much on the foreground.
The writing style did however hook me in from the very first chapter, along with the characters themselves. Anastasia is a bubbly heroine and her personality leapt off the pages instantaneously. Damon may be part of the underworld, but he doesn’t necessarily ooze it. He’s somewhat of a closed-off character and the secrecy surrounding his backstory for most of the story made for an interesting hero in him.
If you enjoy reading romances with BDSM elements, then you might take an interest in this one. The level is mild but there are some kinky elements included. It is however heavy on the intimacy as a good portion of the book consists of sexual content. It’s definitely intended for readers 18+ only.
I would’ve loved if the story was more in-depth with substantial developments. I felt the relationship between Anastasia and Damon progressed too abruptly especially considering the storytelling is steady-paced. I wasn’t completely convinced that their feelings for one another had evolved into anything deeper as the relationship was lust-fueled.
Myers is a new-to-me author and I was introduced to her work through this book. It’s a standalone romance, as is the other books in the series, but after having read this one, I do have to echo the author’s recommendation in starting the series from the beginning. The world-building is still in its early developments and has potential to expand and become multi-layered. But the details leading up to the cast of characters’ current situation within the underworld is vague. Reading the first book would explain their circumstances.
As an avid fan of mafia romance books, I do think it is mafia-lite, but it does still contained some action and suspense. If you like the enemies-to-lovers romance trope, this does however have a cute, secret romance between these two of opposing mob families.
I thought it was an decent read finding some parts more enjoyable than others. It’s told from dual POVs and I liked seeing their contrasting characters through their perspectives. The dynamic between the MCs was an entertaining highlight. Their banter was absolutely smile-inducing. There were also certain secondary characters that caught my eye and will keep a lookout to see if they do end up with books of their own.
But all in all, Blood and Bourbon is a promising series. It’s one to watch out for as more characters are introduced and the world develops further.
**ARC was generously provided in exchange for my honest review.**
Deviously dirty. Check.
Highly erotic. Double check.
IntoxicatinglMy Rating: 4.5 stars!
**ARC was generously provided in exchange for my honest review.**
Deviously dirty. Check.
Highly erotic. Double check.
Intoxicatingly unputdownable. Triple check.
Oakmount Elite’s next damaged MMC will keep you on the edge of your seat and tightly wound. There is so much mystery right from the very beginning that it’ll instantly have you intrigued. The ominous atmosphere is set early on and it only builds further suspense from there.
I loved the thrills and spills this book elicited. Beck’s storytelling is very much for the avid dark romance reader who love unhinged characters and twisted storylines. And, I tell you Sebastian and Elyse will have you enveloped in their dicey little world in no time.
After having read The Wallflower and The Wildflower duet, and discovering that this third book in the series included another pair of MCs from “opposite sides of the tracks”, I knew it was a story not to be missed. It has a giddy-inducing employer/housemaid dynamic between Sebastian and Elyse that I could not get enough of. It not only brought about zingy interactions all throughout, but it made for a more anxious slow-burn romance, and an overall highly-entertaining reading experience.
There are a lot of layers to this story with a handful of secondary storylines developing simultaneously with the main narrative. It’s steady-paced, gradually providing more and more of Sebastian’s and Elyse’s backstories, giving insight into the reasons behind their fractured lives and the circumstances they find themselves in in the present day.
This book is the first half of a duet, and concludes on a doozy of a cliffhanger. I was practically foaming at the mouth and cursing the book gods that it ended the way it did. You can bet I’ll be counting the days, weeks, and months until the next book because with all the action and suspense, secrecy and manipulation, there is no way I will be missing out on the conclusion of Sebastian and Elyse’s story.
Fair warning, this book is dark romance, with adult themes and sensitive subject matters that some readers may find triggering or disturbing. It contains graphic violence, kidnapping, domestic and child abuse, sexual assault, harassment, and stalking— all resulting in mental, physical, and emotional trauma/PTSD. It’s not for the fainthearted, and/or for romance readers who are not familiar with Beck’s style of writing. If dark romance is not in your usual wheelhouse, I would proceed with caution and read through the author’s detailed list of TWs (which you can find at the beginning of the book) before starting it.
I’m not going to lie, there were some elements in this story that even had me clutching at my imaginary pearls. But I’m glad I rolled with the punches because I ended up really enjoying the hell out of this book to the point that there are certain parts I’ve gone back and reread way too many times now.
Sebastian lives up to his broody, alpha-hole hype from when he was first introduced in the The Wallflower. I couldn’t get enough of seeing him navigate through is chaotic emotions and fighting his ever-growing fascination of Elyse.
Elyse is a spitfire and seeing her struggle with keeping her composure around Sebastian was just one of the light-hearted highlights of this book. I think this half of the story only scratches the surface of her character, and I hope with the next book, we’ll get to see her at her full potential.
The premise will have you curious, and the story itself will have you turning the pages. You’ll find a range of personalities amongst Sebastian’s close-knit group of friends, and with complex familial dynamics present, they lend the much-needed support system for not only Sebastian but Elyse as well.
It’s easy to follow and told from first person, dual POVs. If you’ve read and enjoyed the first duet from the series, then this newest spicy addition is not to be missed. Add it to your TBR if you're a fan of bully romance reads.
** ARC was generously provided in exchange for my honest review. **
I’m calling it— Brayden is my favourite MMC from the Evil DeMy Rating: 4–4.5 stars!
** ARC was generously provided in exchange for my honest review. **
I’m calling it— Brayden is my favourite MMC from the Evil Dead MC second generation! He went from someone who, I’m embarrassed to admit wasn’t even on my radar, to someone who ended up having my undivided attention.
** ARC was generously provided in exchange for my honest review. **
Ooh-wee, is it hot in here, or what?! ♨ This book just aboutMy Rating: 4–4.5 stars!
** ARC was generously provided in exchange for my honest review. **
Ooh-wee, is it hot in here, or what?! ♨ This book just about had me fanning my face, there was so much blush-inducing scenes. From the sexual tension, to the sexual banter, to the sexual encounters. It’s full steam ahead!
Right off the bat, I loved that the premise kept Harley’s love interest a total secret until you cracked open the book and discover it first-hand. Already, I was itching to find out who the lucky groom would be. And let me tell you… he SO does not disappoint.
What happens in Vegas… doesn’t always stay in Vegas! Ha. Love it.
It’s the fourth standalone in the Evil Dead MC second gen series, and it was such a fun romance. Although it’s set within an MC backdrop, it’s definitely a lot lighter than the OG series. If you’re not fussed with a little “third act” action and suspense, and an abrupt romance rollercoaster before the HEA either, then you’ll enjoy this romance read through and through.
Although it includes plenty of sexual content, the spice is fairly mid-level. It has a New-Adult to Adult Romance feel due to the youthful, playful atmosphere. It does however contain sensitive subject matters that may be triggering for some readers such as, violence, kidnapping, and death (off page). Intended for readers of age.
It’s not very plot-heavy. Totally character driven developments, mixed with a range of emotions from the MCs as they navigate through their new-found marital status. What it lacked in a weighty story, the cast of characters more than made up for. I adore the history amongst the brotherhood, and the friendships amongst the second gen characters felt genuine and relatable, especially between the ever-growing girl squad. But whether it’s biker banter, or a gab sesh between Harley and her friends, the characters injected tons of fun and humour into the book that I could never tire of.
If you’re an avid fan of James’ MC romances, specifically the Evil Dead MC series, I think you’ll easily spot much of the same writing inserted from those books in this new series— e.g. certain lines and romantic developments between the characters. To me, it’s almost become a signature of an MC book by James. It still evokes a smile and a swoon from me whenever I come across one.
It’s easy reading you can start and finish in one sitting. It left me happy-sighing in contentment for Harley, and slightly giddy knowing which couple will be up next in the series. *whispers* Eeep. I’m excited for it! ...more
** ARC was generously provided in exchange for my honest review. **
What goes around, comes around…
If you had read the first book; TMy Rating: 4 stars!
** ARC was generously provided in exchange for my honest review. **
What goes around, comes around…
If you had read the first book; The Heroes We Break, then you know leaving it at that cliffhanger was not an option. Not reading this book was NEVER an option.
What I thought was an already intricate maze of secrecy and doubt in the first book, was nothing in comparison to the labyrinth of schemes, deception, and mistrust in this second book.
The pacing slows down as the story gets more elaborate. Plot twists are dropping left, right, and centre that there’s a lot to take in. Some predictable, some not. But throughout it all, you can’t help but feel the need to see Ophelia’s and Silas’ story through to the end. These two confront some pretty dizzying developments that always resulted in a “one step forward, two steps back” progression in their relationship.
However, one thing I found unwavering was Silas’ ultimate game plan. Mete out vengeance, and get the girl. Come hell or high water he was going to see it through.
This book evoked some strong emotions out of me. I spent half of the time frustrated and half of the time at the edge of my seat waiting to see how these MCs were going to handle the situations they were thrown into. I became so invested that it’s a testament to how appealing the writing and characters are.
The first book introduced varying familial dynamics, but they get more interesting and a lot more complex in this second book. There’s an obvious contrast amongst Ophelia’s and Silas’ families, and although these relationships are fictional, there were still some realism and relatability present. Not only did these characters’ backstories set precedence, but it also set the overall tone of the story. It’s gloomy and romantic elements took a bit of a backseat to matters that needed immediate attention.
This book broaches on sensitive matters that may be triggering for some readers. It contains rape (off-page), suicide (off-page), explicit violence and sexual content, blackmail, stalking, and death. It’s intended for readers 18+ only.
For a good chunk of the story neither Ophelia nor Silas could catch a break. Certain subplots were introduced only to conclude abruptly, and I was saddened by a particular circumstance, but it was safe to say their HEA was much-deserved and worth the wait.
I mentioned this in my review for the first book, but I’m reiterating it in this one— Silas is THE main attraction. This is his journey from cruelty and helplessness to courageousness and becoming a force to be reckoned with. He’s a determined, morally grey hero who has great intuition. If all else failed, he’s the one pillar of strength you could always rely on, and it was exhibited time and time again.
The writing is effortless to follow. The world-building is just diabolical enough to keep things engaging, and the antsy atmosphere throughout really elevated my reading experience. This duet is definitely different from Knight’s other dark romances. It’s more a contemporary with darkish tendencies that broached on sensitive matters.
Give this duet a try, if you enjoy romance reads containing any of the following:
- Next-Door Neighbours - Secret Crush - Friends-to-Lovers - Forbidden Romance - Age-Gap Romance - Marriage of Convenience
Make sure to read The Heroes We Break prior to starting this one, as it’s a continuous storyline.
It’s thought-provoking from start to finish. Also, heartbreaking at times. But at the end of the day, this story represented good prevailing over evil. And man, were there tons of evil to overcome. I enjoyed reading it. If you’re an avid fan of Knight like I am, it’s not to be missed. If you love dark contemporary romances, or relatively new to the sub-genre, this is a spicy yet suspenseful read I recommend adding to your TBR.
**ARC was generously provided in exchange for my honest review.**
Okay Drew. Okay Bel. You’ve captured my undivided attention. Their book was one hell of a page-turning savage! It’s smut romance at its best.
I went into it not really knowing its premise other than it was an opposites-attract, dark contemporary romance set within a college backdrop. I low-key had been in the lookout for my next college romance read and after seeing the cover(s) around social media, I was oohing and ahhing with interest. Particular tropes and triggers hadn’t fully registered until I (figuratively) cracked open the (e)book.
Some of the main tropes and thought-provoking developments in this book were not something I openly look for in my romance reads, and for the most part I typically stay away from them. But in this particular case, it worked perfectly, and a lot of that had to do with how well-written, how thought-out, and how vivid it all was.
It’s not going to suit everyone’s tastes, but if the premise intrigues you in the slightest, I recommend giving it a try. I’m so glad I did because it ended up becoming one of my favourite reads this year. It’s effortless to follow and the characters immediately grab your attention.
Just take caution as it includes sensitive subject matters such as, mental and emotional abuse, blackmail, graphic domestic violence, child abuse, drugging, and touches on dealing with life-threatening illnesses. There’s also strong sexual content (including CNC) throughout. It’s intended for readers 18+ only.
I love my dark romance reads, and this one was gripping from start to finish. It’s well-paced storytelling filled with pearl-clutching developments, thrills and spills, and what felt like days on end of glorious smut! To put it simply, it’s unputdownable. I’m still reeling from the events and how this book concluded that I’ve been going back and rereading my favourite parts over and over again just to tie me over until the next book.
I was introduced to Beck through her mafia romance books, but after having read this one, I think I may need to check out her backlist of contemporary romances as well.
There’s a small cast of characters but each one has made quite an impression. I’m hoping Drew’s friends will also get books of their own because they seem just as engaging and secretive as Drew that I’m curious to know more about them. Whist there are some juicy twists and turns, I must admit there were two main plot twists that I predicted fairly early on. But make no mistakes, in no way did it take away from how addictive a read this book was. If anything, it’s made me more amped up than ever for how things could possibly evolve in the following book.
There are different dynamics present, but they are in some ways relatable, from the intense friendships, to the familial relationships. This book is an emotional rollercoaster. There’s a ton of drama and angst, but you can’t help but get invested in these characters and be fully immersed in their twisted world.
I was initially hesitant about the CNC, but I quickly discovered it was a relatively mid-level element and not at all scandalous, but it played a vital role in kicking off Drew and Bel’s relationship. Their story is complex, chaotic, and it constantly felt like one big mental whiplash. I don’t know how any of it made sense or why it worked, but the CNC alongside the bullying element was the foundation for their narrative, and it was a strong introduction. Give this one a miss if the CNC (consensual/non-consensual) theme is a hard no for you, though.
The only thing I wasn’t big on was although I found both Drew and Bel appealing characters overall, I couldn’t agree or even understand some of their actions, or should I say lack thereof. Even thinking about it now, I’m questioning their decisions. I’m hoping answers will eventually shed some light.
Fans of romance reads involving secret societies and/or high societies will love the setting. It’s very opposite-sides-of-the-tracks, broaching on social standing, the highs and lows, and the power and influence that demonstrate Drew and Bel’s contrasting lives. Their push-and-pull relationship was half frustrating, half giddy-inducing.
**ARC was generously provided in exchange for my honest review.**
This boxset includes: No Prince, No Good, No Romeo (The Dayton SMy Rating: 4.5 stars!
**ARC was generously provided in exchange for my honest review.**
This boxset includes: No Prince, No Good, No Romeo (The Dayton Series)
I’m not even the slightest bit embarrassed to admit I got hooked on this series relatively quickly. I wasn’t even halfway through No Prince before I knew I would enjoy the rest of the series. Each book’s storyline has some repetitive formulas but I didn’t mind it one bit as they’re so addictive. There are still differences within each couple’s developing relationship that made each story their own.
Although it’s set in a high school backdrop, these books are most certainly NA romance with a ton of raunchy sexual content for targeted audiences 18+ only. The world-building is vivid and one I haven’t come across in a lot of contemporary romance reads that it immediately piqued my interest. The struggle is real with what these cast of characters go through and I was invested in each and every one of their lives from beginning to end.
I’ve been an avid fan of Lovell’s mafia romances and wanted to check out the rest of her backlist of books. Not only has the Dayton series introduced me to her style of contemporary romance writing, but it also introduced new-to-me author, Cole.
Although Hendrix is my most favourite from all four guys. Each one is a truly lovable MMC. This series currently consists of Zepp, Bellamy, and Hendrix’s books. Hendrix is a loud, very memorable, one-of-a-kind character, but Wolf was the very first Dayton “bad boy” introduced in No Prince (besides Zepp) that caught my eye. You can bet I will be reading Wolf’s book the second it’s available for reading consumption. It wouldn’t have felt like a complete series without a book for Wolf. I can’t wait for it, and so glad he won’t be left out.
This is a collection of easily binge-worthy romance reads. Safe to say they’ve become an addiction! They all have crude but laugh-out-loud humour, swoon-worthy romantic elements, and strong, genuine friendships that made them massive page-turners. There’s a real sense of survival, desperation, and a struggle with poverty with these characters that added another layer to each of their narratives. These books won’t be for everyone, but I highly recommend you give them a try. It’s an interconnected series but each is a standalone novel. They are, and forever will be in my list of comfort reads.
No Prince: ⭐⭐⭐⭐1/2 No Good: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ No Romeo: ⭐⭐⭐⭐1/2
**ARC was generously provided in exchange for my honest review.**
Nerve-racking. Hair-raising. Nail-biting. A totally mind-fuck. It’My Rating: 5 stars!
**ARC was generously provided in exchange for my honest review.**
Nerve-racking. Hair-raising. Nail-biting. A totally mind-fuck. It’s a trip to purgatory and back, and there is nothing that can prepare you for what Renzo has in store.
Heard has written a thought-provoking dark mafia romance that swallows you whole and totally screws with your psyche. Morality is thrown right out. It was twisted, utterly gruesome, heart-shatteringly messed-up, yet I loved every single word of it.
It’s not for the faint-hearted. The premise lures you in, but make no mistakes readers will be in for a gasp-inducing story. I wasn’t at all expecting it, hadn’t even considered it, and by the time I had the slightest inkling the narrative was headed down a blackhole, stopping myself from reading further was no longer an option.
It’s one of those remarkable stories where you don’t want to know what happens, yet you do. Badly.
Vivid world-building full of harsh realities, fears, and violence. It contains sensitive subject matters that readers may find disturbing and/or triggering. It deals with detailed, graphic violence, kidnapping, and death. It’s intended for readers 18+ only. I urge fellow readers to read responsibly.
It’s a captor/captive storyline where the circumstance is something I’ve never encountered before in previous dark romance reads. In comparison to Heard’s other mafia romances, it definitely has a darker theme and overall atmosphere.
Despite the emotional roller-coaster Skylar and Renzo go through and the sensitivity surrounding the situation they find themselves in, it was nevertheless an effortless, albeit melancholic piece of writing to follow. It’s a weighty, beautifully written story filled with such love. Most of the storytelling is enveloped in a gloomy, depressing backdrop, but there are moments of light here and there to inject some hope in these characters lives.
I can’t imagine stepping into and experiencing life through Skylar’s eyes first hand. She’s put through the wringer, and because of that I couldn’t even fully question her mental state. But her innocence, her survival instincts, and her understanding nature is what makes her an intriguing heroine I was invested in seeing come through to the other side.
Renzo is a flawed and vengeful Reaper of a mafia boss. He exudes power, and death, and pain. He is a complex character to the core, and had fast become one of my favourite morally grey heroes. What I love most about him is he has the biggest heart.
Not only has Heard created an entirely new mafia world that’s highly charged and extremely exciting, but has introduced a new set of mobsters whom are more in-depth than ever. Each mafia boss has made quite an impression, and I can’t wait to read the rest of the series. Their strong brotherly dynamics is always a highlight to see in each book. They bring about unity, a solid support system, and banter that can only come from a caring, tight-knit history. Besides the romantic developments, the interactions amongst these men are always, always an element to look forward to.
This story is well-paced and told from dual POVs. There is a good amount of character growth and developments between Skylar and Renzo that makes their relationship feel genuine. It constantly keeps you on your toes with the amount of plot twist after plot twist. Whilst the first two books in the series ended a little too abruptly for my liking, this one felt more substantial in length.
All in all, I couldn’t fault it. I will be coming back to their story time and time again. All the heartbreak and brutality are well worth getting through to witness their HEA. It left me in complete happy contentment. Although I like to think of it as more of their beginning, their book has one of my favourite “endings” from the series. Skylar and Renzo’s story could not have concluded any better.
Rina | booksofthemuggleborn
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