ARC Review - MILO by E. L. Lewis

 Thank you so much Hambright PR for sending me this ARC!

Title: MILO

Author: E.L. Lewis

Genre: Dark Mafia Romance

Series: Standalone

Pages: 442

Synopsis:

Though Kiara Payne may be a genius when it comes to languages, what she knows of the real world largely comes from books and movies. But after foiling a robbery on her first day as a bank teller, Kiara finds herself thrust into a world of danger, her life resting in the hands of the infuriatingly sexy Italian mafia boss Milo Di Vaio. In exchange for her safety, Kiara agrees to serve as Milo's translator, accompanying him across Europe as he tries to clean up the mess his late brother left behind and save the reputation of the Di Vaio crime family.

Cold, ruthless, and sinfully beautiful, Milo is hard to resist but even harder to love. As tensions rise and secrets are spilled, Milo and Kiara are both forced to question everything they thought they knew.

Does love outweigh loyalty? And if so, is it worth dying for?

Review & thoughts:

MILO is a standalone Dark Romance from E. L. Lewis and I really enjoyed it, it has many of my favorite tropes and I loved Kiara and Milo’s story! 

When she starts a new job in a bank, Kiara definitely doesn’t expect to be kidnapped by an Italian mafia on her first day. Offered a job in exchange for protection, Kiara is supposed to travel with Milo as his personal translator, but what was supposed to be a business arrangement quickly becomes complicated with their instant attraction to each other and when they realize their hearts might be on the line, Kiara needs to decide if she is willing to be a part of Milo’s dangerous lifestyle, especially when he seems to lose everyone he cares about. 

I’ve read a lot of mafia romance books and I can honestly say this one is one of the best I’ve read, there was the perfect amount of the mafia elements to understand the plot without overshadowing the romance and I was hooked since the first chapter, the book started strong and just kept getting better. Kiara was a really great FMC, she was an ordinary woman thrust into a mafia world and I liked her character development, she was already very intelligent but became a true badass and I loved her, especially in the second half of the book. Milo was the kind of morally grey mafia man we all love and I liked him since the beginning with how he always wanted the best for Kiara and was willing to change for her. They were truly an amazing couple, despite their less than perfect first meeting I loved their banter, how Kiara wasn’t afraid of Milo and was provoking him, they were attracted to each other since their first meeting but both had reasons to not give in and it was amazing to see them open up and become perfect for each other, I loved these two and all their scenes together.

MILO is a really great dark romance book with beautiful romance, interesting plot, amazing characters and I definitely recommend it to everyone who enjoys this genre. E. L. Lewis is a new to me author but I already can’t wait for her next book.

Rating:

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5

ARC Review - Born of Blood and Ash by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Thank you so much Blue Box Press for sending me this ARC!

Title: Born of Blood and Ash

Author: Jennifer L. Armentrout

Genre: Dark Romance, Romantic Comedy, Fantasy Romance

Series: Flesh & Fire #4

Pages: 770

Synopsis:

The line between love and obsession has never been wider.

While Sera is finally free of Kolis and back with those she loves, not everything is calm. Memories of all she’s endured still haunt her, but Sera finally has hope for a future with the other half of her heart and soul. Nyktos desires, loves, and accepts every part of her—even the monstrous bits she still battles.

More than ever, Sera and Ash have everything under the realms to fight for, and Nyktos has no doubt Sera is fit to be the Queen of the Gods. But she must find that faith within herself if they hope to convince the other Courts to support them against Kolis and make Iliseeum and the mortal realm better, safer places for all.

But as Sera begins to piece together the importance of her bloodline and the true meaning behind the foreboding prophecy, it becomes clear that everything that has happened and is yet to come is much bigger than Kolis and his dark obsessions.

They cannot help but wonder exactly how much influence the Fates have had and what their ultimate goal is. What Sera does know for sure is that they can trust very few—including her.

A battle between the gods is brewing, and heartbreaking losses are imminent with the true Primal of Death strengthening. With a family of the heart willing to battle by their side, can Sera and Nyktos stop Kolis before he destroys the realms, or will it all disappear in a fiery inferno of blood and ash?

And the line between justice and vengeance has never been so thin.

Review & thoughts:

Born of Blood and Ash is the last book in a Fantasy Romance series from Jennifer L. Armentrout (the prequel series to Blood & Ash) and since it was my most anticipated read of this year, it would be an understatement if I said I had big expectations but gods, it was such an utter perfection and even better than I expected, I have already read it twice and am considering rereading again because I can’t say goodbye to these characters.

BOBAA begins right where AFITF ended and there is so much action, plot twists, beautiful moments between Sera and Nyktos and the amazing scenes with our favorite found family that despite it being JLA’s longest book yet, there wasn’t a single boring moment and I wish it was even longer because I didn't want to finish reading.

Nyktos and Sera… I didn’t know it was possible to love fictional character as much as I love these two. Sera must be one of the best FMC I’ve read about, on one hand she is badass and morally grey, willing to do anything for those she cares about, but on the other hand her struggles with anxiety and all the trauma she experienced were written in a really realistic way which made her relatable and I loved that. Nyktos continues to be the perfect partner to Sera and the way he always cares for and supports her never ceases to amaze me. They went through a lot together and it was amazing to see them here finally able to express their feelings, I had tears in my eyes with every single ‘I love you’ and am crying as I’m writing this review now, these two are truly perfect together and one of my top bookish couples, I love them so much and really hope we will get to see a lot of them in the next books in this world.

I really do mean it when I say there are a lot of revelations here and so many things finally make sense, after finishing BOBAA I immediately went to reread this whole series and all Blood & Ash books and it was a whole new experience.

Born from Blood and Ash is the perfect conclusion to this part of Sera and Nyktos’s story, I absolutely loved this book and the whole series. And is it too soon to say I can’t wait for Primal of Blood and Bone? I already know it’s going to be absolutely epic and I’m so excited!

Rating:

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5

ARC Review - Potions & Proposals by Kate Callaghan

Thank you so much Kate Callaghan for sending me this ARC!

Title: Potions & Proposals

Author: Kate Callaghan

Genre: Paranormal Romance, Romantic Comedy

Series: Village of Foxford #1

Pages: 440

Synopsis:

In the mystical town of Foxford, tenacious translator Lucinda Hawthorne is on the brink of assuming the prestigious role of High Priestess. However, fate has a mischievous twist in store for her: an unexpected coven gathering reveals that her lifelong nemesis, Benedict Matherson, is also nominated for the esteemed position. They are presented with a grave ultimatum: either become magically bound to one another on All Hallows’ Eve… or risk a fateful vote that could strip them of everything. 

Both fiercely independent and driven by their unwavering desires to lead, Lucinda and Benedict reluctantly agree to the binding ritual. Unfortunately, the spell Lucinda’s family casts to thwart the coven’s plot misfires with surprising consequences, and the pair find themselves magically intertwined in ways they never could have foreseen. 

With the shadow of All Hallows’ Eve looming over them, the veil between love and hate blurs. Could it be that amidst their rivalry, they will unearth a hidden longing to remain united? Together, they must confront their demons and discover whether they truly desire to be parted after all. 

Review & thoughts:

Potions & Proposals is a Paranormal Romance and Romantic Comedy book from Kate Callaghan. It’s my first book from this author and it definitely won’t be the last, I really enjoyed it and Lucy and Benedict were amazing!

Lucy and Benedict are witches who have been pranking each other their whole lives but with their latest prank gone wrong, they are forced to either enter into an arranged marriage or risk a banishment. Despite their mutual dislike they agree to being married, but after a spell to change their circumstances makes everything even worse, Lucy and Benedict need to work together and both realize that maybe they were wrong about each other and spending the rest of their lives together might not be as bad as they thought. 

Potions & Proposals is a really great and fun read, the idea of a magical small town where supernaturals like witches, vampires, werewolves, grim reapers are living together was really interesting and I loved getting to know all the different characters and hope that many of them will get their own stories. Lucy and Benedict were incredible as main characters, I loved their enemies to reluctant allies to lovers romance and their pranks were hilarious. Despite their dislike and knowing each other for most of their lives, it was amazing to see them slowly realize they are perfect for each other (with some help from their meddling families) and I loved it when they finally gave in to their growing feelings, they were truly incredible together.

Potions & Proposals is a really great paranormal rom-com with amazing characters and beautiful romance that I really enjoyed and already can’t wait for the next book.

Rating:

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5

ARC Review - Bound by Gravity by Jenny Hickman

Thank you so much The Nerd Fam for sending me this ARC!

Title: Bound by Gravity

Author: Jenny Hickman

Genre: Fantasy Romance

Series: Bound and Freed #1

Pages: 474

Synopsis:

They were never meant for happily-ever-after. 
They fell in love anyway.She thought he was dead.
Four years after the disappearance of her beloved prince, Lady Allette Rittey returns to the fae realm to find Prince Senan very much alive—and on the verge of marrying a bloody princess.

Desperate for answers, Allette poses as a servant to gain access to his castle. But the wedding bells are ringing, and she’s running out of time before she loses him forever.

Prince Senan Vale has problems.
A lot of them.
Most pressing, an arranged marriage not to the woman he was meant for, but the princess of a neighboring kingdom.
When the king refuses to call off the engagement, Senan loses all hope.
Then his long-lost love returns from the grave.

Senan and Allette learn the truth of what kept them apart, discovering they have been betrayed by those closest to them.

The only way to be together is to flee the kingdom.
But first they must escape a castle full of traitors.

Review & thoughts:

Bound by Gravity is the first book in a Fantasy Romance duology from Jenny Hickman and OMG the author definitely decided to break our hearts with this book, I loved this first part of Senan and Allette’s story and can’t wait for book 2. 

The events of this book take place in a few timelines and we get to see the beginning of Senan and Allette’s relationship in the past, what led to its eventual demise and their heartbreaking present and the author wrote it all perfectly with keeping the reader interested in all that’s happening in every part of their story. I love the forbidden love trope and star-crossed lovers and Senan and Allette are a definition of it, I was rooting so hard for them to find a way to be together and find their own happy ending and my heart was breaking so many times for them. The author said their story might be a tragedy and I can definitely see that but I just want them to be happy together, I love these two so much and can’t wait for the second part of their story, especially after THAT ending, I’m still not over everything that happened. 

Bound by Gravity is an amazing first book in what I already know is going to be incredible duology, I cried, I smiled, I swooned and I already can’t do it all again when the second book releases, it can’t come soon enough. I definitely recommend Bound by Gravity to everyone who enjoys Fantasy Romance books with forbidden love, touch her and die vibes, amazing characters, beautiful romance, interesting world building and perfectly paced plot that will have you unable to put the book down.

Rating:

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5

ARC Review - The Secret Hook-Up by Pippa Grant

Thank you so much Hambright PR for sending me this ARC!

Title: The Secret Hook-Up

Author: Pippa Grant

Genre: Romantic Comedy, Sport Romance

Series: Standalone

Pages: 311

Synopsis:

You’d think nearly dying trying to get out of a too-tight gown in a dressing room and being saved by a strong, competent man was a good thing.

Not so much, though, when that strong, competent man is your ex. Your secret ex.

And the reason you need a gown is because you’re part of a charity auction.

The charity auction where he gets into a bidding war to win you.

And now, because you’re one of few female coaches in professional baseball, and he’s the captain of the local professional hockey team, and he paid a ridiculous sum of money for you…

The entire city is shipping you. You can’t leave your apartment without getting a knowing wink from strangers. Your bosses want to use the publicity to have you jointly launch a new community outreach program.

That’s bad enough. It truly is.

But even worse?

Duncan Lavoie, the green-eyed, curly-haired, dimple-cheeked, hot-as-lava hockey player wants a second chance. And he’ll play dirty to get it.

Review & thoughts:

The Secret Hook-Up is the newest Sport Romance and Romantic Comedy standalone from Pippa Grant and she once again proved why she is one of my favorite rom-com writers, I loved Duncan and Addie’s story! 

When Addie finds herself stuck in a dress in a fitting room, the last person she expects to help her is Duncan, the hockey player she was secretly dating a few years ago. With their jobs forcing them to work closely together and Duncan paying over 100k in an auction to go on a date with Addie, their old feelings quickly resurface and they both need to decide if giving each other a second chance is worth the risk of having their hearts broken again, especially with Addie’s aversion to commitment. 

I always have so much fun with Pippa Grant’s books and this one was no exception. I loved both Addie and Duncan since the moment they appeared and was rooting so hard for them to realize how perfect they are for each other despite all the obstacles they were facing. Addie was a really badass FMC, she went through a lot in her life and I completely understood why she was so afraid of commitment but it was amazing to see her open up to Duncan and they had a great communication. Duncan was a perfect hero, he was so patient with Addie and the way he was always taking care of all her needs but also respecting her independence, I just loved him so much. These two have a great slow burn second chance romance and while it’s definitely a rom-com (I was laughing so much during some scenes, their first date was hilarious) I also liked how emotional this book was at times and watching Addie and Duncan overcoming their traumas was amazing. I also loved all the side characters, their antics cracked me up so many times and I can’t wait to see them again in this author’s other books. 

The Secret Hook-Up is a really great sport romance and rom-com that I absolutely loved and definitely recommend to everyone. I already can’t wait for Pippa’s next book.

Rating:

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5

ARC Review - Blood So Brutal by Emily Blackwood

Thank you so much Emily Blackwood for sending me this ARC!

Title: Blood So Brutal

Author: Emily Blackwood

Genre: Fantasy Romance

Series: Golden City #2

Pages: 404

Synopsis:

Huntyr knew better than to trust anyone.

She made it into The Golden City, only to find out that everything she dreamed of is gone. There is no safety, no luxury, no elite society. There's only the evil archangel and his dark, twisted plans to use her for power.

Those plans include marrying Huntyr and Wolf, even though she'd rather die than be wed to him.

Huntyr is forced to learn about her real heritage and her untapped magic while she's paraded around The Golden City as the archangel's new favorite weapon. Wolf can do nothing but watch as she's manipulated and toyed with, but one thing hasn't changed: He'll never let anyone else lay a hand on what's his. Even if she despises him.

Betrayal runs deep, but blood runs deeper. Huntyr and Wolf navigate tests of loyalty and new truths as they're faced with the downfall of one power and the rise of another. Families break. Friendships rise. Do they have what it takes to survive? And are they strong enough to right the wrongs from decades ago?

Review & thoughts:

Blood so Brutal is the second book in a Fantasy Romance duology with vampires, angels and fae and while I enjoyed the first book, this one was even better, I loved it! 

I couldn’t wait for Blood so Brutal after that cliffhanger at the end of Wings so Wicked and it definitely didn’t disappoint. It starts right where the first book ended and I was hooked since the first page, there is so much happening here and so many secrets coming to light, betrayals and plot twists I didn’t expect, the plot was fast paced and I couldn’t put the book down. Huntyr continues to be amazing main character, she is badass and really strong when she has to deal with everything she learns about herself and the people she cares about betraying her, I loved reading about her and her character development was amazing. Despite everything he did I couldn’t help but love Wolf, the way he cared for Huntyr and was willing to do anything for her proved he was perfect partner for her and I was rooting for them. To say their relationship was complicated would be understatement, but I loved their slow burn romance, despite all the hurt and guilt they experienced it was amazing to see them trying to find their way back to each other and I loved all their scenes together and hope we will get to see them again. 

Blood so Brutal was the perfect conclusion to Huntyr and Wolf’s story, I loved it and definitely recommend this duology to everyone.

Rating:

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5

ARC Review - Of Monsters of Kings by Kelly St. Clare

Thank you so much Kelly St. Clare for sending me this ARC!

Title: Of Monsters of Kings

Author: Kelly St. Clare

Genre: Dark Fantasy Romance

Series: Unworldly City #1

Pages: 322

Synopsis:

In the 1200 years since The End, fifty mothers in my line have passed the truth to their daughters. They passed truths of how the world was, of how the world changed, and even mythical stories of powerful romances that sparked great tragedy and war.

Those romances are dead and gone, and as the fiftieth daughter, I am determined the truths of my ancestors will die with me too.
I will be the last daughter to bury her withered mother.

But ancients pull back the bloodied curtain without warning, and I cannot unsee the hidden world revealed beyond. Sinister impossibilities lurk in this walled city. They have always existed—dusk immortals who battle and prowl, filled with menace and conflicting purpose. And they, even the dark creature I blind with my presence, must decide the fate of all.

Yet fifty mothers prepared for nightfall. They knew five kings could not win.

Now the fiftieth daughter will walk into the toothed beast’s yawn.

For the mighty never stirred at dawn… and I’m about to inherit something more monstrous than the truth.

Review & thoughts:

Of Monsters of Kings is the newest book from Kelly St. Clare and a great mix of gothic romance, fantasy and horror that I really enjoyed. 

I’m not going to say much about the plot of this book because I think it’s best to go in blind like I did but I must admit it’s one of the most unique books I’ve ever read, I can’t remember when I read something even remotely similar. The beginning of this book was a bit peculiar, to say the least, and it took me a while to become fully invested, but once I did, I couldn’t put it down. The author created a really interesting world and characters and I loved reading about it and getting to know everyone, especially all the princes (I really liked them all), the magic system was fascinating and making most of the characters monsters was a great and perfectly executed idea. There was a lot I didn’t understand about the world, plot and the characters (and still don’t) but the author made a good job of keeping the reader wanting to know more while slowly revealing everything and I can’t wait to learn more in the next book. 

Patch was a really interesting and strong main character, she annoyed me a bit in the beginning but I loved how much she grew in this book into who she is meant to be and after that reveal at the end I’m excited to see her again in the next book. The romance was a true slow burn but while much about him is still a mystery, I liked the MMC and enjoyed all his scenes with Patch, I hope we will get to see their relationship develop more in book 2. 

Of Monsters of Kings is a great start to an interesting series and if you enjoy this kind of books I definitely recommend it and am excited to read the next book.

Rating:

⭐⭐⭐⭐/5