Tag: Romance (Page 13 of 106)

BOOK REVIEW: Mafia Mistress (The Kings of Italy #1) & Mafia Darling (The Kings of Italy #2) by Mila Finelli

June 10, 2024 / Jen / 0 Comments

Mafia Mistress (The Kings of Italy #1)
by Mila Finelli
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
Book 1 of 2 (Duet)

FAUSTO

I am the darkness, the man whose illicit empire stretches around the globe. Not many have the courage for what needs to be done to maintain power . . .but I do.

And I always get what I want.

Including my son's fiancée.

She's mine now, and I'll use Francesca any way I see fit. She's the perfect match to my twisted desires, and I'll keep her close, ready and waiting at my disposal.

Even if she fights me at every turn.

FRANCESCA

I was stolen away and held prisoner in Italy, a bride for a mafia king's only heir.

Except I'm no innocent, and it's the king himself—the man called il Diavolo—who appeals to me in sinful ways I never dreamed. Fausto's wickedness draws me in, his power like a drug. And when the devil decides he wants me, I'm helpless to resist him—even if it means giving myself to him, body and soul.

He may think he can control me, but this king is about to find out who's really the boss.

Review:

Mafia Mistress was an age gap mafia romance that was beyond steamy. With a story that had me gasping within those first few pages, my heart felt for Francesca, aka Frankie. She had dreams of college, only to become a bargaining chip in the mafia world. She was to become someone else’s wife. And Fausto came to collect. This man was cold and calculating, drugging and kidnapping were just as easy as breathing to him. Yet from the moment they met, there were sparks. And those sparks were going to create a wildfire!

Do not ever try to tell me you weren’t made for this life, that you weren’t born to rule as a queen.

I loved that no matter what, Frankie refused to give up. She fought every step of the way. And even through it all, she still had her sense of humor. Her thoughts made her so easy to click with! But even if Frankie wanted to hate Fausto, the longing and sexual tension between the two of them was beautifully done. Fausto was beyond seductive. Even with his lethal and deadly ways, he simmered through the pages. So when more happened in this story, oh my gosh it was detailed and so hot. Yet Fausto was stuck in his ways, and I wanted to smack him each time he said I don’t have to explain myself to you to Frankie. I kept waiting for the moment where Fausto would be forced to change if he wanted to keep Frankie.

“I’ll stab you with something sharper than a pen.”
I couldn’t help it, I laughed. “Many have tried, Francesca. I wouldn’t recommend it.” Rising, I cupped her jaw in my hands. “The devil cannot be killed.”

This book had a trope that usually I’m not a fan of, but it was done so well. There was no way I couldn’t not love how it played into the story! And then this story ended with a bang. It was a fabulous cliffhanger that will have you reaching for that second book now! This book was so easy to devour and is a must read for those that love spicy mafia books!

Mafia Darling (The Kings of Italy #2)
by Mila Finelli
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
Part 2 of 2 -- Not a standalone!

FAUSTO

In my world, loyalty is everything. I shouldn’t have let her get close. I shouldn’t have let her get under my skin.

But that doesn’t mean I’ll let another take her from me. He’ll pay with his life, because nothing will keep me from reclaiming what I lost.

Francesca is mine and I’m keeping her.

FRANCESCA

I found a dangerous man who makes me burn with need, a man I can’t live without . . .until he accused me of betrayal and sent me away.

Then I was kidnapped by his rival. Fausto thinks he can rescue me and have me begging at his feet once more. But I’m done begging.

This time, it will be the king who breaks.

Review:

Mafia Darling was a continuation of Francesca and Fausto from Mafia Mistress, this was not a standalone. So with sacrifice, love and forgiveness bleeding through the pages, we were taken on a wild ride. And again, this story was extremely seductive and erotic. But my favorite thing was watching those we care for grow. Especially Fausto. I didn’t think I could get past a few things, but he made me cry happy tears. And laugh… oh the present, just wait lol.

“My piccola monella, don’t you know that everything I do is for you? I will cheat and steal and kill for you. I will burn down the entire world to keep you safe.”

There was also torture, kidnapping and betrayal within this story, so there were some dark twists and turns. When you put it all together, it made for a book that was easy to devour. And it ended with the most fabulous epilogue set in the future. If you love erotic mafia romance, definitely add these two books to your tbr!

BOOK REVIEW: A Queen This Fierce and Deadly (Kingdom of Lies #4) by Stacia Stark

May 31, 2024 / Jen / 1 Comment

A Queen This Fierce and Deadly (Kingdom of Lies #4)
by Stacia Stark
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
The price of love is loss.
We all pay it eventually…

In every life…

Some moments are too painful to be endured.
Some moments will break you if you let them.

And yet I can’t afford to let anything break me. Because we have one chance to win this war. One chance to create a better life for everyone across the four kingdoms.

Even as our enemies ally with each other, and our own allies are forced to betray their kingdoms, their people…and themselves.
And even as Regner plans something so cruel, so wholly evil, he’s poised to douse the last remaining spark of hope in this world.

Unless we kill him first.

Review:

A Kingdom of Lies has become my favorite romantasy series! I know that’s such a bold claim, but this series was breathtakingly beautiful. The characters will embed themselves into your heart forever, and this story is one that was impossible to put down. If you love fantasy, romantasy, romance, enemies to lovers, and found family, I can’t recommend this final book and series enough!

“In every life, wildcat. No matter what happens, you hold on to that. It’s you and me in every life.”

A Queen This Fierce and Deadly absolutely wrecked me in the best way possible. This story had a wonderful recap and then started exactly where A Crown This Cold and Heavy ended. The perilous moments in this book made my heart race and left me struggling to breathe normally at times! The friendship and love that conquered all, was breathtaking. And the found family will melt your heart. So while bargains were made and trust was put in precarious positions, I was cheering them on every step of the way!

My rage was endless, as if it might swallow me whole.

Within those first few pages, I was already crying all of the tears. And I found myself crying so many other times from the beginning to the end. There were tears because I was terrified for who would live and die in this world, especially with the upcoming war. I sobbed tears of relief and joy. And there were also tears from pain because of moments that cut my heart into a million pieces. This book will make you feel everything!

Every time I’d escaped certain death, every person I’d killed to save my own life, every near miss and lesson learned…all of them had led up to this.
It was me or him.

The characters in this story were unforgettable. People’s actions shocked me in the best and worst of ways. So when new light was shown on things, my mouth was on the floor multiple times! We also got answers to unknowns and questions from previous books, and it was beautiful seeing all of the pieces fall into place. But with war on their doorsteps, I loved watching those that were born to be leaders take charge, have clear heads, and rise above it all. I actually clapped my hands out loud so many times. But within these pages there was also so much death and destruction. And the stakes were so high. It all led to heart pounding action that laced throughout these pages!

This was all Prisca’s fault.
That bitch got beneath my skin. She made me care.
Now, I would be forced to watch as these people died one by one.

We got multiple POVs again, and each one had my full attention. My heart would beat faster as we left someone we cared for in a precarious situation! But then that feeling would be back all over again, once we left the next one. There were heartwarming moments that we could breathe and see them enjoying life within that moment. Also there were steamy moments that were sigh worthy and so seductive. This book truly had it all!

Whoever said vengeance didn’t help was lying.

I loved A Queen This Fierce and Deadly with my whole heart! It was the most beautiful story of perseverance, friendship and love! With perilous action, spies in the midst, sob worthy sacrifice, heart warming loyalty, beautiful found family, and everlasting love, this series was everything!

*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, provided by the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

Spoiler Quotes……

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BOOK REVIEW: Heavenbreaker by Sara Wolf

May 23, 2024 / Jen / 1 Comment

Heavenbreaker by Sara Wolf
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
Bravery isn't what you do. It's what you endure.

The duke of the powerful House Hauteclare is the first to die. With my dagger in his back.

He didn’t see it coming. Didn’t anticipate the bastard daughter who was supposed to die with her mother―on his order. He should have left us with the rest of the Station’s starving, commoner rubbish.

Now there’s nothing left. Just icy-white rage and a need to make House Hauteclare pay. Every damn one of them.

Even if it means riding Heavenbreaker―one of the few enormous machines left over from the War―and jousting against the fiercest nobles in the system.

Each win means another one of my enemies dies. And here, in the cold terror of space, the machine and I move as one, intent on destroying each adversary―even if it’s someone I care about. Even if it’s someone I’m falling for.

Only I’m not alone. Not anymore.

Review:

Heavenbreaker was a SciFi that took us on the journey of a lifetime! With the story taking place in space, scenes filled with action, and a dash of romance, this book was a quick read! The world was brutally harsh, and there were so many twists and turns that’ll keep you on your toes! If you love the idea of jousting in space, and heroines that are filled with vengeance, then this is definitely your book!

Where does a twisted girl like me fit in the universe? Everyone else is full, whole. No one wants the darkness – they want the stars.

The story started with Synali Emilio Woster killing her father, who was from House Hauteclare. He had her mother murdered, and she was determined to make him pay with his life. In trying to escape, it eventually landed her with Dravik who was a man that was bent on ruining House Hauteclare. In exchange for riding his machine, Heavenbreaker, he would murder someone who was linked to her mother’s death for each of her wins in a duel. As the death’s piled up, and truths became known, this book was so much more than I ever expected!

“A spider is a patient animal – until its web is broken.”

Synali was such a challenging character. She was so focused on her end game of wanting those to suffer that had a hand in her mother’s death. And she never seemed to think of herself, which hurt. So while she could be immature at times and be ruled by her emotions, I was also excited to watch her grow. Because I thought Synali had so much potential since she was tenacious, fierce, and there was no end to what she would do to accomplish her goals!

The fine line between love and hate is made of blood. And to blood it will return.

For the other characters, I have so many emotions! Heavenbreaker was such a fascinating mystery. From that first moment she showed something, I was desperately trying to piece together the clues. And all I’m saying is that I thought I had a solid guess. But oh how wrong I was! Thankfully my guess towards Spider was correct. Luna I adored and wanted to scoop her from the pages. Rax was everything! And then there was Mirelle, who was from House Hauteclare and a rider. She was one of my favorites. I loved that she called Synali murderer and how she tried to see the good in the world. But she ended up seeing way more than she wanted to also.

The dance floor slowly fills in, the musicians gaining volume as my murmur loses it. “I wish you’d give up on me.”
“Oh, I will…once I’ve fought you. But until then, I’m selfishly holding on to you with everything I’ve got.”

So with similar vibes to The 100, mixed with a sprinkle of The Hunger Games, and a dash of the movie Alien, this book was such a fascinating read! I have to say that when we got told certain things, I shuddered. But within this story there was also jousting battles, where the riders would be inside the machines and go up against one another. And there was also an extremely slow burn romance that had a possible love triangle attached to it. Now I’ll be patiently waiting for the next one to be released!

“He promised. After it’s over. So it’s pointless.”
“What are you talking about?”
“Lithroi. The rabbit man. He’s going to kill me like I asked.” I laugh. “I want to rest. But sometimes I look at Luna, and the sunrise, and you…and then I don’t.”

*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, provided by the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

BOOK REVIEW: Finale (Caraval #3) by Stephanie Garber

May 14, 2024 / Jen / 0 Comments

Finale (Caraval #3)
by Stephanie Garber
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
Welcome, welcome to Finale, the third and final book in Stephanie Garber’s #1 New York Times bestselling Caraval series!

A love worth fighting for. A dream worth dying for. An ending worth waiting for.

It’s been two months since the Fates were freed from a deck of cards, two months since Legend claimed the throne for his own, and two months since Tella discovered the boy she fell in love with doesn’t really exist.

With lives, empires, and hearts hanging in the balance, Tella must decide if she’s going to trust Legend or a former enemy. After uncovering a secret that upends her life, Scarlett will need to do the impossible. And Legend has a choice to make that will forever change and define him.

Caraval is over, but perhaps the greatest game of all has begun. There are no spectators this time: only those who will win, and those who will lose everything.

Welcome, welcome to Finale. All games must come to an end.

Review:

Finale was a fabulous conclusion to the Caraval Trilogy! We alternated between Tella and Scarlet in this story, and I kept my fingers crossed that they would both get their happily ever afters! As someone who read OUABH first, I lost a lot of the peril that could be found in the pages. I knew the ending, and how quite a few pivotal moments would unfold. While it affected my reading of this story, there was still so much to love. The characters made this final book, and I loved watching them fight for their happiness every step of the way!

Her steps faltered, but she didn’t stop. If anything, she ran harder. The Fates had won another round.

Finale was so different from the previous two stories. There wasn’t a Caraval, so the magic, intrigue, and mystery from the games were missing. Yet those elements could still be found elsewhere, in the characters and the world around them. And as someone who adored Scarlett and Julien’s book a little more than Tella and Dante, I was shocked that Tella and Dante stole the stage. While I still loved my moments with Scarlett and Julien, Tella and Dante felt otherworldly to me. When they were around one another, it was like the sun shined brightly. The tension between them was palpable. I just wanted to push them together!

He smelled like dirt and tears and perfection. And she decided then that she was never, ever letting go of him.

But then there was also Jacks, and he was the prince of pulling on one one’s heart. I never knew if I could truly trust him, yet I wanted to! And the moments that Tella was in the middle of Jacks and Dante, oh it all made me so giddy! I loved the jealousy and strong emotions that were invoked. While I only had my heart set on one boy, I loved that he gave her an impossible choice. Yet Tella had such a strong head on her shoulders and ultimately knew what she wanted. I loved that she wasn’t willing to bend for her HEA!

Tella had never been attracted to Julian, but for a moment she’d hated how jealous she’d been of what her sister had with him. Enough would never be enough for Tella.

Finale was filled with revelations, twists and happily evers for both sisters. While the ending wasn’t exactly perfect in my eyes, I felt like we got to see more of Scarlett’s than Tella’s ending. Regardless, I still adored how the story ended. This is a series I’ll definitely want to reread down the road, and I can’t recommend it enough for ya fantasy fans!

PS On page 255, there was something foretold…..does this mean we will get another series in this world? I have my fingers crossed!

BOOK REVIEW: Legendary (Caraval #2) by Stephanie Garber

May 10, 2024 / Jen / 0 Comments

Legendary (Caraval #2)
by Stephanie Garber
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
Donatella and Scarlett Dragna escaped their cruel father and made it out of Caraval alive, but the games aren’t over yet. What Scarlett doesn’t know is that, in order to gain their freedom, Tella made a deal with a mysterious stranger and now it’s time to pay.

Except what Tella owes is something that no one has ever been able to deliver: the true name of Caraval Master Legend. Tella’s only chance at uncovering Legend’s true identity is to enter the dangerous game of Caraval once more, and win. But what will she have to sacrifice to do that?

Review:

Legendary started right after Caraval ended, and Tella had made a dangerous bargain. She was to obtain Legend’s real name, and for that she had to win the next Caraval. Back are the mysterious moments, the what ifs, and not knowing what was going to happen next. Legendary took us through another game that twisted and turned as the story unfolded. The journey was magical, and I loved seeing it through Tella’s eyes. If you adore YA fantasy, definitely give this series a try!

He cradled her sobbing head to his chest. “Can you open your eyes for me?”
“Maybe I want to sleep here,” Tella mumbled. “I’d wager it’s safer than in your arms.”
“What’s so dangerous about my arms?” He murmured.
“For me, everything.” Tella slowly lifted one lid open.

Tella was a sneaky little soul. I was intrigued that she kept one of the Fate cards that she had stolen. It showed her pictures of the future, or possible futures. Her decisions could change what it showed her. So as Tella worked her way to winning Caraval, it was impossible not to feel everything that she did. She was brave, focused, and loved her sister fiercely. And even though Tella didn’t believe in true love, watching her interact with Dante and Jacks were my top favorite moments in this book!

Dante’s voice rumbled with a laugh. “If I were Legend I’d definitely never tell you.”
“Because you don’t trust me?”
“No,” he answered slowly, gently tugging her even closer. “I’d hold onto my secret because I’d want to keep playing the game with you, and if I told you the truth it would spoil all the fun.”

Dante, oh my heart. When Dante created a situation pushing her closer to Jacks, I was intrigued that he would play such a dangerous game. I had already fallen for Dante in the previous book. He was a man surrounded by darkness and the unknown. Yet Dante also came through time and again. I couldn’t help but love him.

His laughter was surprisingly disarming. “Then tell yourself everyone wishes they were me, dancing with you.” With a grin he must have stolen from the devil, Jacks looped an arm around Tella’s hips and swept her on the dance floor.

Jacks created jealousy and tension that was so delicious and palpable. He was a man who was so much more than what he seemed. And I don’t want to say more because of spoilers, but just know that both of those men were so easy to love and obsess over. Yet as someone who read OUABH, I definitely recommend reading this series before Once Upon a Broken Heart. Or else you’ll spoil so many pivotal moments in this story.

He was supposed to break her heart.
She wasn’t supposed to break his.

Legendary was shrouded in mystery, and the story wove itself together so beautifully. With characters that were so easy to like, a story-line that kept you turning the pages, and magic sprinkled throughout the book, Legendary was such a fabulous YA fantasy!