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BOOK REVIEW: House of Striking Oaths (The Kingdom of Crows #3) by Olivia Wildenstein

BOOK REVIEW: House of Striking Oaths (The Kingdom of Crows #3) by Olivia WildensteinHouse of Striking Oaths (The Kingdom of Crows #3)
by Olivia Wildenstein
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

I WILL BECOME QUEEN OF LUCE... OR DIE TRYING.

There are few people I loathe more than Dante Regio, but my aunt Bronwen, my former grandfather Justus, and my Shabbin grandmother Meriam sit right alongside the Faerie monarch on my list of despicable beings. Especially after they assist the pointy-eared ruler with my kidnapping.

Locked in an obsidian underworld no Crow can reach, not even their king, I soon learn things aren't as they seem. People aren't as they seem. And history... I'm still attempting to reconcile the truth with what I was previously told.

My new allies have an agenda, but I have one of my own. Though there's overlap-we all agree Dante must die-what I desire more than anything is to return to Lore before he levels the kingdom to find me... or loses his humanity trying.

I may favor crowns over coffins, but I refuse to live in a world where my mate only exists as a bird.

Strap in for one last romantic and pulse-pounding adventure in a world governed by magic and hearts.

Review:

“Long live”— I lean all my weight into my arms—“ the Crows.”

House of Striking Oaths was an action packed ride from start to finish.  This romantasy was filled with life, death, betrayal, love and allies in the most unlikely of places.  Stepping into this story, realize that there is still one more book to be released.  Why I thought it was trilogy is beyond me haha.  While lots of things were wrapped up by the end of this book, there was also a lot that needed to be solved.  So I’m counting down till we get a HEA for those we love in House of Shifting Tides.  And I’m keeping my fingers crossed we get an epilogue of just Fallon and Lore, because I need to see them both completely happy pretty please!

I catch the new spark that animates my violet eyes.
I will set myself free.

Stepping into this story, there was so much up in the air.  Readers will be happy to know that we got a lot of answers!  They made sense, but I was shocked that I didn’t see quite a few things coming.  Who was using Brownwen’s eyes.  About her mother.  A marriage I couldn’t even fathom.  We learned a lot in this story.  Not only what people’s intentions were, but also the rules for magic.  And how past deals affected the present.  The alliances, motives and actions of others were all laid out on the table for us.  And that led to dangerous games being played within the pages.

I will murder them all.

But the pages were also filled with torture, regret, and anger that will burn you alive. Death needed to happen to those that didn’t deserve to live.  Like Dante.  I hated him.  He was a sociopath filled with lies who was so easy to hate.  I kept waiting for the moment he got what he deserved.  But there was also someone in the story who Wildenstein was able to flip my feeling around for.  Trust was earned, that I never thought could be.  And that left me feeling like I needed to go back and re-read those first two books because my assumptions tainted the story in a certain way.  And I was completely wrong! 

“Ready to become mine, Serpent-charmer?”
I tilt my head, and although Nonna taught me not to provoke purelings, I cannot help but hiss, “I’ll never be yours.”

Fallon came into her magic and it was fascinating watching her learn how to do things.  But I definitely had a hiccup with Fallon.  I understood that she had so much rage, but why she didn’t play nice with Dante so Antoni didn’t suffer was beyond me.  Why she wasn’t smarter and more careful for her friend’s life made me want to shake her.  Hard.  Thankfully as the story progressed, I loved that she stood up for those she loved.  She had so much fire in her!  Yet her and Lore struggled since he was still keeping secrets from her.  And that hurt ugh.  Thankfully Lore loved Fallon with all of his heart and was willing to do whatever it took to save her.  His love for her was larger than life!  And I loved seeing the softer side of him too, like when he was giving Pheebs relationship advice haha.  Ohhh plus the scenes between Fallon and Lore were sooo hot!

He kisses one corner of my lips, then hovers his mouth over the other and murmurs, “My heart.”

Bargains were formed.  Forgiveness was given.  Plans were put in place that had the hugest of risks.  And they were sent on the most impossible of quests.  This book will definitely keep you entertained!  And as we watched the story unfold, it didn’t matter that some things came to pass that were horrific, fate had a way of achieving what it wanted.  No matter how much one tried to evade it.  Also, there was something setup in this book, for a future spinoff decades down the road and I am so excited that option was given!  Closing this story, the epilogue left me in tears.  I desperately need that next book.  There was something that needed to be “fixed”.  And it hurt.  So I’m counting down till that next book is released!

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

BOOK REVIEW: A Kingdom This Cursed and Empty (Kingdom of Lies #2) by Stacia Stark

BOOK REVIEW: A Kingdom This Cursed and Empty (Kingdom of Lies #2) by Stacia StarkA Kingdom This Cursed and Empty (Kingdom of Lies #2)
by Stacia Stark
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

Risk everything for your kingdom...Or be destroyed by it.

In a world darkened by deceit, the truth is a light that won't be dimmed. Even when it illuminates Lorian's betrayals more starkly than I could ever want to see.

They call him the Bloodthirsty Prince.

His reign of terror has left a trail of blood across this continent. A trail that intertwines with my own past-not even my parents were spared from his merciless slaughter.

To save my brother's life, I agreed to another bargain with the fae prince. Now, I'm forced to work with him. Forced to travel to the fae lands. Forced to spend my every waking moment with the man who betrayed me. All because King Sabium has woven a deadly tapestry of manipulation, using those we least suspect for his wicked schemes.

There are no lines I won't cross to protect the people I love. So I'll work with former enemies. I'll manipulate, blackmail, and deceive potential allies. I'll swallow my pride, bury my shattered heart, and cooperate with the fae to prepare for the coming war.

Because there are creatures far more monstrous than the fae.

And some of them masquerade as men.

Review:

His lies had hurt the most.

With secrets swirling, danger on the horizon, and perilous journeys, A Kingdom This Cursed and Empty was a fabulous continuation of the Kingdom of Lies Series!  There were scenes that will have you on the edge of your seat.  Steamy moments that will tug at your heart.  And an addictive storyline and world that continues to build and grow.  Fans of romantasy definitely need to have this series in their life!

“Why would you do this?” she asked.
The question burrowed deep into my chest. I clenched my teeth. “Figure it out.”

Prisca was a heroine we could easily love and respect.  She was smart, had grown so much and her strength and courage gave her a backbone of steel.  Yet Prisca was struggling.  Not only with learning that she was fated to become the queen.  Since she didn’t see herself being worthy enough to rule the hybrids.  But also with accepting what Lorian was.  She was raised to see the Fae as the nightmares and monsters of the world.  He was supposed to have been the one who killed her biological parents.  And she had been falling for him all along, none the wiser.  But as their journey progressed, she still confided in him.  Trained with him.  And she saw how much he cared and wanted her to be the best she could be.  She just needed to learn to accept what he was.

He’d asked if I remembered how he’d made me feel.
Some days, it was the only thing I could think about.
“Please,” I said quietly.

Lorian was protective, lethal, deadly and would do anything to keep Prisca safe.  He would hand her the world if he could, yet he lied to her.  And according to her, destroyed her past.  Yet as a skeptic I kept hoping there was more to the story, because I am ever so hopeful and can only be positive when it comes to Lorian haha.  He may be the villain to others, but he could never be that to Prisca.  So I loved as we watched him let her grow.  That he stood by her as she figured out how to rule and deal with powerful people.  And the words he would say to Prisca *screaming while jumping up and down*?!  Lorian’s words to Prisca were beautiful, powerful and elicited so much emotion! Lorian was the ultimate book boyfriend! 

“This is never going to work. You and I. We’re doomed. You know that.”
He sighed, and I closed my eyes, basking in the feel of his breath against my neck.
“I know.” He slowly drew back. “But that doesn’t mean I won’t wish for you with every fucking breath for the rest of my life.”

While the odds were continually stacked higher against them, they fought with everything they had. I cried tears for Lorian. I was terrified for some of the situations Prisca was put in. And through it all, Lorian and Prisca had the most fabulous banter!   It was laced with even more emotion now! They were from opposite ends, even if they were fighting a common enemy. They could never be together, so my heart cried trying to figure out how it’ll all work out in the end. So I loved their steamy moments and that they were detailed, explicit, and absolutely fabulous! And when you get to the part where Lorian lists things, try not to have your heart explode!

He smiled, as if he’d expected nothing less.
I smiled back. One day, I would make him pay for everything I suspected he had done to Lorian.

We got so many answers to questions, yet we were also left with many more questions.  And as the world expanded and we met others, I was completely enthralled. I was happily surprised to see that we got this story in a few different point of views.  Prisca was still the main one, and of course Lorian too.  But we also got some moments with the Queen.  Those moments made me contemplate everything I knew.  I did not expect to feel compassion towards her or learn all that we did.  There were quite a few times where my mouth was left hanging open.  And there was even one moment I cried tears for the Queen, I am still shocked.  So where this story ended with her left me terrified.  With political intrigue, and dangerous ploys, I can’t wait to see what happens next with the Queen!

The war had barely begun. And we were already losing.

A Kingdom This Cursed and Empty was laced with friendship, love, quests, forgiveness, battles, death and it was so easy to devour! With a star-crossed lovers romance, forced proximity and a found family, just know that this story ended with a fabulous cliffhanger. Don’t mind me over here panicking until that next book is in my hands! I absolutely love this world and these characters and I can’t wait to see what happens next!

I just wanted her to be mine.

PS My favorite new character we met was Drakoryx, by far!

PPS Is anyone else keeping their fingers crossed that Asinia & Demos become a couple?

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

BOOK REVIEW: A Matter of Temptation (Unforgettable Love #1) by Stacy Reid

BOOK REVIEW: A Matter of Temptation (Unforgettable Love #1) by Stacy ReidA Matter of Temptation (Unforgettable Love #1)
by Stacy Reid
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

Miss Wilhelmina “Mina” Crawford is desperate. Having been ruined in the eyes of society years ago for one foolish, starry-eyed mistake, she spends her days secreted away at her family’s crumbling estate, helping her brother manage the land but not able to truly live life the way she’s always dreamed. When her brother admits to just how dire their finances have gotten, she takes it upon herself to procure employment…but the only one who will even consider the scandalous idea of a female secretary is the brilliant, ruthless, and infuriating Earl of Creswick.

Simon Loughton, the Earl of Creswick, needs help if he wants to finally pass the reform bill he’s been championing for years and secure the vote for England’s most vulnerable constituents. Too bad help comes in the form of a woman with breathtaking nerve, fiery red hair, and a sense of humor to match.

Now temptation―disguised as a lovely, clever-mouthed devil―lives and works under Simon’s very roof. And Mina finally feels as though she’s truly living life to her wildest dreams. But even the most incendiary of kisses can’t incinerate Mina’s past…or the shocking secret that could ruin them both.

Review:

A Matter of Temptation was a forced proximity historical romance that was laced with laughter and love!  With fabulous banter, a wonderful storyline and characters that were so easy to like, this was another huge win from Stacy Reid.  If you’re a fan of historical romance, you definitely need her books in your life!

“Most men would have been appalled.”
“I am not most men.” His quiet voice held a sardonic note. “And allow me to say: you are not most women.”

Miss Wilhelmina “Mina” Crawford felt like she had to right her wrongs from the past.  She had eloped, and now she wasn’t able to help her family financially by marrying someone.  So watching her fix her twin brother’s issue was so much fun.  I absolutely loved how Mina gained employment working for Simon Loughton, the Earl of Creswick….but I won’t say how.  Other than it had me cheering for Mina every step of the way!  And from that first meeting, it was glaringly obvious that there were sparks between them!  Working with him was already pushing the envelope.  Nothing more than that could ever develop between them.

Yet when his gaze met hers, his eyes gleamed with an expression Mina dearly wished she could interpret. A sharp sensation wrenched in the vicinity of her heart and Mina had to quickly look away.

Mina was so easy to love!  I loved how bold, quick witted and insightful she was!  It was so wonderful watching how passionate she was about her work and I loved seeing how happy she was with what she was able to accomplish.  As Mina worked side by side with Simon, she seemed to read him so well.  And established the beginnings of a wonderful friendship.  So when there was some perilous action within the pages, I loved how it changed the trajectory of Mina and Simon.  Not only did it show that she could be brave and fierce, but how Simon reacted will warm readers’ hearts!

He reached out and touched her cheek. “I love laughing with you.”
Such simple words, yet they slammed into her heart with the force of a hammer, for it sounded like he’d never had reason to laugh before.

Simon thought he could maintain distance from Mina, so I loved how he told her not to smile.  As if that would work lol.  His efforts were futile!  Especially when he spent so much time with her, loved how hard she worked, and respected how clever she was.  All the while thinking she was too pretty.  So from the moment he had the scene with the puppy, I was a goner.  Simon made me cry happy tears, he was such a good and kind man.  Who also has a dirty mouth too.  Yet Simon was to marry someone that went along with his station and reputation.  His grandmother even had contenders picked out.  And with the work he was doing, his image was everything.

When he kissed her, it was with such aching softness that her chest squeezed.

As they worked together, they couldn’t help falling for the other.  Simon tried everything to ignore his need for Mina, but his desire ran too deep for her. So I loved watching them connect and become even more entwined with one another.  And some of my favorite moments involved the bucket list.  Kissing.  Confessions.  Gambling.  But at the same time, the world was separating them.  Because of who they both were and what was expected of them.  I wasn’t sure how they could make it work, especially with Mina’s past, but I kept my fingers crossed!

“Don’t you know who I am?”
“The Earl of Creswick,” she whispered.
“I will be the shelter for the storm over our heads, Mina, you need not fear what I might lose. What I know I cannot lose is you.”

A Matter of Temptation was a fabulous, swoon worthy and steamy historical romance!  And within these pages there was also politics showing the inequality of social and gender issues back then.  I loved how that added to the story.  I can’t wait to read whatever Stacy Reid releases next!

BOOK REVIEW: An Earl to Remember (Unforgettable Love #2) by Stacy Reid

BOOK REVIEW: An Earl to Remember (Unforgettable Love #2) by Stacy ReidAn Earl to Remember (Unforgettable Love #2)
by Stacy Reid
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

Miss Georgianna Eleanor Heyford may be naught but a gentleman’s daughter, but even she’s heard the rumors about the Earl of Stannis’s exceptional charm and good looks. Surely she can cater his luxurious yacht party without getting swept away. But a terrible misunderstanding leaves Georgianna fired, furious, and with little recompense. Which is precisely when her opportunity for vengeance washes ashore…

Daniel Rutherford, the Earl of Stannis, has absolutely no memory of who he is. They tell him he must have fallen overboard, and the only person he seems to recognize is the lovely Georgianna―who strikes a chord of familiarity…and the faintest memory of heating his blood. Only now this inelegant, poorly dressed woman claims to be his wife!

But the truth is, Georgianna is finally getting her revenge. The dashing earl will work off the money he owes her and no one will be the wiser. Except the longer he stays with her and her younger sisters, the more it feels like he belongs there. And that perhaps he’d find a forever place in Georgianna’s heart…at least, until his memory returns...

Each book in the Unforgettable Love series is STANDALONE:
* A Matter of Temptation
* An Earl to Remember

Review:

How can I be so silly to wish that this… to wish that you…were real?

This gender swap of Overboard was so much fun!  I’m a huge fan of the movie, and I loved seeing so many of the elements play out in the pages!  So if you’re a fan of the amnesia trope, historical romance, and love defying all odds, then definitely put this one on your tbr! An Earl to Remember was charming, steamy and absolutely entertaining. 

“You and Hetty are good friends, Mr. Stannis. I am certain she misses you.”
Hetty? The fowl has a name?”
“Yes.”
He paused and stared at her carefully bent head and subtly shifting shoulders. Was Miss Heyford laughing?

Miss Georgianna Eleanor Heyford seemed to have the weight of the world on her shoulders.  She was responsible for caring for her three younger sisters, since her parents had passed away.  When she got a job catering for Daniel Rutherford, the Earl of Stannis, her sister was worried.  Daniel had the reputation of a rake.  So when a moment between Daniel and Georgie quickly escalated, she got to see his true colors afterwards.  How he thought of those with her station.  How anything physical meant nothing to him.  And how he had no problem not paying her the full amount of her work, all because his lover was jealous.  When Daniel washed up on the shores and in her cousin’s doctors office, Georgie took charge of her life. She saved herself from being ruined and was going to have Daniel payback what he owed her by working around her house.

As Georgianna watched him retreat from the kitchen, she realized that not once in the madness of this scheme had she feared her heart or virtue might be in peril with the earl. How foolish she had been.
Oh God, I must never allow him too close.

Georgie was a woman who was determined to get what she wanted. When Daniel recognized Georgie, it went along perfectly with the lies she created while also mixing in a little bit of the truth from time to time.  The strawberry birthmark was the first of many moments that had me loving this book even more, because of the ties to Overboard!  So I was cackling every time Georgie messed with Daniel.  She told him he was broke.  She gave him a huge list of chores he was to do around the house and land.  The shock that came from Daniel had me dying from laughter.  A man like him chasing around a chicken?  Breaking up a pig and chicken fight?  It was all so much fun! He definitely got what he deserved!  Yet Daniel did it all without complaints.  He worked from sun up to sun down to take care of his wife and family. 

Laughter pealed from her, and he realized he had wiped whatever the hell was on his hand on his face. His mouth curved in an unwilling smile. “I cannot help feeling as if I am in a special hell and wonder what I did, hmm?”
She stilled, staring at him with wide eyes.

Daniel went from someone I loathed to someone that made my heart cheer with how he took care of his family.  I loved watching his transformation.  I loved that he showed us he was capable of being a good and honest man. That he respected Georgie. And how he became someone she could depend on.  Whether it was the emotional weight Georgie carried, or helping around the house, he was kind to her.  He always tried to do what was best for her. So when he kissed her, as her “husband”, my heart soared.  And the moment he defended someone’s honor, that was it.  I was a goner.  There was no way I couldn’t fall head over heels in love with Daniel!

“Are you saying you believe in me?”
This was asked with such incredulity, a rush of amusement went through him. “Is the idea so astonishing to you, wife?”

I liked Georgie right away, even when she was tricking Daniel. I may have judged her lol, but I definitely didn’t fault her for the decision she made.  As she became friends with Daniel, liked him and relied on him, I was terrified for her.  This was not her true life.  And while she knew she should tell him the truth, she couldn’t.  She was attached.  So I held my breath waiting for the other shoe to drop and it all to blow up in Georgie’s face.  And when it did, I didn’t see it going that way and my mouth was left hanging wide open!

“Have you ever wanted something so much it hurt to want it, and you also feel incredibly foolish because you know it is not yours to have and it will never be?”
The lines of his face sharpened as he leaned in closer. “Tell me what it is you want, wife, and I will give it to you,” he vowed, his gaze steady on hers.
It is you.

One of my favorite things about this book was that Daniel’s dirty mouth was phenomenal!  He had a way with words that made things erotic and crated so much heat.  So there were plenty of scenes in this book that were seductive and steamy.  The details had me fanning my face, they were explicitly hot!  And in all, it was the perfect amount for this story!  Another thing I loved was Georgie’s younger siblings Anna and Sarah. They were so adorable, and I loved watching Daniel connect with them.  And Lizzie, while older and was someone Georgie could confide in, she had a tiny little story that made my heart so happy!  Add in that we got to see Simon and Minas from the previous book A Matter of Temptation, aww I loved it all!  Just know that you definitely don’t have to read the previous one before this!

“I miss the taste of you.” The words came from him before he had the presence of mind to censure his desire.

While alternating between Daniel and Georgie, this book was so much fun! An Earl to Remember had the most fabulous of endings and the epilogue will make readers close this book smiling! I can’t wait to see what Stacy writes next!

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

BOOK REVIEW: The Roommate Pact by Allison Ashley

BOOK REVIEW: The Roommate Pact by Allison AshleyThe Roommate Pact by Allison Ashley
Purchase on: AmazoniBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

All of the fun, none of the heartache…as long as they stick to the agreement.

The proposition is simple: if ER nurse Claire Harper and her roommate, firefighter Graham Scott, are still single by the time they’re forty, they’ll take the proverbial plunge together…as friends with benefits. Maybe it’s the wine, but in the moment, Claire figures the pact is a safe-enough deal, considering she hasn’t had much luck in love and he’s in no rush to settle down. Like, at all. Besides, there’s no way she could ever really fall for Graham and his thrill-seeking ways. Not after what happened to her father…

Just as things begin to heat up way before the proposed deadline, Graham’s injured in a serious rock climbing accident—and he needs Claire’s help to heal. She’ll do whatever it takes to nurse him back to health…even if it means moving in to Graham’s bed and putting up with his little dog, who hates her. But with this no-strings arrangement taking a complicated turn, keeping “for now” from turning into “forever” isn’t as easy as they’d planned.

Review:

The Roommate Pact was a friends to lovers romance that was sweet and will have you smiling from that first page to the last!  ER nurse Claire Harper and her roommate, firefighter Graham Scott had a pact that if they weren’t married by the time they were 40, they would tie the knot!  Yet one night while drinking, Claire tried to change the rules to being hookup buddies.  While there were sparks, and a scorching hot kiss that seemed to be fueled by a plethora of emotions, both of their lives were turned upside down when Graham was in an accident.  And Claire found herself taking care of him.  We got to alternate between the two of them as this heartwarming story unfolded in an emotional and touching way that will have romance lovers falling in love.

“Thinking about marrying me now, aren’t you?” he called after her.
She didn’t miss a beat.
“Not a chance.”

Claire and Graham’s friendship felt like it ran deep.  And it left me wanting to read the previous story about their friends in Would You Rather, just so I could catch more glances of them.  But within their friendship was the most fabulous of banter.  So I loved how Graham teased Claire, and how that would make her flustered.  She tried her best to deny his charm.  But even her bestie thought she should hook up with him, while waiting for Mr. Right.  Why not?  The attraction was there, the tension between them was there and their first kiss turned passionate quickly and was so hot.  It left me desperately wanting more. 

Her gaze started at his collarbone and slowly, slowly traveled down his torso.  Heat followed in the wake of her gaze, which felt more like a caress then a perusal.
Fuck.
What would she do if he grabbed her by the waist and pulled her across his lap?

But there were also emotional moments laced into the story.  Watching Graham get hurt.  Claire’s reaction.  Graham’s struggle with his long road to recovery.  Claire dealing with her fears from the past.  It hurt.  My throat felt tight and I tried to keep the tears out of my eyes.  And that all led to them slowly opening up about their pasts, telling each other things that they held close to their hearts.  Through it all, Graham was still charming and sexy as hell.  And the tension building between them felt like a scorching inferno.  The shampoo scene?!  Hot!  Yet keep in mind the intimate scenes were almost a fade to black.

“What did you do all day?”
“The usual.  Worked out, watched TV, sat outside.”
Wrote you an email.

This story was the perfect mixture of fun with some angst mixed in!  One of my favorite things was the letters.  I’m not saying what they are about, but I laughed and smiled so much!  It felt like each letter stole a little piece of my heart.  They were deep, honest and made me want to shout at someone that they deserved so much more than they thought they did!  Also I absolutely loved Graham’s little dog Gertie!  I loved watching Claire struggle with Gertie’s feisty self!

“Would it bother you to never kiss me again?”
Graham’s chin dipped but his gave lifted to hers, his eyes dark and conflicted. “I think it’s best I don’t answer that.”

With tragic backstories, jaded hearts and a fight for true love, The Roommate Pact had it all!  These pages had a man who was book boyfriend worthy, a woman you’ll want to be besties with while you shake a little sense into her, and friends and a little dog that will warm your heart!  This was my first book by Allison Ashley, and I can’t wait to read more by her!

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

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