Hooked by Emily McIntire

What happens when the villain gets the girl? When Hook sets his sights on Wendy, he won’t just steal her heart…he intends to break it.

What’s it About?

He wants revenge, but he wants her more…

James has always had one agenda: destroy his enemy, Peter Michaels. When Peter’s twenty-year-old daughter Wendy shows up in James’s bar, he sees his way in. Seduce the girl and use her for his revenge. It’s the perfect plan, until things in James’s organization begin to crumble. Suddenly, he has to find the traitor in his midst, and his plan for revenge gets murkier as James starts to see Wendy as more than just a pawn in his game.

Wendy has been cloistered away most of her life by her wealthy cold father, but a spontaneous night out with friends turns into an intense and addictive love affair with the dark and brooding James. As much as she knows James is dangerous, Wendy can’t seem to shake her desire for him. But as their relationship grows more heated and she learns more about the world he moves in, she finds herself unsure if she’s falling for the man known as James or the monster known as Hook.

*Hooked is a dark contemporary romance and the first complete standalone in the Never After Series: A collection of fractured fairy tales where the villains get the happy ever after. It is not a literal retelling and not fantasy. Hooked features mature themes and content that may not be suitable for all audiences. Reader discretion is advised. For all content warnings, check the author’s website.*

First Impressions

Consider yourself warned, this is not your classic fairytale. This might be my first official foray into the “dark romance” genre, and while I didn’t really know what to expect, it is certainly an apt categorization. We’re all familiar with romances featuring surly, brooding heroes with a rough exterior who just need the love of their life to bring them into the light. Well, James is no hero, he’s a villain through and through. The details of his complicated and abusive childhood will garner some empathy as he pursues his revenge later on as an adult, and he does manage to show some moments of kindness to those who are less fortunate. That being said, it doesn’t change the fact that this man is a hardened criminal. He tortures, he kills, and he toys with the emotions of our heroine, Wendy. He’s the villain you love to hate. When Wendy starts to fall for him, you want to warn her away on the one hand, but on the other you inexplicably want them to end up together. If you’re looking for a happy-go-lucky romance, or one that is all kissing in the rain with a lovable hero, then this is not the book for you. This book will undoubtedly produce polarizing opinions with readers, and in skimming through some of the other reviews online that certainly seems to be the case.

Some think it’s far too dark, others declare that Hook didn’t take things far enough. The sex scenes were super spicy for this group, but far too vanilla for that group. Unexpected twists and turns over here, far too predictable over there. The multiple mentions of this read making the rounds on booktok appears to have lit a fire of dissension for many a reviewer, but seeing as I don’t have tik tok I really went into this one blind. A few common criticisms did appear on both sides of the dividing line which I too will explore later on, including an overly demure Wendy and a rushed ending. As for the book as a whole though, I think it really will be up to each reader to determine whether or not this is the kind of book for them. Personally, I enjoyed the fact that it was outside the box, at least when compared to my standard romance novel reads, but I understand if someone says it’s not their cup of tea. In a way, all of the juxtaposing viewpoints are true at various parts throughout the novel. Some plot twists I didn’t see coming, whereas others were easily identifiable. There are graphic descriptions of Hook torturing or killing various individuals without remorse, and yet he does ultimately fall for his Wendy darling. If you go into this book expecting a hero, you’re already off to a shaky start. Expect the villain, and you’ll be surprised at the moments of warmth.

Straight On ’til Morning

Confession time: I’ve never been a huge fan of Peter Pan. A boy getting into all kinds of trouble because he doesn’t want to grow up? Sorry kid, it happens to all of us, deal with it. However, my interest was piqued when I saw this wasn’t a retelling or modernization of the fantasy, but rather was inspired by the classic tale. Character names were the easiest to recognize, including Wendy, Hook, Peter, John, Smee, Moira, etc. though some of their dynamics were obviously tweaked. Peter is just as much a villain as Hook (although if you ask me he wasn’t all that great in the original), and Wendy is Peter’s daughter. It was so much fun coming across some of the other traditional Peter Pan features, and witnessing how the author chose to incorporate them into her version. Peter is the billionaire owner of Neverland Airlines, pixie dust is one of the hottest selling drugs on the street, Hook earned his moniker for always carrying his hallmark curved blade, he resides aboard his luxury yacht named The Tiger Lily, and he first sets his sights upon Wendy at his club, The Jolly Roger. The Lost Boys run this town with Hook at their helm, and he doesn’t take kindly to an outsider coming in and trying to push him out. And when we learn why it is that Hook loathes the ticking of a clock? Girl, please! All of these various elements were seamlessly incorporated into this dark story of revenge with a sprinkling of romance.

The Shadow

The classic Peter Pan tale mentions how boyhood wonder Peter is constantly chasing after his shadow. In Hooked, we see how Peter’s daughter Wendy was always described as his beloved shadow, traveling around and showing up with him at every event throughout her childhood. When her mother tragically dies in an accident, all that loving attention ceased, and she was Peter’s shadow no more. While this story does highlight the complicated, and rather unhealthy, relationship between Hook and Wendy, in my opinion it truly is Hook’s story. His conniving personality overtakes the page to the point where Wendy is just sort of…there. Wendy was pretty flat as a lead character, which was disappointing because the foundation was certainly there for an enticing heroine. She’s lost the love of her father, but doesn’t really understand why, and when she meets the dangerously intriguing James he awakens her from this depressed mood she’s lived in for years. And yet, aside from one climactic scene at the end of the book we never really see Wendy stand up or fight back when confronted with either of these controversial men in her life. She’s sort of always at their mercy, and I wanted to see her take more ownership over her own life. Even when it comes to her relationship with James, a major element of it is that he was relentless in his pursuit of her, rather than her actively choosing to be with him, or use him as a way to rebel against her father’s neglect.

There was one point in particular of the story where I feel like the author almost wrote herself into a corner. From the get-go we know that James was pursuing a relationship with Wendy as a way to get back at Peter for ruining his life years ago, and yet Wendy slowly starts to fall in love with this man she really knows nothing about. Just when James starts to think he might be feeling something for her, nefarious developments in his criminal enterprise make him think that perhaps Wendy has been in cahoots with her father all along. He proceeds to drug, kidnap, detain and threaten her. Soooooo, how exactly are these two going to kiss and make up? The progression of Hook’s actions were 10000% completely unforgivable. Wendy should have been sickened by his very presence, and she was for a small portion of the book. However, she eventually forgives him, and vocalizes her love for this man. Her reasoning? Basically, can’t explain it, shouldn’t love him, but I do. Then he falls in love with her, climactic face off with papa Pan and surprise mystery villain…the end. This novel had such a strong beginning and evolution of drama, but critical details were glossed over for a rushed finish at the end. While the events of the end were definitely entertaining and suspenseful, drawing out certain scenes and plot developments could have heightened the intensity even more for a standout conclusion.

Series: Never After, book 1. I’ll probably need a bit of a break to collect myself, but I can see myself continuing on with this series.

Would I befriend the heroine? Danger seems to follow her wherever she goes, so I’m gonna say no.

Would I date the hero? Heck no! Sexy accent? Sure. Dark and brooding? Elevates it to a science. But Hook is one you admire from afar. Like, very very very afar.

Final Impressions: I enjoyed this read. There, I said it! It’s dark, it’s disturbing at times, and to be frank I think that Wendy and Hook’s relationship is pretty unhealth. There is just something about this story though that hooks you in and won’t let go. It’s fun to see the elements of a childhood fairy story incorporated into a dark mafia romance with more villains than you can count. Hook is the star of this show, and unfortunately Wendy’s character couldn’t stand up to his magnetism. If we instead could have seen the events of the novel turn Wendy into a villain just as dastardly as Hook by the end as he pulled her further into his world, then maybe she would have been a more standout character in her own right.

Smut Level: Similar to the rest of the novel, you can expect some intense and darker moments to Hook and Wendy’s sexual dalliances, including the dirtiest of dirty talk, choking, and elements of a dominant/submissive relationship.

Get it on Amazon: Click Here. $4.99 Kindle Price. 312 Pages.

Sebastian’s Fate by Rebecca Hefner

It’s time to celebrate Christmas at Etherya’s Earth, and Celine is determined to use the masked gala as a way to finally make a move on the love of her life. When the masks go on, the gloves…and maybe a few other items of clothing…come off. 

What’s it About? 

She was in love with a man who didn’t know she existed…

Vampyre aristocrat Celine has eyes for one man: a handsome council member who barely knows she’s alive. Determined to change her destiny, she secures a date with the enigmatic man, even if he won’t know her identity at the masked fete.

Council leader Sebastian considers relationships a waste of time—until a gorgeous stranger accompanies him to a ball. Suddenly, he can’t stop thinking about the woman behind the mask who sets his body aflame.

Consumed with uncovering the tempting stranger’s identity, Sebastian observes similarities between his phantom lover and the quiet aristocrat he’s barely noticed for centuries. Could his mystery woman actually be…Celine?

Fueled by passion and anger, he confronts the stunning aristocrat, never realizing their fiery encounter might cement Sebastian’s fate for eternity…

First Impressions

Rebecca Hefner is a master storyteller. She successfully manages to jam pack an entire novel’s worth of romance and character development into 167 pages of a novella without it feeling forced, rushed, or incomplete. Celine has had her heart set on workaholic Sebastian for centuries. We were first introduced to her infatuation for this vampyre in a previous novella within the Etherya’s Earth series, and while her attempts to attract his attention went unnoticed in that installment, Celine is determined to succeed this go around. She’ll just need a masked disguise, as well as a fake identity, to make it happen. What I appreciated most about this short read was that no detail was left out, from the impetus of Celine’s decision to go to such lengths, to Sebastian eventually opening his eyes to the beauty standing right in front of him for all these years. 

After all, we can’t help but question why, after literally centuries of pining after this man, Celine would finally choose to make a move. This is especially true when we discover that she’s been quite the quiet wallflower for most of her life. However, it’s revealed throughout the novella how she was always raised to be the compliant daughter of an aristocrat, to be seen and not heard, and to ultimately be a trophy for her future husband. It is only after the events of the previous novels, when some of the strongest female voices of the Vampyres, Slayers and Deamons come forward into the spotlight that Celine realizes there’s another way to life. This doesn’t mean she’s suddenly transformed to become the loudest or most opinionated woman in the room, but rather she’s no longer afraid to start taking the steps towards what she wants most out of her immortal life. And that just happens to be the broodingly gorgeous Sebastian. 

Blushing Wallflower or Sultry Vixen? 

I love a masked romance under false pretenses just as much as the next Romancelandia fan. The surprisingly compelling aspect of Celine’s ruse was that while she went to such great lengths to finally secure a date and kiss with the love of her life…she really doesn’t know what to do when Sebastian actually returns her advances. It would have been so easy to have Sebastian become entranced by this bold masked figure, share a few passionate kisses with her in the shadows, and upon discovering Celine’s true identity he could have fallen to his knees in declaring his undying love for her. But that simply would have been too easy. Instead we see that when a masked Celine finally has Sebastian in her arms, kissing her with such reverence and whispering dirty nothings into her ear, she can’t help but be hurt at the reminder that he’s ignored her all this time. Why couldn’t he love her for the blushing wallflower she truly was, rather than the foxy stranger she’s pretending to be? There’s a moment of shock for all of us, readers and Sebastian included, when rather than pull him closer into this intimate embrace, she chooses to push him away. And that’s when the fun truly begins. 

Sebastian can’t believe that this one evening’s encounter could throw his entire world off kilter. He’d love nothing more than to have another shot with the masked beauty from the fete, but she seems to have vanished into the night, never to be seen or heard from again. If there’s something I love more than a masked romance, it has to be the road to discovering the identity of our masked mystery guest, and Sebastian’s journey to realizing that Celine was behind the mask was an absolute treat. He starts to pick up on certain clues here and there, the most delightful of which was recognizing that Celine’s scent was quite similar to that of his aroused stranger. When he finally puts all the pieces together, an angry confrontation seems imminent, but let’s just say things quickly evolve into another kind of heated exchange.

Celine is still a virgin after all these centuries, and even though Sebastian awakens a fire within her, it was interesting to see how her sexual temperament mirrored her personality so closely. There’s an inherent shyness that surrounds her, but just as the changing circumstances of their society have inspired Celine to go after what she wants in life, the weight of Sebastian’s sexual attraction to her inspires her to voice what she wants during those moments of passion. Again, she doesn’t suddenly become a sultry vixen in the bedroom, but she does come to realize how the reaction she evokes in Sebastian is it’s own kind of power. For his part, Sebastian finally starts to see this new spark to Celine’s personality, both within and outside of the bedroom. She’s still Celine at heart, but there’s a more confident side to her that he can start to see himself falling in love with. 

*A copy of this book was provided for an honest review*

Series: Etherya’s Earth, book 7.5. This is the perfect kind of palate cleanser to enjoy in between the full-length novels of this series. There are no battles or forces of evil to contend with, which makes it a fun, low-drama read to enjoy before the next installment. You could probably get by with this read if you haven’t read the previous books, but you might as well start from the beginning to enjoy the mastery at work! 

Would I befriend the heroine? I think we’d be friendly acquaintances, but I’m not sure we have enough in common to be actual friends. For some reason I can’t see Celine lounging around on a weekend eating pizza and watching Seinfeld re-runs. 

Would I date the hero? Celine does slowly start to pull some of Sebastian’s attention away from work, but on the whole he still seems to be too much of a workaholic for my taste. 

Final Impressions: A fantastic read you won’t want to leave behind on your next beach vacation! There was a seamless flow to the events of the novel, and I appreciated how much content could be fit into these pages without feeling like too much was going on. Nothing was rushed when it came to Celine and Sebastian uncovering their true feelings for each other. When Sebastian expressed his desire for this masked stranger on that first night, Celine didn’t just fall into his bed for a quick romp. Similarly, when Sebastian discovers Celine was the one behind the mask, he doesn’t immediately declare his love for her. Their infatuation and genuine interest in each other naturally evolves into feelings of companionship, and ultimately love. That’s quite a journey for a novella! 

Smut Level: Goodness me is it getting hot underneath this mask! Sebastian is definitely vying for top billing as one of the dirtiest talkers of this whole series, and while Celine might not be a dirty talker herself, she’s more than happy to be on the receiving end of it. 

Get it on Amazon: Click Here. $2.99 Kindle Price. Reading Goddess Press, LLC. 167 Pages. 

Sexy Filthy Boss by Piper Rayne

This sweet and steamy romance is the perfect example of why office romances are the best of bad ideas.

What’s it About?

He’s the sexy alpha male in the corner office who goes through assistants faster than free donuts in the breakroom.

I’m the assistant who was chosen to cover for his last fire.

The owner of the company is clear–hook the biggest client in our firm’s history and there’s a partnership for him and a promotion for me. Stipulation–we do it together.

It doesn’t take a tarot card-reading psychic to figure out where our story is headed… late nights, trips out of town, and more than a few awkward moments filled with sexual tension.

No worries though. I pride myself on my willpower. I can totally ignore his sexy grin, his rock-hard body and his dreamy brown eyes. I will not become the woman other women hate.

But it turns out that Enzo Mancini has a lot of layers and if I don’t stop peeling, I’m going to lose everything, including my dignity.

First Impressions

I will admit, based on the title of this read I think I went into it expecting something filthier than what we ended up getting! 🙂 While Enzo was definitely all kinds of sexy, and he certainly enjoyed his dirty talks and sexting, I’m not sure he ever exhibited any behavior deserving of the moniker “filthy”. For something like that I think we would have needed to see some office desk, elevator or stairwell sexcapades. Instead, we get some delicious slow-build of heat and flirtations which ultimately boil over into an explosive work trip with just one hotel room, followed by a plethora of heated scenes where Enzo and Annie finally give into the desires they’ve been pushing aside after the last few weeks of working together in such close proximity. These two may have taken some time to admit their willingness to give a go at a relationship, but it was fairly clear early on that Enzo wasn’t the difficult hard-ass he had been portraying himself to be. He actually has a soft spot for his family, a dedication to his work, and a growing need for Annie that extends beyond the bedroom. Things couldn’t always be smooth sailing though, and eventually we see how office romances aren’t just sexy affairs with no consequences.

Office Romance and Culture

This book does a fantastic job of not only showing us the potential pitfalls in exploring an office dalliance with a co-worker, or more accurately in this instance, a supervisor and subordinate. It also provided an unexpectedly profound window into office culture, and how even some good people with the best of intentions can sometimes be blind to the inequities around them. First things first, I appreciated that this read provided a glimpse at the realistic highs and lows of an office romance. Working together in such close quarters brought about a sense of closeness and chemistry that neither Enzo nor Annie could ignore forever. However, thankfully they reserved their physical relationship to moments outside of the office itself. Sure, there were a few times when Enzo tried to tempt Annie into a quickie with the office blinds closed, but it never resulted in anything, and surprisingly his suggestions came across as rather cringeworthy in their professional surroundings.

These two characters felt like real people rather than fictional strangers, so even though I would normally applaud some office desk sex in a romance like this, I almost appreciated it more that the author refrained from taking things that far. Although this novel was fairly light-hearted with some pretty comedic scenes between our lovebirds, as well as his family members, we also get a rather serious look at the outdated and sexist opinions which can still exist amongst the leadership of a workplace. Even though Enzo never really participated in it directly, we do see the impact of the fact he never noticed the realities of the situation around him until Annie opened his eyes to it.

Series: White Collar Brothers, book 1. I’ll continue with this series. Enzo’s family members were hilarious, and I’d love to spend more time with them.

Final Impressions: I enjoyed this read! Sexy, dirty-talking boss may have been a more apt title, though I understand it’s not quite as catchy. I loved Annie’s ability to put her ideas forward, and to have her voice heard when it mattered most. A strong heroine for sure! As for Enzo, he remains rather cocky throughout most of the book, but we get a fabulous grand gesture at the end that is hard not to swoon over.

Smut Level: This read gives us the perfect combo of a slow burn in the first half, followed by some steamy sexiness in the second half. Let’s just say Enzo and Annie manage to work through all their condoms the first night they spend together in the hotel.

Get it on Amazon: Click Here. $3.99 Kindle Price. 328 Pages.

Delicate Ink by Carrie Ann Ryan

A rugged, alpha-male tattoo artist sets his sights on the demure boutique owner across the street. Sounds like a classic Romancelandia premise to me!

What’s it About?

One look at the woman who comes in for new ink and Austin Montgomery knows she’s the one for him. The problem: she can’t stand him. Now he’ll have to be his most charming and brooding if he has any chance of changing her mind…and claiming her heart.

Sierra Elder has reasons for keeping away and secrets close to her heart. An accident took her first love and scarred more than her soul in the process. Now the inked man with a wicked grin is starting to melt the ice she’s built to keep her safe, but the danger isn’t only from what she feels.

Some secrets were never meant to be kept and when mistakes from both of their pasts come knocking, they’ll have to trust each other, even if it could hurt them both in the process.

First Impressions

I think every avid romance novel reader does a little internal twirl of delight whenever we discover the male lead comes from an extensively large family network. And when family members gather together for regularly scheduled family dinners or BBQs? Forget about it, we’re doing a full on happy dance!! After all, that can only mean one thing: sequelssssss. That was definitely true when it came to this first novel in the Montgomery Ink series and we discover that Austin Montgomery comes from a family with multiple siblings, cousins and even “strays” that his family has picked up throughout the years.

There was only one major negative with having so many members of the Montgomery clan, and that was the feeling that we were introduced to too many of them at once in this first novel. While large family romances will often give us a tease to the focus of the next novel, it felt like we got a glimpse to something like five different future story-lines, and even multiple chapters involving the couple from the prequel to this book. We’re only in the first novel and I already feel like I’ve got all my Montgomery members mixed up! The fact we will ultimately get offshoot Montgomery Ink series set in Boulder, Colorado Springs and Fort Collins makes me hope we’ll see some extensive family trees going forward so we can clearly remember who is who.

Flogged with Surprise

It’s no surprise to my readers that I’m not typically a huge fan of BDSM-focused reads. I actually didn’t realize when adding this book to my TBR pile that it had a D/S component, so I had a mini moment of “oh boy, here we go” when gathering together my read-ahead notes for this one. However, while I might not personally understand the appeal of flogging, I did appreciate how this novel presented us with the foundations of a healthy BDSM relationship built upon honesty and respect. Austin had his “sub-dar” activated upon first meeting Sierra and realizing she might be the submissive that his dominant side was craving.

When it became clear Sierra not only understood the fundamentals of BDSM, but also that her previous relationship had been steeped in it, the two were ready to start setting their boundaries. They were very clear in establishing limits, safe words, getting new and clean equipment for their scenes, and Austin clearly outlined that Sierra was safe with him. No skin would be broken by his flogging. They were very good about keeping their D/S dynamic reserved to the bedroom rather than having it take over every aspect of their interactions with each other. It was also refreshing to see that Austin and Sierra didn’t need BDSM play every time they had sex. Sometimes they craved the kink, while other times they craved something more traditional. All in all it was a BDSM relationship I could get behind whole-heartedly.

Series: Montgomery Ink, book 1. It seems kink and BDSM is a hobby that runs rampant throughout this family. If I can manage to keep all these characters straight I think I’ll give a few more a try.

Final Impressions: Overall this was a quick and entertaining read, though at times it seemed there were a few too many components going on. This felt especially true when we started to see the groundwork being laid for the love stories of other Montgomery family members. I couldn’t help but wonder, can we at least get through this first couple’s tale before weaving in details of all the others? This also resulted in some of the key dramatic aspects of Austin and Sierra’s story being pushed to the very end, producing a conclusion that felt a bit rushed.

Smut Level: Austin wants to feast on Sierra every chance he gets, and she’s more than willing to be his appetizer, main course, cheese plate and dessert all night long.

Get it on Amazon: Click Here. FREE. Self-Published. 370 Pages.

Her Patriotic Prince by Ayla Asher

I can’t remember the last time I was so sad to see the conclusion of a series!

What’s it About? 

It was only supposed to be one night…

Laura Cunningham is gorgeous, witty and tough as nails…and still single in her late thirties. After dating every man in Manhattan, she’s resigned herself to the fact that true love just might not exist for her. Certainly a bummer for the woman who observed her two best friends fall in love with sexy, strong men who are their soulmates. Adam Gardner is a soldier who’s been committed to the cause his entire life. Nearing forty, he realizes that once his next mission is complete, he wants to settle down and build a home and family.

Laura and Adam meet on a romantic summer evening, knowing their time is limited due to Adam’s impending deployment. Taken by their instant chemistry, they commit to spending one passionate and intimate night together.

Years later, Adam returns to find Laura with a daughter who shares his sky-blue eyes. Determined to be a father to the little girl, and still enamored by the woman he could never forget, he strives to discern the best path forward. Laura is shocked by the appearance of the man who stole her heart so many years ago…and who still possesses it. Can the star-crossed lovers build a life together or will their secrets and fears keep them from achieving happiness?

First Impressions

Alright, confession time. I’ve never been a huge fan of secret baby romances. I always find myself getting upset with the female lead for keeping such a massive, literally life-changing secret from either her one-night stand, or maybe an ex with whom she’s had a falling out. Needless to say I was a little hesitant to pick up this third and final read in the Manhattan Holiday Loves series. While I did think that Laura could have done more to locate some contact info for Adam to send him word about the fact that their one night together resulted in a baby, I have to give it to the author for putting up as many legitimate road blocks to make that as difficult an act as possible. From a phone number washed away by a coffee spill, to friends getting in a life-threatening car accident the morning after, to Adam having to report the next morning for a multi-year international secret ops mission where he wouldn’t have been able to go home or contact Laura on the reg even if he wanted to. So…yeah! A bit more challenging than your standard “she just didn’t want to tell him” secret baby romance.

From Steam to Intimacy

The other truly stand-out feature of this novella, other than the fact it got me to sympathize with a secret baby romance scenario, was the structure of it all. The novella opens with Laura and Adam meeting on a balcony under the starry night sky after having attended neighboring wedding receptions. They both decide rather quickly to fall into bed together. What I assumed would either be a quick sex scene, or perhaps a fade-to-black cut to the morning after, was anything but. Sure, they fall into each other’s arms pretty speedily upon arriving at the hotel room, but we surprisingly see their one night together play out over several chapters. This small detail was ultimately unbelievably critical in establishing a sense of intimacy between these characters, where we legitimately believe they would pine after each other for the next several years throughout Adam’s deployment.

Normally with one-night romances like this I always question “yeah but how could they fall in love so quickly”, or “how much could they really learn about the other person in such a short period of time?” With this novella, that was never once called into question because we essentially see every critical conversation and loving gesture play out during those first chapters. Upon reconnecting after years apart, Laura and Adam discover the chemistry and desire is still clearly evident between them. However, they choose to push this desire aside for a while so Adam can focus on getting to know his daughter, and Laura can focus on sharing her daughter with someone else for the first time ever. Once that’s resolved they do fall back into bed, or rather over the arm of the sofa, together again. This structure of having the moments of physical intimacy forming the book-ends to Laura and Adam forming a family unit together was just brilliant.

*A copy of this book was provided for an honest review*

Series: Manhattan Holiday Loves, book 3. We may have seen the tales of romance play out for each member of this friend family, but I’m secretly hoping we’ll see some additional installments to cover all the other holidays in a calendar year. I mean, maybe they can all have some long-lost relatives show up that they never knew existed. Totally plausible, right?

Final Impressions: Each novella in this series is a pure delight. This final installment might jump into the steamy bedroom quicker than the previous two, but then we are thrown for a loop with a few dry spell chapters inserted in the middle. Towards the end we do get a bit of over-the-top drama concerning Laura’s prissy mother and a misunderstanding around some paperwork, but all in all it was important to show how miscommunication can lead to the most intense of arguments, but only by coming back together with an open mind can they potentially overcome anything together as a couple. This whole series presents us with some crucial takeaways for having a successful relationship, and this third novella is no different.

Smut Level: Hot daaaaaang! Adam is the dirtiest talking of the bunch, and presents us with a sex position I can’t say I’ve ever seen in all my years of romance reading. Hats, gloves, shirts, pants and all possible clothing off to you my friend!

Get it on Amazon: Click Here. $2.99 Kindle Price. 125 Pages. Get the whole series.

His Holiday Pact by Ayla Asher

“Because, sometimes, you just need a sweet, sultry fake relationship holiday romance…”

What’s it About? 

Who knew a fake holiday relationship could be so fun?

Kayla Summers has had enough of her mother’s insistence that she find a man and get married.  At thirty-three, she’s a successful attorney and has a fantastic life. Knowing her mother will grill her constantly over the upcoming holidays about her single existence, she dreads the visits home.

Carter Manheim is a self-proclaimed bachelor, dead set on seducing every beautiful woman in Manhattan. And why not? His parents’ disastrous marriage and divorce proved that lifelong commitments just aren’t viable. As his mother’s health worsens, his only wish is to give her one last happy holiday, even if it entails bringing home a girlfriend.

When Kayla’s sexy neighbor proposes they take each other home for the holidays as fake partners, she’s floored. However, getting her mother off her back is her number one priority and she agrees to the arrangement. Now, if she can only keep her heart from becoming emotionally entangled with the player of the century, she’ll be just fine…

First Impressions

A fake relationship between neighbors with some Pretty Woman black books and the perfect shade of red lipstick? I think the only thing missing from this holiday romance was a twig of mistletoe! Although, we do get some eggnog now that I think about it. This fantabulous novella presents us with a female lead who just might be my literary twin. A curvy lass with a penchant for pizza, a small but tight-knit group of gal pals, and she enjoys a good ole Black Velvet at the end of a long day. Sure, she might have a slight obsession for the Knicks that I can’t quite relate to, but I’m willing to overlook that little detail.

As if that wasn’t enough perfection for one read, the first introduction we get to our male lead, Carter, is absolutely drool-worthy. “Gray sweatpants sat low on his hips, the V of his abdomen jutting down below the waistband, leading to a sizeable package.” Gulp! Oh, and did I mention that in between acting jobs he lends his deep and sexy voice to audiobook narration? If that’s not enough to make you fall in love with these two characters, their progression from mere neighborly acquaintances to friends and confidants before eventually becoming lovers will make you adore them all the more.

Adults Being Adults

One of the aspects of this read that I appreciated the most was that these adults managed to act like…well…adults! This was especially true in regards to their sexual relationship. Sure, Carter might enjoy bringing some dirty talk into their escapades, and Kayla brings her vibrator into the mix, but you can tell that there is an underlying respect for each other right at the surface. Considering Carter’s slew of one-night stands and short-term flings before Kayla, his care for her needs in the bedroom was definitely an unexpected surprise. For example, during one of their first sensual interactions, they’re caught up in some steamy passion, but Carter still takes a moment to ask if Kayla can find her release from penetration alone, or if she’ll need additional stimulation to help things along. He easily could have just been absorbed in reaching his own pleasure, but he wanted to ensure her needs were met before taking care of himself. In another scene Carter is eager to get Kayla’s red lips around…a certain part of him. His initial instinct is to grab her hair and pump away, but he talks her through how to take him, and asks her if she’d prefer that he move away from her at the end. Again, it was these small details that did a lot to demonstrate Carter wasn’t selfish in the bedroom.

The Past Threatens the Present

Carter experienced a troubled past relationship with his father who abandoned him, his mother and brother years ago. Due to this complicated history Carter is open with Kayla about the fact that he isn’t looking for anything serious. With the awful example his father set for him, he simply can’t see himself as a husband and father in the future. However, as things progress between Carter and Kayla, sex before bed soon evolves into just wanting to hold each other as they fall asleep. Kayla realizes she’s starting to feel something deep for this man, yet she also acknowledges these intense emotions were never part of their initial fake relationship agreement in the first place. They were just supposed to make it through the holidays, and settle the inquisitive minds of their intrusive family members.

When Carter admits things are no longer fake between them Kayla doesn’t immediately demand he confess his love for her, or even ask him to consider marriage and kids at some point in their future together. She admits that marriage isn’t for everyone and doesn’t necessarily work out in every case. Kayla also isn’t 100% certain about having kids either. What she does want from him is simply some kind of commitment that their relationship is going somewhere. Now, I do agree that Carter had a lot to consider with this seemingly simply request considering his mother had only mere weeks to live, and this was never something he saw for himself. His hesitancies to commit were pretty understandable in that regard. That being said, you can also see things from Kayla’s point of view in that she wasn’t asking him for an awful lot either. The joys and trials of falling in love!

*A copy of this novella was provided for an honest review*

Series: Manhattan Holiday Loves, book 1. This entire series has officially been added to my immediate TBR list.

Final Impressions: Get yourself this novella! It’s funny, cute, super sexy, and provides an enlightening review of how a relationship can evolve. It felt like we were witnessing a real connection! I would have loved a few more scenes involving Carter’s mother, but I also realize that would have probably resulted in full-blown, heaving, ugly crying.

Smut Level: Daaaaaaaang!! This read should come with a warning label: may cause reader and Kindle to spontaneously combust.

Get it on Amazon: Click Here. $2.99 Kindle Price. 141 Pages. 

Driven by Fire by Eden Rayna

Who knew the sleeper cab of a semi-truck could be such a delectably sexy place an afternoon delight?!

What’s it About? 

When Piper walks in on her boyfriend with another woman, she ends up alone, walking the highway leading into Fort McKay in Northern Alberta. Piper realizes how much she’s sacrificed for this relationship—her friends, her lifestyle, and most importantly, her career as a chef—and she determines to leave this small town behind and reclaim her independence. But when a semi-truck pulls up behind her and lurches to a stop, she fears her night is about to get worse.

Desperate for some respite from his gossip-worthy life, tech millionaire Brandon takes up long-haul trucking after a messy divorce. While driving into Fort McKay, he sees a woman walking on the side of the highway. Trying to be a gentleman, he pulls over and tries to offer her a ride. She refuses—yet the look in her eyes makes him feel protective of her at first sight.

When Piper and Brandon have a chance encounter the next day, the chemistry between them is undeniable. Neither is looking for love, but they end up spending a hot afternoon together. Brandon’s awaiting business in Edmonton and Piper’s newly-single mindset allow both to say goodbye quickly and get on with their lives. But wildfires raging in the area force Brandon to stay in Fort McKay, leading to a smouldering week with Piper. Despite Piper’s reluctance to depend on another man and Brandon’s determination not to fall in love, they both start to realize how incredible they are together. Piper opens up in ways she never knew possible, and Brandon remembers how it feels to love someone.

As the wildfires rage closer, evacuation orders pressure the lovers to decide on their future. Piper’s friend Danielle knows these two are falling in love and implores Piper to take a leap in this passionate relationship. But Piper has to make her own decision: Will she keep her promise to reclaim her independence, or will she follow Brandon back to his life in Edmonton?

First Impressions

I’m not gonna lie, the opening scene of this sexy romance reads like the start of a horror film. We have a young, beautiful woman walking alone by the side of the road on a dark and smoky night, as a semi-truck slowly follows behind before offering her a ride. If I were in Piper’s shoes I’d probably collapse in a mess of tears. Highlighting a sense of realism to the story, she does remain extremely wary of this driver, denying his offer of a ride to proceed on her path into town. Had she willingly jumped into his cab willy-nilly it probably would have been difficult to continue reading! However, this opening scene perfectly captures the personalities of our characters. Piper is a strong-willed woman with spunk who can take care of herself. As for Brandon, our truck driver, he’s actually a caring, compassionate man who puts his whole heart into those he loves. The question is whether or not Piper is prepared to receive the full force of his affections…not to mention his sexual stamina.

Can You Make One Week Last Forever?  

After they both find their way into town, Piper and Brandon’s paths continue to cross, and they can’t help but exchange smoldering glances of lust which quickly turn to physical expressions of their desire. In the beginning, both are under the impression this will be a one-night stand to blow off some steam as a forest fire slowly encroaches upon this small mountain town. It doesn’t take long before they realize that something more meaningful is simmering between them. Brandon is more willing to admit to himself that they’re starting to develop a relationship which he wants to continue beyond his short stay in her town. He’s been single for so long following a nasty break-up with his ex, so he understands that the emotions stirring for Piper are uniquely special.

Piper is definitely more timid in acknowledging that she wants more time with Brandon. Her feelings for him have evolved so quickly, and the last time she followed her impulsive nature for another man she wound up in a tiny oil town for 5 years, abandoning all her career ambitions along the way. While she would love to see where things with Brandon might lead, she also doesn’t want to make the same mistake in running away with him. She only just broke up with her boyfriend one week ago, a relationship which lasted for years and was all wrong for her in so many ways. The night of the break up was also the same night when she took that lonely walk along the side of the road that Brandon happened upon. Piper might try her darnedest to convince both herself and Brandon that they should keep their fling short and sweet, but he certainly delights in trying to persuade her that he knows how to treat her right.

A Billionaire Trucker

The one feature of this read which I found a bit hard to swallow was the fact that Brandon was simply moonlighting as a trucker. He’s actually a wealthy tech billionaire, but following the publicly disastrous break-up with his ex he chose to get away from the stresses of his world by hitting the road. It provided him with a sense of anonymity and peace that he’d been craving for some time. I definitely understand plot-wise why Brandon has this secret other life. It lends a sense of suspense to his growing relationship with Piper, as she wonders how long they’ll have together until he finally has to leave town. We as the audience constantly question what Piper’s reaction will be when Brandon admits the truth about his wealth. Therefore, while I can’t say it was necessarily a realistic feature for this tech billionaire to turn to trucking, it did create some interesting twists and turns to the story. I almost wish though that he had simply been on a cross-country road trip of some kind, as it still would have allowed Piper and Brandon to cross paths while he hid his true identity.

There’s certainly no hiding the sexual chemistry of Piper and Brandon’s relationship, as these two have trouble keeping their hands off of each other. A constant shadow over their shoulder though is the fire bearing down on their community. Brandon has plans to evacuate on a private plane, and he has every intention of bringing Piper with him. It was easy to assume that the discovery of Brandon’s wealth would strike a crushing blow to their relationship as a reflection of his inability to be completely honest with her. However, I was pleasantly surprised at the emotional maturity we see towards the end of the novel as everything comes to light. While Piper was noticeably upset about Brandon’s secrecy, she can acknowledge that money isn’t a deciding factor in their connection. Instead the bigger wedge which comes between them is the fact that when the fire finally reaches them she doesn’t want to feel forced into choosing Brandon simply because they have to evacuate at the same time. True, their connection is stronger than anything she’s ever felt before, but things have still evolved so quickly in the span of just one week. Piper refuses to let a fire, or a billionaire with access to a private jet, sway her into making another impulsive decision in life that she doesn’t feel fully ready for.

*A copy of this book was provided for an honest review*

Series: Driven by Fire, book 1. I’d love to see what comes next.

Final Impressions: Their meet-cute may have bordered the line of horror film vs. rescuing a damsel in distress, but these two soon develop a red-hot chemistry that is off-the-charts. Things do drag a little bit in the middle as their sexual escapades continue in a variety of unique positions, and they both have internal musings about how long this fling will last. You’ll fall in love with these characters along their journey, and sympathize with the difficult decisions they must make as the dangers of mother nature threaten to tear them apart. Piper realizes that she’s at risk of making another impulsive choice to follow a man she barely knows, and would rather choose him on her own terms, at her own time. Granted, we ultimately see Brandon come running after her in the end rather than the other way around, which was a tad disappointing. However, it was still a sexy and intriguing read!

Smut Level: From somewhat sleazy motel rooms, to kitchen counters and the cab of his semi-truck, these two can’t keep their hands, lips or tongues off of each other.

Get it on Amazon: Click Here. $2.99 Kindle Price. FriesenPress. 341 Pages.

 

Walk Through Fire by Kristen Ashley

Can you think of any better start to the day than a bad-boy biker romance audio book that’s 17 hours and 45 minutes long? Because I sure can’t.

What’s it About? 

Millie Cross knows what it’s like to burn for someone. She was young and wild and he was fierce and even wilder-a Chaos biker who made her heart pound. They fell in love at first sight and life was good, until she learned she couldn’t be the woman he needed and made it so he had no choice but to walk away. Twenty years later, Millie’s chance run-in with her old flame sparks a desire she just can’t ignore. And this time, she won’t let him ride off . . .

Bad boy Logan “High” Judd has seen his share of troubles with the law. Yet it was a beautiful woman who broke him. After ending a loveless marriage, High is shocked when his true love walks back into his life. Millie is still gorgeous, but she’s just a ghost of her former self. High’s intrigued at the change, but her betrayal cut him deep-and he doesn’t want to get burned again. As High sinks into meting out vengeance for Millie’s betrayal, he’ll break all over again when he realizes just how Millie walked through fire for her man . . .

First Impressions

Almost 18 hours of audio book. That’s over 600 pages in equivalent page length. Did this book need to be that long? No. Did it feel long? Pretty much. The first part of our story involves a constant switching back and forth between Logan and Millie’s idyllic past featuring the start of their relationship, juxtaposed against their tension-filled present which takes place 23 years after Millie walked out on Logan with no warning or explanation. It’s kind of strange to think they’ve lived in the same town all that time without bumping into each other, but then one random stop at a Chipotle’s can change everything. Throughout this entire first half of the book we’re constantly questioning how/why Millie could have abandoned Logan, but then we eventually discover how her leaving was a demonstration of her “walking through fire” for him. She brought pain to herself and him, but she thought it was all so that Logan could live a better life without her.

When we do eventually discover why she felt the need to throw their relationship by the wayside, I must admit it was a pretty disappointing reveal. She caused so much turmoil for something that could have been less painful if she’d merely opened up to Logan, and admitted the hard time she was going through. Instead, she chose to turn her back on him, and leave him wondering for over two decades what went wrong. Something I did appreciate though was Logan’s reaction to finally discovering her reasoning. Understandably, he’s pissed. Like, super pissed. He even goes to her sister, who knew all along why Millie felt the need to run away, and he gives her a good talking to saying that if she’d merely confided in him he could have resolved things fairly quickly. And yet, he also admits to both himself and her sister that if the roles had been reversed he probably would have made the same decision Millie did. It was such a mature acknowledgment for him to say that while he doesn’t blame Millie for her decision, it doesn’t mean he has to be happy about it.

The Missing Element

After Logan learns why Millie left him all those years ago, we see how the second half of the book deals with him determined to win her back, and get back to a life of somewhat normalcy. This is something that I feel Kristen Ashley does very well, which is to paint us a picture of the regular, everyday lives of seemingly bad-ass bikers. For example, we see them bicker over what to cook for dinner, and what shows to watch on television. I’m sorry Logan, but I’d have to agree with Millie that Downton Abbey is always the correct choice. Then we see some more of the complexities involved with Logan and Millie coming back together, including learning how they’ve both changed in the years since their separation, and slowly introducing Millie to Logan’s two daughters. This biker might have a tough exterior, but we’re also witness to moments of affection between him, Millie, and his daughters that help ground him.

As you can see, a lot is going on with this read. Flashbacks to Logan and Millie’s initial love story, scenes in the present reflecting their animosity, a final admission to the root cause of Millie’s abandonment, learning to love again, introductions of Logan’s daughters and ex-wife. And yet, on top of all this there was one thing missing. Those of you who are familiar with my reviews of this series will probably know what I’m going to say. There’s barely any suspense! Once again, we hear mention throughout the entire book of a rival gang to the Chaos motorcycle club, and a villainous leader who seems intent on bringing down our favorite MC. However, we’re always deprived of any kind of momentous confrontation between the two groups, which makes the entire book feel relatively lacking in action. At this point, I can’t help but wonder why there’s even a bother with putting in these brief snippets of suspense in each book when they continually go nowhere? It’s like the whole series is building up to one final battle, but we’re not getting enough incorporation of this side plot for us to be fully invested in its resolution.

Series: Chaos, book 4. Of all the books in the Chaos series so far, I’d have to say this one was probably my favorite.

Final Impressions: Even though I didn’t agree with Millie’s abandonment of Logan with no explanation, they are both rather enjoyable characters, and you become invested in seeing them find their way back to each other. She also had two adorable-sounding kittens that were my favorite aspect of the book. That being said, it could have been half the length, and this side plot with the rival motorcycle gang that always goes nowhere brought things down for me. Not to mention, you could have played a drinking game with the number of times there was a reference to Millie having to “walk through fire”, or having “walked through fire, or was currently “walking through fire” in regards to Logan. There’d probably be a good chance of alcohol poisoning though. Consider yourself warned.

Smut Level: Take my advice and don’t read this baby in the bathtub like I did. You’ll spontaneously combust from the excessive heat.

Get it on Amazon: Click Here. $5.99 Kindle Price. Forever Publishing. 602 Pages.

Knights’ Sinner by Bella Jewel

Serenity has finally found a family that she can connect with, and love wholeheartedly. Too bad she’s been sent on a mission to infiltrate their ranks, and ultimately bring them down.

What’s it About? 

Jackson is always considered the ‘softie’. He’s the first to help people out when they’re in need. He’s President of the Hell’s Knights and he figures it’s about time he shows the world how much of a sinner he can be.

Serenity has a dark past. Secrets haunt her and she has no way of escaping them. Hogan is the only family she knows and life with him is brutal. And it’s about to get worse.
He sends her on a mission.

On a mission to destroy the Hell’s Knights and the Heaven’s Sinners. Can she pretend with a club she doesn’t know? Or will she betray Hogan for the man she’s falling in love with?

First Impressions

Of all the novels in the MC Sinners series, I must say this has been my favorite one so far. I was on the verge of stopping the series altogether after the first two books, but this third novel really brought things together on a bit of a high note for me. Whereas the first two books kept the dramatic and suspenseful elements of the plot relegated to the background, Knights’ Sinner brings it more to the forefront with Serenity’s espionage of going undercover to become a mole inside of the Hell’s Knights and Heaven’s Sinners compound. We see a big focus of her falling in love rather quickly with the MC president, Jackson, but throughout it all there’s the constant fear of everyone discovering her true identity, not to mention the fear that her abusive father will realize she’s starting to side with this enemy biker gang. While it’s not without its flaws, this third book has been the most exciting of the bunch, and had a more even blend of intrigue, romance, and erotic passion.

Priorities

While Serenity’s undercover mission lent an air of suspense and excitement to the plot, it was also by far the most frustrating aspect of the story. Serenity knows pretty quickly upon arriving at the compound, and meeting Jackson, that she won’t follow her father’s orders of relaying accurate information about the club’s plans and security forces. She cares too much about this family of bikers who took her in when she seemingly had nowhere else to go, and she can’t imagine betraying them. That being said, she pushes aside every opportunity to tell Jackson the truth about how she came to be with them, and that her father is plotting to bring them down. In the beginning it’s understandable why she would be hesitant, but as time goes on it just becomes more and more ridiculous and puzzling as to why she refuses to open up to Jackson about her past, and ask him for help to release her from the clutches of her father.

At one point Serenity is on the very edge of admitting the truth, but she clams up and instead decides that blurting out how much she’s intrigued by the concept of a threesome involving Jackson and one of his biker brothers would be a better idea. Um…ok. She knows she’s waiting too long, and acknowledges that Jackson will hate her when the truth inevitably comes out, especially after he admits how much he was hurt by an ex who turned out to be someone she wasn’t. And then it happens, the truth comes out, and what she feared would happen…happens. Jackson pushes her away. The biker family no longer trusts her. Just like she knew would happen. And yet Serenity’s response to their shunning her is pure rage and frustration. How dare they judge her! They don’t know the emotional and physical abuse she suffered for years at the hands of her father. She had no choice, yada yada. But…the problem is that she had soooooo many opportunities to come forward and ask for their help! Instead she seemed more interested in getting her three-way on. Priorities girl, get it right.

Series: MC Sinners, book 3. It looks like there’s just one more half book in this series, but I think I’ve found myself at a good stopping point.

Final Impressions: Overall I really enjoyed the suspense of Serenity’s deception which was woven throughout the romantic story line developing between her and Jackson. That being said, her secretiveness went on for way too long, and diverting attention away from her past to focus instead on a threesome with Jackson just seemed like an odd tactic, albeit a sexy one. There was an exciting build-up of anticipation as you wonder how and if the club will finally succeed in taking down Serenity’s father. In the end, you gotta love he’s one of those villains who likes to pause and describe in long, drawn out detail all of his plotting and scheming. Although it wasn’t a perfect story from start to finish, it was definitely an improvement upon the groundwork which was laid from the first two novels.

Smut Level: Serenity might start off as a virgin in this novel, but by the end she’s had a threesome, explored the painful euphoria of anal sex, and come into her own as a sexy vixen and temptress for Jackson.

Get it on Amazon: Click Here. $2.99 Kindle Price. Amazon Digital Services LLC. 350 Pages.

The Darkness Within by Rebecca Hefner

If you’re looking for a romance novel featuring a conflicted hero and a tough-as-nails heroine, then look no further. This paranormal read has everything you could possibly want and more!

What’s it About? 

Arderin, princess of the illustrious Vampyre kingdom, has always marched to the beat of her own drum. Motivated by a calling to heal others, frustration consumes her since her brother, King Sathan, doesn’t understand her desire to study medicine in the human world. Moreover, the son of the Dark Lord Crimeous has moved onto their compound and he seems obsessed with driving her absolutely insane. Hating him for his sharp tongue and dark nature, she tries to squelch her unwelcome attraction to him.

Darkrip has been enthralled by Arderin since the night he knocked her unconscious and sent her down the river, prompting the end of the War of the Species. Never has he met a woman more beautiful and passionate. Frustrated by her dramatics and consumed by his desire for her, he vows to stay away. For the son of Crimeous, with his malevolent blood, could never have children or a normal life.

When Crimeous threatens both their lives, forcing them into a shared captivity, they do everything they can to escape and survive. As their connection grows, so does their attraction. Knowing they have no future together, and the consequences of furthering their relationship would be disastrous, they forge ahead in the conflict against the Dark Lord. But the Universe is fickle and can muddle with even the best laid intentions…

First Impressions

I have been impatiently waiting for the book which would highlight this stubborn couple since the first novel in the series! At last, said book has been delivered and does not disappoint. Arderin and Darkrip are delightfully strong-willed, and at first glance appear to have an intense animosity towards each other which impacts their ability to even be in the same room. But when they’re forced to spend time together through either mission or complication, we finally see them having to confront the deep emotion and attraction which is constantly pulling them together no matter how hard they try to push each other away. I mean, what’s not to love with that set-up!

Beyond the Romance

If we push the intense and sometimes controversial romance between Darkrip and Arderin aside, there are a few other key features presented in this novel that I really appreciated. First and foremost, the importance of family is highlighted through a variety of different relationship pairings. From Arderin and her over-protective brothers, to Darkrip’s complicated interactions with his sister and half-sister, to the couple from the first novel finally welcoming a child into their lives. Each pairing has it’s own complexities, yet throughout it all we see this group of slayers, vampyres and deamons come together to form the most unlikely of families.

The other theme that this series has continuously grappled with is the concept of time for our Immortals. In the last book, we saw how time was explored in a way where our characters felt they had all the time in the world to eventually admit their feelings for each other, yet simultaneously discovered how fraught and limited time can be in this violent world. In this third book, time is once again featured as a focal point which can impact the relationships of our characters. When you live forever, you can’t help but question what is your true purpose in life? For Darkrip, he looks at his life as being divided into two parts: a time before and after Arderin. Before her, he simply floated along. He lived in an endless, mindless world of killing and raping. After her, he finally feels as though he has a purpose, even if it’s something as simple as making her laugh. It is because of her that he remembers the small pleasures that life has to offer, and this troubled deamon finally starts to live again. It was such a complex and beautiful point to examine that never felt too “in your face” with its scrutiny.

The Cave of Wonders

There is a point in this novel where Arderin and Darkrip find themselves trapped in a cave by his evil father, Crimeous. This Deamon King is intent on forcing our two leads to mate, resulting in a child with both deamon and vampyre blood running through its veins that he can then manipulate and train to become his ultimate weapon. Hands down, these scenes involving Arderin and Darkrip’s imprisonment were the most revealing and poignant moments of the entire book. For it is during this time that they have nowhere to run or hide from confronting how much they actually care about the other. All their cards are laid out, face up on the table, whether they want to or not. And it’s during this time where we discover how vulnerable these two characters truly are. They may put on a facade of toughness to those around them, yet underneath all the stubbornness and sass are two sensitive souls who can no longer deny their feelings.

It’s also during this time in the cave that we see how strong and inspiring they are. For her part, Arderin refuses to give up hope that they’ll make it out of this seemingly hopeless situation alive. For Darkrip, we see his desperation to do whatever is necessary to keep Arderin alive. Even if it means she’ll see a window into his entire past, and every dark deed he’s ever committed. The only way to save his vampyre is to give her his blood, which will thereby link her to him by viewing snapshots of his entire life. To ensure the survival of the love of his life, he must allow her to see how much evil has coursed through him, and risk her never wanting anything to do with him. Again, such a beautifully revealing moment to see this cocky, strong deamon crumble under the fear of being alone, and of possibly losing Arderin forever. Either he’ll lose her through death, or through his attempt to save with his blood. He sees it as a lose-lose decision, but one he can’t ran away from.

The Troubled Hero

Darkrip is a troubled soul in every sense of the word. He refuses to see the good in himself, and also refuses to hope for a future with Arderin. He’s spent so long living in the shadow of his evil and cruel father, that it’s difficult for him to envision a future of peace. Growing up, whenever Darkrip allowed himself to feel or love it would always result in pain. His father would repeatedly rape and abuse his mother and sister as Darkrip was forced to watch on. He’s scared that if he allows himself to acknowledge his love for Arderin, she’ll become a target for his father to focus his wrath upon. He’s not willing to risk that.

Darkrip was so convinced that by providing Arderin with his blood in the cave that it would result in her pulling away from him. However, we see the opposite come true in that it actually causes her to pull him closer. Yes, there was evil in Darkrip which controlled his every action for the first 200 years of his life. But through the love and influence of his mother he successfully changed his ways to fight against that inner darkness, and refused to let it overtake him again over the last 800 years. That strength, that willpower, is what draws Arderin to him even more. He might be convinced she deserves better, and try to push her away with all his might, but she’s just as stubborn and strong-willed to keep him in her life.

*A copy of this book was provided for an honest review*

Series: Etherya’s Earth, book 3. Three books down, just one final installment to go. I can’t wait to see how everything will come together in what is bound to be a climactic and exciting conclusion!

Final Impressions: Looking back at the entire series up until this point I would say this is probably the one which featured the least amount of direct confrontation with our primary villain, Crimeous. This is kind of interesting when you consider the fact he’s Darkrip’s father, and the two definitely have a long and troubled history. That being said, the emotional and psychological impact of this toxic father/son relationship is still featured prominently in this third book. In a way this is really Darkrip’s tale of learning how to see the good in himself, and acknowledging that he is worthy of Arderin’s love. These two have a commanding presence that will captivate you right from the get-go, whether they’re in a scene together or solo.

Smut Level: This is by far the steamiest book of the series so far. As a deamon, Darkrip experiences pleasure from pain, and while we don’t get any scenes that are overly kinky, that sort of speaks to the fact that this deamon isn’t a slow and gentle lover. There’s plenty of dirty talk and alpha male direction in the bedroom to keep you blushing and satisfied!

Get it on Amazon: Click Here. $3.99 Kindle Price. Reading Goddess Press, LLC. 232 Pages.