australianreader – booksofthemuggleborn

Misdeeds Of A Billionaire by Eva Winners

Adult Romance, ARC Review, Book Review, Book Reviews, Contemporary, Dark Romance, Romance, Suspense

⚠ This review contains a minor teaser!

booksofthemuggleborn_misdeedsofabillionaire — Original post from my IG @booksofthemuggleborn

•••

• BLURB •

My one-night stand.
A ruthless bastard.
A heartless billionaire.

The man who ruled his empire with a cold head and an even colder heart. And most importantly, my son’s father. Except, he wasn’t aware of that little fact. To the media, Byron Ashford is a Billionaire King. To me, he’s a reminder of the hottest, most forbidden, night of my life. And my biggest mistake.

I hadn’t seen him in years and hoped we’d never cross paths again.

But then, my best-laid plans always seem to go astray. Now, I need his help to bail me out of trouble. He’s a billionaire and I’m just a broke, debt-riddled surgeon.

Against my better judgment, I sought him out. It should have been easy, in and out. Except, nothing with Byron Ashford was ever easy. He refuses to hand out free favors. And the price for his help?

My freedom. Literally.

He wants to shackle me to him with a marriage I don’t want then throw away the key.

His demands are scandalous. His rules are dangerous for my heart.

It was supposed to be a mutually beneficial deal, but nothing about Byron is ever that simple. Once he slips the ring onto my finger, the rules change.

His demands grow. He no longer just wants to own my body. He also wants my heart and soul. But I’m not that young, naive woman anymore.

Too bad this billionaire forgot one thing. Nobody can own your heart unless you give it freely.

And this time, I’m not blinded by his smile and especially not by his lies.

•••

• MY REVIEW •

“You alone have the power to destroy me.”

First there was Alessio. Now Byron. Give me an Ashford any day! 😍 Phew. This was another exceptionally addictive love story from the Billionaire Kings series, but even more so, another phenomenal piece of narrative writing from Winners! I can’t get enough of her books.

Byron and Odette had me mentally and emotionally invested in their journey from the very first page. The opening scene alone had me perking up with giddy interest. I hadn’t expected more than half of the developments that occurred and I just about broke down in tears through a handful of them. I couldn’t have asked for two more lovable, relatable, genuine MCs to read about. Their story was swoony, unpredictable, suspenseful, and all-around heart-palpitating.

This is a dark contemporary, billionaire romance with an age-gap, second-chance premise. Winners has an intricate web of interconnected books/ characters from different series’ that can all be read as standalone novels. If Winners is a new-to-you author, you’ll learn character crossovers are a common trait in her books. There are a handful of supporting characters that make appearances in this one that have/ or will have their own books. The gradually developing secondary storylines are the perfect addition to the main narrative. They add further zing and dimension to the overall storytelling, and just made me anticipate reading their books even more.

It’s well-paced and told from both MCs points of view. From the misunderstandings, to the secrecy, to a lot of the what-ifs between Byron and Odette wrapped up in crackling sexual tension made this one massive page-turner! I enjoyed this book so much I could’ve read more, but will happily settle for rereading instead.

I enjoyed the smattering of dark and gritty elements incorporated in the story that helped build-up and maintain suspense throughout. It toes the line of mafia themes too, giving these characters’ world a sense of danger. The world-building is vivid, extensive, and gives a taste of what Byron Ashford’s life is like having endless money, luxury, and powerful influence.

I found Odette to be a likable heroine. At times she was a little out of her depth, but her constant determination, love of her family, and fierce values made for a relatable character I easily connected and sympathised with. For a powerful billionaire running an empire, Byron has a lot of common dreams in life. Despite his difficult upbringing and brutal experiences, he’s protective nature and willingness to choose a different path makes him such a striking hero. There’s a slight push-and-pull but there’s no denying these two opposites fit so well together.

It does contain sensitive subject matters that may be triggering/ difficult for some readers to read. It touches on depression, suicide, physical assault, drugging, and graphic violent acts. It’s intended for readers 18+ only.

The writing is effortless to follow and sucks you in immediately through its characters. Byron and Odette had an initial fling the quickly evolved into more. Although there’s some surprising twists and turns, the growing complexity and angst in their relationship had my undivided attention. As backstories and recollections of past events are steadily revealed, you’ll eventually see Byron and Odette’s relationship come full circle.

I’ve become obsessed with this book. It’s now one of my top favourites by Winners. It has a satisfying combination of romance and suspense within an in-depth storyline. The synopsis hooks you in, the characters keep you intrigued, and the overall storytelling makes it unputdownable. The familial dynamics and interactions were another addition that I truly enjoyed seeing. There’s a diverse cast of personalities that brought about a lot of heart, cheeky banter, and genuine bonds.

I would absolutely recommend this book (and the series) to fellow romance readers. I think it has a little bit of everything that makes it a worthy read. It has a solid plot that was well-executed, captivating, fleshed-out characters, a constantly progressive narrative, and a romance the concluded on a well-deserved HEA! I’m not complaining about the locations this story was set in either. It had me travelling to different places without leaving the comfort of my own bed. I couldn’t have asked for a better romance book to escape into. It left me happy sighing!

RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Thank you Eva Winners for the opportunity to read an advance copy! 💙

🔔 Interested in reading Misdeeds Of A Billionaire? Grab your copy here: Amazon | Amazon INTL

•••

More books by Eva Winners

👑 Billionaire Kings

Original post from my IG @booksofthemuggleborn

Contract Of A Billionaire by Eva Winners

•••

🌹 Belles & Mobsters

Original post from my IG @booksofthemuggleborn

Belles & Mobsters: Sasha by Eva Winners

Belles & Mobsters: Luca by Eva Winners

•••

💀 Kingpins Of The Syndicate

Original post from my IG @booksofthemuggleborn

Corrupted Pleasure by Eva Winners

Villainous Kingpin by Eva Winners

Devious Kingpin by Eva Winners

•••

🥀 Thorns Of Omertà

Thorns Of Omertà Duet by Eva Winners

•••

Happy reading, guys! Catch you in my next one! Xo

Dangerous Innocence by Cora Reilly

Adult Romance, ARC Review, Book Review, Book Reviews, Contemporary, Dark Romance, New Adult Fiction, Romance, Suspense

⚠ This review contain minor teasers!

booksofthemuggleborn_dangerousinnocence — Original post from my IG @booksofthemuggleborn

•••

• BLURB •

Aislinn Killeen is a good girl. When her sister goes missing during a trip to New York, Aislinn leaves her hometown Dublin behind to search for her. She finds shelter with her uncle, a priest in the biggest Irish-catholic parish in the city and also the confessor for the Irish mob. Her investigations soon lead her to the criminal underworld, and one of its major players: Lorcan Devaney.

Lorcan Devaney’s reign is brutal, his temper feared and his patience non-existent. Aislinn is sure he’s the man who knows what happened to her sister. She realizes too late that attracting the attention of a man like Lorcan is a horrible idea. When secrets from her family’s past are revealed, she’s forced to marry the man who might be responsible for her sister’s disappearance.

Will she find her sister and escape the unwanted marriage, or will she be the second Killeen to disappear?

•••

• MY REVIEW •

“She wasn’t sure if I was her savior or her demise.

Neither was I.”

Ooh I am buzzing. This was an exceptionally intricate new mafia world Reilly has created. I’m already anticipating more from the Davaneys… one brother in particular. 😍 Eeep. There’s a lot to take in, but overall, this book was an introduction to the world-building, the Irish mob, and to the Davaney family.

Lorcan and Aislinn have a push-and-pull relationship all throughout, but there’s no denying the insurmountable attraction and lust whenever these two are together.

Reilly’s mafia romance books all have a certain amount of spicy content (and this may just be me), but I found this had an extra level of heat. Phwoar. It has copious amounts of smutty, filthy, sweaty, NSFW scenes that will just about make you fan yourself. Lorcan and Aislinn have somewhat of a Dom/sub dynamic in the bedroom and on occasion toes the line of CNC, but make no mistake Aislinn is fiery and strong-willed and Lorcan is fiercely protective over her. If you like a little taboo in your romance reads, you’ll get a dash of it in this story.

They also have quite an age-gap between them, but in all honestly, they have similar levels of maturity. Aislinn has had to grow-up and take adult responsibilities pretty early on in life, and it exhibited in her personality and through her actions in certain situations. But in saying that, if you’re not a fan of teenage FMCs (although already of age) getting together with MMCs well into their adulthood, you may not be in favour of Lorcan and Aislinn’s relationship. Please take into consideration before starting this book.

Don’t compare Lorcan to Reilly’s other mafiosos. He’s definitely his own person, with his own beliefs and a backstory that explains why he is the way he is in the present. He’s undoubtedly dangerous, connected, and holds influence, but in the end he’s also very human. You’ll witness his limitations, his desires, and in time see his defences lowering. If you adore morally-grey heroes who fall first, add Lorcan to your list.

Although there’s a good amount of mafia elements, this book is romance heavy. It focuses on developing Lorcan and Aislinn’s relationship. The mutual attraction’s evident from the very beginning, but anything deeper between the two was a slow-burn process. I quickly became invested in seeing how their relationship would evolve. They deal with a range of real-life struggles as a couple and separate insecurities that many can easily relate to.

“You are bound to me.

But I think you’re scared of liking me.”

Other than the MCs, there’s an intriguing cast of secondary characters and strong familial dynamics introduced that I can’t wait to see more of in the series, but you can already get an idea of their roles and personality traits from their appearances here. There are also minor characters that added more dimension to Lorcan and Aislinn’s world. I always enjoy some brotherly banter and there was plenty of it throughout that I’m sure will make you smirk just as much as it made me.

There are sensitive subject matters included, one in particular I thought was well thought-out with care and written beautifully. Not only did I love the additional element, but it added diversity, another layer of relatability, and a sweet innocence to these MCs’ story. On the flip side, there are also dark themes that some readers may find disturbing or triggering such as flesh trade/prostitution and graphic, brutal violence and abuse. It’s gruesome, bloody, and may be tough to get through. It’s intended for readers 18+ only.

It’s well-paced storytelling with a vivid backdrop that transports you effortlessly into their world. I was immersed in Lorcan and Aislinn’s Irish roots and it gave me such wanderlust from the scenic locations, to the comforting food, to the close-knit community.

It does conclude with a “happy-for-now” ending, so I’m taking a stab in saying we’ll see more of Lorcan and Aislinn in the following book(s). Their characters weren’t as fleshed-out as I would’ve liked, but if their story continues, I’m hoping there’ll be more developments to come. I did find the conclusion to their book refreshing, showing the start of their lives together rather than years down the track. It’s open-ended and leaves room for possibilities which I’m totally down for!

I’ll be honest, the next book centres on a character I very much was not a fan of in this one. I’m already curious to know how Reilly plans to turn this character around, and who they’ll be paired with. Double eeep.

This was a highly anticipated book for me and it was undoubtedly a gripping read. A little slow to kick-off, but once Lorcan and Aislinn get in the thick of things, you’ll be hard-pressed to put it down. It’s sweet AND spicy. It’s official— the Irish mobsters are here and they’ve left quite an exciting first impression!

RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½

Thank you Cora and Emily for the opportunity to read an advance copy! 💚

🔔 Interested in reading Dangerous Innocence? Grab your copy here: Universal Link

•••

💀 More Mafia Romance

Twisted Loyalties by Cora Reilly

Crow by A. Zavarelli

Unholy Union by Natasha Knight

A Vow Of Lust & Fury by L.P. Lovell

Taken By A Sinner by Michelle Heard

Villainous Kingpin by Eva Winners

•••

Happy reading, guys! Catch you in my next one! Xo

Scoring The Player by Rebecca Jenshak

ARC Review, Book Review, Book Reviews, Contemporary, New Adult Fiction, Romance, Romantic Comedy Fiction

⚠ This review contains a minor teaser!

booksofthemuggleborn_scoringtheplayer — Original post from my IG @booksofthemuggleborn

•••

• BLURB •

Valley U’s hottest QB has heard in detail how I want to climb him like a tree.
One viral video and my life as a wallflower is over.
Felix Walters knows exactly how I feel about him—so does everyone else on campus.
It was supposed to be a private conversation between friends.
Now I’m the butt of every joke and everywhere I turn all eyes are on me.
It’s every shy girl’s nightmare.
Except now the hottest guy on campus wants to be my fake boyfriend.
Six weeks. Just pretend.
I’m a wallflower fake dating Valley U’s hottest player.

•••

• MY REVIEW •

“He has charm for days and that smile…damn that smile makes me forget my own name.”

I am obsessed! This series gets more and more addictive with each new book. Just when I thought Gavin and Violet had cemented themselves as my favourite couple from the Campus Wallflowers series, Felix and Dahlia do a sneaky-sneak and steal the throne right from under them!

Amazing. Swoon-worthy. Un-frigging-putdownable. So many adjectives pop into my head when I think about this book and what it evoked out of me. But the one that probably sums it all up best for me is: PERFECT. (Yes, caps needed!)

It’s one of those romance books I wished lasted a little longer. It has world-building I easily pictured in my head and would totally watch on screen if it was ever made into a tv show or movie. It was vivid, constantly evolving, and with a college backdrop I’m lowkey jelly of as my university was never hustling and bustling with as much curricular activities as Valley U. 😅

Jenshak has taken the opposites-attract trope— which, in this case is the popular jock/ shy heroine and the fake dating relationship trope and created a magically delicious narrative. Felix and Dahlia are two fictional characters who I couldn’t fault. I love them to bits! Did they have hiccups, and mishaps, and tons of embarrassing moments between them? Yes. But you know what? It was a rom-com lover’s dream seeing these two interact, and getting insight into their internal monologues. I belly-laughed, I ooh-ed and ahh-ed, and dammit even the waterworks started up. There was a steady build-up to the developing relationship that really amped up the anticipation of their HEA. Although they intended it to be a fake-dating relationship, Felix and Dahlia develop a friendship that’s just as noteworthy and substantial as those already existing in their respective circle of friends.

I am certain this book will end up in my top reads of 2023. It’s well-paced storytelling and told from interchanging POVs. It can be read as a standalone, as is with the other books in the series but I recommend for a fuller reading experience to read in publishing order. Certain secondary characters that make an appearance in this book are already established couples and certain parts would make a lot more sense if you already know their backstory.

I rarely read NA romance books anymore, but this series called to me like a siren song right from the very first premise of the very first book. Now onto this third and I am floating on a cloud. I am all-in with these cool, fun girlfriends, and the charming young men they’re each crushing on.

It’s not hard to see why Dahlia had eyes only for Felix. He is the quintessential popular guy that stands out from the crowd. Not only because of his drool-worthy good looks and athletic prowess, but because of his caring, protective, and outgoing nature that gradually eases Dahlia out of her cocoon.

Dahlia toes the line between shy “nerd” and athlete; being a golfer. But this heroine has plenty more talents, and getting to know her personality was both highly entertaining and heart-warming. She’s thoughtful, down-to-earth, and I found to be such a genuinely relatable character.

I adored the friendships present in this book too. Both Dahlia’s close-knit friendship with her roommates, and from Felix’s banter-fueled friends and teammates. Not that this story needed any more comic-relief with the number of funny scenes included, but the group dynamics definitely added more amusement to the overall reading experience.

It’s an overall feel-good, comfort read that I can (and will) go back to time and time again and never tire of seeing Felix and Dahlia’s adorable relationship evolve.

With storytelling that was effortless to follow, intriguing characters that immediately hooked me in, and copious amounts of college-focused events, this book was buzzing with excitement from start to finish.

If you’re looking for a contemporary college romance, look no more! There’s a good balance of sporting elements, overall school setting, and personal growth. I can’t say enough positive things about this one. The characters are well-developed, the plot well-written and fleshed-out, and the romance department isn’t lacking either. Be prepared for some LOL moments, second-hand embarrassment, and heart-palpitating dialogue.

This book is dedicated to the sporty ones, but I also think it’s for those, like me, who may have been the shy girl in school, the invisible girl, the girl who got teased, the girl who never got chosen for anything, the girl who wasn’t in the “clique”. Because Dahlia gets you. And Daisy, and Violet, and Jane.

Jenshak has a knack for writing unbelievably sweet, light-hearted romances that still deal with real-life struggles that plenty of readers may resonate with. This is book is love, family, and friendship. It’s wholehearted, and filled with positivity and solid pillars of support. Felix, Dahlia, and their story has left an imprint of happiness on me. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series.

RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Thank you Rebecca Jenshak and Valentine PR for the opportunity to read an advance copy! ❤

🔔 Interested in reading Scoring The Player? Grab your copy here: Amazon | Apple Books | Nook | Kobo Coming Soon!

•••

💐 Campus Wallflowers

Book One: Tutoring The Player by Rebecca Jenshak

Book Two: Hating The Player by Rebecca Jenshak

•••

❄ Holiday With The Players (Spin-Off)

Novella One: Snowed In With The Player by Rebecca Jenshak

Novella Two: Sneaking Around With The Player by Rebecca Jenshak

•••

Happy reading, guys! Catch you in my next one! Xo

Hacker In Love by Lauren Rowe

Adult Romance, ARC Review, Book Review, Book Reviews, Contemporary, Romance, Romantic Comedy Fiction

⚠ This review contains a minor teaser!

booksofthemuggleborn_hackerinlove — Original post from my IG @booksofthemuggleborn

•••

• BLURB •

Secrets. Everybody’s got ‘em, including me. Especially me.

The difference is mine will never be revealed, whereas I can easily get yours, assuming the price offered by your enemy is right and the scales of justice appeal to my personal standards of ethics. Easy peasy lemon squeezy. The thing that’s not so easy for a shy guy like me? Finding Ms. Right and locking her down.

Speaking of Ms. Right, the very night I was set up with Hannah Milliken by our mutual friend, I knew I’d one day kneel before her with a ring in hand. Hannah’s the kind of girl who’ll gleefully dance like a gorilla with me in the coolest nightclub or belt out a karaoke duet from Grease like her very life depends on it. She’s gorgeous, too. Funny and smart. And she even wears librarian glasses. See? Perfect.

I don’t doubt Hannah’s the one for me. Indubitably, she is. I only wonder how a dork like me could possibly land a goddess like her.

Unfortunately, when catastrophe strikes, all my questions are rendered moot. Now that Hannah knows the truth about me not actually working in cybersecurity—as well as the questionable things I’ve done to win her over—will I lose my dream girl forever, or is there still a chance for us to chase our happily ever after?

•••

• MY REVIEW •

“There’s zero doubt the little blue birdie that is my soul has found its forever birdhouse.”

OMG. I can’t tell you how much I’ve always wanted a full-length novel for Hannah and Henn after reading their short but utterly addictive novella years back. Now that Rowe has graced fans with one and after having read it, I was immediately transported back to the lovefest that is Hannah and Henn’s quirky but smile-inducing love story. I enjoyed their brand of humour (albeit somewhat embarrassing), their adorable repartee, and their all-out sexual endeavours.

It’s a standalone novel, that includes character crossovers from Rowe’s other books. There are secondary characters in here that I’m familiar with but some of whom I haven’t read their respective books as of yet, but I can say whether you’re familiar with them or not, does not affect the reading experience. It actually made me more excited to check out their books next.

Hannah and Henn’s unique sense of humour and constant pop-cultured dialogue won’t be for everyone. But if you get the references they use, then it’s a good chance you’ll find their story a hoot.

I found the storytelling slow-to-steady pacing, a little wordy at times with slow-moving developments in certain parts of the book, but for the most part I was intrigued to see where Hannah and Henn’s relationship would lead. There’s a bit of secrecy surrounding Henn and his life, and I was itching to get to the bottom of it. You’ll need to have the patience of a Saint to wait out this reveal. 😜

It’s an overall sweet, LOL contemporary romance that had a little bit of anticipation and bubbly excitement. Hannah and Henn have both been unlucky in the romance department in the past and their characters and love story are a breath of fresh air. You won’t find any alpha-hole heroes or heroines deemed damsels in distress here.

These MCs are introverted, slightly offbeat, and fairly down-to-earth people, and despite their unusual sexual romps, I found their emotions, hesitancy, and ongoing thoughts of what the future could hold genuine and relatable. Their relationship navigated through realistic situations and matters such as trust, vulnerability, mental, physical, and emotional connection, all whilst juggling their budding relationship through long-distance and the use of technology by means of communication.

Whilst there’s plenty of sexual content throughout, I would say the spice level is relatively mild with an occasional side of kink thrown in.

There’s also a solid blend of positive familial dynamics and friendships that I enjoyed seeing. The interactions felt authentic– you get a real sense of in-depth history behind these relationships whenever they’re together or share fond memories.

It’s a great addition to the books Rowe had already released of Hannah and Henn’s group of friends. It feels right that they have their own book now too. I think Rowe did an excellent job at interconnecting timelines and events where the secondary characters and their stories are concerned into this one so it all blends seamlessly together.

If you’re looking for a nerdy romance, with kind-hearted MCs that’ll induce a good chuckle or two, I recommend giving this one a try. Rowe’s writing is fun and flirty, but also heart-warming, a smidge angsty, and really sets the scene from the first page. The premise caught my attention (along with the fact the I already knew Hannah and Henn from their initial novella), and seeing their story unfold from a fun fling into a full-blown relationship really added a whole new dimension to their character arc and expanded their narrative. It’s a great light-hearted romance read to hunker down with some comfort food. Indubitably.

RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Thank you Lauren Rowe and Wildfire Marketing Solutions for the opportunity to read an advance copy! 💙

🔔 Interested in reading Hacker In Love? Grab your copy here: Universal Link

•••

More books by Lauren Rowe

Original post from my IG @booksofthemuggleborn

💵 Contemporary Romance Trilogy

The Reed Rivers Trilogy by Lauren Rowe

🎤 Rockstar Romance Duet

Book One: Falling Out Of Hate With You by Lauren Rowe

Book Two: Falling Into Love With You by Lauren Rowe

🎵 Standalone Rockstar Romance

Swoon by Lauren Rowe

•••

Happy reading, guys! Catch you in my next one! Xo

Deliver Me From Evil by Natasha Knight

Adult Romance, Book Review, Book Reviews, Dark Reads, Dark Romance, New Adult Fiction, Romance, Suspense

⚠ This review contains a minor teaser!

booksofthemuggleborn_delivermefromevil — Original post from my IG @booksofthemuggleborn

•••

• BLURB •

I wasn’t supposed to fall in love with my wife. That wasn’t part of the plan.

From the moment I first laid eyes on Madelena De Léon, I felt a primal urge to protect her. Keep her safe. Her father had failed her. I would not.

She is innocent, and I have no business taking her to my bed. But Madelena and I are bonded. Our destinies inexplicably linked. As is our survival.

My past is dark. I’ve made many enemies and betrayal runs rampant in my world. But sometimes those closest to you are the most dangerous of all.

If I was a better man, I would let her go. I know it’s the only way to keep her safe.

But any goodness I had in me vanished long ago. I am a man condemned. I want what I want.

And what I want is her.

•••

• MY REVIEW •

“You and I belong to each other now. For better or for worse. Until death do us part. And I mean every word of that.”

What a page-turning ending to The Augustine Brothers duet! With the cliffhanger Forgive Me My Sins concluded with, I couldn’t get to this second half of the duet fast enough. Santos and Madelena had pulled me into their twisted and deadly world and I was completely enveloped in their stormy relationship.

As I mentioned in my review for the first book, I had my inklings about the plot twists and certain characters’ motives, and this second half of the story revealed all the mysteries. Although I found most of it fairly predictable quite early on, I still enjoyed the overall reading experience. Knight’s writing is consistently effortless to follow, with vivid world-building, and characters full of personality and intrigue. Her books are dark romance comfort reads for me and this story is another addition to the collection.

Santos and Madelena’s relationship evolved from distrust and uncertainty to one of love and loyalty. Whilst their characters could’ve been a lot more fleshed out in my opinion, there was still plenty of growth by each of them that kept me invested in seeing their story through. The complexity surrounding these MCs certainly made things interesting— I loved the additional murder mystery/psychological thriller elements thrown into this dark romantic suspense. It has the familiarity of Knight’s usual dark mafia romances but with a little something different included that set it apart from the rest.

Santos is a unique MMC having a less stereotypical alpha persona than I’m used to seeing in Knight’s books, and is more a protective and caring, albeit morally grey hero throughout. He opens up about is brutal history but acknowledges his wrongdoings and regretful actions. What you see is what you get with him.

For the most part Madelena has a fragility to her but when push comes to shove, you see determination and a fight in her that gave her character some much needed backbone. They’re quite a dynamic pair with contrasting personalities that worked well together.

The secondary characters’ roles in this book had taken things up a notch. New developments popped up but I can’t say all had been worthwhile plotlines. There were a couple I would’ve loved to have seen play out in more detail, but there were others that had me questioning why they were even included in the first place as they had eventually fizzled out by the end with no real importance to the main storyline.

I’m one of those readers that always seem to fall in love with a character who ends up either not getting the heroine in the end or… they end up dead. There’s a character in this story that fits one of these two categories, and I was honestly bummed to see it. I’m secretly hoping Knight will spin it around and give this character some kind of reprise. One can dream. 🤞😅

The fast-pacing is consistent with the first book and is continually progressing. Although it’s a dark romantic story, the spice level is relatively mild in this book and more on the sweeter side.

Dysfunctional families and dynamics, twisted mindsets and secrecy, a diverse cast of characters, and two MCs who discovered a surprising bond between them. The Augustine Brothers duet was an amazing read to escape into. It had a variety of elements that created an overall gripping fictional world with certain scenes I’m still replaying in my mind.

They went through some gruesome and exhausting experiences, and dealt with some realistic toxic relationships that many may find relatable. It was bittersweet and certain conclusions were somewhat debatable, but all in all, I was still left in contentment seeing how Santos and Madelena’s journey wrapped-up.

I think fans of Knight’s work will enjoy this one. It’s a dark romance story that isn’t as gritty as others out there and would be a great story for readers still new to the romance sub-genre (as long as you have no issues with dark themes and certain triggering content such as strong violence, sexual assault, and death).

If you like dark romances with an enemies-to-lovers, arranged marriage trope within a mafia-themed high societal setting, I recommend adding this duet to your TBR.

RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Thank you Natasha Knight and Valentine PR for the opportunity to read an advance copy! ❤

🔔 Interested in reading The Augustine Brothers Duet? Grab your copy here:

Book One: Forgive Me My Sins: Universal Link
Book Two: Deliver Me From Evil: Amazon US | Amazon INTL | Apple Books | Nook | Kobo | Google Play

•••

The Augustine Brothers Duet

booksofthemuggleborn_forgivememysins — Original post from my IG @booksofthemuggleborn

Book One: Forgive Me My Sins by Natasha Knight

•••

More books by Natasha Knight

Dark Mafia Romance

Benedetti Brothers Series: Benedetti Brothers by Natasha Knight

Ties That Bind Duet (Book 1): Mine by Natasha Knight & A. Zavarelli

Unholy Union Duet (Book 1): Unholy Union by Natasha Knight

To Have And To Hold Duet (Book 1): With This Ring by Natasha Knight

Devil’s Pawn Duet (Book 1): Devil’s Pawn by Natasha Knight

•••

Happy reading, guys! Catch you in my next one! Xo

Contempt by A. Zavarelli

Adult Romance, ARC Review, Book Review, Book Reviews, Contemporary, Dark Romance, New Adult Fiction, Romance

⚠ This review contain minor teasers!

booksofthemuggleborn_contempt — Original post from my IG @booksofthemuggleborn

•••

• BLURB •

Before the world knew me as a rock god, I was just the angry boy who stole her heart.

She was a good girl.

The forbidden fruit I wasn’t meant to taste.

Our stars were crossed, and fate had doomed us from the start.

She was promised to someone else.

I had her secret smiles.

Moments stolen in dark corners.

But I couldn’t have her future.

Destiny tore us apart, and all that remained was the ghost of her memory.

When she died, I did too.

But when I catch a glimpse of her five years later, alive and well, that love turns to hate as the bitter truth emerges.

She left me.

She lied.

And now, I’m going to make her pay.

•••

• MY REVIEW •

“All I ever had to offer her was me.”

Phew. This was one behemoth of a romance story that’ll tear you apart only to put you back together again. It’s definitely not for the faint-hearted. It’s a contemporary romance but with strong dark themes included.

This book contains several romance sub-genres and tropes, as well as sensitive content that some readers may find triggering. Madden and Bianca’s story consists of the following:

Rockstar Romance
First Love
Star-Crossed Lovers
Ex-Military
Forbidden Romance
Secret Romance
Love Triangle
Friends-to-Lovers
Love-to-Hate-to-Love
MC Romance

Please note the dark themes are graphic. It deals with death, strong violence, blackmail, physical and mental abuse, and sexual assault. As well as horrific events resulting in psychological and emotional trauma, substance abuse, depression, and overall PTSD. It’s intended for readers 18+ only.

It’s a journey full of unbreakable bonds and honest friendships, but also brings about what seems like an endless amount of hopelessness. Be prepared for a lot of heaviness. Right from the very beginning you’re pulled into a sombre backdrop that sets the precedents of the entire book’s atmosphere.

Without giving away the storyline, Madden and Bianca’s lives are wrapped in half-truths, mystery, and constant roadblocks. Somebody upstairs certainly didn’t want them together. Although they do get their HEA, it was undoubtedly an uphill battle to get to their happiness. It was an emotional rollercoaster that evoked a mixture of heartbreak, frustration, and eventually contentment.

Zavarelli created two very complex MCs in a twisted character-driven narrative. It takes place in both the past and present day and interchanges chapter to chapter. To be honest, it felt like I was reading two books simultaneously— one the prequel, the other the main story. In my opinion, both timelines had their own pacing which disrupted the overall flow. The backstory was slower-paced and I felt it dragged somewhat in the middle of the story before it picked back up towards the end. The chapters with the present day were definitely my favourite parts of the book to read. They were faster-paced and had a lot of the interactions and developments that had me completely hooked.

Madden and Bianca are stuck in an infinite loop of push-and-pull and unresolved issues. On one hand it was frustrating to see the repetitiveness, but on the other, it was relatable seeing the difficulties they went through individually and with each other. On some level, I resonated with certain issues and easily sympathised with their situation.

I especially gravitated towards Madden and his painful journey of finding his place in the world and the love he deserved. With his raw character, vulnerability, fundamental strength, and most importantly his unwavering belief, he’s without a doubt my favourite MMC from this series.

“I don’t know how to love someone I can’t have.”

I like the initial premise. It’s one of my favourite elements but can be a bit of rare find, so discovering Zavarelli’s newest novel revolved around it had me excited to say the least. The mystery surrounding Bianca and needing to uncover the truth was ultimately what made this a page-turner. With the addition of lovable secondary characters that stole my attention from time to time added a level of dimension and injected genuine positivity to a mostly grim storytelling.

It’s a standalone within the Sin City Salvation series with character crossovers from the previous books. I recommend reading them first before starting this one to understand the relationships amongst the characters.

All in all, this third and final book was a beautiful conclusion to the series. It had a little bit of everything from the romantic elements, to the comradery and diverse familial dynamics, to the action and suspense. It’s a story of growth, loyalty, and loss.

I always find Zavarelli’s writing whilst intricate still effortless to follow, and this book was no different. It’s a real survival, “love conquers all” love story that’s so hearty and gut-wrenching, it’ll leave you feeling like you’ve been put through the wringer right alongside Madden and Bianca. And after having read their story, their HEA was well and truly deserving.

It has vivid world-building, complex characters, and multiple developing storylines. If you’re an avid fan of Zavarelli, you won’t want to miss out on reading this. Any dark and contemporary romance readers who enjoy any of the following sub-genres and tropes I mentioned should give this one a try. Just have tissues on hand.

RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Thank you Ashleigh Zavarelli for the opportunity to read an advance copy! 💜

🔔 Interested in reading Contempt? Grab your copy here: Amazon US | Amazon INTL

•••

The Sin City Salvation Series!

booksofthemuggleborn_confessconvict — Original post from my IG @booksofthemuggleborn

(EDIT: Pictured are the older/ discontinued cover editions).

Book One: Confess by A. Zavarelli

Book Two: Convict by A. Zavarelli

•••

Happy reading, guys! Catch you in my next one! Xo

Devious Kingpin by Eva Winners

Adult Romance, ARC Review, Book Review, Book Reviews, Contemporary, Dark Reads, Dark Romance, New Adult Fiction, Romance, Suspense

⚠ This review contain minor teasers!

booksofthemuggleborn_deviouskingpin — Original post from my IG @booksofthemuggleborn

•••

• BLURB •

Dante DiLustro.

Persistent. Stubborn. Deadly.

The devil.

Juliette Brennan.

Tenacious. Beautiful. Formidable.

The minx.

She never expected his persistence, nor the way her body warmed each time the devil came around, which only made her fight the attraction that much harder.

She had vengeance to deliver and now there was blood on her hands. She had her secrets and she intended to keep them. Let the world think she was crazy, out of control. It made her real sins easy to hide.

One visit to Las Vegas sent it all spiraling to hell. There was a reason Dante was considered the Devious Kingpin.

But one thing was certain. This Juliette didn’t need a Romeo and she certainly wasn’t a damsel in distress.

•••

• MY REVIEW •

“You and I, Wildling, we were meant to be together.”

It was everything I could have hoped for and then some! ❤ I knew from reading Villainous Kingpin that Dante DiLustro and Juliette Brennan would be a stellar couple with a must-read story, and I almost hate to admit it, but the months and months of waiting in anticipation was actually well-worth it.

Banter, intrigue, and heat, oh my! Chapter after chapter, their story got more and more juicy. Winners knows how to write a plot-thickening, character-driven swoon-fest, and this might just be in my top 3 all-time favourites from her interconnecting universe of dark, mafia, and billionaire romance series’.

I definitely went into this one with a preconceived idea of how their story will go, along with their interactions. But that fast dissipated as Winners dished out plot-twists, unsuspecting characters, and developments that got me in the feels.

Did I mention that this book had me giggling as well? A wise-ass remark here and there, constant familial banter, and amusing inner monologues added extra oomph to what was already a page-turning storyline.

I’m an avid dark mafia romance reader. It’s my favourite romance sub-genre, and Winners has a way of writing them that’s uniquely her own. Whilst I’m not quite up-to-date with her backlist yet, I have read enough to recognise a romance book written by her without having to look at the cover. The writing is in-depth, effortless to follow, and almost immediately paints the picture. There’s a certain repetitiveness in her books that I always find comforting and highly addictive.

Whilst you can read this as a standalone, I recommend starting from the beginning of the series to get the full-scope of Dante’s and Juliette’s world. It will also give insight on how they were introduced to one another.

“Let me in, Wildling, and I promise you, neither one of us are ever going to be the same.”

Discovering Dante’s and Juliette’s backstories delved deeper than what was initially shared added another level of excitement and intrigue to the entire reading experience for me. Their connection was palpable and the turn of events between the two is something I’m still playing over in my head.

It contains dark themes that broaches on sensitive matters that some readers may find triggering or disturbing to read such as, child abuse, sexual assault, drugging, graphic violence, and death. Please take into consideration before starting. It’s intended for readers 18+ only.

Dante is probably THE sweetest, most caring, most thoughtful hero from the series (at least so far). He is such a contrast from the previous Kingpins of this series. With every effort made with Juliette I couldn’t help but fall hard for him. I guarantee Dante will have you smiling.

Juliette has grown so much as a character from the (prequel) Corrupted Pleasure that she’s become my favourite heroine. If I was to describe her character, I would say she’s a bit of an M&M chocolate with a soft, sweet centre and fragile outer shell that can chip and crack but ultimately still holds itself together.

It’s fast-paced storytelling told from dual perspectives, and has so much heart and soul in it that’ll have you emotionally and mentally invested from start to finish. I honestly didn’t want this book to end. The only reason why I’m somewhat coping is because I know they’ll make appearances in following books of the series. I love the friendships and familial bonds displayed. There’s a real sense of love, support, and protectiveness amongst the cast of characters, even crossover characters who make minor appearances provide some form of support system for these MCs.

It’s not overly gritty and with both MCs in their twenties, it can be considered NA romance. Dante and Juliette are two truly lovable, emotional characters. Their romance is slow-burn, and understandably so. But more so it made it all the more genuine to see their relationship evolve. If you like mafia romances with an enemies-to-lovers and/or a stalker romance trope, add it to your TBR.

I can’t fault this one. It’s aces in book! I will undoubtedly read it time and time again.

RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Thank you Eva Winners for the opportunity to read an advance copy! ❤

🔔 Interested in reading Devious Kingpin? Grab your copy here: Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon CA | Amazon AU

•••

💀 Kingpins Of The Syndicate

Original post from my IG @booksofthemuggleborn

Prequel: Corrupted Pleasure by Eva Winners

Book One: Villainous Kingpin by Eva Winners

•••

Happy reading, guys! Catch you in my next one! Xo

Marrow by Trisha Wolfe & Brynne Weaver

Adult Romance, ARC Review, Book Review, Book Reviews, Crime Thriller, Dark Reads, Dark Romance, Romance, Suspense

⚠ This review contains a minor teaser!

booksofthemuggleborn_marrow — Original post from my IG @booksofthemuggleborn

•••

• BLURB •

Two rival serial killers.

One common enemy.

Forensic anthropologist Dr. Jack Sorensen is the perfect serial killer. In the bright lights of his public persona he’s a respected scientist, a leader in the field of human decomposition. But in his shadowed secret life he’s a ruthless and elusive killer, unseen by the authorities who have failed to follow his faint trail of destruction. Beautifully cold, brilliant and cruel, Jack wants nothing more than to keep his life captured in his vise-like grip of control. And Jack Sorensen never makes mistakes…

Until he underestimates Dr. Kyrie Roth.

Wildlife biologist Kyrie is the enemy Jack never noticed, another murderer in his midst. A killer with equal cunning and stealth as the great Jack Sorensen, she knows all his darkest secrets, even the pieces of a past he might have forgotten. Kyrie has created the perfect habitat for her favorite research subject, but she’s finally had enough of being bitten by the beast that lives at Jack’s core. Pushed past her breaking point, Kyrie has decided to do whatever it takes to make Jack suffer. But when Kyrie’s traumatic past descends on her broken oasis, the only person who can help Kyrie banish her painful shadows might just be her greatest enemy.

History can’t always be left to decay in a cold grave. Time has a way of thawing secrets, leaving them to shine as bright as bleached bones in the sun. Can Jack and Kyrie set aside their battle and survive a world built to hunt them? Or will they kill each other first?

•••

• MY REVIEW •

“Creatures designed like us were not meant to bask in the light for long. Where we lurk, the darkness always finds us.”

Wow. Dark psychological thrillers are not in my usual wheelhouse of romance reads, but I am so unbelievably glad I took a stab (no pun intended) at this one! 😁

It was fast-paced, constantly developing, and most importantly, kept me on my toes. There’s some predictability in the storyline, but for the most part it was twisted, totally crafty, and unputdownable.

As a reader who doesn’t read a lot of crime thrillers and stalker romances, I am completely recommending this to fellow romances readers wanting to dip their toes in this sub-genre. It’s a relatively quick read and a standalone to boot, so there’s no long-term commitment to this gritty world, but whilst you’re in it, it’s suspenseful from beginning to end, and will constantly have your mind turning with the mysteries surrounding Jack and Kyrie.

Two serial killers— enemies-to-lovers that evolved into so much more. Although there’s some raunchy, and at times depraved sexual content, just know it’s a slow build-up to get to it. Coming into this book I hadn’t expected a slow-burn romance, but it certainly built quite an anticipation and made their relationship all the more intricate.

I loved the tension build-up as things slowly unravel between the two, and how the vivid world-building set a danger-lurking atmosphere throughout. Whilst I’m already familiar with Wolfe’s writing, Weaver on the other hand was a new-to-me author and this book was my introduction to her work. Together they have written a wowing, giddy-inducing dark/ stalker/ psychological thriller romance. I haven’t read anything like it before and I found myself effortlessly enjoying the ride with these two devilish serial killers!

Yes, its utterly sick, undoubtedly warped, and may cause a pearl-clutching gasp or two, but it was also thought-provoking, heart-breaking, and immediately had me emotionally invested. Kyrie and Jack both have some in-depth psychological issues that stem from past experiences, but as twisted as their actions are, I also found their mindset and reasonings understandable. They definitely pushed the boundaries, enjoyed the hell out of it, and dare I say, so did I! There’s a lot of dark content, but it’s balanced out by light-hearted banter, entertaining game-playing, and hilarious humour inserted in the most unexpected of times.

Please note, there are some sensitive subject matters included that some readers may find triggering or disturbing to read. It contains graphic violence, torture, murder, kidnapping, blood play, and drug use. It also has strong sexual content with some kink play. Intended for readers 18 + only.

Told from dual POVs, you’ll see the inner workings of Kyrie’s and Jack’s serial killer minds. I loved discovering the complexity of both their characters and their backstories that lead to their present ways. They live two interconnecting lives and it was interesting to see how they juggled both simultaneously. I may not read dark thriller romances, but I am an avid true crime documentary fan, and this work of fiction certainly parallels some of the dark true crime stories I’ve seen. The devil is in the details, and this one had it in spades (again no pun intended)!

There’s a great balance of action and suspense and romantic elements. It may be a relatively shorter-length book, but it packed a punch with well-developed characters and a well-written plot. Jack and Kyrie are outstanding and, in some ways, damaged, but they’re fleshed-out characters with certain strengths and weaknesses that I found relatable. Even with their strong killer tendencies, they’re genuinely likable characters.

I found this dark romance refreshing and a nice break from my usual go-to romance reads. I highly recommend readers to give it a try.

RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½

Thank you Trisha Wolfe and Brynne Weaver for the opportunity to read an advance copy! 💙

🔔 Interested in reading Marrow? Grab your copy here: Amazon

•••

💀 More by Trisha Wolfe

booksofthemuggleborn_marriageandmalice — Original post from my IG @booksofthemuggleborn

Mafia Romance: Marriage & Malice by Trisha Wolfe

•••

Happy reading, guys! Catch you in my next one! Xo

Brutalize Me by Michelle Heard

Adult Romance, ARC Review, Book Review, Book Reviews, Dark Reads, Dark Romance, New Adult Fiction, Romance, Suspense

⚠ This review contains a minor teaser!

booksofthemuggleborn_brutalizeme — Original post from my IG @booksofthemuggleborn

•••

• BLURB •

Home. It’s the one thing I want more than anything. A husband I can love. Children I can give the world to. A house I can call my own. To many, it’s a stupid wish, but to me, it’s everything.

When my adoptive father demands that I marry one of his business partners, Karlin Makarova, my dream becomes nothing more than that – a dream. Karlin is a vile monster, a nightmare for any woman he crosses paths with.

I dread the time I have to spend alone with Karlin and hide the bruises that fill me with deep shame.

But then my beloved brother steps in and arranges a marriage with one of his best friends.

Armani DeSantis is known to be coolheaded, aloof, and calculative. Sure, he’s heartbreakingly attractive – emphasis on heartbreakingly – but it’s clear he sees me as his friend’s little sister that’s become his problem.

Then again, I’d rather have my heart broken by Armani DeSantis than be Karlin Makarova’s punching bag.

And so, my dream of a happily ever after turns into a cold-blooded war between the two men, and I find myself praying that somehow I’ll survive.

But life has taught me prayers are never answered.

•••

• MY REVIEW •

“I have three dreams. I’ve always wanted a home I can call my own, a husband I can love, and children I can give the world to.”

Wow. What an emotionally-charged story that had me bubbling over with tears. Third book in and once again I am blown away by how immediate the storytelling, the characters, and the romance captured my attention.

It’s very reminiscent of Cruel Saints (from the Saints series) and Stolen By A Sinner (from the Sinners series) in the sense that it had that Cinderella/ damsel-in-distress-fairy-tale type storyline that I always love and can never tire of. It was a nice switch-up from the usual forced marriages set alongside an enemies-to-lovers/ hate-to-love trope. Tiana and Armani instantly connected, and their down-to-earth, thoughtful dispositions set about a charming ambience for most of the story.

It’s fast-paced with relatively short chapters— which is one of the reasons I tend to enjoy reading one of Heard’s books. It’s constantly progressing, and despite Tiana’s and Armani’s relationship evolving rather quickly, it doesn’t necessarily feel rushed through. Their budding romance is the stuff of dreams. It’s sweet, swoon-worthy, and one that I couldn’t help grin at seeing develop. It’s an emotional rollercoaster full of angst and drama, but it’s the perfect first-love love story.

Although I adore the MCs and all the romantic elements, I have to say it’s the familial bonds and interactions that stole my heart whilst reading this book. Tiana and Misha have quite a deep and profoundly heart-warming relationship, and when I discovered the reasons behind their unbreakable bond, my love for these siblings increased tenfold.

Please note there are sensitive subject matters that may be triggering or disturbing for some readers. It contains graphic violence, manhandling and physical assault, and child abuse. It’s intended for readers 18+ only.

This is the third book in the Corrupted Royals series and can be read as a standalone novel (although I recommend reading the series in publishing order for an enhanced reading experience). If you like any of the following genres/ romance tropes, I can’t recommend this book more!

Mafia Romance
Dark Romance
Romantic Suspense
Close Proximity
Arranged Marriage
Brother’s Best Friend/ Best Friend’s Sister
Mature NA Romance

Whilst they were a couple of things I felt were left unanswered and the ending was somewhat abrupt in places, overall, I couldn’t fault how much this book had left me feeling a sense of happy contentment. It broached on certain topics that I easily sympathised and connected with, and showed how effective a strong support system can be in strengthening one’s psyche. There’s a diverse range of character dynamics and personalities included that added dimension. And as with the previous books in the series, character crossovers from Heard’s other mafia series make appearances (which I always look forward to seeing and it never disappoints). It not only gave an update on beloved older characters, but I loved seeing their worlds meshing together.

As far as mafia romances go, this is on the lighter side. Whilst it has some darkish elements, it’s not overly gritty. It is however, gripping, at times suspenseful, and even has a few surprising reveals. Heard has written another beautiful work of fiction with certain aspects that paralleled real-life situations. I loved reading it. It’s definitely one of my favourite new books this year. I’m already thinking about certain scenes I want to go back and visit again. In my opinion, it’s a must-read with a box of tissues at hand!

RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Thank you Michelle Heard for the opportunity to read an advance copy! 🧡

🔔 Interested in reading Brutalize Me? Grab your copy here: Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon CA | Amazon AU

•••

👑 Corrupted Royals

Original post from my IG @booksofthemuggleborn

Book One: Destroy Me by Michelle Heard

Book Two: Control Me by Michelle Heard

•••

⛪ The Saints

Original post from my IG @booksofthemuggleborn

Book 1–4: The Saints Series by Michelle Heard

Book Five: Tears Of Salvation by Michelle Heard

•••

💀 The Sinners

Original post from my IG @booksofthemuggleborn

Book One: Taken By A Sinner by Michelle Heard

Book Two: Owned By A Sinner by Michelle Heard

Book Three: Stolen By A Sinner by Michelle Heard

Book Four: Chosen By A Sinner by Michelle Heard

Book Five: Captured By A Sinner by Michelle Heard

•••

Happy reading, guys! Catch you in my next one! Xo

The Tragedy Of Felix And Jake by J. Daniels

Adult Romance, ARC Review, Book Review, Book Reviews, Contemporary, Dark Romance, New Adult Fiction, Romance

booksofthemuggleborn_TTOFAJ — Original post from my IG @booksofthemuggleborn

•••

• BLURB •

From New York Times bestselling author, J. Daniels, comes an all-new standalone forbidden romance.

They say the best way to get over someone is to get under someone else.

They say the best way to stay sober is to love yourself.

I’m great at making bad decisions.

Addict? Check. Poor impulse control? Check. Obsessed with the guy I’m sponsoring? Check Check Check.

There is no one worse for me to want in my bed than Jake Tully. He’s hot and grumpy and literally a terrible idea. Terrible. Worse, no one has ever made me feel the way he does — valued. But here I am – thinking about him again.

Falling for my sponsor is not my worst idea yet, but it’s damn close.

Felix Fields is everything good. He’s thoughtful and kind. I can’t help but think about every bad thing we could do between these sheets.

But we can’t be together. I’m not willing to risk my recovery for anyone – even if he might be perfect for me.

Finding a love like this is nothing short of a tragedy.

•••

• MY REVIEW •

“You know what’s even better than getting high? Landing the guy you want. That is so fucking dope.”

Felix and Jake took me on an amazing and emotionally unpredictable journey, and it’s all due to Daniels’ vivid writing. This may be a standalone novel but to me, it will always be an honorary addition to the Alabama Summer series.

Even if the awesome and ever-lovable cast of characters from the Alabama Summer series hadn’t made an appearance, Felix and Jake undoubtedly and effortlessly stood on their own two feet, bared their personal life stories and immediately had me hooked. I haven’t encountered storytelling in quite a long time where its characters are telling their story as if they are actually having a conversation with the reader. It’s refreshing, felt personal, and basked the entire reading experience in a warm, comfy atmosphere—as if I’m actually friends with these two MCs. 😊

It’s well-paced and constantly evolving as Felix and Jake settle into a chummy little niche. There’s an unbelievable balance of light and shade surrounding both of these characters. Although some of the content revealed can at times be saddening, heart-breaking, and downright unfair, Daniels knows when to weave-in just the right amount (and at times totally unexpected) humour keeping the overall mood from getting too dark; too depressing.

There were times I giggled. Times I clutched my chest. And there were even times I found myself pouting (don’t worry, it’s all in good fun). 😉

I’m not an MM romance reader. I don’t go seeking this trope out in my romance read. Yet, Daniels has been a long time favourite author of mine and not reading this book hadn’t even crossed my mind. I’m happy to say Felix and Jake are both lovely, salt-of-the-earth, sweet people. Their dynamics was a mix of opposites-attract, yet weirdly also two-peas-in-a-pod type pairing. I don’t know how that worked, but Daniels created some multi-dimensional characters that I could not NOT love!

There’s a gradual build-up with Felix and Jake’s relationship that was filled with suspense, excitement, and an organic development from strangers–to friends–to lovers.

Felix and Jake go through some extraordinary experiences to get to where they are in their lives, and whilst Daniels doesn’t sugar-coat their journey in regards to their respective addictions, it’s also not overwhelmingly detailed or gritty to read about. You get their struggles, their state of mind, and their gut-wrenching desperation, and can easily connect and sympathise without necessarily feeling like you’re being sucked into the darkness right along with them. As I mentioned earlier, it truly does feel like you’re a friend listening to their story first-hand.

Please note, this book contains sensitive subject matters that may be triggering or disturbing for some readers such as, substance abuse, addiction, harassment/ hate towards LGBTQ+, childhood trauma, and (non-graphic) violence. Intended for readers 18+ only.

This is Daniels’ comeback novel after having taken some time away, and she not only delivered a true-blue love story, but it’s a great example of one’s own personal growth. It reiterated the reasons behind why she is still one of my favourite romance authors after all these years. This book took me back (along with plenty of other fans, I sure) to the world of the Alabama Summer series and its characters. It was giddy-inducing to see what the couples have been up-to after so much time had passed, and now having Felix and Jake included into their fold.

I adored the secondary cast of characters who are ultimately Felix and Jake’s solid support systems, and additional layer to this complex but wonderous world-building. Quick tip: Don’t read this book when hungry or without any delicious snacks at hand. It’ll only make you drool more-so (not just for the characters, but for the copious amounts of food featured). You’ve been warned.

Overall, very enjoyable. I was left happy-sighing in contentment. Not only would I recommend this book to fellow romance readers, I would urge others who like me, may not be a usual reader of MM romance to give it a try. Avid fans of Daniels’ Alabama Summer series will not want to miss out on CJ Tully’s younger brother’s life finally settle and come full-circle. Felix and Jake are two people who couldn’t have been more deserving of a HEA. Give it a go. It’s a contemporary romance full of heart and soul.