The one they call in from the dark when they need shit done—and there’s no one
better for the job than me.
I have a tainted soul, oil black and hungry for bloodshed.
The world is a cesspit. I give zero fucks about it, and it gives zero fucks about me, so
when some mafia prick with a vendetta toward our club tries to torture me for sport,
the last person I expect to come to my rescue is a small female with a sassy attitude
and a death wish.
She’s a complication, burrowing her claws deep into the layers of my fucked-up
psyche.
Part of me wants to keep her there, drench her in the very essence of who I am until
she’s nothing but a weeping mess, craving the relief only I can give her.
She’s bringing my walls down, showing me maybe there’s some good in the world
after all. Until my brothers find us and it’s not me they’ve come for—it’s her.
She’s not who she’s been pretending to be.
She’s the devil dressed in the tight-ass skin of a bitch I’ve become addicted to.
I don’t care who has to bleed for me to keep feeding the habit:
My brother.
Our enemies.
Her.
If she’s not in my bed and on the back of my bike, she’s not going to be on anyone’s.
Nobody stands in my way, not even the big group of bikers who caught me red-handed stealing from them.
I’ll do as they ask.
I’ll be their good little slave.
I’ll make their money and pay off my debt.
I’ll also make them think twice.
Think twice about holding me.
Think twice about isolating me.
Think twice about the moment they decided keeping me was worth more than the trouble I bring.
And oh, do I bring some trouble.
Their little club won’t know what hit them.
My name is Poppy, and I’m a bad, bad girl.
Hell follows me, and the devil himself won’t mess with me.
They’ll wish they left me alone.
Oh, indeed…
Pop goes the biker.
•••
• MY REVIEW •
Oh. Em. Geeeeee! 😍😍😍 With each new addition, this series just keeps getting better and better. Pop Goes The Biker was such a fun, entertaining-as-hell romance story! I read it in one sitting and it left such an impression on me that I kept going back hoping if I reread it enough times it’d eventually get out of my system. FYI: It took a little while.
Each book so far has some level of hate-to-love/ enemies-to-lovers storyline between its protagonists, but this one just had an extra level of zing! The banter between Poppy and Beckett were off-the-charts amusing! 😂
This series as a whole is easy on the MC aspect but from all the books, this one features it the most as a big part of the storyline centres around Beckett’s club. I thought it was an amazing contemporary rom-com with hot bikers and occasional “club business” present.
It’s another relatively quick read that I wish had a few more chapters just so it didn’t feel like it concluded abruptly in the end. But other than that, I was completely hooked and giggling my ass off the entire time! Poppy and Beckett were locked in a fiercely heated, yet entertaining battle of wits that only made their chemistry all the more authentic. It can get angsty at times and it was verging on a slow burn romance, but the build-up only served to increase the intensity between the two as the story progressed.
There are a couple of twists and turns, and the entire story is told solely from Poppy’s point of view. It’s a bit of shame we don’t get Beckett’s as well but honestly, once I settled into the story I got over the fact fairly quickly.
If you like sunshine x grumpy/ hate-to-love romance tropes, my gosh this book will satisfy that craving! The cast of characters are all so likable— Poppy is spunky, with a strong independent personality. Beckett is a bit of serious sourpuss but it’s adorable seeing him get all riled up (and it doesn’t hurt that he’s described looking fairly similar to Thor; the God of Thunder himself)! *waggles brows* 😍🤤
There’s already a sweet little world-building in place that expands with each book, so I recommend you read all the books in the series in publishing order to get the full Turf Wars experience. They can technically be standalone stories, but trust me when I say if you read them from the beginning, by the time you get onto this book, you’ll be itching to know Poppy’s and Beckett’s story!
You can expect to see solid comraderies in this world that added extra oomph and amusement to the storyline— one with the club members, and the other with the women who’ve formed their own girl gang of sorts. It’s total comfort read, with an overall easy-going storyline. It does contain adult themes and minor darkish content, but in my opinion, nothing triggering. However, if cheating and/or love triangles are a big no-no for you, then maybe give this one a miss.
There are certain plots within the story that can be a sensitive subject for some readers as it concerns making one’s own personal choices in life and the protagonists debate about it. There’s a good chance you won’t agree with a lot of their actions. They can be reckless and it shows. They go through emotional turmoil and life-altering situations, and in my opinion it could’ve been a little more in-depth, and at times major groveling was needed yet it was otherwise lacking. Sigh. But this particular topic, although constantly up for debate in our society, has also made this story relatable. It added a sense of realness in an otherwise fluff-adjacent romance story.
Overall, effortless to follow and most certainly a mood-boosting read. It’s another great addition to the series. I’ve read a handful of Jewel’s books, and so far I’ve found her writing style favourable, so I’d recommend giving this one a try. It’s a series where the fun, playful, and vibrant covers match the stories within.
The secrets haunting Beau Rochester come alive. He doesn’t deserve happiness, but he holds it in his hands. A woman he loves. A child. The past threatens to rip them away. He risks losing them forever. Jane Mendoza is determined to protect the people she loves from every threat–the mysterious arsonist, the corrupt police force. The darkest danger comes from a place she never expects. She risks more than her newfound family. She risks her life.
Skye Warren is the New York Times bestselling author of dangerous romance such as the Endgame trilogy. Her books have been featured in Jezebel, Buzzfeed, USA Today Happily Ever After, Glamour, and Elle Magazine. She makes her home in Texas with her loving family, sweet dogs, and evil cat.
He doesn’t deserve happiness, but he holds it in his hands. A woman he loves. A child. The past threatens to rip them away. He risks losing them forever.
Jane Mendoza is determined to protect the people she loves from every threat–the mysterious arsonist, the corrupt police force. The darkest danger comes from a place she never expects.
She risks more than her newfound family. She risks her life.
•••
• MY REVIEW •
“A responsible boss doesn’t get involved with the nanny.”
Whilst the first two books in the trilogy had an air of suspense and secrecy, I was a little taken aback to find this third and final book was surrounded in such a depressing tone. It’s hard not to be affected by it because Jane, Beau, and the secondary characters all seemed to be in such gloomy moods for the majority of the book.
I found the pace of the storytelling a little slower in comparison to the first two from this trilogy. Although this part of the story is told from multiple POVs, so there’s lots of input and perspectives from different characters regarding the situation they found themselves in.
The first half of the overall story was very much inspired by the classic tale, Jane Eyre, but Warren has given the final leg of Jane’s and Beau’s story her own.
The angst between Jane and Beau is still very much present— if anything it’s amped up further now that their relationship has evolved from their initial guardian/nanny fling. I found their relationship to be drama-filled, tentative, and complex. If you’re looking for a swoon-worthy romance with tons off heat leaping off the pages, you won’t find it with Jane and Beau. There was initial sexual chemistry and zing in the first two books, but I found as the drama intensified, the sizzling romance became minimal. The push-and-pull between them is almost painstakingly angsty, but it can’t be denied that they do have a desperate need for one another.
Other than the relationship between the protagonists, there’s some interesting secondary plotlines occurring in the background that adds an extra element to the story.
As I mentioned earlier there’s a somberness to this book that ultimately became a big decisive factor in how I felt about it as a whole. You definitely have to be in a particular mindset to read a romance story that’s heavy on tragedy and heartbreak, and be prepared for it to seep into your own emotions. I easily got affected by Jane’s insecurities, Beau’s indecisiveness, and especially Noah’s battered heart. He surprisingly became the character in this book that I became the most emotionally invested in, just because his frustration and opinions when it came to Jane and her actions I felt were just. I most certainly felt bad for the guy.
There’s some character growth since Private Property, but I would’ve liked to have seen more in-depth development. The world-building was created and set from the first book but didn’t really expand any further from the small cast of characters and the town they reside in.
Overall, I thought it was decent conclusion. I admit it’s my least favourite book from the trilogy, but after having read and gotten sucked into Jane’s and Beau’s world, I was curious to see how it will all end. If you like Jane Eyre and retellings, I recommend you add this story to your TBR. It’s a contemporary take on a classic with an age-gap romance trope. With the differences in social standings, lifestyles, and familial backgrounds, Jane and Beau are the epitome of “opposite sides of the tracks” that unexpectedly collided together and sparked life-altering moments. It’s a dark billionaire romance; a Cinderella story of sorts, with a smidge of suspense and foreboding. These characters will have you second-guessing everything and keep you on your toes.
RATING: ⭐⭐⭐½
•••
Thank you Skye Warren and Valentine PR for the opportunity to read an advanced copy! 💜
Marriage has always meant violence. I don’t trust it, but it’s the only thing keeping me afloat in these dark undercurrents. I married for safety but I got the most dangerous thing in the world—Ronan Byrne for a husband.
Now we’re returning to Bishop’s Landing to face our demons. Mine. His. We have real enemies to conquer, but it’s the fear in my heart that beats the loudest. I can’t stop being in love with him. Except the killer with the heart of stone doesn’t love me.
I don’t know whose family I belong in anymore. Or whether I should stay with Ronan when this is over. But I may not live long enough to make the choice.
•••
• MY REVIEW •
Legit. Happy sighing with this third and final book in the Hearts trilogy! 😊 It’s bittersweet knowing that Poppy’s and Ronan’s story has reached its end. I immediately took a liking to their story ever since the momentous opening scene when they first met. And from there it was one heart-palpitating event after another.
This conclusion left me with a range of emotions. The second book ended with such an eye-popping cliffhanger that I was eager to start this book to see how that twist would turn their situation around. I admit it took a little while for me to get settled into this one. The first half of the story felt like everything was up in the air and was one big waiting game. So, in saying that, the pacing was on the slower side. It didn’t pick up pace until halfway through when things finally started to progress. But trust me when I say that once you do reach that point in their story, you won’t be able to put it down!
Ronan’s character growth was leaps and bounds in this book. You see a gradual change in his overall mentality in the first two books, but by this third one it was like a friggin’ dam broke! It was truly swoony and heart-squeezing to see his struggles with willing to open up and take a chance in fear of it all being taken away from him in an instant. Putting aside that Ronan is this hot, broody Irish alpha of an anti-hero, early on in their story I couldn’t fully understand how he could be so jerky towards Poppy— I had some idea why, but it didn’t completely make sense until this final book and seeing Ronan give in more and more that I accepted his reasonings for why he felt the need to keep her at a distance. Ronan is a scarred and complex character yet his characteristics are relatable in so many ways that I easily felt protective over his wellbeing in this suspenseful conclusion.
Poppy is an engaging enough heroine. For the most part, she’s this sweet, caring character who’s emotionally driven. Even after having been put through the wringer, she had her moments of rebelliousness and gumption. But her level of grit and determination in this book was what I was waiting to see from her. She went from a mundane (albeit likable) heroine to one that matches Ronan’s explosiveness perfectly! They certainly balance each other out.
Told from dual POVs, I was hooked in seeing the predicament they were in from both their eyes. It’s full of suspense and definitely builds-up as the story progresses. There were a few predictable plot points but it didn’t deter me in any way from continuing—which was a huge relief because there were certainly a couple of interesting developments that caught me off-guard but nevertheless held my attention. One, of which I was totally lusting after and was hoping wouldn’t be one that didn’t end with this book. 🙈🙏
The other I’m on the fence about, but plenty curious to see how it plays out. I’ve mentioned this before in my other reviews but this Midnight Dynasty world is addictive and the fact that it’s an ever-expanding world has me giddy!
Whilst all the books in the Midnight Dynasty is centred around a different character and/or couple, and you can pick and choose which ones you want to read, I do enjoying seeing characters make appearances/crossovers as it really make their world interconnect.
O’Keefe did a grand job of the secondary characters who made an appearance in this story. Not only has she kept the feel of said characters similar to how the other authors have initially written them in their books, but she effortlessly tied in new ones that are upcoming and added enough intrigue that you can’t help but look forward to what’s to come.
Untamed was angsty. It was sweet. It was shocking. It was a rollercoaster ride I could get on board. There was constant sense of dread and of time catching up to Poppy and Ronan, but there was also a sense of hope throughout.
This is a dark, contemporary romance with mature themes. Please note it contains sexual content and violence, and is intended for readers 18+ only. The Hearts trilogy is one continuous story; therefore, each book must be read in order.
If you enjoy reading contemporary romances with an edge to it, you might like this trilogy. It contains the following tropes:
Billionaire Romance
Age-Gap Romance
Forbidden Romance
Marriage of Convenience
Slow Burn
Opposites Attract
The start may have dragged a little but it definitely had a strong finish! Sure, there were some things I felt were left unanswered and who knows if I’ll ever get answers to any of them, but when it comes to Poppy and Ronan? There’s no doubt that their story had a beautiful conclusion. It left me feeling like Poppy’s and Ronan’s story was just kicking-off. Thinking back to the very beginning, I realized that their story has come full circle. With what they’ve both been through in their lives, they deserve their HEA.
This trilogy was my introduction to O’Keefe’s writing and not only has it sold me in checking out her backlist of books, but her addition to the Midnight Dynasty world has been unexpectedly gripping. I never would’ve guessed after crushing over a Constantine here and a Morelli there, that Ronan, a hired gun would be stiff competition! 😜😍
I enjoyed Poppy’s and Ronan’s journey and glad I took a chance on it. It’s vivid, easy to follow storytelling with relatable and realistic subject matters. It’s hearty, multifaceted, and full of emotion.
RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Thank you to Molly O’Keefe, Dangerous Press, and Candi Kane PR for the opportunity to read an advanced copy! 🖤
🔔 Interested in reading the Hearts Trilogy? Grab your copy here:
What if the woman I fell for was in love with someone else? The man who claimed her heart is my VP, the same man I need to respect and follow his orders. But now that I’m no longer a prospect, it’s difficult to find my place. What if I don’t want to play by the club rules anymore?
But then again, what if while I’m seeking shadows, I find something I wasn’t prepared for? And the darkness leaves me fighting for everything I thought I’d never have…
Seeking Shadows is a part of The Royal Bastards MC Author Collaboration and is book three in the Tampa, FL Series.
•••
• MY REVIEW •
Well. This was one a hell of an introduction to Osborn’s RMBC, Tampa FL Chapter! 🔥😍 I’ve read a few books from another one of her MC romance series but Seeking Shadows was my introduction to this RBMC one. It’s the third book in the series but it was honest to goodness written with such detail that I didn’t feel like I was missing any vital information by not having read books 1 and 2 beforehand. You’re given the gist of the characters and/ or couples from the previous books so you’re relatively up to scratch with their relationships and overall group dynamic.
So, if any readers out there interested in reading this book but concerned that it’s already the third one… don’t be. I can without a doubt tell you, you can read Seeking Shadows without having read the first two.
Now. Let’s get onto the man of the hour — Dash! *phew* Ok… when I first started this story and quickly realized Dash was pining for another MC brother’s ol’ lady… I was immediately questioning how this story would play out. I’ve read countless MC romances to know that club members don’t mess around with their brothers girlfriends, wives, or ol’ ladies. I seriously thought, “Geez! Please don’t tell me Dash ends up having an affair with this chick!” 😱🙈🙈
Needless to say… the story quickly turned a corner and not only was I breathing easier, but I couldn’t sit still from the unexpected turn of events. *waggles eyebrows*
This was steady-paced storytelling that I was all in for. I was loving the gradual build-up and story development. With dual points of view from both protagonists, it wasn’t difficult to get invested in both their personal stories. One thing that stood out to me about Dash in particular was that his story began with him as a prospect for the RBMC. Seeing him still at the stage of doing the club’s grunt work, steadily working his way up to be a full-fledged member— it showed plenty of character growth, that, along with a level of maturity. Right from the beginning he was already such a likable character (and with the awkward love triangle situation, you easily feel for him), but as the story progresses and he slowly realizes what he wants, you see the gradual change in him as he starts considering things in his life differently.
Besides the likable hero/heroine in this story, I was sucked into their slow-burn romance. I couldn’t get enough of their quirky, lighthearted friendship before anything romantic came about. The constant banter and comical ribbing added the necessary lightness to what was an overall dark, suspenseful romance. Their relationship organically developed and seemed so genuine to witness. They went through some relatable and realistic emotional hurdles that not only made their relationship stronger in the long run, but made me back them more as a couple!
Not going to lie, whilst most of the secondary characters in this book were likable enough, there were a couple of them that I just wasn’t a fan of at all, and never grew to like in the end either. They certainly played roles in providing another layer to this already action-packed story, but in my opinion, they were just as irritating (if not more) than the actual antagonists! Ugh. And to be honest, I was expecting better from them. I’m just glad Dash wasn’t having any of it! ✊😅
Halfway through the storyline took a surprising twist that I admit was a little out there. Whilst all the plot points interconnected in the end, I wasn’t completely sold on this particular part of the storyline, and in all honesty the book lost some of its appeal on me.
But in saying that, I thought both protagonists were brilliant characters, and I was completely gripped by their angsty relationship. I’m fist pumping air that the heroine is no pushover and that she’s a firecracker of a character! I liked that Dash is a flawed character with insecurities, but he’s also one full of heart and understanding. I respect his willingness to not only make adjustments, but once he sets his mind to something, he’s committed.
There were a lot of things happening in this story but it wasn’t overwhelming in the slightest. I liked the fact that there were a variety of settings within the story which only made the world-building all the more appealing.
Seeing the different group dynamics within, especially where Dash, his heroine, and their families were concerned was some of my favourite scenes to read (besides all the banter between the protagonists). 😜😄
As I mentioned earlier, this is a dark, suspenseful MC romance. It contains certain subject matters that may be triggering for some readers. Not only does it contain mature sexual content, it has strong, graphic violence, domestic abuse, kidnapping, and it also broaches the topic of suicide. Audiences 18+ only.
From my experiences with Osborn’s other books, I’ve always found her writing style to be consistently effortless to follow, with stories and characters I can easily get into— Seeking Shadows is no different. This book was unputdownable and an addictive MC romance that I would recommend to fellow dark romance readers. There’s a nice balance of romance and MC elements throughout. The character growth, the romance, and seeing the family dynamics were the absolute highlights in my opinion. You’ll find unpredictability and some gripping, hold-your-breath type scenes in this book that I always hoped to see in my MC romance books.
Although this is part of a series, the ending concluded in way where you’re not left with unanswered questions (at least not where Dash and his heroine are concerned). I know I was left feeling quite content with the way things ended in this book. It’s a swoony, taking-chances romance story weaved through a twisted, gritty underworld.
RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Thank you K.E. Osborn and the RBMC team for the opportunity to read an advanced copy! 💙
We barely make it through that trial only to face a final test.
As we try to brace ourselves and weather the brewing storm, we are both rocked by huge secrets.
Calum struggles with the ghost of his past.
I weigh a life-altering decision with the potential to change everything.
We could be so perfect together…
If our secrets don’t drag us under the murky waters.
Don’t fall for your customers.
•••
• MY REVIEW •
I can’t believe we’ve finally reached the third and final book in the Broken Slipper Trilogy! This story started out strong with its intrigue, secrecy, and budding lust-fuelled romance between Calum and Kaia. The initial premise is what sold me in wanting to read this billionaire, age gap romance…
But by the second book, it gradually turned into a complicated and overwhelming storyline of problem after problem that only escalated as the story progressed into this final one. Ooo-wee! Calum and Kaia had a lot to deal with in order to keep their relationship going.
To be honest this book was a bit of mixed bag for my liking. The Dancer (book two) left in such a cliffhanger that I was reeling to start this one in order to see the outcome. Unfortunately, that outcome left me a little underwhelmed. For a life or death matter, it didn’t come off as something Calum or Kaia took seriously. I like Vivian’s writing style to have wanted to read this trilogy but I feel like this particular book was rushed, despite the fact that a lot of things still occurred before it ended.
The same problems kept popping up and it was never truly resolved. I felt like Calum and Kaia were sweeping these serious matters under the rug until it bit them in their asses, and by then I lost interest in seeing them fix it because it all felt too repetitive. A few of the issues they encountered in the first two books that seemed like the biggest threats to their relationship were now an afterthought and somewhat brushed off in this book with anticlimactic solutions.
The storyline felt choppy and had a disjointed flow. With the introduction of new characters and relationships, the new developments/ additions into the storyline didn’t feel organic. Whilst I was still invested in seeing Calum’s and Kaia’s relationship through to the end, the side stories that were simultaneously happening in the background didn’t hold my interest as much and ultimately felt like filler in order to put some dimension into the story.
Calum’s and Kaia’s relationship exhibited a lot of repetitive issues that should’ve been resolved a lot earlier. There’s no doubt that they had chemistry and plenty of raunchy romance, but there were also plenty of cracks. I would’ve loved to have seen a gradual development in their relationship full of in-depth discussions about where they would like their relationship to head towards and to work through their differences long before they were forced into doing so.
That wasn’t the only relationship in this story that was tumultuous. I was left frustrated with a lot of the actions (or lack thereof) from Calum and his brother Lucas concerning a certain pivotal matter in their lives. I had trouble agreeing with either one of them but for completely different reasons. Calum buried his feelings unless he felt backed into a corner and then it was like, “let it rip!”
For Lucas, I was baffled with his overall mindset after discovering what Calum had been through. How can a brother overlook a horrific, traumatic event all because it didn’t happen to him?! Ugh, I will never understand. Sigh. 😩
Kaia’s toxic family disputes were equally stressing to the point where I was done with all that drama long before anything was done about it. Even after having had time to process this book, I still can’t quite figure out Kaia’s decisions regarding her family. To each their own, I guess… *shrug*
But it wasn’t all unfortunate.
I liked Kaia’s friendship with her bestie Ella. It may have been a little rocky here and there but they stuck it out and their bond’s stronger than ever. Even though the new addition of characters and relationships were introduced (albeit a little sudden), the inkling of possible future stories had me perking up with interest. And no matter how crazy Calum’s and Kaia’s relationship had been throughout, and even though I didn’t completely agree with how things went down, the final scene with their happily ever after was sweet to witness. Things may not have gone according to plan and situations had to be altered, it was satisfying to see Calum and Kaia be able to move on and begin the next chapter in their lives.
Not going to lie, besides one main plot point that was predictable fairly early on, the conclusion wasn’t quite what I was expecting. But overall, it’s a decent wrap-up to the trilogy. It’s a slow, steady-paced storytelling and told from dual points of view so you get a good idea of each protagonists’ present mindset.
This was my first contemporary romance where a huge chunk of the storyline revolved around the world of ballet, and it was amazing to see elements of it from beginning to end. This may not have been my favourite out of the three books but I would still recommend this trilogy as a whole to fellow romance readers.
If you enjoy the following elements in your romance, this trilogy might be right up your alley:
Billionaire Romance
Age Gap
Secret/ Forbidden Romance
Contemporary
Suspense
Dance Backdrop
Drama/ Angst
This is a continuous storyline and each book must be read in order. Also note, this story contains sensitive subject matter that may be triggering for some readers, such as child abuse, rape, attempted murder, violence, harassment, and domestic abuse. It also broaches certain topics such as body image, PTSD, and one’s own personal choices. It contains mature sexual themes suitable for readers 18+ only!
RATING: ⭐⭐⭐¾
Thank you Vivian Wood and Candi Kane PR for the opportunity to read an advanced copy! 💛
🔔 Interested in reading the Broken Slipper Trilogy? Grab your copy here:
His safety. His sanity. But worse than that, the woman he loves. He will destroy Bishop’s Landing to get her back, even if it means becoming the monster she fears.
The entire city will feel his wrath.
Haley Constantine loves her beast, but she can’t walk away from her family. They need her now more than ever. It will take more than violence to face these enemies. It will take sacrifice.
Can she give up the man she loves to save him?
Fallen Rose is the third book in the Beauty and the Beast Trilogy. Reading order:
Book One: Secret Beast
Book Two: Hidden Beauty
Book Three: Fallen Rose
•••
• MY REVIEW •
*phew!* Lots to process about this third book in the Beauty and the Beast trilogy. But what stood out the most for me, was how much Leo Morelli has evolved from Secret Beast… to Hidden Beauty… to finally, Fallen Rose.
“The jumble of feelings I have for Leo rises—the love and the hate, the frustration and the fear. He’s everything good and hopeful in a dark world…”
Sheesh! When did the “villain” become the hero? And when did the supposed “lesser of two evils” become the evil incarnate?! I’m looking at YOU Caroline Constantine. 😤 If you’ve read the first two books of this story, then you will know Leo’s history with the Constantines— specifically speaking with the she-devil herself, Caroline.
Now, I’ve never in all the books I’ve read from the world of the Midnight Dynasty have taken a liking to Caroline. Ever. She may be more ruthless in some authors’ stories more than others, and some even depicted her with some semblance of a beating heart, but in no way did that sway me from knowing that that woman needs to be six feet under. I’ve added her in with the likes of Professor Umbridge (from Harry Potter), Maeve (from Throne of Glass), and Amarantha (from ACOTAR) as villainous characters that even a reader who loves villains would sneer at!
And if anyone had the right to hate her, stare daggers at her, and plot her demise, it would be Leo Morelli.
Fallen Rose has not only enraged me with bloodlust (Go! #TeamLeoMorelli), but it has mentally and emotionally drained me. 😅 Whilst I initially thought it was slow-going for the first couple of chapters, I quickly realized it was to ease me into what was a cacophony of epic frustration! Lol. I was seeing red. Bloody red everywhere! Don’t get me wrong… it had nothing to do with Wilde’s writing (if anything it was multifaceted, wonderfully written, and easy to follow), but all to do with the injustice I felt for Leo!
“I love you.” The words are so small. My love for her so great.”
I may not have found it as addictively thrilling as Secret Beast, but Fallen Rose is just as dramatic of a roller coaster ride. Although Leo and Haley do get their HEA, I can’t help but feel like it’s left me a little unsatisfied with how it all came about. Maybe because right from the very beginning I’ve been so invested in Leo Morelli, and knowing his past only cemented my love for the gritty fictional character that I was hoping (and somewhat expecting) a mic drop moment or two from the Beast of Bishop’s Landing. But what I discovered was a man who so desperately needed help but as I mentally looked around, there wasn’t one damn person powerful enough, or willing enough to stand with him. And those who did, just didn’t have the firepower needed for the war he was facing.
There was so many things I hadn’t expected. Some of which I felt were left unfinished. But, I can only hope with how things concluded, that perhaps I’ll see some kind of retribution resolution in the future? 🙏
I will say this— I utterly loved how Wilde had cleverly connected characters from her others books into this one. The crossover felt effortless and I was truly amazed at how their stories meshed so well with Leo’s. It was like a light bulb moment reading those scenes. I found myself saying “OMG, that makes so much sense”, or “OMG, yes! That’s brilliant!” — Not only was it cool that Wilde has managed to sneak in familiar characters from her other series into this one, but the fact that there’s common ground amongst these characters that connect them. Sigh. Probably my favourite scenes to read! ❤
Besides Leo’s and Haley’s story, I have to mention this book is pivotal for readers who are knee-deep in the world of the Midnight Dynasty. It definitely gives massive indications as to what you can expect from future books. Whilst it had me excited with anticipation, not going to lie, it also made me think, “Fuuuuuuck… that’s a lot of new characters! *cough* siblings*cough* 🙊
Leo’s character development was sublime in this book. If you enjoyed him when he was wholly cruel, I think you’ll enjoy his softer side just as much. It was almost heart-wrenching to witness how much he’s opened up with his feelings in this book since meeting Haley. Before this trilogy, we only got snippets (mostly from a Constantine’s POV) of the Morellis. So, it was such a refreshing sight to see the Morellis through their own eyes.
Not only has Wilde given each Morelli who made an appearance (whether in a major or minor capacity) such depth, but she’s managed to take the Constantines that were already brought to life by other authors into her own story and kept their image consistent to how they were portrayed in their stories, making this entire interconnected world all the more seamless.
Wilde has a way of bringing her characters to life through their relatability and the realism of their emotions. I didn’t necessarily agree or like all the characters’ actions in this book, but I understood that they had a role to play in this storyline — whether they were an ally or an enemy, they added dimension to the story and kept up the suspense.
I liked the complexity of the characters, the dynamics between them all, and the fact that although this was initially a Beauty and the Beast retelling, Wilde has executed taking the backbone of the tale and weaving in her own style. The storyline still had the essence but reads as an entirely new love story.
“For a beast, you really wear your heart on your sleeve.”
I only wish the book had an epilogue, even if Wilde decides to continue Leo’s and Haley’s story or provide updates/appearances in future books, in my opinion, the ending of this trilogy would’ve felt a little more wrapped up if one was included.
But overall, I thought the story progressed well, with nicely-paced storytelling, told majority from dual points of view. Although I must admit, Leo’s POV was a highlight in comparison to Haley’s as I didn’t see as much development as I would’ve liked from her. I do however like that she was a constant steady force in Leo’s life.
He has been through horrifying trauma that has altered his life physically, emotionally and psychologically. You will see how much it has affected not only his nature but his relationships with the people closest to him. This book definitely focused a lot more on the constant struggles with his demons and his overall character growth.
It’s an enemies-to-lovers romance story with angst and heartbreak, but also one full of love and hope. Putting aside the sweet HEA for Leo and Haley, the ending also provided a sense of peace for Leo, which ultimately left me in happy contentment.
Please note, books must be read in order as this is a continuous storyline. It also contains some sensitive subject matter that may be triggering for some readers, such as child abuse, violence, kidnapping, and attempted rape. It also contains strong sexual content, suitable for readers 18+ only!
If you like dark romances, complex characters, and the whole good vs evil type storylines, I highly recommend this trilogy, especially if you love Beauty and the Beast retellings.
RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Thank you Amelia Wilde, Candi Kane PR, and Dangerous Press for the opportunity to read an advanced copy! 💗
🔔 Interested in reading the Beauty and the Beast Trilogy? Grab your copy here:
What is a pirate without his ship? Without the sea?
I sacrificed everything to save Ashley. Now we’re hiding out while I build a new ship, a new life for myself. It’s paradise here on the island. Sparkling water and lush greenery. A beautiful woman by my side. But the threat of danger grows closer. The net tightens. We’re at risk every second we stay here, but there’s nowhere to run. Even the ocean won’t save us now.
Devil May Care is the third book in the Devil trilogy by USA Today bestselling author Amelia Wilde. The Devil and the Deep Blue Sea and A Deal with the Devil must be read first.
•••
• MY REVIEW •
Ohh-kay… mental note: Don’t mess with a man, his ship, and the sea! Get out of Poseidon’s way, people! ☠
This is the conclusion to the The Devil Trilogy. The first two books will need to be read prior as this is a continuous storyline. I’m not going to lie, I thought this one was a bit of mixed bag for me. After reading the first two in the trilogy I was invested in seeing where Poseidon’s and Ashley’s turbulent relationship would end up. I was eager to read this book. But what surprised me is I ended up more absorbed in Poseidon and his brothers unusual relationship and their zany little interactions. The dynamics and the unique contrast they each bring was intriguing (and at times entertaining) to witness.
I’ve said this in my review for The Devil and the Deep Blue Sea, I felt there was backstory between these brothers (at the time I hadn’t realized that Wilde had actually written separate book series’ for both Poseidon’s brothers all set in the same universe previous to this trilogy) but after seeing more of them in this third book, in my opinion it would be beneficial if their stories were read first before starting this trilogy. I had a lot of questions when they were first introduced in this story, and their reappearance in this final book only cemented the fact that I would’ve wanted to know more about Poseidon, his brothers, and their relationship in more depth — especially considering time has passed and both his brothers have their own families now. I felt a little lost at times. Other than a brisk overview of their stories, I still felt like I was missing a huge chunk of these brothers lives. Nevertheless, I found their unique bond and brotherly allegiance to each other my highlight of this read! It might have been brief but it’s what made this a hearty conclusion to Poseidon’s story. 😊
The length of the book is a relatively nice one for a full-length novel, with the pacing itself slower in comparison to the first two books. It’s character driven storytelling and a lot of it takes place in the one backdrop, and I felt just as equally frustrated as Poseidon and Ashley in having being stuck in the one place the majority of the time. Although, I thought Wilde executed the sense of dread and hopelessness in the atmosphere superbly. It certainly matched the environment they were in!
In regards to the writing format, I’m sure there are plenty of readers who find short, choppy storytelling to be lively but in this particular book I found it to be disjointed. Things constantly popped up only for it to be resolved just as quickly. I couldn’t connect with some of the more emotional scenes which was a shame considering those events were essentially life-altering for these characters. For example: Poseidon’s ultimate mission that had constantly been with him since the beginning concluded rather abruptly that the entirety of the story seemed somewhat anticlimactic. There was such mystery and suspense throughout just for it to end the way it did. Yes, overall it was a HEA but I don’t know, something was missing.
But in saying that, it still had plenty of dimension, with little side stories left, right, and centre. Poseidon’s and Ashley’s relationship was twisted and unconventional from the get-go and I all I can say is… it’s still going at it strongly! I’m talking an emotional rollercoaster — Passion. Drama. Angst. Tears.
I do have to point out there are sensitive subject matter that may be triggering for some readers. These characters are saturated in emotional, physical, and mental toll from their gritty lives. Please note it contains, violence, attempted kidnapping, domestic abuse, drugs, rape, and attempted suicide. It also contains strong sexual content — readers 18+ only!
As a whole, I found it to be an appealing take on the Greek mythology of Poseidon. I think the secondary characters are just as fascinating as the main ones. Besides Poseidon’s brothers, his crew were quite a band of lovable humans. It’s a bit slow-going for the majority but definitely picks up pace in the last third of the book — which, including the epilogue was my favourite parts of the story. There’s intrigue, some unexpected plot points, and a new adorable character that gave Devil May Care a decent, honest-to-goodness ending.
A pirate, his modern day princess, and their happily ever after. I have no doubt readers will enjoy this story. A twisted, dark contemporary tale of the god of the sea!
RATING: ⭐⭐⭐¾
Thank you to Amelia Wilde and Candi Kane PR for the opportunity to read an advanced copy! 💙
Owen Montgomery is arrogant and unfeeling–with cold, haughty manners and a British accent sharper than any knife. I’ve been secretly in love with him for years, knowing there’s no way he could ever notice me, the scholarship girl. The poor girl. Until that night in Ibiza…until that night we taste each other’s kiss for the first time, and I learn what hot hungers the ice king keeps hidden from public view.
It’s also the night when I discover that after three years of sharing classes and even friends, Owen still has no idea who I am. None at all.
Pride stung, I vow to focus only on myself and my future in publishing. But little do I know that I’ve awakened an obsession in Owen that will soon outgrow the halls of Pembroke Prep and spill over into the real world.
Owen wants me, and he’ll stop at nothing to have me. And soon I find myself with an impossible choice. Do I pick the future I always wanted for myself?
Or do I choose the blueblood whose kisses are as brutal as his love?
•••
• MY REVIEW •
Eeep. An opposite-sides-of-the-tracks, new adult romance that utterly had me melting into my bed whilst reading it! Owen and Tanith took me on an emotional journey of epic proportions. These two came from two different worlds that was slowly but surely melding together. It started with an instant attraction, that quickly turned into a mutual addiction of one another, that gradually became a relationship that would change both their lives. Despite their sizzling chemistry there’s a stark realization that they’re from completely different social standing and on different wavelengths when it came to the bigger picture.
I was totally enamoured by their story. I’m a fan of opposites attract and hate-to-love romance tropes, but adding those elements into a premise where the hero comes from money and has it a little easier, whilst the heroine worked her ass off to make her dreams come true… it’s pure swoon-worthy entertainment! 😍
Owen Montgomery proves not all bad boys get the attention. You can be the responsible one and still win over the girl!
I didn’t see this one coming, and it still hasn’t sunken in yet… but I am 99.99% sure that Brutal Blueblood is my new favourite book from the Hellfire Club! And yes, Owen has officially nudged both Keaton and Lennox off their top spots as favourite Hellfire boy! I guess only time will tell if Owen can keep the throne from the remaining Hellfire boys still left to share their story: Phineas and Rhys. Eeep.
I’m gonna be honest, and I don’t even know if I’m in the minority here, but when these Hellfire boys were first introduced in Wicked Idol, and we got to know more about their personalities and relationships in the following book Callous Prince, Owen was the one guy who didn’t instantly grab my attention as much as the others. The guys each have their own strong, unique personality and can be very vocal about their opinions, especially when the girls are involved, whilst Owen kinda just stands to the side and watches the drama unfold amongst his friends. So naturally, now that his story’s here, I was keyed up to know more about this “ice king”.
Ironic, really. Owen hadn’t a clue who Tanith was, and here I was about to start Brutal Blueblood wondering who the hell is Owen Montgomery?! 😅
Well, I can tell you now that Becker Gray has created a completely different Hellfire boy in Owen from Keaton and Lennox. What sets the entire atmosphere of this book differently from the first two is the fact that Owen is described as the responsible one, who tends to keeps out of trouble, and as far as the “manwhorism” goes, he’s discreet in comparison to his friends. The first two books were based heavily on hate-to-love romances, whilst Owen’s and Tanith’s relationship was one that organically grew from an instant attraction. Their story was hot and heavy, yet had plenty of development throughout.
Owen is not the only one that is set apart from his friends — Whilst everyone around her comes from wealth, Tanith is a scholarship student, doesn’t come from money at all, and from amongst her friends, she’s more introverted and her interests differs preferring solitude and reading to big parties and getting drunk. She has strong opinions and principles that’s constantly being challenged by Owen’s.
Their journey was rocky, with constant misunderstandings, and the further I got into the story the more I found their relationship and their emotions quite relatable. There isn’t a lot of lighthearted banter between them to break the ice during their disagreements which resulted in their reactions coming off authentic that you can’t help but feel for them both.
As I mentioned earlier, Brutal Blueblood is my new favourite from the series. Whilst each one had me invested, there was just something so refreshing about Owen’s and Tanith’s story that made theirs standout just a smidge more in my eyes. I love the steady character growth from Owen, and seeing his commitment to his unexpected relationship with Tanith so seriously and going as far as willing to improve himself and change his mindset just squeezed my swooning heart. There’s a comforting balance to their relationship that made me so invested in seeing them work through their hurdles and have their happily ever after.
Add in their friends and their drama (and an occasional wise word of two amongst them), and this book was gripping on so many levels. From Owen’s and Tanith’s budding relationship, to the quirky friendships, to the ongoing intriguing side stories happening in the background. I also found in this particular story, the presence of Owen’s family gave you a deeper insight to Owen’s life, the dynamics amongst them, and ultimately helped exhibit how much growth his character had from start to finish.
There is one particular scene between Owen and Tanith with a certain *cough* email *cough* that I would’ve wanted cleared up. It was a pivotal moment not only for their budding relationship but it was also a time when Owen begun to open up. I’m not sure if Becker Gray completely forgot about it or they felt it was no longer needed as Owen and Tanith found their way to each other anyways, but damn my curious little heart I wanted to know! 🥺
But nevertheless, I am addicted to the Hellfire Club, with each boy attracting you to them in their own unique way. You can technically read each one as a standalone if you wanted to, but it just wouldn’t be the same experience. Relatively quick reads, you won’t have a problem reading any one of these books in one sitting.
I adore the coupling, keen for all the drama, and the friendships in this series are both hearty and oh-so irresistible!
Brutal Blueblood (along with the rest of the series) is such an effortless read, with its well-paced storytelling, told from dual points of view (with additional cute inner monologues from our MCs), and an eclectic cast of secondary characters to add more dimension to this already dreamy world-building of elite social standing and all that comes with it: money, power, and connections.
I enjoyed it, and highly recommend to fellow romance readers. Even if you’re not a fan of mature YA/ NA romance, I think you’ll still enjoy this one as it doesn’t read as your stereotypical teen romance. These characters, whilst on the cusp of adulthood, are already dealing with mature situations, making solid plans for their future… and with the level of sexual content included, it’s certainly for readers 18+ only. 🙈
RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½
Thank you to Becker Gray, Candi Kane PR, and Dangerous Press for the opportunity to read an advanced copy! 💙
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