Finn Hughes knows about secrets. His family is as wealthy as the Rockefellers. And as powerful as the Kennedys. He runs the billion-dollar corporation. No one knows that he has a ticking time clock on his ability to lead.
Eva Morelli is the oldest daughter. The responsible one. The caring one. The one who doesn’t have time for her own interests.
Especially not her interest in the charismatic, mysterious Finn Hughes.
A fake relationship is the answer to both their problems.
It will keep the swarming society mothers from throwing their daughters at him.
And it will keep Eva’s mother from bothering her about marriage.
Then the fake relationship starts to feel real.
But there’s no chance for them. No hope for a woman who’s had her heart broken. And no future for a man whose fate was decided long ago.
•••
• MY REVIEW •
“I could lose myself in you.”
Okay, hold up! Who the hell is Phineas Hughes, where did he come from, and how come I’m only learning about him now!??
Skye Warren has just turned the world of the Midnight Dynasty on its head by introducing another powerhouse family to the Morelli-Constantine playpen. In a sweet and heartfelt story, Finn and Eva are such refreshing characters in what has been a sea of dark and broody personalities.
A fast-paced, relatively quick read, and told from dual points of view—One For The Money takes you on an emotional journey of two individuals who have more in common then they initially thought. Their similarities and need of escape from the daily grind is what ultimately forms their pact, but the intense sexual chemistry and genuine comradery is what makes their relationship a development I was wholly invested in.
Right from the opening scene, Finn and Eva caught my undivided attention. The air around me practically crackled with mischief and giddiness, just knowing that these two were about to take me (and fellow readers) on one gripping ride. It doesn’t disappoint. I was highly entertained, emotional, and fully sympathetic to both their predicaments.
A ton of spice… and all things nice! 😉😊 It’ll leave you a little dishevelled as it ends on quite a cliff-hanger. You can see this conclusion coming a mile away, but it no way takes away from the overall beauty of the story. Although some plot points were fairly predictable, I honestly didn’t mind it one bit, and it had lot to do with how likable I found Finn and Eva to be.
What is it about tragic love stories that makes you fall hard for the characters and hope for a happily ever after? 🤔 It may have started out innocent enough between Finn and Eva but you quickly discover that their relationship is bound for more than fun and games and simply being each other’s perfectly-timed arm candy. I love the sincerity and deep-hearted familial roots that encompass them both. It’s interesting to see how much love and devotion they have for their families despite having grown up in very different dynamics.
I was happy to see several character crossovers from other Midnight Dynasty books. Skye has managed to capture each character’s personality to a T, provided brief yet highly sought-after updates to their lives, and effortlessly interconnected all the books (both past and upcoming releases).
This book is well-written with what I think is a lovely balance of light-heartedness and thought-provoking drama. The Notebook meets Me Before You, in the sense that they have heart-breaking heroes, complex life stories, and headstrong heroines navigating through a life of restraints.
It broaches on serious, real-life matters that can be especially relatable for those who have gone or are going through similar experiences. I couldn’t help but sympathise these genuine, caring-natured protagonists who struggle through expectations within their social and private standings. It heavily mirrors real-life concerns such as health and well-being, adulting and with it—responsibilities, and it reiterates the importance of a support system and its impact on one’s mental state.
Another amazing addition to the Midnight Dynasty that I highly recommend! It stands out as a rare change of pace from the dark and gritty romances that this vivid fictional world already comprises of. As billionaire, fake relationship trope in a contemporary romance setting, this first book in the Hughes series is a dreamy introduction to what I can only hope will be Finn’s and Eva’s epic love story! I can’t wait for book two.
RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Thank you Skye Warren and Give Me Books PR for the opportunity to read an advanced copy! 💙
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.
Ramona knows pain and she wears it behind a perfectly made-up mask of laughter, sass and a personality that makes most men weak at the knees.
Emphasis on most men.
Because there happens to be one man her charm doesn’t work on…Adan.
Member of the gorgeous biker club who took over the garage next to her best friend Eve’s café. Oh, and there’s one more tiny little thing…he’s now her patient.
After suffering burns in a fire, Adan lost the ability to use not one, but both of his hands. Enter Ramona. Registered nurse on her first job since completing her degree. And of course she’s put with the gorgeous, grumpy, rough biker who wants nothing more than for her to leave him the hell alone.
But, alas, she simply cannot.
Stuck together, there is nothing Ramona can do…except her job.
The problem is Adan is making her job very difficult. Not only does he live like he’s running a brothel, but the man refuses to do anything she asks him. He’s irritated and barely speaks, and when he does speak, it’s usually to insult her.
Not going down without a fight, Ramona does everything she can to keep her spirits high, including tormenting the poor man at every chance she gets. She’ll get him to laugh before her time with him is over.
Adan will like her.
And she will complete this job with a glowing review.
Not matter the cost.
No matter the game.
He’ll get a Heart-On for her…and she’ll make damned sure of it.
•••
• MY REVIEW •
Ooo Wee! This was a such an improvement from the first book! So, so much more gripping and hits you in the feels! 😍 I can’t help but think Bella has gone through the reviews for Biker Schmiker and made some tweaks to ensure Heart-On would be better perceived. And boy, just like that, she has made this series loads more exciting now!
The lightheartedness is still very much present. The contemporary romance aspect is still more prominent than the MC element but it’s still a swoon-worthy MC romance story! Just like in the previous book, this one had plenty of entertaining banter between the protagonists. You get a snippet of their chemistry in Biker Schmiker but by the start of this book, that chemistry has turned electric due to Ramona’s and Adan’s forced proximity.
First off — the premise was intriguing as hell. After Adan gets caught up in a freak accident involving arson resulting in his hands being badly burnt and now in need of constant medical care, in comes Ramona, a newly licensed nurse, and her first job? Yep, being Adan’s personal home care nurse! *mic drop*
The heated exchange from these two were on a level a smidge more entertaining to see than Eve and Riggs (not going lie). They butt heads, are constantly challenging one another and throughout it all they battle the sexual tension between them.
Similarly to Riggs in Biker Schmiker, Adan is a bit of womanizer. He’s not a complete manwhore but he’s definitely indecisive when it comes to who he wants. There’s a bit of love triangle going on here. Some angst. Some drama. And, most certainly some racy scenes!
Please note: It contains violence and sexual content suitable for readers 18+ only!
This book also contains cheating. If you have issues with this matter in your romance stories, then you might want to give this one a miss.
Whilst I enjoyed Ramona’s and Adan’s story a lot, there were some questionable decisions made and situations that had my eyebrows raising and my jaw dropping with disbelief. But don’t get me wrong, it’s all to do with the fact that I got so invested in their story. It was a rollercoaster ride that had me on the edge of my seat eager to see what would happen next because I can tell ya… bomb after bomb just kept on dropping! 😱
Another relatively quick read. I wished it was longer, but on the other hand I like the fact the Bella is consistent in keeping each book in this series a certain length. They’re short but action-packed, full of suspense, and the romantic elements will have you hooked. There’s also a secondary story or two happening simultaneously that adds dimension to Ramona’s and Adan’s story and enhances the world-building.
The rest of the MC members are back to add more fun to this already light, romcom-ish story, and you get to see appearances from Eve and Riggs from the first book too! This may only be the second book in the series but I already adore the friendships and the extra oomph they bring into each story.
I love that with each new couple we get to know a bit about more about their backstory and see their character growth further. Ramona is an in-your-face, independent, and fiery heroine. She’s loud, proud, and confident. Adan is man who’s not only a badass biker, but who knows his strengths. He’s cocky and arrogant at times but in a easy-going funny way that makes you giggle. His inability to read women—or should I say Ramona was a hilarious bonus to see!
They have a quirky hate/love relationship going on there, but somewhat of a caring friendship has formed too where they got to know each other on a deeper level. I thought their emotions were relatable and realistic, and the frustration and second-guessing from Ramona was totally spot-on for the situation she found herself in with Adan.
Ugh. Such a fun read that I will undoubtedly reread over an over whenever I’m in need of a mood-booster! I highly recommend this book, and whilst it can be read as a standalone I would still recommend you start with the first one as the characters are linked and some of the context included do lead up to the next story in the series. You’ll also have a better understanding of how the characters interconnect and the level of their relationships.
If you enjoy hate-to-love romances that have an element of game-playing between the protagonists, then give this one try. The MC element is there but it’s more contemporary romance. It’s well paced, and like the first book, told solely from the heroine’s point of view. Whilst I would’ve liked to have Adan’s as well, in comparison to the first book, the hero’s POV wasn’t as strongly needed in this one. It’s character driven as the majority of the story revolves around Ramona’s feelings and perspective.
It had so many elements I so truly hoped to find in my romance books:
Hate-to-love/ Enemies-to-lovers
Romantic Comedy
MC Romance
Suspense
Interesting world-building
Gripping storyline
Lovable characters
The world-building has expanded a smidge more by introducing Ramona into these bikers world. And with Ramona and Eve already being friends, a nice little girl club has formed as a strong counterpart to the club. Overall, it left me wanting more and excited to read the next book with the next swoon-worthy couple to be! Another amazing read from Bella Jewel!
Evelina has worked hard to get where she is in life. At the young age of twenty-five she became the proud owner of the town’s most infamous café, Wildflowers. Not only does this café make the best cakes in town, but it hosts the most successful open mic nights, bringing singers from far and wide to own the stage and take their dreams to the next level.
Coming from an Italian background, Evelina has a large family, a bubbly personality and the kind of drive that makes her café the best of the best. She prides herself in her witty personality, bubbly demeanor and strength to take her dreams by the horns. She is unstoppable and determined.
That is, of course, until a biker club moves into the empty garage she shares a parking lot with. For years, that garage has been empty and Evelina has had the space entirely to herself. Now, there are cars, motorbikes, parties, half naked women, alcohol and a President that is rude, gorgeous and refusing to keep the noise down.
Her café is going to struggle if she doesn’t do something right away.
The problem is, they are refusing to move.
Evelina is going to have to dig deep and find any way she can to get them to leave…even if things have to get messy.
She’s worked too hard.
This is her lot. This is her town.
That gorgeous biker and his club are going to find themselves in the midst of a war…a turf war.
And Evelina plans to win.
*Contains Adult Content*
•••
• MY REVIEW •
Ooh. Okay. I think this might be the first MC romance book of Bella Jewel’s that I’ve read where it was definitely a lot more lighthearted, less MC and more contemporary romance.
When I first discovered Bella Jewel’s books, she quickly became an auto-buy author for me. Her dark MC romances have been some of my all time favourite reads. I’ve read enough to know what I can expect from her stories…
So it came as a bit of shock that this particular new MC series was a lot more lighthearted, more comic relief added, and certainly felt more contemporary in theme. The MC elements were evident but it wasn’t the complete focus. Biker Schmiker is character driven with 100% full of fiery banter between the hero and heroine.
I admit I have mixed feelings about this story and there was some getting used to in comparison to Bella’s other books. I felt like it was a little choppy— it alternated between a serious situation to lightheartedness, and then back again all throughout that it felt like a stop-start journey. Whilst the banter was entertaining and at times raunchy, the storyline was a little confusing and a bit much. So many plot points were in this one that it felt like one thing after another popped up for Eve and Riggs to deal with.
The story had amazing potential, especially with how Riggs and his club were first introduced into the small town Eve resides in. The chemistry between Eve and Riggs was zingy and kept me invested in seeing where the story would head to next (coz for the love of the book gods it was fucking unpredictable)! 😅
What confused me about this story was some of the crazy plotlines that seemed a little unbelievable. Not to mention some of the characters’ reactions were somewhat far-fetched (specifically the protagonists) in regards to said situations. It fringed on over-the-top madness. But I got to hand it to Bella for giving “crazy” a good crack! 😜
It was well-paced storytelling, action-packed, and full of dramatics. It’s told solely from Eve’s POV, but I really would’ve liked to have seen Riggs’ perspective as well, just so we can get an in-depth insight to his feelings too— especially considering he did some pretty shady things that I was surprised Eve would want anything more to do with him. But in saying that, there’s a good amount of character and relationship development that I grew to like Eve and Riggs more and more as I progressed through their story.
Both the leads are down to earth, relatable characters. Putting aside their cruel plotting to destroy one another, it’s clear they are caring, decent people. The overall atmosphere is modern and lighthearted. If you enjoy heated enemies-to-lovers/ hate-to-love romance stories with MC elements, then give this one a go. There’s plenty of game-playing that’ll have you turning those pages whilst grinning!
But I must point out that Riggs and Eve’s relationship was a bit of rollercoaster with tons of push and pull. For a good chunk of the story, their relationship was on-again-off-again unsteady, in which Riggs hooks up with other women. This type of trope is not a hard-no for me personally but I know it can be a bit of a no-no for other readers when it comes to their romance reads, and it’s why I included this bit of spoiler as a warning for those considering to read this book.
Please also note that it contains sensitive subject matters that may be triggering for some readers. It contains violence, assault, and strong sexual content. Readers 18+ only.
In my honest opinion, it’s a rocky start to a new series but it did hold my attention. Besides the constant sexual frustration coming off of Eve and Riggs that was all-out giddy to witness, the secondary characters were equally entertaining additions in keeping the story and their world appealing.
The friendships felt genuine and downright fun to see. There was plenty of comic relief within, but the banter, jokes, and little chats amongst the friends were some of the highlights.
The overall execution fell a little short for me, but it had a budding world-building and enough likable elements that by the end of the book I was looking forward to reading the next one. It’s a relatively short but sweet read. Bella’s effortless writing style and talent for creating quirky and engaging characters was delivered in this one no matter how complicated the storyline was.
As I mentioned earlier, tons of potential. I’m looking forward to seeing where Bella takes this series and how she plans to expand their world. An overall lively and playful MC-lite romance story between two fierce, strong-willed people!
📎 Blogger’s Note: This is a revised review! I had initially only intended on reading the first three original books from the Benedetti Brothers, but being a Natasha Knight fan, 🤭 I needed to catch up on her backlist of books and decided finishing the Benedetti Brothers series was a good place to start.
The series consists of five books in total. Each book in the series can be read as standalone. The first three books in the series are on the Benedetti brothers (the following two books are just set in the same world).
•••
Book One | SALVATORE
• BLURB •
Lucia
It all started with a contract signed by him, then by me, while our families watched. While my father sat silent, a man defeated, giving his daughter to the Benedetti monsters.
I obeyed. I played my part. I signed my name and gave away my life. I became their living, breathing trophy, a constant symbol of their power over us.
That was five years ago.
Then came the time for him to claim me. For Salvatore Benedetti to own me.
I had vowed vengeance. I had learned hate. And yet, nothing could have prepared me for the man who now ruled my life.
I expected a monster, one I would destroy. But nothing is ever black or white. No one is either good or evil. For all his darkness, I saw his light. For all his evil, I saw his good. As much as he made me hate him, a searing passion burned inside me.
I was his, and he was mine.
My very own monster.
Salvatore
I owned the DeMarco Mafia Princess. She belonged to me now. We had won, and they had lost. And what better way to teach a lesson than to take from them that which is most precious? Most beloved?
I was the boy who would be king. Next in line to rule the Benedetti Family. Lucia DeMarco was the spoils of war. Mine to do with as I pleased.
It was my duty to break her. To make her life a living hell. My soul was dark, I was hell bound. And there was no way out, not for either of us. Because the Benedetti family never lost, and in our wake, we left destruction. It’s how it had always been. How I believed it would always be.
Until Lucia.
• MINI REVIEW •
Dark, mafia romance ✔
Enemies to lovers ✔
Arranged Marriage ✔
With lots of banter, intimidation and lust! 🤤
This is a great start to the series. It immediately gets you intrigued with Lucia being forced into a secluded life with Salvatore. There’s history between these two characters and their mafia families. What starts out as hatred, slowly but surely turns into lust, then eventually love. It’s a Romeo and Juliet type romance along with their two warring families.
I always enjoy some banter in my hate-to-love romance books — and this was a good one! There’s a nice little build-up. Lucia and Salvatore can deny their attraction for each other all they want but it doesn’t mean it’s not evident.
But there blossoming romance comes with issues. Not to mention Salvatore’s own personal conflicts with his family and the pressure of being the next one up to head the Benedetti family and all that comes with being in the mafia.
This book is full of drama. With a few swoon-worthy moments here and there.
RATING: ⭐⭐⭐¾
•••
Book Two | DOMINIC
• BLURB •
He’s the last born son of the mafia king. The one with nothing to lose.
I’m the daughter of a foot soldier and the sister of a snitch.
Monsters have been part of my life for as long as I can remember, but none as dangerous as Dominic Benedetti. None as cruel. None as broken.
I have no illusions about what he is. I have no desire to save his soul. And I can’t care about his bleeding heart.
But love isn’t always beautiful or kind.
It can be a twisted, ugly bitch.
I’d always known this was the kind I’d find. The only kind that could touch me.
Because some of us, we belong in the dark.
And Dominic and I belong in the dark.
• MINI REVIEW •
This is a captive/ captor romance. Contains sensitive content that may trigger some readers (e.g. kidnapping, violence, trafficking).
But ahh… Who doesn’t love the bad boy from the bunch?! 😜
I knew from Salvatore’s story that I had to read Dominic’s book. He’s the black sheep of the family. He’s the youngest, who was never considered to rule so he causes trouble where he can, whenever he can. When everything crumbles around him, he leaves it all behind… but what happens when he can no longer escape his past?
Dominic is the bad boy with the attitude and he knows it. He doesn’t pretend to be anything else. His story is one of acceptance, growth, and healing.
The developing relationship between Dominic and Gia not only saves both their haunted lives but it changes them. Despite the fucked up way that they meet, in the end there’s no doubt that they are well suited for one another. I loved seeing Dominic’s character growth, from when you’re introduced to him back in Salvatore’s book all the way to this one. You can’t help but not hate him (even with everything that’s happened).
Besides the romance, his story had a good chunk of family dynamics. Reading this book made me understand and see his family in a new light… including Dominic himself *whispers* …and I had already loved him when he was being anasshole. 🤭
And who says bad boys can’t be romantic as hell?!
RATING: ⭐⭐⭐¾
•••
Book Three | SERGIO
• BLURB •
I’m the first-born son of the mafia king. The favorite. Destined to rule, I’m a dangerous man, a ruthless one. But in my world, you have to be.
Then Natalie stumbles into my life. Wrong place. Wrong time.
Twice, fate put her in my path.
Twice, fate placed the innocent lamb at the mercy of the monster.
I gave her a chance to walk away. Told her it would be better for her if she did.
But she didn’t listen.
And now it’s too late.
Because I’m not good. I never wanted to be. And I won’t let her go anymore. See, I’m not the hero. When I touch her, it’s with dirty hands.
I know my reckoning is coming though. I know I’ll burn for the things I’ve done, the sins I’ve committed. And I don’t deny hell is where I belong, but I want my time first. I want my time with her.
She’s mine.
Forever.
No matter what.
• MINI REVIEW •
⚠ This review contains spoilers!
Aw, this was bitter fucking sweet! Ended the trilogy of the Benedetti brothers with possibly the best brother and book from them all!
This is a somewhat opposites attract romance. Such a contrast between Natalie being this innocent young woman, and Sergio being the next in line in the Benedetti family to be the Mafia king, yet the attraction is fire! 🔥
“Wrong place, wrong time, sweetheart.”
Going into this book knowing that Sergio Benedetti wouldn’t be surviving the end, I mentally prepared myself. What I hadn’t counted on was that Sergio would become my absolute favourite brother. Dammit!
The more I read, the more I dreaded getting closer to finishing the book because Sergio stole my heart from the second he appeared… and knowing that I would have to read and experience his demise was gut-wrenching.
Yes, I cried. 💔
I’m so glad Natasha decided to write his story. It’s definitely worth the read. I love that Sergio and Natalie’s love was fierce. They knew their time together would be limited and they didn’t bullshit around. Sergio knew what he wanted, and damn well got it!
Not only has the book wrecked me, but it’s also made me wonder how Sergio (and Natalie) would’ve lived out their lives had they had the opportunity to. After now having read all three books, I have no doubt that Sergio would’ve been the best man to rule. Personality-wise, I thought he was the most balanced out of the brothers. Considering he was in the business of death, danger and darkness, he still had the most heart.
Thoroughly enjoyed reading every bit of Sergio and Natalie’s short but sweet romance. Beautifully told.
RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
•••
BOOK FOUR | KILLIAN
• BLURB •
Cilla
The Beast had Belle.
Killian Black has me.
How I got here doesn’t matter, even though he says it does. Says it was my choice. He doesn’t get it, though. It wasn’t ever a choice for me.
And now, he’s changing the rules.
The agreement was one month. For thirty days, I’d be his. He’s no longer satisfied with my body alone, though. He wants my soul, too. Wants every part of me. And even though I can pretend I’m safe when I lie beneath him, this man does something to me. Something wicked.
A thing that will break me.
Killian
Cilla made the choice. She offered the deal. I just took her up on it. So what if I changed the rules half-way in? I’m not apologizing for it.
See, Cilla and me, we’re the same. She’s dark. As dark as me. Something happened to her. Something bad. It damaged her.
But it’s not a hero she seeks. It’s an avenging angel. A dark knight. That, I can do. I’ll slay her dragons, but it’ll cost her, because in return, I want everything. And I’ll take it.
She’s mine.
Author’s Note: Captive Beauty is a standalone romance. Think Beauty and the Beast, but twisted and dark in the best, dirtiest ways.
• MINI REVIEW •
Backed into a corner, desperate, and willing to sacrifice herself for her brother, Cilla does just that and is immediately swept up in the dark and gritty world Killian has trapped her into for the foreseeable future.
Knight has written a few books with a Beauty and the Beast theme to it, and every single one had been a dark and twisted take on the classic tale that completely sucked me in. Killian’s and Cilla’s story was one full of secrets and lingering darkness, and as they navigate through their emotions you see a slow but obvious development between them that is deeper than their initial physical attraction.
Very much a broken-damsel-in-distress with an avenging-antihero plotline. Killian is nowhere near saintly but he’s willing to go to hell and back for Cilla. You’re constantly in suspense as the story unfolds and although you know fairly early on that there’s something big looming over these characters, you’re still never quite prepared once it’s revealed.
It’s definitely not for the faint-hearted. There may be some endearing moments but this story is gut-wrenching, at times truly disturbing, and all-around set in a blanket of hopelessness.
⚠ Please note, it contains matters that may be triggering for some readers. It contains child abuse, rape, attempted suicide, violence, along with emotional, physical, and mental trauma. Please read responsibly. Intended for readers 18+ only.
RATING: ⭐⭐⭐¾
•••
BOOK FIVE | GIOVANNI
• BLURB •
I’m the right-hand man of the mafia king.
She’s a girl with a past she’s desperate to hide.
But I need something from her.
And I know she won’t help me. Not willingly.
She’ll need some persuading.
Lucky for her, I can do that.
Something about this girl makes me curious, though, and it’s more than the scars that line her back. She’s on the edge of something. Something bad. She’s like a perfect, beautiful doll coming apart at the seams. And the last string is about to snap.
She thinks I’ll hurt her. Break her.
But thing is, she’s already broken. And she and I, we’re two peas in a pod. She’s my match, the perfect opponent. She’ll fight me to the finish, but I’ll win. I always do.
Because I’m a man used to getting what I want. And what I want is her.
Author’s Note: Giovanni is a STANDALONE dark mafia romance set in the Benedetti Brothers Mafia World. It’s an emotionally gripping enemies-to-lovers romance with a hard-earned HEA.
• MINI REVIEW •
⚠ Starting off with a trigger warning. From all the books in the series, Giovanni is the most dark, with triggering content. It’s intended for readers 18+ only. It contains graphic violence, rape, torture, emotional, physical, and mental trauma. Please read responsibly.
For a dark romance story with a possessive, slightly crazy alphahole of a hero… Giovanni’s actions were surprisingly understandable. 🙊😅 He quickly becomes intrigued by Emilia and her secretive backstory and made him just as quickly protective of her.
Like the previous books in the series, there’s an enemies-to-lovers/ hate-to-love romance trope between the protagonists… and just like the previous books, the chemistry between these protagonists are just saucy!
Emilia has one of the most tragic pasts from all the heroines and I’m not going to lie, there were moments that were a little tough to read through. If you have any triggers, I don’t recommend this book, as it can get very graphic. Giovanni is the perfect morally grey character to keep Emilia afloat when she was slowly drowning and in complete denial of her life.
There are some questionable actions taken between these two characters that did have me “hmm-ing” and slightly grimacing, but in the grand scheme of things, it didn’t take away my overall enjoyment of reading their story, especially knowing that it would conclude on a HEA.
Emilia and Giovanni took a chance on one another and their journey was an intense, heartbreaking story, but what I ended up loving the most was how much effort Giovanni had taken to ensure Emilia’s safety, even before their relationship developed. Have tissues handy… just in case.
RATING: ⭐⭐⭐¾
•••
As mentioned earlier, each book can be read as standalone and technically in any order. But I recommend you still read them in publishing order despite the fact that Salvatore’s book contains the biggest spoiler for Sergio’s story.
All are relatively quick reads (each can easily be read in one sitting), and all told from dual points of view.
Besides the continuous family issues in each book, the only other similarity is with the heroes possessiveness over their heroine. They’re all mafia romances but each story and couple have a little something different from the last. These men are “alphaholes”, but you’re bound to love one, two or all! 😉
These books are gritty. There’s sensitive subject matters that may be triggering for some readers. The characters experience a range of cruelty, brutality, and violence that can be graphic to read.
I recommend the series to readers who are already familiar with dark mafia romance/ romantic suspense books. They’re truly addictive and immediately hook you in. Great world-building with a dark atmosphere, amazing storytelling, and edge-of-your-seat romances!
OVERALL RATING: ⭐⭐⭐¾
•••
Happy reading and as always, catch you in my next one! Xo
This morning, Kady thought breaking up with Ezra was the hardest thing she’d have to do. This afternoon, her planet was invaded.
The year is 2575, and two rival megacorporations are at war over a planet that’s little more than a speck at the edge of the universe. Now with enemy fire raining down on them, Kady and Ezra—who are barely even talking to each other—are forced to evacuate with a hostile warship in hot pursuit.
But their problems are just getting started. A plague has broken out and is mutating with terrifying results; the fleet’s AI may actually be their enemy; and nobody in charge will say what’s really going on. As Kady hacks into a web of data to find the truth, it’s clear the only person who can help her is the ex-boyfriend she swore she’d never speak to again.
Told through a fascinating dossier of hacked documents—including emails, maps, files, IMs, medical reports, interviews, and more—Illuminae is the first book in a heart-stopping trilogy about lives interrupted, the price of truth, and the courage of everyday heroes.
•••
— MY REVIEW —
⚠ WARNING: CONTAINS SPOILERS!
This was my second sci-fi book ever read (The first was The Martian, which I loved!) So I seriously hoping it would be similar to that book in the sense that the “science-y” stuff is going to be easy to follow, that there was a bit of humor to break up all the technical aspect and based off of the synopsis a bit of romance.
Well… this book didn’t fail. I loveeeeed it! 🙌 I’ve been saying to just about anyone who would listen that if all science fiction books were as amazing as The Martian and Illuminae are then I could be reading a lot more from the genre! 😉
I think another thing that captured me with Illuminae is how quirky and different the book layout was. It wasn’t set out like your everyday typical book. Some of the pages were written to form images, some were written to make follow each line into a bigger picture. It’s hard to explain, all I can say is if you haven’t gotten a copy yet – do! Go to your local bookshop, look for it and just flip through it and you’ll see what I’m trying to say.
The book overall is set a journal/ records type format and put together into one big file, basically. So there’s emails between characters, logs recorded from certain days and interviews. It’s ridiculously jam-packed!
It’s very well created and it had me wanting to keep reading to find out what happened next. It was hard putting it down for the day.
I never saw full reviews on Illuminae prior to reading it so I wasn’t sure what people thought of it besides whether or not they liked it but I have to say halfway through the book I had a strong sense of Resident Evil-esque to the story line. Where the spaceship’s AI (aka AIDAN) is corrupted and pretty much turns evil and starts wanting to kill everyone on board but thinking he’s doing the right thing. Then you have half the crew and civilians on board infected with some kind of virus that’s also causing serious problems all over the ship. It’s one massive chaotic disaster that puts you on the edge of your seat.
“Am I not merciful?” — AIDAN
Reading about Kady and Ezra’s roller coaster relationship added a romantic touch to an otherwise sci-fi story line and it pretty revolves around them and wanting to keep each other safe. I loved reading their messages to one another. It’s probably the bits of the book I loved reading the most.
Besides the sci-fi aspect and the romance aspect – this book also provides us with comical relief in all the right places (usually involving Ezra because he’s a funny smartass). 😄
Downside to being introduced to super cool characters?
…
That was me the further I read. As much as I loved reading Kady and Ezra’s exchange of funny but sweet banter-filled emails, I knew it wouldn’t have lasted forever and I was right. Why do authors love making us fall for characters just to take them away from us?
Spoiler Alert: Ezra died! 🙈
Yep… and just like Kady, you don’t find out til it’s too late. Unless you’re one of the clever readers who analysed every detail of this book and probably saw signs early on.
*Side Note: Jay and Amie actually said that if you really pay attention to the details in the book, it gives off little clues on who certain characters are that are still unknown to us or hints of upcoming events.
Seriously, this book was one big fuuuuuuuck-with-your-mind type of story. It was so hard to put it down because I just didn’t know which direction the story is going. I don’t know about other people who’ve read this but I didn’t see any of the plot twists happening. Not even a smidge! Maybe I need to reread it again and keep a lookout for those hints I mentioned earlier lol.
RATING:♥♥♥♥½
Another highly recommended book. If you’re like me who usually only ever reads fantasy fiction, give this one a go. Trust me you won’t regret it and I guarantee you’ll love it enough to want to read Gemina (second book in the Illuminae series)!
•••
Happy reading, friends! Hope you’re all doing well. Catch you in my next one! Xo
Another old review I never posted. 🙈 But better late, than never!
This was one of the very first historical romances I ever read (before I even knew it was considered “historical romance” because at the time I was clueless about sub-genres). But anywho — I borrowed it at my local library on a whim. Glad I did too!
•••
— BLURB —
Lady Sabine is harboring a skin blemish, one, that if revealed, could cause her to be branded as a witch, put her life in danger, and damage her chances of making a good marriage. After all, what nobleman would want to marry a woman so flawed?
Sir Bennet is returning home to protect his family from an imminent attack by neighboring lords who seek repayment of debts. Without fortune or means to pay those debts, Sir Bennet realizes his only option is to make a marriage match with a wealthy noblewoman. As a man of honor, he loathes the idea of courting a woman for her money, but with time running out for his family’s safety, what other choice does he have?
As Lady Sabine and Sir Bennet are thrust together under dangerous circumstances, will they both be able to learn to trust each other enough to share their deepest secrets? Or will those secrets ultimately lead to their demise?
*** This is Book 3 in the An Uncertain Choice series (aka Noble Knights Series).
•••
— MY REVIEW —
As mentioned earlier, I borrowed this book from my local library on a whim liking how the blurb sounded. But I hadn’t realized at the time that this was part of a series… and the last book too (check the edit below)! What were the chances?!
(But note to self — Get onto Goodreads first and research before borrowing books!)
I’m usually not a fan of reading books out of order in a series, despite the fact that they can all be read as standalone. I’m obsessive compulsive that way, but I didn’t want it to go to waste before I had to return it so… I read it! 😄
Thank goodness each book in the series has different protagonists with completely separate story lines. The thing that connects each book is that the characters all know each other one way or another.
I feel like I’ve been reading YA fantasy fiction with so much detailed romance (that it should technically be in the NA category), so this was a nice, simple change of pace. This book was quoted as “clean” historical fiction and I absolutely agree. It has the cute, lovey-dovey, hallmark romance going for it that still makes you grin.
Sabine is a spunky, strong-willed protagonist who has her moments of teenage rebelliousness. But you gotta love her for it. Her lighthearted banter between her grandmother and especially with Sir Bennet is what made this story all the more enjoyable. Yes, they were stuck in the middle of a dangerous battle with secrets up in the air but boy, I couldn’t help but swoon during the scenes where Sabine and Bennet were together and wondering how the other truly feels about.
There’s a little bit of magic and curses wrapped around Sabine that’s affected her ability to trust and open herself up to new people. Things are not what they seem.
An overall nice, steady developing romance with just a little bit of suspense and secrecy thrown in that’ll keep you engaged. There’s a simple little world-building here, enough to keep you picturing castles, pretty dresses, chivalry, and with it — seedy minions! 😜
RATING:♥♥♥½
•••
This was an enjoyable read! 👍 If you have a few hours to kill and looking for a quick read, I highly recommend this one! Ooh and the rest of the series too!
Side Note: After checking Goodreads, there’s apparently a fourth book; A Loyal Heart to be released sometime this year! I hope it does get released, I’m liking this series so far.
**EDIT: Since this is a super old review that I never got around to posting, my guess is the fourth book HAS been released. Although I can’t say for sure as I never did get around to finishing this series (and I hadn’t looked at on Goodreads since). 😅 But I still would recommend it though. It’s clean, adorably sweet, clean romance books.
This was a reaaaally old review (I’m talking years old) that for some unknown reason I never got around to posting. Even this pic from my Instagram is old. Haha. But after a little tweaking here and there, here it is! 😅
A chance encounter in the dark leads eighteen-year-old Daniel and the girl who stumbles across him to profess their love for each other. But this love comes with conditions: they agree it will only last one hour and it will only be make-believe.
When their hour is up and the girl rushes off like Cinderella, Daniel tries to convince himself that what happened between them only seemed perfect because they were pretending it was perfect. Moments like that with girls like her don’t happen outside of fairytales.
One year and one bad relationship later, his disbelief in insta-love is stripped away the day he meets Six: a girl with a strange name and an even stranger personality. Daniel soon realizes the way he pretended to feel about Cinderella and the way he really feels about Six may not be so different after all. Especially when the two loves of his life end up being one in the same.
Unfortunately for Daniel, finding Cinderella doesn’t guarantee their happily ever after…it only further threatens it.
•••
— MY REVIEW —
Well apparently I shouldn’t have read this one before reading the rest of the books in the “Hopeless” series. This is how much of a CoHo newbie I am that I didn’t even know that she had book series. I seriously thought all her books were standalone contemporaries…
I should’ve checked Goodreads first! Eeep. 😅😅
Anywho — I can’t do much about it now. I already read the book. Haha!
Books that are inspired from, or is a retelling of a fairy tale will always peak my interest. It’s mostly the reason why I decided to start with Finding Cinderella before any of her other books.
The main difference with the classic tale and this modern take is that the protagonist is not “Cinderella” but “Prince Charming” himself — aka Daniel. This is YA fiction and I’d say he’s a pretty typical teen.. with realistic mannerisms and attitude (he actually reminded me of a few guys I used to go to high school with). Picture the cool guy in class who loves to make jokes and who doesn’t seem to be phased by anything — yeah, that’s Daniel… at least on the surface. This is a great example of not to judge a book by its cover (no pun intended). Daniel, is actually a fairly nice, caring person. I loved his relationship with his family and their interactions together. The way they can joke about things with each other and take it lightheartedly, it surprisingly made me laugh out loud.
It’s an enjoyable easy-going read with a steady pace, and I thought the overall story was okay. This is a novella so I wasn’t expecting a deep, long storyline but it could’ve easily have reached that point near the end, unfortunately Daniel and Six’s story wrapped up a little too conveniently for my liking and with I guess you would call “a happily ever after” ending.
All in all, it’s not a bad book to start off with when it comes to Colleen Hoover, but then again… as many people have said all of CoHo’s book are pretty good. She’s not a best selling author for nothing! 😉 I’m looking forward to reading more of her books!
RATING:♥♥♥½
**EDIT: I just checked Goodreads and this was the first thing that popped up before the synopsis — “This novella is a companion novel to the Hopeless series, but can be read as a standalone.”
— Wooo! I don’t feel too badly for reading this now before the other books! 🙌😜
•••
Finding Cinderella by Colleen Hoover is FREE to read!
Everyone Celaena Sardothien loves has been taken from her. But she’s at last returned to the empire—for vengeance, to rescue her once-glorious kingdom, and to confront the shadows of her past…
She has embraced her identity as Aelin Galathynius, Queen of Terrasen. But before she can reclaim her throne, she must fight.
She will fight for her cousin, a warrior prepared to die for her. She will fight for her friend, a young man trapped in an unspeakable prison. And she will fight for her people, enslaved to a brutal king and awaiting their lost queen’s triumphant return.
The fourth volume in the New York Times bestselling series continues Celaena’s epic journey and builds to a passionate, agonizing crescendo that might just shatter her world.
•••
— MY REVIEW —
I got to tell you guys Heir of Fire was my most favourite book so far in the series but after reading Queen of Shadows, I’d have to say they both equally top it now.
When all the characters finally come and meet each other for the first time in this book, you don’t know how it’s going to go down and you’re completely on the edge of your seat. It’s amazing! I have fallen in love with certain characters in this book whom I didn’t really connect with in Heir of Fire. One example is Manon Blackbeak. I wasn’t big on the story of the witch clans when they were introduced in that book. I thought they just got in the way of the storyline I really wanted to read about at the time (which was the Celaena/ Rowan/ Chaol situation lol) but my opinion did a complete turnaround on the witches in THIS book.
So if you were like me who wasn’t such a big fan, I advise to keep reading. It totally gets a lot better. Manon, her adorable wyvern Abraxos and her thirteen are some of my faves to read about now…and… if all goes the way I hope it will in the next book (Empire of Storms) for Manon and a certain someone *wink wink* then I will be one happy chappy!!
I was a little bit frustrated – annoyed – irritated with the first part of the book though. Where Celaena finally comes back to Adarlan and catches up with Chaol. Ughhh..it totally gave me a headache. It was like they were two completely different people who hated each other (more so than when they first met). I was not a fan! That part of the book crushed so many Celaena/Chaol fans’ hearts! Mine included. 😞😞
Hmm.. come to think of it. I think the whole book was just one big heartbreak concerning those two and knowing it will never be the way it was between them. As much as I love Rowan and them being together now. I did also love Chaol with her. It’s just sad.
I do however love that Dorian had more of a role in this one. He’s one of my favourite characters and although I couldn’t believe half of the things he had to go through in this book I’m glad it turned out the way it did and now I can’t wait to see him kick some ass in Empire of Storms!
Okay, so here it is. Look forward to reading more about Manon, Dorian (of course more Aelin/ Rowan moments) and the war that’s brewing over the wyrdkeys and the power they possess. The introduction of Aedion and the return of an old “friend” aka Lysandra are 2 other reasons as to why this book is worth the read.
The storyline in Queen of Shadows is definitely getting down to the nitty-gritty end. It’s a lot more serious and more lives are in danger (which of course I am now panicking over).
I’ve come to the realisation that the more characters Sarah J Maas introduces into her books and the more you love them, the more you have to be prepared to lose them! And boy has she introduced so many amazingly lovable characters in this one. *hint, hint* (Lorcan). 🤫
It’s action packed and I guarantee you will fly through it. There’s always something happening – good or bad and you won’t be able to put the book down.
I should’ve checked Goodreads first! Eeep. 😅😅
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