midnightdynasty – booksofthemuggleborn

Three To Get Ready by Skye Warren

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

⚠ This review contains a minor teaser!

booksofthemuggleborn_threetogetready — Original post from my IG @booksofthemuggleborn

•••

• BLURB •

There’s a ticking time bomb in Finn Hughes’s head.

That means he has to prepare everyone. Eva. The baby. The company, which is in an uproar after the announcement. He needs to get them ready. Because when the curse hits, it will be too late to say goodbye.

Welcome to the Midnight Dynasty… The warring Morelli and Constantine families have enough bad blood to fill an ocean, and their brand new stories will be told by your favorite dangerous romance authors.

WARNING: This book is intended for readers eighteen years old and over. It contains material that some readers could find disturbing. Enter at your own risk…

•••

• MY REVIEW •

“Our ending was written in the stars a long time ago.”

A sweet and hopeful ending (or should I say beginning) to Eva and Finn’s journey, but admittedly their overall HEA was underwhelming.

This book felt relatively shorter than the previous two but understandably so as their story wraps-up. Although I loved the genuinely caring and protective relationship that developed between the MCs, I did find it somewhat difficult to settle in and really connect with this book. The fast-pacing for the majority of the time lead to skimming through plot points that had been gradually developing from the previous books— which ultimately resulted in abrupt conclusions. Now that I’m thinking back over the entire story, in my opinion it probably would’ve fared better as a duet than a trilogy.

The secondary cast of characters—more specifically the family dynamics and interactions elevated the atmosphere and ended up being the parts of the book I enjoyed reading the most. Although Eva and Finn were placed in a difficult position with no guarantees of a positive outcome, the solid support system that surrounded them from beginning to end was genuinely touching to see. The character crossovers from other Midnight Dynasty book series’ are a definite highlight and added just the right amount of lightness to balance out the sombre mood.

As a whole, I enjoyed Eva and Finn’s story. It was a great change of pace from the other Midnight Dynasty books as it wasn’t at all dark or gritty. It’s a heart-warming contemporary romance between two overly caring and decent characters that both truly deserved love and happiness. The struggles they go through are relatable, and I liked that their relationship was a work-in-progress, constantly evolving and strengthening.

It’s not one to be missed by readers following the every-growing collection of books within this world. If you’re a fan of Warren’s writing, and/ or a fan of billionaire romance reads that contain some complexity and heart, then give this one a try. Despite not loving this particular book entirely, I am a fan of Eva and Finn. I think they have one of the sweeter stories set in this world and a truly well-matched pairing. This is also one of the few romance books I’ve encountered where the heroine is older (albeit slightly) than the hero. It’s hardly noticeable with their dynamic but as someone who doesn’t particular look for this element in my reads, and only come across it by chance, I thought it was a pretty nice detail.

Fake Relationship
Billionaire Romance
Instant Attraction

It’s told from dual POVs with an epilogue that leaves no room for doubt on how their story concludes. With the books I’ve read by Warren in the past I found her writing to be intriguing, drama-filled, and angsty… Eva and Finn’s story delivered all three of those elements.

As this is a continuous storyline, the first two books must be read before starting this third and final one. The story centres around a medical condition, and the overall impact and toll on the people affected by this particular illness. I wouldn’t necessarily say it’s triggering content but it’s definitely of a sensitive nature. Please keep in mind before starting the series. It’s intended for readers 18+ only.

RATING: ⭐⭐⭐½

Thank you Skye Warren and Give Me Books PR for the opportunity to read an advance copy! 💛

🔔 Interested in reading the Hughes Series? Grab the books here:

Book One | One For The Money: Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon CA | Amazon AU | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Apple Books | Google Play
Book Two | Two For The Show: Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon CA | Amazon AU | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Apple Books | Google Play
Book Three | Three To Get Ready: Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon CA | Amazon AU | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Apple Books | Google Play

•••

🥃 Hughes Series

Original post from my IG @booksofthemuggleborn

Book One: One For The Money by Skye Warren

Book Two: Two For The Show by Skye Warren

•••

More Midnight Dynasty reviews!

🥿 Skyscraper Cinderella | Book One:

Stroke Of Midnight by K. Webster

🧡 Dark Hearts Trilogy | Book One:

Stolen Hearts by M. O’Keefe

🌹 Beast of Bishop’s Landing | Book One:

Secret Beast by Amelia Wilde

🔥 Hellfire Club | Book One:

Wicked Idol by Becker Gray

✝ Standalone Taboo Romance:

Lessons In Sin by Pam Godwin

🕊 Dark Dream Duet | Book One:

Dangerous Temptation by Giana Darling

🎨 The Collector Trilogy | Book One:

Dark Reign by Amelia Wilde

♠ Wonderland Trilogy | Book One:

King Of Spades by Alta Hensley

🧭 Deserted Island Trilogy | Book One:

Force Of Nature by Skye Warren & Amelia Wilde

•••

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

Ace Of Diamonds by Alta Hensley

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

⚠ This review contain minor teasers!

booksofthemuggleborn_aceofdiamonds — Original post from my IG @booksofthemuggleborn

•••

• BLURB •

The winner takes all…

I had her. She was mine. They took her away.

Lyriope Morelli is the dream I’ve been chasing. My obsession isn’t gone, my hunger’s not satiated. I won’t rest until I find her and claim her again. I won’t rest until I’ve dragged her safely back to Wonderland.

Villains don’t get the happily ever after written for them in the story. And I’m the villain of this story–vicious and calculating, terrifying in my whims. Which is why, when it comes to my queen of hearts…

The game has just begun.

WARNING: This book is intended for readers eighteen years old and over. It contains material that some readers could find disturbing. Enter at your own risk…

•••

• MY REVIEW •

“I fucking love chaos.”

What a whirlwind trip around Wonderland for this third and final book in the trilogy. It was a madhouse of emotions as Nick and Lyriope navigate through unchartered territory. With Nick risking his reputation and all he has worked for in building his infamous Wonderland, and Lyriope officially entering the lion’s den with the Morellis, it seems they’ve dug themselves into an even bigger hole that’s going to need some finessing to get out of unscathed.

With dual points of view and fast-paced storytelling, this part of their story was constantly developing. Lyriope had plenty of questionable actions throughout that left me confused and frustrated, that it was a relief to see Nick was as cool and calm as ever— and the main source in ensuring they both come out of the drama with a HEA.

If you love angst, tons of self-induced drama, and a heaping serve of sex and sin, then you will undoubtedly get a kick out of this third instalment in Hensley’s Wonderland trilogy. It’s very much character-driven and with how emotionally charged these leading characters are, there’s a vivid sense of anxiety and impulse in the air all throughout.

“Come and play with me in Wonderland, motherfuckers. Come play.”

This dark billionaire romance has content that some readers may find triggering such as violence and domestic abuse. It also contains strong sexual themes and is intended for readers 18+ only.

There’s some good moments but I would’ve enjoyed this book more if there was a more substantial plot. I enjoy romantic content as much the next romance reader… but in moderation. This book focused around Nick and Lyriope’s racy romps, that it lacked in-depth storytelling and overall balance. Besides some action sequences, spectacularly vivid descriptions of Nick’s adult-themed Wonderland parties, and a couple of heart-to-hearts with certain secondary characters this book had fairly few character developments, and ultimately left me wanting a more concrete conclusion with certain situations and characters cleared up.

Although I’m glad to see this story wraps-up with a bonus epilogue, it just wasn’t the epilogue I was expecting or hoping for. It read more as an extension of Nick and Lyriope’s romantic escapades. You won’t see more than their immediate future, and leaves you with a HEA that’s full of possibilities.

Whilst this book wasn’t my favourite of the three, as a whole I thought it was an eye-catching take on the classic tale of Alice in Wonderland. Hensley has without a doubt added an erotic twist to it and ultimately extended the world of the Midnight Dynasty by adding another intoxicating backdrop to the mix.

Nick Hudson is an exceptional and twisted Mad Hatter hero and has definitely kept things entertaining from beginning to end. Putting aside my love/hate relationship with Lyriope ~~Bailey~~ Morelli, Hensley has amazingly mirrored certain traits from Alice onto her own heroine— from the rollercoaster of emotions, to navigating through unpredictable paths, to shedding her innocence, growing up, and finally being able to stand up for herself, as Nick puts it; a Queen.

I think it’s a must-read for fans of the Midnight Dynasty, and romance readers who like to try an Alice in Wonderland inspired story. Please note, this is a continuous storyline and King of Spades and Queen of Hearts must be read first before reading this one.

RATING: ⭐⭐⭐¾

Thank you Alta Hensley and Candi Kane PR for the opportunity to read an advance copy! 💙

🔔 Interested in reading the Wonderland trilogy? Grab your copy here:

Book One | King Of Spades: Amazon US | Amazon INTL | Apple Books | Nook | Kobo | Google Play
Book Two | Queen Of Hearts: Amazon US | Amazon INTL | Apple Books | Nook | Kobo | Google Play
Book Three | Ace Of Diamonds: Amazon US | Amazon INTL | Apple Books | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Google Play

•••

♠♥ The Wonderland Trilogy! ♦♣

booksofthemuggleborn_wonderlandtrilogy — Original post from my IG @booksofthemuggleborn

Book One: King Of Spades by Alta Hensley

Book Two: Queen of Hearts by Alta Hensley

•••

More Midnight Dynasty reviews!

🥿 Skyscraper Cinderella | Book One:

Stroke Of Midnight by K. Webster

🤍 Dark Hearts Trilogy | Book One:

Stolen Hearts by M. O’Keefe

🌹 Beast of Bishop’s Landing | Book One:

Secret Beast by Amelia Wilde

🔥 Hellfire Club | Book One:

Wicked Idol by Becker Gray

✝ Standalone Taboo Romance:

Lessons In Sin by Pam Godwin

🕊 Dark Dream Duet | Book One:

Dangerous Temptation by Giana Darling

🎨 The Collector Trilogy | Book One:

Dark Reign by Amelia Wilde

🧭 Deserted Island Trilogy | Book One:

Force Of Nature by Skye Warren & Amelia Wilde

🥃 Hughes Series | Book One:

One For The Money by Skye Warren

•••

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

Two For The Show by Skye Warren

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

⚠ This review contains a minor teaser!

booksofthemuggleborn_twofortheshow — Original post from my IG @booksofthemuggleborn

•••

• BLURB •

Pregnant. Alone. And heartbroken. The only thing Eva Morelli knows for sure is that she wants this baby. She learned how to depend only on herself a long time ago.

The father, however? He made his position on marriage and children very clear.

Finn Hughes has fought his fate for years, but it’s finally catching up to him. Duty took away his choices. How can he hope for forever? He already knows how this ends.

There’s only one thing worse than having a family. Losing them.

WARNING: This book is intended for readers eighteen years old and over. It contains material that some readers could find disturbing. Enter at your own risk…

•••

• MY REVIEW •

“I’ll give her seven years. Or maybe only seven months. And when I’m lost to the world, when I leave her in mind, if not in body, she’ll forgive me.”

Ooh we’re in the thick of it now with Finn and Eva! This second book in the Hughes series has heighted the emotional turmoil that they’re both facing. It’s completely angst-ridden, at times oh-so heart-breaking, and by the end left me on pins and needles in anticipation of the next book.

It’s an emotional journey of epic proportions that Finn and Eva are on and the way Warren has beautifully written it so far had me transported smack dab alongside them as they navigate through their dramatic world.

Finn Hughes is a complex protagonist that steals your attention. I was curious by his character right from the first book, and after reading this one it only heightened my interest. His not your stereotypical billionaire hero and I think that’s what makes him stand out from the crowd. He’s neither arrogant nor an alpha-hole, which is quite a change of pace from the men of this world.

Eva Morelli on the other hand is unpredictable in her ways, but no less intriguing. I wasn’t sold by all the things she had said and done in this book, but I still find her to be a likable heroine. I do feel as if we’ve barely scratched the surface and can only hope there’s more to her character than what has already been presented.

It wouldn’t officially be a Midnight Dynasty book without having some appearances from the Morelli and Constantine clans joining the Hughes family in adding dimension and a whole ton of complexity on top of Finn and Eva’s already fragile relationship. Be prepared for a few teary-eyed moments, even pops of frustration for some of the things that’ll go down.

I enjoyed seeing some realism of vulnerability and raw emotions coming from these characters. They have massive concerns and I found their reactions and thought-process (as disoriented as they might be) fairly understandable, especially when they feel like things are unravelling and have no sense of control or power to change it.

It ends with a jaw-dropping cliff-hanger that had me playing everything I just read over in my mind to see how I might have missed signs leading up to this conclusion. Just when I thought this book wasn’t going to have anymore surprises. 🤦‍♀️😅

It’s well-paced storytelling and for the most part with a melancholic atmosphere. There’s very little light-heartedness included, but in no way is it overly depressing either. Yes, there’s some saddening content but there’s also a balance of positivity and moral support for all characters included. I thought there was gradual character growth that flowed well with the developing narrative’s pacing.

This book showed a rare side to the Morelli clan. If you haven’t read any of the previous books in the world of the Midnight Dynasty, you would almost think the Morellis brutal reputations didn’t precede them. Lol. The familial dynamics and contrast of personalities have such an impact to this story, and to both Finn and Eva. They also leave you curious to know more of their own story and wanting to check out the backlist of books from this world.

All in all, it’s a billionaire romance story with what started out as a fake relationship turned very real, very quick! As Finn and Eva’s relationship deepens the more things hang in the balance, and the secrets that Finn has been struggling with are getting harder and harder to manage. Controversies will wreak havoc. Questions will need to be answered. And there certainly will be hell to pay!

One For The Money is the first book in the series and will need to be read first as this is a continuous storyline. It touches on real-life situations and mirrors the struggles people go through on a day to day basis with these life-altering matters.

I enjoyed reading this book and would absolutely recommend it. It’s an amazing continuance from the first book and leaves you eager for the next instalment. The spice level is low but with this particular story I didn’t mind it all. It’s full of heart, and as it is character-driven, it’s propelled by deep-seated emotion. Have tissues on standby… just in case.

RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Thank you Skye Warren and Give Me Books PR for the opportunity to read an advanced copy! ❤

🔔 Interested in reading the Hughes series? Grab the books here:

Book One | One For The Money: Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon CA | Amazon AU | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Apple Books | Google Play
Book Two | Two For The Show: Amazon US | Amazon INTL | Apple Books | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Google Play

•••

🥃 Hughes Series!

booksofthemuggleborn_oneforthemoney — Original post from my IG @booksofthemuggleborn

Book One: One For The Money by Skye Warren

•••

More Midnight Dynasty reviews!

🥿 Skyscraper Cinderella | Book One:

Stroke Of Midnight by K. Webster

🤍 Dark Hearts Trilogy | Book One:

Stolen Hearts by M. O’Keefe

🌹 Beast of Bishop’s Landing | Book One:

Secret Beast by Amelia Wilde

🔥 Hellfire Club | Book One:

Wicked Idol by Becker Gray

✝ Standalone Taboo Romance:

Lessons In Sin by Pam Godwin

🕊 Dark Dream Duet | Book One:

Dangerous Temptation by Giana Darling

🎨 The Collector Trilogy | Book One:

Dark Reign by Amelia Wilde

♠ Wonderland Trilogy | Book One:

King Of Spades by Alta Hensley

🧭 Deserted Island Trilogy | Book One:

Force Of Nature by Skye Warren & Amelia Wilde

•••

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

The Reckless Union by Monica Murphy

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

⚠ This review contains a minor teaser!

booksofthemuggleborn_therecklessunion — Original post from my IG @booksofthemuggleborn

•••

• BLURB •

Our marriage may look like a fairytale, but outside forces threaten to tear us apart. Don’t they realize that nothing will keep me apart from Charlotte? Not my family. Not hers either.

What started out as a relationship in name only has evolved into something much more. Something deeper. And when Charlotte is taken from me, I launch into action, determined to rescue her.

She’s mine. Nothing is going to stop me from being with her.

Not a damn thing.

•••

• MY REVIEW •

“Life is meant to be lived. Perry has shown me that.”

Happy sighing in contentment! 😊 I absolutely adored the first two books in this trilogy, and this third and final one was the perfect culmination to Charlotte and Perry’s unconventional but nevertheless sweet coupling.

This part of the story is pretty much a straight shot to the end. The first book was the intriguing introduction, the second was the gripping build-up of suspense and budding romance, and this third concluded the plot twists, cleared up any misunderstandings, and re-established certain relationships.

What stuck-out in particular within this third book are the two family dynamics. You see a lot more of the Lancasters and get an inkling of each family member’s character. They were introduced into the Midnight Dynasty through Charlotte, but they have their own set of books outside of this world. The Constantines on the other hand are one of the two powerhouse families within the world of the Midnight Dynasty, and character crossovers of Perry’s family is something to look forward to. As an avid fan of this world, seeing the appearances of certain family members not only added contrast and further complexity to the story, but also added some entertaining banter that kept the overall atmosphere light-hearted.

It’s an easy contemporary romance read that promises an honest-to-goodness happily ever after. Charlotte and Perry’s relationship gradually evolved throughout the books. They went through a challenging journey full of insecurities, doubts, familial drama, and all-around emotional turmoil to come out the other side with a genuine, open and loving relationship.

Perry Constantine’s story was one of my most anticipated and Murphy has executed it beautifully. She’s taken all the snippets of him in previous books and elevated it. I appreciated the fact that she’s kept his character fairly similar to how he was initially introduced to the readers of the Midnight Dynasty, so no matter which set of books you start within this world, he’s character is still relatively persistent.

All in all, I thought it was a sweet ending, with the epilogue really cementing their HEA, and I’m glad the story doesn’t leave you with any unanswered questions. This trilogy has become one of the favourite stories from this world. Not only was it my introduction to new-to-me author Monica Murphy, but it’s made me curious about the Lancaster family and wanting to check out the backlist of books involving Charlotte’s siblings.

Told from dual points of view with steady-paced storytelling, it was effortless to follow. As this book wraps-up the story you’ll find the level of suspense has lowered from the first two, concentrating more on their relationship more than anything else. But you can bet intimacy, steamy interactions, and a few swoon-worthy moments are still very much present.

It’s a billionaire, arranged marriage romance that I would absolutely recommend to fellow romance readers. It’s a character-driven storyline that will take you on an emotional rollercoaster ride from start to finish! I couldn’t have asked for a better heroine than Charlotte for the oh-so charming Perry Constantine!

RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Thank you Monica Murphy and Valentine PR for the opportunity to read an advanced copy! 🧡

•••

💍 The Wedded Bliss Trilogy!

Original post from my IG @booksofthemuggleborn

Book One: The Reluctant Bride by Monica Murphy

Book Two: The Ruthless Groom by Monica Murphy

•••

More Midnight Dynasty reviews!

🥿 Skyscraper Cinderella | Book One:

Stroke Of Midnight by K. Webster

🤍 Dark Hearts Trilogy | Book One:

Stolen Hearts by M. O’Keefe

🌹 Beast of Bishop’s Landing | Book One:

Secret Beast by Amelia Wilde

🔥 Hellfire Club | Book One:

Wicked Idol by Becker Gray

✝ Standalone Taboo Romance:

Lessons In Sin by Pam Godwin

🕊 Dark Dream Duet | Book One:

Dangerous Temptation by Giana Darling

🎨 The Collector Trilogy | Book One:

Dark Reign by Amelia Wilde

♠ Wonderland Trilogy | Book One:

King Of Spades by Alta Hensley

🥃 Hughes Series | Book One:

One For The Money by Skye Warren

•••

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

The Crash by Skye Warren & Amelia Wilde

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

⚠ This review contain minor teasers!

booksofthemuggleborn_thecrash — Original post from my IG @booksofthemuggleborn

•••

• BLURB •

Carter Morelli works alone, but his orders are clear. Pilot the small aircraft carrying the renowned geologist to a remote island. Except the plane malfunctions at a crucial moment.

June Porter wants to stay on solid land. She doesn’t want to fly, but it’s the only way to get to the dig site. Then her worst fears come true.

A heavy storm. A swift fall from the sky. And a heart stopping crash.

An emergency landing leaves them stranded.

A shadow moves through the trees. They aren’t alone in the jungle.

•••

• MY REVIEW •

“I said we wouldn’t crash, and life made a fool out of me. It can’t happen again. It’s up to me to get us to safety, somehow.”

Warren and Wilde must’ve laughed at the thought of a prequel novella being an easing introduction to its main story because they plunge you straight into the deep end with this one! 😱

It’s fast-paced, punchy, and already has the heat levels rising. You can’t fault the premise because you’re getting exactly what it says it entails…

Plane crash? Check ✔
A deserted island? Check ✔
Lust-fuelled interactions? Check ✔
Danger lurking in the shadows? Again… check ✔

The Crash has set the atmosphere and the instantaneous dynamic between June and Carter. It’ll leave you armed with the know-how of the ominous situation they’ve been unexpectedly thrust into, and raring to start Force Of Nature.

I immediately perked up at the opposites-attract trope in this story, and I can already tell June will be a breath of fresh air in the Morelli family, and ultimately within the world of the Midnight Dynasty. Carter is not at all what I had expected from his brief appearances in previous stories, but I’m intrigued by his character, now more than ever.

“But I want her. The crash shattered my self-control.”

It’s a contemporary, billionaire romance with a twist. Carter may be a Morelli but he’s certainly not the intimidating, suit-wearing type, who flaunts his wealth and power… well, not yet at least. June is a likable heroine who screams “damsel-in-distress”, but having read quite a few books from this world and in particular from these two authors, there’s always more than meets the eye with the characters.

It’s a great little intro to June and Carter as protagonists, and seeing their first encounter. I would’ve loved to have seen a tad more suspense to really amped up the story and for what’s to come, but I’m not fussed because this is just the prequel. The instant-attraction mixed with the life and death experience they share leaves plenty of room for their relationship to develop, and with how this novella concluded, another element has been added to keep things on the island just a smidge more complicated.

RATING: ⭐⭐⭐¾

Thank you Skye, Amelia, and Give Me Books PR for the opportunity to read an advanced copy! 💚

•••

More Midnight Dynasty reviews!

🥿 Skyscraper Cinderella | Book One:

Stroke Of Midnight by K. Webster

🤍 Dark Hearts Trilogy | Book One:

Stolen Hearts by M. O’Keefe

🌹 Beast of Bishop’s Landing | Book One:

Secret Beast by Amelia Wilde

🔥 Hellfire Club | Book One:

Wicked Idol by Becker Gray

✝ Standalone Taboo Romance:

Lessons In Sin by Pam Godwin

🕊 Dark Dream Duet | Book One:

Dangerous Temptation by Giana Darling

🎨 The Collector Trilogy | Book One:

Dark Reign by Amelia Wilde

♠ Wonderland Trilogy | Book One:

King Of Spades by Alta Hensley

🥃 Hughes Series | Book One:

One For The Money by Skye Warren

•••

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

Queen of Hearts by Alta Hensley

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

⚠ This review contains a minor teaser!

booksofthemuggleborn_queenofhearts — Original post from my IG @booksofthemuggleborn

•••

• BLURB •

No matter how far I run, Nick Hudson finds me.I’m a pawn in a twisted game of power and revenge. And he’s a masterful player.He’s going to hold me and hurt me, protect me and punish me. In a dangerous world of wealth, decadence, and sin, I have no choice but to sink into to the arms of my enemy.There’s a price to be paid, though. I must surrender control to enter this new wonderland of seduction. And I must learn to find strength for the fight that’s coming. Being a Morelli has never been so dangerous.The warring Morelli and Constantine families have enough bad blood to fill an ocean, and their brand new stories will be told by your favorite dangerous romance authors.WARNING: This book is intended for readers eighteen years old and over. It contains material that some readers could find disturbing. Enter at your own risk…

•••

• MY REVIEW •

“Since meeting Nick, I have felt like I’ve been falling down a deep hole that leads to a land of complete chaos and madness.”

This story has delved deeper and deeper into Wonderland, I’ve become more and more invested in seeing how it will all come together for Lyriope and Nick.

I love my fairy tales but I’ve never been big on Alice in Wonderland. But Hensley’s clever take on the classic tale has definitely turned my head upside-down! 🙃 I’ve nibbled on the mushroom, eaten a huge hunk of the cake, and taken a good gulp of that “drink me” potion. I am all in with the unpredictable Wonderland that Hensley has so marvellously re-imagined for her own story. This second book has amped up the stakes with plenty more suspense, new set of twists and turns, along with another intricate layer added to Lyriope and Nick’s relationship.

It’s fast-paced storytelling, and a relatively quick read to get through. It concludes on an unbelievably jaw-dropping ending that had me cursing the book gods for the cruel, yet enticing peek at what can be expected from the third and final instalment of the trilogy.

What started out as a mutually beneficial deal between Lyriope and Nick, has turned into a maze of emotions, careless actions, and risky outcomes. The Morellis and the Constantines, along with a new rival have finally caught up with Nick’s illustrious world, and are making grand moves to ensure only one empire holds all the cards.

Because of these new developments the story has taken a darker turn with this book containing sensitive subject matter that may be triggering for some readers. Kidnapping, graphic violence, and overall domineering actions take place. It’s intended for readers 18+ only, and also includes strong sexual content.

As the story hits the nitty-gritty, these leading characters displayed a lot more growth, which is a welcoming depth to the overall narrative and world-building. Both Lyriope and Nick are complex characters who’ve each experienced tragedy in their past that have ultimately caused personal hang-ups. But despite all their issues, there’s a sense of cohesiveness to their partnership that I was slowly but surely embracing as more time passed.

Besides the angsty yet blistering romance, the group dynamic amongst Nick’s close-knit circle was a surprising but nevertheless interesting highlight within. The secondary characters were on-point; having a diverse range of personalities that I adored seeing, whether they were morally grey characters or not.

Hensley has not only sucked me into this lavish world of make-believe, with the extravagant backdrops and dreamy promises of HEAs, but her storytelling was effortless to follow and instantaneously drew me in. I admittedly was on the fence after reading King Of Spades, not entirely sure whether I liked the premise or the leading characters for that matter, but I’m relieved I hadn’t prematurely closed the book on this trilogy because Queen Of Hearts cemented my emotional and mental need to finish Lyriope’s and Nick’s story.

At first glance, I hadn’t considered it to be such a headliner of a story, yet Wonderland and having a secret Morelli heir and a man of endless possibilities making waves amongst two powerful warring families has added a new element to the world of the Midnight Dynasty, and an entertaining and edgy new playing field for new and existing characters.

It’s drama-filled with the perfect amount of danger thrown in. It’s another fitting display of the twisted and ruthless families. This book has a gradual uneasiness that culminates on a noteworthy ending. I’m loving this newest addition and cannot wait to read Ace Of Diamonds. It’s a must-read for fans following the Morellis and Constantines, and for readers who are intrigued by this modern, twisted Alice in Wonderland-inspired dark romance. The majority of the book focuses on Lyriope and Nick’s lustful romance with the story told from dual POVs, but it still has a nail-biting atmosphere with suspenseful plotlines in place that will evoke some deep emotion out of you.

Please note, it is a continuous storyline and book one; King Of Spades must be read first before diving into this second part.

RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Thank you Alta Hensley and Candi Kane PR for the opportunity to read an advanced copy! ❤

🔔 Interested in starting the Wonderland Trilogy? Grab the first two books here:

Book One | King Of Spades: Amazon | Amazon INTL | Apple Books | Nook | Kobo | Google Play
Book Two | Queen Of Hearts: Amazon US | Amazon INTL | Apple Books | Nook | Kobo | Google Play

•••

♠ Start the Wonderland Trilogy!

booksofthemuggleborn_wonderland — Original post from my IG @booksofthemuggleborn

📖 Book One: King Of Spades by Alta Hensley

•••

More Midnight Dynasty reviews!

🥿 Skyscraper Cinderella | Book One:

Stroke Of Midnight by K. Webster

🤍 Dark Hearts Trilogy | Book One:

Stolen Hearts by M. O’Keefe

🌹 Beast of Bishop’s Landing | Book One:

Secret Beast by Amelia Wilde

🔥 Hellfire Club | Book One:

Wicked Idol by Becker Gray

✝ Standalone Taboo Romance:

Lessons In Sin by Pam Godwin

🕊 Dark Dream Duet | Book One:

Dangerous Temptation by Giana Darling

🎨 The Collector Trilogy | Book One:

Dark Reign by Amelia Wilde

🥃 Hughes Series | Book One:

One For The Money by Skye Warren

•••

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

The Ruthless Groom by Monica Murphy

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

⚠ This review contains a minor teaser!

booksofthemuggleborn_theruthlessgroom — Original post from my IG @booksofthemuggleborn

•••

• BLURB •

I didn’t plan to marry a reclusive heiress. Lucky for me, I find myself attracted to my beautiful new bride. Our arranged marriage connects two powerful companies. That we’re compatible between the sheets is a bonus, but I didn’t bargain on her ex showing up at the wedding reception uninvited.

That pushed me right over the edge.

I protect what’s mine, and Charlotte is now mine, whether she likes it or not. Our honeymoon is a disaster in paradise. I’m angry. She’s resentful. All those swirling emotions explode in the most physical ways.

But even as I’m drawn closer to my new wife, there’s still a threat looming out there. Seamus McTiernan is determined to destroy what we’ve created.

I won’t let anything tear us apart.

He has no idea who he’s dealing with. I will end him.

Watch me.

WARNING: This book is intended for readers eighteen years old and over. It contains material that some readers could find disturbing. Enter at your own risk…

•••

• MY REVIEW •

“The Constantines are a ruthless bunch. I know Perry seems the softest of them all, but he is still a Constantine. You won’t want to cross him.”

Ooh… things have certainly heated up between this interesting pairing! *waggles brows* 🤭 Move aside Perry Constantine— the charming, easy-going bachelor… and make way for Perry Constantine— the fiery, “give no fucks” groom!

First comes the whirlwind engagement. Next comes the extravagant wedding… as Charlotte and Perry are thrust into their families’ mutual marital agreement in full force. Continuing off where The Reluctant Bride concluded, a new (or should I say, existing player) has strutted in to cause a little havoc.

This second installment in The Arranged Marriage Trilogy has kept-up the fast-pacing and heady suspense from the first book and reads effortlessly with its continuation. I was anxious to see how Perry’s and Charlotte’s relationship would further develop once they’d become newlyweds, and ooh-wee was it electric! As far as arranged marriages go, it could’ve easily been a different outcome for Perry and Charlotte— strictly platonic and all that, but there’s a genuine chemistry between the two that only grew stronger as time went on, and because of that, I’m even more excited to see what’s next for the ~~horny~~ happy couple. 😜

The level of spice amps up a few notches. About eighty percent of this book consisted of sizzling banter, explicit daydreaming, and copious amounts of uncensored sexual activity. And the remaining twenty percent are the constant barriers keeping Perry and Charlotte from having their HEA.

This book will probably leave you feeling just as frustrated as I had been. The amount of events that could’ve so easily been avoided if these characters were more willing to openly communicate. Sigh. Although, I found the insecurities, varying emotions, and second-guessing between the two downright relatable and reflects what a lot of people go through in relationships. But it has a solid storyline that doesn’t veer off its initial premise, which I appreciate.

Lots of intrigue, smuttiness, and familial drama—it’s a contemporary romance read with a smidge of danger in the air. Having the Lancaster family intertwine with the Constantines and the Morellis has not only expanded the world of the Midnight Dynasty, but it has added another dimension to this billionaire romance story. But it’s not all blurred lines and suspense, there’s perfectly timed lightheartedness that’ll have you in a fit of giggles, alongside more character crossovers from other books set in this world adding interesting interactions. I’m enjoying seeing both the protagonists’ character growth so far, as well as the gradual development in their relationship. We’re knee-deep in complexity with this story, now more than ever!

Perry Constantine doesn’t disappoint as far as charming heroes go, and I’m sensing we’re on the verge of witnessing Charlotte ~~Lancaster~~ Constantine come into her own. I’m still relatively new to Murphy’s writing and this trilogy couldn’t have been a better introduction. The storytelling has an easy flow to it and despite ending in a cliffhanger, it left me in happy contentment nonetheless, and looking forward to book three! This trilogy may not yet be complete but I would already recommend it to fellow adult romance readers. It’s also a must-read for fans who’ve been following the world of the Midnight Dynasty.

RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½

Thank you Monica Murphy and Valentine PR for the opportunity to read an advanced copy! 💙

🔔 Interested in reading The Ruthless Groom? Grab your copy here: Amazon | Apple Books | Nook | Kobo | Google Play

•••

💍 Start the Wedded Bliss Trilogy!

booksofthemuggleborn_thereluctantbride — Original post from my IG @booksofthemuggleborn

Book One: The Reluctant Bride by Monica Murphy

•••

More Midnight Dynasty reviews!

🥿 Skyscraper Cinderella | Book One:

Stroke Of Midnight by K. Webster

🤍 Dark Hearts Trilogy | Book One:

Stolen Hearts by M. O’Keefe

🌹 Beast of Bishop’s Landing | Book One:

Secret Beast by Amelia Wilde

🔥 Hellfire Club | Book One:

Wicked Idol by Becker Gray

✝ Standalone Taboo Romance:

Lessons In Sin by Pam Godwin

🕊 Dark Dream Duet | Book One:

Dangerous Temptation by Giana Darling

🎨 The Collector Trilogy | Book One:

Dark Reign by Amelia Wilde

♠ Wonderland Trilogy | Book One:

King Of Spades by Alta Hensley

🥃 Hughes Series | Book One:

One For The Money by Skye Warren

•••

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

One For The Money by Skye Warren

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

•••

• BLURB •

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! 💙

•••

More Midnight Dynasty reviews!

🥿 Skyscraper Cinderella | Book One:

Stroke Of Midnight by K. Webster

🤍 Dark Hearts Trilogy | Book One:

Stolen Hearts by M. O’Keefe

🌹 Beast of Bishop’s Landing | Book One:

Secret Beast by Amelia Wilde

🔥 Hellfire Club | Book One:

Wicked Idol by Becker Gray

✝ Standalone Taboo Romance:

Lessons In Sin by Pam Godwin

🕊 Dark Dream Duet | Book One:

Dangerous Temptation by Giana Darling

🎨 The Collector Trilogy | Book One:

Dark Reign by Amelia Wilde

♠ Wonderland Trilogy | Book One:

King Of Spades by Alta Hensley

💍 The Arranged Marriage | Book One:

The Reluctant Bride by Monica Murphy

•••

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

The Reluctant Bride by Monica Murphy

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

⚠ This review contains a minor teaser!

•••

• BLURB •

Everyone’s for sale, including me. One moment I’m the forgotten daughter of one of the most wealthy families in the country, and the next I’m the blushing bride in an arranged marriage. My fate is sealed in my wedded union with a complete stranger.

In public, Perry Constantine is the life of the party. Easygoing. Adored. In private, he’s brooding. Dark. Angry. But so am I. It’s a contest of wills to see who will break in the bedroom first, and while I try to remain strong, I find myself craving the very man I swore to hate.

My husband.

•••

• MY REVIEW •

“Perry Constantine looks at me as if I might be someone special.”

Let’s cut straight to the chase— Ever since Perry was first introduced as Winston Constantine’s jovial younger brother in Stroke of Midnight, his story has been HIGHLY anticipated, and let me tell you… it was well worth the wait!

The intense build-up between Perry and Charlotte was palpable and had my tongue lolling out from complete excitement! 😍 This book was my introduction to Murphy’s writing, and it could not have been a more perfect start! Well-paced storytelling with tons of anticipation and unpredictability. With dual points of view, you see the interesting dynamic between these two protagonists and their impressions of one another. What I hadn’t expected but ultimately ended up loving the most was the humour weaved throughout Perry’s and Charlotte’s interactions. The second-guessing, the pre-judgements, and the banter were all entertaining to see, each conversation getting more and more giddy-inducing! In my opinion, it’s one of the main elements that made their story engaging from start to finish.

An arranged marriage with a gradual romantical development. Seeing Perry and Charlotte navigate through their emotions after the bombshell their families abruptly dropped on them with the expectancy to follow through no questions asked will have you instantly invested in their story.

I was hooked on both their character growth and their complex relationship, especially after getting to know each of their backstories. Perry Constantine is everything I thought he was and more! He’s definitely one striking Constantine. He oozes easy-going hero with sexy protective alpha vibes. He has both gentlemanly ways and cool confidence that makes him such an appealing character.

Charlotte’s genuine, down-to-earth personality easily won me over. I found her sense of stubbornness, rebellious tendencies, and desire for independence from her claustrophobic and overbearing family made me root for her to succeed.

Overall, a strong well-written plot, with vivid world-building that screamed wealth, exclusivity, and luxury. Discovering both protagonists to be such likable characters who together had incredibly titillating chemistry, there was never a dull moment. 😉

The Constantine clan along with a cast of secondary characters added extra dimension to their whirlwind arrangement. You may already be familiar with the Lancasters if you’ve read Things I Wanted To Say (But Never Did). If not, you may just find yourself curious to learn more about Charlotte’s family after reading this one.

✔ Billionaire Romance

✔ Arranged Marriage

✔ Fake Relationship

✔ Opposites Attract

✔ Forced Proximity

✔ Slow Burn

This book is the first in The Arranged Marriage trilogy and ends on a fairly reasonable cliffhanger. We’ve only scratched the surface of Perry’s and Charlotte’s story and with how things concluded, I am eagerly counting the days until the next book! Can easily be read in one sitting, it’s another unbelievably gripping addition to the Midnight Dynasty! An honest-to-goodness must-read romance story that I highly recommend!

RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½

Thank you Monica Murphy and Valentine PR for the opportunity to read an advanced copy! 💗

🔔 Interested in reading The Reluctant Bride? Grab your copy here: Amazon | Apple Books | Nook | Kobo | Google Play

•••

More Midnight Dynasty reviews!

🥿 Skyscraper Cinderella | Book One:

Stroke Of Midnight by K. Webster

🖤 Dark Hearts Trilogy | Book One:

Stolen Hearts by M. O’Keefe

🌹 Beast of Bishop’s Landing | Book One:

Secret Beast by Amelia Wilde

🔥 Hellfire Club | Book One:

Wicked Idol by Becker Gray

✝ Standalone Taboo Romance:

Lessons In Sin by Pam Godwin

🕊 Dark Dream Duet | Book One:

Dangerous Temptation by Giana Darling

🎨 The Collector Trilogy | Book One:

Dark Reign by Amelia Wilde

♠ Wonderland Trilogy | Book One:

King Of Spades by Alta Hensley

•••

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

King Of Spades by Alta Hensley

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

⚠ This review contains minor teasers!

booksofthemuggleborn_kingofspades — Original post from my IG @booksofthemuggleborn

•••

• BLURB •

Nick Hudson has a dangerous reputation.

That’s what I need if I’m going to survive.

Desperation makes me seek out a ruthlessly powerful billionaire.

I need protection.

He demands my virtue as payment.

I’m falling into a world of luxury and sin.

With every twist and turn, I need more.

Except this is not a man to love.

This is a man to fear.

His obsession grows. So does the threat, until I’m trapped in a world of depravity. I’ll need more than Nick’s strength to survive. I’m going to need his heart.

•••

• MY REVIEW •

“Ladies and gentlemen, sinners and saints…”

This is my first book from Alta Hensley and it had me on a roller-coaster ride of emotions and jumbled thoughts. I’m still trying to process it all. I’ve never been a big fan of the classic tale of Alice in Wonderland, but I have to hand it to Hensley for cleverly weaving significant features of it into a modern, twistedly erotic romance story of her own.

A balance of a strong storyline, unpredictability, and romantic elements is what usually has me hooked on a romance story from start to finish, but weirdly enough with this book, I ended up becoming more intrigued by the gradual development of the main plot more than the romance aspect going on between Nick and Lyriope. It’s rare that I get more absorbed and invested in the overall story progression than the protagonists connecting romantically in my romance reads. Whilst there’s plenty of hot and heavy scenes between Nick and Lyriope, I did struggle soaking it all in— and that’s more to do with my preferences with certain sexual content included in the romance books I read.

If you like elements of dom/sub in your erotic romances, then you might enjoy the vivid sexual content included in King Of Spades a lot more than I did. There’s some questionable con/non-con as well that wasn’t really to my liking, but I know a lot of dark romance readers who don’t bat an eye at these types of interactions between the leading characters. But if you have any hang-ups with any of these tropes, it’s probably best you give this one a miss.

What I did end up loving about this book was it definitely captured the essence of Alice in Wonderland, from the tea parties, to the Alice down the “rabbit hole”, to the constant unpredictability as the story developed. Hensley has created such world-building that consisted of magic and a sense of wonderment from beginning to end that had me completely enveloped. The way she fused Nick’s Wonderland into the already existing world of the Constantines and the Morellis, it not only expanded but added-in an entirely new dimension to their world.

“I love making rules. But I love consequences more.”

With the introduction of a few new secondary characters and appearances from existing ones from the Midnight Dynasty world it added another layer and a cool contrast amongst their interactions. I’m a fan of brotherhood and bromance, and there’s an entertaining yet endearing friendship in this story that not only unsuspectingly uplifts the mood but will have you giggling at times.

It’s a relatively quick read, with a steady but gradual build-up of the storytelling. It’s told from dual points of view and I found both protagonists fascinating the more their personal stories were shared. King of Spades is the first book in the Wonderland Trilogy, but I highly recommend you read The White Rabbit first. It’s the prologue and in my opinion a great introduction to not only their world but to the two leading characters who become intricately wrapped-up in each other’s lives. I also like that the prologue is somewhat of a teaser for readers new to Hensley, and what you can expect from her writing.

I know my rating may not necessarily reflect my overall experience of reading this book, but make no mistake I did enjoy it. The only reason why I hadn’t rated it higher is solely because I wasn’t a complete fan of the sexual content in this book. There’s a couple of scenes between Nick and Lyriope that I felt elevated their budding relationship and made their coupling credible, but there were plenty of parts that I felt didn’t necessarily add any further complexity to their relationship and was possibly intended more for readers who enjoy having a lot more raunchiness in their romance reads. As I mentioned earlier, its more about preferences. To each their own. ✌

Nevertheless, I would still recommend King of Spades. There’s plenty of romance readers out there who I have no doubt will love it. Anyone who loves an adult Alice in Wonderland inspired romance story, with a captor/captive, contractual agreement plotline will be intrigued by Nick’s and Lyriope’s unique arrangement and growing bond.

It’s a great introduction to Nick and Lyriope as new additions to the Midnight Dynasty world, and whilst there’s beginnings of character growth from both, I’m hoping to see a lot more in the next book. King of Spades is filled with suspense, danger, and desire… and with how the story unraveled and concluded, it leaves behind a sense of endless possibilities.

Wonderland… Enter at own risk. 😉