Queen Reviews

This book was a little rough to get through. Not because it wasn't good but because Scarlett goes through and witnesses a lot in this book. She is tortured by the born vampires for a long time but she also is able to learn more about herself by meeting another succubus. The feminine rage in this book is definitely there and the women don't hesitate to let the men feel it when they cab. I enjoyed this story and getting the conclusion for Scarlett and Rune. The ending was so beautiful. After all the hardship they went through it was nice to see them have a chance to relax and just be with each other.  The spice in this book was good. There wasnt much of it since we spend most of the time with the MCs separated. What we did get was hot. I would give this a 3 out of 5. Overall, I enjoyed this book and the this was a nice spicy duet. I would recommend it to anyone who doesnt mind stepping into the darkness. Definitely check your triggers before reading! 

  This month was very interesting. I apparently decided to try my hand at some thick books and I didn't get a chance to finish all of them. However, the books that I did get a chance to finish I did enjoy. There were some new books that dropped such as Stained in Blood by Ava Tenney and a re-release of The Dawn of the Cursed Queen. I can't wait to read the next book in both of these series! This month also saw me to 99 books read for the year so far! I can't wait to finish up the two that I am reading now so that I can move onto more. The last couple weeks has seen me fall off with my Thirsty Thursday and Flashback Friday but fear not, they will be returning this week! I am going to be putting myself on a schedule, which is something that I have lacked up til this point. That way there will be more consistency and hopefully also better quality! With all that out of the way though, let's check out the books that I was able to finish in the month of September!! Favorite C...

  This was another great read in this series! I mean, I really enjoyed how down to earth this book felt while also having the other worldly vibes going full force. I loved the swashbuckling feeling I got while reading this. The characters are compelling and are easy to like. I mean every member of the crew were memorable and will definitely remain so. I can't wait to read some more books in this world. Everything is so fantastical but also just fun. That's all I got for this. It's just fun. The betrayal that we found out about in the last book helps to introduce us to new characters and gives us another new world to explore. The way that things ended was also beautiful and I'm excited to see what happens with our favorite fun loving twin!  The spice in this was definitely spicing. The King and Queen definitely treated us and the end scene at the end had me laughing out loud. I gave this a 4 out of 5 for the spice! Overall, I really loved getting this second book. I can...

  This book is going to cause so many people to read one handed. The spice in this book is off the charts!! Now that we've got that out of the way, the story was ok. Alexandros is like a bad parent, he expects his progeny to just do what he says even though it's out of character for him. Of course they're going to question and want to do what he's telling them not to do. Doubly so when no explanation is given. So much could have been solved easily and early on if he'd just open his mouth. Then we get to said progeny and I just wonder how they aren't bored. They're attending a school when their sole purpose is recruitment, yet aren't really in school? Idk, the set up is interesting to say the least. Then we get to Ophelia. She's the typical damsel in distress who is actually powerful. She has no idea what to do with said power and so just gets pushed around the whole time. I also understand bully books..i really do BUT there is a point whe...

  Another nice read from Nana Malone. This one definitely had kinda the same vibe as the other series that I read from her. The characters have known each other prior to us meeting them in this book. They have a complicated history that needs to be rectified so that they can be together. I definitely thought this one was a little more complicated than the other one that I read but it still managed to work out. Lena is a smart student who was dealt a bad hand. She had to put aside her dreams in order to take care of family and I really felt for her. Trace, is another golden boy who comes from a family of prestige that has what it takes to pull Lena from the fire that she is currently in. Of course this comes with a little trickery along the way. There were times when I definitely wanted to push Trace into doing more. He is definitely a good guy who does almost everything that you would hope a good guy would do. I'm glad that they both allowed themselves to move out of the way so tha...

  This was a borderline hate read. I mean, Jule was annoying almost from the very beginning of this book until the end. The reason why she annoyed me so much is because she seemed to be fighting harder to get back to a man who abused her and left her to be kidnapped than she was to try to understand a different group of people. Not only that but she did what you would hope NOT to do when you are kidnapped. The constant yelling and degrading of the people who kept her like they couldn't kill her at any moment was wild to me. Many a time I had to applaud Grimarr or any of the other many Orcs for not smacking her. She was so rude to them for a large percentage of the book that I'm surprised she ended up with him at the end. Of course I was very surprised by the ending. Mainly because I didn't see the resolution coming that way. I was also very surprised that there weren't more women with the Orcs. It is not really explained why there aren't any female Orcs. Just that i...

 This month saw me reach 10 books read again! I am definitely excited. As we get closer to the end of the year, I know for sure that I am going to make my reading goal. Though I think that I might step back from taking ARCs from authors that I haven't read from. I really feel bad or discouraged when I read their books and I don't vibe with them. I always want to help promote an author so having to write a bad review for their book can take it out of me sometimes. I know that bad reviews are helpful no matter the status of the author but I still sometimes feel bad writing them. As you know, I usually try to make them at least critical so that I can help the author see where someone might not like things. I will continue to do that with books I don't vibe with. With that out of the way, I want to also say, that I've found some books that I have absolutely loved this month. Some authors who I will continue to follow and some tropes that are a definite nope for me. For some...

  I liked this book. Definitely not as much as the first one but it was still good. If I have to hear about how much Lorian and Priska can't be together one more time. I'm gonna through a piece of fae iron at someone. I literally don't understand why this is such a crazy point that everyone can't stop talking about. I think that politically this would actually be a great idea. It would help to firmly align the fae and the hybrids together so that something like what happened before didn't happen again. Instead, everyone is steady swearing Priska away from Lorian except her bestie. Of course the bestie is right and everyone else can freaking shove it. I also was hoping that Priska would eventually realize that she can't blame herself for every mistake she makes. Even if that mistake cost a life. Someone had to make the choice and sometimes there is no right answer. That is something that she's going to need to learn as ruler. That's something her aunt nee...

 This was an interesting novel. There are some things that I liked and there were some things that I disliked about this book. I always believe in getting through the bad things first. So, I found it hard to connect to these characters. I wanted some more time to get to know them as individuals, or have more insight into them before we got to some of the other stuff. For example our FMC, Eden, just seemed like she was the wind blowing from one thing to another. It felt like she allowed for the MMC, Shiloh to kinda maneuver her from not really wanting to be in his presence to all of a sudden she's getting fingered. Like she wanted him but I just feel like that escalated quickly. From there she kinda just rolled with whatever was going on without really taking a second to breath and take it all in. Ironically enough, I don't really have any character negatives for Shiloh. I don't like how he moved from one woman to another. Even though we verbally get the confirmation that th...

  I really almost have no words. This is definitely a slow building book. There is just so much. Like usually I like it when there is a lot of lore and things going on but there is just one thing after another with slow build up. I like the payoffs but things start to feel hopeless for the characters and I hate it when that happens. We currently have 2 books of our characters pretty much falling in love and wanting to be together only to have one thing or another stop them. Now after all the obstacles are clear and it looks like things are going to wrap up for them nicely. BAM another big block stops them. I really had to shake my head when I got to the end of this book. I was hoping that this would be the end of their story and then another couple would have the next two books but end up intertwined with these two for an overall wrap up of the story but...it looks to be two more books of me being stressed out for these two as things just continue to get in their way.  The spi...

  This book almost felt like filler, but it's filler that gave us background and the reveals that we needed. Getting to finally meet the Shadowman and see how he works in the seedy world of the syndicate was interesting. The one thing, I really enjoy about this series is how it continues to build on a lot of the things that we already know about. All of the characters that we've met in the previous books are all connected somehow and this one is no different. We get to see the origins of Alex and see how everything is VERY connected. I enjoyed the FMC, who is in a difficult situation and is just trying to survive really. The one thing to remember with this series is that, it is a dark romance. So we see her go through a lot. There were some things that I was upset she had to deal with but it had to happen. It made me admire her that much more. Some of the reveals were definitely unexpected but with how things are looking to shape up in the final book in this series...it was und...

  I deeply and whole heartedly loved this book. The bond between these two was almost instant and electric. I loved everything about this book. The descriptions that were used, the way the characters interacted. The characters themselves, the world, everything. Keyla is everything that you wouldn't think an omega would be. She is out here living for herself while also doing exactly what she wants. I loved her character. I also loved how Tony seemed to fit her like a glove. He is such a good Alpha. I am so glad that we got an MF book in this world. I can't tell you how much I enjoyed the banter and everything between them. The way that Keyla went about everything in this world was just amazing. The rage that we get to see from Keyla was definitely warranted. I love that the mistreatment of omegas in this world is taken so seriously. Enough that it punishes the alphas for their bad behavior. For a moment I was concerned with how things was going to end but alas in Shasta we trust...

 I enjoyed this read. The characters were interesting and the world even more so. I kinda feel like I know what where this reveal is going but since we haven't fully gotten it yet, I'm going to wait to find out more. Sabine is an interesting character in that she is smart, resilient and yet also naive. The whole situation with Adam and then with thinking that she could escape from everything. Wolfe also was interesting in that he had a rough life growing up and is the epitome of the dark guy who thinks that he doesn't deserve more. I really just want to wrap him up in a blanket honestly. His benefactor gives unworthy and untrustworthy. He just seems super sus. Especially with the reveal that we get at the end of the book. Yeah there is definitely more there. I can't wait to see how things work out with everyone. What's the real tea behind what's going on with the king and the machinations in this kingdom. The spice in this book was good. I just wish afterwards w...

  This book is really toeing the line of being my favorite read of the year. I really, really enjoyed this book. I didn't want it to end. I'm actually pretty hurt that I have to wait for book 2. This one has definitely left me with a book hangover. Like I really just want to live in that world for awhile. I really liked the way that the whole situation with the dragons is being done. It opens up so many possibilities and different ways that each dragon can be used. There is also so much potential for expansion with the many characters that we've met and had the opportunity to fall in love with. I can't wait to see how things go in the next book. Ever is definitely someone who makes the most of a bad situation. She started from one bad place and in her mind just went to another. She didn't really allow it to get her down. She is fierce and definitely a woman that you'd want on your side and not against you. Aeson, is definitely a guy who is used to getting his wa...

 I'm on the fence with this book. I am really trending hard to the don't really like this side of things. I really just wish that things didn't feel like it was being dragged out. I mean almost everything feels like it is taking 10 years and a day to come to fruition and it doesn't really need that long when the reader probably already has figured out where it's going. The characters are starting to feel stagnant and stale and I really hate that. I want to like this series. The first book had a lot of potential and I was down to see things through but the way that people are being stupid is really starting to turn me off. This whole book could have probably been a cliff note. I'm thinking of reading the last book just to see how things are going to end but I also don't think it will be anytime soon. I am not attached to any of these characters and I just really want everyone to just talk. Like, they're holding secrets like it's going to be mind blowi...

 As someone who is just now picking up this series and reading it after reading The Butcher of the Bay part 1 & 2.....this was a little confusing. Mainly because, I didn't realize how much Lips depended on and still actively reached out to Matteo. I definitely thought that she was trying to stay far away from him, especially after everything that happened in the aforementioned two books it seemed like she was on her way out from him. It still seems like it but at the same time it's weird. I thought she would want to have a closer relationship with Illi and Odie than what she is apparently clinging to with Matteo. Anyway, I find it interesting that she allows the people here to semi walk all over her. Of course I completely understand that she is essentially trying to turn over a new leaf and be a different person than she was in the Bay. Still doesn't mean it wasn't surprising. I guess here we have to learn the real her, we only met the her that was on the defense i...

  This story is starting to get slightly annoying. So through the first few books, the fact that everyone seemed to be a jerk towards Shiloh was like meh ok. The fact that it is continuing is starting to get annoying. Most of these people are like 18+ and this crew of people who are bullying her are doing it over a guy who doesn't even WANT the girl who is doing the bullying. Like.....have some self respect and move on! Like the cousin and everything that is following along with all this is a top tier loser and so are the others that allow him to bully a girl. Like are ya'll ok? Not only that but the dad pretty much involves himself in the bullying too. What kinda crazy backwards town is this? Clearly this is not his first time behaving this way with someone and it's quite frankly appalling. It's also heading into unbelievable land with how every person other than the guys and Isabel are pretty much hateful towards Shiloh. There are no other normal people in this town? ...

  This was another book in the series that was interesting from the first page to the last. I didn't get this far in my original jaunt down this series so getting to this book and the last few pages had me SHOOK! I was not prepared nor was I in anyway ready! I was not happy when the narrator said the book was over. Can we just not end books like this? I'm invested and two seconds away from starting the next one because what even just happened?! I am so upset and also very on edge. Like it feels like everything is beginning to happen so quickly. There is everything going on with the sister, the wolves, the witches, the demons, the prophecy...my goodness!! It all feels related yet unrelated at the same time. Also shout out to the Gnomes for being amazing characters that I absolutely love getting the opportunity to revisit. The mage counsel isn't hated enough and I need there to be a support group for those of us out there who want to take them down. Anyway, the story was good...

 This is year is more than halfway over! I can't believe it! Pretty soon it is going to be hoodie and holiday season. I can't wait! I am nearly done with my book challenge and I am so proud of myself. For some reason these last few months have been slow on the book reading front for me. I am tracking my lowest book reads for the month. I am definitely going to have to adopt the whole DNF if you aren't vibing with it rule. Some of these I definitely try to push through so I can finish the book. I am not the biggest fan of stopping a book once I've started it. However, I also think it has to do with me being a huge mood reader. I think my mood has been changing while I've been reading. Which is crazy! However, this month, I was able to finish 7 books! Let's take a look at them and them jump into the superlatives!                Favorite Character  : Selene (Bedeviled) - I can't express how much I absolutely love Selene! She didn't let her ...

  This was an interesting read. I did not know where it was going to take me. I can tell you, one thousand percent, it took me to the dark side and asked me if I liked it. Whew this one was made for the monster loving readers. The readers who ask, why can't the FMC be just as dark if not darker than the leading male characters. How scary will I like this. Yeah, we went there with this one. I really liked how it felt like a slasher from the early 2000's while I was reading it. Then when everything was revealed, I was a little surprised but at the same time, I wasn't. We knew something was up with Githany from the moment she tells us the story of her childhood. Then to get the reveal, it was kinda an ah hah moment. It was a dark moment but it definitely made sense. It was kinda surprising that no one else put 2 and 2 together honestly.  The spice in this book was wild. It was going from almost the beginning when we met the guys til the end. This one will definitely test some ...

 This book was a little slow. It felt like an interlude. Like this is just the build up to more. I almost feel like this could have been a cliff note to us going into the next book honestly. I don't know. I know that there was a lot of growth that happened with some of the characters. Mainly with Kingston and Sunday. They really needed to repair the relationship that was so badly damaged. Once they did it seemed like they were locked in. Of course now, all of the guys are pretty much locked in minus one. I don't think I even have to mention which one. We also get a little bit more into what is going on behind the scenes. Who Caleb is working with/for and how all the adults who are in the know have interacted with Sunday. I will say that I am very interested in seeing where things go from here. The irrational fear of that one thing happening and all the precautions that everyone takes, only for it to actually happen was nearly comical. Then the betrayal that happened was actuall...

This book picks up from the beginning again when the girls initially get split up. We get to see what happens to at least three of them from this one characters POV. I liked it but definitely not as much as the first one. I will say that this one was way more emotional than the first one. Stephanie had a lot more trauma to deal with than Kate and watching her have to deal with it in a situation where she can barely speak with the others she meets was interesting. It was a struggle and I really felt for her. Luckily, even with the speech barrier, they were still able to understand her for the most part. I think one thing that is emphasized in this story is that, emotions are something that can be conveyed without words. Someone who is receptive can pick up on something that is going on with others even if they don't speak the same language. This idea is something that really resonates with me and is something that I wish others would be more accepting to. Though there is definitely ...

  This was a good read! We are still slow burning over here because there hasn't really been any spice but the story has been good. Sage, discovers some really interesting truths when she decides to go and save her brother. There is still so much to be revealed. I admit there were parts where the book was a little slow but overall it all seemed to serve a purpose. I am very much interested in seeing how things are going to progress for everyone involved. Of course I have my theories and things that I think will happen and to who. There is also a lot I can't say due to trying to keep this as spoiler free as I can. With that being said though, I do believe that the King is going to make things interesting once Sage does finally meet him. With the advisor saying that he is a friend, I think that it will make the other reveals that we are waiting for that much more interesting. Von, the man that you are. I can't wait for more on him! I did almost shed a tear while reading this ...

Another good start to a series by this author. The characters are interesting and the world is even more so! Priska is your typical FMC who has ambition to not save one but all. She had her moments where she was definitely silly and I had to roll my eyes, especially towards the end. Lorian, is also your typical broody MMC with secrets. It was entertaining seeing them in the beginning and I will admit their chemistry almost came out of no where. Once it was there though, it was interesting. This world it's just opening to us and I can't wait to continue this series and learn more about this world. I feel like we have a partial view of what is really going on and will get more in the next books. I like when the side characters also have a good story and are memorable and many of them are.  The spice in this book was good. It wasn't much but it was still good. I'd give it a 3 out of 5. Overall, I enjoyed this book and it was a good start to the series. I am loo...

 I am so sad to see these characters go. I have definitely loved Selene and Memnon. Their story has definitely been one for the ages. Getting to read their beginning in The Curse That Binds and then moving into this one made me love them that much more. Desmond making his appearance in this book was amazing as well. I love a good series cross over! This book was a good wrap up for everyone involved. From Memnon getting everything he needed and wanted was beautiful. Even though he isn't out here ravaging battlefields anymore he is still getting to use his skills elsewhere. Selene coming to terms with everything was great too. Not to mention getting to do everything she wanted in this life even after learning about herself as Roxilana. In this one we definitely see Selene show that she is also a force to be reckoned with. Both her and Memnon are well matched and it is displayed very well with this conclusion. It was such a good wrap up that I can say that I was satisfied with everyth...

This book felt like the longest thing I have ever read in my life. I refused to DNF but it almost took me two borrows on Hoopla to finish this. It just really seemed to drag out longer than was necessary and I listened to the audio. Which the cast for the audio was phenomenal! Loved that this was a full cast audio of this book. That was definitely one of the perks of listening. However, I didn't enjoy listening to the story itself. I feel like it definitely could have been condensed a little more. We spent a lot of time in the battles which I didn't mind but the downtime between felt really tedious after awhile. I would definitely love to see what happened with Heather and Alistair.  The spice was good. It was the majority of the book. Which I normally wouldn't have an issue with except it started to push the ending out further and I was ready to wrap it up. I'd still give the spice a 5 out of 5. Overall, I thought this conclusion felt slower than the other ...

This book felt like it was all over the place. I really liked the first 50% . Only thing is, I thought I was going to look down and see i was at 100%. I thought things were done. Then it went off the rails for the characters. I definitely thought Blakely was going to have much more spine than what she had. She definitely showed it sometimes but for the just part felt doormat-ish. It's also interesting to me that none of the dads with daughters in this world wouldn't teach them how to defend themselves. Especially knowing that loving then makes them vulnerable. I don't really care for damsel's who rarely or barely fight back.  I don't really have many notes for Ryat. He was ok for the most part. The dad's were annoying. Your kids are adults, treat them as such. It also made the L.O.R.D.S feel kinda like push overs once they get older. The whole situation with Matt was weird. Like,  ok your family is about to be poor so you focused on someone with the ...

  We have passed the half way point of the year!! How is everyone holding up? Hopefully everyone is doing well. This reading challenge has been amazing for me this year. I think I have embraced the audiobooks more and it has allowed me to devour this challenge! I will say that this month, this has been the slowest reading month for me. For the most part I have been gaming and then there has been the fact that I apparently decided to read two huge books at the same time. So it has definitely taken me some time. Thankfully, I should finish it within the first few days of this month. I am definitely making an effort to complete it! So far we are at 76 books read for this year. With half the year left, I definitely think we are going to complete this challenge! My TBR has grown to epic proportions! If you have any recommendations for me, then definitely send it on over. If I haven't read it then I will add it. I am also trying to read some of my physical collection! So look for those r...