The Chosen by: J.R. Ward

#15 The Black Dagger Brotherhood

I have thoroughly enjoyed this series. This many books in, the stories have begun to circle back around to previously featured characters. This revolves around a relatively fresh character Xcor and his connection with Layla. Layla who is on the verge of giving birth to twins. The father and his mated partner are both members of the brotherhood. They are a happy family of three, soon to be five. But Layla has been hiding a secret that can tear their family apart.

I really appreciated the way conflict quickly mounted. It took me through all the emotions. As a reader, being omnipotent to each person’s inner workings makes it more frustrating witnessing other’s reactions. Still, I think it was all worth it in the end. But somewhat disappointed with the Assail story line. I guess his part is just being drawn out.

On to #16!

Haunting Adeline by: H.D. Carlton

Cat and Mouse #1

This is an intense one with a whole slew of trigger warnings. These warnings should absolutely be known and understood before starting the book. Reading reviews, it’s apparent that a good amount didn’t like this book due to not heeding the warnings.

H.D. Carlton’s writing is intense and unapologetic. I am all here for it. The story is raw.

This book contains themes that turn the rule of consent a little gray. Non-consensual consensual play (r*pe play) is a kink. Some get it, others are appalled. No hate or judgement to either. Just wish some would let others live, and read, how they want without turning it into what it isn’t.

Personally, I Think Adeline and Z are wonderfully written. Both their voices are true to who and what they are. As well as every other character. I can see how this book is not for everyone, so read the content warning!

Hunting Adeline by. H.D. Carlton

Cat and Mouse #2

I think it is safe to say, if you didn’t like the first in this series, steer clear of this one. It is more intense, real, and in-your-face raw. A good portion of the story puts you in the middle of the realities of human trafficking. From a few angles.

Don’t worry, these is a light at the end of the tunnel. Shining in the only way Z knows how. Bloody and filled with justice.

This also contains a lot of heavy trigger warnings that give insight to the story’s themes.

For Adeline and Z, it is the perfect ending and beginning for them. H.D. Carlton does not disappoint with this one.

Invoking the Blood by: Kalista Neith

Of Chaos and Darkness #1

My bestie gave me this book after meeting the author at a B&N. Even bought me some of the character cards – which are amazing. Can’t say the same for the book.

This story is full of such hypocrisies and redundancies. Could cut the book in half and still would have been too long. Faye is one of the most flimsy characters I have read in a long time. Her mind changes from one extreme to the other with the drop of a hat. Her sister is hands-down a horrible person. Period.

The Shadow Prince is a product of his environment for better of worse. His head is stuck so far up his own a** it’s insulting. That is, until the end when he has a personality transplant and does a complete 180.

There is not one character I actually care about.

I’m not sure I care to read the next book in the series.

A Kingdom This Cursed & Empty by: Stacia Stark

A Kingdom of Lies #2

Before stumbling onto this series, I had never heard of it. I am glad I did find it though!

Lorian and Prisca dive deeper into their mission to free not only the oppressed and the truth, but the land from King Sabium’s wrath. Also while navigating the complicated emotions they have toward each other.

I love the multiple POVs in this series. The story is not limited to two MCs. It seems the further we get into the story the more POVs there are. One main plot, several subplots that feed into the main.

Is it the best epic fantasy? No. It’s not even that epic. I still got sucked in by the characters, multilayered plot, suspense, and deception. I’m currently halfway through the next book and loving it!

Midnight Ruin by: Katee Robert

Dark Olympus #6

I have been a fan of Katee Robert for a while. Beginning with her Wicked Villains series. This was not my favorite of the Dark Olympus books. The troupes are beginning to get repetitive and completely predictable. Also not the first time she has done the MMF troupe in this series.

At this point I am reading these stories to follow the main plot of the series and not so much because of the characters. I want to know what is really happening to Olympus! We get a few more answers with each installment.

Eurydice, Charon, and Orpheus are all well written, as always. But I didn’t really care about any of them.

I do especially like that once the characters are featured, they continue to reappear in all the other books as well. We are able to catch up with them and see them grow.

Still eagerly waiting for the next installment and hoping it hits better.

Quicksilver by: Dannika Dark

Crossbreed #11

This series has been an investment I have greatly enjoyed. I think this is one of my favorite of the series. Raven is tested in more ways than she has before but also gets more answers than she knew she was looking for.

Many of the Keystone members gain a new perspective on their lives and true allies when a winter ball is taken over by a powerful player. Essentially giving the time-old ultimatum; bow down or die.

Throughout every Crossbreed novel, the dynamic between the members of Keystone really drives everything. Dannika has stayed true to each of their personalities and personal growth. Diving deeper into each character a little more the further we get in – love it.

The relationship between Raven and Christian finally goes somewhere we all knew it was headed.