Book Review: Crimson Kingdom by Robin D. Mahle & Elle Madison

Title: Crimson Kingdom

Author: Robin D. Mahle & Elle Madison

Series/Standalone: The Lochlann Feuds Series (Book #3)

Genre: Young Adult, Romantasy

Pages: 346

Publisher: Indie Published

Year Published: 2022

Format: Ebook (Kindle Unlimited)

"Rowan thought she had escaped her life as a prisoner.

But even in Lochlan, she is chained by the memories of everything she left behind in Socair.

Of everyone she left behind.

With her people clamoring for war, the responsibility falls on Rowan to enter into a marriage alliance to keep her kingdom safe. That should be easy, considering she's already received proposals from half the clans in Socair.

But even with plenty of options, she's left with no good choices.

Will she play it safe? Or will she risk everything for the kind of love she never wanted to begin with?

The kind of love that could break her."

My Rating: 4.5/5

I absolutely love the characters in this book series. I love the wit, the jokes, but also the writing style. The only thing that I haven't enjoyed the most is sometimes the pacing in the middle. This book lost my interest in the middle due to the miscommunication used. While it makes sense that there would be communication lacking in the second book and leading into this one, I was getting a bit frustrated with the waiting to communicate important ideals until the end of the book . That being said, still an excellent book, and I will be continuing on. 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Trial of the Sun Queen by Nisha J. Tuli

Title: Trial of the Sun Queen

Author: Nisha J. Tuli

Series/Standalone: Artefacts of Ouranos Series (Book #1)

Genre: Fantasy, Romance, Adult

Pages: 400

Publisher: Indie Published

Year Published: 2023

Format: Ebook (Kindle Unlimited)

"The Bachelor meets the Hunger Games. Ten women. A deadly contest. Only one can win the Sun King's heart.

Lor has endured twelve long years of torment under the Aurora King's rule. her only desire is to get free and pay him back for every moment of misery.

When a surprise release finds her in the hands of the Sun King, Lor is thrust into the spotlight when she competes against nine other Tributes for the role of queen. If she wins his heart, she'll earn her freedom and finally get her revenge.

But Lor doesn't belong in the Sun Queen Trials. She doesn't understand why she was freed, and she isn't a citizen of the Sun King's court. The other Tributes resent her presence and will stop at nothing to ensure Lor is wiped off the gameboard, permanently.

Now Lor must win, because if she loses, she dies. Or worse, she'll be sent back into the hands of the Aurora King."

My Rating: 3.75/5

I was recommended this book by a friend and had a great time while reading it, it was fun, decently paced and quick. It wasn't the most unique tale I'd ever read, but it had a few turns in it that kept it fun. Some things were left a little heavy-handed, but the characterization of both the Aurorian Prince and Lor was excellent. I love a dual narration. I look forward to continuing the series and seeing where the tales go from here.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: A Touch of Malice by Scarlett St. Clair

Title: A Touch of Malice

Author: Scarlett St. Clair

Series/Standalone: Hades x Persephone Series (Book #3)

Genre: Romance, Adult Fiction, Mythology

Pages: 418

Publisher: Indie Published

Year Published: 2021

Format: Audiobook (Library)

"Persephone and Hades are engaged. In retaliation, Demeter summons a snowstorm that cripples New Greece, and refuses to lift the blizzard unless her daughter calls of her engagement. When the Olympians intervene, Persephone finds her future in the hands of ancient gods, and they are divided. Do they allow Persephone to marry Hades and go to war with Demeter or prohibit their union and take up arms against the God of the Dead? Nothing is certain but the promise of war."

My Rating: 4/5

This was such a great first read-through of this book. I loved the plot lines, the characters and the changes throughout. My only complaint would be that there was almost too much spice. I felt that it seemed to come out of nowhere at points where I thought we would be in a more plot-based storyline for a bit. I look forward to finishing this portion of the series soon.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: The Score by Elle Kennedy

Title: The Score

Author: Elle Kennedy

Series/Standalone: Off-Campus Series (Book #3)

Genre: Romance, Sports Romance,  Adult Fiction

Pages: 464

Publisher: Indie

Year Published: 2016

Format: Ebook (Kindle Unlimited)

"He knows how to score, on and off the ice...

Allie Hayes is in crisis mode. With graduation looming, she still doesn't have the first clue about what she's going to do after college. To make matters worse, she's nursing a broken heart thanks to the end of her longtime relationship. Wild rebound sex is definitely not the solution to her problems, but gorgeous hockey star Dean Di Laurentis is impossible to resist. Just once, though, because even if her future is uncertain, it sure as heck won't include the king of one-night stands.

It'll take more than flashy moves to win her over...

Dean always gets what he wants. Girls, grade, girls, recognition, girls.... he's a ladies man, all right, and he's yet to meet a woman who's immune to his charms. Until Allie. For one night, the feisty blonde rocked his entire world- and now she wants to be friends? Nope. It's not over until he says it's over. Dean is in full-on pursuit, but when life-rocking changes strike, he starts to wonder if maybe it's time to stop focusing on scoring... and shoot for love."

My Rating: 3.75/5

I enjoyed this volume, but there were a few things that were a miss for me. I find that Elle Kennedy's writing is really fun and great, but the third act conflict/breakup/whatever-the-fuck, is always cleared up too quickly. I feel that if that had happened earlier on by a little bit, then we could have more time to clear up the conflict before getting to the happily-ever-after part. Also, for a story to start out with "kinky" stuff, it seemed to settle down pretty fast (or maybe I've been reading too much dark romance again).

 I am super intrigued by the concept of the next book, and look forward to starting it soon.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny 

Book Review: The Mistake by Elle Kennedy

Title: The Mistake

Author: Elle Kennedy

Series/Standalone: Off-Campus Series (Book #2)

Genre: Romance, Contemporary, Adult Fiction, Sports Romance

Pages: 283

Publisher: Self-Published

Year Published: 2015

Format: Ebook (Kindle Unlimited)

"Get ready for another binge-worthy romance from international bestselling author and TikTok sensation Elle Kennedy. He's a player in more ways than one... College junior John Logan can get any girl he wants. For this hockey star, life is a parade of parties and hook-ups, but behind his killer grins and easygoing charm, he hides growing despair about the dead-end road he'll be forced to walk after graduation. A sexy encounter with freshman Grace Ivers is just the distraction he needs, but when a thoughtless mistake pushes her away, Logan plans to spend his final year proving to her that he's worth a second chance. Now he's going to need to up his game... After a less than stellar freshman year, Grace is back at Briar University, older, wiser, and so over the arrogant hockey player she nearly handed her V-card to. She's not a charity case, and she's not the quiet butterfly she was when they first hooked up. If Logan expects her to roll over and beg like all his other puck bunnies, he can think again. He wants her back? He'll have to work for it. This time around, she'll be the one in the driver's seat.... and she plans on driving him wild. "

My Rating: 4/5

This was a really fun instalment in the series. I'm glad that we got to Logan's book right away after the ending of the first book so it didn't draw out the jealousy factor we read about in book one. I was also grateful that it was about him winning her back and working for her to see him instead of the other way around (sometimes I find in hockey romance it's the women doing all the work). The backstory for Logan was detailed and interesting; my only problem was the way it all cleared up. I wish it had happened a little further from the end of the book, so we could have seen some more good family moments between Logan and his brother. Overall, a great read, and I've already started the next one. 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Chasing The Wild by Elliott Rose

Title: Chasing the Wild

Author: Elliott Rose

Series/Standalone: Crimson Ridge Series (Book #1)

Genre: Romance, Westerns, Contemporary, Adult Fiction

Pages: 444

Publisher: Indie Published

Year Published: 2024

Format: Ebook (Kindle Unlimited)

"What happens when you're snowed in on a mountain ranch, with the one man you definitely should not be fantasizing about?

I've always done what was expected of me, Layla Birch, the good girl.

Forced to grow up too fast. To take care of everything myself. I had a plan.

Only I didn't count on him. Colton Wilder. The cowboy nearly twice my age. 

He's my dream man. One who takes care of me, gives me a job, and makes my pulse thud harder every time he comes near.

My ex-boyfriend's father.

The nights are long and cold on top of this mountain. As the snow grows thicker and the tension builds between us, we're both inching closer to a line we shouldn't cross. 

Each day, it grows harder to resist the man who looks at me with longing in his eyes. 

It's tempting to forget about being the good girl for once.

No one would find out. Would they?"

My Rating: 3.75/5

This book wasn't what I anticipated it to be. First off, calling this an ex-boyfriend dad book is a bit misleading, as the FMC calls it a situationship at best. I also don't think that this book needed to be this long. By the end, I felt like I had reread the same conversations or inner thoughts at least 10 times. Finally, the spicy scenes were fun, but the phrases used to describe genitals were off-putting, to say the least. That being said, the concept was fun, the relationship was interesting and the atmosphere was excellent. I look forward to trying the next one in the series. If it doesn't get any better than this one from the halfway point, I'm uncertain if I will continue.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: The Front Runner by Elsie Silver

Title: The Front Runner

Author: Elsie Silver

Series/Standalone: Gold Rush Ranch (Book #3)

Genre: Romance, Contemporary, Adult Fiction, Western

Pages: 356

Publisher: Indie 

Year Published: 2021

Format: Ebook (Kindle Unlimited)

"Stefan Dalca is infuriatingly handsome. And annoyingly persistent. We're supposed to hate each other. But apparently, he didn't get the memo, because he's been asking me out for years.

And I always say no. Until today.

Today he has something that I desperately need. Today he's a savior and I'm his prize.

Our time together starts out as a simple transaction. Three dates. No touching. No telling anyone. And definitely no falling in love.

But with ever intimate conversation, and each stolen glance, the tension between us builds.

The way he looks at me gives me butterflies. And when he finally touches me? We sizzle.

Stefan makes me feel seen in a way no other person has before. He cherishes my words as passionately as my body.

He makes me laugh. He makes me blush. He calls me kitten.

He's not the villain he's been made out to be.

And suddenly I find myself longing for him in a way the people closest to me wouldn't approve of or understand.

Giving in to Stefan Dalca is playing with fire.

But with him, I don't even mind the heat."

My Rating: 4/5

Elsie Silver has to be one of my favourite authors. If she writes it, I will read it! I loved the two characters that this book covered and I think that the longing was written so beautifully. Also while there was a miscommunication trope, I felt it wasn't the main plot of the story. I loved the way this story and Stefan tied it to the other characters in the story. I look forward to continuing on with the series and starting the next series soon. Although if anyone else uses the nickname kitten, I might have to knock it down a star as well. 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: The Dragon's Bride by Katee Robert

Title: The Dragon's Bride

Author: Katee Robert

Series/Standalone: A Deal With A Demon (Book #1)

Genre: Fantasy, Monster Romance, Adult Fiction

Pages: 190

Publisher: Indie Published

Year Published: 2022

Format: Ebook (Kindle Unlimited)\

"Briar Rose might have a name out of a storybook, but she learned at a very young age that no prince was coming to save her. She'll have to save herself. Unfortunately, even that is an impossible task in her current situation- trapped in a terrifying marriage to a dangerous man.

Desperate times call for desperate measures, which is how she finds herself making a deal with a demon. Freedom from her husband... in return for seven years of service. 

She expects the service to be backbreaking and harsh. She doesn't expect to be put on an auction block in a room full of literal monsters and sold to the highest bidder.

To Sol.

A dragon.

He might seem kinder than his fearsome looks imply, but she knows better than to trust the way he wants to take care of her, or how invested he is in her pleasure. In her experience, if something seems too good to be true, it certainly is.

Falling for Sol is out of the question. She's suffered enough, and she has no intention of staying in this realm... even if she leaves her heart behind when she returns to normal life."

My Rating: 2/5

This was maybe my first foray into monster romance, and I really need someone who is a fan of the genre to tell me if this book is good for the genre or a bad example of the genre. It wasn't for me, it was a little too out of the realm of my comfort zone. Now was I entertained? Yes. Did I get the ick multiple times? Yes. Would I reread it? No, but I might try another one in the series. Anywho all that to say two stars for the two penises. 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Power of Five by Alex Lidell

Title: Power of Five

Author: Alex Lidell

Series/Standalone: Power of Five Series (Book #1)

Genre: Fantasy, Romance, New Adult

Pages: 226

Publisher: Indie Published

Year Published: 2018

Format: Ebook (Kindle Unlimited)

First Line: "'Lera!' Mimi's voice bounces through the stable, turning horses' heads."

"Four elite fae warriors. One mortal female. A magical bond they can't allow- or resist.

Orphaned and sold to a harsh master, Lera's life is about mucking stalls, avoiding her master's advances, and steering clear of the mystical forest separating the mortal and fae worlds. Only fools venture into the immortal realms, and only dark rumors come out... Until four powerful fae warriors appear at Lera's barn.

River, Coal, Tye and Shade have waited a decade for their new fifth to be chosen, the wounds from their quint brother's loss still raw. But the magic has played a cruel trick, bonding the four immortal warriors to... a female. A mortal female.

Distractingly beautiful and dangerously frail, Lera can only be one thing- a mistake. Yet as the males bring Lera back to the fae lands to sever the bond, they discover that she holds more power over their souls than is safe for anyone.... especially for Lera herself."

My Rating: 3.75/5

This was such an interesting read. I was looking for a reverse harem and I wasn't picky about genre other than that being a trope. I looked through my Goodreads TBR and started from the first books I had put on my want-to-read list that were available on Kindle Unlimited. This was such a short, fun read. The spice is building, the concept is fun and the characters are unique enough that they're all distinguishable from each other. I would recommend if you're looking for a short reverse harem book, that has a slower burn than some others you might read. I look forward to reading the next one soon.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Out of the Gate by Elsie Silver

Title: Out of the Gate

Author: Elsie Silver

Series/Standalone: Gold Rush Ranch Series (Book #0.5)

Genre: Contemporary, Romance, Adult Fiction

Pages: 112

Publisher: Indie

Year Published: 2021

Format: Ebook (Own on Kindle)

"Dermot Harding is ten years older than me. A family friend. An employee on my father's ranch.

But I've loved him as long as I can remember.

At eighteen, I kissed him and he pushed me away. He said I was too young.

The army took him from me for three long years, but now he's back at Gold Rush Ranch- looking at me like he's never looked at me before. letting his hands linger longer than they should. Offering to help me train the racehorse I've always dreamed of owning.

I say that I've moved on, but our chemistry? It's electric. It's overpowering. And soon all our reasons for staying away from each other fall away, along with our clothes.

He says he's too old and too broken for someone like me. He says we can never work. But his body tells another story.

I put my pride on the line for him once before.

Am I a fool to risk it again?"

My Rating: 4/5

I think that if you're reading this series it might be a good idea to start here instead of with the actual first book because I had a few moments where I was reminded that we were reading about someone's grandparents and I can't explain why that took me out of moments, but it did. I liked to better understand the characters and how this ranch turned into a racehorse training facility, and the chemistry was excellent. The age gap was a little intense, but I think it was well done overall.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Off to the Races by Elsie Silver

Title: Off to the Races

Author: Elsie Silver

Series/Standalone: Gold Rush Ranch (Book #1)

Genre: Contemporary, Small Town, Romance, Adult

Pages: 334

Publisher: Indie Published

Year Published: 2021

Format: Ebook (Kindle Unlimited)

First Line: "Lights flash all around me, forcing me to cover my eyes with my forearm."

"Keeping things professional with my employees has never been an issue. Until she waltzed onto my property.

Billie is talented. She's mouthy. And she's so damn tempting. I can't stop thinking about all the ways I could take her down a peg.

I can't stop thinking about her, period.

We clash from the moment we meet. And in a small town, on an even smaller farm, it's hard to keep your distance. It's even harder to keep that friction from turning to fire.

But keeping my distance? That might be the biggest struggle of all. Because Billie is the whole package, whip-smart with a body I fantasize about when I'm alone, and quite possibly the only woman who can save this business- and me.

She drives me crazy. In every sense of the word. Every smart-mouthed little comment- every game we play- I end up wanting more. Wanting her closer. With me. Under me.

I try not to let her get to me, but the more time we spend together the more I crave her. Her lips. Her trust. Her heart.

I want it all.

But at what cost?

Because suddenly I don't just want to win races, I want to win the girl."

My Rating:5/5

It's been a while since I stayed up to finish a book and had no interest in sleep while trying to get to the end and this one did it for me. In the beginning, I was a little hesitant because the male lead is a little hard for me to get behind a rich guy acting the way he does but with time he grew on me. Billie on the other hand I loved from the word go! She's fire, she's passionate and she's amazing. I love the way Elsie Silver builds on her stories to extend to the next book in a natural way. It doesn't feel forced it seems to come around naturally. I love it! The chosen family vibes in this immaculate. Would highly recommend it if you want a small-town romance on a horse farm!

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Twisted Games by Ana Huang

Title: Twisted Games

Author: Ana Huang

Series/Standalone: Twisted Series (Book #2)

Genre: Contemporary Romance, New Adult

Pages: 456

Publisher: Indie

Year Published: 2021

Format: Ebook (Kindle Unlimited)

"She can never be his... but he's taking her anyway.

Stoic, broody, and arrogant, elite bodyguard Rhys Larsen has two rules: 1) Protect his clients at all costs 2) Do not become emotionally involved. Ever.

He has never once been tempted to break those rules... until her.

Bridget von Ascheberg. A princess with a stubborn streak that matches his own and a hidden fire that reduces his rules to ash. She's nothing he expected and everything he never knew he needed.

Day by day, inch by inch, she breaks down his defenses until he's faced with a truth he can no longer deny: he swore an oath to protect her, but all he wants is to ruin her. Take her.

Because she's his.

His princess.

His forbidden fruit.

His every depraved fantasy. 

***

Regal, strong-willed, and bound by the chains of duty, Princess Bridget dreams of the freedom to live and love as she chooses. 

But when her brother abdicates, she's suddenly faced with the prospect of a loveless, politically expedient marriage and a throne she never wanted.

And as she navigates the intricacies- and treacheries- of her new role, she must also hide her desire for a man she can't have.

Her bodyguard.

Her protector

Her ultimate ruin.

Unexpected and forbidden, theirs is a love that could destroy a kingdom... and doom them both."

My Rating: 3.5/5

This is the second book in the Twisted series and I felt very similar to this one as the first one. The first half of this book was well done, especially the banter between the characters. Seeing how they interacted and the longing from the get-go was amazing. I loved the bodyguard aspect, but about halfway through I figured out how this was going to end (or at least pretty close). Over time, I also find it frustrating that the author does a lot of telling and very little showing. I want to see what's happening to the characters not hear about it later (obviously this can't be done for every scenario but a bit more would help with my personal enjoyment). I don't think I will be continuing with the series at this time but I hope to try her other series in the future.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny