GaleMR

There are books that will always hold a special place in my heart like Nothing special series. And this one is no different! It was a pleasure to read the very beginning of Day and God's journey together from Academy through the first years on the force and reaching the Detective level. It has zero spice because this is History in the making - the moments that defined who they are before they become a couple. Definitely very interesting to read about it.

It really was an adjustment and I had some hard time getting used to the very elaborate writing style, the author's particular sense of humor and the world building as a whole. I have to say that while the story wasn't my flavour of reading, I did have a good time laughing and enjoying the original approach of the author and the attention to every detail while creating such a complex plot line. The vampires here were definitely out of the box - regular jobs, unusual abilities and interesting personalities. The kinky priest, the role play and the maze of relationships between the characters bound in one unorthodox family, were some of my favourite points in the story. Despite the hard time immersing into the book, I enjoyed it to a degree.

Mel Bright is an outstanding author. She takes a nugget of something we know - from mythology, history, or some other area of knowledge - and then turns the small nugget into something entirely new and fascinating, a whole magnificent world - dazzling, intricate, and full of unexpected twists. The Devil You Know is a dark dystopian story with a unique flavor and characters that are interesting, vibrant and multilayered. Essentially we have two time frames that co-exist in complete harmony - one traces the events that shaped Jon Shaw as a person, experiences and life choices, and the other is the grim reality that John lives in and why he does what he does. And Jon is definitely a character who cannot be easily forgotten. He has embraced the Darkness and learnt how to live with it, feeling more comfortable to coexist with what everyone else fears than the human kind that has let him down in more way than one in more than one occasion. Once again this author has created a story that a reader can't put down and I personally was wondering who is the Devil and what is the greatest evil - humanity stripped bare from any empathy or the demonic unknown that in some ways has given Jon more than any human in his life. Definitely worth some rethinking! I loved the author's interpretation of demonology and the complicated ties between them - Lucifer, Lilith, Azeroth, Abadon. Every little detail was well thought and connected to the others.
Thank you for one amazing ride in this thrilling and a little bit scary futuristic world where Earth isn't only a home for the human kind anymore!

I definitely have a new author amongst my favourites because this second installment cemented her position amongst my favourites. Plot, world-building and spice is what matters to me in exactly this order and they are spot on unbreakable!
“The earth shook beneath my feet” - this is a quote from the book, but it actually suits the whole atmosphere of the story very well. Because when Hilary makes a move or executes a decision, it literally creates ripples and affects lives. But what's more interesting and appealing to a reader like me, is the fact that she isn't painted as invincible or never making mistakes. On the contrary! The way she underestimated some factors, led to truly devastating results and gave the story better credibility.
I'm glad this is just a fictional world, because if it was a real one, it would have been a dark place that no one wants to live in. The question is whether the Queen, along with the help of her Rook, Knight and King, will be able to withstand her powerful enemies and whether the price will be worth it in the end. Compelling and frightening in a brutally realistic way, this continuation of the plot from the first book is no less suspenseful, and the emotions are heightened to a fever pitch. What begins as a simple-looking, straightforward plan for revenge has expanded and twisted under the added weight of the personal agendas of the other three main characters we have - Lauchlan, Kellan and Aaron. But will their skill, smarts, strategizing and determination be enough to bring down the evil kraken that is sprouting more and more deadly tentacles.
What I really like in this story, is the fact that the author doesn't shy away from the difficult decisions and their gruesome results, doesn't shield the characters from the repercussions of their actions, which leads to some really might bending and unexpected twists and this in turns creates terrifying pictures. It's definitely one of my favourite why choose books and I can't wait to see how the characters will survive the upcoming pandemonium, their choices and what will everyone pay in the relentless pull and push on so many fronts.

I truly don't know where to start. Because with this author every reading experience is one emotional journey of self discovery. What I mean is that the way her stories are written, I feel not just drawn to them but I want to move permanently in and get to know the characters - they are shining so bright, so amazingly well fleshed out and developed, that you can experience every emotion, every event, every moment, described on page. But more than anything - I , as a reader, want to have such incredibly tight-knitted, understanding and supporting found family of friends. Yeah, I know - it's too good to be true, sadly...But still the reading will fill you to the brim with hope, warmth, satisfaction.
I have read Collin and now I am following with the continuation - Damian&Jun, because I was spellbound from the first chapter of the first book. These two incredible men and “kink brothers” - Collin and Damian, have their own unique stories very different as a flavor, level of spice and plot intensity, but there is one thing in common. The two series are definitely a labour of love. The author has put the understanding of their characters as utmost priority, giving them space to grow in their own right and write the story the way Damian and Jun are seeing, feeling and living it.
I want to start from the beginning and why the storytelling impressed me one more time.
Damian's presence on page has always been captivating. Every step of his life has been a challenge and he excelled in overcoming every obstacle because he is smart, capable, driven and ambitious. Like a river, too big for its own bed, Damian is a natural force, a demanding figure that captures the heart with how beautiful he is body and soul.
I somehow expected that even when he falls in love, it won't be easy. And here, in his own story, Damian proves me right. But he also shows this amazing inner strength and wholesomeness of his personality, how fiercely and unconditionally he loves and how far he will go to protect the man he claimed as his.
Jun and Damian are separated not only by thousands of miles geographically, but from a cultural abyss that is really intimidating and frightening to a degree. That gives the story a definite darker edge. Contrary to Collin where we got to enjoy the kinky, spicy undertones, here we have a razor sharp, heavier plot line that cuts deep and makes your heart bleed reading the twists and the unexpected turns. The ray of sunshine once again is how much a family, bound by love, not blood matters. Because the same way as Damian, Jun has one of his own - the members of his band, but not only.
Jun somehow reminds me of Collin in his own way. These two characters aren't carbon copies of each other though. The common thing is their charisma. You fall in love with them imperceptibly because they both have the talent to calm a proverbial storm while being the brightest rays of sunshine in their own, individual ways.
The plot arc starts with Collin. To enjoy and understand fully the multi textured complexity of all relationships and their depth in Damian&Jun, a reader has to start from the very beginning.
While Collin presents Damian's amazing growth and accomplishments as well as his submissive side, it also shows that he is absolutely ready for the step up - being a responsible, nurturing and loving Dom; a man that nobody can stop when he is on a mission to save his impossible, but oh, so wanted love. And the second side is so beautifully shining in this continuation, it literally took my breath away.
I can't wait to see how Jun will adapt in his new reality from Korea to US and how he will claim his own place in Damian's polyamorous family.

Interesting, even if not awe inspiring world building with a very cozy, friendly vibe, set in fictional town, where humans and Others are learning to live together.
Sweet, capable, sensitive and all around a golden girl, Chris is a female character that will make you smile and think - Atta,girl, you can do it! Chris is also oblivious to the Others, she has unwittingly surrounded herself with, which further highlights how much personality, not species matter to her. Jarrell, the male character, is another Bona fide, all around golden boy, but he is also an Other from a pure, ancient bloodline.They are both so perfect, so flawless that it feels like you have eaten the biggest, most delicious bag of candies. A lot of us love them, but there has to be a moment when we say - Stop before you get sick. And of course we have an evil ex, who had clipped the “wings” and scarred our female character's gentle soul and self esteem, because let's say he has his own issues and making others miserable is like a second job to him.
It's the ideal, light read, full with tender moments and great banter, centered around building a found family that truly cares for each other, self exploration, body positivity, second chances, falling in love,finding your forever and a few surprises along the way. Well, I was fairly sure, they will happen, but hopefully, you, dear reader, will be pleasantly surprised.
The story is queer friendly because there are mentions of same sex couples and relationships throughout the development of the plot, without them being on page, but enough so the reader can feel the inclusivity and how much every character, every identity and relationship matters and have their own place in this unusual mix of cultures - human and Others. The spicy, sharing aspect is tucked shyly at the end where, under Jarell's gentle encouragement, support and care, the newly established couple safely explore their fantasies, including other people in their dynamic.
Overall, I had a fun time reading it and enjoyed the plot.

If a body can talk, then Elias' body could have told the sad story of 1 boy who built an empire of dreams on the expectation that 1 day he would present as an alpha and nothing could stay on his way. But the reality turned far more complicated than what Elias expected. His life changed when he presented as an Omega and not only that but also as a carrier of ultra rare condition - one that is a danger to him during heats. The focus of this lightly dark omegaverse story is the taste and the bitter price of survival. For years Elias was in merciless war with his own biology - a brilliant mind trapped by the needs of unwanted Omega heats and unwelcome body reactions. And the scars littering his skin, silent witness on all of his failed relationships and attempts to find a reliable alpha - one that will cherish and respect him as a person, not as representation of the traits of his secondary gender. The myriad of emotions, plaguing Elias' mind, all the fears, doubts and painful memories were so skillfully described on page, it was a frightening and quite realistic reading experience.
Building up the complicated past of such a troubled character, living in constant war with the 2 parts of himself, didn't leave a lot of story time for development of the bonds with the 3 alphas Elias chose for himself and even less for the bonds that should form and strengthen between the alphas themselves. It felt like they were roommates tolerating each other's presence in order to please and comfort their omega. I would have loved to see more of their inner dynamics, to really feel some emotional connections between them that aren't only based on the fact that they were mated to one and the same partner.
The other thing that took me by surprise was Elias' first choice after such a long time of healing.
With all his deeply rooted trust issues and 6y of staying away from alphas, he picked up a complete stranger as a partner while the only stable rock in the turbulent sea of his life was just a touch way and they had incredible chemistry and compatibility together.
Overall, I enjoyed the book - the first part more than the second.

The hardest goodbyes leave the most unforgettable and special memories. “Pictures With You” is the final swan song in Bianca Sommerland and Tibby Armstrong's Asylum Fight Club series and my hardest goodbye. Both authors have built an amazing fictional world for their readers. They have intricately and masterfully created piece by beautiful piece an unforgettable dark romance story about a whole family of characters - a found family of misfits for whom The Asylum is more than a safety net, more than a chance to survive, more than just a place to live - it's a living, breathing dream come true and in all the books of the series they bled, suffered, sacrificed and made difficult choices, to protect this dream like the most precious treasure. Polyamory is not an easy story to bring to the page and present in such a way that readers fall in love with the concept. It's a delicate balance between the various relationships in the polycule and its multi-layered complexity.
For 2 years these books were The Asylum of my mind, a beloved escape from reality, a reading heaven like no other and the characters in it turned into unforgettable companions. I have a love - hate relationship with every one of them because like people in real life you can't love or like or dislike all as well as their choices, actions, personalities. Book by book they grew, developed, changed and I loved every step of this journey.
Sadly every good thing has an ending, sometimes a painful one, and Pictures of you was specially designed and written to bring solace and inner peace to the readers like me who loved Jamie and Connor as characters, but they weren't really well fitting pieces in the The Asylum. Because no matter the fact that The Asylum was a good match for some of his inhabitants, it was a dangerous, cruel place for the ones who weren't accepted. No matter how much Jamie tried, how much he chased the elusive feel of belonging, how much he sacrificed, nothing was ever enough. So the last book is Jamie and Connor's story finally finding their well deserved HEA as well as uncovering some more life changing truths.
Fly high, my beautiful dove, your wings are no longer clipped - you paid for your HEA with your blood, heartbreak, memories and dreams!

Run to me is a story about what life is with all the ugly, all the bad, a touch of good and a lot of duplicity, hidden beneath what seems to be perfection, but isn't. It's also a story about Choices - the ones that can build us up, erase who we are or alter the flow of our lives to the point where we don't recognize ourselves anymore. Ashlynn Mills writes heart-touching and thought provoking books, dressed like pretty romance novels, but containing a lot more. And this one isn't an exception, definitely crossing the line in quite dark direction. In the grand scheme of things, Jace and Nate as characters are showcasing what life is from two completely different perspectives - the light and the dark so different from each other, but intimately entwined. I love complex characters like Jace, watching the layers that form their personalities. The plot line spans from Jace's first formative years to adulthood. No, this isn't a boring biography, on the contrary. The way the story evolves through all these years helped me fully enjoy what's happening on page and it was a lot. Abandoned by his mother, raised by a father, fully embroiled in human trafficking and groomed by him to help from early age, all Jace ever knew was the sting of betrayal, the taste of punishments and the bitter realization that no matter what he does, he won't ever be enough, taken care off or wanted.
But despite his grim reality and the fact that everything he received was under some sort of requirement or condition, Jace managed to survive and retain a spark of humanity that people often lose more easily even in circumstances less dire than his. Nate is the exact opposite - he brings the light where Jace's darkness lingers. The perfect son, living the perfect fairytale in a stable home, surrounded by everything he has ever wanted, shielded by the ugliness life has dumped all over Jace, with an easy smile and soft personality, Nate is a genuinely good guy, compassionate, giving and emphatic. What starts as an uneasy co living arrangement between step brothers, morphs into hesitant friendship and later deepens more and more until romance blooms and lines blur. It was fascinating to read and heartbreaking to experience because life just refused to give Jace a break and let him have a spoon of happiness. Like a greedy shark that has tasted blood, Jace's blood, darkness keeps coming back for a bite, taking away the little Jace had, offering only pain and loneliness in return. And once again that spark of internal goodness - battered and bruised, shined through, putting Jace on a new path and me in a very cranky mood. Because, let's face it, there is only so much a person can take without breaking.
Time and time again, twisted and thorny,
the story spins again and again, revealing new challenges, more heartbreak, hard choices and unexpected crossroads.

All I survive is all I survived! It's been one hell of a journey! Amazing! Exceptional! Jarring! I love the sharp edges of Abriana's writing style, the precise, well thought out storylines; the way their words cut on a soul deep level.; the twisted complexity of their characters who are as far from socially acceptable molds and as close to embodied madness as possible. Their books have to be experienced not explained. You will either hate it or fall in love with their world building - there is no in between here. The current story is a thrilling continuation of the previous one and ads a new lover into Holis, Tennant and Roman's dynamic - Jude. Christian and his husband Carter as well as all the members in the inner circle of the Amato family are determined to paint the streets of their city blood red to find the traitor, hiding in their midst. Betrayal, sacrifices, revelations and astonishing examples of fierce loyalty are woven together, leading to a breathtaking finale. Nobody is suitable to live and survive in this kind of lifestyle, but the only way out is death.

Aquatic shifters omegaverse! Yes, you read that right! I was thrilled to find a book about unusual shifter species. One enchanting story about the strength of the first feelings, the devastation of being cast aside without a word, the pain and the memories of this unforgettable betrayal that shape one Omega's life choices further on, creating ripples and shockwaves in the delicate fabric of her very existence and the people she lets closer. Or doesn't! Because a first heat is something special. But for Lila it ended with a deep soul scar.
The story is wonderfully written, keeping the reader glued to the very end. There is a strong emotional charge that heightens the reading experience and shows how hard is the healing after such kind of trauma and how difficult is to build a bond of trust when it's broken.
The polyamory aspect is naturally implemented as an organic part of the life of aquatic shifters and I loved how the polycules in this fictional realm are formed, reinforcing the feeling of inclusivity and harmonious balance between all partners in the group. Additional bonus are the existence of all kinds of paranormal creatures, even though they aren't the main focus of the story. But there is one very important one that brings a heap of spice, and the lingering sensation of extraordinary friendship that offers support, stability and understanding on profoundly deep level. I am talking about Wyatt, the incubus, of course - behind his cheeky, friendly facade and sharp witt is hidden so much more and he won me over indefinitely with his intuition, intelligence and sensitivity.Aidan, Carter, Ty, and Oliver are currently holding the first place in my reader's rankings for shitty mates and poor choices and I can't wait to see will there be another group to dethrone them. They definitely deserved all the grilling and “special” treatment from Lila and I think the grovelling aspect could have been even more intense. It was definitely a logical consequence after the way they left.
A new to me author who delivered one hell of an amazing surprise!

When Urban fantasy goes on a walk and meets Dystopian, together they rewrite the usual concepts of lore and paranormal, turn the understanding of heaven and hell upside down and then making their point clear, hurl them in the pitch black. The result is a brand new, mind shredding fictional story that will challenge your sanity and your threshold of understanding and enjoyment of dark “romance”. It's not a romance actually and no matter how much you dig around in your imagination, hoping to find a neat, tidy box and classify this epic mind f*ck, you will probably come up empty. The author will drag you breathless and horrified in a maze of twists and toxic relationships where everyone has their own agenda and tries to un@live someone, steal their powers or enslave them for their own gain. The writing reminds me of an endless web of toxic and murderous net of lies, secrets and manipulation, and the more you try to get out of it, the more it tightens around you.
The complexity of the characters is the other thing that pulled me in - Alejandro, Elias and Noraya were like ever-changing, multi facetious puzzles that I couldn't get enough of.
Noraya - who has lived a life, based on lies and in tremendous amount of pain and torment, a brilliant cellist, who can talk through her music. Her life is a beautiful and tragic song, that has captured all the challenges, hurdles and hard choices in heart breaking finale. A song, I can still hear, even after I finished the book.
Elias and Alejandro - I am unable to describe all the dimensions of such controversial kind of characters. Every time I thought I have finally grasped a certain plot twist, it slipped under me, leaving me hanging on the edge of the Abyss and staring into a new surprise.
Please, pay attention to the triggers, the author has provided, because this is one dark, unsettling ride. Be prepared that the cliffhanger isn't a HFN and this story isn't romance. I enjoyed it very much because I like stories that can really shake me and leave a lasting impression.
Thank you, Azriel Hope, for this fascinating adventure of the darkest variety.

Sarah Hurst is one of the few authors who can write a slow burn romance, serve it up on a plate with all the feels and raw emotions and have me reading it in one breath. I loved the first book, and I loved the second one even more, so I wonder how it is humanly possible to load so much longing, grief, love, fear, sadness and joy in such a skillful way that one can feel them all while reading. Carson and Roman have more than memories of childhood friendship. They share a special bond that has survived a 10-year separation, and when they unexpectedly run into each other, all feelings buried deep flare up once again. The story follows the challenges and obstacles surrounding two men in different military structures - Navy Seals and Army - who despite the odds and DADT decide they've had enough loneliness to last them a lifetime, so daring to try is the option for better future . My only regret is that the buildup of events and getting to know who Roman and Carson are as people took up so much of the story that I had very little window to enjoy the true closeness and romance at the end. But the plot was so beautifully written, so saturated with strong emotions, that it was totally worth the long wait. Watching Carson and Roman build their lives separately, fighting their battles along the way, reaching milestones and seeing their dreams come true while the true emptiness they felt inside them grew louder and more persistent, was really intense until it led to a sort of startling realization. Life will slip by - empty and devoid of warmth and companionship while the demands of their careers take more and more. Despite the bleak prognosis, I was thrilled to see the HEA at the end of the proverbial tunnel.

After a very intense beginning that introduced us to an equally intriguing and complex Omegaverse world, all the emotional angst and trauma, sprinkled with sweet memories of Nix and Gideon's past, book 2 picks up right from that pivotal moment in Nix's life when everything he has known, everything he's been through, and everything he's been told since his miraculous recovery has left us wanting more. Book 2 does not disappoint and delivers the next portion of the world in which Nyx found himself, surrounded by brand new challenges, hidden truths and surprises. And not just any Pack - but one he can call his own. Pack, family, relationships and bonds - despite how new and intimidating it all seems, Nix navigates his new reality with humble grace, a strong will to learn, and all the love he thought would never be on his agenda. I loved the way the story unfolds, showcasing that while Nix reality is a lot better now, eight people in a relationship is a new kind of turbulence, that requires trust, communication and compromises. The author has added elements of jarring realism, not shying away from the problems that arise with so many people living together. While there are a lot of undeniably sweet moments, higher spice level and so much healing on page, the truth is that there are a lot of hard decisions to be taken that shake the very foundation of this big family, temper clashes and unpleasant revelations. I was hooked from the start to the end and now impatiently waiting to see how Nix and his mates will overcome the new challenges, barreling towards them.

This is the finale I was expecting but was dreading to reach because I didn't want to say Good bye to the characters. I loved the whole adventure, the good and the bad they had to experience all the way to the border of the Empire and to safety beyond it. All the challenges and obstacles helped them strenghten the bonds in the group, helped them grow as individuals, discover and hon new skills, learn to care and rely on each other. It was a difficult time of self discovery and they passed with flying colours. The third book is also the time when they found the final link that closed the clan and the heat we saw in bits and glimpses in the first 2 books, exploded in a real inferno of passion and intimate exploration. What I really liked was the fact that the arc of the story built up a solid emotional foundation before the bonding took place - Ari wasn't just collecting men along the way. It was more like finding missing pieces of her soul that were merging together, creating a new, stronger core of their found family full of love and acceptance.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Breathtaking, brilliant, beautiful! This book is beyond 5 stars, it deserves the Galaxy and then so much more! It delves into the complex intricate patterns of open polyamory and the value of every single relationship in a polycule because every person in such kind of group matters; every person brings something unique on the table. The pulsing core of this story is the loss of a partner; in how many different ways people deal with their grief and how the gapping hole in so many lives mends and heals in unexpected ways, even creating new relationships.

Whatever I say won't be enough to describe the strong impact of so much love and sadness blended together. This isn't just the story of Blaise, Grant and Sawyer - it's the story of their whole family and how they unite together to overcome one of the most devastating life events - death of one of the pieces of this wonderful group of partners.

It's written in a way that you can feel all the bleeding emotions in these pages! Absolutely unforgettable!

I received an ARC and this is my honest opinion.

Jamaica, Britain, Malaysia - this book is a hearty blend of different cultural and ethnic elements, combined in a romance novel that strives to bring readers a variety through a storyline, that spans different continents and characters of different racial heritage. The second thing that drew me in and won over my undying gratitude, were the unusual, rich, original allegories that made the descriptions of events, people and places even more appealing and visually closer to my mind's perception. I love living a book, not just reading it so I had here exactly this heady experience. Another plus was the character's development. What happened to them in this story, was a challenge for the very intimate fabric of their understanding and beliefs of who they are and led to a change that was absolutely necessary in order for a triad relationship to work out. Who says high spice and high level of heat can't be combined with a highly addictive and action packed story line, has to definitely try this wonderfully written gem and meet Tabitha, Shawn and Dex while they learn to navigate a relationship that wasn't supposed to be long term or to work at all. But there is nothing impossible when people, that connect on pure physical attraction level, follow the inexplicable pull and work tirelessly to preserve this initial spark and turn it in something more. While Shawn and Dex were an already established couple in open relationship, Tabitha burst into their lives, turning it upside down in the best way possible. She brought in so much sunshine, warmth and gentle care, seamlessly fitting into their dynamic, that it never felt like her feminine presence was a third wheel or a burden. It's hard to present a triad in a story as harmonious and natural, but the author did an excellent job with these three characters. It wasn't an easy process and every one of them had some doubts and fears, but good open communication, helped Tabitha, Dex and Shawn built a truly amazing relationship. The story isn't all about it though, but also who they are as separate entities and we have three secondary plot lines that merged together beautifully.
I am really happy for accidentally finding another interesting author whose book I truly enjoyed.

This book, ah, this book! I had no idea heartbreak in a fictional story can be described in a way that can make a reader's heart flatline. It was truly one of a kind experience! The plot is unique and rare. I haven't read another story like this before. It starts with two plot lines, giving a glimpse of the lives of the main characters. Both of them were supposed to be in loving relationships/one was/ but their circumstances vastly differ, showcasing what love is from two different angles. After the very intense, emotional build up at the beginning, the two plotlines collide and merge together to deliver another healthy dose of hope, mixed with dispair, love mixed with heartache, love tangled in a web of twists.
The story brings to life so many questions but for me, personally, the one that has the biggest impact is Can love so deep, so strong, so unlimited defy the line between Life and Death? When a heart has been so full of it and the person has been taken prematurely, leaving behind devastating feeling of loss and emptiness, can the imprint of the previous soul carry on when the heart has a new recipient? I fell madly in love with the idea that at least in fiction, a reader can imagine the impossible and see where it goes from there. Can the heart find his way back, led only by the beacon of a love that can't be broken even by Death?
The book has all the angst and then some more, dealing with some heavy triggering topics, but is absolutely worth reading. One of them is Loss - I haven't even thought before how many different kinds of loss we experience in life, how much trauma we stuff in a box and push to the side when it gets too much - the loss of a loved one, the loss of your identity, of who you think you are but it turns out you are not, the loss of first love, the loss of dreams and hope. So much loss combined together could be life altering. And here we have it all. It's thought-provoking on a profoundly unsettling level, burying inside a reader's mind and leaving no stone upturned.
And because all of this is really too much to handle, along with some sugar and spice, the author has given us all the steam and all the feels of one bi awakening.
I loved Silas and Elijah's story. It now holds a special place in my reading memory.
But please, please, please, read the TW and be sure you are in the right mindset to handle all of them. Happy reading! Or may be, Happy journey to the land of heartbreak! I hope you find your way back.

As a fan of urban fantasy and unconventional combinations of mythology, paranormal, and modern settings, I love unorthodox, bold, daring, and engaging solutions that merge the three elements, creating something unique and compelling in one storyline. The Strings of Destiny provides an exquisite example of how elements of Norse myth can be used in a thriller-like modern retelling of the concept of finding your soulmate in the vast expanse of the nine realms. Yes, the whole nine! Not just one. Overcoming all the obstacles, isn't an easy task, when Markus and Faron don't even know, they're fighting against the forces of the universe, that have already been set up in a way, that limits the successful chance of them being together. Our main characters get a brand new chance to rewrite the tragic history of their bloodlines, but first there is so much that have to be accomplished, so much pain to be endured and so many lies and illusions to be uncovered. Markus and Faron have found each other in the first book, Kingdom of Dreams, their lives colliding and uprooting the comfortable, sleepy routine of what they have built so far. The strings of what is destined to be, continue their downward spiral of unraveling in this second installment, seamlessly combining the explosively intense grand finale of the first book with the expansion of the plot we have here. I found myself deeply immersed in the orbit of a fast-paced, violently unpredictable, action-packed adventure that challenged and reshaped the very fabric of everything Faron and Markus knew about themselves, their present, their past, and their future, adding into the already complex mix the Awakening of their newly acquired, frighteningly strong powers.
The second thing that made a very good impression to me were the secondary characters like the Vala of Asgard, Kara, Ursa, Life, Noah and so many more. They weren't just fillers for a richer background but carried their own sub plot lines that complemented the main one beautifully.
As a summary, I have to say, that I have a new author amongst my favorites and can't wait to see the continuation.

Thrilling, action packed, fast paced story, set in a dystopian world that stands out proudly with originality and interesting elements. Oversized, aggressive and bloodthirsty mutations of garden bugs have taken over Earth, pushing the surviving people into defensive corner. After humanity's response to wipe the threat from the face of the planet backfires spectacularly, it ends with unexpected fallout - creation of the shifters. The story combines in a fascinating way a whole new version of urban paranormal lore with dystopian twists and sends the reader, hurtling head first in one breathtaking adventure. Despite the grim reality, for me, personally, this was fun, fairly light read with witty banter, a lot of entertaining moments, plenty of spice and dirty talking. I liked Roxy, her fierce protective streak and dominating attitude. The men, she was surrounded with, in comparison, were like puppies yipping, barking and nipping at her heels, scrambling for every bit of attention they could get. It wasn't the most appealing behavior. And if you wonder why all the desperation, it's because the women in this post apocalyptic world are rare, so most men go without or learn to share. The other two things I loved is the strong found family vibe and the body positivity. It was reinforced during the development of the plot that everyone matters for who they are, their skills, personality and ability for team work, not for their looks, skin, body shape, exc. All the characters where different, but banded together to achieve the final goal - save Roxy's aunt she found herself in.
I liked the story overall, but because it was a standalone, it didn't allow the world building to unfold to its full potential and the characters to develop with more plausible credibility. It left the feeling that the reader is in a race against time, an invisible clock, ticking away the moments we have.
I have no idea why some people say it's a retelling of Red riding hood, except for the color of the cloak Roxy is wearing, which has an explanation in the book. She is neither lost in the woods nor gullible and naive, strong enough to stand on her own and be the natural, charismatic, brave and compassionate leader, who cares about everyone in her little group of misfits.

I am deeply, madly in love with the proverbial “child” these authors created, combining the characters of their respective series. The sheer genial insanity in executing such kind of idea is a Checkmate. It's only the second book, but I know that there isn't another mafia centered world building that can ever dethrone them from my reading pedestal.
The two Mafia bosses - Alessandro and Christian - are still missing and while they battle for their mental survival, they have no idea how much is changing in their own families, not only because the war against them is brutal and the borders between friends, foes and allies are crumbling and morphing into a great Unknown. The changes in the hearts, the shifting ties between the two families are beyond salvageable. The world building is like always outstanding, the story fast paced and gritty but the most impressive is the character development. It's like I have never met these characters. The chameleon effect,in the way they show unknown sides of themselves, is riveting and mind twisting.
Reading the second book was like finding my way in a swamp - the moment you think the path is clear, you sink. Because as always, this incredibly talented duet, has a hidden Ace or two... or a whole battalion of them.

Raindrops like teardrops. This author's writing style is simply riveting. I quickly realized that emotionally intense, deeply heart touching plots will be a trademark for Mimi Rhine. This one of the most painful, life altering and hard to accept bi awakenings I have read in the last few months. To find the strength to face your fears, to completely change your thinking and to embrace love even though it didn't come in the “package” someone expects, is honestly really, really a big challenge. But Matheo did it and not just that - he did it beautifully, with grace, maturity and absolute devotion to prove to Micki that love isn't defined by gender or societal expectations. Love just IS - it comes when you don't expect it and the time frame to realize that it's there, is so small, that you have to act fast or forfeit your chance of happiness. When Matheo and Micki met, it was like two completely different worlds faced each other and looked, because meeting someone so different than you is always memorable.
The story isn't easy to read because it touches some very sensitive topics but it's definitely thought provoking and interesting.

When the only things that rain in your life are only bad ones...and you don't know what good really is....One more time Tea Ravine delivers a really interesting concept as a plot line - mind manipulation and conditioning from such an young age that leave deep fractures in a young, fragile, developing mind. After a lifetime of loneliness that stretches empty and devoid of genuine emotion and purpose, watching Lia's hope for a new beginning to bloom only to be shattered one more time was really kind of bitter sweet. But as someone who survived so much heartache and disappointment, like the fighter she truly, Lia grabbed the reins of her life refusing to give up and be cowered. The tempting, delicious and untamed members of the Mirakill MC were the kryptonite she needed to finally understand that if you want something in real life, you have to grab it by the horns and put your stamp on it. The vibe of the book was the perfect mix between the dark shades of the past, marring Lia's present, lighter notes of mischief and shenanigans, sprinkled generously and enough twists and resistance from the Mirakill MC pack to spice things up and not feel too bland or easy. I really enjoyed the new addition in the Raines fictional world and have to say Atta, girl your rock this Omegaverse genre!

Simply perfection! The beautiful writing, the interesting characters, the captivating way past and present collided in one highly emotional story, the gradual build up of spice that wonderfully corresponded to the angst level, what else can a reader want? Nothing! Because every detail was well thought and placed, exactly in the right spot. I haven't read other books from this author but was able to enjoy the book all on its own. Chad and Lakelyn were like a fascinating musical with the way their love ignited and how their relationship bloomed, forming the heart of their future pack. But my soft spot is definitely Chad - this wounded, beautiful soul, carefully concealed in a Pandora box, who drew me in from the very beginning. If you want to feel your heart cracking, search for the pieces and then put them back together in one really hard, but fitting healing process, this is your story. There are men, loving each other to the point of self destruction and a woman cherished and loved by all of them, so proceed with caution if all encompassing, polyamorous content isn't your cup of tea. It's exactly my cup though and I loved every word I read - all the angst, fear, heartbreak, hope, love, trauma,eletation, tangled in a flawless Knot ready!

The bookish firsts are very important to me. And this was my very first, very cautious first with poly Sapphic romance. And thanks to the author's captivating writing and love for details, it won't be the last. She has created a dark Omegaverse world of harsh contrasts, cruel, hostile realities and a rigid social system where money, position and family standing are of utmost importance for one to live well and enjoy life. But not all are that lucky and the plot is built exactly on the injustice, pain and suffering such glaring difference exists between the castes. While some are pampered, doted on and taken care of from birth, provided with carefully chosen bonds and mated into the right families, others live on the other darker side, where they have nothing. An example of that is receiving a living, breathing being as a present, because auctions where people are sold, are a normal part of life in the glittering darkness of this world. There are some sensitive topics woven into the heavy emotional canvas of this story - slavery, infertility, body autonomy, lack of personal boundaries. The author has done amazing job in blending the beautiful and the ugly aspects of life into something so undeniably heart breaking. One big plus to me as a reader was the way the characters were presented on page - not picture perfect but with all the flaws they have. In this world were Omegas are valuable only as breeders, Hazelle is useless for her society because she is deemed “defective”, not being able to fulfill the only duty the cruel world wants from her. After a life of pain, humiliation and mistreatment, she is sold to the highest bidder.
And here come the highlights of the story that is built on the strong foundation of being given a second chance for better life without impossible expectations; a healing path and loving hands that promise pleasure, light and happiness; learning to trust and stand up for yourself. There is always, always, always one But though. And the author has masterfully brought the shadows of reality into what was supposed to be the light. Every written word is a stark reminder that despite the good intentions, Hazelle was bought after all and her body autonomy is restricted, laying heavily onto the choices of her new mistress - Bellamira and her sub, Elera by proxy.. And these choices may lead to mistakes. Hazelle is still toy, whose cage is just upgraded to a better status, a bird, whose flight is restricted by the bars, surrounding her new life. I loved the sharp edges of this story, the intricate play between dark and light; the way hope soars just to be shot down and drown in the toxic reality of what Life actually is.
The poly aspect of the relationship is developed not on an even standing with all the participants which makes the book even more interesting to read.