Thursday, 30 January 2025

REVIEW - Lights Out (Into Darkness #1) by Navessa Allen

The Book
Release Date: 14 February 2024

The viral TikTok stalker dark romance, burning with high heat, hilarious banter, and a love story like you've never seen before. Can you handle the ride?

I want someone with a soul as black as night. Someone who would burn the world down for me and not lose a single minute of sleep over it.

Trauma nurse Alyssa Cappellucci doesn't need any more kinks. She likes the one she's landed on just fine. To her, nothing could top the masked men she follows online. Unless one of those men was shirtless, heavily tattooed, and waiting for her in her bedroom. She dreams about being hunted by one in particular, of him chasing her down and doing deliciously dark things to her willing body. She never could have guessed that by sending one drunken text, those dreams would become her new reality.

I want things most people don't, craving darkness and depravity instead of light and love.

Joshua Hammond has an infamous father-the kind of man that true-crime podcasts love talking about. Josh has spent his life avoiding the limelight, but his online persona is another story. At night, he posts masked thirst traps for his millions of fans to drool over, but one follower has caught his Aly. After reading a comment begging him to break into her house wearing a mask, he decides to take her up on her offer.

Together, Aly and Josh live out their darkest fantasies, unaware that Aly has captured the attention of someone else. Someone with far more sinister intentions than a little light stalking. As Josh turns from predator to protector and the stakes heighten, he must ask himself how far he's willing to go for the woman he's obsessed with.

Lights Out is a fast-paced dark romance with a morally grey male lead. Some themes and scenes may be disturbing to readers. Please check the TWs at the beginning of the book.

My Review    5 STARS
Morally grey MMC’s

I really enjoyed this book.

We have trauma nurse Aly who sees a lot of the darker side of life in her ER and in recent months has found a social media page with a masked man that turns her on. She has never really gotten over the death of her mother.

Josh is a computer hacker with a traumatic past. He is overprotective of those that are close to him and tends to the more darker grey areas if needed to protect himself, his mother and his friend Tyler. He is certainly more of a reclusive type of person and has trouble sleeping.

When he finds that Aly likes his social media posts he decides to take a chance and breaks into her house to film his next media post.

From here both characters finally connect with each other and Josh tries to keep his identity a secret.

Both characters find something that they have been missing with each other. Josh always shows Aly that she can trust him with anything, including her fantasies and Josh in turn finds someone that challenges him, makes him laugh and is all in it for him.

Of course something happens to put a bit of a spanner in the works, but the fledgling relationship always stays strong as the characters actually talk to each other and do not shy away from the hard topics.

I certainly enjoyed this book and look forward to see how the rest of the series will go.

Monday, 27 January 2025

REVIEW - Lost In The Mountains (Greene Mountain Boys #1) by Olivia T. Turner

The Book
Release Date: 25 January 2023

I took one wrong turn on these crazy mountain roads in the middle of an intense rainstorm and now I'm stuck.
The road is pure mud. Or, it may even be quicksand with the way it's sucking up my tires.
I'm not going anywhere.
Which sucks because I have somewhere important to be.
I'm the maid of honor at my BFF's mountain retreat wedding and the rehearsal dinner is tomorrow.
How the heck am I going to get there in time?
There's no one around to help and if I leave, I'll probably wind up as a grizzly bear's dinner.
I need a man.
A big muscular mountain man to lift my car out of the mud.
And just when I'm at my most desperate, one arrives.
Tyler Becker.
Big muscles, slick tattoos, and a beard that could make a nun rethink her life choices.
He steps out of the truck like a dream come true.
And here I am, looking like a nightmare.
Wet, cranky, and covered in mud.
But for some crazy reason, this gorgeous mountain man is quite taken with me.
He seems a little obsessed.
For someone who was hopelessly lost a minute ago,
I'm suddenly feeling found...

Carrie might be lost, but she's exactly where she needs to be—in the big tattooed arms of a hot possessive mountain man. This obsessive alpha knows how to treat a city girl right!

My Review   3 STARS
This is a very quick little fluff piece and the perfect little read after a large gripping book that has just wreaked you.

It's an age gap with insta love on his part and the main part of it happens within two days with two epilogues that happen three months later and fourteen years later.


Sunday, 26 January 2025

REVIEW - Kingdom of Ash (Throne of Glass #7) by Sarah J. Maas

The Book
Release Date: 23 October 2018

Years in the making, Sarah J. Maas’s #1 New York Times bestselling Throne of Glass series draws to an epic, unforgettable conclusion. Aelin Galathynius’s journey from slave to king’s assassin to the queen of a once-great kingdom reaches its heart-rending finale as war erupts across her world. . .

Aelin has risked everything to save her people―but at a tremendous cost. Locked within an iron coffin by the Queen of the Fae, Aelin must draw upon her fiery will as she endures months of torture. Aware that yielding to Maeve will doom those she loves keeps her from breaking, though her resolve begins to unravel with each passing day…

With Aelin captured, Aedion and Lysandra remain the last line of defense to protect Terrasen from utter destruction. Yet they soon realize that the many allies they’ve gathered to battle Erawan’s hordes might not be enough to save them. Scattered across the continent and racing against time, Chaol, Manon, and Dorian are forced to forge their own paths to meet their fates. Hanging in the balance is any hope of salvation―and a better world.

And across the sea, his companions unwavering beside him, Rowan hunts to find his captured wife and queen―before she is lost to him forever.

As the threads of fate weave together at last, all must fight, if they are to have a chance at a future. Some bonds will grow even deeper, while others will be severed forever in the explosive final chapter of the Throne of Glass series.

My Review    5 STARS
An epic ending!

Oh my goodness.  This book both tore apart my heart and had me smiling at the end.  The last 30% certainly had me bawling countless times as many of our characters went through extreme pain as they battled for a better world, some losing more friends than others.

I completely fell apart for Manons loss.

There was more story building, so many of the characters lives twining together and relationships going from strength to strength as they gave everything in order to help Aelin rid the world of Erawan and Maeve.

A great battle that spans much of the book with many of the characters first apart until they all congregate at the end in Orynth in Terrasen as the all make a stand beside Aelin.  

This is certainly an ending for a series.  Lots of twists and turns, some that i did not see coming and all the emotional feels for days.  This series certainly sucked me in, enthralled me and spat me back out.  I’m very much still reeling.

Wednesday, 22 January 2025

REVIEW - Tower of Dawn (Throne of Glass #6) by Sarah J. Maas

The Book
Release Date: 5 September 2017

Chaol Westfall and Nesryn Faliq have arrived in the shining city of Antica to forge an alliance with the Khagan of the Southern Continent, whose vast armies are Erilea's last hope. But they have also come to Antica for another purpose: to seek healing at the famed Torre Cesme for the wounds Chaol received in Rifthold.

After enduring unspeakable horrors as a child, Yrene Towers has no desire to help the young lord from Adarlan, let alone heal him. Yet she has sworn an oath to assist those in need—and will honor it. But Lord Westfall carries shadows from his own past, and Yrene soon comes to realize they could engulf them both.

In this sweeping parallel novel to the New York Times bestselling Empire of Storms, Chaol, Nesryn, and Yrene will have to draw on every scrap of their resilience if they wish to save their friends. But while they become entangled in the political webs of the khaganate, deep in the shadows of mighty mountains where warriors soar on legendary ruks, long-awaited answers slumber. Answers that might offer their world a chance at survival—or doom them all . . .

My Review    5 STARS
I read this book in tandem with Empire of Storms as suggested by many other readers to get the best out of both books.

This book revolves on the other continent as Chaos and Nesryn go as ambassadors for the cause of not only healing Chaol, but to form allies and get help with the imminent war with Perrington/Erawan.

Chaol has healer Yrene on his case, but she initially starts out with a prejudice against the Adarlan people, however, Chaol with his strength and honesty ends up changing Yrenes mind.

As the pair grow closer as threat emerges and they both end up investigating, with suspicion on many levels around them, but they do eventually get to the bottom of it and save more people.

Nesryn however ends up in the mountains with Prince Sartaq as they fly to where his hearth-mother and where is Kadara live. Both Nesryn and Sartaq find things are not all as well as it seems there either as there are hatchlings going missing and their investigations lead not only to knowledge that may help their friends in the war, but they find that they have feelings for each other.

When both the pairs come together again near the end of the book we get even more answers and find if they have been successful in their endeavours to not only gain knowledge, but to gain allies in the war.

REVIEW - Empire of Storms (Throne of Glass #5) by Sarah J. Maas

The Book
Release Date: 6 September 2016

The long path to the throne has only just begun for Aelin Galathynius as war looms on the horizon. Loyalties have been broken and bought, friends have been lost and gained, and those who possess magic find themselves at odds with those who don't.

With her heart sworn to the warrior-prince by her side, and her fealty pledged to the people she is determined to save, Aelin will delve into the depths of her power to protect those she loves. But as monsters emerge from the horrors of the past, and dark forces become poised to claim her world, the only chance for salvation will lie in a desperate quest that may mark the end of everything Aelin holds dear.

In this breathtaking fifth installment of the New York Times bestselling Throne of Glass series, Aelin will have to choose what—and who—to sacrifice if she's to keep the world of Erilea from breaking apart.

My Review    5 STARS
I read this in tandem with Tower of Dawn as many have suggested all over social media, the only good thing about being so late to the party.

This book it told in multiple point of view in order that we can get a well rounded story and attach ourselves to all of the main characters. I love getting the story this way so you really feel as if you are there with each character and what has brought them to the point they are at.

You find all of the characters moving separately until they are brought more together as a cohesive team all under Aelins banner and strength and finding that Aelin has more up her sleeve than at first thought.

This book ends on a cliff hangar and you really feel for the whole team as they navigate new waters, yet stay as their teams all with an end goal that marries up.

All of the characters are really strong and you can see the hands of others who have been there to guide them to all end up supporting each other.

Thursday, 16 January 2025

REVIEW - Queen of Shadows (Throne of Glass #4) by Sarah J. Maas

The Book
Release Date: 1 September 2015

'One of the best fantasy book series of the past decade' TIME

No masters. No limits. No regrets.

Aelin Galathynius takes her place as queen in the fourth book of the #1 bestselling Throne of Glass series by Sarah J. Maas.

Celaena Sardothien has embraced her identity as Aelin Galathynius, Queen of Terrasen. But before she can reclaim her throne, she must fight.

She will fight for her cousin, a warrior prepared to die for her. She will fight for her friend, a young man trapped in an unspeakable prison. And she will fight for her people, enslaved to a brutal king and awaiting their lost queen's triumphant return.

Everyone Aelin loves has been taken from her. Everything she holds dear is in danger. But she has the heart of a queen - and that heart beats for vengeance.

In this fourth book in the #1 New York Times bestselling Throne of Glass series, no one will escape the queen's wrath.

My Review   5 STARS
Wow!

So much action, so many twists and turns and a multiple point of view to aid us in understanding what is happening in multiple places in the story.

The whole story building is incredible, the characters strong and resilient, having to change, ebb and flow as the tides change.

I loved each character, the old ones, the new ones and sometimes even those who at first seem like the bad guy.

All characters have their good sides, their bad sides and the shades of morally grey.  Not everyone is an angel where no wrong has been done.

I now look forward to the next two books where a tandem read is recommended.  

How will our new queen get her court ready.  Will her homeland welcome her back and will Dorian find his way back and to happiness.  When war comes to their door, who will help them, and who will be against them.

Monday, 13 January 2025

REVIEW - Heir of Fire (Throne of Glass #3) by Sarah J. Maas

The Book
Release Date: 2 September 2014

'One of the best fantasy book series of the past decade' TIME

The heir of ash and fire bows to no one.

A new threat rises in the third book in the #1 bestselling Throne of Glass series by Sarah J. Maas.

Celaena Sardothien has survived deadly contests and shattering heartbreak, but now she must travel to a new land to confront her darkest truth. That truth could change her life - and her future - forever.

Meanwhile, monstrous forces are gathering on the horizon, intent on enslaving her world. To defeat them, Celaena will need the strength not only to fight the evil that is about to be unleashed but also to harness her inner demons. If she is to win this battle, she must find the courage to face her destiny - and burn brighter than ever before.

The third book in the #1 New York Times bestselling Throne of Glass series continues Celaena's epic journey from woman to warrior.

My Review    5 STARS
So much action!

There is so much that happens in this book.  We have Celaenas updates along with updates from Chaol, Dorian and three other characters.

Each update keeps us a breast of their part in the story.  How the fair, what they have to do and the secrets they hold along with their struggles.

There is so much action, plots revealed, treason, strength as alliances form and sadness and pain as truths are revealed and/or finally accepted.

I really enjoyed this book and although it did not leave on a cliff hangar, i cannot wait to see what happens with these characters.

Friday, 10 January 2025

REVIEW - Crown of Midnight (Throne of Glass #2) by Sarah J. Maas


The Book
Release Date: 15 August 2013

She is the greatest assassin her world has ever known. But does she have the heart of a killer?

After a year of hard labor in the Salt Mines of Endovier, eighteen-year-old assassin Celaena Sardothien has won the king's contest to become the new royal assassin. But Calaena is far from loyal to the crown. Keeping up the charade - while pretending to do the king's bidding - will test her skills in an entirely new way. And it certainly isn't the only point of confusion for the young girl. Because though she's made her choice between Dorian and Chaol, the ways of the heart are never simple...

My Review   5 STARS
This is the second book in the series and it cannot be read out of order in the series or you will miss vital information.

Celaena has secrets. But her friends have their own secrets too. What happens when some of these secrets spill out and when one friend is taken from her completely.

Celaena navigates her job as the royal assassin and helping her cause, but when tragedy strikes, it forces Celaena to rethink her values, to step and and fight for a cause bigger than just her and to open up more with Dorian and Chaol.

I really enjoyed this book, even though it ended on a big exposure, which i had already guessed, but i am glad that i already have the next book in the series to see what happens next.

Wednesday, 8 January 2025

REVIEW - Throne of Glass (Throne of Glass #1) by Sarah J. Maas

The Book
Release Date: 7 August 2012

Meet Celaena Sardothien.
Beautiful. Deadly. Destined for greatness.


In the dark, filthy salt mines of Endovier, an eighteen-year-old girl is serving a life sentence. She is a trained assassin, the best of her kind, but she made a fatal mistake: she got caught.

Young Captain Westfall offers her a deal: her freedom in return for one huge sacrifice. Celaena must represent the prince in a to-the-death tournament—fighting the most gifted thieves and assassins in the land. Live or die, Celaena will be free. Win or lose, she is about to discover her true destiny. But will her assassin’s heart be melted?

My Review   5 STARS
I the first book of the series we find our FMC in a salt mine where she has been for a year and she is being escorted by guards to see where her fate will take her that day.

We meet both Chaol the Captain of the Kings guards and Crown Prince Dorian who both feature a lot in this book and both develop feeling for Celaena.  Celaena is morally grey, an assassin and in pain from betrayal and the death of her friend and slightly more Sam.

Celaena is taken from the Mine's to be the Princes chosen entry to become the Kings Assassin, but it ends up being so much more.

We meet another Princess in Nehemia and we also have a support for Celaena with her servant Philippa.

Again Celaena shows us her strength, not only in body, but of will and of mind and also how clever she is.  She is certainly not a character to be messed with, but when she loves. or makes friends she protects them and will do ANYTHING to protect them.

I really enjoyed this book and an really looking forward to the rest of this series.

Sunday, 5 January 2025

REVIEW - The Assassin's Blade (Throne of Glass #0.1-0.5) by Sarah J Maas

The Book
Release Date: 4 March 2014

Celaena Sardothien is her kingdom's most feared assassin. Though she works for the powerful and ruthless Assassin's Guild, Celaena yields to no-one and trusts only her fellow killer-for-hire, Sam.

When Celaena's scheming master, Arobynn Hamel, dispatches her on missions that take her from remote islands to hostile deserts, she finds herself acting independently of his wishes—and questioning her own allegiance. Along the way, she makes friends and enemies alike, and discovers that she feels far more for Sam than just friendship. But by defying Arobynn's orders, Celaena risks unimaginable punishment, and with Sam by her side, he is in danger, too. They will have to risk it all if they hope to escape Arobynn's clutches—and if they fail, they'll lose not just a chance at freedom, but their lives...

A prequel to Throne of Glass, this collection of five novellas offers listeners a deeper look into the history of this cunning assassin and her enthralling—and deadly—world.

Included in this volume:

The Assassin and the Pirate Lord
The Assassin and the Healer
The Assassin and the Desert
The Assassin and the Underworld
The Assassin and the Empire

My Review   5 STARS
This book has 5 short novellas to introduce us into the Throne of Glass Series and to Celaena's past before we dig into the first book.

These stories give us a glimpse of what type of character she is and some of the things she has been through in order to be who she is and where she is at the beginning of the book.

I really recommend reading this book first to help give you a better context at some of the people mentioned and why Celaena is as strong as she is.

I really enjoyed these stories and am really looking forward to reading this series.

Saturday, 4 January 2025

REVIEW - God of Malice (Legacy of Gods #1) by Rina Kent

The Book
Release Date: 14 Jul 2022

I caught the attention of a monster.
I didn’t ask for it.
Didn’t even see it coming.
But the moment I do, it’s too late.
Killian Carson is a predator wrapped in sophisticated charm.
He’s cold-blooded, manipulative, and savage.
The worst part is that no one sees his devil side.
I do.
And that will cost me everything.
I run, but the thing about monsters?
They always chase.

This book is not a conventional romance and contains themes that aren't to everyone's liking. Please check the author's note before reading.

My Review     5 STARS
This is the first book that I have read by this author and it is certainly one of the dark books that I have read.  I can certainly see that if a darker more morally grey man is not your thing that some would have issues with this type of book.

Glyndon is struggling with the death of her friend Devlin she watched as his car went over the end of the cliffs.  She is there at the cliffs one night months after when she first meets Killian.

Killian is a much darker type of human, much darker than one of her twin brothers Landon who has a darkness within him.  Killian embraces his darker side and pushes at Glyndon the very first time he meets her.  He is himself with her and it both scares and excites her.

It this book we see family relationships that are certainly flawed, strong friend groups and alpha males who protect not only their friends, but those that they believe belong to them.

It takes very little for Killian to find that he is interested by Glyndon in a way that he has never been interested in a female before.  He therefore makes up his mind that she is his and does not take no for an answer.

I did like the complex web of relationships, the almost surprise twist near the end and knowing that most of these characters will get their own books.  I have not read the books about the parents, but will probably go back and read these at some point.

I look forward to reading the rest of this series.