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Completed: a series that has all books published for purchase

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Series Review: Syrena Legacy by Anna Banks

Series Review: Syrena Legacy by Anna Banks

Series Review: Is this series worth your time? Does it get better as the novels progress? Or does it get worse? Find out below:

booksynopsis

Synopsis for Of Poseidon (from Goodreads):

Galen is the prince of the Syrena, sent to land to find a girl he’s heard can communicate with fish. Emma is on vacation at the beach. When she runs into Galen—literally, ouch!—both teens sense a connection. But it will take several encounters, including a deadly one with a shark, for Galen to be convinced of Emma’s gifts. Now, if he can only convince Emma that she holds the key to his kingdom…

Told from both Emma and Galen’s points of view, here is a fish-out-of-water story that sparkles with intrigue, humor, and waves of romance.

breakdown

Series: Syrena Legacy; Of Poseidon
Author: Anna Banks
# of Books: 3 (Full Reading Order Here)
Book Order: Chronological

There are numerous novellas and short stories.

Complete?: Yes
Genre: Young Adult, Mythology, Non-Contemporary, Paranormal Romance, Mermaids
Heat Rating: cool
Point of View: First & Third Person
Publication Dates: May 2012 – May 2014
Source & Format: Public Library–Audiobook

thoughts

Why I Picked it Up / My Expectations:

I’ve had Of Poseidon on my TBR for YEARS. It escaped numerous declutterings of my TBR because there was just something about it that made me want to read it, even years later. I think part of it is that I just never really read a lot of mermaid books. The other part was that this book seemed to be everywhere when I first started blogging and I think I felt like I was missing out on something.

When the trilogy became available on audio at my library, I knew it was the next one for me to binge!

The Concept / The World:

The whole world is really intriguing. It’s a fun play on mythology and other mermaid tales.

The Plot:

Even as I get older, I still enjoy YA reads. I just get a little chooser about what I read because I know what I like and what I don’t like.

This is one of those series I might have enjoyed a little more 10 years ago when it first came out.
I craved a little more excited but perhaps that was because I could see the plot twists a mile away. However, I did think the pacing was good and these books were always moving so they never felt like they dragged on. They’re very basic in their approach and I feel like with the politics of the world, more things could have been going on to give the story an edge.

The Characters:

Emma is the classic “special snowflake” heroine with a massive chip on her shoulder to make her (unnecessarily) angsty. I wasn’t a fan. Her rationale for some of her decisions made me roll my eyes considering she is supposed to be 18 and “mature”.

Galen won’t be winning my teenaged heart but he was a nice hero and I appreciated that he wasn’t displaying a ton of “alpha” maleness.

The Romance:

It’s your standard girl falls for boy with paranormal abilities/genetics.

When to Read the Novellas & Short Stories:

I never read any but I think the order listed on Goodreads would be accurate.

My Audiobook Experience:

The audio production was good. I think Galen’s chapters (in third person) could have been read with a different narrator or had Emma’s chapters (first person) start with “Emma” so that you know there is an apparent shift. I also thought Rayna’s voice really changed (and not just because of the plot) in Of Triton (#2). She seemed more childish than before, which in turn seemed slightly out of character.

Series Rating: 3/5

Of Poseiden 3/5 | Of Triton 3/5 | Of Neptune 3/5

overall

I think for young YA fans or YA fans who want to dip their toes into the world of the paranormal, this is a good started series for you. It has just enough going on to keep things interesting but there are a lot better reads out there.

Read if You Like: mermaids, paranormal romances
Avoid if You: want more plot twists, dislike YA

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Spin-off Saturdays: Dance of Thieves by Mary E Pearson

Spin-off Saturdays: Dance of Thieves by Mary E Pearson

Spin-off Saturdays: On Saturdays, I will review a series that is a spin-off series. It is recommended that you read the original series first in order to get the most out of the spin-off series. Here is this week’s offering:

The Dance of Thieves Series is a spin-off of the The Remnant Chronicles

breakdown

Series: Dance of Thieves

This is a spinoff of the The Remnant Chronicles Series.

Author: Mary E Pearson
# of Books: 2 (Full Reading Order Here)
Book Order: Chronological
Complete?: Yes
Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Romance, Adventure, Action, Politics
Heat Rating: warm
Point of View: First Person, Alternating
Publication Date: August 2018 – August 2019
Source & Format: Public Library–Audiobook

warning
WARNING: If you have not finished the original series, this review may have spoilers!

thoughts

My Expectations?

Last year, I finally finished the Remnant Chronicles. I say finally because after reading the inaugural book shortly after its release, I never got around to the sequels. So I took a chance on the audiobooks and loved the final two books (and the audio). And while I didn’t need a spin-off series, I’m happy to have one because I really enjoy this world and liked the idea of spending more time in it!

How Does It Compare To The Original?

This series paid a lot of homage to the original series yet stood on its own. While it may not have had that “mystery” of the first novel (where you don’t know who is the assassin or who is the prince), it did have that great, pulls-you-in tension between our two leads. And there is plenty of mystery with secrets and such along the way to keep you hooked.

This series is filled with lots of action, both physical and political.  Add to it tough female leads; a tension filled romance and a cameo or two of characters from the first series. It’s well balanced and perhaps even stronger in some ways to its predecessor.

Anything I Didn’t Like?

While I didn’t remember the finer details of the original series, I never got lost in how the world worked. I did however, get lost in the finer details of the plot here at times. Now that might have been because I found the middle dragged a bit and/or because I zoned out listening to the audiobook along the way. But overall, that’s more of a “me” thing.

My Audiobook Experience:

I really enjoyed the audiobooks. It really brought the characters to life for me and I even held out reading the sequel book until I could get the audiobook version (and it was worth it!)

Series Rating: 4/5

Dance of Thieves 4/5 | Vow of Thieves 4/5

overall

I think this series was the perfect spin-off (though you certainly don’t have to read the Remnant Chronicles to know what is happening)! It’s similar enough to its predecessor but manages to carve out its own path with new characters and an intriguing plotline.

Read if You Like: strong female characters, action, politics
Avoid if You: dislike fight scenes, dislike action/fantasy

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booksynopsis

Synopsis for Dance of Thieves (from Goodreads):

A formidable outlaw family that claims to be the first among nations.

A son destined to lead, thrust suddenly into power.

Three fierce young women of the Rahtan, the queen’s premier guard.

A legendary street thief leading a mission, determined to prove herself.

A dark secret that is a threat to the entire continent.

When outlaw leader meets reformed thief, a cat-and-mouse game of false moves ensues, bringing them intimately together in a battle that may cost them their lives―and their hearts.

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Series Review: Pretend by Ella Miles

Series Review: Pretend by Ella Miles

Series Review: Is this series worth your time? Does it get better as the novels progress? Or does it get worse? Find out below:

booksynopsis

Synopsis for Pretend I’m Yours (from Goodreads):

I’m a twenty-two-year-old virgin. Tonight that changes.

I thought my first time had to be magical. The perfect date. The perfect place. The perfect guy. I thought I wanted to be in love.
But now, I’m desperate.
I’ll take any guy as long as he’s decent looking and treats me well, at least for the night.
Turns out Mr. Perfect isn’t so hard to find. He’s hot, dreamy, and filthy rich. And he wants me.
Sex with him is going to be better than I ever imagined. He’s going to ruin me for all other guys. I know that it is just for one night, but it doesn’t matter. I’m happy to get my perfect night.
One night isn’t enough, for either of us.
Because Mr. Perfect just fake proposed to me. And he wants this proposal to last a lot longer than one night.

Will you pretend to be my wife?

breakdown

SERIESous’ Top Picks: Must Read Author
Series: Pretend
Author: Ella Miles
# of Books: 3 (Full Reading Order Here)
Book Order: Connected
Complete?: Yes
Genre: New Adult, Contemporary, Romance
Heat Rating: Toasty
Point of View: First Person, Alternating
Publication Dates: May 2018 – June  2022
Source & Format: Author–eARC

thoughts

Why I Picked it Up / My Expectations:

Originally pitched as a standalone novel with Pretend I’m Yours, Ella Miles created two spin off novels featuring some characters we meet along the way. I reviewed Pretend I’m Yours, and Pretend We’re Over separately but the last book in the series, Pretend I’m Her, is only available in the boxset. Hence, this series review.

I consider Ella Miles to be a must read author for me, but I do have a hit and miss relationship with her titles. I often love the concept but not always the execution.

The Concept / The World:

Each novel features a “fake” relationship plot – a favourite romance trope of mine! Some are executed better than others but it is the common theme amongst the novels.

The Plot:

One thing I really enjoy about Ella Miles’ novels is that I never really know how they will end or how we will get there. She keeps me on her toes with her twists and intricate plotlines.

However, one thing I can struggle with Ella Miles’ novels is that sometimes the logic doesn’t always add up. Or the characters run hot and cold in their convictions for no reason. That was something very noticeable to me in Pretend We’re Over (#2).

The Characters:

In a nutshell, I really loved the leads in Pretend I’m Yours (#1); not so much in Pretend We’re Over (#2); and felt they were alright in Pretend I’m Her (#3).

The Romance:

Part of the reason I held the rest of this series to such a high standard was the explosive chemistry our two leads had in the first book. I loved the banter and the tension between them. We still got that in the rest of the series but perhaps not always to the same extent.

Series Rating: 3/5

Pretend I’m Yours 5/5 | Pretend We’re Over 3/5 | Pretend I’m Her 3/5

overall

As a series, not my favourite. But if you want quick, angsty reads, they fit the bill. However, I do consider Pretend I’m Yours to be one of my favourite Ella Miles novels in her catalogue.

Read if You Like: angst, fake relationships
Avoid if You: dislike drama
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Serial Saturday: Hush by Amanda Maxlyn

Serial Saturday: Hush by Amanda Maxlyn

Serial Saturdays: On the occasional Saturday, I review a serialized series (a series that is released in parts that would normally make up a whole novel) to see if the series is worth keeping up with or worth buying all its parts. Here is this week’s offering:

booksynopsis

Synopsis for Hush (from Goodreads):

I never expected to get fired on my birthday of all days. But that was the start of many unexpected things.
With him.
It was one night masked in desire and pleasure that changed everything. He’s all I think about- all I want. And he’s everything I can’t possibly have.
My sisters ex. My swim coach.
Now, all I’m left with are stolen glances, brief touches, and a burning desire for more as I drown in my need for him- the man who’s off limits, totally forbidden.
Unless …
We keep it completely hushed.

breakdown

Series: Hush
Author: Amanda Maxlyn
# of Parts: 4
Complete?: Yes
Genre: New Adult, Contemporary, Romance
Heat Rating: Toasty
Point of View: First Person, Single
Publication Date: January 2017
Source & Format: Own–eBook (Kindle)

thoughts

Why I Picked it Up / My Expectations:

So I discovered this series one day when I was browsing through a Book Bub newsletter and saw it was on sale for $1. I LOVE forbidden romances and this sounded like a quick read with lots of sexual tension.

Fast forward nearly 5 year later and I finally picked this one up when I had a craving for a quick, easy to read romance.

The Plot:

I actually didn’t reread the synopsis before I started reading and I think that was for the better. I think the fact that Trey dated Emma’s sister was enough of a forbidden factor but I liked that the fact that he was Emma’s new swim coach was a mystery to me until it was revealed in the book. That was a nice spin and I think the synopsis ruins that.

After that particular twist, there isn’t too much else to up the ante. It’s just watching these two navigate their complicated, budding romance.

The Characters:

Trey’s decision to throw away everything for Emma after 3 encounters was a little much for me. Because we don’t get his POV I felt like I missed why he really felt like it was worth the risk. He has a good backstory, it would have been nice if that was built up a little more.

Emma is alright. I can appreciate how she tries to navigate things with her sister (who is a bit of a narcissistic diva to say the least). But she wasn’t anything groundbreaking or memorable.

The Romance:

Classic instalove at its finest.

Series Rating: 3/5

overall

If you want something quick with a dash of taboo, this is a great read to finish in one sitting. But if you want a more complex forbidden romance, look elsewhere.

Read if You Like: quick reads
Avoid if You: dislike instalove
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Series Review: Heartache Duet by Jay McLean

Series Review: Heartache Duet by Jay McLean

Series Review: Is this series worth your time? Does it get better as the novels progress? Or does it get worse? Find out below:

booksynopsis

Synopsis for Heartache and Hope (from Goodreads):

Ava Diaz needs saving.
She just doesn’t know it yet.
Just like she doesn’t know a thing about the boy she sits next to on the first day of senior year.
He thinks she’s a brat.
She thinks he’s entitled.
Maybe first impressions don’t always last…
Because Connor Ledger’s about to save her.
He just doesn’t know why.

breakdown

Series: Heartache Duet

Set in the same world as the More Than Series & Preston Brothers Series.

Author: Jay McLean
# of Books: 2 (Full Reading Order Here)
Book Order: Chronological
Complete?: Yes
Genre: Young Adult / New Adult, Contemporary, Romance, Sports
Heat Rating: warm
Point of View: First Person, Alternating
Publication Dates: June 2019 – July 2019
Source & Format: Public Library–Audiobook

thoughts

Why I Picked it Up / My Expectations:

I’m a huge Jay McLean fan and was eager to read this series when it first came out. But being a Jay McLean fan means I know I want the full series to be released before I dive in so I’m not biting my nails waiting for the next installment thanks to her massive cliffhangers!

When the audiobooks were made available at my library and I wanted to listen to contemporary romance next, this was the one I downloaded.

The Plot:

There was something incredibly addicting about Heartache and Hope (#1). I was so absorbed into Connor and Ava’s individual stories in addition to their blossoming romance. I laughed, I cried, I exclaimed things aloud while listening to this audiobook in public. I just became engrossed in this story.

While First and Forever (#2) wasn’t as addicting to read for me, it was still a solid finale. I just felt like we regurgitated a few of the same sentiments again and again. But it was great to watch these characters grow and see where they end up in the world.

The Characters:

No one writes angst — real heart-wrenching, truly tough angst — like Jay McLean. These characters aren’t simply upset because their crush won’t give them the time of day. They have experienced trauma and are doing everything they can to overcome the hand life has dealt them.

I loved Connor and Ava — and I definitely would read some books about some other characters we meet to. Everyone had such great personalities and development; they helped enhance the story.

The Romance:

I love a good slow burn, hate-to-admit-I-like-you attraction between characters. There was just this delicious tension between these two. Some of their banter was a little quirky but it worked for these two. Yes, it has all the moments of that all encompassing first love but you could see how these two would work long term which always balances that aspect out.

My Audiobook Experience:

The audiobook production was great. I loved how the narrators brought these characters to life. I think I got a lot more of the emotion and turmoil these characters were experiencing simply because someone was saying those sentiments allowed.

Series Rating: 4.5/5

Heartache and Hope 5/5 | First and Forever 4/5

overall

If you want a book series that will make you laugh, cry and shout aloud, why are you waiting! Real world angst at its finest here!

Read if You Like: first loves, complicated characters
Avoid if You: dislike contemporary romance, want lighter subject matter

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Series Review: The Fallen World by Laura Thalassa

Series Review: The Fallen World by Laura Thalassa

Series Review: Is this series worth your time? Does it get better as the novels progress? Or does it get worse? Find out below:

booksynopsis

Synopsis for The Queen of All That Dies (from Goodreads):

In the future, the world is at war.

For the last decade, King Lazuli of the Eastern Empire has systematically taken over the world. No one knows much about him other than a series of impossible facts: he cannot die, he has not aged since the conflict began, and he wants to rule the world.

All Serenity Freeman has known is bloodshed. War has taken away her mother, her home, her safety. As the future emissary of the Western United Nations, the last autonomous region of the globe, she is responsible for forging alliances where she can.

Surrender is on the horizon. The king can taste it; Serenity feels it deep within her bones. There is no other option. Now the two must come face to face. For Serenity, that means confronting the man who’s taken everything from her. For the king, it means meeting the one woman he can’t conquer. But when they meet, something happens. Cruelty finds redemption.

Only in war, everything comes with a price. Especially love.

breakdown

SERIESous’ Top Picks: Favourite Read of 2022
Series: The Fallen World
Author: Laura Thalassa
# of Books: 3 (Full Reading Order Here)
Book Order: Chronological
Complete?: Yes
Genre: New Adult, Post Apocalyptic, Romance, Science Fiction
Heat Rating: warm
Point of View: First Person, Alternating
Publication Dates: January 2015 – May 2016
Source & Format: Kindle Unlimited–eBook

thoughts

Why I Picked it Up / My Expectations:

When I resuscbribed to Kindle Unlimited during an Amazon Prime promotion, this was one of the series I downloaded first. It had been on my list for a while and I figured now was as good a time as any. Particularly because I was in a major reading funk and contemporary romances weren’t working for me. This sounded very different that what I was attempting to read and so I picked it up!

The Concept / The World:

The story is set years into the future after war has ravaged the earth and a sole ruler claims domain over everything. Reading this while global tensions around Ukraine and Russia were mounting really added to the impact of this setting for me. And I think it amplified the political plotline of this story as well.

The Plot:

One of the things I loved most about this series is that I never knew where the plot was going…in a good way! The plot was filled with twists and turns, unpredictable characters and never held back from violence or death.
The politics of this world were great! Everything slowly built from that first book and just keeps going right until the end. I loved that danger could be caused by something intellectual than just physical violence.

The Characters:

Serenity has grown up in a violent world knowing her life’s purpose is to save the world (or at the very least, her country). She kinda makes Katniss Everdeen look like a meek little girl. She’s so angsty and closed off from the world that it was super cool to watch her character evolve as life throws her numerous curve balls.

As for the King — I love a good bad guy. He is ruthless, more so than Serenity. Which makes their scenes together explode!

The Romance:

I think some people will struggle with the romance but I found that to be the most interesting aspect. It’s hate to love you in all its dark glory. You don’t know if you should root for it or cringe but the hopeless romantic in me was cautiously optimistic and loved every minute of it. I think it was the best aspect of the plot or at the very least, the ultimate hook.

Series Rating: 5/5

The Queen of All that Dies 5/5 | The Queen of Traitors 5/5 | The Queen of All that Lives 5/5

overall

I’ve never read anything like this. One of my all-time favourite dystopian/non-contemporary new adult reads EVER!

Read if You Like: hate to love you romances, political intrigue, science fiction
Avoid if You: dislike violence
similarreads

  • Queen of Blood by Jill Myles
  • Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi (Shatter Me #1)
  • The Wrath and the Dawn by Renee Ahdieh( The Wrath and the Dawn Series #1)

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DNF Series Review: Fallen Series by Lauren Kate

DNF Series Review: Fallen Series by Lauren Kate

DNF December Review Blitz — Day 3: I’m sharing my thoughts on some book series that I have marked as incomplete as I have never finished the first novel in the series. Find out why these weren’t for me:

booksynopsis

Synopsis for Fallen (from Goodreads):
What if the person you were meant to be with could never be yours?

17-year-old Lucinda falls in love with a gorgeous, intelligent boy, Daniel, at her new school, the grim, foreboding Sword & Cross . . . only to find out that Daniel is a fallen angel, and that they have spent lifetimes finding and losing one another as good & evil forces plot to keep them apart.

Get ready to fall . . .

breakdown

Series: Fallen
Author: Lauren Kate
# of Books: 5 (View Full Reading Order here)

There are short stories: View Full Reading Order here.

Book Order: Chronological (#1-#4) & Connected (#5)
Complete?: Yes
Genre: Young Adult, Romance, Angels, Supernatural
Heat Rating: warm
Point of View: Third Person, Single
Publication Dates: December 2009 – November 2015
Source & Format: Own–Hardcover

thoughts

Note #2: I actually stopped reading Book 3, Passion at 4% and marked the series as DNF. Find out why…

Why I Picked it Up / My Expectations:

Back in the days before I discovered Goodreads and bought all the books I wanted to read, I stumbled upon Fallen by Lauren Kate. I was fresh off the Twilight Train and looking for the next fix. At the time, angel based books were all the rage in YA and so I bought Fallen and Hush, Hush around the same time and dove in.

The Concept / The World:

While the concept of ordinary human falling for a supernatural being isn’t anything new, I did enjoy the foundation for the world itself. It’s your classic story of good vs evil and you never know who you can trust. So I liked that that added some suspense to the story. I did enjoy that it was a story rich in its own history and that it did have that strong foundation for the story.

The Plot:

I enjoyed the slow reveal of Fallen. You really are kept in the dark about Daniel and the rest of the school so it really drove my need to keep reading. However, that means everything happens at the end so the book is pretty tame in comparison.

And given the ending of Fallen, I wanted Torment to keep the momentum strong. Instead, we get a stale, standing-still novel that suffers from that Book 2 of a Trilogy Slump even though it is a 4 book series. There are little inklings of storylines that I assume become important later on but it feels like nothing happens within this on. I even tried to reread Torment years ago when Passion came out but stopped just shy of 25% of the way through because it was so dry.

The Characters:

I never liked Luce as a lead. She’s very dull and uninspiring as a heroine. Daniel didn’t do much for me either.

However, I did like the rest of the cast. Particularly the other angels. They just had such solid personalities that it was easy to like (or love-to-hate) them.

The Romance:

Again, when you don’t like the heroine, it’s hard to support the romance. I constantly found myself asking why all these guys were falling (no pun intended) for such a blah heroine…

My Attempt to Finish the Series & Why I DNF’d:

Despite owning all the books, I wanted to try the audiobook of Passion (book 3) instead as I started commuting to my job. I think I subconsciously knew that I wouldn’t be invested in the physical copy of the novel if I tried that.

Unfortunately, I couldn’t even make it past the first chapter before I was dreadfully bored. I realized that I hadn’t thought about this series in nearly 6 years and I didn’t particularly care about what happens. I lived 6 years without knowing and I could leave it at that.

The Movie?:

Did you know that they made this into a movie? I knew it was something in the works but I never knew it got released. I haven’t watched it yet but you can be sure I will do a Movie Monday post as soon as I do.

Series Rating: DNF

Fallen 4/5 | Torment 3/5 | Passion DNF | Rapture N/A | Unforgiven N/A

overall

While I don’t think the time (6 years) between books helped my enjoyment of this series, I do remember not totally loving it either when I did read it. It’s a slow story with meh leads (though an awesome side cast) that feels like it was just on par with the YA trends at the time. I’ve read better fallen angel stories in the time since that really leave this one in the dust.

Read if You Like: fallen angels, slower stories
Avoid if You: dislike love triangles

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Have you read this? Should I return to this series? Leave a comment!

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DNF Series Review: The Five Syndicates by Parker S Huntington

DNF Series Review: The Five Syndicates by Parker S Huntington

DNF December Review Blitz — Day #2: I’m sharing my thoughts on some book series that I have marked as incomplete as I have never finished the first novel(s) in the series. Find out why these weren’t for me:

booksynopsis

Synopsis for Asher Black (from Goodreads):

It started with my bladder.

I didn’t mean to witness a shady deal in the restroom hallway.
I didn’t think twice when I called the cops.
And I certainly didn’t know who the club belonged to.

Asher Black.
Former mafia hitman.
Billionaire CEO.
New York’s most eligible bachelor.

When he shows up at my college, looking for the girl who called the cops on his business, I know I’m as good as dead.
What I don’t expect is his offer–he’ll pay my tuition and set me up with a cushy job after I graduate.
All I have to do is… be his fake fiancée.

breakdown

Series: The Five Syndicates Series
Author: Parker S Huntington
# of Books: 4 (Full Reading Order Here)

There are novellas as well.

Book Order: Connected
Complete?: Yes
Genre: New Adult, Contemporary, Romance, Mafia, Dark, Suspense
Heat Rating: Toasty
Point of View: First Person, Alternating
Publication Dates: April 2017 – July 2019
Source & Format: Kindle Unlimited–eBook

thoughts

Disclaimer: I stopped reading Niccolaio Andretti (Book #2) at 19% (start of Chapter 8). Find out why below…

Why I Picked it Up / My Expectations:

When I read the synopsis for Asher Black (#1) on an ARC Galley website, I really wanted to read it. I love darker romances and the synopsis seemed like it would be a darker, perhaps quirky romance that was right up my alley.

Eventually, I did get a copy when I resubscribed to Kindle Unlimited and really enjoyed it. But, my subscription was ending and decided to leave the series at just that first book. A little over a year later, I picked up Niccolaio Andretti (Book #2) when I got Kindle Unlimited again…but things didn’t go so well this time around.

What I Liked:

–Not Super Dark–

While there are mafia mobsters involved, nothing is particularly violent or gruesome. It just as a slightly darker tone to the romances and an edge of danger to the story.

What I Didn’t Like:

–Unlikeable Characters–

This is more for Niccolaio Andretti (Book #2) than it was for the first book in the series, Asher Black. Perhaps if I read them closer together I would remember Minka as a character from Asher Black. But I didn’t find her a likeable character in the slightest. She has a backstory that conveys why she is the way she is but she still treated people like crap.

Will I Finish It?

Not the series. I enjoyed Asher Black (#1) as a standalone and I was happy to leave it there when I finished it…should have stayed that way.

My Series Rating: DNF

Asher Black 4/5 | Niccolaio Andretti DNF | [Ranieri Andretti N/A] | Bastiano Romano N/A | [Renata Vitali N/A] | Damiano De Luca N/A

overall

If you like the edge of danger that comes from mafia romances and don’t mind a slower pace, these might work for you. But if you want something fast and hard, look elsewhere.

Read if You Like: darker romances, slow burns
Avoid if You: want faster pacing

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Have you read this? Should I return to this series? Leave a comment!

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Series Review: The Collector by Amelia Wilde

Series Review: The Collector by Amelia Wilde

Series Review: Is this series worth your time? Does it get better as the novels progress? Or does it get worse? Find out below:

booksynopsis

Synopsis for Dark Reign (from Goodreads):

Wealthy. Reclusive. Dangerous. Emerson LeBlanc doesn’t enter society much. He only ventures out in pursuit of new art for his collection. It starts with a haunting painting. Then he meets the artist…

Innocent Daphne Morelli is more exquisite than anything he’s ever seen. He becomes obsessed with her. It doesn’t matter that she’s a living, breathing person with her own hopes and dreams.

​​​​​​​She’ll be the perfect addition to his collection.

breakdown

SERIESous’ Top Picks: 2022 Fave
Series: The Collector Trilogy | Midnight Dynasty Series
Author: Amelia Wilde
# of Books: 3 (Full Reading Order Here)
Book Order: Chronological
Complete?: Yes
Genre: Adult, Contemporary, Romance, Dark, Erotica
Heat Rating: Hot (Kink: minor (#1,#3) & major (#2))
Point of View: First Person, Alternating
Publication Dates: November 2021 – March 2022
Source & Format: Kobo Plus–eBook

thoughts

Why I Picked it Up / My Expectations:

So I went into this book with mixed expectations. For one thing, I was really excited to read Daphne Morelli’s story. It’s alluded to in Secret Beast (Beast of Bishop’s Landing) and I have been curious about it ever since. HOWEVER, I did not enjoy the Beast of Bishop’s Landing Series which is also written by Amelia Wilde so I wasn’t sure what to expect with this novel but I went in with an open mind…

The Concept – Midnight Dynasty:

The Midnight Dynasty Universe is a collection of books (series and standalones) written by different authors but feature the characters from a collective world. They’re intended to be read in any order because each series focuses on two lead characters at a time, but there are some shared chronological events and character interactions throughout the universe that overlap in the different series.

The first book in this series, Dark Reign, basically takes place over the span of the entire Beast of Bishop’s Landing Series so I highly recommend that you read that series first if you are trying to read the Midnight Dynasty Universe novels in the chronological order of events and don’t want to have that series be spoiled for you.

The Plot:

There was something so addicting about this series! There’s this edge of danger and suspense that just keeps building and building as the story progresses that I found to be so captivating.

Add to it the character evolution and I was sucked right into this series! I love dark, unconventional romance novels and this really fit that bill to a T.

I also liked that it showed a softer side to the Morelli family and in particular, Leo Morelli who is the hero in The Beast of Bishop’s Landing. While I didn’t love that series, I appreciated the weaving of that story–and Daphne’s perspective of the events–into Dark Reign (#1).

The Characters:

Emerson is a character unlike any other I’ve encountered before. Sure, he has a lot of tendencies of alpha billionaire heroes with tragic pasts you’ve read before, but there is also this unique vulnerability to him that slowly gets revealed to the reader. I could totally see why Daphne would become enthralled by him.

Daphne is the perfect character to compliment and drive Emerson’s character development. But she also has great character development throughout this series. I was captivated by their respective stories.

The Romance:

This isn’t a conventional love story by any means but I’m a sucker for a good dark romance and this is definitely a great one! The connection these two share just blew me away.

Midnight Dynasty’s Reading Order:

I had found a suggested reading order on Redit but have made some recommendations based on my own readings. Here is the suggested order based on that post and my own readings:

Series Rating: 5/5

Dark Reign 5/5 | Sweet Mercy 4.5/5 | Last Resort 5/5

overall

One of my favourite installments in the Midnight Dynasty Universe so far! I think some people won’t like the darker, unconventional romance but fans of romantic suspense will enjoy.

Read if You Like: romantic suspense
Avoid if You: dislike unorthodox romances
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Series Review: Hellfire Club by Becker Gray

Series Review: Hellfire Club by Becker Gray

Series Review: Is this series worth your time? Does it get better as the novels progress? Or does it get worse? Find out below:

booksynopsis

Synopsis for Wicked Idol (from Goodreads):

The new girl doesn’t belong here.
So why can’t I stop thinking about her?

The daughter of the headmaster wants to ruin my school year before it’s even begun. Iris Briggs gets under my skin. With her demure skirts and braided hair, she flits around the periphery until she runs right into me, hot coffee soaking me as she looks up with wide, innocent eyes.

We start off scalding.
In the library, we reach lava levels.
And then in the city? She burns me to the ground.

I’m Keaton Constantine. My duty is to my family. At least, it was until I started unbraiding the good girl and realizing there’s more to life than duty.

breakdown

Series: Hellfire Club or Pembroke Prep | Midnight Dynasty Series
Author: Becker Gray
# of Books: 5 (Full Reading Order Here)
Book Order: Connected
Complete?: Yes
Genre: New Adult, Contemporary, Romance
Heat Rating: Hot
Point of View: First Person, Alternating
Publication Dates: November 2020 – December 2021
Source & Format: Kobo Plus–eBook

thoughts

Why I Picked it Up / My Expectations:

My intention with this series was just to read Wicked Idol (#1), since it featured a Constantine I had met earlier when reading various books in the Midnight Dynasty Universe, then return to read the rest of the series later. But I absolutely fell in love with this cast of characters and binged the rest of the series shortly after I finished the first book and never looked back.

The Concept – Midnight Dynasty:

The Midnight Dynasty Universe is a collection of books (series and standalones) written by different authors but feature the characters from a collective world. They’re intended to be read in any order because each series focuses on two lead characters at a time, but there are some shared chronological events and character interactions throughout the universe that overlap in the different series.

This series only briefly crosses into the Constantine vs Morelli battle in the first book, Wicked Idol. From then on, I’d say this series stands on its own though references to the power families are made throughout the series.

The Concept / The World:

This is one of the Young Adult/New Adult hybrid series where 18 year olds get in some heated (sexual) situations. I’d label it as New Adult based on the content even though it takes place at a high school aged boarding school.

The Plot:

This series reminded me of Gossip Girl (more so the TV series) where you follow the drama of the social elite, only its set entirely in a boarding school. The family drama you expect from wealthy families is there but so is the die-hard friendships that form between the youth of that echelon…and their enemies. You’ve got rich boys who can catch any girl but there is just that one girl that they truly want and so ensues a swoon-worthy hate-to-love-you romance.

Most of these books are labeled as the “high school bully trope” and I’d agree for the most part that it fits. It’s basically that idea that if someone pulls your pigtails they like you. I’ve read a lot more intense high school bully romances where the “heroes” do terrible things to there heroines but I’d say that intensity isn’t here. More like disagreements and misunderstandings than actual torture.

The Characters:

I honestly fell in love with this entire crew by the end of Wicked Idol (#1) and truthfully, they played a very small part in that book. But the little tidbits we got about the relationships and pasts intrigued me enough that I had to keep going. The comradery of true friendship was great to read about.

I liked that each character had layers to them and that they evolved as the story progressed. I thought between the romantic pairs that there was a great balance in allowing both characters to grow as the relationship grew. It never felt one-sided which I appreciated.

The Romance:

Normally, I’m not a fan of the alpha male and most of our male characters lean that way. However, I am a sucker for a boy who completely loves a girl, even if he doesn’t know (or show) it yet. Watching those guards fall down had my heart melting!

I also loved that the pairs were all great matches for each other and it was really reflected in their stories. The romances were very well developed and all worked well for me.

Midnight Dynasty’s Reading Order:

I had found a suggested reading order on Redit but have made some recommendations based on my own readings. Here is the suggested order based on that post and my own readings:

Series Rating: 4/5

Wicked Idol 5/5 | Callous Prince 4/5 | Brutal Blueblood 4/5 | Ruined Sinner 3/5 | Sweet Devil 5/5

overall

I couldn’t put these books down! I loved the friendships, the drama and the romance!

Read if You Like: high school bully, boarding schools
Avoid if You: dislike erotica
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